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

Yamaha YAS-209 review: 108 specs compared

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

Yamaha YAS-209 Review: Compare 108 technical specifications, 8 expert and video reviews and 2 best-of lists to see how this product ranks in the Soundbars category and whether it is worth buying.

Yamaha YAS-209
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 75% of models
Score components

35%

6.9

Technical score

30%

6.9

List score

25%

8.5

Reviews score

10%

6.9

Sentiment score

▲Better than 75% of soundbars
?

Value for money

Value for money
✕
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
Score components

70%

7.3

Overall score

30%

?

Price

Price not known yet
6.9

Technical score

Technical score
6.9/ 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 81% of models
Score components

25%

6.3

Audio

18%

5.4

Formats

16%

8.2

Connectivity

14%

8.3

Controls

12%

6.7

HDMI

10%

7.2

Streaming

5%

7.5

Design

▲Better than 81%
8.5

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.5/ 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 84% of models

80%

8.6

Average grade

20%

8.3

Popularity

Grades by review (8)
8 videos, average 8.9/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
▲Better than 84%
6.9

List score

List score
6.9/ 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 (2)
List score: in 2 of 107 lists (2%)
▲Better than 77%
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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 reviewers say about the Yamaha YAS-209

Based on 0 · 10

Reviewers praise the punchy bass and solid sound, but the built-in voice assistant disappoints most of them.
Praised
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the Yamaha YAS-209

Based on 95 owners sharing their experience in online comments

37%positive7%mixed56%negative

Owners praise its clear sound and punchy bass, but many report weak subwoofer output and frustrating connection or reliability problems.

What owners dislike

  • The wireless subwoofer often won't connect or respond to volume changes, and some owners say it cuts out when bass is raised.9
  • Owners report HDMI ARC dropouts, Bluetooth that keeps disconnecting, and Wi-Fi setup failures that stop the app and Alexa from working.9
  • Some owners find the bass weak and underpowered, even with the subwoofer level raised in the app, and say it lacks punch.7
  • Alexa may light up but not act on commands, misreads speech, or wakes up on TV dialogue, and sometimes stops working after a few months.7
  • The soundbar sometimes turns itself off or resets mid-use, often needing to be unplugged and plugged back in, and cuts out during playback.6
  • The soundbar cannot be added to Alexa multi-room groups, so it can't play in sync with Alexa speakers around the house.4
  • Owners find the setup app hard to use, and if Wi-Fi setup fails, the app, Bluetooth and Alexa features cannot be reached.3
  • Some owners find dialogue quiet or laid back, so they have to use movie mode and still struggle to hear voices clearly.3
  • Surround modes don't add a convincing surround effect to stereo music, and switching between presets like movie and music sounds nearly identical.3
  • Owners hear a chirping or cricket sound on high-pitched songs, and a constant whistle from the vent grille in standby that grows when the unit is on.3

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

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Soundbars model ranking

Ranked #67 of 324 models in Soundbars (Overall score)

Technical Specifications of soundbar Yamaha YAS-209

Technical score
Technical score
6.9/ 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 81% of models
Score components:

25%

6.3

Audio

18%

5.4

Formats

16%

8.2

Connectivity

14%

8.3

Controls

12%

6.7

HDMI

10%

7.2

Streaming

5%

7.5

Design

6.9
Reviews score
8.5
List score
6.9
Value for money
Value for money
8.1/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 89% of models
Score components:

70%

7.3

Overall score

30%

?

Price

8.1
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
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
N. of HDMI inputs
1
Market range: <0 – >5
This soundbar has 1 HDMI inputs, more than 58.8% of soundbars and equal to 37.4% of soundbars.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This soundbar supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 71.5% of soundbars include this feature.
Wi-Fi version
?
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This soundbar supports Bluetooth connectivity. 4.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Bluetooth version
?
Show more
Smartphone app
yes
This soundbar has smartphone app. 57.7% 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
yes
This soundbar supports voice assistant compatibility. 63.6% 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
?
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
4K
This soundbar passes through 4K, which is higher resolution than 74.5% of soundbars and equal to 23.8% of soundbars.
HDMI pass-through frame rate
60 fps
This soundbar supports HDMI pass-through up to 60 fps, higher than 79% of soundbars and equal to 16.2% of soundbars.
Show more
What reviewers say
AirPlay
yes
This soundbar supports AirPlay. 80.4% 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
yes
This soundbar supports Spotify Connect. 79.5% 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
yes
This soundbar supports native Amazon Music. 87.4% 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

Yamaha YAS-209 vs the average soundbar

246810TotalAudioFormatsConnectivityHDMIStreamingControlsDesign
  • 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.
  • Subwoofer included
    This soundbar has subwoofer included, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports AirPlay
    This soundbar supports AirPlay, 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 DTS Virtual:X
    This soundbar supports DTS Virtual:X, the average soundbar does not.
  • Multiroom ecosystem support
    This soundbar supports multiroom ecosystem support, the average soundbar does not.
  • 19.7% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.5/ 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 84% of models

