OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Soundbars Methodology v3.0
Soundbars Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Soundbars Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Soundbars Methodology v3.0

Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 5 review: 108 specs compared

Avg. price:~£?N. of audio channels:3.1Audio output power:?HDMI ARC type:eARC

Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 5 Review: Compare 108 technical specifications and 4 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Soundbars category and whether it is worth buying.

Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 5
7.3/10

Overall score

Score
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 75% of models
Score components

35%

6.7

Technical score

30%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

25%

8.2

Reviews score

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 6.8, the mark of a weaker model in this category

â–²Better than 75% of soundbars
?

Value for money

Value for money
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the soundbar's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a soundbar with a good balance between audio quality, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

7.3

Overall score

30%

?

Price

Price not known yet
6.7

Technical score

Technical score
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 74% of models
Score components

25%

6.3

Audio

18%

8.2

Formats

16%

5.8

Connectivity

14%

8.1

Controls

12%

6.7

HDMI

10%

4.0

Streaming

5%

7.5

Design

â–²Better than 74%
8.2

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.6 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 57% of models

80%

8.3

Average grade

20%

7.6

Popularity

Grades by review (4)
4 videos, average 8.5/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–²Better than 57%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Soundbars model ranking

Ranked #68 of 324 models in Soundbars (Overall score)

Technical Specifications of soundbar Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 5

Technical score
Technical score
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 74% of models
Score components:

25%

6.3

Audio

18%

8.2

Formats

16%

5.8

Connectivity

14%

8.1

Controls

12%

6.7

HDMI

10%

4.0

Streaming

5%

7.5

Design

6.7
Reviews score
8.2
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the soundbar's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a soundbar with a good balance between audio quality, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 89% of models
Score components:

70%

7.3

Overall score

30%

?

Price

8.1
N. of audio channels
3.1
This soundbar offers 3.1 audio channels, more than 74.4% of soundbars and equal to 5.5% of soundbars.
Audio output power
?
Max SPL
?
Min frequency
?
Max frequency
?
Show more
Dolby Atmos
yes
This soundbar supports Dolby Atmos. 70% of soundbars include this feature.
DTS:X
yes
This soundbar supports DTS:X. 83.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Dolby TrueHD
yes
This soundbar supports Dolby TrueHD. 83.9% of soundbars include this feature.
DTS-HD Master Audio
?
Dolby Digital Plus
?
Show more
N. of HDMI inputs
0
Market range: <0 – >5
This soundbar has 0 HDMI inputs, fewer than 41.5% of soundbars and equal to 58.5% of soundbars.
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
This soundbar does not support Wi-Fi connectivity. 28.8% of soundbars include this feature.
Wi-Fi version
?
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This soundbar supports Bluetooth connectivity. 4.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Bluetooth version
?
Show more
Smartphone app
yes
This soundbar has smartphone app. 57.7% of soundbars offer this feature.
Remote control
yes
This soundbar has remote control. 17.5% of soundbars offer this feature.
Control panel
yes
This soundbar has control panel. 5.5% of soundbars offer this feature.
Voice assistant compatibility
no
This soundbar does not support voice assistant compatibility. 36.8% of soundbars include this feature.
Far-field microphones
no
This soundbar does not have far-field microphones. 7.1% of soundbars offer this feature.
Show more
HDMI version
2
This soundbar has HDMI 2, which is more capable than 57.2% of soundbars and equal to 14% of soundbars.
HDMI ARC type
eARC
This soundbar has eARC as its HDMI TV-audio return type, which is more advanced than what 71.5% of soundbars and the same as what 28.5% offers.
HDMI-CEC support
yes
This soundbar supports HDMI-CEC. 29.2% support HDMI-CEC.
HDMI pass-through resolution
none
This soundbar passes through none, which is lower resolution than 27.2% of soundbars and equal to 72.8% of soundbars.
HDMI pass-through frame rate
none fps
This soundbar supports HDMI pass-through up to none fps, lower than 21.4% of soundbars and equal to 78.6% of soundbars.
Show more
AirPlay
no
This soundbar does not support AirPlay. 19.9% of soundbars include this feature.
Chromecast built-in
no
This soundbar does not support Chromecast built-in. 11.4% of soundbars include this feature.
Spotify Connect
no
This soundbar does not support Spotify Connect. 20.8% of soundbars include this feature.
TIDAL Connect
no
This soundbar does not support TIDAL Connect. 9.2% of soundbars include this feature.
Amazon Music native support
no
This soundbar does not support native Amazon Music. 13% support native Amazon Music.
Show more
Width
?
Height
?
Thickness
?
Weight
?
Build material
plastic
This soundbar is built from plastic, which is more premium than 3% of soundbars and equal to 92.6% of soundbars.
Show more

Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 5 vs the average soundbar

246810TotalAudioFormatsConnectivityHDMIStreamingControlsDesign
  • Supports Dolby Atmos
    This soundbar supports Dolby Atmos, the average soundbar does not.
  • Dedicated center channel
    This soundbar has center channel driver, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports DTS:X
    This soundbar supports DTS:X, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports Dolby TrueHD
    This soundbar supports Dolby TrueHD, the average soundbar does not.
  • Subwoofer included
    This soundbar has subwoofer included, the average soundbar does not.
  • Companion smartphone app
    This soundbar supports smartphone app, the average soundbar does not.
  • More audio channels
    This soundbar has more audio channels than the average soundbar (3.1 vs 2.1). The average soundbar has 2.1 audio channels.
    3.1 vs 2.1
  • Newer HDCP support
    This soundbar has a more recent HDCP version than the average soundbar (2.3 vs none).
    2.3 vs none
  • 15.5% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.2/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.6 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–² Better than 57% of models

    80%

    8.3

    Average grade

    20%

    7.6

    Popularity

    Grades by review (4)
    4 videos, average 8.5/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.2 vs 7.1
  • 6.7% better value for money
    Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 5 has better value for money than the average soundbar (8.12 vs 7.6).
    8.12 vs 7.61
  • Dedicated center channel
    This soundbar has center channel driver, the average soundbar does not.
  • Subwoofer included
    This soundbar has subwoofer included, the average soundbar does not.
  • More audio channels
    This soundbar has more audio channels than the average soundbar (3.1 vs 2.1). The average soundbar has 2.1 audio channels.
    3.1 vs 2.1
  • Supports Dolby Atmos
    This soundbar supports Dolby Atmos, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports DTS:X
    This soundbar supports DTS:X, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports Dolby TrueHD
    This soundbar supports Dolby TrueHD, the average soundbar does not.
  • Newer HDCP support
    This soundbar has a more recent HDCP version than the average soundbar (2.3 vs none).
    2.3 vs none
  • Companion smartphone app
    This soundbar supports smartphone app, the average soundbar does not.
  • 1 in inch smaller subwoofer driver size
    This soundbar has a lower subwoofer driver size than the average soundbar (5 in vs 6 in). The average soundbar uses a subwoofer driver size of 6 in.
    5 in vs 6 in
  • No AUX input
    This soundbar does not have AUX input, the average soundbar does.
  • No USB playback support
    This soundbar does not support USB playback support, the average soundbar does.
  • 1 in inch smaller subwoofer driver size
    This soundbar has a lower subwoofer driver size than the average soundbar (5 in vs 6 in). The average soundbar uses a subwoofer driver size of 6 in.
    5 in vs 6 in
  • No AUX input
    This soundbar does not have AUX input, the average soundbar does.
  • No USB playback support
    This soundbar does not support USB playback support, the average soundbar does.

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
New Stuff TV
≈ estimated
17/04/2026
Hands-on review · settings tweaks and movie sound test
Verdict
Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 5 needs some setting tweaks for bass, but once set up it is a big upgrade over TV speakers.
8.0
Shane Lee
≈ estimated
28/03/2026
Hands-on review · small room setup and sound tests
Verdict
Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 5 is a simple upgrade for small rooms that adds more impact to TV sound, though larger rooms need bigger Sony models.
9.0
Ambika8964
≈ estimated
06/09/2026
Unboxing and setup · sound check with song and trailer
Verdict
Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 5 delivers punchy bass and clear sound, making it a very good choice in its range.
8.0
Tech Steve
≈ estimated
06/06/2026
Setup and feature walkthrough · TV menu controls
Verdict
Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 5 is a solid upgrade over TV speakers, especially with a Sony TV and its on-screen controls.
Not graded
Shop video
Brand video
Overview video
Overview video
Overview video
Overview video
Not graded

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 5

  • A subwoofer is included, so the bass comes in the box.
  • It supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Dolby TrueHD.
  • The three front speakers give a wide sound across the screen.
  • Voice Zoom and dialogue enhancement keep speech clear.
  • Bluetooth lets you stream music from a phone.
  • Setup is quick with the app and one HDMI cable.

What customers don't like about Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 5

  • Bass can sound weak until the settings guide is run.
  • The Atmos effect is virtual, not true overhead sound.
  • There is no front display to show settings or the active mode.
  • Larger rooms need a bigger Sony model.
  • There is no Wi-Fi, Chromecast or AirPlay.

Verdict

Clear dialogue and a wide front sound are the main reasons to pick the Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 5. Voice Zoom keeps speech clear. The included subwoofer gives punchy bass for a small room, though reviewers found it less articulate than they hoped. Out of the box the bass can sound weak, so run the settings guide for distance and volume first. Its Atmos effect is virtual, which means it lacks the true overhead sound of real height speakers. There is no front display, so settings are checked in the app or on the TV screen. Only one HDMI cable is needed, which keeps the setup simple. It suits a small or medium room and a buyer who wants a clean upgrade to TV sound, not a system that grows later.

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