OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
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REVIEWS
Scored using Soundbars Methodology v2.0
Soundbars Methodology v2.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Soundbars Methodology v2.0: technical specifications plus grades from 1,310 independent expert reviews and 1,704 video reviews, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Soundbars Methodology v2.0

Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 8 Review | 109 Data compared

Avg. price:~£880N. of audio channels:5.0.2Audio output power:495 WHDMI ARC type:eARC

Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 8 Review: Compare 109 technical specifications and 11 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Soundbars category and whether it is worth buying.

Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 8
8.3/10

Overall score

Score
8.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the soundbar's quality, based on technical analyses and grades from independent expert reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best soundbars on the market.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 96% of models
Score components

95%

8.3

Technical score

5%

8.5

Reviews score ( 0 · 11)

Reviews score 5% · 8.5 · based on 11 independent reviews
Every model in this category gets the same split: reviews 5%, technical score 95%. This model has enough reviews, so its review score is the weighted average of their grades.
★Better than 96% of soundbars
7.6

Value for money

Value for money
7.6/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 90% of models
Score components

70%

8.3

Overall score

30%

5.9

Price

★Better than 90%
8.3

Technical score

Technical score
8.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the soundbar's technical performance, covering key areas such as audio quality, channel configuration, connectivity, HDMI and wireless features, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare soundbars based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 96% of models
Score components

25%

7.4

Audio

18%

8.8

Formats

16%

7.3

Connectivity

14%

9.8

Controls

12%

9.9

HDMI & Gaming

10%

8.3

Smart features

5%

5.3

Design

★Better than 96%
8.5

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.5/ 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.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 5% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 2 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 87% of models
Grades by review (11)
11 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 5%, the same for every model in this category.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
▲Better than 87%
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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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Technical Specifications of soundbar Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 8

Technical score
Technical score
8.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the soundbar's technical performance, covering key areas such as audio quality, channel configuration, connectivity, HDMI and wireless features, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare soundbars based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 96% of models
Score components:

25%

7.4

Audio

18%

8.8

Formats

16%

7.3

Connectivity

14%

9.8

Controls

12%

9.9

HDMI & Gaming

10%

8.3

Smart features

5%

5.3

Design

8.3
Reviews score
8.5
Value for money
Value for money
7.6/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 90% of models
Score components:

70%

8.3

Overall score

30%

5.9

Price

7.6
Brand name
Sony
N. of audio channels
5.2
This soundbar offers 5.2 audio channels, more than 91.5% of soundbars and equal to 1.1% of soundbars.
Audio output power
495 W
Market range: <10 W – >260 W
This soundbar delivers 495 W of audio output power, more than 97.1% of soundbars.
Max SPL
?
Min frequency
60 Hz
Market range: <20 Hz – >120 Hz
This soundbar reaches a minimum frequency of 60 Hz, higher than 66.9% of soundbars and equal to 4.7% of soundbars.
Show more
Dolby Atmos
yes
This soundbar supports Dolby Atmos. 79.8% of soundbars include this feature.
DTS:X
yes
This soundbar supports DTS:X. 89.9% of soundbars include this feature.
Dolby TrueHD
yes
This soundbar supports Dolby TrueHD. 83% of soundbars include this feature.
DTS-HD Master Audio
yes
This soundbar supports DTS-HD Master Audio. 90.4% of soundbars include this feature.
Dolby Digital Plus
yes
This soundbar supports Dolby Digital Plus. 75.5% of soundbars include this feature.
Show more
N. of HDMI inputs
1
Market range: <0 – >5
This soundbar has 1 HDMI inputs, more than 68.1% of soundbars and equal to 27.1% of soundbars.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This soundbar supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 68.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 5
This soundbar uses Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 5, which is newer than that of 78.7% of soundbars and the same as that of 18.1% of soundbars.
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This soundbar supports Bluetooth connectivity. 3.7% of soundbars include this feature.
Bluetooth version
5
This soundbar uses Bluetooth 5, which is newer than that of 38.9% of soundbars and the same as that of 47.6% of soundbars.
Show more
Smartphone app
yes
This soundbar has smartphone app. 65.4% of soundbars offer this feature.
Remote control
yes
This soundbar has remote control. 26.6% of soundbars offer this feature.
Control panel
yes
This soundbar has control panel. 9.6% of soundbars offer this feature.
Voice assistant compatibility
yes
This soundbar supports voice assistant compatibility. 69.2% of soundbars include this feature.
Far-field microphones
no
This soundbar does not have far-field microphones. 12.2% of soundbars offer this feature.
Show more
HDMI version
2.1
This soundbar uses HDMI 2.1, which is newer than that of 91.5% of soundbars and the same as that of 8.5% of soundbars.
HDMI ARC type
eARC
This soundbar has eARC as its HDMI TV-audio return type, which is more advanced than what 78.7% of soundbars and the same as what 21.3% offers.
HDMI-CEC support
yes
This soundbar supports HDMI-CEC. 37.4% support HDMI-CEC.
HDMI pass-through resolution
8K
This soundbar supports HDMI pass-through up to 8K, which is higher than that of 97.9% of soundbars and the same as that of 2.2% of soundbars.
Also supports 4K/120 pass-through.
HDMI pass-through frame rate
120 fps
This soundbar supports HDMI pass-through up to 120 fps, higher than 97.3% of soundbars and equal to 2.7% of soundbars.
Also supports 8K/60 pass-through.
Show more
AirPlay
yes
This soundbar supports AirPlay. 80.3% of soundbars include this feature.
Chromecast built-in
yes
This soundbar supports Chromecast built-in. 88.2% of soundbars include this feature.
Spotify Connect
yes
This soundbar supports Spotify Connect. 77.1% of soundbars include this feature.
TIDAL Connect
no
This soundbar does not support TIDAL Connect. 9.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Amazon Music native support
yes
This soundbar supports native Amazon Music. 79.3% support native Amazon Music.
Available via Sony Music Center / BRAVIA Connect.
Show more
Width
1,100 mm
Market range: <350 mm – >1.1k mm
This soundbar is 1,100 mm wide, wider than 91.5% of soundbars and equal to 0.5% of soundbars.
Height
64 mm
Market range: <50 mm – >100 mm
This soundbar is 64 mm high, shorter than 59.4% of soundbars and equal to 7% of soundbars.
Thickness
113 mm
Market range: <60 mm – >135 mm
This soundbar is 113 mm thick, thicker than 79.1% of soundbars and equal to 1.6% of soundbars.
Weight
4,700 g
Market range: <500 g – >5.5k g
This soundbar weighs 4,700 g, more than 88.3% of soundbars.
Build material
plastic
This soundbar uses plastic for the build material, which is different from that of 4.8% of soundbars and the same as that of 89.4% of soundbars.
Fabric-wrapped exterior.
Show more

Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 8 vs the average soundbar

246810TotalAudioFormatsConnectivityHDMI & GamingSmart featuresControlsDesign
  • More audio channels
    This soundbar has more audio channels than the average soundbar (5.2 vs 2). The average soundbar has 2.0 audio channels.
    5.0.2 vs 2.0
  • 1 more HDMI inputs
    This soundbar has more HDMI inputs than the average soundbar (1 vs 0). The average soundbar has 0 HDMI inputs.
    1 vs 0
  • 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 DTS-HD Master Audio
    This soundbar supports DTS-HD Master Audio, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports Dolby TrueHD
    This soundbar supports Dolby TrueHD, the average soundbar does not.
  • Wi-Fi connectivity
    This soundbar supports Wi-Fi connectivity, the average soundbar does not.
  • 12.2% better value for money
    Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 8 has better value for money than the average soundbar (7.57 vs 6.7).
    7.57 vs 6.75
  • More audio channels
    This soundbar has more audio channels than the average soundbar (5.2 vs 2). The average soundbar has 2.0 audio channels.
    5.0.2 vs 2.0
  • Dedicated center channel
    This soundbar has center channel driver, the average soundbar does not.
  • 7 more drivers
    This soundbar has more drivers than the average soundbar (11 vs 4). The average soundbar has 4 drivers.
    11 vs 4
  • Supports upfiring speakers
    This soundbar supports upfiring speakers, the average soundbar does not.
  • 7.07x more audio output power
    This soundbar has a higher audio output power than the average soundbar (495 W vs 70 W). The average soundbar delivers 70 W of audio output power.
    495 W vs 70 W
  • Supports wireless rear speakers
    This soundbar is compatible with wireless rear speakers, the average soundbar is not.
  • Bass boost
    This soundbar supports bass boost, the average soundbar does not.
  • 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 DTS-HD Master Audio
    This soundbar supports DTS-HD Master Audio, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports Dolby TrueHD
    This soundbar supports Dolby TrueHD, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports Dolby Digital Plus
    This soundbar supports Dolby Digital Plus, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports IMAX Enhanced
    This soundbar supports IMAX Enhanced, the average soundbar does not.
    Requires optional surrounds and subwoofer.
  • Broader music format support
    This soundbar supports more music formats than the average soundbar (AAC, ALAC, DSD, FLAC, MP3, WAV, WMA vs MP3).
    AAC, ALAC, DSD, FLAC, MP3, WAV, WMA vs MP3
  • 5 more supported audio formats
    This soundbar supports more audio formats than the average soundbar (7 vs 2). The average soundbar supports 2 audio formats.
    7 vs 2
  • AAC support
    This soundbar supports AAC, the average soundbar does not.
  • 1 more HDMI inputs
    This soundbar has more HDMI inputs than the average soundbar (1 vs 0). The average soundbar has 0 HDMI inputs.
    1 vs 0
  • Wi-Fi connectivity
    This soundbar supports Wi-Fi connectivity, the average soundbar does not.
  • Higher HDMI pass-through frame rate
    This soundbar has a higher HDMI pass-through frame rate than the average soundbar (120 fps vs none fps). The average soundbar supports an HDMI pass-through frame rate of none fps.
    Also supports 8K/60 pass-through.
    120 fps vs none fps
  • Higher pass-through resolution
    This soundbar supports 8K for HDMI pass-through resolution, while the average soundbar supports none.
    Also supports 4K/120 pass-through.
    8K vs none
  • Supports ALLM
    This soundbar supports auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), the average soundbar does not.
    Via HDMI 2.1 input.
  • Supports HDR pass-through
    This soundbar supports hDR pass-through support, the average soundbar does not.
    HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision pass-through.
  • Supports VRR
    This soundbar supports variable Refresh Rate (VRR), the average soundbar does not.
    Via HDMI 2.1 input.
  • Newer HDCP version
    This soundbar uses 2.3 for HDCP version, while the average soundbar uses none.
    2.3 vs none
  • Built-in Chromecast
    This soundbar supports Chromecast built-in, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports AirPlay
    This soundbar supports AirPlay, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports Spotify Connect
    This soundbar supports Spotify Connect, the average soundbar does not.
  • Multiroom ecosystem support
    This soundbar supports multiroom ecosystem support, the average soundbar does not.
