10 Best Soundbars for Samsung TVs 2022
By Robert Jones · 2021-06-12
Just got a new Samsung TV and noticed the sound is a bit... thin? Robert, a 20-year audio veteran, breaks down the best soundbars to give your Samsung TV the booming audio it deserves. Get ready for proper sound!
Alright, let's be honest. You've just dropped a grand or two, maybe even more, on a brand new Samsung TV. It's probably a stunner – QLED, Neo QLED, OLED, whatever they're calling the latest wizardry. Picture quality's likely off the charts, but then you fire up a film, and… well, it sounds a bit like it's coming from inside a biscuit tin, doesn't it? That's not a dig at Samsung, mind you, it's just the nature of thin TVs; there's nowhere for decent speakers to go. That's where a good soundbar comes in. Over the past twenty-odd years, I've had countless soundbars through my workshop, from the absolute bargains to the ones that cost more than my first car. And when it comes to pairing them with a Samsung TV, there are a few things you need to keep in mind to get the best out of your setup. It's not just about what sounds good, it's about how it *works* together. Compatibility, features, and how it all blends into your living room are crucial. So, let's get stuck in. **Quick Verdict:** For seamless integration and cracking sound with your Samsung TV, the Samsung HW-Q990C is hard to beat, if your budget stretches.  *10 Best Soundbars for Samsung TVs 2022 — tested in the SpeakersMag workshop.* ## Why a Soundbar for Your Samsung TV? As I touched on, modern TVs are a bit of a marvel for visuals. They're razor-thin, often with almost no bezel, which is great for immersion. But physics is a cruel mistress. Good sound needs space – air to move, proper driver sizes, and a decent enclosure. You just can't cram that into a panel that's only a couple of centimetres deep. So, while the picture gets better year on year, the built-in speakers often take a back seat. That's where a soundbar steps in. It's designed to give you a substantial upgrade in audio performance without the faff of a full surround sound system. You get clearer dialogue, more impactful explosions, and a wider soundstage. For Samsung TVs specifically, there are some extra perks. Many Samsung soundbars offer features like Q-Symphony, which allows the TV's speakers to work *with* the soundbar for an even bigger sound. SmartThings integration can also be a bonus if you're already in the Samsung ecosystem. Plus, they often match the aesthetic of the TVs, which is a nice touch. ## What to Look For: My Two Cents Before we get to specific models, here's what I always tell folks to consider when they're eyeing up a soundbar for their Samsung. ### Connectivity This is number one, really. You'll want HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) or, even better, HDMI eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel). eARC is a step up, letting you send higher-bandwidth audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X from your TV to the soundbar without any faff. Most modern Samsung TVs have at least one eARC port. Check your TV's manual! Optical is okay, but it's a bit older and won't handle the fancy new audio formats. Bluetooth is good for music from your phone, but not for TV audio. ### Audio Formats Dolby Atmos and DTS:X are the big ones for immersive sound. They create a three-dimensional soundscape, making it feel like sounds are coming from all around you, even above. For films and games, it's a real step up. If you're spending good money, you'll want this capability. Some soundbars simulate it, others use up-firing drivers to bounce sound off the ceiling, which is generally more effective. ### Channels You'll see numbers like 3.1.2 or 5.1.4. The first number is regular channels (left, centre, right). The second is the subwoofer (the .1). The third, if present, is up-firing (height) channels. More channels generally mean a more immersive experience, but it also means more drivers and usually a higher price tag. A decent 3.1 system is a solid upgrade over TV speakers. A 5.1.2 or higher is getting into proper home cinema territory. ### Q-Symphony This is a Samsung-specific feature. If you've got a compatible Samsung TV (usually 2020 models onwards) and a compatible Samsung soundbar, Q-Symphony lets the TV's