Our Verdict
Decent for mixed usage. The Samsung HW-R650 soundbar will perform quite well with different types of content. Its sound profile is fairly neutral and accurate, although it does lack a bit of sub-bass, which will be noticeable in movies and bass-heavy music. It has a very good reproduction of vocals and voices, which is suitable for dialog-centered content like audiobooks and podcasts. Unfortunately, it doesn’t support Atmos and height channels for a more immersive listening experience with movies. On the upside, the bar can get pretty loud and performs well at max volume.
- Decent stereo sound profile.
- Well-built design.
- Good overall performance at high volume.
- No height channels and Atmos support.
- No 4k passthrough.
- Lacks sub-bass.
Good for dialogue and TV shows. The Samsung HW-R650 has a decent stereo frequency response with an accurate reproduction of voices and dialogue in movies and TV shows. It will be a good option for listening to audiobooks and podcasts too. The bar can get loud and has a Dialogue Enhancement feature. Also, it’s quite easy to stream content wirelessly to the bar via Bluetooth.
Decent for music. The Samsung HW-R650 has a pretty decent stereo frequency response, but its bass isn’t that extended, which can hurt its performance with bass-heavy genres. However, it will be suitable for most music. Unfortunately, the soundstage isn’t the widest but still is decently large. On the other hand, the bar can get loud enough for most listening scenarios and performs quite well at max volume too.
Passable for movies. The Samsung HW-R650 sounds decent but might lack a bit of sub-bass for movies. On the upside, it can get loud enough and performs quite well without too much compression at max volume. This 3.1 soundbar system will also downmix surround content to stereo and won’t offer the most immersive experience. It also doesn’t support Atmos and height channels.
Changelog
- Updated Apr 06, 2021: Converted to Test Bench 1.0.
- Updated Sep 27, 2019: Review published.
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Popular Soundbar Comparisons
The Samsung HW-R650 is a soundbar at an affordable price point with decent performance. This 3.1 system has a great dedicated center channel for dialogue and TV shows and its stereo performance with music is decent as well. It has a dedicated subwoofer, but unfortunately has a bit of trouble with very deep frequencies, unlike higher-end soundbar systems. See our recommendations for the best soundbars, the best soundbars with subwoofer, and if you're looking for something a bit more affordable, check out our picks for the best soundbars under $300.
The Samsung HW-R650 and Samsung HW-R550 are practically identical, but the R650 has a dedicated center channel that the R550 doesn't have. This results in better dialog and voice reproduction, which is great when watching TV shows and movies. Other than that, these soundbars are pretty much the same.
The Samsung HW-Q800A is better than the Samsung HW-R650. The HW-Q800A is a 3.1.2 setup that supports Dolby Atmos content, unlike the HW-R650. It has a better soundstage, and it can reproduce a more extended low-bass. It even has a better build quality.
The Samsung HW-T650 is the 2020 version of the Samsung HW-R650, and these bars perform very similarly. Both lack a bit of sub-bass, though the HW-T650 has a slightly better performance. The HW-T650 also supports Dolby Digital Plus, unlike the HW-R650, and its stereo soundstage sounds a bit more focused. The HW-R650 has a better-sounding, less bass-heavy surround performance that may be preferred by avid movie watchers. The HW-R650 also has a dedicated companion app, which the HW-T650 lacks.
The Samsung HW-A650 is the upgraded version of the Samsung HW-R650. The HW-A650 is better-built. It can also reproduce a more extended low-bass. That said, both bars offer similar overall performances.
Test Results
