Compare Samsung HW-B650 Soundbar vs Sonos Arc Soundbar

Evidence is contradictory: one review says the bar lacks room correction, while another describes AI Sonic-Adaptation that adjusts output to room acoustics.

One review explicitly says the HW-B650 does not stream via Apple AirPlay.

AirPlay 2 is a core convenience: Apple users can cast audio easily, while non-Apple devices typically rely on Wi-Fi streaming inside the Sonos ecosystem or Spotify Connect.

Reviews disagree on app support: one says the bar lacks a mobile app, while another says phone-based SmartThings control is available.

The Sonos app is the hub for setup, tuning, and daily control. Most reviews find it powerful, but a few note a learning curve, past redesign turbulence, and occasional reconnect or router-related hiccups.

Multiple reviews say it supports Dolby Digital or Dolby Audio 5.1 alongside DTS Virtual:X, but not Dolby Atmos.

Strong Dolby support is a headline feature, including Dolby Atmos; higher quality Atmos can depend on eARC and proper TV passthrough. Optical fallback is typically limited to non-Atmos formats, and DTS:X is not supported.

Arc runs on the Sonos S2 platform and may not play nicely with some legacy Sonos hardware or older software setups, which can be a friction point for long-time Sonos households.

One review specifically lists SBC and AAC codec support.

Bluetooth is a common complaint: the Arc is frequently described as lacking conventional Bluetooth, making quick phone pairing harder for Android users and guests compared to many rivals.

Bluetooth performance is described as stable for everyday streaming, with no lag or dropouts in one hands-on review.

Build notes mention protective metal grilles on the soundbar and a wooden subwoofer cabinet instead of plastic.

One review explicitly says Chromecast streaming is not supported.

Presentation is typically cohesive and polished, and when paired with a Sub and surrounds the handoff between speakers is often described as seamless.

Across reviews, the design is described as simple, elegant, sleek, and easy to blend under a TV.

The design is repeatedly described as sleek and minimalist, but it is a large bar that visually and physically fits best with bigger TVs and adequate placement space.

Reviews consistently describe solid construction, including mesh or metal grilles, sturdy build, and durable materials.

One review says very small effects like bottle caps, zips, and waves remained audible and clear.

Detail and separation are frequent strengths, helping both movies and music sound crisp and well resolved for a soundbar.

This is one of the most consistently praised traits; multiple reviews say the center channel keeps dialogue easy to follow, crisp, and clear.

Dialogue is generally clear and can be boosted with Speech Enhancement, though a few comparisons place Arc behind certain competitors for pure dialogue intelligibility in tricky mixes or low-volume viewing.

Evidence is mixed: one review warns of tinny or crackly sound at high volume, while others say it stays clean and distortion-free when pushed.

Most reviewers describe Arc as staying composed at higher volumes; distortion tends to appear only when pushed to extremes or with aggressive bass boosts.

One review explicitly says Dolby Atmos is not supported, so height-channel playback is absent rather than rendered natively.

One review says it handled loud and quiet passages well enough that volume changes were unnecessary during movies.

Arc handles big dynamic swings convincingly, keeping effects punchy while maintaining control and avoiding collapse in busy scenes.

One review lists ENERGY STAR certification.

Reviews mention tone control, bass and treble adjustment, and a graphic EQ for tuning the sound.

EQ controls in the app (bass/treble, loudness, and dialogue or night options) provide useful tailoring, even if it is not a deep pro-style equalizer.

Reviews describe a neutral or balanced tonal character, especially in the mids, though playback mode affects the result.

The overall tuning is often described as balanced and slightly warm. Bass is strong for a single bar but not subwoofer-deep, and a couple of reviewers want a more direct music presentation.

One review explicitly says the HDMI input does not support 4K passthrough, which limits console passthrough use.

Several reviews confirm HDMI ARC or eARC support for TV hookup and shared volume control.

HDMI ARC/eARC is central to the experience. eARC is preferred when available for higher bandwidth formats, while standard ARC can still work depending on the TV and content.

Reviews position it as an easy TV-audio upgrade, with speaker expansion options and compatibility across common home-theater setups.

As a home-theater anchor, Arc is widely praised: it can stand alone for a big upgrade, and it scales cleanly with a Sonos Sub and rear surrounds for a more complete system.

Reviews describe automatic subwoofer connection and straightforward expansion with extra speakers.

Multi-room grouping and syncing are a core Sonos advantage, and reviewers frequently highlight how well Arc integrates with other Sonos speakers throughout the home.

One review specifically highlights auto AV sync to keep sound matched to on-screen action.

Lip sync is generally solid over HDMI ARC/eARC, and some reviews mention adjustable delay controls. Results still depend on TV audio settings and passthrough behavior.

Multiple reviews say it gets loud enough for movies and gatherings, with room-filling output for its class.

Arc is consistently described as loud and room-filling, with enough output for medium to larger spaces without feeling strained.

Night mode is described as making late-night viewing easier by pulling down loud sounds and lifting quieter ones.

No summary yet.

Optional rears and the included subwoofer are described as pairing wirelessly and automatically without much hassle.

Adding a Sub and surrounds is usually straightforward once everything is on the network, and most reviewers describe the pairing process as reliable and repeatable.

Multiple reviews mention Bluetooth multi-connection or pairing with two phones for easy device switching.

One review notes basic onboard controls for power, volume, and source selection.

Touch and on-device controls are generally well-liked for quick volume and playback adjustments, complemented by app control.

One review directly lists optical among the available connections.

Optical connectivity is typically handled via an adapter for older TVs, but it is generally positioned as a compatibility fallback rather than the best route for Atmos.

Hardware microphone privacy controls and the option to disable voice features are commonly cited as reassuring for privacy-conscious setups.

The remote is generally described as intuitive, comfortable, and more substantial than expected.

There is typically no dedicated remote; Arc leans on HDMI-CEC, IR features, and the app. Many like the simplicity, but some still prefer a traditional remote.

Reviews describe setup as very easy, including quick TV hookup and near-instant installation.

Setup is often described as quick and guided, but Dolby Atmos can require extra TV settings and the right ARC/eARC support, which is where some users hit friction.

Reviews explicitly say voice assistants are not supported.

Evidence is mixed: some reviews mention Adaptive Sound Lite and room-aware processing, while others say the bar lacks broader smart features like voice assistants and a mobile app.

Smart features like Trueplay room tuning, Speech Enhancement, Night Mode, and ecosystem extras are a major part of the Arc experience; Trueplay is frequently noted as an iOS-centric step for best results.

Virtual height is described through DTS Virtual:X and around-and-above effects, but it remains simulated rather than true Atmos height.

Height effects are a big win with Atmos content, though ceiling height and room shape still influence how dramatic the overhead illusion feels.

Spotify Connect and streaming-service integration are usually described as smooth, letting you start playback without living inside the Sonos app.

Reviews mention a display or LED readout that shows mode, input, or volume information.

Status lights and indicators are designed to be subtle and not distracting, with some reviews noting thoughtful dimming behavior.

Imaging is described as wider than basic 2.1 bars, with some effects and voices appearing placed beyond the bar itself.

Stereo imaging is wide for a single bar, but multiple reviews note it can feel less forward or less precise than a dedicated stereo setup, especially for music purists.

The subwoofer is a major selling point, with repeated praise for punch, depth, and room-filling low end, though one review says the deepest rumble is still limited.

No summary yet.

DTS Virtual:X and surround modes are repeatedly described as immersive, though one review says the 360-degree effect can be inconsistent.

Its surround virtualization is a standout: many reviews call the Atmos experience among the most convincing in a single soundbar, with strong placement and envelopment.

One review says the packaging looks eco-friendly and likely recyclable.

A few reviews call out more eco-friendly packaging choices, though sustainability is not a primary purchase driver in most discussions.

Several reviews frame the HW-B650 as strong budget value, especially for buyers upgrading from TV speakers.

Pricing is consistently described as premium. Value looks best if you want the Sonos ecosystem and find the Arc on discount, but some competitors offer more inputs or better value bundles.

One review explicitly says the HDMI input does not support 4K passthrough.

A recurring drawback is the lack of HDMI passthrough or HDMI switching. If your TV has limited ports, this can be a real usability constraint.

Reviews say voice assistants are not supported, so assistant responsiveness is effectively absent.

Voice control support is frequently described as convenient for volume and playback, with responsiveness generally rated positively when configured correctly.

Voices and vocals are repeatedly described as crisp, clear, and better separated thanks to the center channel.

Far-field microphones are often described as capable of picking up commands in a typical living room, though individual setup experiences vary.

Reviews explicitly say the bar does not stream over Wi-Fi.

Wi-Fi streaming is generally reliable, and an ethernet port is available for stability. Some issues reported are tied to specific routers or mesh networks.

Reviews consistently list a healthy set of wired inputs, including HDMI ARC, optical, USB, and in some cases additional HDMI, RCA, or Ethernet mentions. When reviewers discuss connection quality, they recommend wired hookup, especially HDMI, for the best sound and reliability.

Physical connectivity is limited: most reviews highlight the single HDMI and reliance on the TV for source switching, plus ethernet and optical adapter options rather than multiple inputs.