The Sonos Beam Ultra is a newly launched nine-driver soundbar priced at £699, designed to deliver 7.1.2 Dolby Atmos spatial audio for mid-sized rooms between 23 and 32.5 square meters. Arriving at the end of September alongside the Sonos Ace Ultra, it directly challenges the older, five-driver Sonos Beam (Gen 2), which retails for a cheaper £499 and targets smaller spaces up to 23 square meters (roughly 250 square feet).
Driver Architecture and Acoustic Engineering
Under the hood, the acoustic engineering marks a major departure between the two generations. The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) packs a compact five-driver array that manages solid performance for its physical footprint. Yet, it relies on virtualization and external pairings to handle complex surround sound and lower-frequency bass notes.
The Beam Ultra steps up to a nine-driver configuration. Sonos designed this setup with new front-facing drivers dedicated to dynamic sound dispersion across the left, right, and center channels. Furthermore, new upward-firing drivers introduce a vertical third dimension of sound.
This hardware shift changes how the system interacts with spatial audio formats. According to official product specifications, the Beam Ultra generates a genuine 7.1.2 surround sound experience using seven ear-level channels, one deep bass channel, and two height channels. The Beam (Gen 2) tops out at a 5.1.2 configuration.
Sonos claims the Beam Ultra eliminates the need to pair separate front speakers, producing spacious, precise audio entirely on its own. For users eyeing a clean, single-bar configuration without extra rear or front satellites, this architecture solves several placement hurdles.
Physical Dimensions and Room Scaling
Hardware upgrades inevitably alter physical measurements. Both soundbars match each other on the scale, weighing precisely 2.88kg. They also share a similar aesthetic profile and are available in matching Black and White colorways.
However, spatial footprints differ:
- Sonos Beam Ultra: Lower profile, 3.9 inches wider than the Gen 2, featuring an upper grille to house the new upward-firing drivers. Engineered for mid-sized living rooms measuring 23 to 32.5 m².
- Sonos Beam (Gen 2): Compact form factor designed for rooms up to 23 m² (250 square feet).
Both units accommodate flexible installation options. They slide underneath most TV stands or mount directly to the wall depending on user preference.
Pricing, Availability, and Market Value
Economics heavily influence the comparison. The Sonos Beam Ultra carries an RRP of £699 and opens for pre-orders ahead of its late-September shipping window alongside the Sonos Ace Ultra. It occupies a higher tier for buyers seeking a complete, self-contained acoustic stage.
Conversely, the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) hits shelves at a lower £499 RRP. Because it has spent several years on the market, shoppers can routinely find the Gen 2 hardware heavily discounted.
Hardware integration demands proper source material. Both soundbars support Dolby Atmos content, but unlocking that spatial processing requires a compatible Dolby Atmos-encoded media source routed through an HDMI eARC connection.
The 30-Second Verdict
Choosing between the two devices depends heavily on room dimensions and budget constraints. The Sonos Beam Ultra suits larger living spaces up to 32.5 m² and appeals to users who want advanced 7.1.2 spatial audio and upward-firing drivers without purchasing separate front speakers. Meanwhile, the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) remains a brilliant, budget-friendly choice for smaller rooms, delivering exceptional acoustic quality for its size at a significantly reduced price point.
