LG S20A vs Samsung HW B400F
Quick Verdict
The LG S20A is the better choice for LG TV owners who want confirmed Dolby Audio, DTS Digital Surround, app based EQ, and a clear HDMI ARC connection in a compact metal grill design. It also carries a higher overall score and more published specifications. The Samsung HW B400F is a simpler budget option for Samsung TV owners who prioritize one remote control and a built in woofer without needing app support or confirmed connectivity details. If you want to avoid uncertainty about inputs and audio formats, the LG is the safer pick. For a bare bones TV audio upgrade with Samsung remote integration, the Samsung can work, but its missing specs are a drawback.
| Spec | LG S20A | Samsung HW B400F |
|---|---|---|
| Channels | 2.0 channel | 2.0 |
| Drivers | Dual passive bass radiators; full-range driver size and count not published in listing | Not published in listing |
| Power | Not published in listing | Not published in listing |
| Subwoofer | No separate subwoofer; built-in passive bass radiators according to listing | Built-in |
| Dolby Atmos and DTS | Dolby Audio and DTS Digital Surround; no Dolby Atmos or DTS:X | Not published in listing |
| HDMI eARC and inputs | HDMI ARC only; no eARC or additional HDMI inputs mentioned | Not published in listing |
| Wireless and streaming | Not published in listing; no Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or streaming protocols specified | Not published in listing |
| Dimensions | Not published in listing | Not published in listing |
| Remote and app | LG ThinQ App for EQ; TV remote control via WOW Interface; no dedicated remote mentioned | One remote control; app not mentioned |
| Included accessories | Not published in listing; likely power cable and HDMI cable not confirmed | Not published in listing |
Sound Quality
LG S20A delivers a 2.0 channel sound with Dolby Audio and DTS Digital Surround decoding. The listed AI Sound Pro feature automatically adjusts EQ based on content, which suggests a more tailored frequency response for dialogue and music. LG does not publish the full range driver size or count, so the absolute output capability is unclear. However, the sound quality breakdown score of 24 out of 30 indicates a reasonably capable performer for its class.
Samsung HW B400F also uses a 2.0 channel layout and includes a built in woofer in one enclosure. The listing does not publish driver details or power output, so direct acoustic performance is harder to assess. Samsung highlights voice enhance and night mode, which are practical for clear dialogue and late night listening. The supplied breakdown gives Samsung a sound quality score of 20 out of 30, lower than the LG but still adequate for basic TV audio.
Comparing the two, the LG has more specific audio decoding labels and a higher published sound quality subscore. The Samsung relies on feature descriptions rather than technical specifications. Buyers who prioritize Dolby Audio and DTS decoding will find the LG more transparent on format support, while the Samsung offers useful sound modes but fewer published details. Both are budget 2.0 bars, so neither should be expected to outperform a system with discrete speakers or a separate subwoofer.
Surround, Atmos and Audio Formats
LG S20A supports Dolby Audio and DTS Digital Surround, which are established formats for two channel and virtual surround processing. The listing explicitly states there is no Dolby Atmos or DTS:X support, so height and object based audio are absent. This means the LG cannot decode immersive formats from streaming services or Blu-ray. Its surround capabilities are limited to downmixing or virtual processing of standard surround tracks.
Samsung HW B400F does not list Dolby Atmos or DTS support at all in the supplied specs. That is a significant unknown because the listing does not state whether it can decode even basic Dolby Digital or DTS. The breakdown score for Surround and Audio Formats gives Samsung 7 out of 15 while LG gets 8 out of 15, suggesting both are basic. Without published format support, the Samsung is riskier for buyers who need confirmed compatibility with older DVDs or broadcast audio.
In practice, both bars are 2.0 channel systems, so any surround effect will be simulated rather than discrete. The LG at least confirms DTS Digital Surround, which can provide a virtual surround mode on many content sources. The Samsung's silence on codecs makes it harder to recommend for anyone who owns a large DVD or Blu-ray library. For streaming from standard apps, both should handle stereo PCM and likely basic Dolby Digital, but only the LG makes that support explicit.
Subwoofer and Bass
LG S20A does not include a separate subwoofer. Instead it uses dual passive bass radiators built into the main bar. These radiators can reinforce low frequencies without needing additional cables or cabinet space. The listing does not publish the size or tuning of the radiators, so the actual bass extension is unknown. For a small to medium room, this design may provide some warmth and punch, but it will not match a dedicated powered subwoofer.
Samsung HW B400F lists a built in woofer as part of the single enclosure. Like the LG, it avoids a separate subwoofer cabinet and the cable clutter that comes with it. The listing does not specify the size or power of the built in woofer, so deep bass performance is also unknown. The product pros mention that the built in woofer keeps setup to one unit, which is a convenience benefit.
