Sonos Beam Ultra is the company’s new midsize soundbar. It promises true 7.1.2 Dolby Atmos sound from a compact cabinet. Dedicated upward firing drivers, stronger bass, Bluetooth, and improved dialogue are the key upgrades.
It also fills an obvious gap in the Sonos range. The $699 Beam Ultra sits between the $499 Beam (Gen 2) and the $1,099 Arc Ultra.
Early review disclosure: Beam Ultra is available for preorder and ships on September 29, 2026. This review is based on official specifications, manufacturer information, and published first listen reports. We have not completed an independent home test. A full score will follow after extended testing.
Product image: official Sonos media.
Review of Sonos Beam Ultra: Details
- Best For: Medium rooms, televisions up to around 65 inches, Dolby Atmos films, clear dialogue, existing Sonos homes
- Product: Sonos Beam Ultra
- Type: Compact smart soundbar
- Price: $699 in the United States
- Availability: Preorder now, with shipping expected September 29, 2026
- Channels: 7.1.2 Dolby Atmos
- Amplifiers: Nine Class D digital amplifiers
- Drivers: Five tweeters and four low profile woofers
- Dimensions: 750 x 63 x 105 mm
- Weight: 2.88 kg
- Colors: Black or white
- Connections: HDMI eARC or ARC, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, and USB C with optional adapters
- Wireless Features: Apple AirPlay 2, Sonos Voice Control, and more than 100 streaming services through Sonos
- Room Tuning: Trueplay on compatible iOS and Android devices
- Website: Sonos Beam Ultra
What Is New With Beam Ultra?
The biggest change is genuine height hardware. Beam (Gen 2) processes Dolby Atmos, but it lacks dedicated upward firing drivers. Beam Ultra adds two of them.
Two side firing tweeters help create width. A redesigned center channel focuses on voices. Four low profile woofers handle bass, while nine amplifiers power the complete system.
Sonos also adds Bluetooth 5.3 and WiFi 6. Trueplay now works with compatible Android devices as well as iOS. These changes make Beam Ultra more flexible than the older Beam.
AI Speech Enhancement offers four clarity levels. This is a brand feature, not a guarantee of perfect dialogue in every room. Its value will depend on the television, source material, room, and chosen setting.
Product image: official Sonos media.
Sonos Beam Ultra Review: Highlights
- True Height Channels: Two dedicated upward firing tweeters support overhead Dolby Atmos effects.
- Compact Size: The 750 mm width should fit more rooms and furniture than Arc Ultra.
- Clearer Dialogue: The redesigned center channel and adjustable Speech Enhancement focus on voices.
- Stronger Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3 joins WiFi 6, AirPlay 2, and HDMI eARC or ARC.
- Flexible Trueplay: Compatible Android and iOS devices can tune the sound for the room.
- Expandable System: Owners can add a Sonos Sub and compatible rear speakers later.
- Private Listening: TV Audio Swap can send television sound to compatible Sonos headphones.
- Simple Control: The television remote, Sonos app, touch panel, and voice control are supported.
Sonos Beam Ultra Review: Things to Note
- No Independent Test Yet: The product will not reach general availability until September 29.
- One HDMI Connection: Beam Ultra uses the television’s HDMI eARC or ARC port. It does not act as an HDMI hub.
- No DTS:X: Sonos lists DTS Digital Surround, but not DTS:X.
- Premium Price: Beam Ultra costs $200 more than Beam (Gen 2).
- Extras Add Up: A Sub, rear speakers, wall mount, ethernet adapter, and line input adapter cost extra.
- Atmos Depends on the Room: Ceiling height, shape, furnishings, and placement affect reflected height effects.
- App Required: Initial setup needs the latest Sonos app and an internet connection.
- Limited Voice Choice: Sonos Voice Control is supported, while service availability varies by country and language.
Beam Ultra Sound Quality: What Early Reports Say
Early demonstrations are encouraging, but they are not substitutes for a full review. The controlled rooms and short sessions limit firm conclusions.
Sonos provides the full design and format details in its official Beam Ultra announcement. Those specifications explain the intended improvements, but they remain manufacturer claims until broader testing is complete.
TechRadar’s demonstration praised its separation, mid bass, and dialogue clarity. However, the publication reserved deeper conclusions until full testing.
The early report supports cautious optimism. It does not yet establish how Beam Ultra performs across different rooms, televisions, music, or long viewing sessions.
Sonos Beam Ultra Compared With Beam (Gen 2)
Beam (Gen 2) remains the more affordable option. It costs $499 and keeps the familiar Sonos experience in a smaller package.
Beam Ultra costs $200 more. In return, buyers get true upward firing drivers, a 7.1.2 layout, more powerful bass hardware, Bluetooth, WiFi 6, and broader Trueplay support.
The upgrade looks worthwhile for Atmos fans and Android users. Beam (Gen 2) may still suit smaller rooms, casual viewing, and tighter budgets.
Sonos Beam Ultra Compared With Arc Ultra
Arc Ultra remains the flagship choice for larger rooms. It is wider, more powerful, and costs $1,099.
Beam Ultra saves $400 and takes up less space. That makes it the more practical option for apartments, bedrooms, and medium living rooms.
Buyers should not assume the smaller bar can match Arc Ultra at high volume. Room filling scale, deep bass, and wide seating coverage still need direct comparison.
Sonos Beam Ultra Value for Money
At $699, Beam Ultra enters a competitive part of the soundbar market. Its value depends heavily on how much you want the Sonos ecosystem.
The compact design, expandable setup, portable surround support, and multiroom features are meaningful advantages. Existing Sonos owners will get the clearest benefit.
New buyers should include future accessories in the budget. Adding a Sub and rear speakers can quickly turn a $699 soundbar into a much more expensive system.
For another look at premium audio hardware, read our Bose A30 Aviation Headset review. Our Insta360 X5 review covers another premium technology upgrade.
Who Is Sonos Beam Ultra Best For?
Beam Ultra looks best suited to people who want real Dolby Atmos height effects without a large soundbar. It should fit medium rooms especially well.
Existing Sonos households are another obvious audience. The soundbar can join multiroom audio, add a Sub, use rear speakers, or send sound to Sonos headphones.
It may also suit viewers who struggle with dialogue. Four Speech Enhancement levels provide more control than a simple on or off setting.
Budget shoppers should consider Beam (Gen 2). Owners of large rooms may prefer Arc Ultra. Anyone who needs DTS:X should look elsewhere.
Sonos Beam Ultra Review: Tips
- Check the Television: Confirm that your TV has HDMI eARC or ARC before ordering.
- Leave Space Above: Keep the top clear so the upward firing drivers can work properly.
- Use Trueplay: Tune the soundbar after placing it in its final position.
- Start With the Bar: Listen before adding a Sub or rear speakers.
- Compare Total Cost: Price the complete system you may want, not only the soundbar.
- Match the Room: Beam Ultra is designed as a midsize option. Large rooms may need Arc Ultra.
- Wait for Full Tests: Independent home reviews will provide better evidence after September 29.
Sonos Beam Ultra Review: Photos
Product image: official Sonos media.
The Brief Review Verdict
Sonos Beam Ultra looks like the most important Beam upgrade yet. Dedicated height drivers address the main limitation of Beam (Gen 2). Bluetooth, stronger bass hardware, and Android Trueplay add practical value.
The price is also reasonable within the Sonos range. It sits neatly between Beam (Gen 2) and Arc Ultra. The compact cabinet should work in more homes than the flagship model.
Still, this is an early verdict. Beam Ultra has not yet completed an independent home test. Atmos height, bass control, dialogue quality, and app reliability need longer evaluation.
Early Rating: Promising, with a full score pending independent testing after release.
For now, Beam Ultra is a strong preorder candidate for committed Sonos owners. Everyone else should wait for complete tests and direct comparisons.
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