Sony Bravia Theater Bar 5 Review: A Solid TV Audio Boost

Not everyone is looking to drop a thousand dollars on a home theater setup. Sometimes, you just want your TV to sound better than those tiny built-in speakers. Sony seems to understand this perfectly with its new Bravia Theater Bar 5. Priced at $350, this entry-level soundbar is designed for simplicity and performance in smaller living spaces.

The first thing you’ll notice is its compact size. At about 35.5 inches wide, it fits comfortably under most TVs without blocking the screen. Despite its small footprint, the 3.1-channel configuration delivers surprisingly crisp audio. The star of the show, however, is the included wireless subwoofer. It provides that deep, rumbling bass that makes action movies feel alive, though you might want to dial it back a bit for music-heavy content if you prefer a more neutral sound.

Setting it up is a breeze. Thanks to the Bravia Connect app, you can go from unboxing to watching your favorite show in about five minutes. It’s truly a "plug-and-play" experience that won't frustrate the less tech-savvy members of the family. However, simplicity comes with trade-offs. To keep the price down, Sony skipped Wi-Fi connectivity. This means no AirPlay or Google Cast; you’ll have to rely on Bluetooth 5.3 if you want to stream music from your phone or laptop.

While the Bar 5 supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, don't expect a full "bubble" of sound. Without up-firing drivers, it uses virtualization technology to mimic overhead audio. In testing, the side-to-side movement was great, but that "sound from above" feeling was mostly missing. Also, there are no physical volume buttons on the bar itself—you'll need to keep the remote or your phone handy at all times.

Ultimately, the Bravia Theater Bar 5 is a reliable choice for those who want a straightforward upgrade. It might lack the high-end features of the Sonos Beam, but for $350 with a subwoofer included, it’s a compelling package for any cozy living room looking for a sonic punch.