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Sony HT-X8500 Review | 109 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£350
  • Avg. price in US: ~$300
  • N. of audio channels: 2.1
  • Audio output power: 200 W
  • HDMI ARC type: eARC

Sony HT-X8500 review. Compare 109 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Soundbars category and whether it is worth buying.

7.2

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the soundbar's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best soundbars on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

6.8

Technical Score

20.0%

8.8

User score

Very good
6.8

Technical Score

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 components:

25.0%

5.4

Audio

18.0%

8.4

Formats

16.0%

6.7

Connectivity

14.0%

8.2

Controls

12.0%

8.3

HDMI & Gaming

10.0%

4.0

Smart features

5.0%

6.1

Design

Good
8.8

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the soundbar.

When it matters: When you want to know how a soundbar sounds in real use and how satisfied owners are with dialogue clarity, bass, and ease of setup.

Score components:

70.0%

8.6

User reviews

30.0%

9.4

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
(1671)
amazon
3.7
(8)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Excellent
  • 7.1
    Movies

    Score components:

    25.0%

    10

    Dolby Atmos

    25.0%

    4.3

    N. of audio channels

    20.0%

    4.0

    Subwoofer included

    15.0%

    ?

    Audio output power

    15.0%

    10

    HDMI ARC type

  • 7.5
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    7.0

    HDMI pass-through frame rate

    30.0%

    10

    HDMI ARC type

    20.0%

    4.3

    N. of audio channels

    15.0%

    ?

    Audio output power

  • 6.2
    Music

    Score components:

    20.0%

    ?

    Audio output power

    20.0%

    4.0

    Subwoofer included

    20.0%

    ?

    Equalizer bands

    15.0%

    1.0

    N. of supported Bluetooth codecs

    15.0%

    ?

    Wi-Fi connectivity

    5.0%

    ?

    Spotify Connect

    5.0%

    ?

    Bluetooth connectivity

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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

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.

Technical Specifications of soundbar Sony HT-X8500

Technical Score

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 components:

25.0%

5.4

Audio

18.0%

8.4

Formats

16.0%

6.7

Connectivity

14.0%

8.2

Controls

12.0%

8.3

HDMI & Gaming

10.0%

4.0

Smart features

5.0%

6.1

Design

6.8
Sony HT-X8500 has a technical score of 6.79 points, which is higher than that of 83% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the soundbar.

When it matters: When you want to know how a soundbar sounds in real use and how satisfied owners are with dialogue clarity, bass, and ease of setup.

Score components:

70.0%

8.6

User reviews

30.0%

9.4

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
(1671)
amazon
3.7
(8)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

8.8
Sony HT-X8500 has a user score of 8.85 points, which is higher than that of 90.4% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the soundbar.
When it matters: When you prefer to choose a soundbar reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
9.4
Sony HT-X8500 has a popularity of 9.4 points, which is higher than 86.7% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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 components:

60.0%

7.2

Overall score

40.0%

8.7

Price

7.6
Sony HT-X8500 has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.6 points, which is higher than 85.1% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand under which the soundbar is marketed and sold.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: LOW

Sony
N. of audio channels
What it is: Shows how many separate audio channels the system is built to reproduce, such as left, center, surround, height, and subwoofer channels.
When it matters: When you are deciding between a simpler bar and a setup built for wider surround placement, clearer center dialogue, or more immersive height effects.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=5.1

2.1
Sony HT-X8500 offers 2.1 audio channels, more than 56.9% of soundbars and equal to 19.2% of soundbars.
Audio output power
What it is: Total continuous or peak audio output power, measured in watts.
When it matters: When you need enough headroom to fill a larger room or listen at higher volume without the system feeling strained.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >100 W

200 W
Sony HT-X8500 delivers 200 W of audio output power, more than 83.3% of soundbars and equal to 2.3% of soundbars.
Max SPL
What it is: Maximum sound pressure level output, measured in dB SPL.
When it matters: When you use the soundbar in a large room, listen at high volume, or want it to stay convincing during action-heavy movies and parties.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >90 dB SPL

