Sonos Beam Gen 2
Score: 78/100
Hisense HS5100
Score: 74/100Rankings
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a compact 5.0-channel soundbar offering virtual Dolby Atmos, built-in voice assistants and HDMI eARC connectivity. It lacks Bluetooth and true up-firing height channels, which can affect immersive experience. Best suited for small rooms and users invested in the Sonos ecosystem.
The Hisense HS5100 provides a 5.1-channel, 540 W soundbar system with a wireless subwoofer and multiple sound modes. Wired rear speakers and occasional subwoofer drop-outs are drawbacks, and it lacks Wi-Fi. It targets budget-friendly home-theater fans wanting full surround without a high price.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
5 | 6best | |
— | 540 Wbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 2.88 kg | 1.59 kgbest |
1 yearsbest | — | |
— | 6best | |
65 cm | 90.17 cmbest | |
6.86 cm | 9.144 cmbest | |
9.9 cmbest | 6.096 cm |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Audio(3) | ||
Audio Channels | 5 | 6 |
Dolby Atmos Support | true | false |
Wireless Subwoofer | false | true |
Design(4) | ||
Soundbar Weight (kg) | 2.88 kg | 1.59 kg |
Soundbar Width (cm) | 65 cm | 90.17 cm |
Soundbar Height (cm) | 6.86 cm | 9.144 cm |
Soundbar Depth (cm) | 9.9 cm | 6.096 cm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the Beam Gen 2 for its balanced five-driver sound, compact virtual Dolby Atmos implementation, and fast voice activation. They highlight its seamless integration with the Sonos app and ecosystem, while noting that the lack of true up-firing drivers and Bluetooth, as well as modest bass, keep it from matching larger, dedicated Atmos soundbars.
Everyday users appreciate the easy setup, clear dialogue at low volumes, and the way virtual Atmos fills the room without extra speakers. Common frustrations revolve around limited bass without a Sub, the iOS-only Trueplay limitation, occasional app glitches, and the missing Bluetooth option for casual streaming.
Professional reviewers highlight the HS5100 as a strong value proposition, noting its impressive bass from a compact wireless subwoofer, lightweight construction that fits easily on TV stands, and a suite of sound modes that tailor audio for movies, games and music. They consider it a worthwhile investment for budget-conscious home-theater enthusiasts and state that it holds its own against similarly priced competitors.
Everyday users appreciate the immersive surround sound, the lightweight and space-saving design, and the unexpectedly deep bass from the small subwoofer. However, many complain about intermittent subwoofer drop-outs and the need to wire rear speakers, which detracts from the promised wireless experience.
“Easy setup, clear dialogue/music at low volumes, virtual Atmos 'fills the room' without wires, blends into decor.”
“this will be the last purchase with this company”
