It makes sense comparing Sony HT-S400 vs Sony HT-A5000 because they both are able to give some premium features. Based on our rating, HT-S400 has a total rating of 4.4 out of 10 versus 7.8 for HT-A5000.
Both soundbars have active amplification type. A significant difference between the units in the number of channels, the Sony HT-S400 has 2.1 versus 5.1.2 for the Sony HT-A5000. The output power is different and equal to 330 (overall) W for the HT-S400 versus 450 (overall) W for the HT-A5000. Only the Sony HT-A5000 has a built-in subwoofer. The Sony HT-S400 got our rating of 6 out of 10, and the Sony HT-A5000 8 for its audio features and specs.
Spotify support is available on the HT-A5000.
Only the Sony HT-A5000 can connect to the Internet via WI-FI. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. The Sony HT-S400 has 0/1 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 1/1 of the Sony HT-A5000. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. Both soundbars have a USB connector. For connectivity, each of the soundbars received a rating of 7/10.
Compared soundbars have no app control. None of the models under consideration have a built-in microphone. Soundbars do not have Multi-room support.
Only the HT-A5000 has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the HT-A5000. For multichannel surround Sony HT-S400 got a rating of 5, and Sony HT-A5000 10 out of 10.