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Scored using Soundbars Methodology v2.0
Soundbars Methodology v2.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Soundbars Methodology v2.0: technical specifications plus grades from 1,310 independent expert reviews and 1,704 video reviews, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Soundbars Methodology v2.0

Panasonic SC-HTB400 Review | 109 Data compared

Avg. price:~£240N. of audio channels:2.1Audio output power:160 WHDMI ARC type:ARC

Panasonic SC-HTB400 Review: Compare 109 technical specifications and 4 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Soundbars category and whether it is worth buying.

Panasonic SC-HTB400
5.5/10

Overall score

Score
5.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the soundbar's quality, based on technical analyses and grades from independent expert reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best soundbars on the market.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 51% of models
Score components

95%

5.4

Technical score

5%

7.4

Reviews score ( 0 · 4)

Reviews score 5% · 7.4 · based on 4 videos
4 videos count as 1.8 of the 2 needed; the rest counts as 7/10. Every model in this category gets the same split: reviews 5%, technical score 95%. A video or a short review counts less than a full test.
▼Worse than 51% of soundbars
6.6

Value for money

Value for money
6.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the soundbar's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a soundbar with a good balance between audio quality, features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 72% of models
Score components

70%

5.5

Overall score

30%

9.3

Price

▼Worse than 72%
5.4

Technical score

Technical score
5.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the soundbar's technical performance, covering key areas such as audio quality, channel configuration, connectivity, HDMI and wireless features, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare soundbars based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 51% of models
Score components

25%

5.1

Audio

18%

4.8

Formats

16%

5.3

Connectivity

14%

6.8

Controls

12%

6.2

HDMI & Gaming

10%

4.0

Smart features

5%

5.7

Design

▲Better than 51%
7.4

Reviews score

Reviews score
7.4/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 5% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 2 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 76% of models
Grades by review (4)
4 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 5%, the same for every model in this category.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
▼Worse than 76%
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Where to buy
    N/A~ £240
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of soundbar Panasonic SC-HTB400

Technical score
Technical score
5.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the soundbar's technical performance, covering key areas such as audio quality, channel configuration, connectivity, HDMI and wireless features, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare soundbars based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 51% of models
Score components:

25%

5.1

Audio

18%

4.8

Formats

16%

5.3

Connectivity

14%

6.8

Controls

12%

6.2

HDMI & Gaming

10%

4.0

Smart features

5%

5.7

Design

5.4
Reviews score
7.4
Value for money
Value for money
6.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the soundbar's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a soundbar with a good balance between audio quality, features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 72% of models
Score components:

70%

5.5

Overall score

30%

9.3

Price

6.6
Brand name
Panasonic
N. of audio channels
2.1
This soundbar offers 2.1 audio channels, more than 56.9% of soundbars and equal to 19.2% of soundbars.
Audio output power
160 W
Market range: <10 W – >260 W
This soundbar delivers 160 W of audio output power, more than 81% of soundbars.
Max SPL
?
Min frequency
?
Show more
Dolby Atmos
no
This soundbar does not support Dolby Atmos. 20.7% of soundbars include this feature.
DTS:X
no
This soundbar does not support DTS:X. 10.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Dolby TrueHD
no
This soundbar does not support Dolby TrueHD. 17.6% of soundbars include this feature.
DTS-HD Master Audio
no
This soundbar does not support DTS-HD Master Audio. 10.1% of soundbars include this feature.
Dolby Digital Plus
no
This soundbar does not support Dolby Digital Plus. 25% of soundbars include this feature.
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N. of HDMI inputs
0
Market range: <0 – >5
This soundbar has 0 HDMI inputs, fewer than 32.5% of soundbars and equal to 67.6% of soundbars.
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
This soundbar does not support Wi-Fi connectivity. 31.9% of soundbars include this feature.
Wi-Fi version
N/A
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This soundbar supports Bluetooth connectivity. 3.7% of soundbars include this feature.
Bluetooth version
4.2
This soundbar uses Bluetooth 4.2, which is older than that of 61.6% of soundbars and the same as that of 24.9% of soundbars.
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Smartphone app
yes
This soundbar has smartphone app. 65.4% of soundbars offer this feature.
Remote control
yes
This soundbar has remote control. 26.6% of soundbars offer this feature.
Control panel
yes
This soundbar has control panel. 9.6% of soundbars offer this feature.
Voice assistant compatibility
no
This soundbar does not support voice assistant compatibility. 31.4% of soundbars include this feature.
Far-field microphones
no
This soundbar does not have far-field microphones. 12.2% of soundbars offer this feature.
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HDMI version
1.4
This soundbar uses HDMI 1.4, which is newer than that of 39.4% of soundbars and the same as that of 18.1% of soundbars.
HDMI ARC type
ARC
This soundbar has ARC as its HDMI TV-audio return type, which is more advanced than what 31.9% of soundbars and the same as what 46.3% offers.
HDMI-CEC support
yes
This soundbar supports HDMI-CEC. 37.4% support HDMI-CEC.
HDMI pass-through resolution
none
This soundbar supports HDMI pass-through up to none, which is lower than that of 21.5% of soundbars and the same as that of 78.5% of soundbars.
HDMI pass-through frame rate
none fps
This soundbar supports HDMI pass-through up to none fps, lower than 18.2% of soundbars and equal to 81.8% of soundbars.
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AirPlay
no
This soundbar does not support AirPlay. 20.2% of soundbars include this feature.
Chromecast built-in
no
This soundbar does not support Chromecast built-in. 12.3% of soundbars include this feature.
Spotify Connect
no
This soundbar does not support Spotify Connect. 23.4% of soundbars include this feature.
TIDAL Connect
no
This soundbar does not support TIDAL Connect. 9.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Amazon Music native support
no
This soundbar does not support native Amazon Music. 21.3% support native Amazon Music.
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Width
962 mm
Market range: <350 mm – >1.1k mm
This soundbar is 962 mm wide, wider than 83.5% of soundbars.
Height
56 mm
Market range: <50 mm – >100 mm
This soundbar is 56 mm high, shorter than 88.2% of soundbars and equal to 5.4% of soundbars.
Thickness
120 mm
Market range: <60 mm – >135 mm
This soundbar is 120 mm thick, thicker than 82.9% of soundbars and equal to 1.6% of soundbars.
Weight
3,500 g
Market range: <500 g – >5.5k g
This soundbar weighs 3,500 g, more than 78.7% of soundbars and equal to 2.7% of soundbars.
Build material
plastic
This soundbar uses plastic for the build material, which is different from that of 4.8% of soundbars and the same as that of 89.4% of soundbars.
Metal grille.
Show more

