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- Best overall: Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 8 (HT-A8000)
- Best budget: Sony HT-G700 3.1ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar
- Best premium: Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 9 (HT-A9000)
- Best for a compact setup: Sony HT-S2000 3.1ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar
- Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 8 (HT-A8000) is the leading all-around pick, with 5.0.2-channel sound and 11 speaker units.
- Sony HT-G700 3.1ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar is the simpler value-focused option, with 400W output and a wireless subwoofer.
- Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 9 (HT-A9000) offers the most advanced surround format in this seven-product comparison, with 7.0.2 channels.
- Sony HT-S2000 3.1ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar suits a compact setup with 250W output and built-in bass drivers.
- Choose by room size, subwoofer needs, HDMI connections and whether you want rear speakers—not by the model number alone.
The Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 8 (HT-A8000) is the stronger all-around choice, while the Sony HT-G700 3.1ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar is the straightforward pick for a 3.1-channel TV upgrade. We researched and compared specifications, reviews and owner feedback to build this Black Friday 2026 guide to seven Sony soundbars, from compact all-in-one bars to premium spatial-audio systems.
The Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 8 (HT-A8000) stands out for its 5.0.2-channel layout and 11 speaker units, while the Sony HT-G700 3.1ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar includes a separate wireless subwoofer. My pick for most people is the Bar 8 for its broader feature set; the HT-G700 makes sense when a simpler setup and dedicated bass unit matter more.
How We Picked
- Compared channel layouts, speaker counts and stated power output to show the practical differences between models.
- Considered whether each soundbar includes a subwoofer, has built-in bass drivers or supports adding optional rear speakers.
- Reviewed connection details, including HDMI eARC and inputs, to help match each bar with a TV and other devices.
- Used review themes and owner feedback to identify setup strengths, usability trade-offs and common fit considerations.
- Ranked the seven products by their intended role, from compact-room upgrades to premium home-theater sound.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Channels | Total output | Speaker units |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 8 (HT-A8000) | All-in-one immersive sound | 5.0.2 | 495W | 11 |
| Sony HT-G700 3.1ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar | Wireless subwoofer value | 3.1 | 400W | 3 |
| Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 9 (HT-A9000) | Premium spatial audio | 7.0.2 | 585W | 13 |
| Sony HT-A7000 7.1.2ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar | Multiple HDMI sources | 7.1.2 | 500W | 11 |
| Sony HT-A5000 5.1.2ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar | A height-channel upgrade | 5.1.2 | 450W | 11 |
| Sony HT-S2000 3.1ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar | Compact all-in-one setup | 3.1 | 250W | 3 |
| Sony HT-S400 2.1ch Soundbar | Basic TV audio and bass | 2.1 | 330W | 2 |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1 · Top pick
Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 8 (HT-A8000)
The Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 8 (HT-A8000) is the best overall soundbar for buyers seeking immersive sound without a separate subwoofer, with a 5.0.2-channel layout and 11 speaker units.
Best for: Most living rooms and all-in-one Dolby Atmos setups
- Channels
- 5.0.2
- Speaker units
- 11
- Total output
- 495W
- HDMI
- eARC
- Room-filling 5.0.2-channel design
- Built-in bass drivers keep the setup compact
- Supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
- Separate subwoofer and rear speakers add to the system footprint if expanded
Is the Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 8 (HT-A8000) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 8 (HT-A8000) is a strong choice for buyers who want immersive 5.0.2-channel sound in one main unit. The Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 8 (HT-A8000)'s 11 speaker units and built-in bass drivers make a cleaner setup than a bar paired with a separate subwoofer.
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#2
Sony HT-G700 3.1ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar
The Sony HT-G700 3.1ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar is the best value-focused soundbar for TV owners who want a separate bass unit, with 400W total output and a wireless subwoofer.
Best for: Simple upgrades with stronger, separate bass
- Channels
- 3.1
- Total output
- 400W
- Subwoofer
- Wireless
- Audio formats
- Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
- Wireless subwoofer comes in the box
- Clear center channel supports dialogue
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding
- No dedicated up-firing speaker channels
- Less immersive than Sony's 5.0.2-channel bars
Is the Sony HT-G700 3.1ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Sony HT-G700 3.1ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar is a sensible pick for buyers who want clearer dialogue and a separate wireless subwoofer without building a large system. The Sony HT-G700 3.1ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar's 400W output and 3.1-channel layout suit everyday TV, film and streaming use.
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#3
Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 9 (HT-A9000)
The Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 9 (HT-A9000) is the best premium soundbar for buyers prioritizing advanced spatial audio, with a 7.0.2-channel layout and 13 speaker units.
Best for: Premium immersive sound without a receiver
- Channels
- 7.0.2
- Speaker units
- 13
- Total output
- 585W
- HDMI
- eARC
- Wide 7.0.2-channel presentation
- 13 speaker units support spatial effects
- Supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
- Premium feature set exceeds basic TV-upgrade needs
- Optional subwoofer and rear speakers are separate
Is the Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 9 (HT-A9000) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 9 (HT-A9000) is worth considering for a premium setup that needs expansive sound from a single bar. The Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 9 (HT-A9000)'s 7.0.2-channel layout and 13 speaker units give it a clear step up in spatial-audio capability over the HT-G700.
