The Sony HT-ST5000 vs Sony HT-X8500 comparison proves that these soundbars have many common features. Based on our rating, HT-ST5000 has a total rating of 8.6 out of 10 versus 6 for HT-X8500. The competitors' control buttons are different: power, volume down, volume up, input Bluetooth, music service and power, volume down, volume up, input, Bluetooth, respectively.
Both soundbars have active amplification type. A significant difference between the units in the number of channels, the Sony HT-ST5000 has 7.1.2 versus 2.1 for the Sony HT-X8500. Only the Sony HT-X8500 has a built-in subwoofer. The Sony HT-ST5000 got our rating of 9 out of 10, and the Sony HT-X8500 6 for its audio features and specs.
Soundbars do not have AirPlay support. Spotify support is available on the HT-ST5000.
Only the Sony HT-ST5000 can connect to the Internet via WI-FI. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. The Sony HT-ST5000 has 3/1 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 1/1 of the Sony HT-X8500. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. Both soundbars have a USB connector. For connectivity, the HT-ST5000 received a rating of 9/10 versus 8/10, respectively. App control is available for the HT-ST5000. A built-in microphone is present only on the HT-ST5000. Multi-room is only available for the Sony HT-ST5000.
Both devices have support for Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format. The surround sound technology DTS:X is supported by devices under review. For multichannel surround Sony HT-ST5000 got a rating of 8, and Sony HT-X8500 10 out of 10.