Sonos Beam
Score: 79/100
Polk Audio Signa S3
Score: 75/100Rankings
The Sonos Beam (Gen 1) is a compact 3-channel soundbar featuring HDMI ARC, built-in Alexa and Google Assistant, night-mode and multi-room Sonos integration, delivering balanced audio for small to medium rooms. Its main limitation is the absence of Dolby Atmos and a dedicated subwoofer, which reduces immersive bass performance. It fits users seeking smart voice control and easy setup in apartments or bedrooms.
The Polk Signa S3 offers a low-profile 2.1-channel soundbar with built-in Chromecast and Google Assistant, providing easy streaming and dialogue enhancement. Its limited channel configuration and lack of detailed power specifications restrict surround-sound performance. Best suited for users who want a simple, affordable upgrade for modest TV setups.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
3best | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 2.8 kg | 1.8 kgbest |
— | 1 yearsbest | |
65.1 cm | 90 cmbest | |
6.8 cmbest | 5.5 cm | |
10 cmbest | 8.2 cm |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Audio(3) | ||
Audio Channels | 3 | 2.1 |
Supported Audio Formats | Dolby Digital 5.1, PCM | Dolby Digital, DTS Virtual Surround |
Wireless Subwoofer | false | true |
Design(4) | ||
Soundbar Weight (kg) | 2.8 kg | 1.8 kg |
Soundbar Width (cm) | 65.1 cm | 90.0 cm |
Soundbar Height (cm) | 6.8 cm | 5.5 cm |
Soundbar Depth (cm) | 10 cm | 8.2 cm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the Sonos Beam Gen 1 for its impressive audio detail, musicality, and straightforward setup, noting that it delivers a weighty performance in a compact form. However, they also acknowledge its shortcomings, particularly the missing Dolby Atmos support and the less durable fabric grille, suggesting that the Gen 2 model is a better choice for those seeking the latest surround technologies.
Everyday users overwhelmingly appreciate the Beam's rich sound, easy voice-control integration, and hassle-free HDMI ARC installation, especially in apartments and bedrooms. Recurring themes include satisfaction with multi-room functionality and the helpful Night Sound mode, while complaints focus on limited bass without a subwoofer and the absence of Atmos for modern content.
Professional reviewers commend the Signa S3 for its low-profile aesthetics, straightforward setup, and useful features like VoiceAdjust and built-in Chromecast, while noting its limitation to 2.1 channels and the lack of detailed power specs.
Everyday users appreciate the simple plug-and-play installation, clear dialogue from VoiceAdjust, and the solid bass from the wireless subwoofer, with no major complaints beyond the system's basic channel configuration.