    AirPlay 2 multi-room support. Chromecast built-in multi-room support.
  • Native Amazon Music support
    This soundbar supports native Amazon Music, the average soundbar does not.
    Available via Sony Music Center / BRAVIA Connect.
  • Automatic room calibration
    This soundbar supports automatic room calibration, the average soundbar does not.
  • Companion smartphone app
    This soundbar supports smartphone app, the average soundbar does not.
  • App EQ customization
    This soundbar supports eQ customization (app), the average soundbar does not.
  • Auto volume leveling
    This soundbar supports auto volume leveling, the average soundbar does not.
    Auto Volume Leveller.
  • Supports voice assistants
    This soundbar supports voice assistant compatibility, the average soundbar does not.
  • Manual audio delay adjustment
    This soundbar supports manual audio delay adjustment, the average soundbar does not.
  • Night mode
    This soundbar supports night mode, the average soundbar does not.
  • Easier firmware updates
    This soundbar uses over-the-air, USB for firmware update method, while the average soundbar uses app-based, USB.
    over-the-air, USB vs app-based, USB
  • 3 years newer release
    This soundbar is newer than the average soundbar (2024 vs 2021). The average soundbar was released in 2021.
    July 24, 2024
    2,024 vs 2,021
  • No optical audio input
    This soundbar does not have optical audio input, the average soundbar does.
    no (The soundbar is designed around HDMI connectivity and lacks an optical port)
  • No USB audio input
    This soundbar does not have USB audio input, the average soundbar does.
    No (USB port is only for service and software updates)
  • No AUX input
    This soundbar does not have AUX input, the average soundbar does.
    3.5 mm port is S-Center Out only, not AUX input.
  • 338 mm wider width
    This soundbar is wider than the average soundbar (1,100 mm vs 762 mm). The average soundbar is 762 mm wide.
    1,100 mm vs 762 mm
  • Narrower bass adjustment range
    This soundbar has a lower bass adjustment range than the average soundbar (1 to 10 dB vs -100 to 100 dB). The average soundbar offers a bass adjustment range of -100 to 100 dB.
    1 to 10 dB vs -100 to 100 dB
  • No USB playback support
    This soundbar does not support USB playback support, the average soundbar does.
    No (USB-A port for firmware updates only)
  • 2,700 g heavier weight
    This soundbar is heavier than the average soundbar (4,700 g vs 2000 g). The average soundbar weighs 2000 g.
    4,700 g vs 2,000 g
  • 1 fewer sound modes
    This soundbar offers fewer sound modes than the average soundbar (3 vs 4). The average soundbar offers 4 sound modes.
    3 vs 4
  • 9.26x more expensive
    Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 8 is more expensive than the average soundbar (£880 vs £95).
    £880 vs £95
  • Narrower bass adjustment range
    This soundbar has a lower bass adjustment range than the average soundbar (1 to 10 dB vs -100 to 100 dB). The average soundbar offers a bass adjustment range of -100 to 100 dB.
    1 to 10 dB vs -100 to 100 dB
  • 1 fewer sound modes
    This soundbar offers fewer sound modes than the average soundbar (3 vs 4). The average soundbar offers 4 sound modes.
    3 vs 4
  • 8 Hz higher min frequency
    This soundbar has a higher minimum frequency than the average soundbar (60 Hz vs 52 Hz). The average soundbar has a minimum frequency of 52 Hz.
    60 Hz vs 52 Hz
  • No optical audio input
    This soundbar does not have optical audio input, the average soundbar does.
    no (The soundbar is designed around HDMI connectivity and lacks an optical port)
  • No USB audio input
    This soundbar does not have USB audio input, the average soundbar does.
    No (USB port is only for service and software updates)
  • No AUX input
    This soundbar does not have AUX input, the average soundbar does.
    3.5 mm port is S-Center Out only, not AUX input.
  • No USB playback support
    This soundbar does not support USB playback support, the average soundbar does.
    No (USB-A port for firmware updates only)
  • 338 mm wider width
    This soundbar is wider than the average soundbar (1,100 mm vs 762 mm). The average soundbar is 762 mm wide.
    1,100 mm vs 762 mm
  • 2,700 g heavier weight
    This soundbar is heavier than the average soundbar (4,700 g vs 2000 g). The average soundbar weighs 2000 g.
    4,700 g vs 2,000 g
  • 27 mm thicker design
    This soundbar is thicker than the average soundbar (113 mm vs 86 mm). The average soundbar is 86 mm thick.
    113 mm vs 86 mm

