It makes sense comparing Sony HT-ST5000 vs Samsung HW-N850 because they both are able to give some premium features. Based on our rating, both soundbars have the same overall rating of 8.6. The competitors' control buttons are different: power, volume down, volume up, input Bluetooth, music service and power, input, volume down, volume up, 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 5.1.2 for the Samsung HW-N850. The output power is different and equal to 800 (overall) W for the HT-ST5000 versus 372 (overall) W for the HW-N850. Competitors do not have a built-in subwoofer. Rivals have wireless connection to separate subwoofer. The Sony HT-ST5000 got our rating of 9 out of 10, and the Samsung HW-N850 7 for its audio features and specs. Spotify is available on each of the soundbars.
These models have the ability to 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 2/0 of the Samsung HW-N850. 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 in each model. Multi-room is available to every soundbar.
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 Samsung HW-N850 9 out of 10.