No matter what kind of TV you have, you likely want a home theater sound setup to use that doesn’t require a lot of fancy equipment. Rather than mounting several speakers, you can now get a single soundbar that provides full, rich audio for all your favorite TV shows and movies.
This list showcases some of the best soundbars for Samsung TVs. Many of these soundbars work with other TV models as well, no matter the size or price point. One of the best soundbars for a Samsung TV is the Samsung HW-A450 Soundbar with Dolby Audio. It includes a subwoofer for deep bass and automatically balances volume levels between music, sound effects and dialogue to provide you with a great audio experience.
What to know before you buy a soundbar for Samsung TV
Surround sound
Traditional motion picture surround sound utilizes five separate audio channels. There are typically two in the front, two in the center and two on either side. It also usually has low-frequency and subwoofer effects. 7.1 surround sound has two additional channels behind the listener on the left and right. Dolby Atmos took the concept of surround sound a step further and added height channels, creating a fully immersive listening experience by putting speakers in the ceiling as well. This allows you to hear the location of each sound as the movie plays. Most modern audio devices are capable of Dolby Atmos recording and mixing. While soundbars typically don’t have surround sound, they can mimic the surround sound effect. Some even allow for expansion with additional subwoofers or speakers. If you want to learn more about Samsung soundbars, check out this buying guide from BestReviews.
Subwoofers
Subwoofers are speakers that allow you to hear deep bass frequencies. These low frequencies are also called sub-bass. Many of the lower frequencies in sound effects and music tend to add a rich depth to the sound. Sound designers also use bass to create a sense of suspense, like in horror movies. If you love action or horror movies, you’ll want to keep this in mind when purchasing a soundbar.
Integration with smart TV
Samsung smart TVs allow you to control the volume of your Samsung soundbar with the remote. All you need to do is connect the soundbar either via cord or Bluetooth, and it’s ready to use.
Soundbar for Samsung TV features
Size and weight
Soundbars range in length from 12-70 inches. Most of them are about 40-inches or longer. It’s best to get a soundbar as long as your TV screen, so the listening environment matches the size of the screen. Soundbars usually weigh between 5-15 pounds.
Inputs and outputs
Some smart TVs have an HDMI ARC connector (Audio Return Channel) which connects your soundbar with an HDMI cable. Others have a USB option. Be sure to check your TV so you know which kind of connection you need for a soundbar.
Bluetooth capabilities
Some soundbars have Bluetooth capabilities, allowing you to wireless pair your TV like any other Bluetooth device. This is a great feature if you don’t want to use any cables for your home theatre system. Most soundbars connect straight to your TV with an HDMI connection, so that’s always an option.
Wattage and volume level
Higher wattage doesn’t necessarily equal higher quality. Wattage refers to the amount of power coming from the amplifier, which is usually in the soundbar. A better way to decipher the soundbar volume is with the decibel level. 90-decibels is safe to listen to for about five hours, so a soundbar with 85-88 decibels is a good starting point. Some soundbars go up to 125-decibels, but this is best suited for projecting in a loud environment. This is not suitable for an at-home listening experience and is unsafe for your ears long term.
Soundbar for Samsung TV cost
Most soundbars for Samsung TV cost between $50-$1,000. The upper range typically includes additional speakers, subwoofers or surround sound speakers.
Soundbar for Samsung TV FAQ
Do I need an app to set up and use my soundbar?
A. Some soundbar manufacturers make apps you can use as a remote. However, it’s typically easier to use your Samsung TV remote to set up and use your soundbar.
My TV is mounted on the wall. Can I mount my soundbar on the wall too?
A. Absolutely. There are various mounting brackets available, so you can easily hang your soundbar on any wall. While you may even be able to use heavy-duty adhesive mounting strips for light soundbars, this isn’t recommended as they can weaken over time and fall down.
Which soundbar for Samsung TV should I get?
Best of the best soundbar for Samsung TV
Samsung HW-A450 Soundbar with Dolby Audio: available at Amazon
Our take: This soundbar comes with a subwoofer and has several modes, including an adaptive sound mode. This helps equalize volume levels in any movie or show so you don’t have to constantly reach for the remote to balance the sound out.
What we like: It comes with a remote that controls both your Samsung TV and the soundbar. It has an option for two rear wireless Samsung speakers and connects via Bluetooth.
What we dislike: Some users found it difficult to set up the remote.
Best bang for your buck soundbar for Samsung TV
Top Vision 50-watt 16-inch Soundbar: available at Amazon
Our take: This affordable soundbar has several connection options, and you can easily use it with a variety of devices.
What we like: It has 3.5mm aux, USB and optical inputs. It has a built-in EQ with three listening modes for movies, music and news.
What we dislike: It doesn’t have a very full bass, so users may want to pair it with a subwoofer. It does not pair with universal remotes.
Honorable mention soundbar for Samsung TV
Polk Audio React Sound Bar: available at Amazon
Our take: This soundbar offers many different configuration options, allowing you to easily customize your setup.
What we like: It’s compatible with Alexa, has virtual surround sound and features a Voice Adjust mode for clearer dialogue.
What we dislike: The soundbar requires WiFi connection, and some users find the LED status light to be too bright.
Adrian Wengenroth is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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