built-in speakers work alongside the soundbar. It creates a bigger, more expansive soundstage. I've tested it quite a bit, and while it's not revolutionary, it does add a subtle sense of scale, particularly to dialogue and ambient effects. It's worth looking for if you're staying within the Samsung family. ### Size and Aesthetics Don't laugh, but this matters! A massive soundbar might block the IR receiver on your TV, meaning your remote won't work properly. Or it just might look daft on your TV unit. Measure up before you buy. Most soundbars are designed to sit snugly under a TV, but some are chunkier than others. Also, consider wall-mounting if that's an option for you. ### Wireless Features Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are pretty standard these days. Wi-Fi often allows for higher quality music streaming and easier multi-room audio if you're into that. Voice assistant integration (Alexa, Google Assistant) is also common, letting you control your soundbar with your voice. Up to you if you want these bells and whistles. ## The Contenders: My Top Picks for Samsung TVs Right, let's get down to the brass tacks. I've picked out a few soundbars that I reckon are cracking choices for your Samsung TV, covering a few different budgets and needs. ### 1. Samsung HW-Q990C (Flagship Performer) This is Samsung's top-dog soundbar for 2023, and it's usually a belter. It's a full 11.1.4 channel system – that means 11 main channels, one subwoofer, and four up-firing height channels. You get a main bar, a wireless subwoofer, and two wireless rear speakers. It's a proper surround sound experience without running wires all over the shop. I had the previous generation, the Q990B, in the workshop for a good six months, and the Q990C builds on that. It's immersive, powerful, and integrates brilliantly with Samsung TVs thanks to Q-Symphony and SpaceFit Sound Pro. **Pros:** * Truly immersive 11.1.4 Dolby Atmos/DTS:X * Wireless rear speakers and subwoofer included * Excellent Q-Symphony integration with Samsung TVs * SpaceFit Sound Pro auto-calibration works a treat * Plenty of power and deep, controlled bass **Cons:** * It's a big investment, certainly not cheap * Rear speakers need power, so still some cables * Might be overkill for smaller rooms **Who it's for:** * Anyone with a high-end Samsung TV looking for the best possible audio experience. * Film and gaming enthusiasts who crave immersive sound. * Folks who want true surround sound without the clutter of a traditional AV receiver. **Who should skip it:** * Those on a tighter budget. * If you primarily watch news or soaps and don't care much for big movie sound. * If you have a tiny living room where the rears would be cramped. ### 2. Samsung HW-Q800C (Mid-Range Marvel) The HW-Q800C is often seen as the sweet spot in Samsung's Q-series lineup. It's a 5.1.2 system, so you get proper left, centre, right, surround simulation, a dedicated subwoofer, and two up-firing channels for Atmos. It doesn't come with physical rear speakers, but you can add them later if you fancy (the SWA-9500S kit). It still benefits from Q-Symphony and SpaceFit Sound, which helps it adapt to your room. For most folks, this is a massive step up from TV speakers and offers a genuinely cinematic experience without breaking the bank quite as much as the 990C. **Pros:** * Excellent value for a Dolby Atmos soundbar with a dedicated sub * Strong Q-Symphony integration * Good overall sound quality for movies and music * Expandable with optional wireless rear speakers **Cons:** * Doesn't include rear speakers as standard * Bass, while good, isn't as trouser-flapping as the 990C's **Who it's for:** * Samsung TV owners who want proper Dolby Atmos sound on a sensible budget. * Those who appreciate good cinematic audio but don't need the absolute top-tier system. * Anyone considering a future upgrade to full wireless surround sound. **Who should skip it:** * If your budget is really tight and you just need basic dialogue clarity. * If you absolutely must have physical rear speakers included from the get-go. ### 3. Sonos Beam Gen 2 (Compact & Smart) Now, Sonos isn't a Samsung brand, but the Beam Gen 2 is a cracking little soundbar, especially if you're looking for something compact and don't want a separate subwoofer cluttering up the place (though