If you want a Sony soundbar that makes movies and shows sound bigger, these five picks cover the lineup.
They run from the flagship Theater Bar 9 to the hugely popular S100F, so you can match your room and budget.
| Feature | Sony Theater Bar 9 | Sony Theater Bar 8 | Sony HT-A3000 | Sony Theater System 6 | Sony S100F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Image |  |
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| Channels | 7.1.2 (13 speakers) | 11 speakers | 3.1 | 5.1 | 2.0 |
| Dolby Atmos | Yes (DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced) | Yes (DTS:X) | Yes (DTS:X) | Compatible (Atmos, DTS:X) | No |
| Subwoofer | Optional | Optional | Built-in dual subs | Wireless, included | Built-in bass reflex |
| Rear Speakers | Optional | Optional | Optional | Wireless, included | None |
| Key Feature | 360 Spatial Sound Mapping | 360 Spatial Sound Mapping | Vertical Surround Engine | Voice Zoom 3 | S-Force Front Surround |
| Popularity | Established premium seller | Established premium seller | Well-reviewed 3.1 bar | Steady seller | Top-selling Sony bar |
| Soundbar Width | 51.2 in | 43.3 in | 37.5 in | 35.7 in | 35.4 in |
| Buy Now |  |
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| Product | Image | Feature 1 | Feature 2 | Feature 3 | Feature 4 | Feature 5 | Feature 6 | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony Theater Bar 9 | |
7.1.2 (13 speakers) | Yes (DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced) | Optional | Optional | 360 Spatial Sound Mapping | Established premium seller | |
| Sony Theater Bar 8 | |
11 speakers | Yes (DTS:X) | Optional | Optional | 360 Spatial Sound Mapping | Established premium seller | |
| Sony HT-A3000 | |
3.1 | Yes (DTS:X) | Built-in dual subs | Optional | Vertical Surround Engine | Well-reviewed 3.1 bar | |
| Sony Theater System 6 | |
5.1 | Compatible (Atmos, DTS:X) | Wireless, included | Wireless, included | Voice Zoom 3 | Steady seller | |
| Sony S100F | |
2.0 | No | Built-in bass reflex | None | S-Force Front Surround | Top-selling Sony bar | |
1. Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 Soundbar with 13 Speakers, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
The Theater Bar 9 is Sony’s flagship soundbar.
It uses 13 speakers and 360 Spatial Sound Mapping to build a wide wall of sound.
It supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and IMAX Enhanced.
At 51.2 inches wide, it suits TVs of 65 inches and larger.
Features
- 13 speakers in a 51.2-inch bar
- 360 Spatial Sound Mapping
- Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and IMAX Enhanced support
- HDMI 2.1, Bluetooth, Spotify Connect, and AirPlay 2
- Voice Zoom 3 dialogue boost with a compatible BRAVIA TV
Pros
- Top-tier cinema format support
- A huge, open soundstage
- An optional Sony sub and rear speakers add real surround
- Strong streaming with Spotify Connect and AirPlay 2
Cons
- The subwoofer and rear speakers are sold separately
- Flagship pricing
- Some features work best with a Sony BRAVIA TV
If you want Sony’s best and watch lots of 4K films, the Bar 9 is the top pick.
Check its current price on Amazon
2. Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 8 Soundbar with 11 Speakers, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
The Theater Bar 8 is the step-down flagship with most of the same ideas.
It uses 11 speakers, including up-firing and side-firing drivers.
It’s about 8 inches narrower than the Bar 9.
At 43.3 inches wide, it suits TVs of about 55 inches.
Features
- 11 speakers with up-firing and side-firing drivers
- 360 Spatial Sound Mapping
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support
- HDMI 2.1, Bluetooth, Spotify Connect, and AirPlay 2
- 43.3-inch bar
Pros
- True height and side-firing speakers
- Fits mid-size TVs better than the Bar 9
- Works with optional Sony rear speakers
- Streaming with Spotify Connect and AirPlay 2
Cons
- Rear speakers and a subwoofer are optional extras
- Some features work best with a Sony BRAVIA TV
- Premium pricing
If you want flagship-style Atmos in a smaller bar, the Bar 8 is a balanced pick.
Check its current price on Amazon
3. Sony HT-A3000 3.1ch Dolby Atmos TV Sound Bar with DTS:X, 360 Spatial Sound Mapping, Dual Subwoofers
The HT-A3000 is a compact Sony bar with built-in dual subwoofers.
It uses a center channel and Vertical Surround Engine to create Atmos height.
Buyers rate it well, with 4.4 stars from over 100 reviews.
At 37.5 inches wide, it suits mid-size TVs.
