Marshall Heston 120 vs Sonos Beam Gen 2

The Heston 120 treats music as seriously as movies. Its 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos array gives three-dimensional audio you can actually feel, and two built-in subwoofers mean lifelike low end with nothing extra to find space for.

Stereo separation is the standout, and it is why we would reach for this one over music, not just action scenes: it shines on albums the way a dedicated soundbar rarely does. Wi-Fi with AirPlay, Google Cast, Spotify and TIDAL Connect makes it a proper streaming centerpiece even when nothing is on the TV, and the signature leather-finish look is a genuine bonus if you care how your gear looks.

It is the priciest option here, and with only a handful of reviews so far it is still building a track record. You are partly paying for that Marshall design and music-first tuning, and if that is what you want, it delivers.

The Beam Gen 2 proves a single compact bar can sound big. It conjures a panoramic Atmos soundstage with vibrant bass and crystal-clear dialogue, which is impressive given there is no separate subwoofer anywhere in the box.

That is exactly where it earns the small-room pick here: a bedroom or apartment living room that does not have space for a wireless sub. Because it is a Sonos, it also streams music, radio and podcasts when the TV is off, and answers to the app, AirPlay 2, your remote or your voice.

It costs a bit more than the Polk and, without a dedicated sub, will not chase the deepest bass. It is also happiest as part of a wider Sonos setup. In a smaller room, though, it is the cleaner, smarter choice.