Best Sony Soundbars of 2024

The first one on our list is the Sony HT-S400. The HT-S400 2.1-channel soundbar offers a compelling audio solution that combines simplicity with performance. With a focus on ease of setup and use, this soundbar system caters to users looking for a hassle-free experience. Boasting a rated sound output of 330 Watts and a wireless subwoofer, the HT-S400 aims to deliver a powerful audio experience.

Design-wise, the HT-S400 features a sleek and discreet look, with a well-textured body and a front grille that adds to its aesthetic appeal. The two-driver soundbar, along with the wireless subwoofer, makes it a versatile choice for users seeking enhanced audio quality. The inclusion of HDMI ARC, Optical, and Bluetooth connectivity options ensures versatility in connecting to various devices.

Setting up the Sony HT-S400 is a straightforward process, with wireless connectivity between the bar speaker and subwoofer eliminating the need for cumbersome wires. The small remote, powered by two triple-A batteries, provides convenient control over essential functions, including power, volume, and source selection.

In terms of performance, the Sony HT-S400 shines with its loud and balanced sound. The 2.1-channel setup may lack support for advanced audio formats, but it delivers clean and spacious sound.

One notable feature is the soundbar’s ability to reach impressive volume levels, providing a wide and immersive audio experience. The inclusion of Sony’s ‘S-Force Pro Front Surround’ aims to simulate a surround sound effect, although the effectiveness of this feature may vary.

To conclude, the Sony HT-S400 earns acclaim for its excellent sound quality, well-designed structure, and user-friendly interface. In essence, the HT-S400 is ideal for individuals in search of a dependable and efficient soundbar system that doesn’t compromise performance.

The second one on our list is the Sony HT-S2000. The Sony HT-S2000, a 3.1-channel soundbar, offers a compelling audio experience with a few notable strengths and limitations. The Dolby Atmos imaging is surprisingly good, making it a notable feature for a 3.1-channel design.

The HT-S2000’s design is sleek and unassuming, with a black rectangular build featuring a matte black metal grille. The included remote is user-friendly, offering convenient control with its flat rubber buttons.

One of the soundbar’s highlights is its sculpted audio signature, which adds excitement to action-packed movies and maintains clear dialogue. The spatial sound field, although lacking height channels, impressively immerses the listener.

The soundbar’s connectivity options include HDMI, optical audio input, a USB service port, and Bluetooth 5.2 for added versatility. The Home Entertainment Connect app for Android and iOS allows users to control the soundbar, pair it with additional components, and perform firmware updates.  

In terms of audio performance, the HT-S2000 excels in generating a sculpted sound signature that leans towards the highs, enhancing the excitement in action-filled content. The sound field is commendably large, providing an immersive experience, particularly in scenes with Dolby Atmos directionality.

However, the HT-S2000 does have some drawbacks. The absence of a subwoofer results in a weak low-end, especially when handling deep sub-bass frequencies. While the built-in subwoofer attempts to deliver impactful bass, it falls short of providing a truly palpable thump. 

In short, Despite its limitations, such as the weak low-end and the need for a separate subwoofer for a more robust bass experience, the Sony HT-S2000 stands out as a powerful 3.1-channel soundbar with notable audio clarity and spatial imaging. 

The third one on our list is the Sony HT-A5000. The HT-A5000 is a commendable Dolby Atmos soundbar that may not reach the heights of its flagship counterpart but still delivers robust audio performance. With 5.1.2 channels of Dolby Atmos/DTS:X sound, it stands out in the mid-range market.

In terms of design, the HT-A5000 features a black metal mesh grille covering two upward drivers and a uniform black matte plastic body. It boasts a well-balanced array of speakers, including up-firing speakers, front-facing woofers, and side-firing beam tweeters, all designed with Sony’s X-balanced technology, contributing to a total power output of 450 watts.

Connectivity is a strong suit, offering options like Bluetooth 5.0, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and Spotify Connect. It also supports voice control through Google Assistant and Alexa, along with integration with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Home for multi-room setups.

One notable feature is the on-screen set-up menu, providing access to Sony’s Sound Field Optimization, although there’s a drawback in the lack of consistent functional control across the remote, app, and on-screen interfaces.

Equipped with Sony’s Virtual Surround Engine and S-Force Pro Front Surround technologies, the soundbar aims to deliver an immersive listening experience. The Sound Field Optimization technology optimizes audio reproduction based on the unique acoustics of your room, accessible directly from your TV. The sound profile is described as neutral with a slight U-shape, suitable for various audio content.

Sound-wise, the HT-A5000 impresses with a powerful and broad soundstage, delivering substantial low-end and detailed audio. However, the voices exhibit a slight boxiness, affecting the overall vocal performance. 

In conclusion, the Sony HT-A5000 is a compelling choice for those seeking a mid-range Dolby Atmos soundbar with excellent connectivity and a powerful audio presence.

