TurboVS
Portronics Sound Slick 8 specifications and in-depth review

Portronics Sound Slick 8

Manufacturer: Portronics

The Portronics Sound Slick 8 is a 2.1-channel soundbar built for users who want a versatile home audio setup with a range of wired and wireless connection options. It delivers a combined output of 2 x 40W across its stereo channels and is sized at 616 mm wide and 103 mm tall, giving it a profile suited to placement beneath most displays. At 5,850 g, it has a solid physical presence consistent with a dedicated home audio unit.

Wireless audio is handled via Bluetooth 5.3, with support for aptX, aptX Adaptive, and AAC codecs offering flexibility for higher-quality wireless streaming. On the wired side, the soundbar includes an HDMI output, an AUX input, and an S/PDIF output, covering a practical range of source connections, though there is no Wi-Fi, RJ45, or microphone input. It comes with a remote control and an on-device control panel, but there is no dedicated smartphone app, no voice command support, and no compatibility with Google Assistant, Alexa, or Siri. Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, AirPlay, Chromecast, and Spotify Connect are not included.

Pros
  • Supports aptX, aptX Adaptive, and AAC codecs, giving it solid wireless audio quality options across different devices
  • Wired connectivity covers three distinct input and output types: HDMI, AUX, and S/PDIF, offering genuine source flexibility
  • Bluetooth 5.3 provides a current-generation wireless connection for stable audio streaming
  • Both an on-device control panel and an included remote give users two ways to manage playback without moving from their seat
  • 2.1-channel output with 2 x 40W provides a dedicated low-frequency channel alongside stereo output
Cons
  • No HDMI ARC or eARC support limits straightforward TV audio integration
  • Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby Digital, and Dolby Digital Plus are all absent, ruling out surround sound format decoding
  • No dedicated smartphone app means all control is limited to the physical panel and remote
  • Wi-Fi is not supported, making network-based streaming integrations like Spotify Connect, AirPlay, or Chromecast unavailable
  • The remote control is not rechargeable, requiring battery replacements over time
  • No NFC pairing, which means Bluetooth setup cannot be simplified through a tap-to-connect method
Who is this for?

The Portronics Sound Slick 8 is a good fit for users who want a soundbar with genuine wired connectivity flexibility, particularly those who need to connect via HDMI, AUX, or S/PDIF alongside Bluetooth. The support for aptX, aptX Adaptive, and AAC makes it well suited to listeners who stream wirelessly from devices that benefit from higher-quality Bluetooth audio codecs. Its 2.1-channel configuration with 2 x 40W output also suits users who want a dedicated subwoofer channel for more substantial bass reproduction in a home entertainment setup.

Who is this NOT for?

Users who want seamless TV integration will be limited by the absence of HDMI ARC or eARC, which rules out the convenient single-cable audio return that many modern televisions rely on. Those building a home theater setup with immersive audio will find the lack of Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Dolby Digital a significant gap. The soundbar is also not suited to users who prefer app-based control or network streaming, as there is no dedicated smartphone app and no support for Wi-Fi-dependent features like Spotify Connect, AirPlay, or Chromecast.

Audio:

number of channels of sound output 2.1
audio output power 2 x 40W
has aptX ✓
has aptX Adaptive ✓
has AAC ✓

The Portronics Sound Slick 8 operates as a 2.1-channel system with a total audio output of 2 x 40W across its stereo channels. For wireless audio, it supports aptX, aptX Adaptive, and AAC codecs, giving it a solid range of Bluetooth audio quality options to work with different source devices.

Features:

HDMI ARC / eARC None
compatible with Google Assistant ✕
works with Alexa ✕
has Spotify Connect ✕
has Dolby Atmos ✕
has DTS:X ✕
has Chromecast built-in ✕
works with Siri/Apple HomeKit ✕
has AirPlay ✕
supports Dolby Digital Plus ✕
supports Dolby Digital ✕
supports Bluetooth pairing using NFC ✕

The Portronics Sound Slick 8 does not support HDMI ARC or eARC, which limits its integration with TV audio return channels. Surround sound formats are absent, with no support for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby Digital, or Dolby Digital Plus. Streaming ecosystem features are similarly unavailable — Spotify Connect, Chromecast, AirPlay, and NFC pairing are all absent — and there is no compatibility with Google Assistant, Alexa, or Siri and Apple HomeKit.

Connectivity:

has an AUX input ✓
HDMI ports 1
has an HDMI output ✓
Bluetooth version 5.3
Has Bluetooth ✓
supports Wi-Fi ✕
RJ45 ports 0
has a microphone input ✕
Has S/PDIF Out port ✓

The Portronics Sound Slick 8 offers a practical mix of wired and wireless connectivity. On the wired side, it includes one HDMI output, an AUX input, and an S/PDIF output, while wireless connection is handled via Bluetooth 5.3. Wi-Fi and RJ45 are not supported, and there is no microphone input available.

General info:

volume 4124.12 cm³
has voice commands ✕
control panel placed on a device ✓
has a remote control ✓
has a rechargeable remote control ✕
Has a dedicated smartphone app ✕
number of microphones 0
thickness 65 mm
weight 5850 g
width 616 mm
height 103 mm

The Portronics Sound Slick 8 measures 616 mm wide, 103 mm tall, and 65 mm deep, with a total volume of 4,124.12 cm³ and a weight of 5,850 g. Controls can be accessed directly on the unit via an on-device panel, and a non-rechargeable remote control is also included for convenient distance operation. There is no dedicated smartphone app, no voice command support, and no built-in microphones, keeping the control options limited to the physical panel and remote.

Final Verdict

The Portronics Sound Slick 8 positions itself as a versatile 2.1-channel soundbar with a clear emphasis on multi-format connectivity and Bluetooth audio codec support, making it a practical choice for users who want flexible source options alongside capable wireless streaming. The combination of HDMI, AUX, S/PDIF, and Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX and aptX Adaptive gives it a broader connection range than many soundbars in its category, though the absence of HDMI ARC, advanced surround sound formats, and network-based streaming features does limit its appeal for more demanding home theater applications. For users whose primary needs center on wired source flexibility and quality Bluetooth audio, the Portronics Sound Slick 8 delivers a coherent and functional package; those expecting smart features or immersive audio format decoding will find its scope too narrow.