?
Min frequency
What it is: Lowest reproducible audio frequency, measured in hertz.
When it matters: When deep bass extension matters and you want to know how low the system is supposed to reach.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <50 Hz

50 Hz
Sony HT-X8500 reaches a minimum frequency of 50 Hz, lower than 51.2% of soundbars and equal to 13.4% of soundbars.
Show more
Dolby Atmos
What it is: Means the soundbar can play Dolby Atmos soundtracks, which add height information on top of normal surround channels for a more three-dimensional presentation.
When it matters: When you watch a lot of movies or shows with Atmos tracks and want a more enveloping sense of space than standard surround usually provides.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Sony HT-X8500 supports Dolby Atmos. 79.8% of soundbars include this feature.
Atmos playback is virtualized.
DTS:X
What it is: Can handle DTS:X object-based surround audio from compatible sources.
When it matters: When your library includes DTS:X content and you want the soundbar to reproduce its surround effects properly.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Sony HT-X8500 supports DTS:X. 89.9% of soundbars include this feature.
DTS:X playback is virtualized within the bar.
Dolby TrueHD
What it is: Can decode Dolby TrueHD, a lossless surround format often used on Blu-ray and higher-end local media setups.
When it matters: When you play disc-based or local media and want lossless Dolby audio support.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Sony HT-X8500 supports Dolby TrueHD. 83% of soundbars include this feature.
Lossless playback depends on HDMI input/eARC path.
DTS-HD Master Audio
What it is: Can decode DTS-HD Master Audio, a lossless DTS format used on many Blu-ray releases.
When it matters: When your movie library includes discs or files with higher-quality DTS soundtracks.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Sony HT-X8500 supports DTS-HD Master Audio. 90.4% of soundbars include this feature.
Support depends on the HDMI input/eARC path.
Dolby Digital Plus
What it is: Can decode Dolby Digital Plus, a higher-efficiency surround format used widely by streaming services.
When it matters: When you stream movies and shows from modern apps that commonly deliver audio in Dolby Digital Plus.

Importance: LOW

yes
Sony HT-X8500 supports Dolby Digital Plus. 75.5% of soundbars include this feature.
Show more
N. of HDMI inputs
What it is: Number of HDMI input ports available.
When it matters: When several consoles, streamers, or players may need to plug into the soundbar directly.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=1

1
Sony HT-X8500 has 1 HDMI inputs, more than 68.1% of soundbars and equal to 27.1% of soundbars.
Wi-Fi connectivity
What it is: Can join a wireless network for streaming, app control, updates, and smart-platform features.
When it matters: When you want better streaming stability, direct app playback, or smart features beyond Bluetooth alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Sony HT-X8500 does not support Wi-Fi connectivity. 31.9% of soundbars include this feature.
Wi-Fi version
What it is: Supported Wi-Fi version or standard (e.g., Wi-Fi 5, 6, 6E).
When it matters: When your network setup uses newer Wi-Fi standards and you want better compatibility or wireless stability.

Importance: LOW

Good value: Wi-Fi 5/6

N/A
Bluetooth connectivity
What it is: Can receive audio wirelessly over Bluetooth from phones, tablets, computers, and other compatible sources.
When it matters: When you want fast casual streaming from nearby devices without relying on Wi-Fi setup.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Sony HT-X8500 supports Bluetooth connectivity. 3.7% of soundbars include this feature.
Bluetooth version
What it is: Supported Bluetooth specification version.
When it matters: When you care about newer Bluetooth efficiency, compatibility, and connection behavior with modern source devices.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=5.0

5.0
Sony HT-X8500 uses Bluetooth 5.0, which is newer than that of 38.9% of soundbars and the same as that of 47.6% of soundbars.
Show more
Smartphone app
What it is: Can be configured or controlled through a dedicated mobile app.
When it matters: When you prefer changing inputs, updates, sound modes, or calibration settings from your phone.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Sony HT-X8500 has smartphone app. 65.4% of soundbars offer this feature.
Remote control
What it is: Comes with or supports a physical handheld remote for everyday operation.
When it matters: When you want quick volume, input, and sound-mode control without opening an app.

