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Deal.ai › Compare

Samsung HW-S50B Soundbar vs Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 5

The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 5 is the better pick for most people: it scores 4.7 from 86 ratings against 4.2 from 1,800 for the Samsung, and owners praise its clear center-channel dialogue. The Samsung HW-S50B counters with more inputs, Alexa built in, and a 5.1 surround claim, so it suits buyers who want a fuller setup and voice control. Build on both is plastic and wall-mountable; neither includes a subwoofer.

  • Choose the Samsung HW-S50B if you want Alexa built in, more connection options, and a virtual surround mode for movies.
  • Choose the Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 5 if clear dialogue and the strongest owner satisfaction matter more than extra inputs.

Prices

  • Samsung HW-S50B Soundbar: $129.99 at eBay (last seen Nov 9)
  • Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 5: $249.00 at Greentoe (last seen Nov 11)
  • Difference: the Samsung HW-S50B Soundbar is $119.01 cheaper than the Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 5 at the latest prices (Nov 9 and Nov 11)
Samsung
Samsung HW-S50B 3.0 Channel Soundbar

Samsung HW-S50B Soundbar

Samsung HW-S50B 3.0 Channel Soundbar

4.2(1,800 ratings)
$129.99at eBayChecked Nov 9
See all prices and details
Visit eBay

Store links may earn us a commission.

Pros
  • Alexa voice control without a separate speaker
  • Widest set of connections, including Wi-Fi and optical
  • Virtual surround adds width to movie sound
  • Large rating base gives a stable picture of owner experience
Cons
  • Lower owner rating than the Sony
  • No subwoofer, so deep bass is limited
  • Surround effect is simulated, not discrete rear speakers
Sony
Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 5 Soundbar

Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 5

Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 5 Soundbar

4.7(86 ratings)
$249.00at GreentoeChecked Nov 11
See all prices and details
Visit Greentoe
Pros
  • Highest owner satisfaction in this pair
  • Center-channel design keeps dialogue clear
  • Ethernet port for a wired network link
  • Dolby Atmos support
Cons
  • Far fewer ratings, so less proven over time
  • No Wi-Fi or built-in voice assistant
  • Low rated wattage limits maximum loudness

What separates them

Samsung HW-S50B SoundbarSony BRAVIA Theater Bar 5
Owner rating4.2 out of 5 from 1,800 ratings4.7 out of 5 from 86 ratings
Channel configurationMarketed as 5.1 with virtual surroundCenter-channel focused bar
Rated power140 W30 W
Voice assistantAmazon Alexa built inNo built-in assistant
Wired inputsHDMI, optical, USB, Wi-Fi, BluetoothHDMI, optical, USB, Ethernet, Bluetooth
Dialogue handlingSurround processing spreads the mixDedicated center-channel tuning
Subwoofer includedNoNo
MountingWall mountWall mount

Price history

$259.00$169.98
Oct 30Nov 13
  • Samsung HW-S50B Soundbar: lowest $169.98 on Oct 30 at eBay; $177.99 on Nov 13.
  • Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 5: lowest $249.00 on Oct 31 at Greentoe; $249.00 on Nov 11.

Prices at every store

Samsung HW-S50B Soundbar

  • Abt ElectronicsNew

    In stock

    $177.99Free shippingChecked 22 h ago
    Visit Abt Electronics
  • Abt Electronics & AppliancesNew

    In stock

    $177.99Checked 22 h ago
    Visit Abt Electronics & Appliances
  • Video & Audio CenterNew

    In stock

    $177.99Checked 22 h ago
    Visit Video & Audio Center
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by bromazel (99.3% positive, 15,400 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $129.99Free shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit eBay

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay

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All 21 stores and price history →

Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 5

  • GreentoeNew

    In stockSold by TV's & Home Theater

    $249.00Checked Nov 11
    Visit Greentoe
  • Electronic ExpressNew

    In stock

    $278.00Checked Nov 11
    Visit Electronic Express
  • CrutchfieldNew

    In stock

    $278.00Checked Nov 11
    Visit Crutchfield
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by galaxytrading805 (95.5% positive, 70 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $249.00Free shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit eBay

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 19 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecSamsung HW-S50B SoundbarSony BRAVIA Theater Bar 5
WirelessYesYes
ColorBlackBlack
Special PurposeSoundbarCenter Channel
StyleWall MountWall Mount
Dolby Atmos EnabledYesYes
ConnectivityBluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, HDMI, Optical AudioBluetooth, USB, HDMI, Ethernet, Optical Audio
Max Wattage140 W30 W
Configuration5.1 Channel—
With Surround SoundYes—
Assistant SupportAmazon Alexa—

What reviewers say

Samsung HW-S50B Soundbar

  • 4.2 / 51,800 ratings

Rated 4.2 out of 5 from about 1,800 ratings, the HW-S50B is generally liked for its clear dialogue and easy setup. Owners often note the bass is modest without a subwoofer.

What people mention
  • Sound qualityPraisedOwners say dialogue and midrange are clear for TV and movies.
  • BassCriticisedReviewers note the bar lacks deep bass because there is no subwoofer.
  • SetupPraisedBuyers report quick connection over HDMI or optical.
  • SurroundMixedSome say the virtual surround adds width; others find it subtle.

Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 5

  • 4.7 / 586 ratings

Owners rate the Bar 5 highly at 4.7 out of 5 from 86 ratings, with most feedback centered on clear dialogue and easy setup. Criticism tends to focus on bass depth and power for bigger rooms.

What people mention
  • Dialogue clarityPraisedOwners say voices and center-channel content come through clearly.
  • BassCriticisedListeners note the bar lacks deep bass without a separate subwoofer.
  • SetupPraisedBuyers describe connecting and mounting it as straightforward.
  • PowerMixedThe 30 W rating is fine for small rooms but questioned for larger ones.

Questions and answers

Which is better for watching movies?
The Samsung HW-S50B, because its virtual surround and higher rated power give a wider, louder presentation. The Sony is the pick if you mainly want dialogue to stay clear during quiet scenes.
Which sounds better for dialogue?
The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 5. Its center-channel focus and stronger owner rating point to clearer speech. The Samsung spreads sound wider but can blur voices into the mix.
Do either include a subwoofer?
No. Both are bar-only designs, so bass is limited. Plan on adding a subwoofer later if low-end punch matters to you.
Is the Sony worth stepping up to?
If you value owner satisfaction and clear speech over inputs and voice control, yes. If you need Alexa, Wi-Fi, or optical input, the Samsung covers more ground.
Which is easier to set up?
Both connect over HDMI or optical and mount on a wall. The Samsung adds Wi-Fi and app-based setup; the Sony is simpler with fewer network options.
Can I use either with a voice assistant?
Only the Samsung has Alexa built in. The Sony has no built-in assistant, so you would control it through your TV or a separate smart speaker.

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More comparisons

  • Samsung HW-S50B 3.0ch All in One Soundbar vs Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 5 Soundbar