TCL S55H S Class Sound Bar vs Samsung HW-C400 Soundbar

Buy the TCL S55H if sound quality matters most. Its separate wireless subwoofer, Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X give real bass and height effects that the Samsung HW-C400 cannot match. The Samsung is the simpler pick for a small room or a bedroom TV: one compact bar, no subwoofer to place, and a remote that runs both the bar and a Samsung TV. Reviewers of the TCL praise the bass for its class but note the plastic build and the lack of a center channel, which can make dialogue less anchored. The Samsung is well liked as a cheap TV-speaker upgrade, though owners say its built-in woofer is modest and the 2.0 layout is narrow.

• Choose the TCL S55H if you watch movies and want deep bass, height effects and room calibration from a bar that still mounts on the wall.
• Choose the Samsung HW-C400 if you want one compact bar with no subwoofer to place, simple Bluetooth hookup and a remote that also controls a Samsung TV.