The Samsung HW-B400F is a 40 W, 2.0-channel soundbar for people who want fuller sound than their TV’s built-in speakers can provide but don’t want to fill the room with a large sound system. At 641 mm wide, it’s easy to fit on many TV stands. Bluetooth, optical input, HDMI, and USB also make it practical not just for TV, but for everyday music listening and desktop use.
Improve your TV’s sound with a simple setup
The slim bodies of televisions are an advantage for their picture, but they can limit how broad and full the sound feels. With its two-channel design and 40 W output, the HW-B400F aims to make news, series, films, and everyday broadcasts easier to follow. For those who find that dialogue sounds thin or muffled through their TV’s own speakers, placing the sound source below the screen in a soundbar setup can make a noticeable difference in everyday use.
This model shouldn’t be thought of as a surround sound system with separate rear speakers: 2.0 channels means a stereo setup based on left and right audio channels. So it’s better suited to people who want to improve their TV sound with a setup that has few components than to those looking for a cinematic effect from different points around the room. It’s a more suitable option for everyday activities such as watching TV, following broadcasts, and listening to music in front of the TV in small and medium-sized rooms.
Choose connections to suit how you use it
For a wired connection to a TV, there are optical input and HDMI options. Which connection is more convenient depends on your TV’s outputs and the audio functions supported by its HDMI port. Before buying, compare the connections on both devices and check that you can use your preferred audio output; you may then need to select the external audio system in your TV’s sound settings. This quick check can prevent unnecessary cable and settings experimentation during setup.
Bluetooth 4.2 is useful for connecting a phone or tablet to the soundbar wirelessly. That means you can play music or a podcast in the room even when the TV is off, and it’s also easy to use your phone as an audio source when friends come over. For wireless listening, you just need to pair your device with the soundbar. However, Bluetooth shouldn’t be considered the latest version: it will do the job if your priority is basic wireless music streaming, but if you want the latest connectivity features, compare the versions offered by competing products as well.
The USB port further expands the connection options. You can play compatible content over USB after checking that it works with your media source and file formats. The included remote also makes everyday use more convenient: you can adjust the volume and basic settings without going over to the TV. For those who use the soundbar with different sources, this makes switching between a phone connection and TV audio easier.
Placement and everyday use
The body is 641 mm wide, 66.5 mm high, and 107 mm deep, and weighs 2 kg. These dimensions are an advantage for anyone who doesn’t want a very large device in front of the TV. Still, before placing it, check that the TV stand won’t block the soundbar and that the stand is deep enough to support it. If the bottom edge of the screen is low, the 66.5 mm height may cover part of the picture; leave room for the cables if you’re considering wall mounting, too.
You can also use the soundbar beside your TV stand to boost the sound from a computer or tablet on a desk. Bluetooth can reduce cable clutter with compatible sources, while optical and HDMI make it easier to set up a fixed connection to a TV. However, it’s more accurate to think of this device as a compact hub for improving a basic sound setup in a single room, rather than as a multi-room music system or a home cinema package that can be expanded with separate speakers.
Who is it a good choice for?
The Samsung HW-B400F’s strength is that it brings together the basics in one body: 40 W of power, stereo sound, Bluetooth, USB, optical and HDMI connections, and a remote. Compared with cheaper options focused only on wireless connectivity, the wired TV connections may offer more flexibility. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a separate subwoofer, a center channel, or rear speakers, the 2.0 setup won’t deliver the cinematic experience you want on its own; it would make more sense to choose a 2.1 or surround sound package with those features.
Since no price is provided, it isn’t possible to say that this model is the most affordable option in every situation. If it’s priced close to a similar soundbar that offers only Bluetooth, you’ll also get TV connections such as HDMI and optical. If the difference is considerably larger, compare whether alternatives with more channels or a separate bass speaker are worth it for your needs. In short, the HW-B400F is a sensible choice for anyone who wants a TV soundbar with a simple setup, compact dimensions, and a variety of connection options, but it’s a limited choice for those expecting powerful surround sound.