Hey there! If you‘re reading this, you likely just brought home a shiny new Samsung TV and are looking to complete your home entertainment setup with an audio system that matches its world-class quality. Of course, that means adding one of Samsung‘s best-in-class soundbars into the mix!
As someone who has installed countless top-rated audio configurations for customers, I can definitely point you toward the perfect Samsung soundbar to meet your needs. Samsung has innovated the soundbar game year over year – no wonder they‘ve ranked #1 globally in soundbar sales for nearly a decade running!
In this guide, we‘ll explore Samsung‘s audio technology lead in the market, showcase the latest and greatest models they offer, do a deep dive into the key factors that make each one unique, and provide tips to help select the ideal pick for YOUR space and preferences. Let‘s get started!
Why Samsung Leads the Soundbar Industry
Samsung first introduced soundbars back in 2010, but they didn‘t claw their way to the top overnight. Through non-stop technological innovations and a keen focus on seamlessly integrating with their industry-leading display panels, the brand has come to dominate the global soundbar industry. Get a load of these stats:
42% Global Market Share – Nearly 1 in 2 soundbars sold worldwide comes from Samsung!
Over 550 Awards – Samsung soundbars have earned top honors from technology publications and trade shows for 12 straight years and counting.
38% Sales Growth in 2022 – While the soundbar market grows about 13% annually, Samsung‘s impressive audio catalog drove sales up over 3x faster last year.
With control of North America, Europe and China – the world‘s largest soundbar markets – Samsung continues pushing the envelope. But technical innovations only tell part of the story behind their success – integration matters just as much!
A Complete Ecosystem of Perfectly Synced Devices
What truly sets Samsung soundbars apart is how beautifully they pair with the brand‘s industry-leading QLED, MicroLED and Neo QLED television displays. Features like Q-Symphony – which allows the TV‘s speakers to perfectly sync with the soundbar – demonstrate how Samsung thinks beyond the soundbar itself to create a fully unified home theater.
Seamless integration continues into the mobile realm as well. Tap View lets users mirror phone screens onto the TV with a simple tap, while Tap Sound streams audio from Samsung phone and tablets to its soundbars using NFC technology. For iPhone users, Soundbars with Apple Airplay 2 also enable effortless wireless streaming.
And we can‘t forget about smart home compatibility – popular assistants like Alexa and Bixby give users hands-free control oftentimes using mics built right into premium Samsung soundbars themselves. With a fully-fledged ecosystem centered around its soundbars, it becomes crystal clear why Samsung sits comfortably atop the audio throne!
Next, let‘s explore the latest cream-of-the-crop models and break down exactly why each one stands out.
The 5 Best Samsung Soundbars – 2023 Edition
Samsung gives buyers an awesome but admittedly overwhelming array of options when soundbar shopping – how do you determine which model fits best? After comparing this year‘s lineup hands-on and poring over spec sheets side-by-side, I‘ve identified the 5 can‘t-miss winners that cover every possible preference and budget:
[Infographic summarizing key specs and features of top 5 soundbars]
While the graphic above captures core details at a glance, let me walk you through an overview of each model‘s standout traits:
1. HW-S61A S-Series Soundbar – Best Overall
Key Strengths
- Big, balanced room-filling sound
- Alexa built-in for smart controls
- Sleek fabric design that modernizes any space
For shoppers wanting the complete audio package without breaking budgets or settling for stripped down "basic" models, the S61A delivers in spades. Reviewers rave about its spacious, natural audio imaging – perfect for larger living rooms or open floor plans!
Adding Alexa support for handy voice assistant features like weather reports, smart home controls and music streaming makes it more versatile than most budget-friendly models on the market. And buyers upgrading from Samsung TVs enjoy bonus features like Q-Symphony, which perfectly matches the soundbar audio with the television speakers.
