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.
Our Verdict
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.
- Graphic EQ and presets.
- Gets loud.
- Discrete surround speakers.
- Compression artifacts 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.
- Dialogue enhancement feature.
- Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Apple AirPlay 2 compatibility.
- No 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.
- Graphic EQ and presets.
- Gets loud.
- Compression artifacts 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.
- Gets loud.
- Discrete surround speakers.
- Compression artifacts at max volume.
Changelog
- Updated Oct 18, 2022: Added information about Dolby Vision Passthrough support to 'Other Input Specifications'.
- Updated Sep 22, 2022: Added market comparison for the Samsung HW-Q910B to the 'Style - Satellites' box.
- Updated May 19, 2021: Review published.
- Updated May 17, 2021: Early access published.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
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.
Popular Soundbar Comparisons
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Test Results
