An affordable soundbar is always a good option to consider, so Sony HT-ST5000 vs Yamaha SR-C20A comparison definitely makes sense. Based on our rating, HT-ST5000 has a total rating of 8.6 out of 10 versus 5 for SR-C20A. The competitors' control buttons are different: power, volume down, volume up, input Bluetooth, music service and volume down, volume up, power, source, respectively.
Both soundbars have active amplification type. The output power is different and equal to 800 (overall) W for the HT-ST5000 versus 100 (overall) W for the SR-C20A. Only the Yamaha SR-C20A has a built-in subwoofer. The Sony HT-ST5000 got our rating of 9 out of 10, and the Yamaha SR-C20A 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 0/1 of the Yamaha SR-C20A. 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 7/10, respectively. App control is available in every soundbar. A built-in microphone is present only on the HT-ST5000. Multi-room is only available for the Sony HT-ST5000.
Only the HT-ST5000 has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the HT-ST5000. For multichannel surround Sony HT-ST5000 got a rating of 8, and Yamaha SR-C20A 5 out of 10.