Importance: LOW

yes
Sony HT-X8500 has remote control. 26.6% of soundbars offer this feature.
Control panel
What it is: Design and layout of the onboard control panel.
When it matters: When you want easier everyday control.

Importance: LOW

yes
Sony HT-X8500 has control panel. 9.6% of soundbars offer this feature.
Voice assistant compatibility
What it is: Works with one or more voice-assistant platforms such as Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri workflows.
When it matters: When voice control is part of how you start playback, change volume, or integrate the bar into smart-home routines.

Importance: LOW

yes
Sony HT-X8500 supports voice assistant compatibility. 69.2% of soundbars include this feature.
Far-field microphones
What it is: Built-in far-field microphones for voice assistant use.
When it matters: When you want hands-free control or built-in voice features.

Importance: LOW

no
Sony HT-X8500 does not have far-field microphones. 12.2% of soundbars offer this feature.
Show more
HDMI version
What it is: Version of the HDMI standard supported for input/output.
When it matters: When you need the HDMI link to handle newer video, gaming, or audio-return features in your setup.

Importance: LOW

Good value: 2.1

eARC
Sony HT-X8500 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
What it is: Shows whether the soundbar uses ARC or eARC for TV audio over HDMI. ARC covers basic return audio, while eARC supports higher-bandwidth formats such as lossless Dolby Atmos and generally gives you more headroom for advanced TV-to-soundbar audio.
When it matters: When the TV will send sound back to the soundbar over HDMI and you care about getting the best audio formats your TV and streaming devices can pass through.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: eARC

eARC
Sony HT-X8500 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
What it is: Lets compatible devices share basic commands like power, volume, and input switching over HDMI.
When it matters: When you want simpler everyday use, such as controlling volume with the TV remote and having the soundbar turn on with the TV.

Importance: LOW

yes
Sony HT-X8500 supports HDMI-CEC. 37.4% support HDMI-CEC.
HDMI pass-through resolution
What it is: Maximum video resolution supported through HDMI pass-through.
When it matters: When you connect external players or consoles through the soundbar.

Importance: LOW

4K
Sony HT-X8500 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
What it is: Maximum frame rate supported for HDMI pass-through.
When it matters: When you connect gaming devices through the soundbar.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=120 fps

60 fps
Sony HT-X8500 supports HDMI pass-through up to 60 fps, higher than 82.4% of soundbars and equal to 14.4% of soundbars.
Show more
AirPlay
What it is: Supports Apple AirPlay or AirPlay 2 for network-based streaming from Apple devices and apps.
When it matters: When your home setup is built around Apple devices and you want smooth wireless playback across that ecosystem.

Importance: LOW

no
Sony HT-X8500 does not support AirPlay. 20.2% of soundbars include this feature.
Chromecast built-in
What it is: Includes Chromecast so audio can be cast directly from compatible apps over Wi-Fi.
When it matters: When you want quick app-based casting from Android, Chrome, or supported streaming services without Bluetooth pairing.

Importance: LOW

no
Sony HT-X8500 does not support Chromecast built-in. 12.3% of soundbars include this feature.
Spotify Connect
What it is: Can receive Spotify streams directly over the network without routing playback through your phone over Bluetooth.
When it matters: When you use Spotify often and want your phone free for calls, battery, or other apps while music keeps playing.

Importance: LOW

no
Sony HT-X8500 does not support Spotify Connect. 23.4% of soundbars include this feature.
TIDAL Connect
What it is: Can receive TIDAL streams directly over the network without using Bluetooth from the phone as the audio path.
When it matters: When you use TIDAL regularly and want direct streaming with less dependence on your phone staying involved.

