OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
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 HT-X8500 Review | 109 Data compared

Avg. price:~£350N. of audio channels:2.1Audio output power:200 WHDMI ARC type:eARC

Sony HT-X8500 Review: Compare 109 technical specifications and 17 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Soundbars category and whether it is worth buying.

Sony HT-X8500
6.8/10

Overall score

Score
6.8/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 83% of models
Score components

95%

6.8

Technical score

5%

7.9

Reviews score ( 0 · 17)

Reviews score 5% · 7.9 · based on 17 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.
â–²Better than 83% of soundbars
7.4

Value for money

Value for money
7.4/ 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 86% of models
Score components

70%

6.8

Overall score

30%

8.7

Price

â–²Better than 86%
6.8

Technical score

Technical score
6.8/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 83% of models
Score components

25%

5.4

Audio

18%

8.4

Formats

16%

6.7

Connectivity

14%

8.2

Controls

12%

8.2

HDMI & Gaming

10%

4.0

Smart features

5%

6.1

Design

â–²Better than 83%
7.9

Reviews score

Reviews score
7.9/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 55% of models
Grades by review (17)
17 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.
â–²Better than 55%
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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 owners say about the Sony HT-X8500

Based on 88 owners sharing their experience in online comments

50%positive11%mixed39%negative

Owners praise its punchy sound and value, while many report weak Atmos effects, bass limits, and connection or power problems.

What owners dislike

  • Owners say sound often stays on the TV speakers when the TV turns on; plugging HDMI directly into the TV sometimes fixes it.7
  • Owners struggle to get Atmos or DTS to activate; the light colour shows the format, and some ARC-only TVs pass just Dolby Digital.6
  • Owners say very deep bass on Blu-ray films clips, the bass does not shake the walls, and game mode feels thinner.6
  • Owners find mids and highs muffled and dull, with highs sounding clogged when vertical surround is on.6
  • Owners say Atmos gives little overhead effect and no real surround; the sound stays roughly two-channel stereo.5
  • Owners report it shuts off or restarts every 20 to 30 minutes, or turns on for seconds with the TV; an HDMI source error can cause it.5
  • Owners say dialogue is quiet and gets lost when music or explosions are loud, so they keep adjusting the volume.3
  • Owners say Dolby Atmos streams cut out or lag 3 to 4 seconds behind the picture; switching the app to stereo stops the cut-outs.3
  • Owners say HDR often fails in games, and the bar does not pass 60Hz or RGB; wiring the console straight to the TV helps.3

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

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Soundbars model ranking

Ranked #30 of 189 models in Soundbars (Overall score)

Technical Specifications of soundbar Sony HT-X8500

Technical score
Technical score
6.8/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 83% of models
Score components:

25%

5.4

Audio

18%

8.4

Formats

16%

6.7

Connectivity

14%

8.2

Controls

12%

8.2

HDMI & Gaming

10%

4.0

Smart features

5%

6.1

Design

6.8
Reviews score
7.9
Value for money
Value for money
7.4/ 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 86% of models
Score components:

70%

6.8

Overall score

30%

8.7

Price

7.4
Brand name
Sony
N. of audio channels
2.1
This soundbar offers 2.1 audio channels, more than 56.9% of soundbars and equal to 19.2% of soundbars.
Audio output power
200 W
Market range: <10 W – >260 W
This soundbar delivers 200 W of audio output power, more than 83.3% of soundbars and equal to 2.3% of soundbars.
Max SPL
?
Min frequency
50 Hz
Market range: <20 Hz – >120 Hz
This soundbar reaches a minimum frequency of 50 Hz, lower than 51.2% of soundbars and equal to 13.4% of soundbars.
Show more
Dolby Atmos
yes
This soundbar supports Dolby Atmos. 79.8% of soundbars include this feature.
Atmos playback is virtualized.
DTS:X
yes
This soundbar supports DTS:X. 89.9% of soundbars include this feature.
DTS:X playback is virtualized within the bar.
Dolby TrueHD
yes
This soundbar supports Dolby TrueHD. 83% of soundbars include this feature.
Lossless playback depends on HDMI input/eARC path.
DTS-HD Master Audio
yes
This soundbar supports DTS-HD Master Audio. 90.4% of soundbars include this feature.
Support depends on the HDMI input/eARC path.
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
no
This soundbar does not support Wi-Fi connectivity. 31.9% of soundbars include this feature.
Wi-Fi version
N/A
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
eARC
This soundbar uses HDMI eARC, which is newer than that of 73.9% of soundbars and the same as that of 17% 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
4K
This soundbar supports HDMI pass-through up to 4K, which is higher than that of 80.1% of soundbars and the same as that of 17.2% of soundbars.
HDMI pass-through frame rate
60 fps
This soundbar supports HDMI pass-through up to 60 fps, higher than 82.4% of soundbars and equal to 14.4% of soundbars.
Show more
AirPlay
no
This soundbar does not support AirPlay. 20.2% of soundbars include this feature.
Chromecast built-in
no
This soundbar does not support Chromecast built-in. 12.3% of soundbars include this feature.
Spotify Connect
no
This soundbar does not support Spotify Connect. 23.4% 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
no
This soundbar does not support native Amazon Music. 21.3% support native Amazon Music.
Show more
Width
890 mm
Market range: <350 mm – >1.1k mm
This soundbar is 890 mm wide, wider than 64.4% of soundbars and equal to 1.1% 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
96 mm
Market range: <60 mm – >135 mm
This soundbar is 96 mm thick, thicker than 62.6% of soundbars.
Weight
3,100 g
Market range: <500 g – >5.5k g
This soundbar weighs 3,100 g, more than 73.4% of soundbars and equal to 0.5% 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.
Metal grille.
Show more

