Best Sony Soundbars in 2026

The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 8 HT-A8000 is our top pick. Its 11-speaker 5.0.2-channel array, immersive format support, 4K/120Hz passthrough and optional speaker expansion make it the strongest all-around choice. The HT-S100F is our value pick for buyers who want simple TV audio at the lowest cost among these picks.

At a Glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 8 HT-A8000	Eleven-speaker Atmos bar with gaming passthrough and room calibration
Best for immersive movies with included rears	Sony BRAVIA Theater System 6 HT-S60	Complete 5.1 package with physical rears and powerful bass
Best for a simple bass upgrade	Sony HT-S400	Straightforward 2.1-channel upgrade with a wireless subwoofer
Best for discrete 5.1	Sony HT-S40R	Budget-focused 5.1 system with genuine rear channels
Best value	Sony HT-S100F	Lowest-cost pick with HDMI ARC and a simple 2.0-channel design

How we chose

Channel layout, immersive-format support, HDMI connectivity, bass hardware and rear-speaker options carry the most weight. Streaming support, dimensions, setup demands and expandability determine fit. Each slot reflects the strongest feature set for its stated room or use.

The best Sony soundbars right now

Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 8 HT-A8000 - Best overall

The BRAVIA Theater Bar 8 HT-A8000 combines a 5.0.2-channel layout with 11 speaker units, including physical up-firing and side-firing drivers. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding sit alongside room calibration and 360 Spatial Sound Mapping. Sony's IMAX Enhanced certification applies only when the bar is combined with compatible optional rear speakers (SA-RS5 or SA-RS3S) and a compatible subwoofer (SA-SW5 or SA-SW3).

One HDMI input handles 4K/120Hz and 8K/60Hz passthrough, and the bar also provides one eARC or ARC output. Compatible Sony subwoofers and rear speakers can expand the system; neither is included.

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Key highlights

5.0.2 channels with 11 speaker units
Dolby Atmos and DTS:X; IMAX Enhanced certification requires compatible optional Sony rear speakers and subwoofer
One HDMI input and one eARC or ARC output
4K/120Hz and 8K/60Hz passthrough
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, AirPlay and Spotify Connect
43.375 x 2.625 x 4.5 inches; 10.36 pounds

Pros

Eleven-driver array includes physical up-firing and side-firing speakers
Room calibration and 360 Spatial Sound Mapping
Modern HDMI 2.1 gaming passthrough
Expandable with compatible Sony subwoofers and rear speakers

Cons

Expensive without an included external subwoofer
A compatible subwoofer costs extra
Only one HDMI input
Some premium BRAVIA integration features require a compatible Sony TV

Who it's for

This model suits buyers who want most of Sony's flagship features in a bar that fits more easily below a 55-inch or 65-inch TV.

Skip if

Choose another option when an included subwoofer is a priority.

Sony BRAVIA Theater System 6 HT-S60 - Best for immersive movies with included rears

Physical rear channels make the BRAVIA Theater System 6 HT-S60 a natural fit for a dedicated movie room. Its 10 speaker units span a soundbar, two rear speakers and an included subwoofer, with a dedicated center channel and 1,000 watts of total rated output.

The eARC or ARC connection supports Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, while Multi-Stereo mode provides room-filling music. Installation takes more work because the bar connects to the subwoofer, the rear speakers connect to a rear amplifier, and the five-piece system requires extra floor space and outlets.

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Key highlights

5.1 channels with 10 speaker units
Soundbar, rear speakers and subwoofer included
1,000 watts total rated output
Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
eARC or ARC with Dolby TrueHD support
35.75 x 2.625 x 3.625-inch soundbar; 5.75 pounds

Pros

Includes physical rear speakers for discrete rear-channel output
Includes a dedicated subwoofer
Dedicated center channel
Supports both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
Multi-Stereo mode is useful for parties and room-filling music

Cons

The bar connects to the subwoofer, and the rear speakers connect to a rear amplifier
No HDMI input for source passthrough
Five-piece setup requires more floor space and outlets
More components and cabling than a single-bar system

Who it's for

This system is for a dedicated movie room where physical rear-channel effects matter more than minimal cabling.

Skip if

Homes without space for speaker wire near the seating area need a cleaner single-bar installation.

Sony HT-S400 - Best for a simple bass upgrade

The HT-S400 is an older 2022 model that Sony still sells new; the newer 3.1-channel BRAVIA Theater Bar 5 now sits above it as one of Sony's current Atmos-capable bar-and-subwoofer options, alongside the Bar 6. It keeps the upgrade simple with a 2.1-channel configuration, a separate wireless subwoofer and 330 watts of total rated output. HDMI ARC or optical connections handle TV audio, Voice and Night modes support everyday viewing, and Bluetooth 5.0 provides music playback. It omits eARC, Dolby Atmos, DTS support, a dedicated center channel, an HDMI input and a rear-speaker upgrade path.

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Key highlights

2.1 channels with wireless subwoofer
330 watts total rated output
One HDMI ARC output and no HDMI input
Dolby Digital, Dolby Dual Mono and 2-channel LPCM
35.5 x 2.63 x 3.5-inch bar
7.63 x 15.25 x 15.75-inch subwoofer

Pros

Includes a separate wireless subwoofer
Simple HDMI ARC or optical connection
Voice and Night modes are practical for everyday TV
Balanced, unobtrusive design
Bluetooth 5.0 music playback

Cons

No dedicated center channel
No eARC, Dolby Atmos or DTS support
No HDMI input
Limited sound adjustment and no rear-speaker upgrade path

Who it's for

It suits buyers seeking uncomplicated TV, sports and music playback with a separate wireless subwoofer.

Skip if

Choose a different system when immersive formats, a discrete dialogue channel or expandability are essential.