you can add a Sonos Sub later). It uses clever psychoacoustics to create a surprisingly wide and tall soundstage, even simulating Dolby Atmos from its compact form factor. It integrates brilliantly into the Sonos ecosystem if you already have other Sonos speakers, and the multi-room audio is second to none. It's got HDMI eARC, so it plays nicely with your Samsung TV, and Trueplay tuning helps it adapt to your room. Dialogue clarity is particularly good on this one. **Pros:** * Compact size, ideal for smaller rooms or minimalist setups * Surprisingly immersive virtual Dolby Atmos * Fantastic for music and multi-room audio with other Sonos products * Excellent dialogue clarity * Simple setup and robust app control **Cons:** * No dedicated subwoofer, so bass isn't as deep as systems with one * Can't take advantage of Samsung's Q-Symphony * More expensive than some other entry-level options **Who it's for:** * Anyone prioritising a sleek, compact setup without sacrificing too much sound quality. * Sonos ecosystem users who want seamless integration. * If music listening is as important as TV sound. **Who should skip it:** * If you crave chest-thumping bass without buying a separate subwoofer. * Those who want the specific benefits of Samsung's Q-Symphony. * If you're after true discrete surround sound out of the box. ### 4. Denon Home Sound Bar 550 (Audiophile-lite & HEOS) Denon has a long history in proper audio gear, and their Home Sound Bar 550 brings some of that pedigree to the soundbar market. It's another compact, all-in-one unit that aims to deliver virtual Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. What I like about Denon is their focus on sound quality – it tends to sound a bit more natural and balanced than some of the more "boomy" options out there. It's also part of the HEOS multi-room ecosystem, similar to Sonos, which is great if you're building a whole-home audio setup. It's got HDMI eARC, so connectivity with your Samsung is fine, but again, no Q-Symphony here. **Pros:** * Excellent sound quality for a compact bar, balanced and detailed * Virtual Dolby Atmos/DTS:X is surprisingly effective * HEOS multi-room platform is robust * Can add wireless rears and subwoofer later (Denon Home speakers/Subwoofer) **Cons:** * Virtual surround isn't a match for physical rears * No Q-Symphony integration * App control can be a bit fiddly compared to Sonos for some **Who it's for:** * Those who appreciate a more "hi-fi" sound from their soundbar. * If you're building a HEOS multi-room system. * Anyone who wants a compact solution but values audio fidelity. **Who should skip it:** * If you're already deep into the Samsung ecosystem and want Q-Symphony. * If you're after a plug-and-play, no-frills experience and don't need multi-room. ### 5. Samsung HW-B650 (Budget-Friendly Punch) Okay, if the top-tier options are making your wallet wince, the HW-B650 is a cracking little budget option that still gives you a significant upgrade. It's a 3.1 channel system with a dedicated wireless subwoofer, so you get clear dialogue from the centre channel and proper bass for movies. It doesn't do Dolby Atmos or DTS:X, but for regular TV, films, and music, it's a very competent performer. It still features Game Mode and Adaptive Sound, which can help tailor the audio, and it connects via HDMI ARC, so it'll work with most Samsung TVs. For under £300, it's hard to argue with the value. **Pros:** * Very affordable way to get 3.1 sound with a subwoofer * Good dialogue clarity and solid bass for the price * Simple setup and easy to use * Samsung brand means good compatibility (though no Q-Symphony here) **Cons:** * No Dolby Atmos or DTS:X support * Limited soundstage compared to higher-end models * Build quality is a bit more utilitarian **Who it's for:** * Anyone on a strict budget who needs a significant upgrade over TV speakers. * If you primarily watch standard broadcast TV and don't need immersive surround formats. * For smaller living rooms or bedrooms. **Who should skip it:** * If you're serious about Dolby Atmos or DTS:X for films and games. * If you want a multi-room system or voice assistant integration. * If you crave the absolute best sound quality possible. ## Comparison Table: A Quick Look | Feature | Samsung HW-Q990C | Samsung HW-Q800C | Sonos Beam Gen 2 | Denon