The Samsung HW-Q850A is a 5.1.2 setup released in 2021. It's the upgraded version of the Samsung HW-Q850T, and it comes with some new features, including support for Apple AirPlay 2. It also comes with some sound enhancement features that we don't test, including Q-Symphony and SpaceFit Sound, which sync the bar with compatible Samsung TVs to create a more immersive sound. Out-of-the-box, it has a pretty neutral sound profile, though it lacks a bit of thump and punch in the bass range. Fortunately, there are lots of sound customization features available, including a graphic EQ and presets.
The Samsung HW-Q850A is very good for mixed usage. This soundbar has a pretty neutral sound profile out-of-the-box, and while it lacks some bass, it comes with lots of sound customization features to help you adjust its sound. Its discrete surround speakers can accurately localize surround objects like voices and footsteps in the soundstage. It also supports Dolby Atmos content, and it gets loud. However, there's some compression present when you play it at max volume.
The Samsung HW-Q850A is great for dialogue-centric content like TV shows. Thanks to its dedicated center channel and balanced mid-range, it can reproduce voices clearly and accurately. There's even an Active Voice Amplifier feature available to help make dialogue more clear and crisp, as well as an auto-volume mode to balance the volume level across different programs. You can also stream podcasts and audiobooks from your phone to the bar wirelessly via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Apple AirPlay 2, but it doesn't support Chromecast built-in.
The Samsung HW-Q850A is good for music. Out-of-the-box, it can reproduce vocals and lead instruments clearly and accurately, though it struggles to reproduce a thumpy and punchy bass. Fortunately, there are lots of sound customization features available, including a graphic EQ and presets. It gets pretty loud, but there are some compression artifacts when you play it at max volume.
The Samsung HW-Q850A is very good for movies. Out-of-the-box, its balanced mid-range ensures dialogue reproduces clearly. However, it lacks some thump and punch in the bass range, so you may not feel the deep rumbles in action-packed scenes. On the upside, its discrete surround speakers help to accurately localize surround objects in the soundstage, and it uses its up-firing speakers to play Dolby Atmos content. Also, it comes with a graphic EQ and presets to help you customize its sound.
The Samsung HW-Q850A is available in 'Black', and you can see the label for the model we tested here.
If you come across another version, let us know in the discussions and we'll update our review.
The Samsung HW-Q850A is a 5.1.2 setup that comes with a dedicated subwoofer and two surround speakers. It's the upgraded version of the Samsung HW-Q850T, and it comes with some new features, including Apple AirPlay 2 compatibility. There are also some features we don't test, including SpaceFit Sound, advertised to create a more immersive sound with compatible Samsung TVs, Adaptive Voice Amplifier, which enhances dialogue, and TapSound, which mirrors sound from your phone when tapped against the bar using the SmartThings app. Like other Samsung soundbars released in 2021, including the Samsung HW-Q800A, it also comes with Q-Symphony and Acoustic Beam, which help create a more immersive sound, but we don't test for these either.
See our recommendations for the best soundbars, the best Samsung soundbars, and the best 5.1 soundbars.
The Samsung HW-Q850A has a better performance than the standalone Sonos Arc. The Samsung has a more extended low-bass thanks to its dedicated subwoofer and a better surround performance due to its discrete satellite speakers. It also has a graphic EQ and a Full HDMI In port and supports Bluetooth. However, the Sonos has a better soundstage performance and room correction feature. You can also upgrade to the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers.
Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the Vizio M Series M512a-H6 or the Samsung HW-Q850A. The Vizio is better built, with a more neutral sound profile out of the box. It also has a better stereo soundstage and center channel performance. However, the Samsung soundbar has better surround and Atmos performances. It has a graphic EQ and built-in voice assistant support. It also supports more wireless playback options.
Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the Samsung HW-Q850A or the LG SP9YA. The Samsung comes with discrete surround speakers that offer a better surrounds performance. It also comes with a graphic EQ and gets louder, albeit with more compression at max volume. The LG has a more neutral sound profile out-of-the-box, a room correction feature, and supports Chromecast built-in.
The Samsung HW-Q850A and the Samsung HW-Q800B are both 5.1.2 setups, but they offer different performances. The HW-Q850A was released in 2021, and it comes with rear speakers, unlike the HW-Q800B. As a result, it has a better surround sound performance. However, the HW-Q850A reproduces more bass out-of-the-box, and it comes with a room correction feature. You can also buy rear satellites separately from the manufacturer if you want.
