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Samsung HW-Q600B Soundbar Review

Tested using Methodology v1.2
Reviewed Feb 21, 2023 at 11:15 am
Latest change: Retest Jan 09, 2024 at 05:01 pm
Samsung HW-Q600B Picture
7.4
Mixed Usage
8.1
Dialogue/TV Shows
7.4
Music
6.9
Movies
This soundbar was replaced by the Samsung HW-Q600C/Q60CC

The Samsung HW-Q600B is a mid-range setup released in 2022. The built-in Acoustic Beam technology is designed to improve its performance with height content like Dolby Atmos, which is commonly found on streaming platforms. As with most soundbars from the manufacturer, it's a highly customizable soundbar with lots of sound enhancement features, including a 7-band graphic EQ to change its sound across the range. It also supports Samsung's Q-Symphony technology, which allows you to pair the bar with a compatible Samsung TV to sync up the speakers. You can also add rear speakers if you want to improve its surround sound.

Note that our unit performs in a way that doesn't seem to align with expectations or with previous Samsung bars with similar features. This could be unique to our unit.​ 

Our Verdict

7.4 Mixed Usage

The Samsung Q600B is good for mixed usage. Though it's advertised as a 3.1.2 bar, in our tests, audio didn't play from the up-firing or "Acoustic Beam" channels, so it performs more like a 3.1 setup. It shines with stereo content, including most music and TV shows, as dialogue and other instruments reproduce with clarity and accuracy. There are lots of customization tools on hand to adjust its output. However, we also had issues with the bar's surround channels. The right and left channels are silent when we try to play surround localization tones, so only the subwoofers play sound. This may impact your real-life listening experience, depending on how your television responds. If you have similar issues with your bar, please let us know in the discussions.

Pros
  • Graphic EQ.
  • Dolby Atmos support.
Cons
  • No sound from up-firing drivers.
8.1 Dialogue/TV Shows

The Samsung Q600B is great for dialogue-centric TV shows and podcasts. Thanks to its discrete center channel, vocal reproduction is clean and pure, and it's easy to follow along with the plot in your favorite shows. There's also a dialogue enhancement tool called Voice Enhance that's designed to make voices more crisp in the mix. When it comes to wireless connectivity, you're limited to Bluetooth, though.

Pros
  • Dialogue enhancement tool.
  • Bluetooth compatible.
Cons
  • No Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay, or Chromecast compatibility.
7.4 Music

The Samsung Q600B soundbar is satisfactory for music. Out of the box, its stereo frequency response accuracy is very good, especially in the mids where most voices and lead instruments are reproduced. Plus, it's customizable, with a 7-band graphic EQ available to help you switch up its sound to your liking. As a result, it's suitable for listening to a wide range of music genres. Fans of bass-heavy music like EDM and hip-hop may notice a touch less rumble in the low-bass, though.

Pros
  • Graphic EQ.
  • Gets loud.
Cons
  • Lacks a touch of low-bass.
  • No companion app.
6.9 Movies

The Samsung Q600B is decent for movies. The manufacturer advertises it to support lots of different audio formats that are commonly found on both streaming services and Blu-rays discs, from Dolby Digital to Dolby Atmos. With a discrete center channel, dialogue is clear and easy to follow, and the sub provides adequate rumble in action-packed scenes. That said, its up-firing drivers don't seem to play sound. Also, when we send surround localization tones to the bar, the left and right surround channels are silent. Only the subwoofer plays audio, which is unusual behavior.

Pros
  • Graphic EQ.
  • Dolby Atmos support.
Cons
  • No companion app.
  • No sound from up-firing drivers.
  • 7.4 Mixed Usage
  • 8.1 Dialogue/TV Shows
  • 7.4 Music
  • 6.9 Movies
  1. Updated Jan 09, 2024: Updated results in Video Passthrough to TV box after confirming that the bar's real-life performance doesn't match our Murideo results.
  2. Updated Dec 19, 2023: Added market comparison with the Samsung HW-Q600C/Q60CC in the Stereo Frequency Response box.
  3. Updated Jul 05, 2023: Converted to Test Bench 1.2. Updated the results for audio format support via ARC/eARC, HDMI In, and Optical. Added Video Passthrough to TV results as well.
  4. Updated Mar 27, 2023: Added cable lengths to In The Box.
  5. Updated Mar 22, 2023: Converted to Test Bench 1.1. With this update, we've added a Mounting test and added information aboutSubwoofer Output, Spotify Connect, and Microphone Mute.
  6. Updated Feb 21, 2023: Review published.
  7. Updated Feb 16, 2023: Early access published.
  8. Updated Feb 03, 2023: Our testers have started testing this product.
  9. Updated Jan 27, 2023: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
  10. Updated Jan 06, 2023: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.
  11. Updated Jan 06, 2023: The product has won our suggestion poll, so we'll buy and test it soon.

