Sony HT-AX7 Review
With the Sony HT-AX7, we had a compact portable home entertainment system in our test lab that can deliver immersive sound quality anywhere and anytime.
The standout feature of this portable system is its versatility, thanks to two separate rear speakers. It can be used not only as a standard Bluetooth speaker but also as a mobile 3.0 soundbar for your TV, laptop, smartphone, or tablet.
The round speakers can magnetically attach to the top of the main unit or be placed separately around the room for an immersive sound experience in places like your bed, couch, or patio. All three components have built-in lithium-ion batteries, providing up to 30 hours of playback. A Bluetooth 5.2 module, Sony’s 360 Spatial Sound Mapping technology for surround sound, and the option to control the HT-AX7 via the Home Entertainment Connect app round out this interesting package.
We thoroughly tested this 2-in-1 system and in our review, we reveal what other control options are available, what specific use cases this portable sound system is suitable for, how much power it consumes, and how the sound quality performs in practice.
The compact Sony HT-AX7 initially appears to be a standard Bluetooth speaker with two cylindrical elements. These are removable rear speakers that attach magnetically to the top but can also be used separately. All three elements are mostly wrapped in grey acoustic fabric, creating a unified look.
The main speaker is made entirely from recycled plastic and has smooth rubberized surfaces on the top and bottom. The top houses six control buttons, while the bottom has a deep recess for easy handling and transport.
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The only physical connection is a USB-C charging port at the back, and a USB-C to USB-C cable is included in the package. Unfortunately, a power adapter is not included, so users will need one with at least 45 watts.
The design is appealing with high-quality materials, excellent craftsmanship, and a softly curved shape that fits seamlessly into almost any environment. Instead of a display, the system has five status LEDs that indicate power, Bluetooth pairing, and the Sound Field function.
“Flexible 2-in-1 sound system with Bluetooth and detachable rear speakers”
Inside the main component, two side-firing, asymmetrically oval X-Balanced drivers and two front-facing passive radiators work behind the fabric cover. They provide an output of 45 watts and cover a frequency range of 20 to 20,000 Hz. Both the main unit and the rear speakers have built-in non-replaceable lithium-ion batteries that allow for long-lasting music enjoyment without direct power connection. The front speaker has a 5,200 mAh battery, while the rear speakers have 1,400 mAh each.
With a full charge and medium volume, they offer up to 30 hours of music playback, while a full charge takes about four hours for the main unit and four and a half hours for the rear speakers. For those in a hurry, a quick charge function offers two and a half hours of playback with just 10 minutes of charging. The USB-C port is only for charging the speakers and cannot be used as a power bank for mobile devices.
Portable Speakers
The two wireless cylindrical rear speakers each have a diameter of 12.2 centimeters, a height of 3.9 centimeters, and a weight of 295 grams. Like the main unit, they are mostly wrapped in pearl grey fabric. The bottom, which is rubberized, houses a standby button and the circular charging ports that magnetically attach to the designated charging surfaces on top of the sound system. No re-pairing is required when detaching and using them in a surround setup, as they automatically remain connected.
While the sound system is designed for mobile use, such as traveling or camping, it is not IP-certified for water or dust resistance.
In terms of connectivity, the Sony box is limited to Bluetooth 5.2 and supports important profiles like A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP, and SPP, which allow for use as a hands-free device for calls. However, it only supports the basic AAC and SBC audio codecs, lacking higher-quality options like aptX or Sony’s LDAC, which provide better audio quality. This means that audio is always transmitted in stereo and artificially optimized for spatial playback. Network capability or NFC are also missing.
Setup and Operation
Sony’s stereo sound system is a mix of a portable Bluetooth speaker and a compact TV soundbar. Setup is simple, thanks to the well-designed Home Entertainment Connect app, which is required for initial setup, and the reliance on Bluetooth as the only connection option. Once Bluetooth is activated on the desired device and location access is granted, pairing via the app happens almost automatically.
The system appears in the main screen within moments and is ready for connection. Thanks to Bluetooth Multipoint, a second device, like a TV or tablet, can also be connected, and users can easily switch between paired devices via the app. This allows for using the TV or tablet for video and the smartphone for music playback or calls.
As mentioned, Bluetooth is the only connection option available, with no Wi-Fi, AirPlay, or physical connections. This minimalist approach works well, but an optical S/PDIF or HDMI connection or a headphone jack would have been welcome additions. For users who mainly stream music and video content from smartphones or laptops, Bluetooth should be sufficient. The system can remember up to eight paired devices.
Measurement Data
Power Consumption in Watts:
- Standby: Ø 0.2 W
- Operating Mode:
- Without Rear-Speakers: Ø 0.9 W
- With Rear-Speakers: Ø 1.8 W
Annual Cost:
- Cost per year: €1.17
Based on a price of 32 cents per kWh. The calculated costs are for 365 days of mixed operation with an average daily use of 195 minutes.
Sound System
The main speaker of the HT-AX7 system has an oval design and looks like an unusually compact soundbar on its own. The rounded sides are completely covered in grey acoustic fabric, while the casing itself is made from recycled plastic. The workmanship is flawless.
Streaming from a tablet or laptop, or connecting to a modern smart TV with Bluetooth, should be sufficient for this transmission method. The Sony home entertainment system can remember up to eight paired devices.
