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Samsung HW-Q930B Soundbar Review

Tested using Methodology v1.2
Reviewed Jul 26, 2022 at 11:26 am
Latest change: Retest Jan 09, 2024 at 04:34 pm
Samsung HW-Q930B Picture
8.2
Mixed Usage
8.4
Dialogue/TV Shows
8.1
Music
8.1
Movies
This soundbar was replaced by the Samsung HW-Q930C

The Samsung HW-Q930B is a 9.1.4 bar released in 2022 as a more affordable alternative to the premium Samsung HW-Q990B. It's much smaller in size than the manufacturer's flagship model. However, it still comes with a dedicated subwoofer to bring plenty of rumble in the bass, as well as rear speakers with a new design that maximizes immersive audio formats like Dolby Atmos. While it lacks Auto EQ room correction to adjust the subwoofer's output, its SpaceFit Sound feature still allows you to optimize the bar's audio reproduction based on your room's unique acoustics. There are lots of other customization tools on hand, too, including Samsung's Q-Symphony, which pairs the bar with certain compatible TVs for a more immersive sound.

Our Verdict

8.2 Mixed Usage

The Samsung HW-Q930B is impressive for mixed usage. It's a premium bar with lots of features and a great sound right out of the box. With balanced mids, voices and lead instruments are clear and present in the mix, making it suitable for lots of different music genres as well as vocal-heavy TV shows. There's plenty of rumble in the bass to bring action-packed movies to life. With its rear speakers, you get a truly immersive sound with surround sound and Dolby Atmos content. There are also lots of customization features on hand if you prefer a different sound.

Pros
  • 7-band graphic EQ.
  • Extended low-bass.
  • Impressive Atmos performance.
  • Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Apple AirPlay compatibility.
Cons
  • No Chromecast built-in support.
8.4 Dialogue/TV Shows

The Samsung HW-Q930B is impressive for dialogue-heavy TV shows and podcasts. With its discrete center channel, it reproduces voices with greater accuracy. Its balanced mids ensure that dialogue is detailed and clear in the mix. You can even use its dialogue enhancement feature, called Voice Enhance, if you have trouble hearing voices. You have lots of wireless playback options for streaming podcasts from your phone to the bar.

Pros
  • 7-band graphic EQ.
  • Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Apple AirPlay compatibility.
Cons
  • No Chromecast built-in support.
8.1 Music

The Samsung HW-Q930B is great for music. If you have a compatible Samsung TV, you can use its SpaceFit Sound room correction feature to calibrate the bar to your room's unique acoustics. With it on, the bar's sound is neutral, especially in the mids, where most voices and instruments reproduce. There's a little extra punch in the bass range to bring bass-heavy genres like hip-hop and EDM to life. If you prefer a different sound, you have lots of customization tools on hand, including a 7-band graphic EQ.

Pros
  • 7-band graphic EQ.
  • Gets loud.
  • Extended low-bass.
Cons
  • Some compression at max volume.
8.1 Movies

The Samsung HW-Q930B is great for movies. It supports lots of different audio formats that you're likely to find on streaming platforms and Blu-rays alike, including Dolby Digital and Dolby Atmos. For 5.1 surround sound formats like Dolby Digital, its rear speakers provide a clear and real sound that makes it seem like the action is happening around you. Object-based formats like Dolby Atmos have lots of height, and sound effects seem like they're coming from pinpoint locations in the space around you. With its rumbling low-bass, the floor shakes during action-packed scenes, giving a real cinematic feel.

Pros
  • Extended low-bass.
  • Impressive Atmos performance.
Cons
  • Some compression at max volume.
  • 8.2 Mixed Usage
  • 8.4 Dialogue/TV Shows
  • 8.1 Music
  • 8.1 Movies
  1. Updated Jan 09, 2024: Added information to the Wireless Playback and Voice Assistant Support boxes as Chromecast and Google Assistant support is region-specific.
  2. Updated Oct 06, 2023: Added market comparison with the Samsung HW-Q930C in the Style - Bar box.
  3. Updated Oct 03, 2023: Clarified the Stereo Frequency Response with Preliminary Calibration box as this model's Treble EQ doesn't affect the sound when on its Standard preset.
  4. Updated Jul 12, 2023: Added market comparison with the Samsung HW-Q900C in the Style - Satellites box.
  5. Updated Jun 02, 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.
  6. Updated Mar 21, 2023: Added a market comparison to the JBL Bar 1000 in the Style - Satellites box.
  7. Updated Mar 07, 2023: Added cable lengths to In The Box.
  8. Updated Mar 06, 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.
  9. Updated Oct 14, 2022: Added market comparison for the Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2 eARC to the 'Style - Sub' box.
  10. Updated Sep 22, 2022: Added market comparison for the Samsung HW-Q910B to the 'Height (Atmos)' box.
  11. Updated Jul 26, 2022: While we previously reported that the bar lacked a virtual surround feature, we were able to confirm that it's available on the remote. The Sound Enhancement Features score has been updated.
  12. Updated Jul 26, 2022: Review published.
  13. Updated Jul 22, 2022: Early access published.
  14. Updated Jul 11, 2022: Our testers have started testing this product.
  15. Updated Jul 05, 2022: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
  16. Updated Jul 01, 2022: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.

