OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
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

Samsung HW-B650 Soundbar Review | 109 Data compared

Avg. price:~£180N. of audio channels:3.1Audio output power:430 WHDMI ARC type:ARC

Samsung HW-B650 Soundbar Review: Compare 109 technical specifications and 6 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Soundbars category and whether it is worth buying.

Samsung HW-B650 Soundbar
6.9/10

Overall score

Score
6.9/ 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
▲ Better than 85% of models
Score components

95%

6.8

Technical score

5%

8.5

Reviews score ( 0 · 6)

Reviews score 5% · 8.5 · based on 6 independent reviews
Every model in this category gets the same split: reviews 5%, technical score 95%. This model has enough reviews, so its review score is the weighted average of their grades.
▲Better than 85% of soundbars
7.7

Value for money

Value for money
7.7/ 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
★ Better than 93% of models
Score components

70%

6.9

Overall score

30%

9.6

Price

★Better than 93%
6.8

Technical score

Technical score
6.8/ 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 85% of models
Score components

25%

8.5

Audio

18%

5.4

Formats

16%

7.8

Connectivity

14%

7.3

Controls

12%

6.4

HDMI & Gaming

10%

4.0

Smart features

5%

6.0

Design

▲Better than 85%
8.5

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.5/ 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
▲ Better than 83% of models
Grades by review (6)
6 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.
▲Better than 83%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What owners say about the Samsung HW-B650

Based on 66 owners sharing their experience in online comments

24%positive8%mixed68%negative

Owners praise the bass and movie sound, but many struggle with HDMI connections and weak or uneven audio.

What owners dislike

  • HDMI ARC sometimes cuts out after about 30 minutes, so owners reselect the HDMI mode or reconnect. Some TVs get no sound over HDMI.9
  • Subwoofer sounds faint on regular TV channels even with bass raised, and is strongest with surround-sound movies.6
  • Many owners say it is quieter than their TV and needs high volume, with music sounding light and thin, especially compared with a receiver.6
  • Left and right channels can drop out so sound comes only from the centre, and Q-Symphony may not pair with some Samsung TVs.6
  • Audio drops out or cuts for a moment, often after about 30 minutes on HDMI, and some owners see sync delay or need a reboot.5
  • Some TVs pair over Bluetooth but play no sound, even at full volume, though phones connect fine.4
  • Remote buttons feel stiff and often ignore up or down presses, and over optical the remote may not change volume at all.4
  • Some models have no front display, while others have a tiny scrolling window that is hard to read.3
  • The subwoofer can lose connection for a few seconds, and one unit stopped pairing after about 18 months and could not be fixed.3
  • Treble and bass adjustments seem to change nothing, with only the subwoofer level adjustable, so owners cannot shape the sound.3

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

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Soundbars model ranking

Ranked #27 of 189 models in Soundbars (Overall score)

Technical Specifications of soundbar Samsung HW-B650 Soundbar

Technical score
Technical score
6.8/ 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 85% of models
Score components:

25%

8.5

Audio

18%

5.4

Formats

16%

7.8

Connectivity

14%

7.3

Controls

12%

6.4

HDMI & Gaming

10%

4.0

Smart features

5%

6.0

Design

6.8
Reviews score
8.5
Value for money
Value for money
7.7/ 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
★ Better than 93% of models
Score components:

70%

6.9

Overall score

30%

9.6

Price

7.7
Brand name
Samsung
N. of audio channels
3.1
This soundbar offers 3.1 audio channels, more than 83% of soundbars and equal to 1.6% of soundbars.
Audio output power
430 W
Market range: <10 W – >260 W
This soundbar delivers 430 W of audio output power, more than 95.4% of soundbars.
Max SPL
?
Min frequency
20 Hz
Market range: <20 Hz – >120 Hz
This soundbar reaches a minimum frequency of 20 Hz, lower than 90.1% of soundbars and equal to 9.9% of soundbars.
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.
Show more
N. of HDMI inputs
1
Market range: <0 – >5
This soundbar has 1 HDMI inputs, more than 68.1% of soundbars and equal to 27.1% 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.
Show more
Smartphone app
no
This soundbar does not have smartphone app. 35.1% 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.
Show more
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
4K
This soundbar supports HDMI pass-through up to 4K, which is higher than that of 80.1% of soundbars and the same as that of 17.2% of soundbars.
HDMI pass-through frame rate
60 fps
This soundbar supports HDMI pass-through up to 60 fps, higher than 82.4% of soundbars and equal to 14.4% of soundbars.
1080p/60 pass-through; 4K pass-through is not supported.
Show more
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.
Show more
Width
1,030 mm
Market range: <350 mm – >1.1k mm
This soundbar is 1,030 mm wide, wider than 87.8% of soundbars and equal to 0.5% of soundbars.
Height
59 mm
Market range: <50 mm – >100 mm
This soundbar is 59 mm high, shorter than 80.8% of soundbars and equal to 1.1% of soundbars.
Thickness
105 mm
Market range: <60 mm – >135 mm
This soundbar is 105 mm thick, thicker than 71.7% of soundbars and equal to 1.6% of soundbars.
Weight
3,100 g
Market range: <500 g – >5.5k g
This soundbar weighs 3,100 g, more than 73.4% of soundbars and equal to 0.5% 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

