Sony HT-S40R
Score: 76/100
Sonos Beam Gen 2 Black
Score: 76/100Rankings
The Sony HT-S40R provides a solid 5.1 surround experience with wireless rear speakers and strong power, but its lack of HDMI inputs and object-based audio formats keep it from being a premium solution.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a compact 3-channel smart soundbar that adds Dolby Atmos, eARC and a faster processor to the original Beam, delivering immersive audio and robust smart-home integration. It excels in clarity and voice-assistant features, though its bass is modest and it lacks Bluetooth and DTS:X support.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
600 Wbest | — | |
0 | 1best | |
1best | — | |
5best | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.454 kgbest | 2.88 kg |
12 monthsbest | 12 monthsbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.5 Wbest | — |
180 Wbest | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Connectivity(1) | ||
Wi‑Fi Support | false | true |
Video(2) | ||
HDMI Inputs | 0 | 1 |
HDMI eARC Support | false | true |
Build & Design(1) | ||
Overall Weight (kg) | 0.454 kg | 2.88 kg |
Audio(2) | ||
Channel Configuration | 5.1 | 3.0 |
Supported Audio Formats | Dolby Digital, LPCM 2ch, Dolby Dual Mono | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, Multichannel PCM, DTS Digital Surround |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers consider the HT-S40R a compelling mid-range option, emphasizing its true 5.1 architecture and high power, while noting the missing HDMI inputs and lack of Dolby Atmos/DTS:X as drawbacks.
Everyday users appreciate the straightforward installation, immersive surround effect and reliable Bluetooth streaming, though they complain about the small remote, the wired subwoofer and occasional rear-speaker sync issues.
Professional reviewers praise the Beam (Gen 2) for its premium sound quality, clear dialogue, and effective Dolby Atmos implementation in a compact form factor, highlighting its strong smart-home features and seamless Sonos ecosystem compatibility, while noting drawbacks such as the absence of Bluetooth, limited Android support for Trueplay, and lack of DTS:X support.
Everyday users overwhelmingly appreciate the Beam's clear dialogue, easy HDMI ARC setup, reliable Wi-Fi and AirPlay 2 streaming, and its sleek design, though recurring complaints focus on missing Bluetooth, Android Trueplay limitations, occasional eARC negotiation issues, and modest bass without a subwoofer.
“Easy Setup: Many users appreciate the color-coded connections and quick installation.”
“Love the Sonos Beam... Great quality sound in a small package... I have them on both my big screen TVs.”
“Expensive but worth it”