Features
- 3.1 channels with 250W of power
- Built-in dual subwoofers
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X with Vertical Surround Engine
- HDMI eARC, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, and Chromecast
- 37.5-inch bar with Alexa and Google Assistant support
Pros
- Bass without a separate subwoofer
- A dedicated center channel for dialogue
- Expands with optional rear speakers and a sub
- Alexa and Google Assistant support
Cons
- Atmos height is virtual
- An older design than the newer Theater Bars
- Built-in subs are modest next to a dedicated sub
If you want Sony’s Atmos sound in a mid-size bar with built-in bass, the HT-A3000 is a smart choice.
Check its current price on Amazon
4. Sony BRAVIA Theater System 6 5.1ch Soundbar with Subwoofer and Rear Speakers (HT-S60)
The Theater System 6 is a complete 5.1 package.
It includes a wireless subwoofer and two wireless rear speakers.
It’s a clean way to get real surround from a Sony bar.
At 35.7 inches wide, it suits mid-size TVs.
Features
- 5.1 channels with up to 1,000W of power
- Wireless subwoofer and wireless rear speakers included
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X compatible
- Voice Zoom 3 with a compatible BRAVIA TV
- 35.7-inch bar with Bluetooth
Pros
- Real rear speakers in the box
- A complete system in one order
- A compact 35.7-inch bar
- Bluetooth streaming included
Cons
- Atmos is virtual, with no up-firing drivers
- More pieces to place and power
- No Wi-Fi streaming
If you want real rear speakers and bass without a premium bar, the Theater System 6 delivers.
Check its current price on Amazon
5. Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar with Bass Reflex Speaker, Integrated Tweeter and Bluetooth
The S100F is one of the most popular soundbars on the market.
It’s a slim 2.0 bar with a bass reflex speaker and a built-in tweeter.
Thousands of buyers pick it every month.
At 35.4 inches wide, it suits mid-size TVs and desks.
Features
- 2.0 channels with 120W of power
- Bass reflex speaker and integrated tweeter
- S-Force Front Surround
- HDMI ARC, optical, USB, and Bluetooth
- 35.4-inch bar
Pros
- Very easy one-cable HDMI ARC setup
- Compact and TV-friendly
- A proven top seller
- USB playback for music files
Cons
- No Dolby Atmos
- No subwoofer
- An older design with Bluetooth 4.2
If you want a simple, proven upgrade over TV speakers, the S100F is an easy pick.
Check its current price on Amazon
Buying Guide
Sony bars range from simple 2.0 models to premium Dolby Atmos flagships.
Choose a Theater Bar for the best Atmos and DTS:X.
Pick a system with rear speakers if you want true surround.
Check your TV for HDMI ARC or eARC.
Measure your stand against the bar’s width before buying.
Tips For Choosing And Setting Up Your Sony Soundbar
Use HDMI eARC for the best Dolby Atmos and DTS:X quality.
Pair a Sony BRAVIA TV with a Theater Bar to unlock extra features.
Place the bar directly under the TV and keep the front clear.
Add Sony rear speakers later if you want to expand a Theater Bar.
Update the bar’s software to get the latest features.
Run the sound calibration, if your bar has it, after you place it.
Keep the front of the bar clear so the speakers can project sound.
Use your TV remote with HDMI-CEC for simple volume control.
Center the bar under the TV for the best dialogue clarity.
Check that your cable fits your TV’s ports before you start.
FAQ
Which Sony soundbar is best overall?
The Theater Bar 9 is Sony’s best overall bar.
The Theater Bar 8 is the better fit for mid-size TVs.
Do all Sony soundbars support Dolby Atmos?
No. The Theater Bars and HT-A3000 do, and the Theater System 6 is compatible.
The S100F does not.
Sony also sells separate subwoofers and rear speakers for the Theater Bars.
Can I add a subwoofer later?
Yes, since the Theater Bars and HT-A3000 work with optional Sony subwoofers.
They also accept wireless rear speakers.
Is the S100F still worth buying?
Yes, if you want a simple, proven bar for a small room.
It skips Atmos, Wi-Fi, and a subwoofer.
It’s a smart pick for bedrooms and small living rooms.
Do I need a Sony TV?
No, since Sony bars work with any TV that has HDMI ARC or eARC.
A BRAVIA TV unlocks a few extra features.
Conclusion
Any of these five Sony soundbars will upgrade your TV sound.
If you want Sony’s best, the Theater Bar 9 leads.
If you want the best mid-size pick, the Theater Bar 8 fits.
And if you want simple and popular, the S100F is hard to beat.
Whichever you choose, you’ll hear the clarity Sony is known for.
Check your TV size and ports first, and the choice gets easy.
Many Sony Theater Bars let you start small and add speakers later.