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

Yamaha YAS-109 Review | 109 Data compared

Avg. price:~£200N. of audio channels:2.1Audio output power:120 WHDMI ARC type:ARC

Yamaha YAS-109 Review: Compare 109 technical specifications and 6 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Soundbars category and whether it is worth buying.

Yamaha YAS-109
6.5/10

Overall score

Score
6.5/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 79% of models
Score components

95%

6.4

Technical score

5%

8.3

Reviews score ( 0 · 6)

Reviews score 5% · 8.3 · based on 6 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.
▲Better than 79% 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 86% of models
Score components

70%

6.5

Overall score

30%

9.5

Price

▲Better than 86%
6.4

Technical score

Technical score
6.4/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 78% of models
Score components

25%

5.3

Audio

18%

5.0

Formats

16%

7.8

Connectivity

14%

8.5

Controls

12%

7.2

HDMI & Gaming

10%

6.2

Smart features

5%

5.7

Design

▲Better than 78%
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.
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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 76% of models
Grades by review (6)
6 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.
▲Better than 76%
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Where to buy
    N/A~ £200
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 Yamaha YAS-109

Based on 36 owners sharing their experience in online comments

33%positive6%mixed61%negative

Owners praise the clear, punchy sound, especially with a subwoofer, but connection failures and unwanted shutdowns often sour the experience.

What owners dislike

  • Owners report rattling when virtual surround is on, worst with Dolby Digital Plus output, and call the 3D surround weak and unconvincing.4
  • Some owners get no TV sound over HDMI ARC even when wired as instructed; phone audio still works, and one said optical failed too.4
  • Owners say the bar shuts off after short idle spells and may not reconnect when the TV wakes from standby.4
  • Owners can't find Alexa in the Yamaha app, and MusicCast setup fails when the bar's Wi-Fi network never appears.4
  • Some owners can't pair Bluetooth at all, and one says it stopped working after a firmware update; others say it works, then stops.3
  • Owners say the built-in woofers are weak and can't handle bass, so many add an external subwoofer for fuller sound.3

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

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Technical Specifications of soundbar Yamaha YAS-109

Technical score
Technical score
6.4/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 78% of models
Score components:

25%

5.3

Audio

18%

5.0

Formats

16%

7.8

Connectivity

14%

8.5

Controls

12%

7.2

HDMI & Gaming

10%

6.2

Smart features

5%

5.7

Design

6.4
Reviews score
8.3
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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 86% of models
Score components:

70%

6.5

Overall score

30%

9.5

Price

7.4
Brand name
Yamaha
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
120 W
Market range: <10 W – >260 W
This soundbar delivers 120 W of audio output power, more than 70.7% of soundbars and equal to 6.9% of soundbars.
Max SPL
85 dB SPL
Market range: <75 dB SPL – >105 dB SPL
This soundbar has a max SPL of 85 dB SPL, lower than 83.8% of soundbars.
Min frequency
62 Hz
Market range: <20 Hz – >120 Hz
This soundbar reaches a minimum frequency of 62 Hz, higher than 72.7% of soundbars.
Show more
Dolby Atmos
no
This soundbar does not support Dolby Atmos. 20.7% of soundbars include this feature.
DTS:X
no
This soundbar does not support DTS:X. 10.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Dolby TrueHD
no
This soundbar does not support Dolby TrueHD. 17.6% of soundbars include this feature.
DTS-HD Master Audio
no
This soundbar does not support DTS-HD Master Audio. 10.1% of soundbars include this feature.
Dolby Digital Plus
no
This soundbar does not support Dolby Digital Plus. 25% 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
yes
This soundbar supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 68.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 4
This soundbar uses Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 4, which is newer than that of 73.4% of soundbars and the same as that of 4.8% of soundbars.
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This soundbar supports Bluetooth connectivity. 3.7% of soundbars include this feature.
Bluetooth version
4.2
This soundbar uses Bluetooth 4.2, which is older than that of 61.6% of soundbars and the same as that of 24.9% 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
yes
This soundbar has far-field microphones. 88.3% of soundbars offer this feature.
Show more
HDMI version
2
This soundbar uses HDMI 2, which is newer than that of 58% of soundbars and the same as that of 15.4% of soundbars.
HDMI ARC type
ARC
This soundbar has ARC as its HDMI TV-audio return type, which is more advanced than what 31.9% of soundbars and the same as what 46.3% 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
yes
This soundbar supports Spotify Connect. 77.1% 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
yes
This soundbar supports native Amazon Music. 79.3% 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
53 mm
Market range: <50 mm – >100 mm
This soundbar is 53 mm high, shorter than 96.8% of soundbars.
Thickness
131 mm
Market range: <60 mm – >135 mm
This soundbar is 131 mm thick, thicker than 90.4% of soundbars and equal to 0.5% of soundbars.
Weight
3,400 g
Market range: <500 g – >5.5k g
This soundbar weighs 3,400 g, more than 77.1% 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.
Show more

