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 8.2 out of 10 versus 6 for HT-X8500. The competitors' control buttons are different: power, source, demo, volume down, volume up, microphone mute and power, volume down, volume up, input, Bluetooth, respectively.
Both soundbars have active amplification type. Soundbars have the same number of channels on 2.1. Only the Sony HT-X8500 has a built-in subwoofer. Both models received our 6 rating of 10 for their audio features and specs.
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, each of the soundbars received a rating of 8/10.
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 8, and Sony HT-X8500 10 out of 10.