Compare Samsung HW-B650 Soundbar vs JBL Bar 1300X Soundbar

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

Reviews describe the two-step calibration as effective and room-aware, with one reviewer calling it essential and another saying it works well even in awkward rooms.

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

AirPlay 2 support is repeatedly listed and treated as a core wireless streaming option.

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

The JBL One app is generally described as easy and intuitive, though one review hit a brief calibration glitch that cleared after reopening.

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

Reviews consistently cite Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, and one video review also calls out LPCM support.

An optical input is highlighted as a way to connect older TVs or older gear when eARC is not available.

The detachable rears are typically quoted at about 10 to 12 hours per charge, but several reviewers note the need to remember recharging them.

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.

Evidence is mixed; one review says iPhone Bluetooth streaming worked great, while another could not get phone pairing to cooperate.

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

One review specifically criticizes the subwoofer’s plastic cabinet because it can rattle under extreme bass load.

One setup review says the rear speakers were ready after a couple of hours of charging.

One review explicitly says Chromecast streaming is not supported.

Chromecast is repeatedly listed as a supported casting option.

Several reviews praise the system for knitting front, rear, and overhead effects into a seamless or cohesive soundfield.

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

Reviewers generally describe the styling as simple and understated rather than flashy.

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

Multiple reviews say the system feels solid and well made, with strong magnets and premium-feeling construction.

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

Reviews repeatedly mention hearing small ambient or incidental sounds that cheaper systems miss.

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 usually described as clear and easy to follow, though a few reviewers heard occasional muffling or difficulty in some content.

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 says dialogue loses some clarity when volume is pushed high, but this is framed as a mild limitation rather than constant distortion.

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

Height effects are a major strength, with multiple reviews describing convincing overhead movement, though not every reviewer thought it led the class.

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

The system is repeatedly praised for moving cleanly from quiet detail to explosive peaks without losing control.

One review lists ENERGY STAR certification.

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

Reviews consistently call the EQ and sound controls limited, usually citing a simple three-band EQ and few presets.

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

Movie playback is often described as balanced and lively, but several music-focused reviews complain about tonal unevenness or lack of neutrality.

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

One review confirms 4K60 passthrough works for gaming, but it is not presented as a cutting-edge gaming solution.

Reviews cite Google Cast and or Google Assistant ecosystem support as part of the streaming and smart-home feature set.

Multiple reviews explicitly note the lack of 4K/120 passthrough and other next-gen gaming features.

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

ARC and especially eARC support are consistent selling points and the preferred path for full Atmos playback.

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

Reviews portray the system as a strong all-in-one home theater hub, helped by its switching ability, multiple HDMI inputs, and full surround package.

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

The detachable surrounds are described as securely attaching and staying linked reliably to the main bar in testing.

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

One review notes roughly a one-second delay after unpausing, but the app also provides lip-sync correction.

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

Reviewers consistently describe the system as very loud, room-filling, and capable of major output.

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

One review specifically praises the ability to preserve quiet detail without constant volume adjustment.

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

The detachable modules are described as reliably staying connected, and reviews also mention stereo-pair style use cases.

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.

The top-panel buttons are described as simple, easy to read, and straightforward for basic input and volume changes.

One review directly lists optical among the available connections.

Reviews consistently mention an optical input as part of the connection set.

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

Opinions are mixed; some reviewers like the remote and find it complete, while others complain about hidden functions or missing dedicated buttons.

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

Setup is usually described as easy and guided, especially through the app and calibration flow. Some reviewers still note a learning curve from the unusual detachable design or sparse printed instructions, even though the process is mostly manageable.

Reviews explicitly say voice assistants are not supported.

Reviews report Alexa support, but typically via external smart speakers rather than a built-in assistant.

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.

App control, calibration, multiroom casting, detachable speaker modes, and other convenience features are repeatedly emphasized.

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

Height and spatial envelopment are often praised, but a few reviewers think the vertical projection falls short of the very best rivals.

Spotify Connect or native Spotify control is repeatedly mentioned as available and functional, despite mixed treatment inside JBL’s own app.

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

The front LED or alphanumeric display is repeatedly praised for showing source, codec, volume, or battery-related information clearly.

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

Directional placement and imaging accuracy are frequently praised, especially in spatial movie content.

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.

The large subwoofer is widely praised for deep, forceful bass, but several reviewers also note that it can be imprecise, overbearing, or a little flappy at extremes.

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

Even with stereo or non-Atmos material, reviews say the bar can create a convincing room-filling surround effect through DSP or upmixing.

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

Reviews strongly approve of USB-C charging for the detachable speakers because it offers a more practical backup than redocking alone.

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

Reviewers generally think the package delivers strong value for a flagship setup, though some still see it as pricey.

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

Reviews confirm broad video passthrough support including 4K, Dolby Vision, and HDR10, but not full HDMI 2.1 gaming features.

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.

Voices and vocals are usually described as clear and natural, especially with better-quality content.

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

One review says the bar connected to the home network without much fuss, supporting a generally positive view of Wi-Fi setup and streaming stability.

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.

Multiple reviews highlight the generous wired input set, especially the extra HDMI ports. eARC is repeatedly presented as the best-sounding wired path for full Atmos playback, with optical treated as more limited.