Sonos Arc Ultra vs Sonos Beam (Gen 2)

Both are Sonos soundbars with Dolby Atmos, but they sit at different levels. The Arc Ultra is the bigger, more immersive bar: 9.1.4 channels, 14 drivers, 15 amplifiers and the new Sound Motion woofer, and owners describe clear detail, convincing bass and strong spatial effects. The Beam Gen 2 is the compact choice: a much smaller bar that still adds Atmos and voice control, and it suits smaller rooms and smaller TVs. Reviewers say the Arc Ultra's upgrade is real but not night-and-day over the original Arc, so pick it for a large room and a big screen; pick the Beam for a bedroom, a secondary TV or a tight space.

• Choose the Sonos Arc Ultra if you have a large room and a big TV and want the most immersive single-bar Atmos sound Sonos makes, with deep bass and no rear speakers to place.
• Choose the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) if you want a compact bar that fits under a smaller TV, still handles Dolby Atmos and voice control, and leaves room to add a Sub or rear speakers later.