What To Know
- The Sonos Soundbar Gen 2 commands a higher price point, but it delivers a superior audio experience with Dolby Atmos support and a wider range of connectivity options.
- The choice between the Sonos Soundbar Gen 1 and the Sonos Soundbar Gen 2 ultimately depends on your individual needs and budget.
- The Gen 1 soundbar is a solid and affordable option for those seeking a reliable and compact soundbar, while the Gen 2 soundbar delivers an immersive home theater experience with Dolby Atmos support and a wider range of connectivity options.
Are you seeking an exceptional soundbar to elevate your home entertainment experience? Sonos, a renowned audio brand, offers two remarkable options: the Sonos Soundbar Gen 1 and the Sonos Soundbar Gen 2. Both soundbars promise immersive audio, but they differ in several key aspects. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the features, performance, and value proposition of each soundbar to help you make an informed decision.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Sonos Soundbar Gen 1 | Sonos Soundbar Gen 2 |
| — | — | — |
| Number of Speakers | 7 | 5 |
| Dolby Atmos Support | No | Yes |
| HDMI Ports | 1 | 3 |
| Optical Audio Input | Yes | Yes |
| Ethernet Port | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Assistant Compatibility | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Siri |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 45 x 2.7 x 3.4 inches | 49 x 2.2 x 4.1 inches |
| Weight | 5.4 pounds | 6.3 pounds |
Sound Quality
The Sonos Soundbar Gen 1 delivers a powerful and balanced audio experience with its seven speakers and two bass reflex ports. It produces clear highs, detailed mids, and impactful lows, creating a rich and immersive soundstage. However, it lacks Dolby Atmos support, which limits its ability to provide a truly immersive cinematic experience.
The Sonos Soundbar Gen 2 introduces Dolby Atmos support, transforming your living room into a home theater. Its five speakers, including two upward-firing drivers, create a three-dimensional soundscape that envelops you in sound. The result is a breathtaking and immersive audio experience that brings movies, TV shows, and music to life.
Connectivity and Features
Both soundbars offer a range of connectivity options, including HDMI, optical audio, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi. The Gen 2 soundbar has the advantage of three HDMI ports, allowing you to connect more devices directly to the soundbar. Additionally, it supports Apple AirPlay 2, providing seamless wireless streaming from your Apple devices.
The Gen 2 soundbar also boasts voice assistant compatibility with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri. This allows you to control your soundbar, music, and smart home devices hands-free using voice commands.
Design and Aesthetics
The Sonos Soundbar Gen 1 features a sleek and understated design that blends seamlessly with any home décor. Its compact size makes it ideal for smaller rooms or for placing under a TV.
The Sonos Soundbar Gen 2 has a slightly larger design and a more modern aesthetic. Its perforated grille and curved edges give it a premium look and feel. It is slightly heavier than the Gen 1 soundbar, but it still maintains a low profile and can be easily wall-mounted.
Value Proposition
The Sonos Soundbar Gen 1 offers a solid value proposition for those seeking an affordable and reliable soundbar. It provides a high-quality audio experience and supports a range of connectivity options. However, it lacks Dolby Atmos support and has fewer HDMI ports.
The Sonos Soundbar Gen 2 commands a higher price point, but it delivers a superior audio experience with Dolby Atmos support and a wider range of connectivity options. It is the ideal choice for those who prioritize an immersive home theater experience and are willing to invest in a premium soundbar.
Which Sonos Soundbar is Right for You?
The choice between the Sonos Soundbar Gen 1 and the Sonos Soundbar Gen 2 ultimately depends on your individual needs and budget. If you value a compact design, affordability, and a solid audio experience, the Gen 1 soundbar is a great option.
However, if you prioritize an immersive home theater experience, Dolby Atmos support, and the latest connectivity features, the Gen 2 soundbar is the superior choice. Its premium sound quality and advanced features make it the ideal soundbar for discerning audio enthusiasts.
The Verdict
Both the Sonos Soundbar Gen 1 and the Sonos Soundbar Gen 2 offer exceptional audio experiences, but they cater to different preferences and budgets. The Gen 1 soundbar is a solid and affordable option for those seeking a reliable and compact soundbar, while the Gen 2 soundbar delivers an immersive home theater experience with Dolby Atmos support and a wider range of connectivity options. Ultimately, the best Sonos soundbar for you depends on your individual needs and priorities.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: Which soundbar has better sound quality, the Gen 1 or Gen 2?
A: The Sonos Soundbar Gen 2 has superior sound quality due to its Dolby Atmos support and five speakers, including two upward-firing drivers.
Q: Does the Gen 2 soundbar support Apple AirPlay 2?
A: Yes, the Sonos Soundbar Gen 2 supports Apple AirPlay 2 for seamless wireless streaming from your Apple devices.
Q: Can I wall-mount the Gen 1 soundbar?
A: Yes, you can wall-mount the Sonos Soundbar Gen 1 using the included wall mount bracket.