Sonos One Vs Sonos Beam: Which Is Easier To Set Up?

Choosing between the Sonos One and the Sonos Beam can be challenging, especially when considering ease of setup. Both speakers offer excellent sound quality and smart features, but their installation processes differ. This article compares the setup experience of these two popular Sonos products to help you decide which might be easier for your home.

Overview of Sonos One and Sonos Beam

The Sonos One is a compact smart speaker designed primarily for listening to music, podcasts, and voice commands. It features built-in voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant. The Sonos Beam, on the other hand, is a soundbar aimed at enhancing TV audio and providing smart features in a single device. Both devices connect via Wi-Fi and integrate into the Sonos ecosystem.

Setup Process of Sonos One

Setting up the Sonos One is straightforward and user-friendly. Here are the typical steps:

  • Download the Sonos app on your smartphone or tablet.
  • Create or sign into your Sonos account.
  • Connect the Sonos One to a power outlet.
  • Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to add a new device.
  • Connect the speaker to your Wi-Fi network by selecting your network and entering the password.
  • Configure voice assistant preferences if desired.

The process typically takes less than 10 minutes, and the app guides you through each step with clear instructions.

Setup Process of Sonos Beam

Setting up the Sonos Beam involves similar steps but includes additional considerations for TV connection:

  • Download and open the Sonos app.
  • Create or log into your Sonos account.
  • Connect the Beam to power and turn it on.
  • Follow the app instructions to add the device.
  • Select your Wi-Fi network and enter the password.
  • Connect the Beam to your TV via HDMI ARC or optical cable, following the app prompts.
  • Configure voice assistants and sound preferences as needed.

The setup process for the Beam may take slightly longer due to the additional TV connection steps, but the app still provides clear guidance.

Comparison of Ease of Setup

Both devices are designed for simple setup, but the Sonos One generally offers a quicker and more straightforward process, especially if you only want a smart speaker without TV integration. The Sonos Beam requires additional steps to connect to your TV, which might add a few minutes to the setup time.

If you already have a TV and want to enhance your audio, the Beam’s setup might seem more involved but still manageable. For pure smart speaker use, the Sonos One is typically easier to set up and get started with.

Conclusion

In terms of setup ease, the Sonos One has a slight edge due to its simplicity and fewer connection options. However, both devices are well-supported by the Sonos app, making the process smooth for most users. Your choice should depend on whether you need a smart speaker or a TV soundbar, but rest assured, both are designed to be user-friendly during installation.