The fourth one on our list is the Sony HT-A3000. The Sony HT-A3000 is a 3.1 soundbar system positioned as a more budget-friendly option within Sony’s lineup.

In terms of build quality, the HT-A3000 is well-constructed, with a textured plastic build and a metal grille covering the front. The soundbar’s design is straightforward, lacking up-firing drivers but featuring sound ports on each side. Its 3.1 setup includes a discrete center channel, enhancing dialogue clarity in audio content, and making it suitable for stereo content, music, and TV shows. 

Equipped with Sony’s Virtual Surround Engine and S-Force Pro Front Surround technologies, the HT-A3000 aims to deliver an immersive listening experience. Notably, if you own a compatible BraviaTV, the Acoustic Center Sync feature allows the soundbar’s speakers to function as an additional center channel, further enhancing the audio experience.

In terms of sound quality, the A3000 impresses with clear and intelligible dialogues, even without dedicated tweeters. The built-in dual subwoofers provide decent low-end bass, though not overpowering. The virtual Dolby Atmos is commendable, creating a convincing 3D immersion for content.

For music playback, the A3000 delivers a balanced sound across various genres, with excellent clarity in higher frequencies. However, there’s a slight gap in the midrange, leading to a colder overall sound. The soundbar supports high-quality pathways like AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and Dolby Atmos Music.

One notable drawback is the almost complete lack of EQ settings, limiting customization options for audio enthusiasts. Additionally, the A3000’s expansion capabilities, while versatile, may present challenges in achieving optimal angles for rear speakers in certain room setups.

To conclude, With a focus on clarity and balanced sound, it provides a satisfying audio enhancement for users seeking an affordable Dolby Atmos soundbar.

The fifth one on our list is the Sony HTX8500. The Sony HT-X8500 Soundbar delivers a compelling audio experience that exceeds expectations, making it a standout choice in the mid-range soundbar category. 

Its compact design, with a built-in subwoofer and slim profile, ensures it seamlessly integrates into any home entertainment setup, especially suited for TVs ranging from 49 to 55 inches.

The soundbar’s aesthetics are understated yet stylish, featuring a front-facing array protected by a rolled grille and touch-sensitive buttons for easy control. Despite its simplicity, the Sony HT-X8500 boasts advanced technology, supporting Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for an immersive audio experience. The absence of dedicated up-firing drivers is compensated by Sony’s innovative Vertical Sound Engine, creating a wide soundstage with wraparound sound processing.

The performance of the Sony HT-X8500 is truly cinematic, delivering convincing audio with a clear sense of expanded height and width. The internal subwoofer, though modest in size, packs a punch with a bass response down to 50 Hertz. 

On the positive side, the soundbar boasts EQ presets and a bass adjustment feature, allowing users to customize the audio to their preferences.

While lacking some features found in higher-end models, such as smart Wi-Fi connectivity and on-screen menus, the Sony HT-X8500 excels in simplicity, ease of use, and overall audio quality. The stripped-back feature set contributes to its affordability without compromising on performance.

In conclusion, the Sony HT-X8500 Soundbar offers tremendous value for users seeking an upgraded audio experience for their TVs without breaking the bank. Its impressive sound performance, compact design, and competitive pricing make it a top choice.

The last one on our list is the Sony HT-A7000. The Sony HT-A7000 is an impressive flagship soundbar that delivers outstanding performance across various audio formats. Boasting support for Dolby Atmos and 360 Reality Audio, it stands out as a versatile option for enhancing your TV, music, and gaming experiences. 

The soundbar’s design is both elegant and practical, featuring a low-profile build with 11 hidden speaker drivers behind mesh grilles. With a width of almost 51 inches, it complements larger TVs, providing a sleek and immersive setup. The build quality is top-notch, reflecting Sony’s commitment to precision and premium materials.

Connectivity is robust, offering two HDMI 2.1 ports, digital optical, analog audio jack, USB-A, and Ethernet. Wireless options include AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, Chromecast, and Spotify Connect. The configuration is impressive, featuring 11 drivers, including beam tweeters, midrange drivers, and upward-firing units for Dolby Atmos and DTS: X. 

The sound quality is where the Sony HT-A7000 truly shines. It delivers an impressively wide soundstage, clear dialog, and immersive surround performance. The upward-firing speakers and Vertical Surround Engine contribute to a cinematic experience, even with standard content. The integrated subwoofer drivers, though relatively small, effectively provide weight to voices, action effects, and soundtracks.

Control options include touch-capacitive buttons on the soundbar, an LED screen, a remote control, and compatibility with TV remotes. The soundbar supports voice control through Alexa and Google Assistant. Additionally, the setup process is straightforward, with onscreen menus for customization.

In conclusion, the Sony HT-A7000 is a standout soundbar with a premium design, excellent connectivity, and impressive sound quality. its overall performance and features make it a compelling option in the market.