Panasonic SC-HTB400 vs the average soundbar

246810TotalAudioFormatsConnectivityHDMI & GamingSmart featuresControlsDesign
  • Companion smartphone app
    This soundbar supports smartphone app, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports HDR pass-through
    This soundbar supports hDR pass-through support, the average soundbar does not.
  • More audio channels
    This soundbar has more audio channels than the average soundbar (2.1 vs 2). The average soundbar has 2.0 audio channels.
    2.1 vs 2.0
  • 2.29x more audio output power
    This soundbar has a higher audio output power than the average soundbar (160 W vs 70 W). The average soundbar delivers 70 W of audio output power.
    160 W vs 70 W
  • Broader music format support
    This soundbar supports more music formats than the average soundbar (AAC, AIFF, FLAC, MP3, WAV vs MP3).
    AAC, AIFF, FLAC, MP3, WAV vs MP3
  • Bass boost
    This soundbar supports bass boost, the average soundbar does not.
  • 11 mm lower height
    This soundbar is shorter than the average soundbar (56 mm vs 67 mm). The average soundbar is 67 mm tall.
    56 mm vs 67 mm
  • 1 more sound modes
    This soundbar offers more sound modes than the average soundbar (5 vs 4). The average soundbar offers 4 sound modes.
    5 vs 4
  • More audio channels
    This soundbar has more audio channels than the average soundbar (2.1 vs 2). The average soundbar has 2.0 audio channels.
    2.1 vs 2.0
  • 2.29x more audio output power
    This soundbar has a higher audio output power than the average soundbar (160 W vs 70 W). The average soundbar delivers 70 W of audio output power.
    160 W vs 70 W
  • Bass boost
    This soundbar supports bass boost, the average soundbar does not.
  • 1 more sound modes
    This soundbar offers more sound modes than the average soundbar (5 vs 4). The average soundbar offers 4 sound modes.
    5 vs 4
  • Broader music format support
    This soundbar supports more music formats than the average soundbar (AAC, AIFF, FLAC, MP3, WAV vs MP3).
    AAC, AIFF, FLAC, MP3, WAV vs MP3
  • 3 more supported audio formats
    This soundbar supports more audio formats than the average soundbar (5 vs 2). The average soundbar supports 2 audio formats.
    5 vs 2
  • Supports HDR pass-through
    This soundbar supports hDR pass-through support, the average soundbar does not.
  • Companion smartphone app
    This soundbar supports smartphone app, the average soundbar does not.
  • 11 mm lower height
    This soundbar is shorter than the average soundbar (56 mm vs 67 mm). The average soundbar is 67 mm tall.
    56 mm vs 67 mm
  • Less advanced HDMI ARC type
    This soundbar has ARC as its HDMI TV-audio return type, while the average soundbar has eARC.
    ARC vs eARC
  • No USB audio input
    This soundbar does not have USB audio input, the average soundbar does.
  • No AUX input
    This soundbar does not have AUX input, the average soundbar does.
  • No USB playback support
    This soundbar does not support USB playback support, the average soundbar does.
    N/A (USB port for service use only)
  • Older Bluetooth version
    This soundbar uses 4.2 for Bluetooth version, while the average soundbar uses 5.0.
    4.2 vs 5.0
  • 200 mm wider width
    This soundbar is wider than the average soundbar (962 mm vs 762 mm). The average soundbar is 762 mm wide.
    962 mm vs 762 mm
  • 34 mm thicker design
    This soundbar is thicker than the average soundbar (120 mm vs 86 mm). The average soundbar is 86 mm thick.
    120 mm vs 86 mm
  • Smaller speaker drivers
    This soundbar uses smaller speakers than the average soundbar (2x3.15" inch vs 2x2.25" & 2x2.5" inch). The average soundbar uses speakers of 2x2.25" & 2x2.5" inch.
    2x3.15" inch vs 2x2.25" & 2x2.5" inch
  • 4.29x less popular
    Panasonic SC-HTB400 is less popular than the average soundbar (1 vs 4.3).
