The Yamaha YAS-209 vs Sony HT-X8500 comparison proves that these soundbars have many common features. Based on our rating, YAS-209 has a total rating of 6.4 out of 10 versus 6 for HT-X8500. The competitors' control buttons are different: power, volume down, volume up, input, microphone and power, volume down, volume up, input, Bluetooth, respectively.
Both soundbars have active amplification type. A significant difference between the units in the number of channels, the Yamaha YAS-209 has 2.0 versus 2.1 for the Sony HT-X8500. Only the Sony HT-X8500 has a built-in subwoofer. Both models received our 6 rating of 10 for their audio features and specs.
Soundbars do not have AirPlay support. Spotify support is available on the YAS-209.
Only the Yamaha YAS-209 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 YAS-209 received a rating of 7/10 versus 8/10, respectively. App control is available for the YAS-209. A built-in microphone is present only on the YAS-209. Soundbars do not have Multi-room support.
Only the HT-X8500 has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the HT-X8500. For multichannel surround Yamaha YAS-209 got a rating of 6, and Sony HT-X8500 10 out of 10.