Hey, comparing the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) with the original Beam brings up some interesting points, especially around setting up, features, and how people find using them.
So, the Beam (Gen 2) relies heavily on the Sonos S2 app for setting up and getting all its features going. This app connects smoothly with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant and lets you easily manage different streaming services.
But, heads up, some folks find this app dependency adds a bit of complexity compared to the original Beam.
From what we've seen, while the app can create a nice, integrated experience if you're into the whole smart home thing, it also requires making a Sonos account and giving some permissions like location access. If privacy is something you're particularly careful about, it might be good to know this.
The original Beam had a simpler setup, so if you just want a quick setup, the extra layers with Gen 2 might feel a bit much.
Setting up the Gen 2 Beam has caused some headaches, especially because it's so dependent on the app. Without the app, you’re kind of stuck in getting everything set up, which might be annoying if you're used to a more straightforward plug-and-play device.
Issues like trouble with connecting the app to the soundbar over Wi-Fi are mentioned quite a bit, which might mean you’ll need to troubleshoot a bit during setup.
There are definitely privacy concerns, mainly about how much data the Sonos S2 app wants, but those features are meant to give you a more tailored and interactive experience.
Still, if you're worried about data privacy, it might be worth checking out what permissions the app needs and maybe thinking about other ways to handle these concerns.
On the sound side of things, the Beam (Gen 2) is known for having better audio quality compared to the original. The built-in smart features are a big perk, adding some modern conveniences.
But remember, these improvements mean you'll need to deal with a more detailed setup thanks to the app.
So, when choosing between the original and Gen 2 Beams, it's really about whether the better sound and new features are worth dealing with the setup process.
It might just come down to what’s more important to you: privacy, ease of use, or having the latest features. The Gen 2 offers a more modern, feature-packed experience if you're okay with handling a few setup hurdles.
How we researched this
Where this comes from: This answer is based on ShopSavvy's product database, real-time pricing from 1 retailers, and a look at hundreds of user reviews to give you a well-rounded picture.
Considering the Sonos Beam (Gen 2)?
Here's our "TLDR" Review
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