| Name | KEF XIO | Sennheiser Ambeo Max |
|---|---|---|
| Image | ![]() |
![]() |
| MSRP | $2499 | $2499.95 |
| Released | 2025 | 2019 |
| Availability | Available | Available |
| Check price: | Amazon | Amazon |
| Speaker configuration | ||
| Audio channels | 5.1.2 | 5.1.4 |
| Expandable up to: | - | 5.5.4, (add up to 4 subs) |
| Woofers (mid or full-range) - total | 8: 6× 50 mm Uni-Q MX Driver (3× front, 3× upfiring) 2×50mm full range (sides) | 8: 6×4″ cellulose cones + 2×3.5″ upfiring |
| Tweeters - total | 6: 6× unknown size, part of Uni-Q MX Driver (coaxial) | 5: 5×1″ (2 sideways) |
| Subwoofers | 4× P185 driver 2×7″ (built-in) | 0 (woofers play LFE) |
| Audio specifications | ||
| Watts RMS | 820 W | 250 W |
| Frequency range | 34 Hz - 20 kHz | 30 Hz - 20 kHz |
| DTS:X support | Yes | Yes |
| Dolby Atmos support? | Yes | Yes |
| Surround sound? | Virtual | Virtual |
| Other 3D audio formats? | 360 Reality Audio | 360 Reality Audio |
| Other (notable) sound features? | None | None |
| Sound calibration? | Yes, Intelligent Placement Technology | Yes |
| Connectivity & ports | ||
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 4.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Ethernet port (RJ45) | ✔ | ✔ |
| HDMI (e)ARC out port? | 1× eARC | 1× eARC |
| HDMI in ports? (passthrough) | ❌ | ✔ 3× |
| Optical port? (TOSLINK) | ✔ | ✔ |
| 3.5 mm AUX port? | ❌ | ✔ |
| USB port? | USB-C (service only) | USB-A (service only) |
| Other audio ports | Subwoofer out | Subwoofer out (RCA), RCA in |
| Wireless setup & control | ||
| Official app? | KEF Connect | AMBEO|OS |
| Voice assistant? | Indirectly (no built-in mic) | Yes |
| Chromecast built-in? | ✔ | ✔ |
| AirPlay? | ✔ | ✔ |
| Alexa cast? | ❌ | ❌ |
| Multiroom? | ✔ | ✔ |
| Wireless subwoofer(s)? | Wired connection possible, wireless using KW2 RX Receiver | Optional: max 4 subwoofers: Ambeo sub (8″) |
| Wireless surrounds? | ❌ | ❌ |
| Physical specifications | ||
| Speakers in set: | Soundbar | Soundbar |
| Size (cm W×H×D): | 121.0×7.0×16.5 | 126.5×12.5×17.1(feet add 1 cm height) |
| Size (inch W×H×D): | 47.64×2.8×6.5 | 49.8×4.9×6.7(feet add 0.39 inch height) |
| Weight (kg): | 10.5 | 18.5 |
| Weight (lbs): | 23.1 | 40.8 |
| Wall mountable? | Yes, with included wall mounting kit | Yes, with optional wall mount |
| Color options: | Black, Silver/gray | Black |
| Accessories in the box | Remote, HDMI cable, wall mounting kit | HDMI cable, remote, calibration microphone |
| More info | ||
| Model number | XIOSB | SB01 |
| User guide / manual | User manual | Instruction manual |
| Official site link | Kef.com | Sennheiser-hearing.com |
| Check price & reviews | ||
| See price and reviews: | Amazon | Amazon |
KEF XIO vs Sennheiser Ambeo Max
Legend:
Great/yes
Good
Not good
Bad/no
More soundbar comparisons:

