Rankings
Premium 7.1.2-channel Dolby Atmos soundbar with HDMI 2.1, AI room calibration and extensive streaming; delivers immersive sound but needs extra speakers for full performance and carries a steep price.
The Sony HT-A5000 is a high-end 5.1.2-channel soundbar delivering powerful, immersive Dolby Atmos sound with advanced room calibration and extensive connectivity. Its large size and limited EQ customization may deter users seeking a compact or highly tunable solution.
The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 8 is a premium 7.0.2-channel soundbar offering immersive Atmos, extensive streaming options and HDMI 2.1 gaming features. It integrates tightly with Sony TVs but lacks auto-calibration and a built-in subwoofer, making optional expansions necessary for deep bass.
The Sony HT-SC40 is a compact 2.1-channel soundbar with a wireless subwoofer that delivers clear dialogue and virtual surround sound. It offers HDMI ARC, Bluetooth 5.0 and a sleek wall-mountable design, but misses Wi-Fi, Dolby Atmos and deep bass performance.
The Sony BRAVIA Theater System 6 (HT-S60) is a 5.1-channel bundle with a soundbar, subwoofer, wireless rear speakers and a dedicated amp box, delivering true surround immersion especially when paired with Sony Bravia TVs. It lacks height speakers and modern wireless streaming options, and firmware updates can be problematic.
The Sony HT-G700 is a 3.1-channel soundbar with a wireless subwoofer that delivers strong bass and virtual Atmos/DTS:X processing. While it offers HDMI eARC and Bluetooth 5.0, it lacks Wi-Fi, smart streaming and fine-tuned EQ, making it best for users who prioritize straightforward, powerful audio without a complex ecosystem.
The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 6 (HT-B600) is a compact 3.1.2-channel soundbar with a wireless subwoofer, offering Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support for immersive movie sound while staying budget-friendly. Its strengths lie in clear dialogue and solid overall sound, but the subwoofer is modest and advanced streaming features are missing.
The Sony HT-S400 is a compact 2.1-channel soundbar with a powerful 330 W output and virtual surround technology. It offers HDMI ARC, Bluetooth 5.0 and a wireless subwoofer, making it a strong upgrade over built-in TV speakers.
The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 (HT-A9000) is Sony's flagship 7.0.2 soundbar delivering immersive Atmos and DTS:X through 13 drivers and 360 Spatial Sound Mapping, plus gaming-ready HDMI 2.1 features. It lacks a built-in wireless subwoofer and auto-calibration, making the overall package premium-priced.
| Attribute | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
— | 1,000 Wbest | 500 W | 330 W | — | 400 W | 450 W | 350 W | 330 W | |
— | 5.1 | 7best | 2.1 | — | 3.1 | — | — | 2.1 | |
| ↓ lower better | 4.72 kg | 2.6 kg | 8.7 kg | 2.4 kgbest | 5.488 kg | 11.07 kg | 6.12 kg | 3.119 kg | 2.41 kg |
12 monthsbest | 12 monthsbest | 12 monthsbest | 12 monthsbest | 12 monthsbest | 12 monthsbest | 12 monthsbest | 12 monthsbest | 3 months | |
| ↓ lower better | — | — | 2.4 W | 0.5 Wbest | — | — | — | — | 0.5 Wbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Audio Performance(4) | |||||||||
Total Output Power (W) | — | 1000 W | 500 W | 330 W | — | 400 W | 450 W | 350 W | 330 W |
Audio Channels | 7.0.2 | 5.1 | 7 | 2.1 | 7.0.2 | 3.1 | 5.1.2 | 3.1.2 | 2.1 |
Supported Audio Formats | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, DTS-HD Master Audio, IMAX Enhanced | Dolby Atmos (virtualized), DTS:X (virtualized), S-Force PRO, Vertical Surround Engine | Dolby Digital, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, DTS, DTS‑HD Master Audio, DTS:X, LPCM | Dolby Digital, Dolby Dual Mono, LPCM 2ch, SBC | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced | Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, DTS‑HD MA, DTS:X, Dolby Atmos, LPCM 5.1 | Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Dual Mono, DTS, DTS HD High Resolution Audio, DTS HD Master Audio, DTS ES, DTS 96/24, DTS:X, LPCM | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, DTS-HD, Dolby Digital, DTS | Dolby Digital, Dolby Dual Mono, LPCM 2ch |
Sound Modes | — | — | Auto Sound, Cinema, Music, Standard | Sound Field, Voice Mode, Night Mode | — | Cinema, Music, Standard, Auto Sound, Night Mode, Voice Mode | — | — | Sound Field, Voice Mode, Night Mode |
Build & Design(2) | |||||||||
Soundbar Weight (kg) | 4.72 kg | 2.6 kg | 8.7 kg | 2.4 kg | 5.488 kg | 11.07 kg | 6.12 kg | 3.119 kg | 2.41 kg |
Mounting Type | Wall mount or tabletop | Tabletop/Wall-mountable | Wall-mountable | Wall-mountable | Wall-mountable/Tabletop | Wall mountable | — | Wall-mountable | Wall-mountable (flat-back) |
Power & Battery(3) | |||||||||
Power Source | AC | Corded electric | AC | Corded electric | AC | Corded electric | AC | Corded electric | Corded electric |
Standby Power Consumption (W) | — | — | 2.4 W | 0.5 W | — | — | — | — | 0.5 W |
Warranty Period (months) | 12 months | 12 months | 12 months | 12 months | 12 months | 12 months | 12 months | 12 months | 3 months |
Connectivity(2) | |||||||||
Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | 5.3 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.2 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.3 | 5.0 |
Wi‑Fi Support | true | false | true | — | true | false | true | — | false |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers praise the Bar 9 for its expansive, detailed soundstage, high-resolution highs and robust gaming support, while noting the absence of auto-calibration and a built-in subwoofer as drawbacks.
Everyday users love the immersive, all-around sound and clear dialogue, especially for movies and gaming, but complain about the lack of deep bass and the extra cost of optional rear-speaker expansions.
“With its crisp (but never shrill) detailing and impressive sound staging in both width and height planes, the BRAVIA Theatre Bar 9 is an impressive single soundbar solution…”
“How do you follow a three-time Award-winning soundbar? This is how.”
“Seamless integration with my Sony TV makes setup painless”
Professional reviewers praise the system for delivering genuine 5.1 surround immersion, deep bass and clear dialogue, especially when paired with Sony Bravia TVs. They note the convenience of a single-hub setup and strong gaming performance, but criticize the lack of true height channels, the clunky USB-only firmware update process, and the absence of modern wireless streaming options.
Everyday users love the cinematic impact-especially the punchy bass and clear speech-and appreciate the straightforward setup and sleek look. Common frustrations revolve around firmware update failures, the need to power the rear speakers, overly aggressive default bass, and missing smart-streaming features.
Professional reviewers praise the HT-A7000 for its crystal-clear dialogue, robust support for all major immersive audio formats, and the rarity of dual HDMI 2.1 inputs that future-proof a home-theater setup. They also commend its premium build and sophisticated room-calibration system. However, they note the upward-firing height drivers deliver only modest ceiling effects, the lack of an included center driver and subwoofer limits out-of-the-box performance, and the price point is steep relative to rivals.
Everyday users love the clarity of speech, the room-filling soundstage, and the hassle-free pairing with Sony TVs and PS5. Streaming via AirPlay 2, Chromecast and Spotify Connect is frequently highlighted as a convenience. Common complaints revolve around insufficient bass without buying an extra subwoofer, a tiny front LED display, and the extra cost of rear speakers and firmware-update steps for voice assistants.
Professional reviewers commend the HT-S400 for delivering cinema-like sound and strong bass at a budget-friendly price, highlighting its virtual surround technology and clear dialogue reproduction. However, they point out the lack of auxiliary inputs and the absence of premium surround formats as notable drawbacks for audiophiles.
Everyday users overwhelmingly praise the soundbar for its dialogue clarity, punchy bass, and straightforward HDMI ARC setup. Common complaints revolve around missing USB/AUX inputs, limited surround depth, and the subwoofer's size in tight spaces.
Professional reviewers laud the Theater Bar 9 as a top-tier, innovative soundbar that delivers cinema-grade immersion without the clutter of multiple speakers. Its 360 Spatial Sound Mapping, strong gaming capabilities, and tight Sony ecosystem integration earn high marks, though the need for additional paid accessories and the lack of auto-calibration keep the overall value proposition in question for budget-conscious buyers.
Everyday users praise the bar's immersive soundstage, clear dialogue, and straightforward app-driven setup, especially when paired with Sony TVs and consoles. Recurring complaints focus on the absence of a wireless subwoofer, the added expense of optional modules, and occasional app sluggishness.
Professional reviewers praise the HT-G700 for its sleek form factor, strong bass from the wireless subwoofer, and effective virtual Atmos/DTS:X processing, but criticize the lack of Wi-Fi and limited high-frequency detail.
Everyday users appreciate the powerful sound, dialogue clarity and easy installation, but note missing Wi-Fi/streaming features and occasional subwoofer standby issues.
Professional reviewers praise the HT-A5000 for its powerful, well-balanced sound, robust connectivity and sophisticated room-calibration, while noting limited EQ controls and the absence of a built-in subwoofer as drawbacks.
Everyday users commend the explosive, room-filling audio and seamless Sony TV integration, but mention occasional dialogue muddiness, the unit's large size, and the need for optional wireless subwoofers for deeper bass.
Professional reviewers praise the Theater Bar 6 for delivering full-range, detailed audio and impressive spatial imaging in a compact package, with strong dialogue clarity and solid bass for its size. However, they consistently note the wireless subwoofer is under-powered and can sound boomy, and they criticize the lack of HDMI passthrough, Wi-Fi/airplay support, and an auto-calibration feature.
Everyday users appreciate the easy, plug-and-play setup, sleek appearance, clear dialogue and the ability to stream music via Bluetooth. The most common complaints revolve around the subwoofer's weak low-end, the need to tweak its level for different content, and the absence of HDMI passthrough and modern wireless streaming options.
Professional reviewers praise the HT-SC40 for its immersive virtual surround, easy wireless subwoofer setup, and clear dialogue, noting solid performance for casual TV and music use despite lacking high-end features.
Everyday users appreciate the straightforward HDMI ARC installation, noticeable clarity and bass boost, but complain about limited low-end impact, lack of an app, and occasional Bluetooth pairing hiccups.
