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Samsung HW-S50B Soundbar vs Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 5

The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 5 is the stronger pick for movie nights and for anyone building a Sony TV setup. It has a real center channel, Dolby Atmos, Ethernet, and a 4.7 out of 5 owner rating. The Samsung HW-S50B is a simpler all-in-one bar with two built-in woofers, DTS Virtual:X, and Q Symphony with Samsung TVs, but no separate center channel and no wired network. Both are slim bars that mount flat; neither ships with a subwoofer, so deep bass is limited on both.

  • Choose the Samsung HW-S50B if you own a Samsung TV and want Q Symphony to sync the bar with the TV speakers, plus DTS Virtual:X and a simpler all-in-one setup.
  • Choose the Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 5 if dialogue clarity and Atmos matter most and you want a dedicated center channel, Ethernet, and a bar with a strong owner rating.

Prices

  • Samsung HW-S50B Soundbar: $99.00 at eBay (last seen Nov 8)
  • Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 5: $249.00 at Greentoe (last seen Nov 11)
  • Difference: the Samsung HW-S50B Soundbar is $150.00 cheaper than the Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 5 at the latest prices (Nov 8 and Nov 11)
Samsung
Samsung HW-S50B 3.0ch All in One Soundbar

Samsung HW-S50B Soundbar

Samsung HW-S50B 3.0ch All in One Soundbar

$99.00at eBayChecked Nov 8
See all prices and details
Visit eBay

Store links may earn us a commission.

Pros
  • Two built-in woofers give more low end than a bar with no woofers
  • DTS Virtual:X adds virtual height and surround
  • Q Symphony uses your Samsung TV speakers alongside the bar
  • Wall mount kit and HDMI cable included
Cons
  • No true center channel, so dialogue can be less anchored
  • No Ethernet port
  • Atmos support is limited compared with a bar built around it
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
  • Dedicated center channel keeps dialogue clear
  • Dolby Atmos decoding for height effects
  • Ethernet for a stable wired connection
  • 4.7 out of 5 from 86 owner ratings
Cons
  • No subwoofer included and only 30 W max, so bass is modest
  • Q Symphony and TV sync features are tuned for Sony TVs
  • Fewer inputs than a full home theater bar

What separates them

Samsung HW-S50B SoundbarSony BRAVIA Theater Bar 5
Channel design3.0-channel bar with a built-in center speaker and two woofersCenter-channel bar built for clear dialogue, with Atmos processing
Surround formatDolby Digital 5.1 and DTS Virtual:X virtual surroundDolby Atmos
TV integrationQ Symphony syncs with compatible Samsung TVs; Adaptive Sound LiteDesigned to pair with Sony BRAVIA TVs
Wired networkWi-Fi and Bluetooth, no EthernetEthernet plus Bluetooth
Bass without a subTwo built-in woofers, no separate subwooferNo subwoofer included; 30 W max wattage
MountingWall mount kit included in the boxWall-mount style
Owner feedbackFewer published owner ratings4.7 out of 5 from 86 ratings

Price history

$277.99$160.00
Oct 31Nov 11
  • Samsung HW-S50B Soundbar: lowest $160.00 on Nov 5 at Walmart; $277.99 on Nov 8.
  • 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

  • Hyper Microsystems, Inc.New

    In stockReturn policy

    $124.98Checked 3 h ago
    Visit Hyper Microsystems, Inc.
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by britsam40 (100% positive, 21 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $99.00+ $23.32 shippingChecked Nov 8
    Visit eBay
  • WalmartNew

    Availability unknown

    $160.00Checked Nov 4
    Visit Walmart
  • Creation NetworksNew

    Availability unknown

    $249.99Checked Nov 4
    Visit Creation Networks

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart
  • eBayCheck price at eBay

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All 13 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

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All 19 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecSamsung HW-S50B SoundbarSony BRAVIA Theater Bar 5
WirelessYesYes
ColorBlackBlack
Special PurposeSoundbarCenter Channel
Dolby Atmos EnabledYesYes
ConnectivityBluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, HDMI, Optical AudioBluetooth, USB, HDMI, Ethernet, Optical Audio
Configuration5.1 Channel—
With Surround SoundYes—
Assistant SupportAmazon Alexa—
Style—Wall Mount
Max Wattage—30 W

What reviewers say

Samsung HW-S50B Soundbar

Owners generally rate the HW-S50B as a solid upgrade over TV speakers for the money, praising clear dialogue and easy setup. The most common complaint is modest bass, since there is no subwoofer.

What people mention
  • Sound qualityPraisedOwners say dialogue and midrange are clear and a clear step up from built-in TV speakers.
  • BassCriticisedMany note the built-in woofers cannot match a separate subwoofer on bass-heavy content.
  • SetupPraisedHDMI and optical hookup is reported as quick and trouble-free.
  • Surround effectMixedDTS Virtual:X adds some width, but owners call the effect subtle rather than room-filling.

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.

Questions and answers

Which is better for watching movies?
The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 5. Its center channel and Dolby Atmos decoding give clearer dialogue and more height in the mix. The Samsung relies on virtual surround from a 3.0 layout.
Which has better bass without a subwoofer?
The Samsung HW-S50B. It has two built-in woofers, while the Sony bar is rated at 30 W max and ships without a subwoofer. Neither replaces a real sub for deep bass.
Do either of these work well with a Samsung TV?
The Samsung HW-S50B does more with a Samsung TV. Q Symphony plays the TV speakers and bar together, and Adaptive Sound Lite tunes the mix. The Sony bar works over HDMI or optical but its TV-specific features are built for Sony sets.
Is the Sony worth stepping up to over the Samsung?
Yes if dialogue clarity and Atmos matter to you. The Sony adds a center channel, Atmos, and Ethernet, and owners rate it 4.7 out of 5. The Samsung makes more sense if you want a simpler bar that pairs with a Samsung TV.
Which is easier to wall mount?
Both are slim bars made to sit under a TV or hang on the wall. The Samsung includes a wall mount kit in the box; the Sony is sold in a wall-mount style, so check that your bracket is included.
Can I add a subwoofer to either bar?
Check the specific model before buying. Neither bar includes a subwoofer, and wireless sub support varies by model and region. If deep bass is a priority, confirm sub compatibility first.

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Buying guides that pick them

  • Best soundbars for TVs
PowerMixed
The 30 W rating is fine for small rooms but questioned for larger ones.