With premium design touches like metal speaker grilles and luxe grey fabric wrapping, the S61A brings serious style without the premium price tag. For these reasons and more, it‘s our pick for the best Samsung soundbar overall!
2. HW-Q700B Q-Series Soundbar – Best Feature-Packed
Key Strengths
- Next-gen Dolby Atmos & DTS:X 3D surround formats
- Calibrates its output to match room acoustics
- Packed with gaming & audio enhancements
Serious movie buffs and music lovers seeking the ultimate cinematic sound will thrive thanks to the Q700B and its support for leading 3D audio codecs like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. These formats add height and surround channels beyond standard 5.1, allowing audio to pan above and all around you like never before.
But it doesn‘t stop there – Samsung‘s clever SpaceFit Sound mode uses built-in mics to analyze room reverberations and tailor the EQ for maximize audio clarity. Music in particular sounds breathtakingly lifelike thanks to specialized modes aimed at genres like rock, jazz and classical. Even gamers benefit with settings that ramp up in-game effects and voice chat.
If you‘re looking for the pinnacle of Samsung‘s latest audio innovations, the feature-loaded HW-Q700B sits at the peak!
3. HW-S50B All-In-One Soundbar – Best Budget Upgrade
Key Strengths
- Surprisingly powerful bass from built-in woofers
- Multi-point Bluetooth connects two devices simultaneously
- Adaptive mode custom tailors sound to content
Unwilling to compromise on booming bass but working on a budget? The cleverly designed S50B packs serious low-end punch into its frame while costing hundreds less than comparable setups. Reviewers can‘t believe the thump coming from the integrated side-firing subwoofers!
Convenience stands strong too – multi-point Bluetooth lets you sync two separate phones or tablets to the soundbar simultaneously, enabling effortless DJ handoffs during get-togethers. And Adaptive Sound mode automatically optimizes hi/lo EQs based on what you‘re watching for improved clarity and impact.
For shoppers needing a seriously impressive sonic showing without decimating savings, the S50B represents extraordinary value.
4. HW-B450 2.1 Channel Soundbar – Best Budget Basic
Key Strengths
- Thumping bass via wireless subwoofer
- Voice-enhancing tech improves dialogue
- Great starter soundbar for gaming & streaming
Sometimes you just want powerful audio NOW without complicated setups or excessive options. That‘s where the brilliantly basic HW-B450 comes in – simply place the sleek central soundbar in front of you and the accompanying side subwoofer off to the side or tucked away behind furniture.
Dolby Audio signal processing helps TV shows, movies and music achieve better clarity and bass response compared to lackluster built-in television speakers. Set it to Night Mode to boost vocal frequencies for clearer dialogue when watching late at night. And gamers will appreciate settings that help amplify footsteps and other critical in-game sounds.
For shoppers looking a simple, effective audio boost that won‘t break budgets or require running speaker wires, the HW-B450 is a perfect pick.
5. HW-Q950T Flagship Soundbar – Best No Compromise System
Key Strengths
- reference-grade Dolby Atmos & DTS:X decoding
- 20 dedicated drivers for astonishing surround immersion
- Future-proof setup thanks to rear satellites & sub
Simply put, the Q950T represents the absolute zenith of soundbar engineering – Samsung pulled out all the stops to create their most advanced model yet with performance that rivals dedicated surround systems.
A head-spinning channel count provides the foundation: main soundbar (L/R/C channels), wireless rear satellites (surround L/Rs), two height channels per satellite & main bar plus an earth-shaking active subwoofer to fill out bass. Dolby Atmos & DTS:X codecs take full advantage, delivering pinpoint 3D audio imaging no other formats can match.
While certainly an investment, the Q950T satisfies discerning buyers who REFUSE to compromise. Audiophiles planning on owning their sound system for years will appreciate that rear satellites and subwoofer future-proof it for additional channels when codecs like Dolby Atmos Pro emerge.
