Compare Samsung HW-B650 Soundbar vs JBL Bar 500 MK2 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 (often referenced as AirPlay 2) is repeatedly listed as supported, helping iOS users cast music and podcasts easily to the bar.

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

App experiences are mostly positive (fast detection, firmware updates, easy control). A dissenting video review (covering the older Bar 500) reports EQ settings not persisting after power-off and limited preset saving.

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

Dolby Atmos support is consistently referenced; some reviews also mention DTS Virtual:X, while at least one video review (older Bar 500) notes a lack of DTS support. Expect strong format coverage for mainstream movie streaming and discs, with some variability by generation.

One review specifically lists SBC and AAC codec support.

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

Bluetooth is consistently included for simple phone-to-bar playback, with Bluetooth 5.3 mentioned in one review. No widespread instability complaints appear in these transcripts.

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.

Chromecast/Google Cast streaming is repeatedly mentioned, enabling easy casting from Android and compatible apps/services.

Overall cohesion is strong for movies, but there are repeated notes that the subwoofer can lag slightly on fast music and that bar-to-sub blending is not always perfectly seamless in every room.

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

Reviews consistently describe a discreet, low-profile bar that fits under most TVs with minimal branding; at least one video review highlights multiple color options (including white) to better match room decor.

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 effects definition are repeatedly noted, especially for Atmos movie scenes and gaming, where reviewers describe convincing placement and lifelike impact cues.

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

Dialogue clarity is a highlight in most reviews, credited to the center-channel tuning and PureVoice 2.0 which adapts to scenes and volume. One review of the older Bar 500 was less satisfied with movie dialogue clarity.

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.

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.

One review lists ENERGY STAR certification.

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

EQ controls (bass/treble and profiles) plus calibration tools are mentioned across reviews. Some users want deeper customization or more persistent presets depending on the generation being discussed.

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

Reviews generally describe a clean midrange and detailed treble that avoids harshness, with voices and effects staying natural. Bass is often characterized as warm and weighty rather than ultra-tight and punchy.

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

Multiple reviewers emphasize passthrough is not HDMI 2.1 and does not support 4K/120. Recommended workaround is to connect consoles directly to the TV and use eARC for audio back to the bar.

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

HDMI eARC is repeatedly highlighted as the preferred TV hookup for full-feature audio and simple control via HDMI-CEC, supporting a cleaner one-cable setup.

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

Home theater integration is described as a strength: easy TV control integration (CEC/auto on-off), useful HDMI passthrough for sources when TV inputs are limited, and quick calibration options to adapt to the room.

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

Multi-room/grouping is referenced via JBL speaker grouping features and casting ecosystems, enabling playback across multiple compatible speakers in a home setup.

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

At least one reviewer notes audio sync controls are available (via app) to correct lip-sync delays when needed.

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

Overall output is described as high for the price and size, easily filling small-to-medium rooms. Reviewers cite strong slam for action movies and plenty of headroom without needing extreme volume settings.

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

Low-volume listening gets specific praise where PureVoice 2.0 is said to keep speech intelligible at night or in apartments without needing to crank the master volume.

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

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.

On-bar controls are intentionally minimal (typically volume and source). Some users appreciate the simplicity, while one reviewer disliked certain button behavior and preferred using the remote/app instead.

One review directly lists optical among the available connections.

Optical input is mentioned as an available fallback connection. Reviewers also note optical can be limiting for carrying Atmos compared with HDMI eARC.

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

Remote control operation is generally described as straightforward, with dedicated calibration access in at least one review. Some sources also note CEC/TV-remote control integration for daily use.

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

Setup is widely portrayed as straightforward: HDMI eARC to the TV, power for the bar and wireless sub, then quick calibration. Several reviews stress fewer steps than earlier generations and simple day-one usability.

Reviews explicitly say voice assistants are not supported.

Voice assistant compatibility (Alexa/Google ecosystems) is mentioned, but at least one reviewer states it may require an external assistant device rather than being fully built-in on the bar itself.

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.

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

Multiple reviewers caution that height effects are limited compared with soundbars that have dedicated upfiring speakers. You may hear some vertical cues, but the presentation is typically described as subtle rather than dramatic.

Spotify Connect is explicitly described as seamless and reliable in multiple written reviews, with quick device selection from within the Spotify app.

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

A readable front display/LED feedback is highlighted as a usability win, including clear indications of input/volume and plain-English status messaging compared with ambiguous light codes on some competitors.

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

Stereo focus is commonly described as strong, with vocals and on-screen action anchored confidently at center while maintaining clear separation across the front stage.

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.

Virtual surround (MultiBeam/processing) is repeatedly described as convincingly wide and enveloping for rooms that cannot accommodate rear speakers. It improves immersion, but does not fully replace discrete rears for precision.

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

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

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

Video passthrough support is repeatedly called out for Dolby Vision and HDR10+ via the HDMI input, generally reported as limited to 4K at 60 Hz.

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

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

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

Wi-Fi streaming is generally presented as robust with broad casting support, though at least one review notes the absence of Ethernet on their unit and recommends considering room Wi-Fi coverage. Other videos describe Ethernet on a different generation, suggesting feature variance across models/sources.

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.

Connectivity is described as flexible, including HDMI eARC plus at least one HDMI input and optical, with some sources also noting USB playback. Ethernet presence varies by the specific unit/model discussed in different reviews.