Yamaha YAS-109 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
  • Wi-Fi connectivity
    This soundbar supports Wi-Fi connectivity, the average soundbar does not.
  • Companion smartphone app
    This soundbar supports smartphone app, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports Spotify Connect
    This soundbar supports Spotify Connect, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports HDR pass-through
    This soundbar supports hDR pass-through support, the average soundbar does not.
    HDR10 and HLG pass-through.
  • Multiroom ecosystem support
    This soundbar supports multiroom ecosystem support, the average soundbar does not.
    Alexa Multi-Room Music support.
  • App EQ customization
    This soundbar supports eQ customization (app), the average soundbar does not.
  • Higher pass-through resolution
    This soundbar supports 4K for HDMI pass-through resolution, while the average soundbar supports none.
    4K vs none
  • 9.7% better value for money
    Yamaha YAS-109 has better value for money than the average soundbar (7.4 vs 6.7).
    7.4 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
  • 2 more drivers
    This soundbar has more drivers than the average soundbar (6 vs 4). The average soundbar has 4 drivers.
    6 vs 4
  • Bass boost
    This soundbar supports bass boost, the average soundbar does not.
  • 3,000 Hz higher max frequency
    This soundbar has a higher maximum frequency than the average soundbar (23,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average soundbar has a maximum frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    23,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 1 more sound modes
    This soundbar offers more sound modes than the average soundbar (5 vs 4). The average soundbar offers 4 sound modes.
    5 vs 4
  • 71.4% more audio output power
    This soundbar has a higher audio output power than the average soundbar (120 W vs 70 W). The average soundbar delivers 70 W of audio output power.
    120 W vs 70 W
  • Broader music format support
    This soundbar supports more music formats than the average soundbar (AAC, ALAC, FLAC, MP3, WAV, WMA vs MP3).
    AAC, ALAC, FLAC, MP3, WAV, WMA vs MP3
  • 4 more supported audio formats
    This soundbar supports more audio formats than the average soundbar (6 vs 2). The average soundbar supports 2 audio formats.
    6 vs 2
  • 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
  • Wi-Fi connectivity
    This soundbar supports Wi-Fi connectivity, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports HDR pass-through
    This soundbar supports hDR pass-through support, the average soundbar does not.
    HDR10 and HLG 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
  • Supports Spotify Connect
    This soundbar supports Spotify Connect, the average soundbar does not.
  • Multiroom ecosystem support
    This soundbar supports multiroom ecosystem support, the average soundbar does not.
    Alexa Multi-Room Music support.
  • Native Amazon Music support
    This soundbar supports native Amazon Music, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports Deezer
    This soundbar supports Deezer, the average soundbar does not.
    Available via Yamaha Sound Bar Controller.
  • Companion smartphone app
    This soundbar supports smartphone app, the average soundbar does not.
  • App EQ customization
    This soundbar supports eQ customization (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.
    Adjustment available in the brand app.
  • 1 more microphones
    This soundbar has more microphones than the average soundbar (1 vs 0). The average soundbar has 0 microphones.
    1 vs 0
  • 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
  • Far-field microphones
    This soundbar has far-field microphones, the average soundbar does not.
  • 14 mm lower height
    This soundbar is shorter than the average soundbar (53 mm vs 67 mm). The average soundbar is 67 mm tall.
    53 mm vs 67 mm
  • 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 USB audio input
    This soundbar does not have USB audio input, the average soundbar does.
    no (The USB port is for firmware updates only)
  • No AUX input
    This soundbar does not have AUX input, the average soundbar does.
  • 8.1 dB SPL lower max SPL
    This soundbar has a lower max SPL than the average soundbar (85 dB SPL vs 93.1 dB SPL). The average soundbar reaches 93.1 dB SPL max SPL.
    85 dB SPL vs 93.1 dB SPL
  • No USB playback support
    This soundbar does not support USB playback support, the average soundbar does.
    no (USB port is for service/firmware updates only, not playback)
  • Older Bluetooth version
    This soundbar uses 4.2 for Bluetooth version, while the average soundbar uses 5.0.
    4.2 vs 5.0
  • 45 mm thicker design
    This soundbar is thicker than the average soundbar (131 mm vs 86 mm). The average soundbar is 86 mm thick.
    131 mm vs 86 mm
  • Narrower bass adjustment range
    This soundbar has a lower bass adjustment range than the average soundbar (-6 to 6 dB vs -100 to 100 dB). The average soundbar offers a bass adjustment range of -100 to 100 dB.
    -6 to 6 dB vs -100 to 100 dB
  • 4.29x less popular
    Yamaha YAS-109 is less popular than the average soundbar (1 vs 4.3).
    1 vs 4.29
  • 2.11x more expensive
    Yamaha YAS-109 is more expensive than the average soundbar (£200 vs £95).
    £200 vs £95
  • 8.1 dB SPL lower max SPL
    This soundbar has a lower max SPL than the average soundbar (85 dB SPL vs 93.1 dB SPL). The average soundbar reaches 93.1 dB SPL max SPL.
    85 dB SPL vs 93.1 dB SPL
  • Narrower bass adjustment range
    This soundbar has a lower bass adjustment range than the average soundbar (-6 to 6 dB vs -100 to 100 dB). The average soundbar offers a bass adjustment range of -100 to 100 dB.
    -6 to 6 dB vs -100 to 100 dB
  • 10 Hz higher min frequency
    This soundbar has a higher minimum frequency than the average soundbar (62 Hz vs 52 Hz). The average soundbar has a minimum frequency of 52 Hz.
    62 Hz vs 52 Hz
  • No USB audio input
    This soundbar does not have USB audio input, the average soundbar does.
    no (The USB port is for firmware updates 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 (USB port is for service/firmware updates only, not playback)
  • Older Bluetooth version
    This soundbar uses 4.2 for Bluetooth version, while the average soundbar uses 5.0.
    4.2 vs 5.0
  • 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
  • 45 mm thicker design
    This soundbar is thicker than the average soundbar (131 mm vs 86 mm). The average soundbar is 86 mm thick.
    131 mm vs 86 mm
  • 1,400 g heavier weight
    This soundbar is heavier than the average soundbar (3,400 g vs 2000 g). The average soundbar weighs 2000 g.
    3,400 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.
    July 1, 2019
    2,019 vs 2,021