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#4
Sony HT-A7000 7.1.2ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar
The Sony HT-A7000 7.1.2ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar is the best pick for buyers who want a wide soundstage and multiple HDMI connections, with 500W output and a 7.1.2-channel layout.
Best for: TVs and sources that need extra HDMI flexibility
- Channels
- 7.1.2
- Speaker units
- 11
- Total output
- 500W
- HDMI inputs
- 2
- Two HDMI inputs simplify source connections
- Built-in subwoofer drivers avoid a separate bass unit
- Supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
- Large bar needs room beneath the TV
- Optional rear speakers add separate components
Is the Sony HT-A7000 7.1.2ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Sony HT-A7000 7.1.2ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar suits buyers who need a broad soundstage and direct connections for more than one source. The Sony HT-A7000 7.1.2ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar's 7.1.2-channel layout and two HDMI inputs make it a capable center for a home theater.
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#5
Sony HT-A5000 5.1.2ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar
The Sony HT-A5000 5.1.2ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar is the best midrange-style step-up for buyers wanting height effects and built-in bass, with 450W output and 5.1.2 channels.
Best for: Immersive sound in a single-bar package
- Channels
- 5.1.2
- Speaker units
- 11
- Total output
- 450W
- HDMI
- eARC
- Up-firing drivers support height effects
- Built-in bass drivers simplify placement
- Compatible with optional Sony subwoofers
- Separate subwoofer is needed for deeper bass
- Fewer channels than the Bar 9
Is the Sony HT-A5000 5.1.2ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Sony HT-A5000 5.1.2ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar is a good fit for buyers who want Dolby Atmos height effects and an all-in-one starting setup. The Sony HT-A5000 5.1.2ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar's 11 speaker units and 450W output make it more immersive than a basic 3.1-channel bar.
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#6
Sony HT-S2000 3.1ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar
The Sony HT-S2000 3.1ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar is the best compact soundbar for buyers who want a simple all-in-one upgrade, with 250W output and a 3.1-channel layout.
Best for: Smaller rooms and straightforward TV setups
- Channels
- 3.1
- Total output
- 250W
- Subwoofer
- Built-in
- HDMI
- eARC
- Compact one-piece installation
- Dedicated center channel aids dialogue
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support
- No separate subwoofer included
- Less output than the HT-G700
Is the Sony HT-S2000 3.1ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Sony HT-S2000 3.1ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar is worth considering for a smaller room where one compact bar is easier to place than a bar-and-subwoofer system. The Sony HT-S2000 3.1ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar's 250W output, eARC connection and center channel suit everyday television.
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#7
Sony HT-S400 2.1ch Soundbar
The Sony HT-S400 2.1ch Soundbar is the best basic pick for buyers seeking a simple TV audio lift with separate bass, offering 330W output and a wireless subwoofer.
Best for: Basic TV audio with a separate subwoofer
- Channels
- 2.1
- Total output
- 330W
- Subwoofer
- Wireless
- Connection
- HDMI ARC
- Wireless subwoofer included
- Simple setup for everyday television
- 330W output for a basic 2.1 system
- No Dolby Atmos or DTS:X support
- No center channel for dialogue
Is the Sony HT-S400 2.1ch Soundbar worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Sony HT-S400 2.1ch Soundbar is a practical option when the goal is stronger TV sound and a separate subwoofer rather than immersive surround formats. The Sony HT-S400 2.1ch Soundbar's 330W output and wireless subwoofer deliver a straightforward two-speaker-channel upgrade.
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Sony HT-A8000 vs Sony HT-G700: which soundbar is better?
The Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 8 (HT-A8000) is the stronger immersive system, with 5.0.2 channels, while the Sony HT-G700 3.1ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar is the simpler option with a wireless subwoofer. The Bar 8 has up-firing channels and a more expansive format; the HT-G700 focuses on a center channel and a separate bass unit.
Choose the Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 8 (HT-A8000) if you want a clean one-bar setup with height effects and room to expand. Choose the Sony HT-G700 3.1ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar if separate bass and straightforward TV connections matter more than a wider spatial presentation. Both decode Dolby Atmos, but the speaker layouts are not equivalent.
For a larger upgrade, compare the Sony HT-A7000 7.1.2ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar and Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 9 (HT-A9000). Both target a fuller home-theater experience than the HT-G700.
Which Sony soundbar is best for Black Friday 2026?
The Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 8 (HT-A8000) is the best all-around Black Friday 2026 pick, with 11 speaker units and a 5.0.2-channel configuration. The design balances immersive audio, built-in bass and a manageable single-bar installation for many living rooms.
The Sony HT-G700 3.1ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar is a better match for buyers who prefer a wireless subwoofer included in the system. The Sony HT-S2000 3.1ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar is the compact alternative, while the Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 9 (HT-A9000) is aimed at buyers seeking premium spatial sound.
Match the model to the room and system plan before choosing. A smaller room does not need the same channel count as a dedicated theater, and a household with several HDMI sources should check the connection list on each model.
