Engadget's review of the Sonos Beam Ultra finds that the compact soundbar delivers a major upgrade in Dolby Atmos performance. The reviewer describes the audio as sounding almost as good as the much larger Sonos Arc, which is notable given the Beam Ultra's smaller footprint.
At $699, the review is clear that this is not a mid-range product, but it positions the Beam Ultra as a strong option for buyers who want high-end Atmos sound without the size or cost of the flagship Arc. The review does not compare the Beam Ultra to other brands, so its conclusions are limited to Sonos's own lineup.
Overall, Engadget's verdict is positive, with the main caveat being the price. The Beam Ultra appears to close most of the gap between Sonos's entry-level and flagship soundbars, making it a compelling middle option for Atmos-focused home theater setups.