Two leading brands; Sony and Samsung have been producing some excellent devices for decades, which also includes home theater system and soundbars. Their soundbars are well-known for their sleek design, durability, amazing features, and so on.
Not only that, both the brands are equally doing good in the market which makes it tougher to choose one between them. Moreover, there are many factors to consider in order to make a good buy.
Like, you should know the features, capacities, pros, and cons, etc, of the model from both brands that are sold as well as loved the most. And to know all these skipping this article won’t be a good choice at all!
Here I will pick one model of each brand on the basis of their channels and their type like soundbars for the bedroom TV, wireless soundbars, and so on. Therefore, in this article, you can know about some Sony and Samsung soundbars and their-
Without further ado, let’s get into Sony vs Samsung dilemma.
The models I have picked
| On the basis of | Sony | Samsung |
|---|---|---|
| 2.1-ch | Sony HT-S350 | Samsung HW-T550 |
| 3.1-ch | Sony HT-Z9F | Samsung HW-T650 |
| 5.1-ch | Sony HT-RT3 | Samsung HW-Q80R |
| 7.1.2-ch | Sony HT-ST5000 | Samsung HW-Q90R |
| Best for bedroom or living room | Sony HT-X8500 | Samsung HT-Q800T |
How I rated Sony vs Samsung Soundbar
I have picked 10 best rated and the most sold soundbars from both the brands and compared them on the basis of different categories such as sound, for 4K HDMI passthrough, with Subwoofer, TV remote, connectivity, wireless features, etc. And depending on their performance I have rated them.
2.1-channel Soundbar: Sony HT-S350 & Samsung HW-T550
Sony HT-S350
The first model on our list is Sony HT-S350 which comes with a surround sound mode. This mode is responsible for the stereo soundstage it produces.
Product differentiator
The model’s audio reproduction is quite different. This helps to enhance the performance of the soundstage making it a good choice for movies and videos. Moreover, the sound is loud enough for a house party.
Features:
- It has up to 350W of the total output power.
- 2.1-ch HT-S350 has a wireless subwoofer featuring a 6.3-inch driver which helps to produce a rich bass sound.
- It is user-friendly and also easy to setup.
- It comes with Bluetooth connectivity. You can connect it with any Sony TV.
- This device can produce surround sound like the theater without any additional speakers.
Pros
- This model’s design is well-built.
- It is loud enough for small parties.
- HT-S350 has a good soundstage.
- It is user-friendly.
- You can connect it with any Sony TV via Bluetooth.
Cons
Firstly the problem is, this device always remains on surround sound mode. Then its dark audio slightly affects the voice-oriented or the musical contents. However, for many users, it is not a problem. And lastly, if you want DTS support, then this device is not for you.
Samsung HW-T550
The 2.1 setup Samsung HW-T550 comes with a great sound profile which is well balanced with an extra bit of the bass. There are a lot of good points about this device, however, there are few loopholes as well, which makes it an overall decent soundbar.
Product differentiator
This wireless subwoofer has great sound and it is powerful enough to deliver deep bass, which I think is great at this range/price.
Features
** This amazing device detects what the user is watching and according to it, the soundbar automatically adjusts the sound setting for a better experience.
** It has up to 350W of the total output power.
** It can reproduce audio which is why you can get a cinematic audio experience.
** It comes with a wireless subwoofer.
** This soundbar has 1 HDMI input.
** It fits with most HDTVs seamlessly to produce a streamlined look.
** It has Bluetooth connectivity.
Pros
- It has a balanced and attractive sound profile.
- Samsung HW-T550 comes with the excellent build quality.
- For the customization options it has a 7-band EQ.
- It can reproduce audio which is why you can get a cinematic audio experience.
Cons
Unfortunately, Samsung HW-T550 does not support the Atmos content. This is why I won’t suggest this device for movies. But it does great with lots of music genres.
Moreover, it doesn’t have an app of this own. An app always makes it easy to operate the device, so in this case, this soundbar is lagging behind.
Difference Table: Sony HT-S350 vs Samsung HW-T550
3.1-channel Soundbar: Sony HT-Z9F & Samsung HW-T650
Now comes the 3.1 setup soundbar the Sony HT-Z9F. It comes with lots of features and does a good job at reproducing clear dialogue, for that thanks to the device’s center speaker.
Product differentiator
Sony HT-Z9F features a subwoofer that can be connected wirelessly in order to produce an extra thump at the time of bass-heavy music or action movies.
This soundbar also has a nice mixed soundbar usage. Here you should face zero problems hearing the speech or dialogues over the sound effects and background music.
Features
** Sony HT-Z9F has 2 full HDMI inputs supporting all the audio formats.
** It has a wireless subwoofer which is responsible for the decent bass response. This makes it a good choice(okay for some users) for the movies and videos as well.
