An affordable soundbar is always a good option to consider, so Sony HT-Z9F vs Sonos Beam comparison definitely makes sense. Based on our rating, HT-Z9F has a total rating of 7.2 out of 10 versus 6 for Beam. The competitors' control buttons are different: power, input, Bluetooth, music service, volume down, volume up and volume down, volume up, microphone, play/pause, respectively.
Both soundbars have active amplification type. A significant difference between the units in the number of channels, the Sony HT-Z9F has 3.1 versus 3.0 for the Sonos Beam. Competitors do not have a built-in subwoofer. Rivals have wireless connection to separate subwoofer. The Sony HT-Z9F got our rating of 7 out of 10, and the Sonos Beam 6 for its audio features and specs. Spotify support is available on the HT-Z9F.
These models have the ability to connect to the Internet via WI-FI. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. The Sony HT-Z9F has 2/0 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 1/0 of the Sonos Beam. Only the HT-Z9F supports HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC). For connectivity, the HT-Z9F received a rating of 8/10 versus 6/10, respectively.
Both models support voice control using Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant. App control is available for the Beam. A built-in microphone is present only on the Beam. Multi-room is only available for the Sony HT-Z9F.
Only the HT-Z9F has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the HT-Z9F. For multichannel surround Sony HT-Z9F got a rating of 8, and Sonos Beam 4 out of 10.