Samsung HW-B650 Soundbar vs the average soundbar

246810TotalAudioFormatsConnectivityHDMI & GamingSmart featuresControlsDesign
  • 1 more HDMI inputs
    This soundbar has more HDMI inputs than the average soundbar (1 vs 0). The average soundbar has 0 HDMI inputs.
    1 vs 0
  • Dedicated center channel
    This soundbar has center channel driver, the average soundbar does not.
  • Subwoofer included
    This soundbar has subwoofer included, the average soundbar does not.
  • More audio channels
    This soundbar has more audio channels than the average soundbar (3.1 vs 2). The average soundbar has 2.0 audio channels.
    3.1 vs 2.0
  • 2.5 inch larger subwoofer driver size
    This soundbar has a higher subwoofer driver size than the average soundbar (6.5 inch vs 4 inch). The average soundbar uses a subwoofer driver size of 4 inch.
    6.5 inch vs 4 inch
  • 3 more drivers
    This soundbar has more drivers than the average soundbar (7 vs 4). The average soundbar has 4 drivers.
    7 vs 4
  • Supports DTS Virtual:X
    This soundbar supports DTS Virtual:X, the average soundbar does not.
  • Bluetooth multipoint
    This soundbar supports Bluetooth multipoint, the average soundbar does not.
  • 14.4% better value for money
    Samsung HW-B650 Soundbar has better value for money than the average soundbar (7.72 vs 6.7).
    7.72 vs 6.75
  • 2.2x more popular
    Samsung HW-B650 Soundbar is more popular than the average soundbar (9.43 vs 4.3).
    9.43 vs 4.29
  • Dedicated center channel
    This soundbar has center channel driver, the average soundbar does not.
  • Subwoofer included
    This soundbar has subwoofer included, the average soundbar does not.
  • More audio channels
    This soundbar has more audio channels than the average soundbar (3.1 vs 2). The average soundbar has 2.0 audio channels.
    3.1 vs 2.0
  • 2.5 inch larger subwoofer driver size
    This soundbar has a higher subwoofer driver size than the average soundbar (6.5 inch vs 4 inch). The average soundbar uses a subwoofer driver size of 4 inch.
    6.5 inch vs 4 inch
  • 3 more drivers
    This soundbar has more drivers than the average soundbar (7 vs 4). The average soundbar has 4 drivers.
    7 vs 4
  • 6.14x more audio output power
    This soundbar has a higher audio output power than the average soundbar (430 W vs 70 W). The average soundbar delivers 70 W of audio output power.
    430 W vs 70 W
  • Supports wireless rear speakers
    This soundbar is compatible with wireless rear speakers, the average soundbar is not.
  • 5 more equalizer bands
    This soundbar offers more equalizer bands than the average soundbar (7 vs 2). The average soundbar offers 2 equalizer bands.
    7 vs 2
  • Bass boost
    This soundbar supports bass boost, the average soundbar does not.
  • 2 more sound modes
    This soundbar offers more sound modes than the average soundbar (6 vs 4). The average soundbar offers 4 sound modes.
    6 vs 4
  • 32 Hz lower min frequency
    This soundbar has a lower minimum frequency than the average soundbar (20 Hz vs 52 Hz). The average soundbar has a minimum frequency of 52 Hz.
    20 Hz vs 52 Hz
  • Supports DTS Virtual:X
    This soundbar supports DTS Virtual:X, the average soundbar does not.
  • Broader music format support
    This soundbar supports more music formats than the average soundbar (AAC, AIFF, ALAC, FLAC, MP3, OGG, WAV, WMA vs MP3).
    AAC, AIFF, ALAC, FLAC, MP3, OGG, WAV, WMA vs MP3
  • 6 more supported audio formats
    This soundbar supports more audio formats than the average soundbar (8 vs 2). The average soundbar supports 2 audio formats.
    8 vs 2
  • AAC support
    This soundbar supports AAC, the average soundbar does not.
  • 1 more HDMI inputs
    This soundbar has more HDMI inputs than the average soundbar (1 vs 0). The average soundbar has 0 HDMI inputs.
    1 vs 0
  • Bluetooth multipoint
    This soundbar supports Bluetooth multipoint, the average soundbar does not.
  • Higher pass-through resolution
    This soundbar supports 4K for HDMI pass-through resolution, while the average soundbar supports none.
    4K vs none
  • Higher HDMI pass-through frame rate
    This soundbar has a higher HDMI pass-through frame rate than the average soundbar (60 fps vs none fps). The average soundbar supports an HDMI pass-through frame rate of none fps.
    1080p/60 pass-through; 4K pass-through is not supported.
    60 fps vs none fps
  • App EQ customization
    This soundbar supports eQ customization (app), the average soundbar does not.
  • Manual audio delay adjustment
    This soundbar supports manual audio delay adjustment, the average soundbar does not.
    Adjustment available from the remote.
  • Night mode
    This soundbar supports night mode, the average soundbar does not.
  • 8 mm lower height
    This soundbar is shorter than the average soundbar (59 mm vs 67 mm). The average soundbar is 67 mm tall.
    59 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 AUX input
    This soundbar does not have AUX input, the average soundbar does.
  • 268 mm wider width
    This soundbar is wider than the average soundbar (1,030 mm vs 762 mm). The average soundbar is 762 mm wide.
    1,030 mm vs 762 mm
  • Older Bluetooth version
    This soundbar uses 4.2 for Bluetooth version, while the average soundbar uses 5.0.
    4.2 vs 5.0
  • Narrower bass adjustment range
    This soundbar has a lower bass adjustment range than the average soundbar (-6 to 6 dB vs -100 to 100 dB). The average soundbar offers a bass adjustment range of -100 to 100 dB.
    -6 to 6 dB vs -100 to 100 dB
  • Harder firmware updates
    This soundbar uses USB for firmware update method, while the average soundbar uses app-based, USB.
    USB vs app-based, USB
  • 1,100 g heavier weight
    This soundbar is heavier than the average soundbar (3,100 g vs 2000 g). The average soundbar weighs 2000 g.
    3,100 g vs 2,000 g
  • 19 mm thicker design
    This soundbar is thicker than the average soundbar (105 mm vs 86 mm). The average soundbar is 86 mm thick.
    105 mm vs 86 mm
  • 89.5% more expensive
    Samsung HW-B650 Soundbar is more expensive than the average soundbar (£180 vs £95).
    £180 vs £95
  • Narrower bass adjustment range
    This soundbar has a lower bass adjustment range than the average soundbar (-6 to 6 dB vs -100 to 100 dB). The average soundbar offers a bass adjustment range of -100 to 100 dB.
    -6 to 6 dB vs -100 to 100 dB
  • No AUX input
    This soundbar does not have AUX input, the average soundbar does.
  • 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
  • 268 mm wider width
    This soundbar is wider than the average soundbar (1,030 mm vs 762 mm). The average soundbar is 762 mm wide.
    1,030 mm vs 762 mm
  • 1,100 g heavier weight
    This soundbar is heavier than the average soundbar (3,100 g vs 2000 g). The average soundbar weighs 2000 g.
    3,100 g vs 2,000 g
  • 19 mm thicker design
    This soundbar is thicker than the average soundbar (105 mm vs 86 mm). The average soundbar is 86 mm thick.
    105 mm vs 86 mm