Differences Between Sizes And Variants

The Samsung HW-Q930B is available in 'Black'. 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, and we'll update our review.

Compared To Other Soundbars

The Samsung HW-Q930B is a premium 9.1.4 soundbar that offers a versatile performance overall. While its soundstage isn't as wide and immersive as more premium models like the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 with Speakers + Bass Module or the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers, it still offers really good performance, especially with surround sound and Dolby Atmos content. It has a similar sound to the Samsung HW-Q990B, with most of the same features. It's a good option for those who don't want to spend as much on Samsung's flagship offering.

See also our recommendations for the best soundbars, the best Dolby Atmos soundbars, and the best Samsung soundbars.

Samsung HW-Q930C

The Samsung HW-Q930C is the next generation of the Samsung HW-Q930B. They're both 9.1.4 Dolby Atmos soundbars with rear satellites. They offer similar performances overall, though the Q930C is a bit better, with a slightly more neutral sound out-of-the-box that some users may prefer.

Samsung HW-Q800B

The Samsung HW-Q930B is better than the Samsung HW-Q800B. The Q930B is a 9.1.4 setup, and unlike the Q800B, it comes with two satellites that improve its performance with surround sound. Its Atmos performance is more impressive, too, as its satellites have up-firing drivers to bring a more immersive feel.

Samsung HW-Q990B

The Samsung HW-Q990B and the Samsung HW-Q930B are the top-of-the-line offerings from Samsung's 2022 lineup—and you can't go wrong with either bar. The Q990B is the best of the bunch. It's an 11.1.4 setup with two more channels and a bigger design that brings a little more punch in the bass range. The Auto EQ allows you to adjust its subwoofer's reproduction based on your room's acoustics, which the Q930B lacks. The extra two channels don't make much difference in the sound. You can still get an awesome sound with the Q930B for less.

JBL Bar 1000

The Samsung HW-Q930B is a bit better than the JBL Bar 1000, though they're both very versatile soundbars. The Samsung is a 9.1.4 setup, meaning it comes with two extra surround channels than the JBL. It also has more sound enhancement features, including bass and treble adjustments, and a more bass-heavy sound out-of-the-box. Plus, there's built-in voice assistant support, whereas you have to attach a third-party device to the JBL to control it with your voice. You may prefer the JBL bar's design since its satellites are truly wireless, unlike the Samsung model's.

JBL Bar 9.1

The JBL Bar 9.1 and the Samsung HW-Q930B are both really premium setups, and you can't go wrong with either one. The JBL's soundstage is better, and its unique truly wireless rear speakers are ideal if you don't want a lot of wires in your living room. That said, the Samsung comes with more sound enhancement features, like bass and treble adjustments as well as a graphic EQ to customize its sound.

Samsung HW-Q910B

The Samsung HW-Q930B is better than the Samsung HW-Q910B. Although they're both Dolby Atmos soundbars with many of the same sound enhancement features, the main difference between the two bars is the satellites that are included. The Q910B's satellites lack up-firing Atmos drivers, and the resulting performance with Atmos content isn't as impressive. They have to be wired to a receiver module to work, which can be limiting depending on your room setup.

LG S95QR

The LG S95QR and the Samsung HW-Q930B are two very versatile Dolby Atmos soundbars that can please lots of different listeners. Your personal preferences can vary, but the Samsung is the better choice for most listeners. Out-of-the-box, it has a more neutral sound, with more detail in the treble and less boom in the bass. Its surround and Atmos performances are better, too. That said, you can always customize the LG's sound to get a similar response to the Samsung if you wish.

