Best Sony Soundbars

TL;DR: The Sony BAR 8 delivers immersive 7.0.2‑channel audio with a 13‑driver array, Bluetooth 5.2 and HDMI 2.1 gaming support, all in a 10.4‑lb, $898 soundbar.

The BAR 8’s standout spec is its 13‑driver, 7.0.2‑channel configuration paired with Sony’s 360 Spatial Sound Mapping, Vertical Surround Engine and S‑Force Pro processing. Those 13 drivers sit behind a sleek panel that measures 114.3 mm deep, 66.8 mm high and 1101 mm wide, and the unit weighs 10.4 pounds.

Compared with the other Sony models in this roundup, the BAR 8 is lighter than the HT‑A5000 (13.448197982Pounds) and the HT‑A7000 (19.180216794pounds) but heavier than the HTS60 (5.75pounds), HT‑B600 (6.875Pounds) and the ultra‑light HT‑SC40 (1.0Pounds). Its Bluetooth 5.2 is newer than the 5.0 found in the HT‑A5000 and HT‑A7000, and matches the BAR 9’s Bluetooth version. The depth of 114.3 mm is almost identical to the BAR 9’s 114 mm, yet far shallower than the HT‑A7000’s 1302 mm depth. With a driver count of 13, it outpaces the HT‑B600’s six drivers, giving it a clear advantage in channel coverage.

Users consistently praise the immersive, room‑filling sound and clear dialogue, especially for movies and gaming. Professional reviewers note the “high‑quality spatial audio” and “excellent gaming features” thanks to HDMI 2.1’s 4K/120 Hz pass‑through, VRR and ALLM. The main criticisms are the lack of a built‑in subwoofer or rear speakers in the base kit and the absence of an auto‑calibration microphone, which means you’ll need to enter speaker distances manually.

In addition, the BAR 8 supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, DTS‑HD Master Audio and IMAX Enhanced, and it offers dual‑band Wi‑Fi plus Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth 5.2 for wireless streaming. You can add optional wireless subwoofer and rear speakers later, and the unit integrates directly with Sony TV menus and the Bravia Connect app for an integrated ecosystem experience.

Best for: Audiophiles and enthusiasts seeking premium sound quality and advanced features

Avoid if: You're on a tight budget or only need basic functionality

TL;DR: The Sony HTS60 delivers a true 5.1‑channel home‑theater experience with 1,000 W output, virtualized Dolby Atmos and a powerful subwoofer, but its premium $698 price and lack of true height speakers may deter budget shoppers.

The HTS60 packs a 5.1‑channel amplifier and a combined 1,000 W total power output, making it one of the most powerful soundbars in this lineup. It runs on Bluetooth 5.3, supports virtualized Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, and weighs just 5.75 pounds, which keeps the setup relatively light for a full‑system bundle.

Compared with its Sony siblings, the HTS60 is lighter than the HT‑A7000 (which tips the scales at 19.18 pounds) and heavier than the ultra‑compact HT‑SC40 at about 1.0 pound. Its 1,000 W output dwarfs the HT‑B600’s 350 W and exceeds the HT‑A7000’s 500 W, while sharing the same Bluetooth 5.3 version as the HT‑B600—many peers sit at Bluetooth 5.0 or 5.2.

Everyday owners rave about the immersive 5.1 surround, especially the deep bass from the large subwoofer and the clear dialogue enabled by the dedicated center channel and Voice Zoom technology. Professional reviewers highlight the smooth HDMI eARC link with BRAVIA TVs and the convenience of the BRAVIA Connect app. The most common complaints revolve around the lack of true height speakers for genuine Dolby Atmos, firmware updates require a USB drive and sometimes fail, and the rear speakers needing nearby power outlets.

Best for: Most users seeking a balanced, mainstream option

Avoid if: You're shopping on a tight budget — it's priced at $698.00

TL;DR: The Sony HT‑A7000 delivers a 7.1.2‑channel, 500 W Dolby Atmos experience with dual HDMI 2.1 inputs and built‑in subwoofers for a premium home‑theater feel at $623.03.

At the heart of the HT‑A7000 is a 7.1.2 channel layout with 11 discrete amplifier channels and a total power output of 500 W, backed by Sony’s Digital Amplifier and S‑Master HX technology. The bar measures 51.25 in deep, 3.25 in high and 5.63 in wide, and weighs 19.180216794 pounds, giving it a solid, metal‑finished presence that fits well on larger TV stands.

Compared with its Sony siblings, the HT‑A7000 sits in the middle of the weight range—heavier than the HTS60 (5.75 pounds) and HTB600 (6.875 pounds) but lighter than the BAR 8 (10.4 pounds). Its 500 W output is lower than the HTS60’s 1000 W but exceeds the HT‑A5000’s 450 W. Bluetooth 5.0 matches the HT‑G700 and HT‑SC40, while the HTS60 and HTB600 sport newer 5.3 versions. Unlike the HT‑S400, which lacks HDMI inputs, the HT‑A7000 offers two HDMI 2.1 inputs and an eARC/ARC output, a feature shared only with the higher‑priced BAR 9.

Professional reviewers praise the bar’s “supremely clear dialogue and vocal reproduction” and its “excellent support for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and 360 Reality Audio.” Everyday owners echo this, noting the effortless pairing with Sony TVs and PS5 consoles and the convenience of AirPlay 2, Chromecast built‑in and Spotify Connect. The main trade‑off highlighted is the modest overhead effect from the upward‑firing drivers, which many say improves noticeably once you add an optional wireless subwoofer (SA‑SW3 or SA‑SW5).

Beyond the core audio, the HT‑A7000 includes DSEE Extreme upscaling, four sound modes (Auto Sound, Cinema, Music, Standard), and voice‑control integration with Google Assistant and Alexa. Its built‑in microphones handle automatic room calibration, while the front LED display, though sleek, it's small, making it hard to read in bright rooms.

Best for: Home‑theater enthusiasts who own Sony Bravia TVs and gamers with a PS5 seeking 4K 120 Hz and HDR tone‑mapping.

Avoid if: You are budget‑conscious, expect a complete 7.1.2 system out of the box, or have a small room where the 51.25‑in depth feels restrictive.

TL;DR: The Sony HT‑S400 delivers 330 W of 2.1‑channel sound with a 160 mm wireless subwoofer, Bluetooth 5.0 and HDMI ARC, all in a compact, wall‑mountable package for under $260.

The standout figure is its 330 W total power output, which powers a 160 mm driver in the wireless subwoofer for room‑filling bass. Coupled with a 2.1 ch layout and Sony’s S‑Master digital amplifier, the system delivers clear dialogue and punchy low‑end without a separate receiver.

At 16.1 pounds, the HT‑S400 is lighter than the 24.4‑pound HT‑G700 but considerably heftier than the 1.0‑pound HT‑SC40. Its 88 mm depth matches the HT‑SC40’s 88.9 mm depth and is shallower than the HT‑G700’s 108 mm, making it easy to fit on a TV stand or mount flush to a wall. Width‑wise it sits at 339.7 mm, narrower than the HT‑A7000’s 5.63 in (143 mm) width, and its 244.5 mm height is comparable to the HT‑SC40’s 66.8 mm height while remaining lower than many premium models.

Reviewers consistently praise the soundbar for dialogue clarity and the subwoofer’s “punchy” bass, noting that HDMI ARC setup is straightforward. Professional reviewers highlight the effective S‑Force PRO Front Surround virtual surround, rating the audio performance as strong for the price.

Beyond raw power, the HT‑S400 includes Bluetooth 5.0 (SBC codec), an OLED display window for status, and a wall‑mountable design with a separated notch‑edge driver. The digital S‑Master amplifier and S‑Force PRO Front Surround processing aim to deliver a wide soundstage without additional rear speakers, while the wireless subwoofer’s 160 mm driver adds depth to movies and music.

Best for: Budget‑conscious buyers seeking a reliable entry‑level option

Avoid if: You need advanced features or professional‑grade performance

TL;DR: Sony’s BAR 9 delivers flagship 7.0.2 Dolby Atmos sound with 13 drivers, 360° spatial mapping, and HDMI 2.1 gaming features, but its $1298.00 price and wired‑subwoofer setup keep it in the premium niche.

The BAR 9 packs a 13‑driver array into a 7.0.2 channel layout, supporting Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and IMAX Enhanced. Sony’s 360 Spatial Sound Mapping and Vertical Surround Engine spread sound both wide and tall, while S‑Force Pro and DSEE add clarity and detail. At 12.1 pounds (5488 g) the bar measures 114 mm deep, 67 mm high and 1302 mm wide, fitting most TV setups.

Compared with its siblings, the BAR 9 is lighter than the HT‑A5000’s 13.448197982 lb chassis and far lighter than the HT‑A7000’s 19.180216794 lb unit, yet heavier than the BAR 8’s 10.4 lb frame. Its driver count matches the BAR 8’s 13 drivers and exceeds the HTB600’s six‑driver design. Bluetooth 5.2 is a step up from the 5.0 found in the HT‑A5000 and HT‑A7000, though the HT‑B600 pushes to 5.3.

Everyday owners highlight the immersive soundstage and clear dialogue, noting that the app‑driven setup feels straightforward when paired with Sony TVs. Professional reviewers note the high‑quality spatial audio and notable width‑and‑height sound staging, and they appreciate the low‑latency 4K/120 Hz pass‑through, VRR and ALLM support for gaming. The downside that many mention is the requirement for a wired subwoofer, which adds cost and limits placement flexibility.