The Samsung HW-Q930B is better than the Samsung HW-Q850A. While they're both very versatile Dolby Atmos soundbars, the Q930B offers more bass right out-of-the-box. Also, it has more sound enhancement features such as room correction on hand.
The Samsung HW-Q850A and the standalone Bose Smart Soundbar 900 are very different setups. The Samsung is a 7.1.2 setup with a dedicated sub and satellites. It can reproduce a more extended low-bass and has a better surrounds performance. Some users may prefer the Bose's standalone design, which you can also upgrade with a separate sub and satellites down the line. The Bose is better built and has better center and soundstage performances.
The Samsung HW-Q950A is a better soundbar than the Samsung HW-Q850A. The HW-Q950A is an 11.1.4 setup that gets louder and offers a more neutral sound profile out-of-the-box, which some users may prefer. It also comes with a room correction feature. However, the 5.1.2 HW-Q850A is better-built.
Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the Samsung HW-Q850A or the JBL Bar 9.1. The Samsung has built-in voice assistant support and a graphic EQ for sound customization. It also has a better surround performance. However, the JBL gets louder, and it has better soundstage and center performances. It also comes with a room correction feature, and it supports Chromecast built-in.
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 with Speakers + Bass Module is better than the Samsung HW-Q850A. The Bose is a better-built 5.1.2 setup with better soundstage and center performances. It can get louder with less compression at max volume. Also, some listeners may prefer its more neutral sound profile out-of-the-box. That said, it doesn't support DTS content like the Samsung. The Samsung also has a Full HDMI In port, and it has more sound enhancement features, like a graphic EQ.
The Samsung HW-Q900A is a better soundbar than the Samsung HW-Q850A. The HW-Q900A gets louder with less compression at max volume, and it has a better center channel performance. It also comes with a room correction feature. That said, the HW-Q850A is better built, with better surrounds and Atmos performances.
Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the Samsung HW-Q800A or the Samsung HW-Q850A. The HW-Q800A is a 3.1.2 setup that offers a more neutral sound profile out-of-the-box, which some users may like. However, the HW-Q850A is a 5.1.2 setup with a better surrounds performance thanks to its discrete satellites.
The Samsung HW-Q850A is better than the Samsung HW-Q600A. The HW-Q850A is a 5.1.2 setup that comes with discrete satellites. It has better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances, and it supports more wireless playback options. Unlike the HW-Q600A, it also has built-in voice assistant support.
The Samsung HW-Q850A is a better soundbar than the Samsung HW-Q65T. The HW-Q850A has a better soundstage and surrounds performance and supports Atmos content and more audio formats. It offers more wireless playback options, has built-in Alexa support, and comes with a companion app.
The Samsung HW-Q850A is better than the Sony HT-Z9F. The Samsung is a 5.1.2 setup with discrete satellites. It can reproduce a more extended low-bass, and it has better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. It even comes with more sound enhancement features, like a graphic EQ. That said, the 3.1 Sony is still a suitable choice for users who mostly listen to dialogue-centric content like TV shows.
Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 or the Samsung HW-Q850A. The Vizio is a 5.1 setup that gets louder with less compression at max volume. It also has better center channel performance. However, the 5.1.2 Samsung is better built and has better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performance.
The LG SP11RA and the Samsung HW-Q850A are both very versatile soundbars. The LG is a 7.1.4 setup. Unlike the Samsung, it has a room correction feature and Chromecast built-in support. However, the 5.1.2 Samsung has better surround and Atmos performances. It also comes with a graphic EQ, which some users may prefer for sound customization.
The LG SN11RG is a better soundbar than the Samsung HW-Q850A. The LG is a 7.1.4 setup with a slightly bass-heavy sound profile out-of-the-box, which some users may prefer. It also comes with a room correction feature. However, the 5.1.2 Samsung has a better surrounds performance and a graphic EQ for sound customization.
Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the LG SN10YG or the Samsung HW-Q850A. The Samsung comes with discrete satellite speakers that offer a better surrounds performance. It also has a graphic EQ for sound customization, and it gets louder, though with more compression at max volume. However, some listeners may prefer the LG's bass-heavy sound profile out-of-the-box and its room correction feature.
The Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers is a better soundbar than the Samsung HW-Q850A. The Sonos has a better soundstage performance, and it's better-built. It comes with a room correction feature and gets louder, albeit with more compression at max volume. However, the Samsung offers a graphic EQ with presets for sound customization and a Full HDMI In port.
The Samsung HW-Q850A is a bit better soundbar for mixed usage than the Samsung HW-Q700A. The HW-Q850A comes with dedicated satellite speakers, and it offers a better surrounds performance since it doesn't have to downmix this content into stereo to play it. It also comes with built-in voice assistant support, and it reproduces a more extended low-bass.
The Samsung HW-Q850A is better than the Samsung HW-Q70T. The HW-Q850A is a 5.1.2 setup that comes with discrete satellites. It has better soundstage, center, surround, and Atmos performances. Also, it comes with built-in voice assistant support, unlike the HW-Q70T. That said, the 3.1.2 HW-Q70T does get louder with less compression at max volume.
Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the Samsung HW-Q800T or the Samsung HW-Q850A. The HW-Q800T is a 3.1.2 setup from 2020 with a better-balanced sound profile out-of-the-box that gets louder. However, the HW-Q850A is a 5.1.2 setup from 2021 that offers a better soundstage performance and Apple AirPlay support. Also, it has better surrounds and Atmos performances.
The Samsung HW-Q850A is the upgraded version of the Samsung HW-Q850T, and it offers better overall performance. The HW-Q850A has better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. It comes with an auto-volume mode, it can support PCM 5.1 content, and it has Apple AirPlay2 connectivity. However, the HW-Q850T has a more balanced sound profile out-of-the-box.
Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the Samsung HW-Q900T or the Samsung HW-Q850A. The HW-Q900T is a 7.1.2 setup from 2020 with a better-balanced sound profile out-of-the-box, and it gets louder. However, the HW-Q850A is a 5.1.2 setup from 2021 that's better-built and supports Apple AirPlay. Also, it has better surrounds and Atmos performances.
The Samsung HW-Q950T is a better soundbar than the Samsung HW-Q850A. The HW-Q950T is a 9.1.4 setup that offers a more neutral sound profile out-of-the-box, which some users may prefer. Also, it gets louder. However, the 5.1.2 HW-Q850A is better built and supports Apple AirPlay.
The Samsung HW-Q850A and the Vizio M Series M51a-H6 are both versatile 5.1 setups, but the Vizio scores better overall. The Vizio gets louder with less compression at max volume and has a better center channel performance. It can reproduce a more extended low bass; some users may prefer its more neutral sound out-of-the-box. That said, the better-built Samsung has better soundstage and surround performances. Unlike the Vizio, it also has built-in voice assistant capabilities.
The Samsung HW-Q80R is a bit better 5.1.2 setup for mixed usage than the Samsung HW-Q850A. The HW-Q80R gets louder, and it has a better center channel performance. Also, its default sound profile is a bit more balanced, which some users may prefer. That said, the HW-Q850A has discrete satellites and a better surrounds performance. It even comes with some more sound enhancement features, like auto-volume mode.
The satellites have a metal grille covering their front and sides. There's plastic on the top and bottom. They connect to a wireless receiver module through a wired connection, much like the satellites that come with 2022's Samsung HW-Q910B.
The sub is the same size as the Samsung HW-Q850T's sub. It connects to the bar wirelessly, so you can place it anywhere in your room as long as you connect it to a power source.
The Samsung HW-Q850A has an impressive build quality. The metal grilles on the bar and the satellites help to protect the drivers inside. The rest of the bar and the satellites are plastic, which feels solid and durable. The subwoofer is mostly wood. However, the thin fabric covering the front of the sub seems like it could rip or get dirty easily.
The Samsung HW-Q850A has a great stereo frequency response. Out-of-the-box, it offers neutral, balanced mid and treble ranges, so vocals and lead instruments are reproduced clearly and accurately. That said, it struggles to reproduce a thumpy, punchy bass, so you don't feel the deep rumbles in action-packed movies and bass-heavy music. There's also a graphic EQ and presets as well as bass and treble adjustments available to help you customize its sound to your liking.
The Samsung HW-Q850A has an impressive stereo frequency response with calibration. With its subwoofer level set to '3', it reproduces a more neutral sound profile with more thump and punch in the bass range. As a result, it's suitable for listening to lots of different types of audio content.