Video reviews

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

9.0
KINGSTONE CHURCHILL TECH
≈ estimated
30/07/2025
Hands-on review · sound tests and subwoofer placement
Verdict
Samsung HW-B650 delivers excellent sound, with bass that holds up wherever the subwoofer is placed.
9.0
Dave Banter
≈ estimated
30/06/2023
Hands-on review · centre channel and surround tests
Verdict
Samsung HW-B650 is a strong 3.1 soundbar and easy to recommend, though smaller rooms may be better served by the B550.
9.0
Juan Camacho
≈ estimated
28/10/2022
Long-term test · one month of use
Verdict
The Samsung HW-B650 earns a firm recommendation after a month, with clear dialogue and a big improvement over TV sound.
9.0
Juan Camacho
≈ estimated
21/09/2022
Long-term test · one month of daily use
Verdict
Samsung HW-B650 sounds good and is a worthwhile movie upgrade, with one minor connection drop issue.
8.0
Cornelius Hardy Media
≈ estimated
23/07/2024
First look · unboxing, setup and a short sound test
Verdict
Samsung HW-B650 offers easy setup and good sound for the money, a solid budget pick with less power than older systems.
9.0
Juan Camacho
≈ estimated
20/12/2022
Short overview · features and who it suits
Verdict
Samsung HW-B650 offers strong surround audio and easy setup, making it a good pick for movies and gaming.
Not graded
Hands-on video, no verdict
Overview video
Overview video
Shop video
Overview video

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Samsung HW-B650 Soundbar

  • Excellent dialogue clarity thanks to a dedicated discrete center channel
  • Great value for money at its mid-range price point
  • Simple and quick setup process, often described as 'plug and play'
  • Balanced neutral sound profile suitable for music and TV shows
  • Compact and sleek design that fits well under most TVs
  • Offers useful sound customization tools like a graphic EQ and specialized modes (e.g., Night Mode, Game Mode)

What customers don't like about Samsung HW-B650 Soundbar

  • Lacks support for immersive object-based audio formats like Dolby Atmos
  • Limited wireless connectivity as it lacks Wi-Fi, AirPlay, and Chromecast support
  • Subwoofer struggles to reproduce deep, low-rumbling bass in heavy genres or action movies
  • Small and sometimes difficult-to-read LED display on the front of the bar
  • Narrow surround soundstage as it must downmix surround formats to stereo
  • Does not include a dedicated mobile app or built-in voice assistants

Verdict

The Samsung HW-B650 is a 3.1-channel soundbar system with a 430W total power output and a dedicated wireless subwoofer. Released as part of the 2022 B-Series, it features seven speakers, including a discrete center channel for enhanced dialogue clarity, and supports Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS Virtual:X for a simulated 3D surround experience. Connectivity options include HDMI ARC, optical input, USB playback, and Bluetooth multi-connection for pairing two devices simultaneously. Key advantages include its impressive volume levels, balanced sound profile with a graphic EQ for customization, and specialized modes like Bass Boost, Game Mode, and Night Mode. However, it lacks advanced features such as Dolby Atmos support, Wi-Fi connectivity, and room correction, and its subwoofer may struggle to reproduce the deep low-frequency rumble required for bass-heavy music or cinematic explosions.

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