Differences Between Sizes And Variants

The Samsung HW-Q600B is available in Black, and you can see the label for the model we tested here.

If you come across another version of this soundbar, let us know in the discussions.

Compared To Other Soundbars

The Samsung HW-Q600B is the next generation of the Samsung HW-Q600A. Like its predecessor, the manufacturer advertises that it supports Samsung's Acoustic Beam technology for a more immersive listening experience. For the price, it offers a lot of customization features to switch up its sound to your liking. However, depending on how your television responds, you may notice some issues with surround sound. In our tests, surround localization tones don't play from the left or right surround channels, so only the subwoofer is active. It's unusual behavior, and it could prevent you from hearing some details in the mix.

You can also check out our recommendations for the best soundbars, the best Dolby Atmos soundbars, and the best soundbars with a subwoofer.

Samsung HW-Q600C/Q60CC

The Samsung HW-Q600C/Q60CC is the next generation of the Samsung HW-Q600B. These bars have similar setups and a similar selection of sound enhancement features. However, the next-generation model is the better performer. The Q600B incorrectly implements many audio formats, resulting in a less life-like sound. The Q600C has a better surround sound performance, too. Our results with the Q600B were quite unusual, though, and it's possible that they represent a defect in our unique unit rather than the typical performance of this soundbar.

Sonos Arc

The Samsung HW-Q600B and the Sonos Arc each have different strengths and weaknesses. The Samsung has a dedicated subwoofer, bringing a little more rumble in the bass. It also has more sound enhancement features and a Full HDMI In port for video passthrough. However, the standalone Sonos offers a better stereo soundstage, and you can always upgrade it with a sub and satellites to improve its sound.

Samsung HW-Q600A

The Samsung HW-Q600B is the next generation of the Samsung HW-Q600A. They're both similar bars, advertised to support a similar selection of features. With stereo content, they sound similar, too. However, even though the Q600B is also advertised as a 3.1.2 setup, its up-firing drivers don't play any sound with height content. We aren't sure if this issue is unique to our unit or not at this time.

Samsung HW-Q800B

The Samsung HW-Q800B is better than the Samsung HW-Q600B. The Q800B is a 5.1.2 setup that comes with two additional channels for surround sound. Its soundstage performance is better, too, and it brings a little more rumble in the low-bass. Plus, it supports more premium features like room correction, so its audio reproduction adjusts to the unique acoustics of your room.

Samsung HW-B650

The Samsung HW-Q600B and the Samsung HW-B650 are both 2022 releases from the manufacturer. The main difference between these two bars comes in support for height content like Dolby Atmos, which is often found on different streaming platforms. The Q600B supports height content, while the B650 doesn't.

Samsung HW-Q59CT

Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the Samsung HW-Q59CT or the Samsung HW-Q600B. The Q59CT is a 5.1 soundbar, meaning that it comes with two additional channels for surround sound. It has a better surrounds performance, naturally. However, it doesn't support height content like Dolby Atmos. If you watch a lot of Atmos content, the Q600B is likely the better choice, even though its advertised up-firing channels didn't work on our unit, and it has to play height content through its side-firing drivers instead.

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Test Results

perceptual testing image
Design
Design
Style - Bar

The Samsung HW-Q600B is a simple soundbar with a similar design to the Samsung HW-Q67CB. It's mostly made of plastic, and there's a metal grille covering the top and the front. The sides of the bar are angled, too.

Design
Style - Subwoofer
Sub Wireless
Yes
Enclosure
Ported

The sub has a simple design as well. There's fabric in the front, and the audio port is located in the rear.

