Compact Soundbar Smackdown: Ambeo Soundbar Mini Vs Sonos Beam, Which Packs The Bigger Punch?

In the realm of home audio, soundbars have emerged as a popular choice for enhancing TV sound. With their compact design and immersive sound capabilities, they offer a convenient and space-saving solution to elevate your entertainment experience. Two notable players in this market are the Ambeo Soundbar Mini and the Sonos Beam. This comprehensive comparison will delve into their key features, sound performance, design, and other aspects to help you make an informed decision.

Sound Performance

Ambeo Soundbar Mini:

• Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support for immersive surround sound
• 3D virtual surround technology for a wide soundstage
• Built-in subwoofer for deep and impactful bass

Sonos Beam:

• Dolby Atmos support for height effects
• Trueplay room calibration for optimized sound based on your room acoustics
• Voice enhancement for crystal-clear dialogue

Design and Build Quality

Ambeo Soundbar Mini:

• Sleek and compact design with a premium aluminum finish
• Wall-mountable or can be placed on a TV stand
• Integrated LED display for status and volume control

Sonos Beam:

• Elongated design with a fabric grille and touch controls
• Available in black or white color options
• Compact enough to fit under most TVs

Connectivity and Features

Ambeo Soundbar Mini:

• HDMI with eARC support for lossless audio passthrough
• Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity for streaming music
• USB port for firmware updates

Sonos Beam:

• HDMI with ARC support
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for wireless streaming
• Supports Apple AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect

Smart Home Integration

Ambeo Soundbar Mini:

• Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control
• Can be integrated into a multi-room audio system

Sonos Beam:

• Built-in Amazon Alexa voice assistant
• Can be paired with other Sonos speakers for multi-room audio
• Supports Apple HomeKit for control via Siri

Price and Value

Ambeo Soundbar Mini:

• Typically priced around $499
• Offers a premium sound experience with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support

Sonos Beam:

• Typically priced around $449
• Known for its excellent sound quality, ease of use, and smart home integration

Which Soundbar is Right for You?

The choice between the Ambeo Soundbar Mini and the Sonos Beam depends on your specific needs and preferences:

• Immersive Sound: The Ambeo Soundbar Mini has the edge with its Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, providing a more enveloping sound experience.
• Smart Home Integration: The Sonos Beam excels in this area, with built-in Alexa voice assistant and support for other smart home platforms.
• Ease of Use: Both soundbars are easy to set up and use, but the Sonos Beam’s intuitive app and Trueplay room calibration make it slightly more user-friendly.
• Budget: The Sonos Beam is slightly more affordable than the Ambeo Soundbar Mini, making it a better choice for those on a tighter budget.

Final Verdict: Ambeo Soundbar Mini vs. Sonos Beam

Both the Ambeo Soundbar Mini and the Sonos Beam are excellent soundbars that offer a range of features and sound capabilities. The Ambeo Soundbar Mini stands out with its immersive Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, while the Sonos Beam impresses with its ease of use, smart home integration, and exceptional sound quality. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your specific priorities and preferences.

Common Questions and Answers

Q: Which soundbar has a wider soundstage?
A: The Ambeo Soundbar Mini has a wider soundstage due to its 3D virtual surround technology.

Q: Can the Sonos Beam be used as a surround speaker?
A: No, the Sonos Beam is not designed to be used as a surround speaker.

Q: Which soundbar is better for music?
A: Both soundbars offer excellent sound quality for music, but the Sonos Beam may have a slight edge due to its Trueplay room calibration feature.