** This device also has Wi-Fi, Chromecast, and Bluetooth built-in so that you can listen to music wirelessly.
** You can hear the sound from all directions here, which means this soundbar supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X with WiFi or Bluetooth technology.
** With the help of this device, you can every sort of genre as it is capable to convert any sort of audio to immersive surround.
** It comes with the latest 4K HDR.
Pros
- It has a premium look and a durable body.
- This device comes with lots of audio formats as well as connectivity options.
- It does a good job at reproducing clear dialogue, for that thanks to the device’s center speaker.
- It has a wireless subwoofer which is responsible for the decent bass response.
- This soundbar can be a decent choice for movies.
Cons
There is a little short of speakers which is why this soundbar does a mediocre job in handling the Atmos contents. That means Sony HT-Z9F lacks upward-firing speakers, and they use the Vertical Sound and S Force technology of Sony’s for simulating the Atmos surround sound experience.
Another thing that is missing from this great device is the bass or treble adjustment options, however, the EQ presets.
Plus there is one more thing that I should include is that, while doing the research I went through Reddit, Amazon, and some other sites to collect others’ opinions regarding this device. There I found, some of the users faced a problem with the subwoofer. Like, it cuts out frequently while listening or using this soundbar. Maybe, this is due to the issues with connectivity. But, I along with my known ones using this device haven’t experienced this sort of problem.
Samsung HW-T650
Samsung’s 3.1 setup soundbar; HW-T650 came from the 2020 lineup of Samsung. It does a decent performance overall. The well-balanced and accurate sound production of this device makes it a decent choice for a good range of users.
Product differentiator
Samsung 3.1 soundbar HW-R650 with wireless subwoofer, has done pretty well in many aspects. This soundbar has a well-balanced or I can say neutral sound profile which is suitable for a good range of movie and music genres.
Moreover, the center channel helps to make the voices as well as the dialogues accurate and clearer. Not only that, this device can easily get pretty loud even without creating any sort of distortion. Isn’t it great? In addition to that, Samsung HW-T650 has 5 EQ presets, which means the user can customize(slightly) the sound according to their preferences.
Features
** It has built-in center speakers.
** It supports the DTS Virtual:X. As a result, you can feel the 3D sound coming from all the surroundings.
** One can simply control the soundbar with just one TV remote.
** Samsung HW-T650 has 5 EQ presets, which means the user can customize the sound according to their preferences.
** There is a game mode in this device, which will help you to optimize the sound while you are playing.
** Samsung HW-T650 comes with a wireless surround kit, where you can expand the device without even dealing with a mess of the wires.
Pros
- It has a central channel that helps to make the voices as well as the dialogues accurate and clearer.
- The sound profile of HW-T650 is balanced enough.
- It has 5 EQ presets.
- It can get louder enough.
- The device is well-built.
Cons
It has to down-mix the surrounding content to the stereo. This stereo does not provide that much immersive, or I can say satisfying movie-watching experience. Unfortunately, it doesn’t support the Atmos content, so the movie fans might not prefer this. Also, it lacks a bit of the sub-bass and there is no room for correction.
Difference table: Sony HT-Z9F vs Samsung HW-T650
5.1-channel Soundbar: Sony HT-RT3 & Samsung HW-Q80R
Sony HT-RT3
This 5.1.2 setup Sony soundbar, comes with rear speakers along with an external subwoofer. This device produces 600W of total output, giving every content or movie the deserved soundscape.
Product differentiator
This Sony soundbar with subwoofer HT-RT3 has a well-balanced and neutral sound profile which is suitable for a good range of movie and music genres.
It has 5 speaker channels delivering a full frequency and a good quality sound.
It is easy to set up, just plug it and connect the wires.
Features
** It has NFC technology, removing the need for any wired connection.
** Sony HT-RT3 can connect with other devices wirelessly via Bluetooth.
** Its dedicated center channel helps to produce clear dialogue.
** It comes with a wireless subwoofer.
** This Sony soundbar with subwoofer 5.1 wireless, has great video quality, which is capable of HDR10, HDR10+, and 4K passthrough.
Pros
It has good sound quality.
The subwoofer of this device produces deep bass.
With the help of this rear device, the user can listen to the true surround sound.
Cons
Everything is quite good about this speaker. The only thing I didn’t like about it is, no HDMI cable comes with it. You just have to buy it!
Samsung HW-Q80R
A great performing 5.1.2 soundbar; Samsung HW-Q80R is loved for its balanced and clean audio. It produces clear audio even at higher volumes.
This soundbar supports the Atmos and the up-firing speakers of its uses the ceiling in order to provide the user a great impression. Also, the soundstage is quite wide enough because of the side-firing speakers. The body is well-built, durable, and also looks high-end.
