Sonos Beam Gen 2
Score: 78/100
Samsung HW-S61D
Score: 79/100Rankings
The Samsung HW-S61D is a compact all-in-one 5.0-channel soundbar that provides built-in Alexa, Wi-Fi, and auto-calibration while delivering virtual Dolby Atmos without a separate subwoofer. Its limitations include weaker bass due to the lack of a dedicated subwoofer and reliance on virtual height processing. It best serves Samsung TV owners who want a slim, feature-rich bar without extra speakers.
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.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
5best | 5best | |
— | 200 Wbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 2.88 kg | 2.7 kgbest |
1 yearsbest | 1 yearsbest | |
65 cm | 67 cmbest | |
6.86 cmbest | 6.2 cm | |
9.9 cm | 10.5 cmbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Audio(1) | ||
Audio Channels | 5 | 5.0 |
Design(4) | ||
Soundbar Weight (kg) | 2.88 kg | 2.7 kg |
Soundbar Width (cm) | 65 cm | 67.0 cm |
Soundbar Height (cm) | 6.86 cm | 6.2 cm |
Soundbar Depth (cm) | 9.9 cm | 10.5 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 Samsung HW-S61D's combination of a compact all-in-one 5.0-channel soundbar featuring built-in woofers, a center speaker, and virtual Dolby Atmos/DTS Virtual:X for immersive audio, optimized for small to medium spaces and Samsung TV integration.
Everyday users consistently commend the soundbar's impressive Atmos immersion, deep bass, and minimalist design, noting that setup is generally easy. The most common complaints revolve around the need for precise wall-mounting and the absence of native voice-assistant support.
“Easy setup, clear dialogue/music at low volumes, virtual Atmos 'fills the room' without wires, blends into decor.”
