Son's updated Beam model, used daily by our editor, experiences price reduction
JBL Bar 300 MK2 and Sonos Beam Gen 2: A Comparative Analysis of Budget Dolby Atmos Soundbars
The market for budget Dolby Atmos soundbars is bustling, and two standout contenders are the JBL Bar 300 MK2 and Sonos Beam Gen 2. Each offers unique strengths, catering to different preferences and priorities.
Priced at around £229 (a £100 saving on its RRP), the JBL Bar 300 MK2 is a more affordable alternative. It delivers clear and crisp dialogue, an impressive low end, and a great feature set, including Dolby Atmos, Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 6, Chromecast, and AirPlay 2. The soundbar comes with integrated bass radiators and a powerful 450W output, providing stronger standalone bass. However, its dialogue clarity can sound slightly processed due to the PureVoice 2.0 technology.
On the other hand, the Sonos Beam Gen 2, priced at £369, excels in dialogue clarity, thanks to its AI-powered speech enhancement for natural voices. It is an ideal choice for voice-focused content. The soundbar uses virtual Dolby Atmos processing with a dedicated center tweeter, creating a more natural soundstage, although its bass is more restrained. Sonos supports expansion with Sub and rear speakers to build a surround system, making it a versatile option for larger setups.
A Comparative Overview
| Feature | JBL Bar 300 MK2 | Sonos Beam Gen 2 | |---------------------------|--------------------------------|----------------------------------| | Price (approx.) | £229 (RRP £330) | £369 | | Bass Performance | Strong, integrated bass radiators, 450W | More restrained bass, benefits from Sonos Sub addition | | Dolby Atmos | Virtual via MultiBeam 3.0 | Virtual with dedicated center tweeter | | Dialogue Clarity | Good, but can sound processed | Superior with AI speech enhancement | | Expandability | No | Yes, with Sub and rear speakers | | Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 6, Chromecast, AirPlay 2 | Wi-Fi streaming, AirPlay 2, Sonos app | | Room Size Suitability | Mid to larger rooms | Smaller to medium rooms | | Physical Design | Standalone solution | Compact, stylish, fits small spaces |
If you want better bass out of the box and more connectivity options but no future expansion, the JBL Bar 300 MK2 is preferable. If you prioritize dialogue clarity, expandability, and a compact design tailored for smaller rooms or apartments, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is the better budget Dolby Atmos soundbar.
Both soundbars come with Dolby Atmos and automatic calibration systems. The Sonos' surround sound may feel slightly more natural in smaller spaces due to its dedicated tweeter and virtual soundstage. Neither has physical upward-firing speakers, so Dolby Atmos is via virtual processing on both, which is common at this price range.
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- To fully enjoy the sound offered by the JBL Bar 300 MK2, consider connecting it to your hi-fi system for an enhanced streaming experience.
- Before making a purchase, it's worth reading several reviews online to decide which soundbar suits your speaker needs better.
- A deal you might find attractive is buying both the JBL Bar 300 MK2 and some smart-home devices as a bundle, which might offer some savings.
- Since the JBL Bar 300 MK2 is equipped with features like Bluetooth 5.0 and AirPlay 2, it can easily integrate with other gadgets in your technology setup.
- If you have other Sonos devices at home, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 can form a part of your smart-home system for a seamless experience.
- After previewing the performance of both soundbars, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons of each model based on your specific requirements to make an informed ultimate buying decision.