Sony HT-X8500 vs the average soundbar

246810TotalAudioFormatsConnectivityHDMI & GamingSmart featuresControlsDesign
  • 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.
    Atmos playback is virtualized.
  • Supports DTS:X
    This soundbar supports DTS:X, the average soundbar does not.
    DTS:X playback is virtualized within the bar.
  • Supports DTS-HD Master Audio
    This soundbar supports DTS-HD Master Audio, the average soundbar does not.
    Support depends on the HDMI input/eARC path.
  • Supports Dolby TrueHD
    This soundbar supports Dolby TrueHD, the average soundbar does not.
    Lossless playback depends on HDMI input/eARC path.
  • Supports Dolby Digital Plus
    This soundbar supports Dolby Digital Plus, the average soundbar does not.
  • Companion smartphone app
    This soundbar supports smartphone app, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports HDR pass-through
    This soundbar supports hDR pass-through support, the average soundbar does not.
    HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision pass-through.
  • 2.2x more popular
    Sony HT-X8500 is more popular than the average soundbar (9.44 vs 4.3).
    9.44 vs 4.29
  • 9.4% better value for money
    Sony HT-X8500 has better value for money than the average soundbar (7.38 vs 6.7).
    7.38 vs 6.75
  • More audio channels
    This soundbar has more audio channels than the average soundbar (2.1 vs 2). The average soundbar has 2.0 audio channels.
    2.1 vs 2.0
  • Larger speaker drivers
    This soundbar uses larger speakers than the average soundbar (8x3" inch vs 2x2.25" & 2x2.5" inch). The average soundbar uses speakers of 2x2.25" & 2x2.5" inch.
    8x3" inch vs 2x2.25" & 2x2.5" inch
  • 2.86x more audio output power
    This soundbar has a higher audio output power than the average soundbar (200 W vs 70 W). The average soundbar delivers 70 W of audio output power.
    200 W vs 70 W
  • 3 more sound modes
    This soundbar offers more sound modes than the average soundbar (7 vs 4). The average soundbar offers 4 sound modes.
    7 vs 4
  • 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.
    Atmos playback is virtualized.
  • Supports DTS:X
    This soundbar supports DTS:X, the average soundbar does not.
    DTS:X playback is virtualized within the bar.
  • Supports DTS-HD Master Audio
    This soundbar supports DTS-HD Master Audio, the average soundbar does not.
    Support depends on the HDMI input/eARC path.
  • Supports Dolby TrueHD
    This soundbar supports Dolby TrueHD, the average soundbar does not.
    Lossless playback depends on HDMI input/eARC path.
  • Supports Dolby Digital Plus
    This soundbar supports Dolby Digital Plus, the average soundbar does not.
  • 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
  • Supports HDR pass-through
    This soundbar supports hDR pass-through support, the average soundbar does not.
    HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision pass-through.
  • Higher pass-through resolution
    This soundbar supports 4K for HDMI pass-through resolution, while the average soundbar supports none.
    4K vs none
  • Higher HDMI pass-through frame rate
    This soundbar has a higher HDMI pass-through frame rate than the average soundbar (60 fps vs none fps). The average soundbar supports an HDMI pass-through frame rate of none fps.
    60 fps vs none fps
  • Newer HDCP version
    This soundbar uses 2.3 for HDCP version, while the average soundbar uses none.
    2.3 vs none
  • Companion smartphone app
    This soundbar supports smartphone app, the average soundbar does not.
  • 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
  • No USB audio input
    This soundbar does not have USB audio input, the average soundbar does.
    No (Firmware update only)
  • 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.
    no (for firmware update only)
  • 1,100 g heavier weight
    This soundbar is heavier than the average soundbar (3,100 g vs 2000 g). The average soundbar weighs 2000 g.
    3,100 g vs 2,000 g
  • 3.68x more expensive
    Sony HT-X8500 is more expensive than the average soundbar (£350 vs £95).
    £350 vs £95
  • 128 mm wider width
    This soundbar is wider than the average soundbar (890 mm vs 762 mm). The average soundbar is 762 mm wide.
    890 mm vs 762 mm
  • 2 years older release
    This soundbar is older than the average soundbar (2019 vs 2021). The average soundbar was released in 2021.
    March 31, 2019
    2,019 vs 2,021
  • 1 fewer supported audio formats
    This soundbar supports fewer audio formats than the average soundbar (1 vs 2). The average soundbar supports 2 audio formats.
    1 vs 2
  • 3.68x more expensive
    Sony HT-X8500 is more expensive than the average soundbar (£350 vs £95).
    £350 vs £95
  • 1 fewer supported audio formats
    This soundbar supports fewer audio formats than the average soundbar (1 vs 2). The average soundbar supports 2 audio formats.
    1 vs 2
  • No USB audio input
    This soundbar does not have USB audio input, the average soundbar does.
    No (Firmware update only)
  • 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.
    no (for firmware update only)
  • 1,100 g heavier weight
    This soundbar is heavier than the average soundbar (3,100 g vs 2000 g). The average soundbar weighs 2000 g.
    3,100 g vs 2,000 g
  • 128 mm wider width
    This soundbar is wider than the average soundbar (890 mm vs 762 mm). The average soundbar is 762 mm wide.
    890 mm vs 762 mm
  • 2 years older release
    This soundbar is older than the average soundbar (2019 vs 2021). The average soundbar was released in 2021.
    March 31, 2019
    2,019 vs 2,021
  • 10 mm thicker design
    This soundbar is thicker than the average soundbar (96 mm vs 86 mm). The average soundbar is 86 mm thick.
    96 mm vs 86 mm

Video reviews

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

8.0
N3King
≈ estimated
23/10/2025
Hands-on review · sound tests and comparison with a previous soundbar
Verdict
Sony HT-X8500 is a good soundbar if found at a discount, though the bass can overpower vocals.
7.0
GenreOnlinenet
≈ estimated
07/07/2024
Unboxing and review · daily use alongside a TV
Verdict
Sony HT-X8500 is a good, well-built soundbar, but not the best value, so a demo is advised before buying.
9.0
Audio Advisor
≈ estimated
22/08/2021
Hands-on review · sound, design and feature tests
Verdict
Sony HT-X8500 delivers impressive sound for an all-in-one design and is a strong recommendation for most TV setups.
7.0
Dad Tecc
≈ estimated
14/03/2021
Hands-on review · sound, dialogue and music tests
Verdict
Sony HT-X8500 is decent for its price and a worthwhile budget pick for Atmos, but dialogue and music suffer.
9.0
Tech Nuovo
≈ estimated
14/06/2020
Hands-on review · sound, features and setup
Verdict
Sony HT-X8500 is a strong soundbar that is worth the money at this price, though not perfect.
9.0
Juan Camacho
≈ estimated
09/07/2023
Short overview · feature list and recommendation
Verdict
Sony HT-X8500 is a great choice, especially for movie lovers and gamers.
9.0
Juan Camacho
≈ estimated
28/11/2022
Short review · five reasons to buy
Verdict
Sony HT-X8500 is a strong choice for TV sound, with good bass, clear vocals and easy setup.
9.0
Its Simply Wonderful
≈ estimated
14/03/2022
Short review · specs and sound overview
Verdict
Sony HT-X8500 is a budget-friendly home theater pick with convincing cinematic sound, though height effects and HDMI options are limited.
Not graded
Hands-on video, no verdict
Not graded
Overview video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Sony HT-X8500

  • Compact all-in-one design with built-in subwoofers saves space by eliminating the need for a separate bulky unit.
  • Supports premium audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, providing an immersive 3D sound experience for a budget-friendly price.
  • Features Sony's Vertical Sound Engine, which effectively simulates a wider and taller soundstage from a 2.1 channel setup.
  • Simple setup process with HDMI eARC/ARC connectivity, allowing for easy control via a TV remote.
  • Offers multiple sound modes (Cinema, Music, Game, News, Sports) that allow users to tailor audio to their specific content.
  • Strong, punchy bass for its size, which adds depth and impact to movies and action scenes.

What customers don't like about Sony HT-X8500

  • Lack of a dedicated center channel can lead to dialogue and vocals being overpowered by the bass or sounding muffled.
  • No visual display screen; users must rely on a series of LED indicator lights that can be confusing to interpret without the manual.
  • Virtual surround sound effects are highly directional, meaning the most immersive experience is limited to a narrow 'sweet spot' directly in front of the bar.
  • Limited wireless connectivity options, as it only supports Bluetooth and lacks Wi-Fi, Chromecast, or AirPlay functionality.
  • Integrated subwoofers cannot fully replicate the deep, room-shaking rumble of a standalone dedicated subwoofer.
  • Users have reported reliability issues, such as the unit randomly turning off or failing completely after several months of use.

Verdict

The Sony HT-X8500 is a compact 2.1-channel all-in-one soundbar measuring 890mm x 64mm x 96mm, featuring dual integrated subwoofers and four front-facing drivers to eliminate the need for a separate bass unit. It stands out by supporting premium object-based audio formats including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, utilizing Sony's Vertical Surround Engine to simulate a 7.1.2-channel cinematic experience from a single slim body. Key advantages include easy setup via a single HDMI eARC/ARC connection, 4K HDR passthrough with Dolby Vision compatibility, and Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless streaming. However, it lacks a built-in display, relying instead on less intuitive LED indicators, and can sometimes struggle with muffled dialogue or a 'boxy' sound profile because of its simulated center channel and lack of dedicated upward-firing speakers.

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