Design
Style - Satellites
Satellite Wireless
No

While the bar doesn't have rear satellites included, you can buy a compatible Wireless Rear Speaker Kit from the manufacturer.

Design
Dimensions - Bar
Width 40.6" (103.0 cm)
Height 2.3" (5.8 cm)
Depth 4.1" (10.5 cm)

The bar is rather wide, so it likely won't fit between the legs of a 55" TV stand. That said, since it isn't very tall, it shouldn't obscure your TV screen.

Design
Dimensions - Subwoofer
Width 7.2" (18.4 cm)
Height 13.5" (34.2 cm)
Depth 11.6" (29.5 cm)

The sub is roughly the same size as a typical desktop PC. Since it's wireless, you can place it anywhere in your room as long as you plug it into a power outlet.

Design
Dimensions - Satellites
Width N/A
Height N/A
Depth N/A
Design
Mounting
Mountable Bar
Yes
Bar Brackets Included
Yes
Mountable Satellites
No
Satellite Brackets Included
No
7.5
Design
Build Quality

The Samsung HW-Q600B has good build quality. Overall, its materials feel solid and sturdy. The plastic bar has metal grilles on the top and the front to help protect the drivers inside, which is a nice touch. That said, the fabric covering the front of the sub is loose and thin, so you should be careful when moving the sub to avoid ripping the fabric.

Design
In The Box

  • User Manual
  • Remote with batteries (2x AAA)
  • Soundbar power adapter with built-in cable of 4.9 ft / 1.5m
  • 2x power cables (4.9 ft / 1.5m)
  • HDMI cable (4.9 ft / 1.5m)
  • Mounting template guide
  • Wall-mount guide
  • 2x wall-mount brackets
  • 2x holder screw and 2x screws

Sound
7.8
Sound
Stereo Frequency Response
Tested Preset
Standard
Slope
-0.46
Std. Err.
2.79 dB
Channels
3.1
Low-Frequency Extension
41.2 Hz
High-Frequency Extension
19.9 kHz

The Samsung HW-Q600B has a very good stereo frequency response. Out of the box, its sound profile is rather balanced, especially in the mids, where most voices and lead instruments are reproduced. As a result, it's suitable for listening to most music genres. If you prefer bass-centric music like EDM and hip-hop, you'll notice that the bar doesn't reproduce as much low-bass as others we've tested, like the Samsung HW-Q800B.

During our tests, we ran into several issues that may impact the bar's sound. First, we tried to update the bar to the latest firmware version 1014.0 with multiple USB flash drives, but the bar wouldn't read the file. Secondly, in our stereo tests, the bar exhibited some strange behavior. The localization files usually play on either the left or right stereo channels, but with this bar, sound was audible from both the left and right stereo channels at the same time. The behavior is hard to hear with real-life content, but it could impact the localization of objects in the soundstage. For all of these issues, we aren't certain whether they're unique to our unit or whether you're likely to run into them as well. Please let us know in the forums if you have similar issues. You can also check out the Samsung HW-Q600C/Q60CC if you want a similar bar without these issues.

7.8
Sound
Stereo Frequency Response With Preliminary Calibration
Suggested Preset
Standard
Suggested Bass Setting
0
Suggested Treble Setting
0
Slope
-0.46
Std. Err.
2.79 dB
Low-Frequency Extension
41.2 Hz
High-Frequency Extension
19.9 kHz

If you prefer a more balanced sound with stereo content, we recommend using the bar with its default settings.

7.0
Sound
Stereo Soundstage
Crosstalk Error
2.90 dB

The Samsung HW-Q600B's soundstage is decent. It's perceived to be about as wide as the bar itself, but it doesn't have any tricks to make it seem larger than that. Still, it has good focus, so sound effects like instruments seem to come from accurate, pinpoint locations in the soundstage.

7.3
Sound
Stereo Dynamics
SPL @ Max Volume
97.4 dB SPL
DRC @ Max Volume
3.58 dB

The Samsung Q600B gets loud enough to fill larger and more open spaces with sound. At max volume, there are some compression and pumping artifacts present, which affect the overall clarity of audio reproduction.

