I had a chance to test and compare two models: Sony HT-Z9F vs Vizio V21-H8 and this review should help people who are looking for a good soundbar. The Sony HT-Z9F was rated 7.2, while the Vizio V21-H8 has a rating 5.5. The soundbars are equipped with a different number of buttons, power, input, Bluetooth, music service, volume down, volume up for the HT-Z9F and power, volume down, volume up, source, Bluetooth for the V21-H8.
Each of the models under consideration has active amplification type. A noticeable difference is the number of channels that HT-Z9F has 3.1 and V21-H8 has 2.1. The built-in subwoofer is not implemented in any of these models. An external subwoofer connects to the HT-Z9F via wireless, but V21-H8 has wired and wireless connection type. Rate 7 out of 10 received the Sony HT-Z9F for audio features and specs, but the Vizio V21-H8 received 6 out of 10.
Soundbars do not have AirPlay support. The HT-Z9F can play audio from Spotify.
Wireless Internet connection is realized only in the HT-Z9F. Soundbars from this comparison have Bluetooth support. There are 2/0 HDMI inputs/outputs in the Sony HT-Z9F versus 0/1 HDMIs in the Vizio V21-H8. As in the HT-Z9F, so in the V21-H8 there is the HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC). Connecting devices via USB is possible in both models. We rated the connectivity of the HT-Z9F at 8 out of 10, while the V21-H8 was rated 6/10.
The manufacturer of the V21-H8 provides a device control application. The Vizio V21-H8 equipped with a microphone. The Sony HT-Z9F may become part of a multiroom system.
Dolby Atmos audio decoder is onboard the HT-Z9F. The HT-Z9F can work with surround sound due to DTS:X support. The HT-Z9F was rated 8/10, while the V21-H8 received a mark of 5/10 for multichannel surround.