Importance: LOW

no
Sony HT-X8500 does not support TIDAL Connect. 9.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Amazon Music native support
What it is: Native integration with Amazon Music service.
When it matters: When you stream music directly from apps and ecosystems you already use.

Importance: LOW

no
Sony HT-X8500 does not support native Amazon Music. 21.3% support native Amazon Music.
Show more
Width
What it is: Overall width of the soundbar.
When it matters: When you want the bar to match the TV size better or fit a narrow cabinet cleanly.

Importance: LOW

890 mm
Sony HT-X8500 is 890 mm wide, wider than 64.4% of soundbars and equal to 1.1% of soundbars.
Height
What it is: Overall height of the soundbar.
When it matters: When clearance under the TV is limited and you do not want the bar covering the lower edge of the picture.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <70 mm

64 mm
Sony HT-X8500 is 64 mm high, shorter than 59.4% of soundbars and equal to 7% of soundbars.
Thickness
What it is: The front-to-back depth of the soundbar body.
When it matters: When you need the soundbar to fit neatly on furniture, under the TV, or close to the wall without sticking out too much.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <90 mm

96 mm
Sony HT-X8500 is 96 mm thick, thicker than 62.6% of soundbars.
Weight
What it is: Total weight of the soundbar unit.
When it matters: When wall mounting, shelf strength, or how easy the bar is to move and position matters.

Importance: LOW

3,100 g
Sony HT-X8500 weighs 3,100 g, more than 73.4% of soundbars and equal to 0.5% of soundbars.
Build material
What it is: Material used for cabinet or body construction.
When it matters: When finish quality, cabinet feel, and how premium the bar looks in the room matter to you.

Importance: LOW

plastic
Sony HT-X8500 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

  • 1 more HDMI inputs
    Sony HT-X8500 has more HDMI inputs than the average soundbar (1 vs 0). The average soundbar has 0 HDMI inputs.
    What it is: Number of HDMI input ports available.
    When it matters: When several consoles, streamers, or players may need to plug into the soundbar directly.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=1

    Sony HT-X8500 has more HDMI inputs than the average soundbar (1 vs 0). The average soundbar has 0 HDMI inputs.1 vs 0
  • Supports Dolby Atmos
    Sony HT-X8500 supports Dolby Atmos, the average soundbar does not.
    Atmos playback is virtualized.
    What it is: Means the soundbar can play Dolby Atmos soundtracks, which add height information on top of normal surround channels for a more three-dimensional presentation.
    When it matters: When you watch a lot of movies or shows with Atmos tracks and want a more enveloping sense of space than standard surround usually provides.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sony HT-X8500 supports Dolby Atmos, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports DTS:X
    Sony HT-X8500 supports DTS:X, the average soundbar does not.
    DTS:X playback is virtualized within the bar.
    What it is: Can handle DTS:X object-based surround audio from compatible sources.
    When it matters: When your library includes DTS:X content and you want the soundbar to reproduce its surround effects properly.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sony HT-X8500 supports DTS:X, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports DTS-HD Master Audio
    Sony HT-X8500 supports DTS-HD Master Audio, the average soundbar does not.
    Support depends on the HDMI input/eARC path.
    What it is: Can decode DTS-HD Master Audio, a lossless DTS format used on many Blu-ray releases.
    When it matters: When your movie library includes discs or files with higher-quality DTS soundtracks.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sony HT-X8500 supports DTS-HD Master Audio, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports Dolby TrueHD
    Sony HT-X8500 supports Dolby TrueHD, the average soundbar does not.
    Lossless playback depends on HDMI input/eARC path.
    What it is: Can decode Dolby TrueHD, a lossless surround format often used on Blu-ray and higher-end local media setups.
    When it matters: When you play disc-based or local media and want lossless Dolby audio support.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sony HT-X8500 supports Dolby TrueHD, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports Dolby Digital Plus
    Sony HT-X8500 supports Dolby Digital Plus, the average soundbar does not.
    What it is: Can decode Dolby Digital Plus, a higher-efficiency surround format used widely by streaming services.
    When it matters: When you stream movies and shows from modern apps that commonly deliver audio in Dolby Digital Plus.

