Sony HT-X8500 vs JBL Bar 5.0 review

vs

It makes sense comparing Sony HT-X8500 vs JBL Bar 5.0 because they both are able to give some premium features. Based on our rating, HT-X8500 has a total rating of 6 out of 10 versus 8.2 for Bar 5.0. The competitors' control buttons are different: power, volume down, volume up, input, Bluetooth and power, source, volume down, volume up, respectively.

Audio features

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 5.0 for the JBL Bar 5.0. Only the Sony HT-X8500 has a built-in subwoofer. The Sony HT-X8500 got our rating of 6 out of 10, and the JBL Bar 5.0 5 for its audio features and specs.

Streaming services

Spotify support is available on the Bar 5.0.

Connectivity

Only the JBL Bar 5.0 can connect to the Internet via WI-FI. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. Each soundbar has 1/1 HDMI inputs/outputs. 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 10/10, respectively.

Features

App control is available for the Bar 5.0. A built-in microphone is present only on the Bar 5.0. Multi-room is only available for the JBL Bar 5.0.

Multichannel surround

Both devices have support for Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the HT-X8500. For multichannel surround Sony HT-X8500 got a rating of 10, and JBL Bar 5.0 7 out of 10.

Advantages Sony HT-X8500 over JBL Bar 5.0

Advantages JBL Bar 5.0 over Sony HT-X8500