Sony HT-X8500 vs Samsung HW-K850 review

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l would like to share my experience after comparing and testing two soundbars – Sony HT-X8500 vs Samsung HW-K850. Both soundbars received a score of 6 in our ranking. The soundbars are equipped with a different number of buttons, power, volume down, volume up, input, Bluetooth for the HT-X8500 and power, volume down, volume up, source for the HW-K850.

Audio features

Each of the models under consideration has active amplification type. A noticeable difference is the number of channels that HT-X8500 has 2.1 and HW-K850 has 3.1.2. A built-in subwoofer is available only in the Sony HT-X8500. Audio features and specs of considered models we rated 6 out of 10 in our ranking.

Streaming services

Soundbars do not have AirPlay support. The HW-K850 can play audio from Spotify.

Connectivity

Wireless Internet connection is realized only in the HW-K850. Soundbars from this comparison have Bluetooth support. There are 1/1 HDMI inputs/outputs in the Sony HT-X8500 versus 2/1 HDMIs in the Samsung HW-K850. As in the HT-X8500, so in the HW-K850 there is the HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC). Connecting devices via USB is possible in both models. We rated the connectivity of the HT-X8500 at 8 out of 10, while the HW-K850 was rated 7/10.

Features

None of these soundbars can be controlled using the app. Soundbars in this review are not equipped with a microphone. The models under consideration cannot become part of a multiroom system.

Multichannel surround

Manufacturers equipped both units with Dolby Atmos audio decoder. The HT-X8500 can work with surround sound due to DTS:X support. The HT-X8500 was rated 10/10, while the HW-K850 received a mark of 4/10 for multichannel surround.

Advantages Sony HT-X8500 over Samsung HW-K850

Advantages Samsung HW-K850 over Sony HT-X8500