60

Samsung HW T650 Review

True Score

72
74
1

Experts

79
2,242

Consumers

Expert Rankings

The Samsung HW-T650’s low latency, dialogue clarity, customizable EQ presets, and hassle-free Bluetooth pairing makes it a superb mid-range soundbar for TV shows and music listening. However, Bluetooth connectivity has some lag, and the flat soundstage and underemphasized sub-bass lack immersion for movie buffs.

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$399.99
$339.95

Overview

The Samsung HW-T650 is a 2020 model entry-level 3.1 channel soundbar that boasts a dedicated center channel speaker to provide a wide stereo soundstage inside large living rooms.

Similar to some of the best-rated speakers out there, it features an extremely low frequency response slope to reproduce crystal clear vocals and dialogues and to deliver a highly neutral and balanced sound profile.

However, unlike the highest-ranked soundbars, it does not have Dolby Atmos. If you need a soundbar that supports Dolby Atmos, be sure to take a look at our Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar review.

The soundbar also comes with a dedicated wireless subwoofer that connects via Bluetooth, which is the only available wireless streaming mode, meaning it lacks Wi-Fi, Chromecast, or Apple AirPlay.

And in terms of wired connectivity, this soundbar features a full-speed HDMI passthrough, an optical audio jack, and a USB port to play back audio files through a thumb drive.

In addition, it touts an exceptionally low audio latency over HDMI, which is very useful to those sensitive to audio delay.

What Is Not on the Box

What the brand doesn’t always tell you…

our Verdict

The Samsung HW-T650 connects through HDMI ARC, while the subwoofer features quick wireless Bluetooth pairing.

There are no audio disturbances, and wired connections (ARC, Optical, Full HDMI in) ensure remarkably low latency (tested at 20ms via ARC and 16ms via Optical), but you’ll notice some lag while watching videos via Bluetooth.

With a slightly wide soundstage and downmixed surround sound performance, the movie-watching experience isn’t thoroughly immersive, and the sub-bass isn’t punchy enough for gripping action scenes.

Nonetheless, the center channel ensures accurate dialogue delivery while the sound profile is well-balanced for listening to a variety of audio content.

Samsung’s sleek OneRemote lets you control the volume and EQ settings. You also get responsive input commands, five customizable EQ presets, and an app for convenient smartphone control.

True Score

72

Reasons to Buy

  • Smooth connection
  • No audio disturbances
  • Low latency with a wired connection
  • Clear dialogue
  • Easy-to-use remote
  • Five EQ presets
  • Smartphone app

Reasons to Avoid

  • Lag with Bluetooth
  • The soundstage is not wide enough
  • Subpar surround sound performance
  • Less extended sub-bass

Specifications

Bluetooth EnabledYes
Depth3.5"
Dialogue Enhancement FeatureYes
Energy Star CertifiedYes
HDMI ARCYes
Height2.3"
SubwooferIncluded
Surround Sound SupportedDolby Digital, DTS Virtual:X
Voice AssistantNo
Wall MountableYes
Weight5.3 lbs
Width38.6"
Wireless ConnectivityBluetooth
Wireless Subwoofer ConnectivityYes
Works WithBluetooth, Remote Control, Smartphone app

All Specs

Test Results

Minimum Freq Response (Hz)34.1
Maximum Freq Response (Hz)16,500
Max Volume Test (db)95.4
Latency (ms)59

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Product Comparison

True Score

72
70
78
78

Ranking

#

60

/

153

#

72

/

153

#

22

/

153

#

21

/

153

Market Context

The Samsung HW-T650 is a 2020 model entry-level 3.1 channel soundbar that boasts a dedicated center channel speaker to provide a wide stereo soundstage inside…

The Samsung HW-T650 is a 2020 model entry-level 3.1 channel soundbar that boasts a dedicated center channel speaker to provide a wide stereo soundstage inside large living rooms.

Similar to some of the best-rated speakers out there, it features an extremely low frequency response slope to reproduce crystal clear vocals and dialogues and to deliver a highly neutral and balanced sound profile.

However, unlike the highest-ranked soundbars, it does not have Dolby Atmos. If you need a soundbar that supports Dolby Atmos, be sure to take a look at our Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar review.

The soundbar also comes with a dedicated wireless subwoofer that connects via Bluetooth, which is the only available wireless streaming mode, meaning it lacks Wi-Fi, Chromecast, or Apple AirPlay.

And in terms of wired connectivity, this soundbar features a full-speed HDMI passthrough, an optical audio jack, and a USB port to play back audio files through a thumb drive.

In addition, it touts an exceptionally low audio latency over HDMI, which is very useful to those sensitive to audio delay.

Both the Samsung HW-T650 and the Samsung HW-A650 soundbars feature similar 3.1 channel speaker setups and, as a result, have identical overall performance in most…

Both the Samsung HW-T650 and the Samsung HW-A650 soundbars feature similar 3.1 channel speaker setups and, as a result, have identical overall performance in most aspects. The Samsung HW-T650 does have a slightly wider stereo soundstage than the HW-A650 soundbar, with better localization, vocals, and dialogue reproduction, and a more natural-sounding neutral sound profile.

Thanks to its more comprehensive 3.1-channel speaker setup, the Samsung HW-T650 delivers a much wider stereo soundstage than the 2.0-channel Sony HT-S350 soundbar. And thanks…

Thanks to its more comprehensive 3.1-channel speaker setup, the Samsung HW-T650 delivers a much wider stereo soundstage than the 2.0-channel Sony HT-S350 soundbar. And thanks to its dedicated central channel speaker, the Samsung soundbar reproduces much clearer vocals and dialogues with a more balanced and true-to-life sound profile. In addition, the Samsung model sports a full-speed HDMI passthrough port and bass and treble adjustments, both of which the Sony soundbar lacks.

The 3.1-channel Samsung HW-T650 soundbar has a better stereo soundstage than the 2.1-channel Yamaha YAS-209, and it also touts a better build quality. And thanks…

The 3.1-channel Samsung HW-T650 soundbar has a better stereo soundstage than the 2.1-channel Yamaha YAS-209, and it also touts a better build quality. And thanks to its dedicated center channel speaker, the Samsung soundbar delivers better vocals, dialogues, and a more neutral sound profile than the Yamaha model. However, the Yamaha soundbar does have Wi-Fi for Spotify and Amazon Prime music casting, which the Samsung model lacks.

Bluetooth Enabled

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Depth

3.5"

3.5"

4.3"

Dialogue Enhancement Feature

Yes

Yes

na

Energy Star Certified

Yes

Yes

HDMI ARC

Yes

na

Height

2.3"

2.3"

2.5"

2.5"

Dig Deeper

Read review →: Samsung HW-A650 Review Read review →: Sony HT S350 Review Read review →: Yamaha YAS-209 Review

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  • Save $60
    $399.99
    $339.95

    Availability

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    Free Shipping

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  • Availability

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Score Card

E

Expert Score

74

*.75

We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores

C

Customer Score

79

*.25

We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores

True Score

72

Any product with a True Score above 70 is a Mixed Reviews

Expert Score Breakdown

  • Rtings
    A

    Trust Score

    74
    The Samsung HW-T650 3.1Ch Soundbar is satisfactory for mixed usage. Its balanced, neutral sound profile… read more

    By:

    John Panoryios

Customer Score Breakdown

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