TLDR Review: Samsung HW-S50B Soundbar
Verdict
The Samsung HW-S50B soundbar offers a solid audio upgrade with clear, immersive sound and easy setup, especially if you use a Samsung TV where eARC integration shines. However, its remote control and volume management issues can be a real headache, particularly for those who prefer seamless volume control through their existing TV or streaming device remotes. If you want exceptional ease with universal remotes or deeper bass, you might want to consider looking at other models, but for the price and sound quality here, it's a strong contender for everyday TV and casual gaming audio enhancement.
- Top pro:
- Delivers great, high-quality, clear, and crisp sound that enhances movies, music, and gaming experiences, including PlayStation 5.
- Top con:
- Remote control is confusing, small, and difficult to use, especially for volume adjustments; volume changes require multiple button presses and do not display on the TV screen.
Pros
- •Delivers great, high-quality, clear, and crisp sound that enhances movies, music, and gaming experiences, including PlayStation 5.
- •Easy to set up with a straightforward plug-and-play design, especially smooth integration with Samsung TVs via eARC HDMI.
- •Compact size fits neatly under most TVs without taking up much space.
- •Suitable for apartment living as volume increments are subtle and can be controlled without overwhelming neighbors.
- •Woofers deliver surprisingly deep bass considering the compact 3.0 channel setup.
- •Overall very satisfying and enjoyable to use, with many users finding it a worthy upgrade from built-in TV speakers or even comparable to Bose soundbars.
- •Additional 1 Year Coverage by Epic Protect adds some peace of mind.
Cons
- •Remote control is confusing, small, and difficult to use, especially for volume adjustments; volume changes require multiple button presses and do not display on the TV screen.
- •Volume struggles with certain streaming apps like Netflix and Amazon, often remaining too low even when sitting close to the TV, with no easy workaround.
- •Volume control cannot be programmed to the TV remote, forcing inconvenient use of the awkward soundbar remote.
- •HDMI connectivity can be problematic at times; Bluetooth connection works but may not be ideal for all users.
- •Difficult to sync with third-party remotes (like DirecTV), unlike some competing soundbars that handle universal remote control integration better.
- •Bass, while present, may lack the punch and depth some users expect compared to more robust or dedicated subwoofer setups.
- •Remote functions may take several weeks to fully understand, requiring downloading the manual for clarity.
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How we researched this
About this review: it summarizes the professional reviews and customer ratings ShopSavvy collected for this product, alongside prices from ShopSavvy's price data.
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