What To Know
- The Ray, on the other hand, has three drivers, including two mid-woofers and a central tweeter, resulting in a slightly narrower soundstage but still offering clear and impactful sound.
- The Ray is a more budget-friendly option that still delivers impressive sound quality, making it a great choice for smaller rooms or those looking for a more affordable soundbar.
- The Beam is the superior choice for those seeking the most immersive audio experience with Dolby Atmos support, while the Ray is a more affordable option that still delivers impressive sound.
The Sonos Beam and Ray are two popular soundbars from the renowned audio brand Sonos. Both devices offer immersive sound experiences and seamlessly integrate into Sonos’ multi-room audio ecosystem. However, there are key differences between the two soundbars that can influence your purchase decision.
Design and Build Quality
The Sonos Beam and Ray share a sleek, minimalist design with a compact form factor that blends effortlessly into any room. The Beam is slightly larger than the Ray, measuring 25.6 x 3.9 x 2.7 inches, while the Ray is 22 x 3.6 x 2.7 inches. Both soundbars are constructed from durable materials, ensuring longevity and resilience.
Audio Performance
Both the Sonos Beam and Ray deliver impressive audio quality, but there are subtle differences in their performance. The Beam features five dedicated drivers, including two tweeters, two mid-woofers, and a central tweeter, providing a wider soundstage and more precise audio reproduction. The Ray, on the other hand, has three drivers, including two mid-woofers and a central tweeter, resulting in a slightly narrower soundstage but still offering clear and impactful sound.
Dolby Atmos Support
Dolby Atmos is a cutting-edge audio technology that creates a more immersive and realistic sound experience. The Sonos Beam supports Dolby Atmos, which adds height channels to the audio mix, providing a more three-dimensional soundscape. The Ray does not support Dolby Atmos, so it lacks the same level of spatial audio immersion.
Connectivity and Features
Both the Sonos Beam and Ray offer a range of connectivity options, including HDMI ARC/eARC, optical audio, and Wi-Fi. The Beam also has an Ethernet port for a wired connection. Both soundbars support AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect, allowing you to stream music wirelessly from your smartphone or other compatible devices.
Voice Assistant Support
The Sonos Beam and Ray both have built-in voice assistants. The Beam supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, while the Ray supports Amazon Alexa only. This allows you to control your soundbar, play music, check the weather, and more using your voice.
Room Correction and Trueplay Tuning
Sonos’ Trueplay tuning technology optimizes the sound output of your soundbar based on the acoustics of your room. Both the Sonos Beam and Ray support Trueplay tuning, which uses your smartphone’s microphone to measure the room and adjust the sound accordingly.
Which Sonos Soundbar is Right for You?
The Sonos Beam and Ray are both excellent soundbars with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Beam offers a wider soundstage, Dolby Atmos support, and more connectivity options, making it the ideal choice for larger rooms or those seeking the most immersive audio experience. The Ray is a more budget-friendly option that still delivers impressive sound quality, making it a great choice for smaller rooms or those looking for a more affordable soundbar.
Sonos Soundbar Beam vs Ray: Key Differences
| Feature | Sonos Beam | Sonos Ray |
| — | — | — |
| Size | 25.6 x 3.9 x 2.7 inches | 22 x 3.6 x 2.7 inches |
| Drivers | 5 (2 tweeters, 2 mid-woofers, 1 center tweeter) | 3 (2 mid-woofers, 1 center tweeter) |
| Dolby Atmos Support | Yes | No |
| Connectivity | HDMI ARC/eARC, optical audio, Wi-Fi, Ethernet | HDMI ARC/eARC, optical audio, Wi-Fi |
| Voice Assistant Support | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant | Amazon Alexa only |
| Trueplay Tuning | Yes | Yes |
Final Verdict
Both the Sonos Beam and Ray offer exceptional sound quality and seamless integration into the Sonos ecosystem. The Beam is the superior choice for those seeking the most immersive audio experience with Dolby Atmos support, while the Ray is a more affordable option that still delivers impressive sound. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Answers to Your Questions
Q: Which soundbar has a wider soundstage?
A: The Sonos Beam has a wider soundstage due to its five dedicated drivers.
Q: Does the Sonos Ray support Dolby Atmos?
A: No, the Sonos Ray does not support Dolby Atmos.
Q: Can I use both the Sonos Beam and Ray in the same room?
A: Yes, you can use both the Sonos Beam and Ray in the same room, but they cannot be paired together for stereo sound.