The bar also carries IMAX Enhanced certification, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect and dual‑band Wi‑Fi, ensuring broad streaming compatibility. Control options include a dedicated remote, the Sony BRAVIA Connect app and voice control via your TV or mobile device, giving you several ways to tweak the experience.

Best for: Those prioritizing quality and willing to pay for premium performance

Avoid if: You're shopping on a tight budget — it's priced at $1298.00

TL;DR: The Sony HT‑G700 delivers 400 W of 3.1‑channel sound with Dolby Atmos/DTS:X support, a wireless 160 mm subwoofer, and 7 EQ presets, but its lack of Wi‑Fi and heavy build keep it in the budget tier.

The HT‑G700 delivers 400 W total power, split into 100 W per channel (60 W at 1 kHz). The soundbar houses three full‑range drivers and a dedicated center channel, while the wireless subwoofer uses a 160 mm driver. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X are decoded over HDMI eARC, and the unit offers seven EQ presets plus four sound modes for movies, music, and dialogue.

Compared with the other Sony models in this roundup, the HT‑G700 is the heaviest at 24.4 lb, outmatching the HT‑A7000’s 19.18 lb and the BAR 8’s 10.4 lb. Its 400 W output sits between the HT‑B600’s 350 W and the HT‑A7000’s 500 W, giving it more punch than the entry‑level HT‑S400 (35 W power consumption) but less than the flagship HT‑S60’s 1000 W. Bluetooth 5.0 matches the HT‑S400, HT‑SC40 and HT‑A7000, though it falls short of the 5.3 found in the HT‑S60 and HT‑B600. Unlike the HT‑S400, which has no HDMI input, the G700 provides one HDMI input and one HDMI output for straightforward TV connection.

User reviews frequently praise the clear dialogue from the dedicated center driver and the ease of setting up the pre‑paired wireless subwoofer. The IR passthrough also earns kudos for seamless remote control. On the downside, many note the absence of Wi‑Fi, AirPlay or Chromecast, and some feel the virtual surround processing can sound artificial, especially in quiet scenes. A handful of owners say the subwoofer occasionally stays in standby.

Physically, the bar measures 980 mm wide, 64 mm high and 108 mm deep, while the subwoofer is 192 mm wide, 387 mm high and 406 mm deep, fitting comfortably in most living‑room setups. The unit runs on a digital S‑Master amplifier and supports Bluetooth audio codecs AAC and SBC. With a 1‑year warranty and accessories like a remote, HDMI cable, and power cords, the HT‑G700 is a fairly complete package for its price.

Best for: Entry‑level buyers or those on a tight budget

Avoid if: You need built‑in Wi‑Fi, AirPlay/Chromecast, or highly accurate height‑speaker performance

TL;DR: The Sony HT‑A5000 delivers 450 W of 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos sound, auto‑calibrates to your room, and offers HDMI 2.1 eARC plus Wi‑Fi streaming, but its large size and limited EQ may deter some.

At the core of the HT‑A5000 is a 9‑channel digital S‑Master HX amplifier that pushes a total power output of 450 W. The speaker layout is 5.1.2 channels, with five front drivers, a built‑in subwoofer and two upward‑firing drivers, and it supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby Vision, HDR10 and a suite of virtual‑surround engines such as S‑Force PRO and Neural:X. Bluetooth 5.0, Wi‑Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac), Chromecast built‑in, AirPlay 2 and Google Assistant/Alexa integration round out the connectivity.

Weighing 13.5 lb, the HT‑A5000 is heavier than the BAR 8 (10.4 lb) and the HT‑B600 (6.875 lb) but lighter than the HT‑A7000 (19.18 lb) and the HT‑G700 (24.4 lb). Its driver count—five front plus two upward‑firing—is lower than the 13‑driver BAR 8 and BAR 9, yet comparable to the six‑driver HT‑B600. Bluetooth 5.0 matches the HT‑A7000, HT‑G700, HT‑S400 and HT‑SC40, but falls behind the 5.2/5.3 versions in BAR 8, HT‑S60 and HT‑B600. With a depth of 5.625 in it is more compact than BAR 8’s 114.3 mm depth, though its 47.75 in width is broader than the 5.63 in width of the HT‑A7000.

Everyday owners rave about the explosive, room‑filling audio and the straightforward setup, especially when paired with Sony TVs. Professional reviewers highlight the powerful, deep sound and extensive connectivity, but note limited EQ options and that dialogue sounds dull. The bar also lacks VRR/ALLM gaming features that some newer soundbars provide.

