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Samsung HW-C450 Review

Nikshep Myle Avatar
Updated Dec 27, 2023 11:48 AM

True Score

83
82
5

Experts

90
2,763

Consumers

Product Awards

GR Certified

Customer Favorite

Expert Rankings

The budget Samsung HW C450 provides great value for movies and TV shows, given its bass-heavy sound profile, expansive soundstage, and clear vocals.

$133.95

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Table of Contents

Product Snapshot

Overview

Launched in 2023, the Samsung HW C450 is an affordable 2.1-channel soundbar which comes with a subwoofer. Though it lacks Dolby Atmos, it does support Dolby Digital 2.1 and DTS Virtual X. Similar to the best speakers, the soundbar incorporates Adaptive Sound Lite, Game mode, Bass Boost mode, Night mode, and Voice Enhance feature.

For connectivity, the soundbar pairs with a TV via Bluetooth, aligning it with the best soundbars. Wired options include an Optical port. Lastly, you can expand the surround sound by purchasing the Samsung Wireless Rear Speaker Kit (sold separately). For an ultra-budget soundbar, check out our Saiyin DS6301 review. And for an option with built-in Alexa, read our Yamaha ATS 2090 review.

Consensus

ReasonS to Buy

  • Good sound quality
    • Ideal for movies and TV shows, the Samsung HW C450 boasts a natural and rich sound profile, ensuring dialogue clarity and relatively thumpy bass. It also projects a spacious sound stage with sounds emerging from precise locations.

  • Great voice clarity
    • The bar uses virtual sound processing techniques to compensate for the lack of a center channel, but dialogues and vocals sound distinct and sufficiently detailed, thanks to the tweeters.

  • Satisfying bass response
    • The subwoofer envelopes small to mid-sized rooms with ambient bass, intensifying the impact of action films. Plus, with the bass boost feature, you can tweak it to your preference.

Reason to Avoid

  • Mediocre surround performance
    • The surround effects feel less pronounced as it lacks discrete satellites to create immersion.

  • No smart integration and connectivity
    • This soundbar lacks smart integration entirely. There is no Smart app or voice assistant support for seamless, hands-free control. Moreover, it lacks HDMI connectivity, so you’re limited to an Optical connection and a minijack. For HDMI eARC support, check out our LG SL5Y 2.1 review.

  • Lacks Dolby Atmos
    • The HW C450 doesn’t support Dolby Atmos, but it’s compatible with DTS Virtual X, which creates a decent height effect. For Dolby Atmos compatibility in a Samsung model, read our Samsung HW S60B review.

Samsung HW-C450 Specs

Bluetooth EnabledBluetooth EnabledYes
DepthDepth3"
Dialogue Enhancement FeatureDialogue Enhancement FeatureYes
Energy Star CertifiedEnergy Star CertifiedYes
HDMI ARCHDMI ARCNo
HeightHeight2.3"
Number of Audio ChannelsNumber of Audio Channels2.1
SubwooferSubwooferIncluded
Surround Sound SupportedSurround Sound SupportedDolby Audio, DTS
Voice AssistantVoice AssistantNo
Wall MountableWall MountableYes
WeightWeight3.1 lbs
WidthWidth7.2"
Wireless ConnectivityWireless ConnectivityBluetooth
Wireless Subwoofer ConnectivityWireless Subwoofer ConnectivityYes
Works WithWorks With

All Specs

Test Results

Low End Roll Off (Hz)
High End Roll Off (Hz)
Max Volume Test (db)
Latency (ms)
THD @ 80dB

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Score Card

E

Expert Score

82

*.75

We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores

C

Customer Score

90

*.25

We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores

True Score

83

Expert Scores

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