Video reviews

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

9.0
Andrew Bond Tech
≈ estimated
23/04/2026
Setup and review · sound tests with subwoofer and rear speakers
Verdict
Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 8 is a strong single-bar option that gets much better with the optional subwoofer and rear speakers.
9.5
Josh Quiñonez
≈ estimated
03/01/2026
Hands-on review · sound with subwoofer and rear speakers
Verdict
Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 8 is an excellent soundbar, and the add-ons turn it into a real theatre-style setup.
9.5
Living Speaker
✓ explicit
08/03/2025
Review · features, sound, connectivity and price
Verdict
Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 8 offers excellent immersive sound and a premium build, though it is expensive and large for smaller setups.
8.0
I am vinnez
≈ estimated
30/12/2024
Hands-on review · app setup and sound demo
Verdict
Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 8 pleased the reviewer with its sound, which is worth buyers' attention.
8.5
Geekyranjit
✓ explicit
07/11/2024
Hands-on review · two room setups with add-ons
Verdict
Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 8 is a very good soundbar for small to medium rooms, and app room calibration makes a noticeable difference.
8.0
Chris Stead
≈ estimated
06/11/2024
Full review · sound, HDMI and gaming tests
Verdict
Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 8 is good for Sony owners, but it needs the optional subwoofer and drops gaming features over HDMI.
7.0
TechTrick Review
≈ estimated
02/11/2024
Review · sound tests and value opinion
Verdict
Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 8 sounds very good, but it is priced high for what it delivers, so a higher model may be the better choice.
8.0
GYMCADDY
≈ estimated
28/08/2024
Hands-on review · design, ports, app and sound tests
Verdict
Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 8 is slimmer and more open than its predecessor, with clearer vocals, but it is quieter and has less bass.
9.0
Me in England
≈ estimated
24/01/2025
Hands-on sound test · with subwoofer and rear speakers
Verdict
Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 8 brings a theatre-like experience to Dolby Atmos movies, with a premium build.
Overview video
Hands-on video, no verdict
Not graded

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 8

  • Excellent dialogue clarity and vocal performance via a dedicated centre channel.
  • Sleek, low-profile design that fits under most TVs without blocking the screen.
  • Comprehensive audio format support including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
  • Gaming-friendly features such as 4K/120Hz passthrough and VRR support.
  • Quick and straightforward initial setup process, often taking under five minutes.
  • User-friendly Bravia Connect app for advanced settings and room calibration.

What customers don't like about Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 8

  • Underwhelming bass performance as a standalone unit; often requires a separate subwoofer for full impact.
  • Lack of an informative LED display on the bar itself, relying on cryptic LED dots.
  • Music performance can feel 'clinical' or lack depth compared to competitors like the Sonos Arc.
  • Limited built-in EQ adjustment options, primarily restricted to basic bass levels.
  • The fabric mesh outer shell can be a 'dust magnet' and is difficult to clean.
  • Soundstage width and height are occasionally noted as being less immersive than top-tier rivals.

Verdict

The Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 8 is a premium 5.0.2 channel standalone soundbar featuring 11 high-performance speaker units, including four X-Balanced woofers, two up-firing drivers for height, and two side-firing speakers for a wider soundstage. It supports advanced audio formats like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and IMAX Enhanced, utilizing 360 Spatial Sound Mapping to create 'phantom speakers' for an immersive home cinema experience. Key pros include its slim 6.4cm height that fits under most TVs, HDMI 2.1 passthrough with 4K/120Hz and VRR support for gaming, and seamless integration with BRAVIA TVs through Acoustic Centre Sync and Voice Zoom 3. However, some cons include its reliance on a smartphone app due to the lack of a built-in display, a tendency for bass to feel underpowered without an optional external subwoofer, and a fabric mesh cover that can be difficult to clean.

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