7.1
Sound
Stereo Total Harmonic Distortion
Weighted THD @ 80dB
0.60
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
2.97

The Samsung HW-Q600B's stereo THD performance is decent. At a normal listening volume, distortion falls within good limits, so audio reproduction is clean and pure. As with most bars, there's a jump in THD when the bar's pushed to max volume. However, distortion is hard to hear with most real-life content, so it's not a huge issue unless you're a very astute audiophile.

8.3
Sound
Center
Localization
Discrete
Slope
-0.64
Std. Err.
2.72 dB
SPL @ Max Volume
88.4 dB SPL
Weighted THD @ 80dB
0.72
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
2.84

This 3.1 soundbar comes with a discrete center channel to improve vocal reproduction. It offers great performance, with a balanced frequency response that ensures voices are clearly and accurately reproduced in the mix.

0.7
Sound
Surround 5.1
Localization
Not Supported
Slope
-7.02
Std. Err.
24.40 dB
SPL @ Max Volume
64.9 dB SPL
Weighted THD @ 80dB
128.53
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
131.30
7.1 Rears
No

In comparison with other soundbars like the Samsung HW-Q600A, this bar's surround performance is unusual. When we send surround localization tones to the bar, audio only comes from the subwoofer, while the right and left channels are silent. This is exemplified by the unique shape of the frequency response graph since the only sound comes from the lower frequencies played by the subwoofer itself.

When the bar is plugged into a TV via eARC to play real-life content, however, sound plays from the right and left channels in addition to the subwoofer. The TV may be downmixing the surround content, rather than the bar itself. Let us know in the discussions if you experience similar issues with this soundbar.

6.1
Sound
Height (Atmos)
Localization
Phantom (Front Firing, Bar)
Slope
-0.40
Std. Err.
3.18 dB
SPL @ Max Volume
83.9 dB SPL
Weighted THD @ 80dB
1.28
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
0.81

The Samsung Q600B is advertised as a 3.1.2 setup with two up-firing channels built into the top of the bar. Unlike the Samsung HW-Q600A, however, the bar's up-firing channels don't play any sound with Atmos content. Instead, audio comes from the two front-firing channels.

Subjectively, the bar's Atmos performance is noticeably better than listening to content with only TV speakers. Thanks to the dedicated subwoofer, there's a good amount of rumble in action-packed scenes. Details are clearly reproduced, as exemplified by the balanced frequency response. That said, you don't get an immersive feel, as the bar struggles to make it seem like audio is coming from above you or around you.

7.7
Sound
Sound Enhancement Features
Room Correction
No
Dialogue Enhancement
Yes
Auto-Volume/Night Mode
Yes
Subwoofer Level Adjustment
Yes
Bass Adjustment
Yes
Treble Adjustment
Yes
EQ
Graphic + Presets
Surround Level Adjustment
No
Rear Level Adjustment
Yes
Height Level Adjustment
Yes
Virtual Surround
Yes

The Samsung HW-Q600B supports lots of different sound enhancement features. While it doesn't have a room correction feature like more premium models on the market, you can still adjust its audio reproduction based on your room's acoustics using its graphic EQ and presets. Modes like Surround Sound, Standard, Game Pro, and Adaptive Sound let you adjust the bar's sound to your liking. If you add on rear speakers, you can adjust the rear levels.

As with many soundbar and TV manufacturers, Samsung advertises a feature that's designed to improve audio reproduction when the bar is paired with a compatible Samsung TV. It's called Q-Symphony, and it syncs the bar's speakers with your TV speakers. In practice, we found that this feature increases the volume, but otherwise, it doesn't make much of a difference in the sound quality. As with most of these features, it's not necessary to enjoy content with your soundbar.

Connectivity
Connectivity
Inputs/Outputs - Bar
Optical Audio In
1
HDMI Out
eARC
HDMI 2.1 Class Bandwidth
No
Full HDMI In
1
Analog Audio In 3.5mm (Aux)
No
RCA In
No
USB for Files
1
Ethernet
No
Subwoofer Output
No

You can connect this bar to your TV using HDMI or Optical connections. There's a Full HDMI In port, which lets you use the bar as a hub between different devices, like when you want to passthrough high-quality video.