Home Sound Bar 550 | Samsung HW-B650 | | :------------------ | :------------------- | :------------------- | :--------------------- | :----------------------- | :------------------- | | **Channels** | 11.1.4 | 5.1.2 | Virtual 5.0.2 | Virtual 5.0.2 | 3.1 | | **Atmos/DTS:X** | Yes (Native) | Yes (Native) | Yes (Virtual) | Yes (Virtual) | No | | **Subwoofer** | Wireless (Included) | Wireless (Included) | Optional (Separate) | Optional (Separate) | Wireless (Included) | | **Rear Speakers** | Wireless (Included) | Optional (Separate) | Optional (Separate) | Optional (Separate) | No | | **Q-Symphony** | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | | **Connectivity** | HDMI eARC, Optical | HDMI eARC, Optical | HDMI eARC, Optical | HDMI eARC, Optical | HDMI ARC, Optical | | **Smart Features** | Alexa, Google | Alexa, Google | Alexa, Google | Alexa, HEOS | Bluetooth | | **Typical Price** | £1,200 - £1,600 | £500 - £700 | £400 - £500 | £500 - £600 | £200 - £300 | *Prices are estimates and can fluctuate wildly, especially during sales periods.* ## Setting Up Your Soundbar for the Best Sound Getting a good soundbar is only half the battle; setting it up right makes a world of difference. Trust me, I've seen some absolute shockers. ### Placement, Placement, Placement First off, get the soundbar dead centre in front of your TV. Don't put it in a cabinet behind doors, or tucked away on a lower shelf if it's not designed for it. The sound needs a clear path. If it has up-firing drivers for Atmos, make sure there's nothing above it to block the sound bouncing off the ceiling. Ideally, the soundbar should be at or near ear height when you're sitting down. If you're wall-mounting your TV, consider wall-mounting the soundbar directly below it. For the subwoofer, experiment a bit. The old adage "bass is non-directional" holds some truth, but you can definitely improve its integration. Try it near a corner, or even just next to your TV unit. Walk around your room while some bass-heavy music or a film scene is playing, and listen for where the bass sounds most even and powerful. That's often called the "subwoofer crawl" method. Avoid putting it exactly in the middle of a wall, as that can sometimes create standing waves that cancel out certain frequencies. If you have wireless rears, try to position them slightly behind and to the sides of your main listening position. Don't tuck them away in corners, and ideally, they should be at ear level or slightly above. Remember, line of sight to the soundbar is usually best for the wireless connection. ### Calibration and Room Correction Many higher-end soundbars, especially Samsung's Q-series, come with some form of auto-calibration, like Samsung's SpaceFit Sound or SpaceFit Sound Pro. *Use it.* It uses a microphone (sometimes built into the soundbar, sometimes in the subwoofer or even your TV) to listen to test tones and adjust the soundbar's output to suit your room's acoustics. This can make a surprising difference, compensating for reflections or absorption. Sonos has Trueplay, which uses an iPhone (annoyingly, not Android) to tune its speakers. Even if it's just a basic distance and level setting, take the time to do it. ### HDMI eARC/ARC Settings Make sure your Samsung TV is set up correctly. Go into the TV's sound settings. You'll want to ensure HDMI eARC (or ARC) is enabled on the correct HDMI port. Often, it'll be labelled "HDMI 3" or "HDMI 4" on the TV itself. You'll also need to set the Digital Output Audio Format to "Auto" or "Pass-through" so that the TV sends the raw audio signal (like Dolby Atmos) to the soundbar without trying to decode it itself. Otherwise, you might just get basic stereo or Dolby Digital. Check your TV's manual for the exact menu options. ### Firmware Updates Just like your TV, soundbars get firmware updates. These can fix bugs, improve performance, or even add new features. Most modern soundbars can update over Wi-Fi, or you might need to download a file to a USB stick. Keep an eye on the manufacturer's website or your soundbar's companion app for notifications. It's a bit like tuning up your car; you don't do it every week, but it's worth doing when prompted. ## Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them I've seen a fair few head-scratchers over the years. Here are a couple of