Few soundbars can simulate surround sound like the Sony HT-G700.

Impressive enveloping soundscape, clear speech.

The sub could be more linear, and dialogues lack finesse.

If you don't have the space for a full surround sound system, the HT-G700 is a smart way of bringing Atmos to the home with a smaller footprint. It isn't the surround sound experience Sony suggests it is, but the Vertical Surround Engine works brilliantly in creating height channels without the aid...

Atmos for a compact space; Vertical Surround Engine is clever; Tight; punchy bass; Enjoyable music performance; Suited to compact spaces

Overcomplicated menu system; Claims of virtual surround sound is overstated; Squashed aspect to the sound at times

The Sony HT-G700 delivers a cinematic experience that's hard to pull yourself away from, no matter the source. It's the best mid-price soundbar available right now, and is well-designed and thought-out, too.

Remarkable spatial sound; Great audio quality overall; No-effort setup; 4K HDMI passthrough; Suitable for 43-inch TVs and up

Not good with music; Not as dynamic as fancier soundbars; Not real surround and height

“The Sony HT-G700 stays competitive thanks to its compact design and virtual surround sound.”

Simple setup; Compact design; Stellar sound for music; Effective virtual Dolby Atmos

Lacks Wi-Fi connectivity; Not quite as immersive as true surround sound

The Sony HT-G700 is big on sound and on value – for cinematic scale and weight, there are few better soundbars at the price

Big; weighty sound; Impressive Atmos effect; Solid and stylish

Lack of crispness and clarity; No streaming functionality

Accomplished but not really immersive

Sony has tasked its new soundbar with achieving the near-impossible: Creating the immersive experience of a home theater, without the many speakers that typically work in unison to deliver that kind of sound. To add to the challenge, Sony attempted to do so at a reasonably affordable price point. With the HT-G700, the company nearly nailed it. While the 3.1-channel soundbar has its physical limitations, it’s got some impressive technology under the hood that not only allows Sony to claim the ability to re-create surround sound and even Dolby Atmos, but also helps this bar deliver big sound in a budget package. Typically, there’s a lot to unpack with these soundbar systems, but not so with the HT-G700. The entire system is, quite simply, just the soundbar and a wireless subwoofer; there are no rear speakers to unbox and no speaker wires to unravel. Aside from included accessories like a remote control, HDMI cable, quick setup guide, and instruction manual, there’s not much else to it. F...

Simple setup; Compact design; Stellar sound for music; Effective virtual Dolby Atmos;

Lacks Wi-Fi connectivity; Not quite as immersive as true surround sound;

Atmos for a compact space ; Tight, punchy bass ; Enjoyable music performance ; More suited for compact spaces;

Overcomplicated menu system ; Virtual surround sound claims overstated ; Soundstage can sound squashed;

The HT-G700’s $500 price tag might sound enticing given its array of 3D audio functionality, but it’s missing a huge feature: Wi-Fi connectivity.

Support for virtual 3D modes from Dolby; DTS; and Sony; Crisp; punchy sound; Easy setup; Night and voice enhancer modes

Virtual 3D modes sound harsh at times; No Wi-Fi support; Remote is tricky to use

Support for virtual 3D modes from Dolby, DTS, and Sony; Crisp, punchy sound; Easy setup; Night and voice enhancer modes;

Virtual 3D modes sound harsh at times; No Wi-Fi support; Remote is tricky to use;