6.6
Connectivity
Audio Format Support: ARC/eARC
Dolby Atmos
Supported
Dolby Digital
Incorrect Implementation
Dolby Digital Plus
Incorrect Implementation
Dolby TrueHD
Incorrect Implementation
DTS
Supported
DTS:X
Incorrect Implementation
DTS-HD MA
Incorrect Implementation
PCM Channels
Up To 7.1

The Samsung HW-Q600B supports many different audio formats that are commonly found on both streaming platforms and Blu-rays discs. In our tests, we use a Murideo HDMI testing device to confirm audio support, and it appears that the bar can playback these formats. However, in practice, when we try to play the left and right surround localization tones, no sound plays from the left or the right channels. The behavior is unusual, and at this time, we can't confirm whether it's unique to our testing unit or not. Please let us know in the forums if you experience any similar issues.

6.6
Connectivity
Audio Format Support: HDMI In
Dolby Atmos
Supported
Dolby Digital
Incorrect Implementation
Dolby Digital Plus
Incorrect Implementation
Dolby TrueHD
Incorrect Implementation
DTS
Supported
DTS:X
Incorrect Implementation
DTS-HD MA
Incorrect Implementation
PCM Channels
Up To 7.1

The bar's surround channels exhibit the same strange behavior via HDMI In. While it appears to support many different audio formats, when we send surround localization tones to the bar, we only hear audio through the sub, while the left or right surround channels are quiet. Again, let us know if you have similar issues in the discussions.

7.8
Connectivity
Audio Format Support: Optical
Dolby Digital
Incorrect Implementation
DTS
Supported
PCM Channels
2.0

We also tried to send surround localization tones to the bar via Optical, and it exhibited the same unusual behavior as it did over eARC and HDMI In. The left and right surround channels are quiet, and sound is audible only from the subwoofer.

7.4
Connectivity
Latency
ARC
48 ms
Optical
74 ms
Full HDMI In
-75 ms

The bar has relatively low latency, so it's a good choice for watching videos and movies. Since audio appears in sync with the video you see, you don't notice any lip-synching issues. Of course, some apps and TVs compensate for latency differently, so your real-world experience can vary. If you have any issues, the bar's Audio Sync feature lets you control the delay manually, which is handy.

7.3
Connectivity
Video Passthrough To TV
1080p Max Refresh Rate
60Hz
1080p @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate
60Hz
4k Max Refresh Rate
60Hz
4k @ 120Hz @ 10-Bit
Not Supported
4k @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate
60Hz
8k Max Refresh Rate
30Hz
HDR10 Passthrough
Yes
HDR10+ Passthrough
Yes
Dolby Vision Passthrough
Yes
HDMI Forum VRR Passthrough
Yes
FreeSync Passthrough
No
G-SYNC Passthrough
No
ALLM Passthrough
Yes

This soundbar can passthrough some common refresh rates and resolutions. Our Murideo device says that it can passthrough 1080p at 120 Hz, but as with the Samsung HW-Q600C/Q60CC, this isn't in line with the real-world performance of the bar. When connected to PCs, consoles, and various brands of TVs, the bar can only do 1080p @ 60Hz. Let us know in the forums if you run into the same issue.

6.0
Connectivity
Wireless Playback
Bluetooth
Yes
Wi-Fi Playback
No
Chromecast built-in
No
Apple AirPlay
No
Spotify Connect
No

You can wirelessly stream audio to the bar from your mobile devices via Bluetooth. Plus, the bar supports Tap Sound, so you can simply "tap" certain compatible Samsung phones against the bar to mirror audio to the bar.

Additional Features
Additional Features
Interface
Display
Yes

There's a small display on the right side of the bar, located beneath the metal grille. It's a four-character display, so it has to scroll for longer words. Still, it's a handy way to see settings like the volume number and current input as you adjust them.

Additional Features
Bar Controls

On top of the bar, there are a few physical buttons. You can use them to power it on/off, adjust the volume, or change the input.

Additional Features
Remote

The remote is simple and lets you control the bar's functions. Since there's no app compatibility, it's the only way to adjust the bar's settings.

Additional Features
Voice Assistants Support
Amazon Alexa
No
Google Assistant
No
Apple Siri
No
Microphone Mute
No