Sonos Beam Ultra: Immersive Sound Unleashed

Sonos has launched the Beam Ultra, a new soundbar priced at $699, positioned as a more premium option than the existing Beam (Gen 2). This upgrade introduces up-firing drivers and nine amplified drivers, enabling full Dolby Atmos support for a more immersive audio experience. It aims to bridge the gap for consumers who want superior sound but find the high-end Arc Ultra ($1,099) too costly.

The Beam Ultra retains the compact design of its predecessor but is slightly wider. A key design change includes a perforated top to accommodate the up-firing drivers. Connectivity is minimal on the back, featuring HDMI eARC, USB-C, and power input, while wireless options include Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, and AirPlay 2.

Audio performance is significantly improved, with the Beam Ultra delivering a more immersive sound bubble and enhanced bass. It handles various audio formats, including Dolby Atmos via Dolby Digital Plus and TrueHD, though DTS:X is not supported. The soundbar can be integrated into a wider Sonos home theater setup with compatible subwoofers and rear speakers.

Users control the Beam Ultra via the stable Sonos app, which supports Trueplay tuning, including a new "Quick Tuning" feature for Android devices. While the app offers basic EQ adjustments and AI speech enhancement, advanced features like multiband EQ are absent. Sonos Voice Control is integrated, with Amazon Alexa support pending.