Sony HT-S40R - Best for discrete 5.1

Real rear channels define the HT-S40R. Its soundbar, subwoofer and two rear speakers create a 5.1-channel system with 600 watts of total rated output, and the package includes a separate rear amplifier.

HDMI ARC, optical, analog mini input, USB playback and Bluetooth 5.0 provide several connection options. Cinema, Music, Voice and Night modes keep operation straightforward. The rear speakers are wired to the rear amplifier, the subwoofer is wired into the system, and there is no eARC, Dolby Atmos, DTS support or HDMI passthrough.

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Key highlights

5.1 channels with soundbar, subwoofer and two rear speakers
600 watts total rated output
One HDMI ARC output and no HDMI input
Dolby Digital, Dolby Dual Mono and 2-channel LPCM
Bluetooth 5.0, optical, analog mini input and USB playback

Pros

Real rear channels at a budget-system price
Subwoofer and rear amplifier are included
High claimed output for the price
HDMI ARC, optical, analog and USB connection options
Straightforward Cinema, Music, Voice and Night modes

Cons

No Dolby Atmos, DTS or eARC
Rear speakers are wired to the separate rear amplifier
The subwoofer is wired into the system rather than wirelessly placed
Older, bulkier architecture with no HDMI passthrough

Who it's for

This package is for buyers who value genuine rear effects more than current object-based audio formats.

Skip if

A different system is better for anyone who needs a nearly wireless setup, lossless audio or Dolby Atmos.

Sony HT-S100F - Best value

The HT-S100F earns the value slot as the least expensive soundbar in this selection. Its compact 2.0-channel design, Bass Reflex enclosure and HDMI ARC connection cover the basics for a bedroom, dorm or secondary TV without the cost or extra components of a surround package.

An HDMI ARC output and an optical input cover TV connections, while USB playback and Bluetooth 4.2 support music. Voice and Night modes are useful at low volume.

There is no separate subwoofer for deep bass, and the two-channel design lacks a dedicated center speaker. Dolby Atmos, DTS and eARC are also absent.

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Key highlights

2.0 channels with Bass Reflex enclosure
120 watts total rated output
One HDMI ARC output and no HDMI input
HDMI ARC, optical input, USB playback and Bluetooth 4.2
35.5 x 2.5 x 3.5 inches; 5.29 pounds

Pros

Inexpensive, simple upgrade over thin TV speakers
Compact and wall-mountable
HDMI ARC output and optical input
USB and Bluetooth music playback
Voice and Night modes are useful at low volume

Cons

Limited low bass and no separate subwoofer
No Dolby Atmos, DTS or eARC
Two-channel design lacks a dedicated center speaker
Old Bluetooth 4.2 implementation

Who it's for

This compact bar suits buyers keeping costs down for a bedroom, dorm or secondary TV, where simple connections matter more than deep bass or surround effects.

Skip if

Buyers expecting room-shaking bass, discrete surround or convincing immersive audio need a more substantial system.

How to Choose

Choose a bar or complete package. The HT-A8000 keeps the number of components down but requires optional purchases for an external subwoofer and rear speakers. The HT-S60 and HT-S40R include a subwoofer and physical rears, while the HT-S400 includes a wireless subwoofer.
Check how Atmos is produced. The HT-A8000 uses physical up-firing drivers for height cues. The HT-S60 supports Dolby Atmos in a 5.1 package, while the HT-S400, HT-S40R and HT-S100F do not support Atmos.
Confirm your HDMI requirements. Use eARC for lossless Dolby TrueHD with Atmos and DTS:X. Only the HT-A8000 provides an extra HDMI input among these picks, so sources must connect to the TV with the other models.
Budget for the complete system. Premium standalone bars can cost considerably more after compatible rear speakers and subwoofers are added. Compare the full intended configuration with a complete package such as the HT-S60.
Measure width and depth. The HT-A8000 measures 43.375 inches wide. Check that the bar will not block the screen or infrared receiver and that a separate subwoofer can fit near an outlet.
Value TV integration appropriately. Every pick works with a non-Sony TV through ARC or eARC. Sony-specific features such as Acoustic Center Sync, Voice Zoom 3 and integrated Quick Settings require a compatible Sony TV.

Do Sony soundbars work with non-Sony TVs?

Yes. They use standard HDMI ARC, eARC or optical connections, but Acoustic Center Sync, Voice Zoom 3 and integrated Quick Settings require a compatible Sony TV.

Is eARC required for Dolby Atmos?

Not for every form of Atmos. ARC can carry compressed Atmos in Dolby Digital Plus, while eARC is needed for higher-bandwidth formats such as lossless Dolby TrueHD with Atmos. eARC is the safer choice for modern consoles and disc players.

Do wireless Sony subwoofers and rear speakers still need power cables?

Usually. Wireless refers to the audio link, and powered subwoofers plus most wireless rear units need AC power. Sony's SA-RS5 rear speakers are the exception, with a built-in battery rated for up to 10 hours of cord-free use before recharging. The HT-S60 and HT-S40R also use speaker cables within parts of their rear-channel arrangements.

Which picks support 4K/120Hz console passthrough?

The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 8 HT-A8000 is the only pick here with 4K/120Hz passthrough through an HDMI input. With the other models, connect the console directly to the TV and return audio over eARC or ARC.

How do physical rear speakers differ from a standalone bar?

The HT-S60 and HT-S40R include rear speakers for discrete rear-channel output. The standalone HT-A8000 reproduces surround cues from the front unless compatible optional rear speakers are added.

Which Sony soundbar is the best value for basic TV audio?

The HT-S100F is the least expensive pick here. Its 2.0-channel design and HDMI ARC connection suit a simple TV setup, but it has no separate subwoofer, dedicated center speaker or Dolby Atmos support.