    Importance: LOW

    Sony HT-X8500 supports Dolby Digital Plus, the average soundbar does not.
  • Companion smartphone app
    Sony HT-X8500 supports smartphone app, the average soundbar does not.
    What it is: Can be configured or controlled through a dedicated mobile app.
    When it matters: When you prefer changing inputs, updates, sound modes, or calibration settings from your phone.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sony HT-X8500 supports smartphone app, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports HDR pass-through
    Sony HT-X8500 supports hDR pass-through support, the average soundbar does not.
    HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision pass-through.
    What it is: Can pass HDR video formats through HDMI to a compatible TV without stripping that signal capability.
    When it matters: When players or consoles run through the soundbar and you do not want to lose HDR video support.

    Importance: LOW

    Sony HT-X8500 supports hDR pass-through support, the average soundbar does not.
  • More audio channels
    Sony HT-X8500 has more audio channels than the average soundbar (2.1 vs 2.0). The average soundbar has 2.0 audio channels.
  • Larger speaker drivers
    Sony HT-X8500 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.
  • 2.86x more audio output power
    Sony HT-X8500 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.
  • 3 more sound modes
    Sony HT-X8500 offers more sound modes than the average soundbar (7 vs 4). The average soundbar offers 4 sound modes.
  • Bass boost
    Sony HT-X8500 supports bass boost, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports Dolby Atmos
    Sony HT-X8500 supports Dolby Atmos, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports DTS:X
    Sony HT-X8500 supports DTS:X, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports DTS-HD Master Audio
    Sony HT-X8500 supports DTS-HD Master Audio, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports Dolby TrueHD
    Sony HT-X8500 supports Dolby TrueHD, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports Dolby Digital Plus
    Sony HT-X8500 supports Dolby Digital Plus, the average soundbar does not.
  • AAC support
    Sony HT-X8500 supports AAC, the average soundbar does not.
  • 1 more HDMI inputs
    Sony HT-X8500 has more HDMI inputs than the average soundbar (1 vs 0). The average soundbar has 0 HDMI inputs.
  • Supports HDR pass-through
    Sony HT-X8500 supports hDR pass-through support, the average soundbar does not.
  • Higher pass-through resolution
    Sony HT-X8500 supports 4K for HDMI pass-through resolution, while the average soundbar supports none.
  • Higher HDMI pass-through frame rate
    Sony HT-X8500 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.
  • Newer HDCP version
    Sony HT-X8500 uses 2.3 for HDCP version, while the average soundbar uses none.
  • Companion smartphone app
    Sony HT-X8500 supports smartphone app, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports voice assistants
    Sony HT-X8500 supports voice assistant compatibility, the average soundbar does not.
  • Manual audio delay adjustment
    Sony HT-X8500 supports manual audio delay adjustment, the average soundbar does not.
  • Night mode
    Sony HT-X8500 supports night mode, the average soundbar does not.
  • Easier firmware updates
    Sony HT-X8500 uses over-the-air, USB for firmware update method, while the average soundbar uses app-based, USB.