    1 vs 4.29
  • 2.53x more expensive
    Panasonic SC-HTB400 is more expensive than the average soundbar (£240 vs £95).
    £240 vs £95
  • 2% worse value for money
    Panasonic SC-HTB400 has worse value for money than the average soundbar (6.61 vs 6.7).
    6.61 vs 6.75
  • Smaller speaker drivers
    This soundbar uses smaller speakers than the average soundbar (2x3.15" inch vs 2x2.25" & 2x2.5" inch). The average soundbar uses speakers of 2x2.25" & 2x2.5" inch.
    2x3.15" inch vs 2x2.25" & 2x2.5" inch
  • No USB audio input
    This soundbar does not have USB audio input, the average soundbar does.
  • No AUX input
    This soundbar does not have AUX input, the average soundbar does.
  • No USB playback support
    This soundbar does not support USB playback support, the average soundbar does.
    N/A (USB port for service use only)
  • Older Bluetooth version
    This soundbar uses 4.2 for Bluetooth version, while the average soundbar uses 5.0.
    4.2 vs 5.0
  • Less advanced HDMI ARC type
    This soundbar has ARC as its HDMI TV-audio return type, while the average soundbar has eARC.
    ARC vs eARC
  • Harder firmware updates
    This soundbar uses USB for firmware update method, while the average soundbar uses app-based, USB.
    USB vs app-based, USB
  • 200 mm wider width
    This soundbar is wider than the average soundbar (962 mm vs 762 mm). The average soundbar is 762 mm wide.
    962 mm vs 762 mm
  • 34 mm thicker design
    This soundbar is thicker than the average soundbar (120 mm vs 86 mm). The average soundbar is 86 mm thick.
    120 mm vs 86 mm
  • 1,500 g heavier weight
    This soundbar is heavier than the average soundbar (3,500 g vs 2000 g). The average soundbar weighs 2000 g.
    3,500 g vs 2,000 g
  • 1 years older release
    This soundbar is older than the average soundbar (2020 vs 2021). The average soundbar was released in 2021.
    February 18, 2020
    2,020 vs 2,021

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

4.0
SIR_Pierre
≈ estimated
15/11/2020
Unboxing and short review · bass and dialogue test against another soundbar
Verdict
The Panasonic SC-HTB400 delivers clear dialogue and easy setup, but its weak bass makes it a poor choice for action films.

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Panasonic SC-HTB400

  • 2.1 channels and 160 W give it more weight than basic entry-level bars
  • Bluetooth, HDMI ARC and optical input cover the key TV and music basics
  • Dialogue enhancement and a remote help with film and TV use
  • Wide cabinet suits bigger TVs better than many compact budget models

What customers don't like about Panasonic SC-HTB400

  • No Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Wi-Fi or casting features
  • No HDMI input, AUX or USB audio input
  • No night mode or room calibration
  • It is larger and heavier than simpler 2.0 alternatives while still lacking a separate subwoofer

Verdict

The Panasonic SC-HTB400 is a compact 2.1-channel all-in-one soundbar featuring dual built-in 8cm subwoofers and two 4.5 x 10cm full-range drivers with neodymium magnets, delivering a total RMS power output of 160W (80W subwoofer, 40W+40W front). Its sleek, wall-mountable design includes a 7° sloped front to project sound directly towards the listener and offers versatile connectivity via HDMI ARC, optical input, and Bluetooth 4.2. Main pros include a clutter-free, minimalist aesthetic that fits under most TVs, multiple sound presets like 'Cinema' and 'Clear-Mode Dialogue' for enhanced speech, and surprisingly powerful bass for its size. However, notable cons include a lack of support for Dolby Atmos or DTS:X, a somewhat directional and 'fiddly' remote control, and occasional lip-sync issues on certain HD channels.

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