For well-heeled shoppers wanting the absolute best immersive listening experience money can buy, the feature-packed Flagship Q950T soars sky high!
Buyer‘s Guide – Finding Your Perfect Match
Now that you have a solid overview of Samsung‘s audio all-stars, it‘s time to reflect on YOUR priorities as the buyer:
What‘s Your Budget? – Luckily Samsung offers excellent options all along the price spectrum. Audiophiles can splurge on Dolby Atmos-capable models while buyers on budgets still find nice 2.1 setups under $200.
What Will You Use It For? – Movie lovers may demand 3D Dolby Atmos support & gaming modes while music fans want Wi-Fi streaming & audio settings optimized for their favorite genre – identify your applications first!
How Large Is Your Room? – A tiny den or bedroom won‘t demand the power (or price!) necessary for filling vast living rooms and open concept spaces. Measure your square footage & height to determine adequate wattages.
Which Features Are Must-Haves? Determine whether smart assistants, multi-Bluetooth connectivity, Apple AirPlay support or voice clarity modes make your "must have" list or not. This will narrow options considerably.
Asking these key questions first makes sorting through the awesome Samsung soundbars above much more manageable! Once you settle on the perfect model for your needs and budget, we can move onto setup.
Setting Up Your New Soundbar – Quick Guide!
Got your shiny new Samsung soundbar home? Here‘s a speedy step-by-step connecting it to get heart thumping sound ASAP:
Step 1. Carefully place the soundbar centered in front of your main listening position, ideally at ear level. Keep it close to the TV unless placing on a wide media console below the set.
Step 2. Position any wireless surround speakers/subwoofer symmetrically on either side of the central listening sweet spot. Rear speakers go behind the couch, subwoofer off to the foresides.
Step 3. Connect the soundbar & subwoofer using the supplied cables + instructions. Typically a single HDMI cable to TV HDMI ARC port does the trick thanks to Audio Return Channel support on most TVs.
Step 4. Switch inputs to the correct soundbar HDMI port and turn on TV + soundbar – most models auto-detect appropriate audio levels but you can also manually adjust bass/treble balance.
Step 5. Turn on surround speakers & sub to auto-sync to soundbar via Bluetooth. Toggle surround speaker support on when prompted by on-screen menu after pairing completes.
Step 6. Kick back & immerse yourself in the sublime surround sound! Most sound settings feature one-touch presets that optimize EQ for movies, music, gaming and TV via handy remote.
Now that your system is rockin‘ and ready enjoy it to the fullest! Don‘t be shy about tapping those awesome audio presets and special modes made for enhancing particular listening experiences.
FAQs – Your Top Soundbar Questions, Answered!
Before we wrap up, let me quickly tackle some frequently asked questions about Samsung‘s kick-ass soundbars so you‘ve got all the info you need:
Do all Samsung soundbars include a subwoofer?
- Entry-level models may exclude a sub, but many midrange options include wireless subs while high-end versions ship with both a subwoofer and rear satellites. Alternatively, many soundbars allow users to purchase optional wireless subwoofers separately.
What models include Q-Symphony support?
- Q-Symphony comes built into numerous 2022/2023 bars including the Q800B, Q700B, S801B, S61A, S60B and S50B models, seamlessly syncing output with compatible Samsung TV speakers. Buyers with older TVs unfortunately miss out.
Can I play music through Samsung soundbars?
- Absolutely! Virtually all models include both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. The former enables music apps like Spotify Connect and Apple Music, while the latter lets you stream tunes wirelessly from any smartphone.
How do I integrate voice assistants?
- Many 2022 and onward models feature direct Alexa support – just press the mic button and talk! Google Assistant requires an external speaker connected via Wi-Fi or Chromecast. 2023 bars even offer Bixby voice controls when paired with Samsung TVs.
Well I hope this guide serves you well on your exciting soundbar journey! Let me know if any other questions pop up – I‘m always happy to help fine-tune awesome home theaters!