The bar streams high‑resolution audio formats (DSD, FLAC, ALAC, WAV, etc.) and consumes 86 W in normal operation, dropping below 0.5 W in quick‑start mode. Its auto‑calibration (Sound Field Optimization) adapts the output to room acoustics, while the built‑in subwoofer and upward‑firing drivers create a true 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos experience.

Best for: Audiophiles and enthusiasts seeking premium sound quality and advanced features

Avoid if: you need a compact sound solution, extensive EQ customization, or gaming‑focused HDMI features like VRR

TL;DR: The Sony HTB600 delivers 3.1.2‑channel Dolby Atmos sound with 350 W output, a wireless subwoofer, and Bluetooth 5.3, but its premium $698 price may deter budget shoppers.

The HTB600 packs six drivers—including a 160 mm bass‑reflex unit—into a compact soundbar that outputs a claimed 350 W of power. Its 3.1.2‑channel layout adds dual upward‑firing height speakers for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X immersion, while the included wireless subwoofer rounds out the low end. Bluetooth 5.3 and an HDMI 2.0 eARC port give you modern connectivity without sacrificing audio quality.

Compared with the other Sony models in this roundup, the HTB600 is heavier than the HTS60 (5.75 lb) but considerably lighter than the HT‑A7000 (about 19.2 lb). Its total output power of 350 W is lower than the HTS60’s 1000 W, yet it still exceeds the output of the more compact HT‑SC40. The Bluetooth version matches the HTS60 at 5.3, while the HT‑BAR 8 and BAR 9 step up to 5.2, placing the HTB600 in the mid‑range of wireless capability.

Users appreciate the plug‑and‑play setup, the sleek matte‑black finish, and the clear dialogue that makes TV shows easy to follow. Professional reviewers highlight the “full, detailed sound” and “pleasing spatial audio imaging” that the soundbar delivers. However, many note that the wireless subwoofer feels under‑powered and can become boomy when cranked up, and the lack of an HDMI passthrough limits flexibility for multiple source devices. The BRAVIA Connect app provides basic control, but the system doesn't support Wi‑Fi streaming or AirPlay.

Beyond the core specs, the HTB600 includes Sony’s Vertical Surround Engine, S‑Force Pro Front Surround, DSEE, and Voice Zoom 3 processing to enhance clarity and up‑mix stereo content. The soundbar’s dimensions (950 × 64 × 110 mm) and wall‑mountable keyhole slots make it a good fit for smaller living rooms, while the 6.875‑pound weight keeps installation manageable.

Best for: Most users seeking a balanced, mainstream option

Avoid if: You need advanced features or professional‑grade performance

TL;DR: The Sony HT‑SC40 delivers 330 W of output in a compact 2.1‑channel bar with Bluetooth 5.0 and a wireless subwoofer for under $130, making it the most affordable Sony soundbar in the lineup.

At the heart of the HT‑SC40 is a digital S‑Master amplifier pushing a total of 330 W, split between the slim 88.9 mm‑deep soundbar and its wireless subwoofer. The 2.1‑channel layout, combined with Sony’s S‑Force PRO Front Surround, creates a virtual surround field that feels wider than the bar’s 901.7 mm width would suggest. Bluetooth 5.0 lets you stream from phones, and the OLED status window gives a quick glance at power and source.

Compared with the other Sony models in this roundup, the HT‑SC40 is dramatically lighter—at just 1.0 pound versus the 16.1‑pound HT‑S400 and the 24.4‑pound HT‑G700. Its 330 W output sits below the 500 W of the HT‑A7000 and the 1,000 W of the HTS60, but it’s close to the 350 W offered by the HTB600. While higher‑end bars like the HT‑G700 include an HDMI input port, the SC40 provides a single HDMI ARC output and a lone optical input, keeping the spec list lean and the price low.

User feedback highlights the Voice Mode and X‑Balanced speakers for crystal‑clear dialogue, especially in sitcoms and news programs. Reviewers also appreciate the wireless subwoofer’s freedom from cables, noting that setup is as simple as plugging the power brick and placing the subwoofer anywhere in the room. On the downside, several owners mention that the subwoofer’s bass lacks the deep punch found in larger systems, and a few have run into occasional Bluetooth pairing hiccups.

The bar runs on a corded electric power source and draws 35 W during normal operation, with the subwoofer adding another 20 W. It ships with an AC power cable, an optical cable, a remote, and a quick‑setup guide, so you’re ready to connect straight out of the box. The wall‑mountable flat‑back design means you can keep your TV area tidy, and the OLED status window lets you confirm Bluetooth connectivity at a glance.

Best for: Shoppers on a tight budget who want the most for their money

Avoid if: You need advanced features or professional-grade performance