Yes. The Sonos Beam Ultra works as a standalone soundbar; a Sub and rear surround speakers are optional additions, not prerequisites. Set up the Beam Ultra in the Sonos app, then connect it to your TV. You can add compatible speakers later if you want deeper bass or physical rear channels.
What you get with the Beam Ultra on its own
The Beam Ultra can play TV audio without a separate Sonos Sub or rear speakers. Sonos’s setup instructions have you configure the soundbar first and describe adding a Sub and rear surrounds afterward.
Going without accessories does change the listening experience. The bar uses its own drivers for bass and spatial effects; it does not provide the additional low-frequency output of a Sub or separate physical rear speakers. A TechRadar reviewer reported deep, responsive bass and a wide perceived sound field from the standalone bar in their listening test, but described an external subwoofer system as capable of deeper, more cinematic bass. Those are observations from one review, not a guarantee for every room, volume or program.
What changes if you add a Sub or surrounds?
| Configuration | What it adds | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Beam Ultra alone | TV sound and the bar’s own bass and spatial effects. | No separate Sub output or physical rear speakers. A reviewer heard a wide sound field, but that is not the same as having rear speakers. |
| Beam Ultra plus Sub | Additional low-frequency output for deeper bass. | Best considered if you want more bass; it is not needed to make the soundbar work. |
| Beam Ultra plus rear surrounds | Separate speakers physically placed behind the listening area for rear channels. | They add hardware and placement needs. The bar’s perceived spatial effects are not equivalent to physical rear channels. |
Sonos describes a fuller Beam Ultra setup with a Sub 4 and two Era 100 speakers for medium-to-large rooms and TVs up to 65 inches. That is a recommended example, not a minimum configuration. Sonos notes that some channels in its listed formats are rendered using virtualization, and that compatible TV equipment and a Dolby Atmos-supported streaming service are required. See Sonos’s home-theater guide for its system examples.
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#1 Best Overall
- 7.1.2 Dolby Atmos with upward-firing drivers.
- Clear dialogue and AI-powered Speech Enhancement.
- Low-profile design blends into the room.
- Wider soundstage with clearer separation.
- Trueplay tunes sound for your room and setup.
Set up the Beam Ultra and connect it to your TV
- Add the soundbar in the Sonos app. Follow the app prompts to add Beam Ultra to a new or existing Sonos system. Sonos says it must be set up before it can play TV audio.
- Connect it to the TV. For HDMI, use the included cable and the TV’s HDMI ARC or eARC port. Sonos also documents an optical connection with a separately sold Sonos Optical Audio Adapter and the HDMI cable.
- Check the signal if you want Dolby Atmos. Sonos specifies the TV’s HDMI ARC input for Dolby Atmos playback. The app displays an Atmos badge when Beam Ultra is receiving an Atmos signal. The product guide includes connection details.
Placement basics
Sonos recommends a stable, horizontal surface, ideally in front of and below the TV. Avoid enclosing the bar in a cabinet or placing it in a corner. If it sits below the TV, leave at least 4 in (10 cm) between the bar and the TV’s bottom edge. The Beam Ultra wall mount is sold separately and is not compatible with mounts for other Sonos soundbars.
Can you add speakers later?
Yes. After Beam Ultra is configured, the Sonos app can be used to add a Sub and rear surround speakers. The available configurations and restrictions differ by product:
Quick Recap
Best Value
- All-new acoustic architecture with Sound Motion technology fills every inch of the room and precisely place sounds all around you
- Unparalleled 9.1.4 spatial audio experience with Dolby Atmos
- Ultra-clear dialogue plus Speech Enhancement, powered by AI, detects the human voice to clarify every word
- Elegant design looks great in your home and won’t distract from your entertainment
- Control with your TV remote, the Sonos app, the touch controls, Sonos Voice Control, and Amazon Alexa
Rank #4
- Enrich your entertainment experience with vibrant bass, crystal clear dialogue, and a panoramic soundstage.
- Experience a 3D surround sound effect with Dolby Atmos.
- Stream music, radio, podcasts, and audiobooks from all your favorite services when the TV is off.
- Control with the Sonos app, your TV remote, Apple AirPlay 2, and your voice.
- Effortless setup with only two cables and smart Trueplay tuning.
Rank #3
- Enrich your entertainment experience with vibrant bass, crystal clear dialogue, and a panoramic soundstage.
- Experience a 3D surround sound effect with Dolby Atmos.
- Stream music, radio, podcasts, and audiobooks from all your favorite services when the TV is off.
- Control with the Sonos app, your TV remote, Apple AirPlay 2, and your voice.
- Effortless setup with only two cables and smart Trueplay tuning.
Rank #2
- 7.1.2 Dolby Atmos with upward-firing drivers.
- Clear dialogue and AI-powered Speech Enhancement.
- Low-profile design blends into the room.
- Wider soundstage with clearer separation.
- Trueplay tunes sound for your room and setup.
- Sub: Sonos’s Sub setup guidance says Beam Ultra supports two Sub 4 units, two Sub (Gen 3) units, or one of each.
- Portable rear surrounds: Sonos’s support instructions document using two matching Sonos Play speakers or two matching Move 2 speakers as wireless rear surrounds. Beam Ultra’s microphone must be enabled. Portable speakers serve only as rear surrounds in this setup; they cannot be added alongside an existing rear surround pair, and only one set of portable surrounds is supported per household.
How to decide whether to buy accessories now
- Choose the bar alone if you want a working TV sound system without the added cost and placement of extra speakers, and the Beam Ultra’s own bass and spatial effects suit you.
- Consider a Sub if deeper bass is a priority. Room acoustics, placement, content and listening level affect how much difference you hear.
- Consider rear speakers if you specifically want physical speakers behind you rather than relying on spatial effects from the soundbar.
- Check the TV connection before expecting Atmos: Sonos specifies HDMI ARC for Atmos playback. Optical audio is documented through a separately sold adapter, but Sonos’s Atmos instruction calls for HDMI ARC.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
