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With a dedicated center channel and balanced sound profile, the Samsung HW-R650 is a compelling soundbar for enhancing the volume and bass of TV speakers. However, it doesn’t support Atmos or surround, so it’s a poor option for 3D movies.
The Samsung HW-R650 is a mid-range 3.1-channel soundbar that made its debut back in 2020, touting a dedicated center channel for crisp TV dialogue.
Unlike more advanced soundbars that support Dolby Atmos and surround soundstage, the Samsung HW-R650 doesn’t support those formats and down mixes surround sound to stereo, so it’s not the best choice for immersive movie content.
You can check out our list of the top speakers for more immersive devices. It boasts an excellent range of connectivity options that include a shared HDMI ARC+Out, a full HDMI In, as well as Optical, 3.5 mm, USB ports.
However, it only supports Bluetooth as a wireless streaming option. Although it has a dedicated subwoofer, it doesn’t manage the sort of deep bass that is needed for action movies.
However, it achieves a top SPL of 95.2 dB, getting loud enough to entertain big gatherings. Read on to learn more about the Samsung HW-R650 and be sure to check out the finest soundbars on the market today.
Consensus
our Verdict
Top experts love the connectivity options and loud output of the Samsung HW-R650, approving it for TV shows, music, and limited movie playback.
Editors at Crutchfield love this device’s loud output, which makes it a good choice for gatherings. Reviewers from RTINGS were delighted with this system’s neutral sound profile that produces pleasant movies and music.
Although it has a dedicated subwoofer, it lacks deep rumbling bass. A graphic equalizer and presets enable customizing the sound profile easily.
Unfortunately, this system downmixes 5.1 surround sound to stereo and lacks Dolby Atmos, so it’s not the best option for 3D movie formats. It has a huge range of Wired connectivity options, but only supports Bluetooth as a wireless streaming option.
It doesn’t support voice assistants but has features a mobile app for customizing settings.
However, if you require a more affordable 2.1 soundbar, be sure to check out our Samsung T450 soundbar review, and if you need a more immersive surround soundstage performance see our Samsung HW-S60A review today.
ReasonS to Buy
Dedicated center channel is great for TV dialogue
Well-balanced sound profile out of the box
Excellent build quality
Speaker gets really loud and has a graphic EQ/presets
Companion mobile app for adjusting settings
Reason to Avoid
Poor surround performance
Lacks Dolby Atmos
Doesn’t support voice assistants
Poor extended low bass
Samsung HW R650 Specs
Bluetooth Enabled
Yes
Depth
3.4"
Dialogue Enhancement Feature
Yes
Energy Star Certified
Yes
HDMI ARC
Yes
Height
2.3"
Number of Audio Channels
3.1
Subwoofer
Included
Surround Sound Supported
Dolby Digital, DTS Digital Surround
Wall Mountable
Yes
Weight
6.3 lbs
Width
41.7"
Wireless Connectivity
Bluetooth
Wireless Subwoofer Connectivity
Yes
Works With
Bluetooth, Remote Control
All Specs
Test Results
These are the most important criteria to test for Soundbars based on our comprehensive Testing Methodology.
Low End Roll Off (Hz)
63.496
High End Roll Off (Hz)
2,184
Max Volume Test (db)
95.2
Latency (ms)
75
THD @ 80dB
0.59
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Product Comparison
Samsung HW R650 Review
True Score
60
NR
NR
NR
Ranking
#
146
/
149
#
/
#
/
#
/
Market Context
The Samsung HW-R650 is a mid-range 3.1-channel soundbar that made its debut back in 2020, touting a dedicated center channel for crisp TV dialogue.
Unlike more…
The Samsung HW-R650 is a mid-range 3.1-channel soundbar that made its debut back in 2020, touting a dedicated center channel for crisp TV dialogue.
Unlike more advanced soundbars that support Dolby Atmos and surround soundstage, the Samsung HW-R650 doesn’t support those formats and down mixes surround sound to stereo, so it’s not the best choice for immersive movie content.
You can check out our list of the top speakers for more immersive devices. It boasts an excellent range of connectivity options that include a shared HDMI ARC+Out, a full HDMI In, as well as Optical, 3.5 mm, USB ports.
However, it only supports Bluetooth as a wireless streaming option. Although it has a dedicated subwoofer, it doesn’t manage the sort of deep bass that is needed for action movies.
However, it achieves a top SPL of 95.2 dB, getting loud enough to entertain big gatherings. Read on to learn more about the Samsung HW-R650 and be sure to check out the finest soundbars on the market today.
The Samsung HW-R650 and the Samsung HW-R550 are almost identical, with both systems featuring a 3.1-channel configuration. However, while the Samsung HW-R650 has a dedicated…
The Samsung HW-R650 and the Samsung HW-R550 are almost identical, with both systems featuring a 3.1-channel configuration. However, while the Samsung HW-R650 has a dedicated center channel, the Samsung HW-R550 doesn’t. Be sure to check out our Samsung HW-R550 review to learn more.
Unlike the Samsung HW-R650, the Samsung HW-T650 supports Dolby Digital Plus, and it has a wider stereo soundstage. That said, the Samsung HW-R650 has a…
Unlike the Samsung HW-R650, the Samsung HW-T650 supports Dolby Digital Plus, and it has a wider stereo soundstage. That said, the Samsung HW-R650 has a more natural sound profile and has a dedicated companion app, unlike the Samsung HW-T650.
Featuring a graphic equalizer, the Samsung HW-R650 is easier to tweak than the Sony HT-G700, which lacks such a feature. It also has a USB…
Featuring a graphic equalizer, the Samsung HW-R650 is easier to tweak than the Sony HT-G700, which lacks such a feature. It also has a USB port. That said, the Sony system supports Dolby Atmos and eARC content, unlike the Samsung HW-R650.
Bluetooth Enabled
Yes
–
–
–
Depth
3.4"
–
–
–
Dialogue Enhancement Feature
Yes
–
–
–
Energy Star Certified
Yes
–
–
–
HDMI ARC
Yes
–
–
–
Height
2.3"
–
–
–
Number of Audio Channels
3.1
–
–
–
Subwoofer
Included
–
–
–
Dig Deeper
Score Card
E
Expert Score
62
*.75
We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores
C
Customer Score
68
*.25
We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores
True Score
60
Any product with a True Score above 70 is a Mixed Reviews
Expert Scores
Publications with higher Trust Ratings are given more weight.
101.4
Category Trust Rating
73
Decent for mixed usage. The Samsung HW-R650 soundbar will perform quite well with different types… Read More
