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-S40R review: 108 specs compared

Avg. price:~£180N. of audio channels:5.1Audio output power:?HDMI ARC type:ARC

Sony HT-S40R Review: Compare 108 technical specifications, 16 expert and video reviews and 12 best-of lists to see how this product ranks in the Soundbars category and whether it is worth buying.

Sony HT-S40R
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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 74% of models
Score components

35%

6.0

Technical score

30%

8.4

List score

25%

8.3

Reviews score

10%

6.0

Sentiment score

▲Better than 74% 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%

7.3

Overall score

30%

9.6

Price

▲Better than 84%
6.0

Technical score

Technical score
6.0/ 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 56% of models
Score components

25%

6.8

Audio

18%

5.0

Formats

16%

5.9

Connectivity

14%

7.3

Controls

12%

5.4

HDMI

10%

4.0

Streaming

5%

7.5

Design

▲Better than 56%
8.3

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.3/ 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 72% of models

80%

8.2

Average grade

20%

8.7

Popularity

Grades by review (16)
16 videos, average 8.2/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
▲Better than 72%
8.4

List score

List score
8.4/ 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 (12)
List score: in 12 of 106 lists (11%)
★Better than 97%
  • sony-ht-s40r
  • sony-ht-s40r
  • sony-ht-s40r
  • sony-ht-s40r
  • sony-ht-s40r
  • sony-ht-s40r
  • sony-ht-s40r
  • sony-ht-s40r
  • sony-ht-s40r
  • sony-ht-s40r
sony-ht-s40r
sony-ht-s40r
sony-ht-s40r
sony-ht-s40r
sony-ht-s40r
sony-ht-s40r
sony-ht-s40r
sony-ht-s40r
sony-ht-s40r
sony-ht-s40r
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-S40R

Based on 0 · 17

Reviewers praise the immersive surround sound and punchy bass, but criticise limited audio format support and weak music playback.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the Sony HT-S40R

Based on 235 owners sharing their experience in online comments

24%positive9%mixed67%negative

Owners praise the cinematic surround and bass, but many struggle with low output and rear speakers that barely come through.

What owners dislike

  • Output stays quiet until volume is raised past about 40 to 60, and owners fix it by enabling the volume and multi-channel options in the menu.32
  • Real 5.1 surround often fails from HDMI or ARC, with rear speakers duplicating the front sound or staying silent unless the source is true 5.1.24
  • Rear speakers sound very quiet and barely audible, and owners raise their level through the menu or separate settings.21
  • Crackling, distortion, and speaker noise20
  • Bass is weak and lacks punch, and the subwoofer feels underpowered even at high volume, according to several owners.19
  • Dialogue sounds muffled and quiet, with voices hard to follow in films unless the volume is raised or voice mode is used.19
  • The wireless rear speaker amplifier often disconnects, fails to pair, or cuts out when placed more than about 1.5 metres from the subwoofer.16
  • HDMI and TV connections are unreliable, with sound not switching automatically from the TV or rear speakers going silent over HDMI ARC.12
  • Heavy bass drowns out vocals and midrange, and owners reduce the subwoofer level to make voices clearer.7
  • Treble sounds thin or missing, and owners say the sound feels muffled, with the soundbar contributing little high-frequency detail.6

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

Loading category ranking...

Soundbars model ranking

Ranked #69 of 324 models in Soundbars (Overall score)

Technical Specifications of soundbar Sony HT-S40R

Technical score
Technical score
6.0/ 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 56% of models
Score components:

25%

6.8

Audio

18%

5.0

Formats

16%

5.9

Connectivity

14%

7.3

Controls

12%

5.4

HDMI

10%

4.0

Streaming

5%

7.5

Design

6.0
Reviews score
8.3
List score
8.4
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%

7.3

Overall score

30%

9.6

Price

8.0
N. of audio channels
5.1
This soundbar offers 5.1 audio channels, more than 82.8% of soundbars and equal to 4.6% of soundbars.
Audio output power
?
Max SPL
?
Min frequency
20 Hz
Market range: <20 Hz – >120 Hz
This soundbar reaches a minimum frequency of 20 Hz, lower than 88.4% of soundbars and equal to 11.6% of soundbars.
Max frequency
20,000 Hz
Market range: <19k Hz – >20k Hz
This soundbar reaches a maximum frequency of 20,000 Hz, higher than 17.5% of soundbars and equal to 76.8% of soundbars.
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
Smartphone app
?
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
1.4
This soundbar has HDMI 1.4, which is more capable than 38.1% of soundbars and equal to 18.7% of soundbars.
HDMI ARC type
ARC
This soundbar has ARC as its HDMI TV-audio return type, which is more advanced than what 24.7% of soundbars and the same as what 46.5% offers.
HDMI-CEC support
?
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-S40R vs the average soundbar

246810TotalAudioFormatsConnectivityHDMIStreamingControlsDesign
  • 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 (5.1 vs 2.1). The average soundbar has 2.1 audio channels.
    5.1 vs 2.1
  • Supports wireless rear speakers
    This soundbar is compatible with wireless rear speakers, the average soundbar is not.
  • 15.1% higher list score
    List score
    8.4/ 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 (12)
    List score: in 12 of 106 lists (11%)
    8.4 vs 7.3
  • 16.9% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.3/ 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 72% of models

    80%

    8.2

    Average grade

    20%

    8.7

    Popularity

    Grades by review (16)
    16 videos, average 8.2/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.3 vs 7.1
  • 1 more drivers
    This soundbar has more drivers than the average soundbar (5 vs 4). The average soundbar has 4 drivers.
    5 vs 4
  • 30 Hz lower min frequency
    This soundbar has a lower minimum frequency than the average soundbar (20 Hz vs 50 Hz). The average soundbar has a minimum frequency of 50 Hz.
    20 Hz vs 50 Hz
  • 15.1% higher list score
    List score
    8.4/ 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 (12)
    List score: in 12 of 106 lists (11%)
    8.4 vs 7.3
  • 16.9% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.3/ 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 72% of models

    80%

    8.2

    Average grade

    20%

    8.7

    Popularity

    Grades by review (16)
    16 videos, average 8.2/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.3 vs 7.1
  • 4.9% better value for money
    Sony HT-S40R has better value for money than the average soundbar (7.98 vs 7.6).
    7.98 vs 7.6
  • 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 (5.1 vs 2.1). The average soundbar has 2.1 audio channels.
    5.1 vs 2.1
  • Supports wireless rear speakers
    This soundbar is compatible with wireless rear speakers, the average soundbar is not.
  • 1 more drivers
    This soundbar has more drivers than the average soundbar (5 vs 4). The average soundbar has 4 drivers.
    5 vs 4
  • 30 Hz lower min frequency
    This soundbar has a lower minimum frequency than the average soundbar (20 Hz vs 50 Hz). The average soundbar has a minimum frequency of 50 Hz.
    20 Hz vs 50 Hz
  • Less advanced HDMI ARC type
    This soundbar has ARC as its HDMI TV-audio return type, while the average soundbar has eARC.
    ARC vs eARC
  • No AUX input
    This soundbar does not have AUX input, the average soundbar does.
  • No AAC support
    This soundbar does not support AAC, the average soundbar does.
  • 16.7% lower sentiment score
    6.0 vs 7.2
  • 16.7% lower sentiment score
    6.0 vs 7.2
  • No AAC support
    This soundbar does not support AAC, the average soundbar does.
  • No AUX input
    This soundbar does not have AUX input, the average soundbar does.
  • Less advanced HDMI ARC type
    This soundbar has ARC as its HDMI TV-audio return type, while the average soundbar has eARC.
    ARC vs eARC

