Compare Samsung HW-B650 Soundbar vs Sonos Beam (Gen 2)

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

Trueplay is repeatedly cited as useful room tuning that can improve the Beam’s sound, but several reviews note the feature still depends on iOS devices.

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

AirPlay 2 support is consistently confirmed, with reviews describing easy streaming from Apple devices as part of the Beam’s core wireless feature set.

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

The Sonos S2 app is generally described as polished, stable, and easy to use, though one review says it can feel confusing at first.

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

Reviews consistently describe broad codec support, including Dolby formats, PCM variants, and DTS surround decoding, while also noting some format caveats such as no DTS:X.

The Beam Gen 2 keeps compatibility with older setups through ARC and the bundled optical adapter, though older connections can limit Dolby Atmos playback.

One review specifically lists SBC and AAC codec support.

Multiple reviews explicitly state that Bluetooth is not supported, so codec support is effectively absent on this soundbar.

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.

Across reviews, the Beam is praised for sounding cohesive, with consistent imaging, organic integration, and an enveloping presentation from a single compact enclosure.

The touch controls receive positive comments for responsiveness and ease of use when adjusting playback and volume directly on the bar.

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

Reviews repeatedly praise the Beam Gen 2’s compact, stylish design, describing it as attractive, discreet, and easy to blend into living-room setups.

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

Build impressions are strong, with reviewers highlighting the premium feel and the newer grille’s durability and easier cleaning versus the older fabric finish.

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

The Beam is repeatedly credited with surfacing fine musical and cinematic details, from small instrumental textures to added scene detail and nuance.

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 one of the Beam Gen 2’s clearest strengths, with reviewers repeatedly calling vocals and speech unusually crisp, clear, and easy to follow.

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.

At higher volume, reviews are mostly positive about control and cleanliness, though output is not limitless and some compression or hardness can emerge when pushed.

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

Atmos height performance is a mixed strength: reviewers hear extra spaciousness and some height cues, but most stop short of calling the overhead effect convincing.

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

Dynamic expression is a clear positive, with reviews noting wider range, strong contrast between quiet and loud moments, and a punchy cinematic presentation.

One review lists ENERGY STAR certification.

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

EQ options are limited but useful, with bass, treble, loudness, and basic app-based adjustment available rather than deep manual tuning.

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

Tonally, the Beam Gen 2 is widely described as balanced or neutral, with enough warmth and composure to work well across movies, TV, and music.

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

Reviews are consistently negative about passthrough for gaming setups because there is no spare HDMI input for directly connecting consoles or source devices.

Google Assistant support is consistently confirmed, with reviews framing it as a standard built-in voice option alongside Alexa.

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

HDMI eARC is one of the Beam Gen 2’s core upgrades, and reviews repeatedly tie it to improved format support and better Atmos compatibility than the original Beam.

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

Reviews emphasize how easily the Beam can anchor a broader Sonos home theater, including rear speakers and subwoofers for a fuller cinema setup.

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

Pairing with other Sonos speakers is described as seamless and easy, with the Beam fitting naturally into wireless surround and multi-speaker systems.

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

TV latency is viewed favorably, with reviews mentioning minimized lag, strong sync performance, and fewer lip-sync concerns through the main TV connection.

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

For its size, the Beam is widely considered capable of strong output, with enough volume to fill most small or medium spaces comfortably.

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

Low-volume listening benefits from helpful tuning features, especially loudness compensation, and reviewers suggest the Beam remains usable and balanced at moderate levels.

The built-in far-field microphones are a regular talking point, supporting voice features and audible command pickup without needing external hardware.

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

Multi-speaker use is one of the Beam’s strengths, with reviewers describing Sonos grouping and syncing behavior as easy and dependable.

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-device controls are simple but effective, with touch inputs on the bar covering the core playback, volume, and microphone functions.

One review directly lists optical among the available connections.

Optical connectivity is supported through an included adapter, but reviews clearly warn that using optical rules out full Atmos performance.

Privacy controls are present and easy to use, especially through microphone muting and the option to leave voice accounts unlinked.

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

TV-remote control is well supported and frequently described as simple, reducing the need for a dedicated bundled remote.

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

Setup simplicity is one of the most consistent positives, with multiple reviewers calling the Beam quick, painless, and straightforward to install.

Reviews explicitly say voice assistants are not supported.

Alexa integration is consistently presented as built-in and useful for hands-free control, matching the Beam’s broader smart-speaker role.

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 are a major selling point, with reviewers highlighting voice control, multiroom playback, streaming integrations, and app-based management.

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

The Beam creates more perceived height than a standard bar, but reviews still characterize its vertical soundstage as limited compared with true upfiring designs.

Spotify Connect support is repeatedly confirmed and treated as a core convenience feature for direct music playback.

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

Status feedback is basic but present, with LED indicators used for interaction and microphone state feedback.

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

Stereo and positional imaging are strong for a compact bar, with several reviews praising separation, object placement, and clear left-right spread.

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.

Standalone bass is considered respectable, but reviews also repeatedly note easy subwoofer expansion and meaningful bass gains once a Sonos Sub is added.

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

Virtual surround is one of the Beam’s real strengths, with reviews describing a roomy, bubble-like presentation that exceeds typical compact-bar expectations.

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

One review explicitly notes more sustainable packaging materials, including paper-based packing with no visible foam on the surface.

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

Value is a recurring positive theme, especially for buyers who want premium compact sound, Sonos ecosystem features, and strong performance below flagship pricing.

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

Video passthrough support is absent, and multiple reviews frame that omission as one of the Beam Gen 2’s clearest connectivity compromises.

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

Voice assistants respond reliably in the reviews, with good command pickup and little complaint about responsiveness once configured.

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

Music vocals are typically described as clear, present, and articulate, helping the Beam work well for music as well as TV playback.

Voice pickup accuracy is a clear strength, with reviewers saying commands can still be heard across the room or during loud playback.

The Beam’s light weight and compact footprint make it easy to place, especially in smaller rooms or with smaller TVs.

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

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.

Wired connections are intentionally minimal but functional, typically centering on HDMI, Ethernet, and optical via adapter rather than a broader port array.