Note: Normally, we calibrate the bar using bass and treble adjustments. We ran some passes after adjusting the bass and treble levels; however, we noticed that this didn't change the stereo frequency response at all. We're looking into this issue and we'll update the review when we have more information.
The Samsung HW-Q850A has a good stereo soundstage performance. Its soundstage is perceived to be a bit wider than the bar itself. Also, it has good focus, so objects in the soundstage like voices and footsteps seem to come from an accurate, pinpoint location rather than a general area.
The Samsung HW-Q850A's dynamics performance is satisfactory. It gets pretty loud, which is handy if you want to crank up the volume to listen to audio at parties or in large rooms. However, there's some compression present when you play it at max volume.
The Samsung HW-Q850A has a good stereo THD performance. At normal listening volumes, it falls within good limits, resulting in clear and pure audio reproduction. There's a jump in THD when you push the bar to max volume, but this may not be noticeable with real-life content.
The Samsung HW-Q850A is a 5.1.2 setup with a discrete center channel, which helps to reproduce dialogue more clearly and accurately. It struggles to reproduce bass on this channel, but this shouldn't be too noticeable since there usually isn't a lot of bass on the center channel.
The Samsung HW-Q850A has a great surrounds performance. It comes with discrete surround speakers, so surround objects like voices and footsteps are clearly and accurately localized in the soundstage. Audio seems like it's coming from all around you, rather than just from speakers placed in front of you.
The Samsung HW-Q850A has an acceptable Atmos performance. It uses two up-firing speakers on the bar to bounce sound off the ceiling and back down towards you, which creates the illusion of height. However, this doesn't sound quite as real as discrete localization from down-firing speakers found with home theater setups. Also, its height channels don't get very loud, which can be disappointing if you like to crank up the volume on your movies.
The Samsung HW-Q850A has a good selection of sound enhancement features. There's a graphic EQ to help you customize its sound, as well as some presets: 'Standard', 'Surround', 'Game Pro', and 'Adaptive Sound'. You can turn on the auto-volume mode in the app, which helps balance the volume level between different programs, as well as the 'Active Voice Amplifier', which works as a dialogue enhancement feature to make voices more clear. However, unlike the LG SP9YA, it doesn't come with a room correction feature, so it may sound a bit different depending on the room you're listening in.
This soundbar also comes with some sound enhancement features that we don't currently test. The Acoustic Beam technology is a virtual surround feature that's advertised to help immerse you in your audio. If you have a compatible Samsung TV, the manufacturer also says that you can use 'Q-Symphony' and 'SpaceFit Sound' to sync the bar with your TV to create a more 3D sound. The 'TapSound' feature lets you mirror audio from your phone when you tap it against the bar using the SmartThings app.
The Samsung HW-Q850A has several physical inputs. There's a Full HDMI In port, so you can use the bar as a hub between different devices. While there's also a micro-USB port, it's just for service and software updates, so you can't use it to play back audio.
The Samsung HW-Q850A has fantastic audio format support over ARC. It supports Dolby Digital, which is a common format for Blu-ray discs and streaming platforms, as well as DTS content.
The Samsung HW-Q850A has incredible audio format support via Full HDMI In. It can play most common formats, including Dolby Digital, as well as lossless and object-based surround formats like Dolby Atmos.
This soundbar supports Dolby Digital and DTS content via Optical. These formats are commonly found on streaming platforms and Blu-ray discs.
The Samsung HW-Q850A has a decent latency performance. It has fairly low latency over its ARC and Optical ports, so your audio and video should be in sync. That said, you may notice that the sound comes before the visuals when watching videos via Full HDMI In. Some apps and some TVs compensate for latency differently, though, so your real-world experience may vary.
The Samsung HW-Q850A has incredible wireless playback options. You can stream audio from a mobile device to the bar wirelessly via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Apple AirPlay 2.
The Samsung HW-Q850A can passthrough the highest bandwidth signals, including Dolby Vision Passthrough. If you connect the bar to your TV and another device like your PC, text on the screen appears clear and crisp. However, it can't passthrough 4k @120Hz.
The Samsung HW-Q850A has Amazon Alexa built-in, and you can also mute the microphone if you don't want it to listen to you.
The Samsung SmartThings app acts as a remote and lets you control some of the bar's settings. However, you have to use the remote to sync, adjust the center level or the front top level, and turn the virtual surround on and off.