Video reviews

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

9.0
Geekyranjit
✓ explicit
07/08/2020
Hands-on review · movies, music and app tests
Verdict
Yamaha YAS-109 is a very good soundbar for movies, though its loudness is limited and its app is average.
6.0
Alan Ross - The Anti Shill!
≈ estimated
18/01/2020
Hands-on review · sound, bass and volume tests
Verdict
Yamaha YAS-109 is a fine upgrade from TV speakers, but it feels dated and its bass distorts at higher levels.
9.0
Ahmed Dawn
≈ estimated
21/11/2019
Unboxing and hands-on review · sound, remote and Alexa tests
Verdict
Yamaha YAS-109 offers strong sound and build for the price, with a hard-to-read menu as its only complaint.
8.0
Cool_Tech plus
≈ estimated
25/12/2023
Short overview · feature rundown, no hands-on testing
Verdict
Yamaha YAS-109 is a solid, feature-packed choice for immersive sound and smart home use.
Not graded
Not graded

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Yamaha YAS-109

  • 2.1 channels, 120 W, HDMI input and Spotify Connect make it one of the more rounded mainstream options here
  • Bluetooth, HDMI ARC, optical input and voice-assistant compatibility add everyday flexibility
  • Dialogue enhancement and a remote support film and TV use well

What customers don't like about Yamaha YAS-109

  • No subwoofer, Dolby Atmos or DTS:X
  • No Wi‑Fi / AirPlay / Chromecast platform despite some smart features
  • No AUX or USB audio input and no room calibration

Verdict

The Yamaha YAS-109 is a compact, 2.1-channel all-in-one soundbar measuring approximately 890 x 53 x 131 mm and delivering a total output of 120W through two 1-inch tweeters, two 2.125-inch front drivers, and two integrated 3-inch subwoofers. Key characteristics include built-in Amazon Alexa for voice control, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity, and support for DTS Virtual:X to simulate 3D surround sound. Main pros include its space-saving design, clear dialogue enhancement via 'Clear Voice' technology, 4K HDR passthrough via HDMI ARC, and the inclusion of a dedicated subwoofer output for future upgrades. However, notable cons include its inability to produce deep, thumping low-bass without an external sub, a lack of support for lossless formats like Dolby Atmos, and potential audio distortion at maximum volume levels.

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