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Sony HT-S100F vs Samsung HW-B400F: Which Fits Your TV Setup?

Both support HDMI ARC and optical TV audio; their documentation also refers to CEC control. The Sony lists BRAVIA Sync, while Samsung documents an additional IR-TV-remote mode that must be enabled and does not work with Bluetooth TV remotes. The Sony is about 10.3 inches wider but 0.7 inches shallower.

Published by Pickoryx · Published 2026-10-02

Source checked 2026-10-02 18:57 UTC

Products compared

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The buying question

Which bar better matches your TV-control routine and the space available for its body?

Both connect by HDMI ARC or optical. Sony explicitly lists BRAVIA Sync, while Samsung documents an optional IR-TV-remote mode; the Sony is wider and shallower, while the Samsung is narrower and deeper.

Quick verdict

Choose Sony HT-S100F if

  • You have room for a wider bar and its shallower depth helps the available shelf space.
  • You want the Sony-listed HDMI-CEC and BRAVIA Sync control route.
View Sony HT-S100F on AmazonPaid link

Choose Samsung HW-B400F/ZA if

  • Your stand is width-limited and has enough front-to-back depth for the Samsung body.
  • You want to set up TV volume control with an IR remote using the Samsung guide’s Samsung-TV or All-TV option.
View Samsung HW-B400F/ZA on AmazonPaid link
When the recommendation changes
  • Measure the usable width and depth of the shelf or mounting location; the Samsung is narrower, while the Sony is shallower.
  • Check whether your preferred control path is HDMI-CEC/BRAVIA Sync or an IR TV remote before choosing.

The differences that matter

Tv Connection And Remote Workflow

Sony HT-S100F

Sony lists HDMI ARC, optical input, HDMI CEC, and BRAVIA Sync. Its listed box contents include a remote, batteries, and an optical cable.[1]

Samsung HW-B400F/ZA

Samsung’s U.S. guide shows HDMI ARC and optical connections and refers to HDMI-CEC/Anynet+ in ARC troubleshooting. It also documents TV-remote volume control for IR remotes only; the setting defaults to Off and can be set to Samsung-TV Remote or All-TV Remote. Its listed box contents include a remote, batteries, and an optical cable.[2]

What this changes: Both manufacturers document ARC/CEC-related wired setup. Sony explicitly lists BRAVIA Sync; Samsung additionally spells out an IR-only TV-remote mode that must be enabled. Choose by the path your TV and remote support, and do not assume a Bluetooth TV remote works with Samsung’s IR function.[1, 2]

The better fit depends on your priorities

Placement Fit And Package Setup

Sony HT-S100F

Sony main-unit dimensions are 35.5 x 2.5 x 3.5 inches (W x H x D); it is listed as wall-mountable.[1]

Samsung HW-B400F/ZA

Samsung main-unit dimensions are 25.2 x 2.6 x 4.2 inches (W x H x D); its guide includes optional wall-mount installation instructions.[2]

What this changes: The Samsung bar is 10.3 inches narrower, while the Sony is 0.7 inches shallower. Measure both width and depth rather than assuming the shorter bar is a better fit; both manufacturers document wall mounting.[1, 2]

The better fit depends on your priorities

Best for your routine

Choosing between the documented TV-control workflows

The better fit depends on your priorities

Both sources cover ARC/CEC-related setup. The Sony page lists BRAVIA Sync; the Samsung guide adds a configurable IR-only TV-remote volume option. Match the choice to the TV and remote you use, and verify compatibility where a source does not establish it.

Fitting the bar on a TV stand or wall location

The better fit depends on your priorities

Measure both shelf width and front-to-back depth: the Samsung body is narrower, while the Sony is shallower. Both manufacturers document wall-mount support.

Value and trade-offs

One or both observed offers have eligibility conditions, so no unrestricted price difference is shown.

Compare the current same-condition offers only after deciding which control route and dimensions fit your setup.

This comparison does not assess price history or timing; compare current offers and seller terms when ready to buy.

Limitations

  • The comparison uses Sony specifications and a Samsung U.S. user guide; no listening, installation, or remote-compatibility test was performed.
  • The Samsung TV-remote function is documented for IR remotes only; verify your TV remote type and model-specific compatibility before relying on it.
  • Current prices, seller terms, sound quality, dialogue clarity, and long-term reliability were not compared.
  • The cited Sony specifications do not establish how its TV remote control works with every third-party IR remote; confirm that setup with Sony before treating it as a requirement.

Questions shoppers ask

Can either soundbar connect to a TV by HDMI ARC or optical?

Both manufacturers document HDMI ARC and optical connections. The Samsung guide notes that an HDMI connection must use the TV’s ARC-marked port and that the HDMI cable is not supplied.

Will the Samsung work with my TV remote?

The Samsung guide says its TV-remote volume function works with IR remotes only, is Off by default, and offers Samsung-TV Remote and All-TV Remote settings. A Bluetooth TV remote is not supported by that function.

Methodology and sources

Compared the exact HT-S100F U.S. specifications with the Samsung HW-B400F U.S. user guide for TV audio/control setup and physical placement. No listening-performance comparison was conducted.

AI assisted source review and drafting; neither soundbar was physically tested or installed.

View 2 sources
  1. 1.HT-S100F SpecificationsSony USA · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-02 18:57 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Interface, HDMI, size and weight, wall-mountable, and What’s In The Box sections: HT-S100F-specific U.S. specifications list HDMI ARC, optical input, HDMI CEC, BRAVIA Sync, body-only size 35-1/2 x 2-1/2 x 3-1/2 in, wall-mountability, remote, batteries, optical cable, and AC cord.
  2. 2.HW-B400F User GuideSamsung Electronics America · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-02 18:56 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Cover and U.S. FCC/support sections; pp. 7, 9, 16, 18–20, 29–31, 34, 37–39: The 39-page U.S. user guide identifies HW-B400F, includes U.S. FCC/support material, lists box items, shows HDMI ARC and optical ports, refers to HDMI-CEC/Anynet+ in ARC troubleshooting, documents IR-only TV-remote control settings, gives wall-mount instructions, and states body dimensions 25.2 x 2.6 x 4.2 in.

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