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-SD40 review: 108 specs compared

Avg. price:~£330N. of audio channels:2.1Audio output power:?HDMI ARC type:ARC

Sony HT-SD40 Review: Compare 108 technical specifications and 2 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Soundbars category and whether it is worth buying.

Sony HT-SD40
6.4/10

Overall score

Score
6.4/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 72% of models
Score components

35%

5.8

Technical score

30%

?

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

25%

5.8

Reviews score

10%

?

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

â–¼Worse than 72% of soundbars
7.1

Value for money

Value for money
7.1/ 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–¼ Worse than 85% of models
Score components

70%

6.4

Overall score

30%

8.8

Price

â–¼Worse than 85%
5.8

Technical score

Technical score
5.8/ 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–¼ Worse than 52% of models
Score components

25%

6.3

Audio

18%

5.0

Formats

16%

5.8

Connectivity

14%

6.8

Controls

12%

5.7

HDMI

10%

4.0

Streaming

5%

7.5

Design

â–¼Worse than 52%
5.8

Reviews score

Reviews score
5.8/ 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–¼ Worse than 74% of models

5.8

Mark 7.7 is below the typical mark 8.0 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

8.0

Average grade

20%

6.3

Popularity

Grades by review (2)
2 videos, average 7.5/10. We use 3 reviews; the 1 missing counts as the category's typical 8.2: (7.5 × 2 + 8.2 × 1) ÷ 3 = 7.7. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–¼Worse than 74%
?

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 #152 of 324 models in Soundbars (Overall score)

Technical Specifications of soundbar Sony HT-SD40

Technical score
Technical score
5.8/ 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–¼ Worse than 52% of models
Score components:

25%

6.3

Audio

18%

5.0

Formats

16%

5.8

Connectivity

14%

6.8

Controls

12%

5.7

HDMI

10%

4.0

Streaming

5%

7.5

Design

5.8
Reviews score
5.8
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.1/ 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–¼ Worse than 85% of models
Score components:

70%

6.4

Overall score

30%

8.8

Price

7.1
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 HT-SD40 vs the average soundbar

246810TotalAudioFormatsConnectivityHDMIStreamingControlsDesign
  • 1.5 in inch larger subwoofer driver size
    This soundbar has a higher subwoofer driver size than the average soundbar (7.5 in vs 6 in). The average soundbar uses a subwoofer driver size of 6 in.
    7.5 in vs 6 in
  • Subwoofer included
    This soundbar has subwoofer included, the average soundbar does not.
  • 1.5 in inch larger subwoofer driver size
    This soundbar has a higher subwoofer driver size than the average soundbar (7.5 in vs 6 in). The average soundbar uses a subwoofer driver size of 6 in.
    7.5 in vs 6 in
  • Subwoofer included
    This soundbar has subwoofer included, the average soundbar does not.
  • 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.
  • 18.3% lower review score
    Reviews score
    5.8/ 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–¼ Worse than 74% of models

    5.8

    Mark 7.7 is below the typical mark 8.0 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    8.0

    Average grade

    20%

    6.3

    Popularity

    Grades by review (2)
    2 videos, average 7.5/10. We use 3 reviews; the 1 missing counts as the category's typical 8.2: (7.5 × 2 + 8.2 × 1) ÷ 3 = 7.7. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    5.8 vs 7.1
  • No AAC support
    This soundbar does not support AAC, the average soundbar does.
  • 3x more expensive
    Sony HT-SD40 is more expensive than the average soundbar (£330 vs £110).
    £330 vs £110
  • 6.8% worse value for money
    Sony HT-SD40 has worse value for money than the average soundbar (7.12 vs 7.6).
    7.12 vs 7.6
  • 18.3% lower review score
    Reviews score
    5.8/ 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–¼ Worse than 74% of models

    5.8

    Mark 7.7 is below the typical mark 8.0 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    8.0

    Average grade

    20%

    6.3

    Popularity

    Grades by review (2)
    2 videos, average 7.5/10. We use 3 reviews; the 1 missing counts as the category's typical 8.2: (7.5 × 2 + 8.2 × 1) ÷ 3 = 7.7. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    5.8 vs 7.1
  • 3x more expensive
    Sony HT-SD40 is more expensive than the average soundbar (£330 vs £110).
    £330 vs £110
  • 6.8% worse value for money
    Sony HT-SD40 has worse value for money than the average soundbar (7.12 vs 7.6).
    7.12 vs 7.6
  • 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

8.0
Dave Banter
≈ estimated
14/06/2023
Hands-on review · sound tests, remote and connectivity checks
Verdict
Sony HT-SD40 sounds great and is simple to use, but lacks HDMI pass-through and sound modes for the price.
7.0
Miwu
≈ estimated
06/01/2023
First look · unboxing and first setup
Verdict
Sony HT-SD40 sounds better than the TV alone so far, but it is too early for a full verdict.
Hands-on video, no verdict

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Sony HT-SD40

  • The 7.5 in subwoofer gives the bass real body in films and music.
  • The subwoofer is in the box, so the bass works from the start.
  • Voices are clear, which helps with dialogue-heavy shows.
  • One remote controls the bar, which keeps everyday use simple.
  • ARC connects quickly to the TV.
  • Bluetooth and optical inputs add options for phones and older TVs.

What customers don't like about Sony HT-SD40

  • There is no HDMI pass-through, so the bar takes one TV input.
  • The remote cannot skip songs or pause Bluetooth playback.
  • The input buttons on the bar are hard to find in the dark.
  • There are no sound modes such as movie or gaming.
  • The HDMI cable is not in the box, so one more item is needed.

Verdict

Bass from a 7.5 in subwoofer is the main reason to look at the Sony HT-SD40. It is a 2.1 bar with a subwoofer in the box, and the low end sounds full for films and music. Voices come through clearly, and one remote handles everything, which makes it easy to live with. A virtual surround mode adds some width without rear speakers. The catch is that it has no HDMI pass-through, so the TV loses one input, and the remote cannot skip songs on Bluetooth. Input buttons on the bar are hard to find in the dark, which is a small annoyance at night and during late films. It suits a buyer with a single TV who wants big, simple bass and clear dialogue without fuss.

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