Does the Sony HT-G700 include a subwoofer?
The Sony HT-G700 3.1ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar includes one wireless subwoofer, giving the 3.1-channel system a separate bass component. The subwoofer connects without an audio cable, though it still needs a power outlet and floor space.
The Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 8 (HT-A8000), Sony HT-A5000 5.1.2ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar and Sony HT-S2000 3.1ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar keep bass drivers inside the bar. That approach reduces the number of components but does not provide the same separate subwoofer placement.
For the deepest system-style bass, look at a compatible Sony soundbar paired with an optional subwoofer. Check the model's compatibility list before buying accessories, since supported subwoofer and rear-speaker options vary across the lineup.
Which Sony soundbar is best for Dolby Atmos?
The Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 9 (HT-A9000) offers the most advanced channel layout in this guide, with 7.0.2 channels and 13 speaker units for immersive Dolby Atmos playback. The Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 8 (HT-A8000) is a strong all-in-one alternative with 5.0.2 channels.
The Sony HT-A7000 7.1.2ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar and Sony HT-A5000 5.1.2ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar also include height-channel configurations. The Sony HT-G700 3.1ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar supports Atmos decoding, but its 3.1 layout relies more on processing than dedicated height channels.
A Dolby Atmos label does not guarantee the same effect from every soundbar. Room shape, ceiling height, TV placement and the source audio all influence the result. Keep the soundbar centered and follow the setup instructions for the best spatial presentation.
Which Sony soundbar is easiest to set up?
The Sony HT-S2000 3.1ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar is the easiest compact option, with a one-piece design, 250W output and HDMI eARC. A single bar takes less floor space than models that include a separate wireless subwoofer.
The Sony HT-G700 3.1ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar remains simple to connect, but its subwoofer needs a suitable position and power outlet. The Sony HT-S400 2.1ch Soundbar also includes a wireless subwoofer, while the premium Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 8 (HT-A8000) keeps bass drivers built into the bar.
Before buying, measure the space beneath the TV and check the connection ports on the television. HDMI eARC is the preferred connection for compatible setups; HDMI ARC and optical connections provide alternatives depending on the TV and soundbar.
Buying Guide
Choose the right channel layout
A 2.1 or 3.1 soundbar suits basic TV upgrades; 5.0.2 and 7.1.2 layouts add channels intended to create a more immersive surround and height effect. Compare the listed channels, not just the Dolby Atmos badge.
Decide whether you need a separate subwoofer
A wireless subwoofer, as included with the Sony HT-G700 3.1ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar, adds a separate box and power connection. Built-in bass drivers in models such as the Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 8 (HT-A8000) keep the setup tidier.
Check your TV connections
Confirm that your TV has HDMI eARC or ARC and check how many HDMI sources need direct connection to the soundbar. The Sony HT-A7000 7.1.2ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar has 2 HDMI inputs, which helps when multiple devices need a direct link.
Measure the room and TV stand
Check bar width, height and clearance before ordering, especially if the soundbar sits in front of the TV or inside a cabinet. Leave room for a wireless subwoofer near an outlet and avoid blocking the TV's remote sensor.
Plan for future expansion
Some Sony soundbars support optional subwoofers and rear speakers. Confirm compatibility for the exact model and decide whether expansion is a real need; a compact all-in-one bar is simpler when extra speakers are not part of the plan.
FAQ
Sony HT-A8000 vs Sony HT-G700: which should I buy?
Choose the Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 8 (HT-A8000) for a 5.0.2-channel setup with 11 speaker units and built-in bass. Choose the Sony HT-G700 3.1ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar for a simpler system with 400W output and a separate wireless subwoofer.
Does the Sony HT-G700 support Dolby Atmos?
Yes. The Sony HT-G700 3.1ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding. The soundbar uses a 3.1-channel speaker layout with a wireless subwoofer, so its presentation differs from Sony models with dedicated up-firing height channels.
Is the Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 8 better than the Sony HT-A7000?
The Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 8 (HT-A8000) has 5.0.2 channels, while the Sony HT-A7000 7.1.2ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar has 7.1.2 channels and two HDMI inputs. Pick the Bar 8 for a newer all-in-one setup; choose the HT-A7000 when its channel layout and inputs fit your system.
Which Sony soundbar has a wireless subwoofer?
The Sony HT-G700 3.1ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar and Sony HT-S400 2.1ch Soundbar include wireless subwoofers. The Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 8 (HT-A8000) and Sony HT-S2000 3.1ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar use built-in bass drivers instead of a separate subwoofer.
Is the Sony HT-S2000 good for a small room?
Yes. The Sony HT-S2000 3.1ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar is a compact one-piece option for a small room, with 250W output and HDMI eARC. Its built-in bass drivers avoid the floor space required by a separate wireless subwoofer.
What is the difference between the Sony HT-A5000 and HT-G700?
The Sony HT-A5000 5.1.2ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar has 5.1.2 channels, 450W output and height-channel speakers. The Sony HT-G700 3.1ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar has 3.1 channels, 400W output and an included wireless subwoofer. Pick based on immersive channels versus separate bass.