Compare Sony HT-S100F Soundbar vs Samsung HW-B650 Soundbar

Bass was the main limitation; reviewers repeatedly noted the lack of deep bass, subwoofer output, or stronger low-end performance.

The subwoofer was widely praised for punch, rumble, and movie impact, while a few reviews noted limited deep low-bass or large-room power.

One reviewer flagged the lack of DTS support as a limitation to consider.

Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS Virtual:X support helped create cinematic sound, but the lack of Atmos and surround downmixing limited the format story.

One reviewer noticed lower perceived loudness when sitting off to the side, limiting side-room coverage.

One review specifically praised DTS Virtual:X for a 360-degree-like sound effect.

Opinions were mixed: some reviewers liked the virtual surround effect, while others said it was not suitable for serious surround or home theater expectations.

DTS Virtual:X and surround modes often created an immersive effect, but reviewers also noted that it is simulated and less reliable than true surround systems.

Reviewers liked having multiple wired connection options for different TV setups.

Wired connectivity was a strength, with reviews praising the broad and versatile port selection.

One reviewer heard good instrument separation during music playback.

One review praised the separation of vocals and instruments during music playback.

One reviewer disliked relying on on-bar buttons for Bluetooth pairing.

On-device controls were considered basic but useful and cleanly implemented.

Bluetooth generally worked reliably in the reviews that tested it.

One review found Bluetooth streaming fast, stable, and free of dropouts for common apps.

Sound modes were useful for some reviewers, but EQ flexibility was limited and one reviewer heard little difference between modes.

EQ and sound-mode customization helped improve playback, but several reviews said manual control was limited.

Home theater fit was context-dependent: one review liked the cinematic feel, while others said serious movie watchers should look at stronger surround systems.

Reviewers framed it as a strong home-theater upgrade over TV speakers, with useful connectivity and rear-speaker expansion potential.

One reviewer treated the lack of Dolby Atmos as a major limitation for movie-focused buyers.

Reviews agreed that true Dolby Atmos is missing; DTS Virtual:X can help, but it does not fully replace real height-channel performance.

One reviewer praised its ability to stay clear at higher volume without obvious distortion.

High-volume performance was mixed: one review heard tinny or crackly treble, while others said it stayed clean without distortion.

One reviewer praised composure at higher volume, while another said wide dynamic range would not satisfy movie buffs.

Dynamic handling was positive, with reviews noting less need to adjust volume between quiet and loud moments.

Reviewers praised audible detail in effects and the sound's detailed character.

One detailed movie test praised the soundbar for keeping tiny effects audible and clear.

HDMI ARC was mostly praised for easy TV connection and remote integration, though one reviewer had occasional auto-on issues.

HDMI ARC/eARC was praised for letting the TV remote control volume and for clean, synced daily use.

Reviewers generally liked the included remote, describing it as solid, simple, and beginner-friendly.

Remote feedback was mostly positive for comfort, responsiveness, and ease of use, with some caveats about limitations or the slim remote being easy to lose.

Reviewers found the soundbar loud enough for TV use and small spaces, but one cautioned it is not a roof-raising party speaker.

Reviewers generally found the soundbar loud and powerful for small or medium spaces, but one review warned it may lack power and depth in larger rooms.

Reviewers praised dialogue clarity, especially for TV viewing and voice-focused content.

Dialogue clarity was the strongest point across reviews, with the dedicated center channel repeatedly making speech crisp, clear, and easy to follow.

Reviewers generally described the sound as balanced, clear, and detailed, though one noted the bass and overall sound were a little lacking.

Most reviews described balanced mids, neutral sound, or good music playback, though some modes could sound tinny and low bass was not always deep.

Most reviewers agreed the overall presentation improves TV audio with clearer, more immersive, and more enjoyable sound.

The system was described as balanced and cohesive, with components complementing each other well.

Voice reproduction was consistently described as clear, audible, or vocal-focused.

Vocal clarity was repeatedly praised, especially with the center channel making voices more focused and easy to hear.

One reviewer liked optical because it can free up an HDMI port.

One owner recommended the wired optical connection as the best connectivity option for their setup.

Setup simplicity was one of the strongest points, with reviewers repeatedly calling installation easy, simple, or straightforward.

Setup was consistently described as quick, easy, and straightforward across HDMI, optical, and Bluetooth use.

One reviewer flagged the absence of HDMI inputs as a limitation for passthrough-style setups.

Video passthrough was a weakness because one review noted the HDMI input does not support 4K passthrough.

Value was a major strength across reviews, especially for buyers upgrading TV speakers on a tight budget.

Value was a major strength, with reviewers repeatedly calling it impressive, affordable, or worth the money for the performance.

Build quality was mostly positive, with praise for premium feel and sturdiness, though one reviewer noted the plastic construction.

Build quality was praised for sturdy construction, metal grilles, and a finish that felt premium for the price.

Reviewers consistently liked the slim, understated, compact design and how easily it fit into rooms or TV setups.

Design feedback was favorable, emphasizing a compact, sleek, premium-looking bar that fits neatly under TVs.

Reviewers viewed the 120-watt output positively, connecting it to stronger loudness for a compact soundbar.

The subwoofer cabinet construction received positive evidence because the wooden cabinet was linked to warmer, deeper bass tone.

Optional rear speaker compatibility was viewed as useful upgrade potential, including a path toward a fuller surround setup.

One reviewer found the top touch controls unreliable.

Room calibration evidence was mixed: one review called out the lack of room correction, while another praised AI Sonic-Adaptation.

The front display/status indicator was considered simple but handy for seeing the selected input or mode.

Sustainability evidence was limited to one unboxing impression that the packaging looked eco-friendly.

One month-long user review reported intermittent TV disconnection, even though the soundbar otherwise worked well.

Bluetooth multi-connection was valued for easier switching between devices and phones.

Smart assistant integration was a weakness because reviewers noted the lack of voice assistant support.

Smart features were limited overall, but adaptive sound and phone/app control were useful where available.

Low-volume and night listening received positive evidence through audible quiet effects and a night mode that keeps movies usable.

Virtual height effects were present and sometimes convincing, but they remained simulated rather than true Atmos height.