Product differentiator
This soundbar is good for mixed usage. It has a neutral, accurate, and nice sound profile. It performs well with the contents of all sorts like the dialogues, different sorts of movie and music genres.
Also, here the user will also get a great listening experience as the device supports Atmos. Plus, HW-Q80R offers decent sound customization.
Features
** Its dedicated center channel helps to produce clear dialogue.
** It comes with a wireless subwoofer.
** HW-Q80R has an adaptive sound feature, which delivers optimized sounds with clearer voices.
** It has great video quality, which is capable of HDR10, HDR10+, and 4K passthrough.
** It provides rich sound, and it can detect when you are gaming, and optimizes the sound accordingly.
** HW-Q80R can connect with other devices wirelessly via Bluetooth.
Pros
–> It has good audio reproduction and multiple options for connection.
–> It performs great at high volume.
–> HW-Q80R supports Atmos for a great experience.
–> It is capable of HDR10, HDR10+, and 4K passthrough.
Cons
Firstly, I felt the interface screen is quite a small interface screen and the bar is very wide. There is no room for correction as well.
And if you compare, Samsung HW Q90R vs Q80r, this device lacks rear speakers but you can get that in HW-Q90R.
Difference table: Sony HT-RT3 vs Samsung HW-Q80R
7.1.2-channel Soundbar: Sony HT-ST5000 & Samsung HW-Q90R
Sony HT-ST5000
The Sony HT-ST5000, a 7.1.2 soundbar setup supports all audio formats virtually which includes the Dolby Atmos.
Unlike many 7.1.2-channel soundbars, this device does not come with any dedicated surround speakers, which can be a con. But in spite of this, it sounds great.
All its Atmos and surround channels are situated within the bar directly. the side-firing speakers are absent, but – instead of this, the device applies virtual surround effects that are DSP-enabled to the front-firing speakers.
Product differentiator
It sounds well-balanced( like the above-mentioned soundbars). There is a lot of rumble and thump. It also has a great stereo soundstage as well as a nice Atmos performance.
This Sony 7.1.2 Dolby Atmos soundbar would be a great choice for watching videos, series, news or reality shows, and other TV programs, due to its dedicated center channel. Further, for movie purposes, it serves satisfactorily.
Features
** It supports DTS:X sound and Dolby Atmos, you can hear the sound from all directions.
** This soundbar has 17 built-in speakers where 4 firing upward and 2 firings from the side.
** This device comes with a wireless surround kit, where you can expand the device without even dealing with a mess of the wires.
** Sony HT-ST5000 has an adaptive sound feature, which delivers optimized sounds with clearer voices.
Pros
–> It has a nice built and durable body.
–> It comes with lots of inputs, which includes eARC support.
–> It delivers a good amount of rumbling, deep bass.
–> Can be connected wirelessly.
–> It is a great Sony soundbar with Alexa.
Cons
At maximum volume, the audio slightly distorts and compresses.
It also has few enhancement features. Overall, the surround performance is not that impressive.
Samsung HW-Q90R
Moving on to Samsung, the HW-Q90R is a great device. It has a good number and variety of types of uses. Also, for all its great service it is one of the most loved is loved devices on this list.
Product differentiator
It performs great with a good range of content. Also, due to having Atmos, this soundbar provides a great listening experience on the supported content.
Besides, there are plenty of options, both in wired & wireless connections. If anyone is looking for any premium setup which can produce loud output along with great performance, the Samsung HW-Q90R will be an excellent option.
Features
** Like, its other models, the setup is nicely built and also feels very high-end.
** The HW-Q90R soundbar has a very accurate and neutral sound profile.
** It performs well with maximum types of content, like the dialogue, music, and movie genres.
** It has an adaptive sound feature, which delivers optimized sounds with clearer voices.
** Due to having Atmos, this soundbar provides a great listening experience on the supported content.
** It has 12 speakers, which includes the subwoofer.
** It has 2 HDMI inputs & 1 output. It supports 4K, HDR10, Dolby vision, HDCP 2.2, HDR10+, etc.
** This soundbar supports Hi-res audio, amazon, Alexa.
Pros
–> This Samsung soundbar with a built-in subwoofer has great sound quality, performs well at high volumes.
–> It has many connection options.
–> This device supports Atmos as well as height channels for giving an immersive experience.
–> It also offers a decent number of manual sound customization.
Cons
the interface screen is quite a small interface screen and the bar is very wide. There is no room for correction as well.
Difference Table: Sony HT-ST5000 vs Samsung HW-Q90R
Best for bedroom or living room: Sony HT-X8500 & Samsung HT-Q800T
Most of the users place their soundbars in the living room or bedroom. So they want a soundbar that suits their room perfectly. Therefore, keeping that in mind I have also picked this category to write about.
However, choosing a soundbar in this regard depends on the size of the room. So, keeping a medium-sized room in mind we have picked Sony HT-X8500 and Samsung HT-Q800T.