Both bars are limited in low frequency output compared to systems with separate subwoofers. The LG uses passive radiators while the Samsung says built in woofer, which might be an active driver or also a passive arrangement, but the listing does not clarify. For buyers who want deep, rumbling bass for movies, neither bar is likely to satisfy. For everyday TV shows and light music, the bass from either should add some body beyond the TV's built in speakers.
Connectivity and TV Setup
LG S20A offers one HDMI ARC connection. The listing confirms there is no eARC and no additional HDMI inputs. This means you connect the bar to a TV with an HDMI cable that supports ARC, and audio from the TV's internal apps or connected devices is sent to the bar. There is no mention of optical input, so HDMI ARC appears to be the primary wired connection. Wireless connectivity such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi is not published, so it is unclear if you can stream music from a phone.
Samsung HW B400F does not publish any HDMI or optical connectivity specifications. The product listing does not confirm HDMI ARC, eARC, or optical input. It only mentions that one remote control works with compatible Samsung TVs, implying HDMI CEC may be supported. However, without a published port list, a buyer cannot confirm the physical connection method. This is a major drawback for planning a setup.
For TV setup, the LG is clearer because it specifies HDMI ARC. That means compatible TVs can send audio and control signals over one cable. The Samsung may also work this way, but the lack of published details creates uncertainty. If you own an older TV without HDMI ARC, neither bar confirms optical input, so you would need to verify compatibility before purchase. The LG's published connectivity score of 11 out of 15 is higher than Samsung's 9 out of 15, reflecting that clarity.
Features, Apps and Voice Control
LG S20A includes the LG ThinQ App for EQ customization. This app allows users to adjust sound settings from a smartphone, which adds some flexibility. The bar also works with TV remote control via WOW Interface, so if you have a compatible LG TV, you can use the TV remote to control the soundbar. No dedicated remote is mentioned in the listing. Voice control and streaming app integration are not mentioned, so the bar does not appear to have built in voice assistants or smart features.
Samsung HW B400F comes with one remote control, according to the listing. An app is not mentioned, so there is no companion app for EQ or settings. Voice enhance and night mode are built in features accessible via the remote. The listing does not mention voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant, and no app based control is confirmed. This makes the Samsung more traditional and less flexible for smartphone users.
Both bars lack advanced smart features like built in voice assistants. The LG has an advantage with the ThinQ app and AI Sound Pro automatic EQ, which provides some personalization. The Samsung focuses on simple physical remote operation and a couple of sound modes. If you prefer adjusting sound from your phone, the LG is the better choice. If you want a basic bar controlled entirely by a handheld remote, the Samsung is adequate.
Design and Fit Under a TV
LG S20A has a compact all in one design with a metal grill. The listing does not provide dimensions, so exact fit under a TV cannot be confirmed. The pros mention it is compact, which suggests a smaller footprint than many soundbars. Without a separate subwoofer, the system takes up less space in a room. The metal grill adds a more premium look compared to fabric or plastic grills.
Samsung HW B400F also uses a one unit design with a built in woofer. Dimensions are not published, so the total width, height, and depth are unknown. The listing does not describe the material or finish. The pros mention no separate subwoofer cable clutter, which implies a tidy setup. It is described as budget price tier, so the build may be simpler than the LG's metal grill, but this is not confirmed by the listing.
Both bars appear designed for placement directly under a TV on a stand or mounted on a wall, but neither lists wall mount details. The LG's metal grill and compact nature are specific published points, while the Samsung only emphasizes one unit convenience. If you have a narrow TV stand or limited space, you should check the actual dimensions from another source because neither listing provides them. The LG's design score of 10 out of 15 is slightly higher than Samsung's 8 out of 15 in the supplied breakdown.
Who Should Buy It
The LG S20A is best for buyers who want a simple compact soundbar upgrade with Dolby Audio and DTS decoding for a small to medium room. It especially suits LG TV owners because of the WOW Orchestra feature and TV remote control via WOW Interface. The LG ThinQ app provides EQ adjustments, which is useful for those who like to fine tune sound. If you do not need Dolby Atmos or a separate subwoofer, the LG offers a clean one cable solution.
The Samsung HW B400F is best for Samsung TV owners who want a straightforward budget soundbar with one remote and a built in woofer. It is suitable for people who want improved dialogue clarity and some bass without a separate subwoofer cabinet. The voice enhance and night mode are practical for everyday viewing and late night use. If you do not need confirmed HDMI eARC, Dolby Atmos, or a companion app, this bar can work.
Both bars are entry level 2.0 systems, so they fit buyers upgrading from built-in TV speakers. The LG is more transparent about formats and connectivity, while the Samsung is more of a basic plug and play device with a remote. If you own a TV from the same brand, either bar may integrate more smoothly with your existing remote. However, the LG's published specifications reduce the risk of compatibility surprises.
The Deciding Question
The deciding question is whether you need confirmed HDMI ARC, Dolby Audio and DTS support, and an app for EQ, or whether you prefer a simple one remote experience with a built in woofer and are okay with unspecified connectivity. The LG S20A answers the first preference with its listed HDMI ARC, Dolby Audio, DTS Digital Surround, and LG ThinQ app. The Samsung HW B400F answers the second with its one remote control and built in woofer, but it leaves many specs unpublished.
Another way to frame the decision is about brand ecosystem. If you have an LG TV, the S20A's WOW Orchestra and WOW Interface features add value beyond basic audio. If you have a Samsung TV, the B400F's one remote control integration may be convenient, but the listing does not confirm HDMI CEC or ARC. The LG also has a higher overall score of 70 compared to Samsung's 60, which reflects its better published sound, connectivity, and feature details.
Ultimately, the LG is the safer choice for a buyer who wants to know what they are getting. The Samsung might be fine for a very basic upgrade, but the lack of connectivity details is a risk. If you cannot confirm the Samsung's inputs before buying, you could end up with a bar that does not connect to your TV the way you expect. The LG's HDMI ARC at least gives a clear connection path.
Who Should Buy Which
Choose the LG S20A if you own an LG TV and want a compact soundbar with Dolby Audio and DTS Digital Surround, app based EQ, and a clear HDMI ARC connection. It is also the better pick if you value published specifications and a metal grill design. The passive radiators provide some bass without a separate subwoofer, making it suitable for small to medium rooms where space is tight.
Choose the Samsung HW B400F if you have a Samsung TV and want the simplest possible upgrade with one remote control. The built in woofer keeps everything in one unit, and voice enhance and night mode are useful features for clear dialogue. This bar can work if you do not need Dolby Atmos, confirmed HDMI eARC, or a companion app, and if you are comfortable with the listing's lack of detailed specs.
Avoid the LG S20A if you want true Dolby Atmos height effects, a separate subwoofer for deep bass, or multiple HDMI inputs. Avoid the Samsung HW B400F if you need confirmed HDMI eARC, Dolby Atmos, deep bass, or a companion app. For home theater enthusiasts, neither bar is likely to satisfy. For everyday TV viewing in a small room, the LG offers more clarity on features, while the Samsung offers a bare bones option with fewer confirmed details.
LG S20A
Pros
- Compact all-in-one design with metal grill
- Dolby Audio and DTS Digital Surround decoding
- AI Sound Pro adjusts EQ automatically
- WOW Orchestra works with compatible LG TVs
- Passive radiator bass without a separate subwoofer
- App-based EQ customization
Cons
- No Dolby Atmos or upward-firing drivers
- No separate subwoofer, limited deep bass potential
- Power output and driver details not published
- Only one HDMI ARC connection, no eARC or extra inputs
- Wireless streaming support unclear
Samsung HW B400F
Pros
- Built in woofer keeps setup to one unit
- One remote control with compatible Samsung TVs
- Voice enhance and night mode are practical
- No separate subwoofer cable clutter
- Budget price tier
Cons
- Many specs not published
- No Dolby Atmos or DTS support listed
- No separate subwoofer for deep bass
- No HDMI or optical inputs confirmed
- No app or voice assistant mentioned
Who Should Buy Each
LG S20A
- LG TV owners who can use WOW Orchestra and WOW Interface
- Viewers who want better TV dialogue than built-in TV speakers
- Small rooms where a compact soundbar fits under the TV
- Users who prefer a simple one-cable HDMI ARC setup
Samsung HW B400F
- Samsung TV owners who want one remote control for TV and soundbar
- Budget buyers looking for a no fuss single bar setup
- Viewers who want clearer dialogue and a night mode
- People who do not need Dolby Atmos or a separate subwoofer
Quick Decision Guide
| If you own an LG TV and want WOW Orchestra and app based EQ customization | Choose LG S20A |
| If you own a Samsung TV and want a simple one remote setup with a built in woofer | Choose Samsung HW B400F |
| If you need confirmed HDMI ARC and Dolby Audio or DTS Digital Surround support | Choose LG S20A |
| If you prefer a basic soundbar without a separate subwoofer and do not need confirmed specs | Choose Samsung HW B400F |
| If you want a higher overall score with more published features and less uncertainty | Choose LG S20A |
FAQ
About This Comparison
Mandrillis Team
The Mandrillis editorial team researches and compares audio and music gear using manufacturer documentation, verified specs and real buyer feedback, so you can make a confident purchase without wading through marketing claims.
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