Total
Overall
Audio
Formats
Connectivity
HDMI & Gaming
Controls
  • 1 fewer supported audio formats
    Sony HT-X8500 supports fewer audio formats than the average soundbar (1 vs 2). The average soundbar supports 2 audio formats.
  • No USB audio input
    Sony HT-X8500 does not have USB audio input, the average soundbar does.
    No (Firmware update only)
  • No AUX input
    Sony HT-X8500 does not have AUX input, the average soundbar does.
  • No USB playback support
    Sony HT-X8500 does not support USB playback support, the average soundbar does.
    no (for firmware update only)
  • 1,100 g heavier weight
    Sony HT-X8500 is heavier than the average soundbar (3,100 g vs 2000 g). The average soundbar weighs 2000 g.
  • 128 mm wider width
    Sony HT-X8500 is wider than the average soundbar (890 mm vs 762 mm). The average soundbar is 762 mm wide.
  • 2 older release
    Sony HT-X8500 is older than the average soundbar (2019 vs 2021). The average soundbar was released in 2021.
    March 31, 2019
  • 10 mm thicker design
    Sony HT-X8500 is thicker than the average soundbar (96 mm vs 86 mm). The average soundbar is 86 mm thick.
  • No USB audio input
    Sony HT-X8500 does not have USB audio input, the average soundbar does.
    No (Firmware update only)
    What it is: Can receive audio through USB from a compatible host device instead of using only analog or HDMI inputs.
    When it matters: When a computer or compatible source is easiest to connect over USB rather than through another audio output.

    Importance: LOW

    Sony HT-X8500 does not have USB audio input, the average soundbar does.
  • No AUX input
    Sony HT-X8500 does not have AUX input, the average soundbar does.
    What it is: Includes a 3.5 mm analog input for connecting older devices or simple wired audio sources.
    When it matters: When a TV, projector, music player, or other source still relies on analog audio output.

    Importance: LOW

    Sony HT-X8500 does not have AUX input, the average soundbar does.
  • No USB playback support
    Sony HT-X8500 does not support USB playback support, the average soundbar does.
    no (for firmware update only)
    What it is: Can play audio files directly from a connected USB storage device.
    When it matters: When you keep music on flash drives or want simple local playback without a streaming app.

    Importance: LOW

    Sony HT-X8500 does not support USB playback support, the average soundbar does.
  • 1,100 g heavier weight
    Sony HT-X8500 is heavier than the average soundbar (3,100 g vs 2000 g). The average soundbar weighs 2000 g.
    What it is: Total weight of the soundbar unit.
    When it matters: When wall mounting, shelf strength, or how easy the bar is to move and position matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Sony HT-X8500 is heavier than the average soundbar (3,100 g vs 2000 g). The average soundbar weighs 2000 g.3100 g vs 2000 g
  • 3.68x more expensive
    Sony HT-X8500 is more expensive than the average soundbar (£350 vs £95).
    Sony HT-X8500 is more expensive than the average soundbar (£350 vs £95).£350 vs £95
  • 128 mm wider width
    Sony HT-X8500 is wider than the average soundbar (890 mm vs 762 mm). The average soundbar is 762 mm wide.
    What it is: Overall width of the soundbar.
    When it matters: When you want the bar to match the TV size better or fit a narrow cabinet cleanly.

    Importance: LOW

    Sony HT-X8500 is wider than the average soundbar (890 mm vs 762 mm). The average soundbar is 762 mm wide.890 mm vs 762 mm
  • 2 older release
    Sony HT-X8500 is older than the average soundbar (2019 vs 2021). The average soundbar was released in 2021.
    March 31, 2019
    What it is: Official release date of the model.
    When it matters: When this part of everyday TV, movie, or music use matters to you.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=2022

    Sony HT-X8500 is older than the average soundbar (2019 vs 2021). The average soundbar was released in 2021.2,019 vs 2,021
  • 1 fewer supported audio formats
    Sony HT-X8500 supports fewer audio formats than the average soundbar (1 vs 2). The average soundbar supports 2 audio formats.
    What it is: Total number of recognized or supported audio formats.
    When it matters: When you want the soundbar to support more of your movies, shows, or music.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=5

    Sony HT-X8500 supports fewer audio formats than the average soundbar (1 vs 2). The average soundbar supports 2 audio formats.1 vs 2
Total
Overall
Formats
Connectivity
Design

Graphic comparison of Sony HT-X8500 and other soundbars

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
1671 Reviews
amazon
3.7
8 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

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 dislike 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.

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