Sonos Beam
Score: 79/100
Samsung HW-B400F
Score: 57/100Rankings
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 Samsung HW-B400F is a compact 2.0-channel soundbar with a built-in woofer that delivers solid bass for small spaces. It lacks a wireless subwoofer and advanced formats like Dolby Atmos, limiting immersive surround capabilities. Ideal for users seeking a simple, low-power sound solution for bedrooms or home offices.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
3best | 2 | |
| ↓ lower better | 2.8 kg | 2.1 kgbest |
— | 1 yearsbest | |
— | 2best | |
65.1 cmbest | 64.1 cm | |
6.8 cmbest | 6.65 cm | |
10 cm | 10.7 cmbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Audio(2) | ||
Audio Channels | 3 | 2 |
Supported Audio Formats | Dolby Digital 5.1, PCM | Dolby 2ch |
Features(1) | ||
Voice Control | true | false |
Design(5) | ||
Wall‑Mountable | true | false |
Soundbar Weight (kg) | 2.8 kg | 2.1 kg |
Soundbar Width (cm) | 65.1 cm | 64.1 cm |
Soundbar Height (cm) | 6.8 cm | 6.65 cm |
Soundbar Depth (cm) | 10 cm | 10.7 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 and editors are not present in the available sources; official Samsung listings emphasize the compact design, built‑in woofer and easy TV integration but provide no independent editorial assessment.
Consumer feedback is not captured in the searched data, so no recurring praise or complaints can be identified.
