Sonos Playbar vs Samsung HW-N650 review

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l would like to share my experience after comparing and testing two soundbars – Sonos Playbar vs Samsung HW-N650. The Sonos Playbar was rated 4.5, while the Samsung HW-N650 has a rating 6.6. The soundbars are equipped with a different number of buttons, play/pause, volume up, volume down for the Playbar and volume down, volume up, input, power for the HW-N650.

Audio features

Each of the models under consideration has active amplification type. A noticeable difference is the number of channels that Playbar has 3.0 and HW-N650 has 5.1. The built-in subwoofer is not implemented in any of these models. An external subwoofer can be connected to any of the units in this comparison. Audio features and specs of considered models we rated 7 out of 10 in our ranking.

Streaming services

The Sonos Playbar is equipped with AirPlay 2, but the Samsung HW-N650 has AirPlay on board. Google Play Music service is only in the HW-N650. Each of the competitors can play content from Spotify.

Connectivity

Wireless Internet connection is realized only in the Playbar. Bluetooth support integrated in the HW-N650. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) is implemented only in the HW-N650. We rated the connectivity of the Playbar at 3 out of 10, while the HW-N650 was rated 7/10.

Features

Each of the soundbars can be controlled using the application. The Samsung HW-N650 equipped with a microphone. The Samsung HW-N650 may become part of a multiroom system.

Multichannel surround

Dolby Atmos audio decoder support is not implemented in either the Playbar or HW-N650. Devices from this comparison cannot process surround sound due to lack of DTS:X. DTS Virtual:X technology not supported by any of the soundbars in this review.