Samsung HW-B450F soundbar review: a centre channel on a budget

The Samsung HW-B450F sits between the entry bars and the Atmos tier: 2.1 channels, 300W, a wireless subwoofer, and, unusually for the price, a dedicated centre channel. It costs around ₱9,300 as of August 12, 2026, and it is a 2025 B-Series model.

What makes the centre channel notable?

It solves the actual problem. A two-channel bar produces a phantom centre: dialogue appears to come from a point between the left and right drivers, which works if you sit dead centre and degrades as soon as you do not. A dedicated centre driver anchors speech to the screen regardless of where you sit on the sofa.

Most bars at this price do not have one. Samsung fitting a three-speaker array with a real centre unit here, tuned by its Audio Lab, is the reason to consider it over cheaper options.

What else is in the box?

300W and a wireless subwoofer, which is a genuine step up from the entry HW-B400F. The subwoofer needs only power, no signal cable, so placement is easy.

The feature set is practical rather than flashy: Adaptive Sound retunes for content automatically, Bass Boost, Game Mode, Voice Enhancement, and Night Mode for late viewing without waking the house.

Where does it lose out?

Two places, both on the spec sheet. It handles Dolby Audio and DTS Virtual:X only, so surround is simulated with no Atmos decoding. And it connects over HDMI ARC rather than eARC, which lacks the bandwidth for lossless or object-based audio. Those two limits are consistent with each other, but they do close off any upgrade path.

The TCL S55H at around ₱6,600 has both Atmos decoding and eARC, for less money, though without a centre channel.

Is it worth the price?

At around ₱9,300 as of August 12, 2026, this is the awkward middle of the range. It costs roughly ₱2,700 more than the TCL S55H and trades Atmos and eARC for a dedicated centre channel and 80W more output. If dialogue clarity is what you care about, that is the right trade. If you want the most modern feature set, it is not.

Who the Samsung HW-B450F suits

Buy this if dialogue clarity is your priority, you own a Samsung TV, and you are not interested in paying for Atmos you have no height drivers to reproduce. It is a ranked pick in the best soundbars in the Philippines roundup. Our soundbar buying guide explains why a centre channel matters more than a format badge for most viewing.

If the Samsung HW-B450F is not right

For Dolby Atmos, HDMI eARC and room calibration at a lower price, the TCL S55H is our Best Value pick. If you would rather put the money toward real rear speakers, the Sony HT-S20R is our Best Overall pick and a full 5.1 system.