Samsung HW-C450
Score: 81/100
Vizio 5.1 Soundbar SE
Score: 74/100Rankings
The Samsung HW-C450 is a compact 2.1-channel soundbar with a wireless subwoofer, offering virtual 3-D surround via DTS Virtual:X and multiple sound modes. It excels in bass impact and ease of setup but lacks modern HDMI connectivity.
The VIZIO 5.1 Soundbar SE delivers a full 5.1 surround experience with a wireless subwoofer and rear satellites, offering strong bass and Atmos support, but it lacks an optical input, a physical remote, and true height drivers.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
300 Wbest | 180 W | |
2.1 | 5.1best | |
| ↓ lower better | 5.9 kgbest | 7.269 kg |
| ↓ lower better | 0.5 Wbest | — |
10 mbest | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Audio Performance(3) | ||
Total Output Power (W) | 300 W | 180 W |
Audio Channels | 2.1 | 5.1 |
Supported Audio Formats | Dolby Audio, DTS 2.0, LPCM 2ch | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, DTS Virtual:X |
Build & Design(3) | ||
Soundbar Weight (kg) | 5.9 kg | 7.269 kg |
Mounting Type | Wall Mount | Wall mountable, QuickFit |
Remote Control Included | true | false |
Connectivity(3) | ||
Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.2 |
HDMI ARC/eARC | false | true |
Optical Input | true | false |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the HW-C450 for its ultra-slim profile and surprisingly immersive movie sound, highlighting its rich tonal balance and effective virtual surround. However, they criticize the absence of HDMI/ARC and note that its music reproduction falls short for audiophiles.
Everyday users overwhelmingly appreciate the dramatic improvement over built-in TV speakers, the ease of setup, and the wireless subwoofer's convenience. Common complaints focus on occasional Bluetooth dropouts, the lack of HDMI inputs, and the subwoofer's overpowering bass at higher volumes.
Professional reviewers praise the VIZIO 5.1 Soundbar SE for delivering realistic surround thanks to its physical rear satellites and strong bass, while noting the lack of an optical input and that Atmos is simulated rather than driven by up-firing speakers.
Everyday users consistently highlight crisp dialogue, powerful bass, and immersive surround, while expressing frustration over the missing remote, occasional Bluetooth/subwoofer dropouts, and the clunky app interface.
“Huge upgrade from TV speakers”
“Easy to set up”
“Great for small living rooms”
