Build the Sonos system that fits your room and your bass appetite

Display

There is no display or screen on either product, so this category is not relevant in the traditional sense. If we translate “display” into living-room presence, the Beam (Gen 2) wins because it is the more self-contained product: a single compact soundbar that replaces your TV speakers immediately. The Sub Mini is invisible in use, but only as a support act for another Sonos speaker. Winner: Product A.

Performance

This is where the comparison becomes clearer. The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is a compact 5.0-channel soundbar with five Class-D digital amplifiers, four full-range woofers and a centre tweeter arrangement in a sealed cabinet, engineered to deliver dialogue clarity, virtual surround processing and TV sound from one box. It supports Dolby Atmos processing and uses Sonos’ beamforming and psychoacoustic tuning to create a wider, taller presentation than its size suggests. The Sub Mini, by contrast, is all about low frequencies: two custom 6-inch woofers arranged in a force-cancelling configuration, powered by dual Class-D amplifiers, extending bass down to around 25 Hz for a much fuller foundation. If you want a single product that improves everything from speech to film effects, the Beam wins. If you already own a Sonos soundbar and want to hear and feel proper bass slam without boom, the Sub Mini is the performance upgrade. Winner: Product A for standalone performance; Product B only if you already have a compatible system.

Build quality and design

Sonos does industrial design extremely well, and both products feel premium in the hand. The Beam (Gen 2) is a neat, low-profile soundbar that sits under most TVs without visual clutter, with a refined matte finish and a compact footprint that suits UK flats and smaller lounges. The Sub Mini is even more discreet in a different way: a cylindrical cabinet with that signature centre tunnel design, available in black, and intended to be tucked beside a cabinet or sofa. In terms of pure build, the Sub Mini’s force-cancelling architecture is impressive and its cabinet is purpose-built for clean bass without vibration transfer. However, the Beam is the more versatile and immediately useful design because it performs a front-of-room role on its own. Winner: Product A.

Battery life

Neither product has a battery, so this category does not apply. Both require mains power and are designed for fixed installation, not portable use. On that basis, it is a draw. Winner: Tie.

Price and value for money

At £449, the Beam (Gen 2) costs £20 more than the Sub Mini at £429, yet it is the better value if you are starting from scratch because it gives you an entire TV and music system in one purchase. The Beam also has the stronger review volume, with 4.6/5 from 929 reviews, suggesting broad real-world satisfaction. The Sub Mini scores slightly higher at 4.7/5 from 440 reviews, which makes sense: it is a specialist product that does one job very well, but only after you have already bought the rest of the system. For first-time buyers, the Beam is the smarter spend. For existing Sonos owners, the Sub Mini can be excellent value because it transforms the bass performance of a Beam, Ray or compatible Sonos setup. Winner: Product A for new buyers; Product B for system expansion.

Game library/features

Neither product has a game library, but both have feature sets that matter in a living room. The Beam (Gen 2) wins because it is the feature-rich hub: HDMI eARC, Dolby Atmos support, Sonos app control, voice assistant compatibility, AirPlay 2, and multi-room streaming. It is built to serve TV, films, music and podcasts with one elegant device. The Sub Mini has no standalone audio features in the usual sense; its value comes from integration. It adds bass, but it does not create a complete experience by itself. If you want versatility, the Beam is the clear winner. If you want to elevate an existing Sonos system, the Sub Mini’s feature is singular but potent. Winner: Product A.

Overall user experience

For most people searching this comparison, the Beam (Gen 2) is the better first purchase because it solves the biggest problem: poor TV sound. Its dialogue clarity, compact size and all-in-one nature make it a genuinely transformative upgrade over built-in television speakers, and the Atmos processing gives films and streaming content extra scale. The Sub Mini is a specialist with real hi-fi appeal: two 6-inch drivers in a force-cancelling layout can add genuine weight and control, improving punch, depth and impact without the port noise or bloat of cheaper subs. But it is not a complete system. If you do not already own a Sonos soundbar or speaker that can pair with it, the Sub Mini is unfinished business. Overall summary: buy the Beam (Gen 2) if you need the best standalone product and want immediate, broad improvement; buy the Sub Mini only if you already have a compatible Sonos setup and your main complaint is missing bass. For most shoppers, the Beam (Gen 2) is the definitive choice.