Sonos Beam vs. Playbase

Sonos Beam vs Playbase

Today, we’ll take a look at the differences between the Sonos Beam vs. Playbase.

Of them all, the most important is Sonos Playbase’s improved sound rage with its 10 class-D digital amplifiers.

However, when it comes to the best model both excel in different ways, and it really depends on whether you’re looking for something more compact with good audio like the Sonos Beam, or the Sonos Playbase which produces louder ranges with more width and bass, making it perfect for bigger rooms that you want to fill with sound.


The Short Version

Sonos Playbase = Stereo output, 10 class D digital amplifiers, 3 tweeters, 6 mid-woofers, 1 woofer, adjustable bass & treble, connects to TV Via Digital Optical Cable, compatible w/ Alexa, Airplay 2 & Trueplay, supports 2.4 GHz WiFi, no Bluetooth, one ethernet port, comes w/ touch control, one-app control, IR control, dialog enhancement, includes night mode.

Sonos Beam = Stereo output, 5 class D digital amplifiers, 1 tweeter, 4 mid-woofers, no woofer, adjustable bass & treble, connects to the TV via Digital Optical Cable or HDMI ARC, compatible w/ Alexa, Airplay 2 & Trueplay, comes w/ built-in Alexa, supports a 2.4 GHz WiFi connection, Bluetooth, one ethernet port, comes w/ touch control, app control, IR control, dialog enhancement & night mode.

Which one are you getting?

Last update on 2023-09-22 at 10:29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Sonos Beam vs. Playbase — Easy Comparison Chart

Sonos Playbase Sonos Beam
Dimensions2.28 x 28.35 x 14.96 in.2.70 x 25.625 x 3.94 in.
Weight18.85 lbs. (8.6 kg)6.2 lbs (2.8 kg)
Stereo OutputYesYes
Audio line-inNoNo
Class-D Digital Amplifiers105
Tweeter31
Mid-Woofer64
WooferOneN/A
Adjustable Bass & Treble ControlsYesYes
Amazon AlexaYesYes
Amazon Alexa Built-InNoYes
Support for Apple Airplay 2YesYes
TrueplayYesYes
Humidity ResistantNoNo
WiFi802.11b/g, 2.4 GHz802.11b/g, 2.4 GHz
Bluetooth LENoYes
Ethernet PortOneOne
Touch ControlYesYes
One App ControlYesYes
IR ControlYesYes
Dialog enhancementYesYes
Night ModeYesYes
Connects to TVVia Digital Optical CableVia Digital Optical Cable or HDMI ARC
Product finishBlack/WhiteBlack /White

Sonos Beam vs. Playbase — What’s Different?

Sonos Lifestyle

Bluetooth LE – Sonos Beam Smart speaker is compatible with Bluetooth LE, which can help save power when setting up your new device. 

While Playbase does so solely using the WiFi connection and lacks the Bluetooth feature.

Sound Quality – In terms of sound quality, Playbase comes out ahead with its three tweeters, six mid-woofers, one woofer, and ten amplifiers, providing you with a much more powerful audio.

Whereas Beam comes with one tweeter, four mid-woofers, and five amplifiers, which is good, but not the same.

Design – When it comes to design, Sonos Playbase is significantly heavier and features a more square shape that’s harder to stow away.

While Beam features a more traditional long and thin soundbar design that’s easy to place over or under the entertainment unit.

Connects to TV – Connecting your smart speaker directly into your TV is an efficient way to enjoy movies in a whole new way.

This is why the Playbase plugs in via an optical cord, making the process extremely simple and quick.

Whereas Sonos Beam is a little bit more complicated and needs to be connected to your TV via an HDMI-ARC connection

Voice Control – While both smart speakers are compatible with voice assistants such as Google Assistant & Amazon Alexa, The Beam already has Alexa built-in and doesn’t need any external equipment to respond to your commands.

Last update on 2023-09-22 at 10:29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API