Samsung HW-S50B/ZA Soundbar
By Samsung · Soundbars · Desk & Streaming Setup · More from Samsung
- 3.0ch All-in-One Soundbar
- Dolby 5.1/DTS Virtual:X
- Built-in Center Speaker
- Bluetooth Multi Connection
- Adaptive Sound Lite
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Summary
A compact 2.1-channel Dolby Atmos soundbar with satellite speakers and a built-in subwoofer for small rooms and apartments. Good clarity and bass for the size, but 120W total power is modest and struggles in larger spaces.
Strengths
- Compact footprint fits under most TVs; wall-mount kit included.
- Complete feature set for the size: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, HDMI eARC, Bluetooth, USB, optical and analog inputs.
- Clean dialogue and detailed mids/highs for TV viewing.
- Wireless subwoofer pairs automatically and powers off with the soundbar.
- Simple app-guided setup with automatic speaker calibration.
Weaknesses
- Low total power output (120W); struggles in large rooms or with loud volume.
- 40W subwoofer provides bass but not deep, room-filling impact.
- Dolby Atmos is height-simulation only, not true overhead sound.
- Only one HDMI input; no HDMI ARC/eARC passthrough for non-4K TVs.
- Bass/treble controls and EQ presets are in the app, not on the soundbar.
- No LAN port; no wired network connection.
Verified specifications
| Soundbar | 80W total (20W per driver × 4), 2.1-channel with dual upward-firing drivers. |
|---|---|
| Subwoofer | 40W wireless subwoofer. |
| HDMI eARC and ARC, 4K pass-through. | |
| Bluetooth 5.0, USB, optical, analog RCA inputs. | |
| Wireless subwoofer with auto-connect. | |
| Dimensions | soundbar 35.8 × 5.9 × 2.4 in (909 × 150 × 61 mm); subwoofer 8.9 × 10.6 × 10.6 in (226 × 270 × 270 mm). |
| Included wall-mount kit for soundbar. | |
Full research notes and sources
Room size and power
Samsung rates the HW-S50B-ZA for rooms up to about 30 square meters. Independent reviewers confirm it works well for apartments, bedrooms, and medium-sized living rooms, but owners in larger spaces or with open floor plans report the system running out of headroom before reaching loud volumes. The 80W soundbar delivers clear dialogue and detailed music in small rooms, but the 40W subwoofer provides bass rather than deep, resonant low-end.
Connectivity and setup
The soundbar has one HDMI input supporting eARC for lossless audio from 4K TVs, and HDMI ARC for legacy TVs. Optical and analog RCA inputs let you connect older devices or soundbars. Bluetooth 5.0 lets you stream music from phones and tablets. The Samsung Audio SDK app guides setup, auto-calibrates speaker levels, and provides EQ presets. The app also handles firmware updates. No LAN port means no wired network connection; Bluetooth and HDMI are the only streaming options.
Atmos and surround
The system supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for overhead sound effects, but it uses dual upward-firing drivers rather than dedicated height speakers. This simulates Atmos effects rather than creating true overhead audio. Owners who expect real Atmos from height channels are often disappointed; the system is better suited for immersive surround effects than precise overhead imaging.
Subwoofer and mounting
The wireless subwoofer pairs automatically when powered on and powers off when the soundbar turns off. It can be placed on the floor or wall. Owners report occasional dropouts; re-pairing via the app usually restores connection. The soundbar includes a wall-mount kit, and the included stand lets you place it on a TV cabinet.
Running costs and parts
No mandatory recurring costs beyond electricity for the soundbar and subwoofer. The system draws less than 0.5W in standby. No filters, batteries, or consumables are required. Samsung does not sell replacement parts; repairs are handled by Samsung service centers.
Sources
Manufacturer:
Independent reviews:
