Samsung HW N450 Review
True Score
Experts
Consumers
Expert Rankings
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Producing a neutral sound profile, the Samsung HW-N450 is a good option for upgrading the audio on any TV. However, it doesn’t have very good surround or Atmos performance, so it’s not the best option for movies.
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What Is Not on the Box
What the brand doesn’t always tell you…
our Verdict
Top experts were pleased with the relatively neutral sound profile and range of wired connectivity options on the Samsung HW-N450, recommending it for casual playback of TV shows, movies, and music.
Experts from Tech Hive lauded the system’s well-balanced stereo frequency response range, endorsing it for music. Reviewers from Crutchfield loved its graphic EQ and the built-in presets, which enable fiddling with the sound profile easily.
However, it has a middling extended low-bass, although it comes with a dedicated subwoofer. This system gets remarkably loud, providing adequate sound for larger rooms.
It also has a huge selection of wired connectivity options, but wireless streaming options are limited to just Bluetooth. There are no voice assistants or mobile apps, and critics were disappointed by its surround sound performance and the fact that it doesn’t support Dolby Atmos.
If you prefer a more immersive system for movies, check out our Samsung HW-Q59CT review. And if you need the model with the dedicated center channel for better dialogue, see our Samsung HW-B650 review today.
Reasons to Buy
- Remarkably neutral sound profile is good for music
- System gets loud enough for small parties
- Excellent range of connectivity options
- Outstanding build quality
- Graphic equalizer and presets for customizing sound profile
Reasons to Avoid
- Doesn't support Wi-Fi, Chromecast or Apple Airplay
- Downmixes surround sound to stereo
- Doesn't support Dolby Atmos
- Doesn't have mobile apps or voice assistants
Specifications
- Bluetooth Enabled–
- Depth2.2
- Dialogue Enhancement Feature–
- Energy Star Certifiedna
- HDMI ARC–
- Height3.1
- Subwoofer–
- Surround Sound Supported–
- Voice Assistant–
- Wall Mountable–
- Weight4.9
- Width35.6
- Wireless Connectivity–
- Wireless Subwoofer Connectivity–
- Works With–
Overview
The 2018 Samsung HW-A450 is an entry-level 2.1-channel soundbar that adds some bass to TV audio on a budget. Unlike many of the best-selling speakers in the industry, this system doesn’t support surround sound, so it has a narrow 3D soundstage that is not ideal for home theaters.
That said, it has a rich range of connectivity options that include a shared HDMI ARC and HDMI output, full HDMI In, 3.5 mm, and USB. It’s quite responsive, featuring very fast audio latency.
However, it only streams via Bluetooth and doesn’t support Wi-Fi or AirPlay, and the soundstage issues are compounded by the lack of Dolby Atmos.
All in all, The HW-A450 is a good all-around option for music and TV shows, but it won’t deliver immersive directional audio in movies or games. Continue reading our Samsung HW-A450 review and be sure to check out our list of the top soundbars to explore your options today.
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Product Comparison
 |  |  | ||
| True Score | 73 | 74 | ||
| Market Context | – | With an always-on surround mode, the Sony HT-S350 is more immersive for movies than the Samsung HW-A450. However, the Samsung system has a full HDMI input, providing better connectivity options than the Sony model. | Featuring a wireless subwoofer, the Samsung HW-A450 is more convenient than the Sonos Playbar, which doesn’t have a dedicated subwoofer. The Samsung device also has full HDMI in and HDMI ARC ports, unlike the older Sonos Playbar. However, the Sonos device has a 3.0 configuration with a dedicated center channel, producing crisper dialogue than the Samsung device. | With a graphic EQ, the Samsung HW-N450 is easier to customize than the Samsung HW-T450, which is a newer model. It also supports Dolby Digital over both its HDMI ARC and full HDMI inputs, unlike the Samsung HW-T450. However, the Samsung HW-T450 has a more neutral out-of-the-box sound profile. |
| Voice Assistant | – | |||
| Surround Sound Supported | – | |||
| Wireless Connectivity | – | |||
| Bluetooth Enabled | – | |||
| Wireless Subwoofer Connectivity | – | |||
| Dig Deeper | – | Read Review → | Read Review → |
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Score Card
E
Expert Score
*.75
We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores
C
Customer Score
*.25
We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores
True Score
Any product with a True Score above 70 is a Mixed Reviews
Expert Score Breakdown
Publications with higher Trust Scores are given more weight
ATrust Score
69Okay for mixed usage. This 2.1 soundbar sounds good with stereo content like music and… read more- F
Trust Score
80The HW-N450 is a very good entry-level soundbar, especially for Samsung TV owners. read more
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