Video reviews

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

9.0
Work with Style
≈ estimated
18/04/2026
Hands-on review · over a month of use and room tests
Verdict
The Sony HT-S40R is a strong choice for small rooms, though larger rooms need a more powerful setup.
8.0
Unbox Tech
≈ estimated
18/01/2025
Unboxing and review · movie and sound tests
Verdict
Sony HT-S40R is worth considering for a powerful cinematic experience if your budget allows it.
9.0
TekDoze
≈ estimated
03/12/2024
Unboxing and setup · sound comparison with TV speakers
Verdict
The Sony HT-S40R fills a room with sound and sets up easily, making it a strong pick for its price.
9.0
Azriel Reviews
≈ estimated
23/12/2023
Unboxing, setup and review · Bluetooth and TV connection tests
Verdict
Sony HT-S40R delivers very impressive sound with a very simple setup.
9.0
Trending Reviews
≈ estimated
02/08/2022
Hands-on review · setup, sound comparison and downsides
Verdict
The Sony HT-S40R is a great system that clearly improves TV audio and feels worth the price.
9.0
Harsh Sharma
≈ estimated
11/04/2022
Unboxing and long-term review · surround and bass tests
Verdict
The Sony HT-S40R suits buyers who want wireless rear speakers, with strong power and a solid connection.
9.0
Vineet Malhotra
≈ estimated
20/12/2021
Hands-on review · 60 hours of testing and audio tests
Verdict
Sony HT-S40R gives a virtual rather than cinematic surround effect, but it is a great soundbar if expectations are right.
9.0
Tech Singh
≈ estimated
14/10/2021
Hands-on review · setup, audio demo and features
Verdict
The Sony HT-S40R has strong 5.1 sound and wireless rear speakers, making it one of the easiest soundbars to recommend.
8.0
Gamerment
≈ estimated
22/08/2021
Unboxing and testing · PS5 gaming and music tests
Verdict
The Sony HT-S40R is fine for games and music if you want Sony, though the bass could hit harder.
9.0
Misscreative
≈ estimated
03/08/2026
Unboxing · setup and first impressions
Verdict
Sony HT-S40R is a strong option with good value, especially for movie and streaming fans.
5.0
X - Audiologist
≈ estimated
04/07/2026
Buying advice · owner's experience and known issues
Verdict
Sony HT-S40R is better bought second-hand, as paying full price for a new unit is not worth it.
9.0
Labh Dayak
≈ estimated
31/03/2026
Long-term test · one year of use · sound and bass check
Verdict
Sony HT-S40R kept its sound and bass after a year and is a top choice in its price range, though it shows distortion at high volume.
More graded video reviews (1)
creator’s own scoreestimated by us

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Sony HT-S40R

  • Wireless rear speakers give surround effects with fewer cables on show.
  • A center channel keeps dialogue anchored to the screen.
  • The subwoofer reaches 20 Hz for deep, powerful bass.
  • Dolby Digital support handles common surround soundtracks.
  • Optical and USB inputs cover older players and drives.
  • Colour-coded cables make the wiring simpler.

What customers don't like about Sony HT-S40R

  • There is no Dolby Atmos or DTS support, so the height effects of newer films are missing.
  • The rear speakers mostly add effects rather than constant sound.
  • The receiver must stay near the subwoofer, or sound can distort.
  • At about 15 kg it is heavy, and two people may be needed to lift it.
  • There is no HDMI input, so a game console or player must connect to the TV.

Verdict

A separate subwoofer and five drivers give the Sony HT-S40R a full 5.1 sound for a living room where movies come first. Its wireless rear speakers are the main draw: the surround effects reach behind you, and the cables stay out of sight. The subwoofer goes down to 20 Hz, so explosions and bass lines have real depth. A dialogue boost and night mode keep speech clear, and the TV remote can change the volume through HDMI ARC. The trade-off is the wireless link, since the receiver has to sit near the subwoofer, and the rear speakers mostly add effects rather than constant sound. It suits a buyer who wants a big, easy-to-set-up surround system for films and games, and who does not need the newest immersive formats.

Compare Sony HT-S40R with other soundbars

1Product to compare no. 1
VS
2Product to compare no. 2
VS
3Product to compare no. 3 (optional)

Graphic comparison of Sony HT-S40R and other soundbars

No results found