The Sony HT-X8500 vs Denon HEOS BAR comparison proves that these soundbars have many common features. Based on our rating, HT-X8500 has a total rating of 6 out of 10 versus 7 for HEOS BAR. The competitors' control buttons are different: power, volume down, volume up, input, Bluetooth and volume down, volume up, sound off, respectively.
Both soundbars have active amplification type. A significant difference between the units in the number of channels, the Sony HT-X8500 has 2.1 versus 3.0 for the Denon HEOS BAR. Only the Sony HT-X8500 has a built-in subwoofer. Both models received our 6 rating of 10 for their audio features and specs.
Soundbars do not have AirPlay support. Spotify support is available on the HEOS BAR.
Both models do not have WI-FI support. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. The Sony HT-X8500 has 1/1 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 4/1 of the Denon HEOS BAR. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. Both soundbars have a USB connector. For connectivity, the HT-X8500 received a rating of 8/10 versus 7/10, respectively. App control is available for the HEOS BAR. A built-in microphone is present only on the HEOS BAR. Multi-room is only available for the Denon HEOS BAR.
Only the HT-X8500 has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the HT-X8500. For multichannel surround Sony HT-X8500 got a rating of 10, and Denon HEOS BAR 5 out of 10.