    80%

    8.6

    Average grade

    20%

    8.3

    Popularity

    Grades by review (8)
    8 videos, average 8.9/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.5 vs 7.1
  • 6.9% better value for money
    Yamaha YAS-209 has better value for money than the average soundbar (8.13 vs 7.6).
    8.13 vs 7.6
  • Subwoofer included
    This soundbar has subwoofer included, the average soundbar does not.
  • 0.5 in inch larger subwoofer driver size
    This soundbar has a higher subwoofer driver size than the average soundbar (6.5 in vs 6 in). The average soundbar uses a subwoofer driver size of 6 in.
    6.5 in vs 6 in
  • Supports DTS Virtual:X
    This soundbar supports DTS Virtual:X, 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.
  • Higher video pass-through
    This soundbar passes through higher-resolution video than the average soundbar (4K vs 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 support
    This soundbar has a more recent HDCP version than the average soundbar (2.3 vs none).
    2.3 vs none
  • Supports AirPlay
    This soundbar supports AirPlay, the average soundbar does not.
  • 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.
  • Native Amazon Music support
    This soundbar supports native Amazon Music, the average soundbar does not.
  • 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.
  • 1 more microphones
    This soundbar has more microphones than the average soundbar (1 vs 0). The average soundbar has 0 microphones.
    1 vs 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
  • No night mode
    This soundbar does not support night mode, the average soundbar does.
  • 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.
  • 5.5% lower list score
    List score
    6.9/ 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 (2)
    List score: in 2 of 107 lists (2%)
    6.9 vs 7.3
  • 5.5% lower list score
    List score
    6.9/ 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 (2)
    List score: in 2 of 107 lists (2%)
    6.9 vs 7.3
  • 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.
  • 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 night mode
    This soundbar does not support night mode, the average soundbar does.

Video reviews

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

9.0
Aamir Shahzad Vlogs
≈ estimated
24/07/2025
Long-term test · a year of use with feature walkthrough
Verdict
Yamaha YAS-209 has left the reviewer fully satisfied and totally worth it, despite gaps in the app.
9.0
Aamir Shahzad Vlogs
≈ estimated
03/08/2024
Unboxing and review · setup and sound tests
Verdict
Yamaha YAS-209 is expensive, but worth the money for sound lovers, with a compact design and strong bass.
9.5
Sukhveen Lamba
≈ estimated
22/08/2023
Hands-on review · sound tests and settings
Verdict
Yamaha YAS-209 is highly recommended for clear, detailed sound and deep bass, but not for those who want boomy bass.
9.0
Sameer Mitha
≈ estimated
16/04/2023
Long-term review · three years of use
Verdict
Yamaha YAS-209 remains a good choice for clean sound and music, though vocals sound slightly soft.
8.0
Aunty Uncle
≈ estimated
31/10/2022
Hands-on review · app, remote and sound issues
Verdict
Yamaha YAS-209 still sounds good to the reviewer, but is only recommended if the app, remote and dropouts are tolerable.
7.0
Aunty Uncle
≈ estimated
07/10/2022
Owner review · two to three days of daily use
Verdict
Yamaha YAS-209 suits TVs without eARC and sources without Atmos, though its hardware trails Samsung and LG rivals.
9.0
TotallydubbedHD
≈ estimated
30/07/2021
Hands-on review · sound tests and rival comparison
Verdict
Yamaha YAS-209 is a good all-rounder and one of the best value soundbars, if expectations are kept in check.
9.0
Digital Trends
≈ estimated
18/08/2019
Hands-on review · sound, Alexa and app tests
Verdict
Yamaha YAS-209 has many features at a good price, though the display is weak and the treble can sound tinny.
Not graded
Overview video
Brand video
Not graded

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Yamaha YAS-209

  • Wi-Fi, AirPlay and Spotify Connect are all built in.
  • Amazon Music is supported directly, with no extra device needed.
  • Multiroom support lets it work with other compatible speakers around the house.
  • The companion app adjusts the EQ and most other settings.
  • Dialogue enhancement makes speech easier to follow.
  • DTS Virtual:X adds some sense of width to the sound.

What customers don't like about Yamaha YAS-209

  • No Dolby Atmos, so surround sound is less immersive.
  • No centre channel driver, so voices can sound a little soft.
  • Bass has less punch than in larger soundbars.
  • It cannot pair with two Bluetooth devices at once.
  • Voice control needs an internet connection.

Verdict

The Yamaha YAS-209 suits a person who listens to music more than they watch films. Its strongest point is how many ways it can play sound: Wi-Fi, AirPlay, Spotify Connect and Amazon Music are all built in, and it can join other compatible speakers for multiroom listening. Music sounds clean and strong, and the companion app lets you adjust the EQ. Dialogue enhancement helps when people talk on TV. The trade-off is surround sound. There is no Dolby Atmos and no centre channel driver, so voices can sound a little soft and the room does not fill with sound the way it does with a bigger bar. For a buyer who wants good music and smart streaming in a living room, it is a sensible pick.

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