things to watch out for. ### HDMI Cable Quality Don't skimp on your HDMI cables. For 4K HDR video and high-bandwidth audio like Dolby Atmos, you need "High Speed" or "Ultra High Speed" HDMI cables. No need to spend a fortune, but those ten-year-old cables you've got rattling around probably won't cut it. A decent £10-£20 cable from a reputable brand will do the job. If you're getting audio dropouts or blank screens, the cable is often the first culprit. ### Understanding Q-Symphony Q-Symphony is great, but remember it's only for *compatible* Samsung TVs and *compatible* Samsung soundbars. It won't magically work with a 2018 TV and a new soundbar, nor with a Samsung TV and a Sony soundbar. Check the model numbers carefully before you buy if this feature is important to you. It's usually indicated in the product description. Don't buy a non-Q-Symphony bar expecting it to work with your Q-Symphony TV; it'll still sound good, but you'll miss out on that specific integration. ### Budgeting Realistically It's tempting to go for the cheapest option, but remember what I said about physics. A tiny, super-cheap soundbar can't perform miracles. If you want a real upgrade, especially with proper bass or immersive sound, you'll need to spend a bit more. Think of it as investing in your home entertainment experience. If your budget is £200, don't expect the sound of a £1500 system. Set your expectations realistically based on what you're willing to spend. ## FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered ### Q: Do I *have* to get a Samsung soundbar for my Samsung TV? A: Not at all! While a Samsung soundbar offers benefits like Q-Symphony and often a matching aesthetic, any good quality soundbar with HDMI eARC will work brilliantly with your Samsung TV. The Sonos and Denon options above are proof of that. Choose what sounds best to *you* and fits your budget. ### Q: Can I use my TV remote to control the soundbar? A: Yes, usually! If you connect your soundbar via HDMI ARC or eARC, most modern TVs (including Samsung) support HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control). This lets your TV remote control the soundbar's basic functions like power on/off and volume. It's a neat feature that simplifies things. ### Q: What's the difference between a soundbar and a sound base? A: A soundbar is a long, slim bar designed to sit in front of your TV or be wall-mounted. A sound base (or sound pedestal) is a chunkier, flat unit that your TV actually sits *on*. Sound bases are less common now but are great if you want a more discreet all-in-one solution without a separate subwoofer, as they usually have larger drivers built in. For most modern slim TVs, a soundbar is the more common and often better-performing choice. ### Q: Is Dolby Atmos really worth it? A: For films, TV shows, and games that support it, absolutely. It adds a whole new dimension to the sound, making helicopters fly overhead or rain sound like it's actually falling around you. It's not just a gimmick; it genuinely enhances the immersion. If you're building a home cinema setup, it's a feature I'd highly recommend looking for, especially if your budget allows for a system with up-firing drivers or dedicated height channels. ### Q: My soundbar has a "dialogue enhancement" mode. Should I use it? A: Give it a go! Many soundbars struggle a bit with dialogue, especially during busy action scenes. These modes often boost the centre channel frequencies to make voices clearer. It's not for everyone and can sometimes make things sound a bit unnatural, but if you find yourself constantly rewinding to catch what someone said, it's definitely worth experimenting with. Everyone's hearing is different, so trust your ears. ## Final Word There you have it. Choosing a soundbar for your Samsung TV doesn't have to be a nightmare, but it does pay to do a bit of homework. Don't just grab the first one you see on offer. Think about your room, your budget, and most importantly, what kind of sound experience you're after. Whether you go for a full-blown Samsung Q-series system with all the bells and whistles, or a more compact Sonos, you'll be doing your brilliant Samsung TV a huge favour by giving it the sound it deserves. Your ears, and your film nights, will thank you for it. Now go forth and enjoy some proper sound!