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 HT-S400 review: 108 specs compared

Avg. price:~£200N. of audio channels:2.1Audio output power:?HDMI ARC type:eARC

Sony HT-S400 Review: Compare 108 technical specifications, 14 expert and video reviews and 3 best-of lists to see how this product ranks in the Soundbars category and whether it is worth buying.

Sony HT-S400
7.4/10

Overall score

Score
7.4/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 75% of models
Score components

35%

5.9

Technical score

30%

8.1

List score

25%

8.2

Reviews score

10%

8.2

Sentiment score

▲Better than 75% of soundbars
8.0

Value for money

Value for money
8.0/ 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 84% of models
Score components

70%

7.4

Overall score

30%

9.5

Price

▲Better than 84%
5.9

Technical score

Technical score
5.9/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 51% of models
Score components

25%

6.3

Audio

18%

5.0

Formats

16%

5.6

Connectivity

14%

6.8

Controls

12%

6.7

HDMI

10%

4.0

Streaming

5%

7.5

Design

▲Better than 51%
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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 57% of models

80%

8.1

Average grade

20%

8.7

Popularity

Grades by review (14)
14 videos, average 8.0/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
▲Better than 57%
8.1

List score

List score
8.1/ 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 (3)
List score: in 3 of 103 lists (3%)
▲Better than 84%
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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.

What reviewers say about the Sony HT-S400

Based on 0 · 14

Reviewers praise clear dialogue and a convincing surround effect, but criticise the limited connections, while overall sound and bass divide opinion.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the Sony HT-S400

Based on 78 owners sharing their experience in online comments

37%positive13%mixed50%negative

Owners praise the powerful bass and sound, but muddled dialogue and recurring reliability problems disappoint.

What owners dislike

  • Owners say voices sound muddy and get overpowered by bass in movies, with speech hard to make out.6
  • Owners say bass sounds boomy and drowns out voices in films, so some lower the bass setting to around -4 or 0.5
  • Some owners say the subwoofer stops pairing with the soundbar, shows a red light, or connects but gives no bass.5
  • Owners say night mode cuts bass and voice mode lowers it too, so some fix the balance with an equalizer.5
  • Owners say Bluetooth drops, switches input to Bluetooth during TV use, and a second paired device can cut the connection.4
  • Some owners call the sound average, comparing it to computer speakers, and say cheaper speakers at this price sound better.4
  • Owners say surround is weak, with no all-around sound like a 5.1 home theater.3
  • Owners say deep low bass is weak, and some have to push volume near max to get much bass out of it.3
  • Some owners say the volume climbs by itself, sometimes after Bluetooth disconnects.3
  • Owners report poor after-sales service from Sony and a retailer, plus expensive spare parts.3

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

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Soundbars model ranking

Ranked #66 of 324 models in Soundbars (Overall score)

Technical Specifications of soundbar Sony HT-S400

Technical score
Technical score
5.9/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 51% of models
Score components:

25%

6.3

Audio

18%

5.0

Formats

16%

5.6

Connectivity

14%

6.8

Controls

12%

6.7

HDMI

10%

4.0

Streaming

5%

7.5

Design

5.9
Reviews score
8.2
List score
8.1
Value for money
Value for money
8.0/ 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 84% of models
Score components:

70%

7.4

Overall score

30%

9.5

Price

8.0
N. of audio channels
2.1
This soundbar offers 2.1 audio channels, more than 42.2% of soundbars and equal to 27.6% of soundbars.
Audio output power
?
Max SPL
?
Min frequency
?
Max frequency
?
Show more
What reviewers say
Dolby Atmos
no
This soundbar does not support Dolby Atmos. 30.3% of soundbars include this feature.
DTS:X
no
This soundbar does not support DTS:X. 16.7% of soundbars include this feature.
Dolby TrueHD
no
This soundbar does not support Dolby TrueHD. 16.5% of soundbars include this feature.
DTS-HD Master Audio
no
This soundbar does not support DTS-HD Master Audio. 7.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Dolby Digital Plus
no
This soundbar does not support Dolby Digital Plus. 25.3% of soundbars include this feature.
Show more
What reviewers say
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
N/A
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This soundbar supports Bluetooth connectivity. 4.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Bluetooth version
?
Show more
What reviewers say
Smartphone app
no
This soundbar does not have smartphone app. 42.6% 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
What reviewers say
HDMI version
?
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
What reviewers say

Sony HT-S400 vs the average soundbar

246810TotalAudioFormatsConnectivityHDMIStreamingControlsDesign
  • Subwoofer included
    This soundbar has subwoofer included, the average soundbar does not.
  • 0.5 in inch larger subwoofer driver size
    This soundbar has a higher subwoofer driver size than the average soundbar (6.5 in vs 6 in). The average soundbar uses a subwoofer driver size of 6 in.
    6.5 in vs 6 in
  • 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
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▲ Better than 57% of models

    80%

    8.1

    Average grade

    20%

    8.7

    Popularity

    Grades by review (14)
    14 videos, average 8.0/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.2 vs 7.1
  • 11.0% higher list score
    List score
    8.1/ 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 (3)
    List score: in 3 of 103 lists (3%)
    8.1 vs 7.3
  • 5% better value for money
    Sony HT-S400 has better value for money than the average soundbar (7.99 vs 7.6).
    7.99 vs 7.6
  • 13.9% higher sentiment score
    8.2 vs 7.2
  • 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
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▲ Better than 57% of models

    80%

    8.1

    Average grade

    20%

    8.7

    Popularity

    Grades by review (14)
    14 videos, average 8.0/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.2 vs 7.1
  • 11.0% higher list score
    List score
    8.1/ 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 (3)
    List score: in 3 of 103 lists (3%)
    8.1 vs 7.3
  • 5% better value for money
    Sony HT-S400 has better value for money than the average soundbar (7.99 vs 7.6).
    7.99 vs 7.6
  • 13.9% higher sentiment score
    8.2 vs 7.2
  • Subwoofer included
    This soundbar has subwoofer included, the average soundbar does not.
  • 0.5 in inch larger subwoofer driver size
    This soundbar has a higher subwoofer driver size than the average soundbar (6.5 in vs 6 in). The average soundbar uses a subwoofer driver size of 6 in.
    6.5 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.
  • 81.8% more expensive
    Sony HT-S400 is more expensive than the average soundbar (£200 vs £110).
    £200 vs £110
  • 81.8% more expensive
    Sony HT-S400 is more expensive than the average soundbar (£200 vs £110).
    £200 vs £110
  • 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

7.0
Tech Report Hindi
≈ estimated
17/08/2026
Hands-on review · sound tests and buying advice
Verdict
Sony HT-S400 is decent for small rooms and upper-bass fans, but its lower bass is weak and it is not for movies.
7.0
Tech Report English
≈ estimated
15/08/2026
Hands-on review · sound, modes and use-case tests
Verdict
Sony HT-S400 is good for music thanks to its upper bass, but weak for movies and lower bass.
5.0
Tech Report Telugu
≈ estimated
12/08/2026
Hands-on review · sound modes, movies and music tests
Verdict
Sony HT-S400 is not the all-rounder; it suits upper-bass music lovers, otherwise look at alternatives.
9.0
Tricks Tips Fix
≈ estimated
30/04/2025
Hands-on review · setup, sound and feature tests
Verdict
Sony HT-S400 is highly recommended for its sound and value, though the touch panel and lack of an equalizer hold it back.
8.0
KINGSTONE CHURCHILL TECH
≈ estimated
26/03/2025
Hands-on review · volume, sound and movie tests
Verdict
Sony HT-S400 sounds good enough, and its wireless subwoofer and bar-mounted controls make it convenient.
7.0
Vineet Malhotra
≈ estimated
10/12/2022
Hands-on review · clarity, bass and comparison tests
Verdict
Sony HT-S400 suits bass lovers, but its weak clarity limits it to a narrow group of buyers.
9.0
HandyAndy Media
≈ estimated
04/05/2022
Hands-on review · setup, sound and Netflix tests
Verdict
Sony HT-S400 is a clear pick for mid-range buyers, with sound that feels far more expensive than it costs.
8.0
AHRK VLOGS
≈ estimated
11/09/2026
Unboxing and setup · Bluetooth pairing and music test
Verdict
Sony HT-S400 sounds good in small rooms and reasonable in larger ones, though the model looks dated.
9.0
Gear Nexis
≈ estimated
27/05/2026
Short review · movies, gaming, music and setup
Verdict
Sony HT-S400 offers an excellent balance of simplicity, bass and clear dialogue for upgrading from TV speakers.
9.0
Greg Toope
≈ estimated
14/01/2026
First use · garage setup and sound impressions
Verdict
Sony HT-S400 sounds great, and the price is good for a soundbar with a subwoofer.
9.0
Juan Pantoja
≈ estimated
05/05/2024
Short review · TV speaker comparison and bass demo
Verdict
Sony HT-S400 wins over owners, who recommend it for its sound quality and bass.
9.0
Product Lover!
≈ estimated
29/12/2022
Unboxing review · TV and Bluetooth playback
Verdict
Sony HT-S400 sounds really good for a Sony TV, and the reviewer is happy with it.
More graded video reviews (3)
creator’s own scoreestimated by us

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Sony HT-S400

  • eARC support passes sound from the TV over a single HDMI cable.
  • The 6.5 in subwoofer driver gives the bass real body.
  • Dialogue enhancement helps voices come through clearly.
  • Optical and Bluetooth inputs work with older TVs and phones.
  • Setup needs few cables, so it takes little time.
  • The remote and the control panel on the bar make everyday use easy.

What customers don't like about Sony HT-S400

  • There is no Dolby Atmos or DTS, so there is no true overhead sound.
  • There is no app, so the sound settings cannot be changed on a phone.
  • There are no HDMI inputs, so a console or streaming box has to plug into the TV.
  • The subwoofer is not included with the bar.
  • There are no rear speakers, so the sound stays mostly at the front.

Verdict

Support for eARC and a 6.5 in subwoofer driver make the Sony HT-S400 a sensible choice for a living room that wants more sound than a TV can give. It is a 2.1 system, and the sound has a wide, immersive feel that suits films and games. Dialogue enhancement helps voices stand out, and setup takes little time because one HDMI cable runs to the TV. Optical and Bluetooth inputs cover older TVs and phones as well. The trade-off is that it has no Dolby Atmos or DTS, and there is no app to adjust the sound. Reviewers found few real faults, though one projector needed a Bluetooth workaround to pair. It suits a buyer who watches a lot of films and wants clear, simple sound without fuss.

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