The app’s control options are similarly simple. In the main view, you can adjust the bass and rear speaker levels, set the volume, check battery status, and toggle available sound modes. The settings also offer tutorials, system functions, and the option to prioritize either sound quality or Bluetooth connection stability. Day-to-day control is easy thanks to the physical buttons on the device, which allow you to power the HT-AX7 on and off, adjust the volume, activate Bluetooth and Sound Field modes, and manage playback and calls without the need for the app. There is no remote control or voice control functionality.
Sound Quality
The HT-AX7 offers app controls to adjust bass and rear speaker levels (-10 to +10) and select various sound modes. There is a voice mode that enhances speech clarity, making it ideal for TV shows, audiobooks, and podcasts. The night mode reduces all frequencies, but its effect was barely noticeable in practice.
More important is the Sound Field option, which creates a simulated surround sound using 360 Spatial Sound Mapping technology. To use this, the rear speakers must be detached from the main unit and placed symmetrically behind the listener. If Sound Field is not activated, all three speakers play the same content, which can provide multiroom-like coverage in different rooms. The rear speakers have a stable range of about 15 to 20 meters even through walls.
For our sound test, we tried various scenarios, starting with music playback from a smartphone. With the Sound Field function activated, the elements spread well across the front and rear speakers, creating a 3D sound experience. However, with quieter pop songs like “Daydream Believer” by The Monkees or “My Interpretation” by MIKA, the sound wasn’t always perfectly balanced. Rock songs like “Crazy Crazy Nights” by Kiss, on the other hand, performed better, creating a more immersive experience. Instrumental tracks like the “Star Trek 8: First Contact” soundtrack and Ravel’s “Boléro” created a convincing spatial feel. For music, using the speakers in surround mode provided better sound quality overall. The bass was somewhat lacking in depth and punch, especially with bass-heavy tracks like “Angel” by Massive Attack and “Don’t Look Back in Anger” by Oasis, and distortion occurred at higher volumes.
We also tested TV playback with a smartphone and tablet, streaming a sci-fi series. In both cases, the surround sound significantly improved the viewing experience compared to the built-in speakers of the devices. The system’s portability was a major advantage, allowing for quick setup and use anywhere, such as on a bed or couch. After the viewing session, the system can be quickly stored away in a cabinet, on a shelf, or on a nightstand.
If you’re planning to use the HT-AX7 as your primary TV soundbar, make sure your TV can connect to the system via Bluetooth. Advanced 3D surround formats like Dolby Atmos are not supported, but the system still performed well for film and series playback, delivering room-filling sound with clear voices and effects. However, in more action-packed content, the system sometimes lacked impact, and the coordination between the three speakers was not always perfect.
Specs
| Manufacturer | Sony |
| Model | HT-AX7 |
| Dimensions (W × H × D in cm) | 30.6 × 13.3 × 12.3 |
| Weight (including speakers) | 2 kg |
| Colors | Gray |
| Hardware Features | |
| Display | Status LEDs |
| Frequency Range (Hz) | 20–20,000 |
| Output Power (W) | 45 |
| Mono/Stereo | Stereo |
| Number and Type of Speakers | 2 × X-Balanced Drivers |
| Number of Control Buttons | 6 |
| Mains Operation | Yes |
| Battery Type | Lithium-Ion |
| Battery Capacity (Front/Rear) | 5,200 mAh / 1,400 mAh |
| Battery Life (hours) | 30 |
| Charging Time (Front/Rear) | 4 / 4.5 hours |
| Replaceable Battery | No |
| Powerbank Function | No |
| Fast Charging Function | Yes |
| Waterproof | No |
| Connections | |
| Audio | None |
| Data | USB-C (charging only) |
| Functions | |
| Bluetooth | Yes (5.2) |
| NFC / AirPlay / Wi-Fi / Multiroom | No / No / No / No |
| App Control | Yes (Home Entertainment Connect App) |
| Voice Control | No |
| Maximum Bluetooth Devices Stored | 8 |
| Costs | |
| RRP (€) | 529 |
| Average Market Price (€) | 500 |
Gallery
Verdict
The portable stereo sound system HT-AX7 from Sony is an innovative and modern audio product that stands out for its high level of flexibility. While it may look like an ordinary Bluetooth speaker at first glance, its standout feature is the two round rear speakers that can be detached and arranged as a three-part surround setup.
In an era when younger users are increasingly streaming their favorite shows or movies on smartphones, tablets, or laptops, this home entertainment system provides the perfect complement, offering great sound without the hassle of cables. The simple setup and operation via the free Home Entertainment Connect app further add to its appeal.
Although the concept is convincing, the sound system could use more bass power. The surround setup offers good spatial sound, though it is sometimes inconsistent and only sufficient for a single listener due to its limited volume. Additional wireless connection options, physical ports, and better Bluetooth codecs like aptX would also be welcome.
Nonetheless, Sony’s compact home entertainment system is a compelling soundbar/Bluetooth speaker combo that enhances sound in living rooms, bedrooms, or on balconies, as well as while traveling in hotels or campers. As a result, the HT-AX7 scores 8.75 out of 10 points, achieving a “Good” rating.
Rating Summary for Sony HT-AX7:
| Criteria | Weight (%) | Sony HT-AX7 Rating (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Audio Quality | 40% | 87% |
| Operation | 25% | 92% |
| Features | 15% | 74% |
| Design / Build Quality | 10% | 92% |
| Accessories | 5% | 75% |
| Power Consumption | 5% | 100% |
| Bonus | – | +1.0% (for detachable speakers) |
| Price-Performance Index | – | 5.71 |
Contents of the Sony HT-AX7 package: USB-C charging cable, user manuals.
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