It is not like that the above-discussed models are not suitable for the living room or bedroom. It just giving you an extra pain of options.
Sony HT-X8500
Coming back to the point, the 2.1 setup, Sony HT-X8500 is a soundbar from 2019. From then it is doing really great. It is a great Song soundbar with a subwoofer for 4K TV.
Besides, movie lovers can also enjoy movies with this soundbar as it supports Atmos. Another thing, this device gets loud enough for everyday use, however, it is not enough loud for house parties.
Product differentiator
The Sony HT-X8500 is quite great for a variety of use. That said, in this device there are EQ presets to help the users find a sound that will suit the audio better.
Especially, the main reason for picking this for the room is, its subwoofer has such a design which not just saves space but also helps to add more bass to the sound.
Due to the Atmos, accurate and clear voices are produced, which makes HT-X8500 good for podcasts, audiobooks, and also the movies.
Features
** It supports DTS:X sound and Dolby Atmos, you can hear the sound from all directions.
** It supports Bluetooth connectivity.
** The 5 sound modes present in this device, enhance the entertainment experience of the users.
** It has a deep bass sound with very minimal equipment that cuts up the space of the bed/living room.
** It built is very flexible, one can fit it in any room as it’s quite slim.
** It supports 4K, HDR10, Dolby vision, HDCP 2.2, Hybrid Log-Gamma, etc.
** It has good HDMI inputs, which include eARC support.
Pros
–> One can play the DTS and Atmos content.
–> It has a very slim fit.
–> This soundbar has EQ presets to help the user, customize the sound.
–> The bass adjustment feature is also available here.
Cons
The room correction feature is absent here. Also, the boxy type of sound profile it produces lacks the low bass. That is why sometimes some movies do not produce the sort of punch which they should.
Samsung HW-Q800T
It is a 3.1.2 setup Samsung soundbar. It is a fresh product of this brand which was launched last year.
The HW-Q800T has a well-built and sleek setup. I have probably used the term ‘well-built’ for all the models today, but what can I do if they all have a nice build!
Anyways, this device has 2 up-firing speakers and a wireless subwoofer.
Overall, the sound reproduction of this device is out-of-the-box, which makes it suitable for different sorts of audio content.
Product differentiator
The audio of Samsung HW-Q800T soundbar is well-balanced and neutral. It also supports both surround content and Dolby Atmos, however, in spite of that it doesn’t provide the best listening experience. Interestingly, lots of customization options are available on Samsung’s app or the ‘Samsung app’, which includes the dialogue enhancement feature along with graphic EQ presets.
Features
** This soundbar comes with the technology named Samsung Acoustic Beam. This tech uses the up-firing speakers present on the bar in order to help to provide a more immersive and clear listening experience.
** Another feature named, Q-Symphony also lets the user synchronize the Samsung’s QLED TV speakers, with the help of the bar to get a cinematic sound.
** It supports Bluetooth connectivity.
** This soundbar supports Hi-res audio, amazon, Alexa.
** It supports 4K, HDR10, Dolby vision, HDCP 2.2, Hybrid Log-Gamma, etc.
** It has good HDMI inputs, which include eARC support.
Pros
–> It has a well-balanced and neutral sound profile.
–> It has a built-in Alexa.
–> You can connect it via Bluetooth.
–> It supports WiFi.
–> This soundbar has EQ presets to help the user, customize the sound.
Cons
There is no room correction feature available. It also supports both surround content and Dolby Atmos, however, in spite of that it doesn’t provide the best listening experience.
Difference Table: Sony HT-X8500 vs Samsung HT-Q800T
Conclusion
Sony and Samsung soundbars are competitive enough to give you a tough choice to pick. However, my tip for you will be to sort out your budget, requirement, and the preferable number of speakers, which you make it easy for you to come to a decision, only in case if you are confused.
FAQ
This FAQ section is here to solve your problems. and these questions are collected with the deep research from all over the internet.
Suggest me a good Samsung soundbar for smart TV.
–> Samsung HW-Q90R would be a good choice.
Which one is better in between, q80r vs q90r soundbar?
–> In Samsung HW Q90R vs Q80R, the Q80R device lacks rear speakers but you can get that in HW-Q90R.
Which one should I prefer? Sony or Samsung soundbar?
–> Both are great brands and have some great models. And which one you should prefer depends on your TV’s brand. If it is from another brand rather than Sony or Samsung, sort out your budget, requirement, and a preferable number of speakers, and then think which brand and model meets up your demand and buy that one.
Can you use a sony soundbar with a Samsung TV?
Yes, you can, for that connect the HDMI cable (HDMI out) on the Sony soundbar and then connect the HDMI ARC on the Samsung TV.
Student and Tech journalist.