Samsung HW-Q950A

The Samsung HW-Q950A and the Samsung HW-Q930B offer similar overall performances. The Q950A is an 11.1.4 setup released in 2021, whereas the Q930B is a 9.1.4 setup released in 2022. The Q930B reproduces more bass out-of-the-box, and it's better built. It doesn't get quite as loud as the Q950A, but that's likely not worth the extra price for most people.

Bose Smart Soundbar 900 with Speakers + Bass Module

The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 with Speakers + Bass Module and the Samsung HW-Q930B are both premium setups with versatile performances that will please most listeners. The Bose is a 5.1.2 setup with a much better soundstage, so you feel more immersed in its sound. However, it doesn't come with as many sound customization tools as the Samsung soundbar, and it doesn't support as many audio formats. Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer one over the other.

Samsung HW-Q900C

The Samsung HW-Q930B is better than the Samsung HW-Q900C. The Q930B has discrete satellite speakers, which noticeably improve its surround sound and Atmos performances compared to the Q900C. The Q900C is a good alternative if you have a smaller living room without space for extra satellites.

Samsung HW-Q950T

The Samsung HW-Q930B and the Samsung HW-Q950T are both very premium Dolby Atmos soundbars with versatile performances. If you want more features, the Q930B is the better choice. It's better-built, with more sound enhancement features such as room correction on hand. It even has Apple AirPlay 2 support, which the Q950T lacks.

Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2 eARC

The Samsung HW-Q930B is better than the Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2 eARC for most uses. These are two very different setups—the Samsung has one sub and two satellites, while the Nakamichi has two subs and four satellites. As a result, the Nakamichi is more geared towards those with large, more open living spaces. Still, it doesn't offer the same immersive listening experience as the Samsung model, especially with Dolby Atmos content. The Samsung is more customizable, too, with a more balanced sound out-of-the-box.

Samsung HW-Q800A

The Samsung HW-Q930B is better than the Samsung HW-Q800A. The Q930B is a 9.1.4 setup that comes with discrete satellites, unlike the 3.1.2 Q800A. As a result, it has a better performance with surround sound. Its Atmos performance is better, too, and there are also more sound enhancement features on hand, including room correction.

Samsung HW-Q90R

The Samsung HW-Q90R and the Samsung HW-Q930B are both really great Dolby Atmos soundbars, so depending on your listening habits, you may prefer one over the other. The sound is pretty similar, though the Q930B packs a little more punch in the bass right out-of-the-box. The Q930B also has more sound enhancement features, such as room correction. 

LG SP11RA

The LG SP11RA and the Samsung HW-Q930B are two very premium Dolby Atmos soundbars with versatile performances that please lots of different listeners. The Samsung is a bit better overall, though, as its surround and Atmos channels reproduce sound effects with greater detail and clarity to enhance your movie-watching experience. Since it has a graphic EQ, it's a little more customizable than the LG, too.

LG SP9YA

The Samsung HW-Q930B is better than the LG SP9YA. The Samsung is a premium bar with satellites included, so it has a better surround sound performance out-of-the-box. Its Atmos performance is better, too, and it even comes with a graphic EQ to make it more customizable than the LG.

Vizio M Series M512a-H6

The Samsung HW-Q930B is better than the Vizio M Series M512a-H6. The Samsung is a more premium Dolby Atmos soundbar and better built overall. Its surround and Atmos performances are better, so sound effects are more accurate in the mix, and it also comes with more sound enhancement features. However, the Vizio is a good option if you're looking for an immersive sound at a more affordable price. It even has a better soundstage than the Samsung soundbar.

Samsung HW-Q900A

The Samsung HW-Q930B is better than the Samsung HW-Q900A for most uses. The Q930B comes with rear speakers, meaning it provides a much more immersive sound with surround sound formats like Dolby Digital. It reproduces more low-bass out-of-the-box, too, and its Atmos performance is better. If you don't have space for rear speakers in your setup, the Q900A is a good alternative.

Samsung HW-Q850A

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. 

Sony HT-A7000 with Speakers + Bass Module

The Samsung HW-Q930B is better than the Sony HT-A7000 with Speakers + Bass Module. The Samsung has better surround and Atmos performances, so sound effects in your favorite movies are more clear and accurate in the mix. Its graphic EQ gives you more ability to customize its sound. It gets louder with less compression at max volume, too, so it's better suited for listening in larger rooms. 

Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers

The Samsung HW-Q930B and the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers are both premium offerings that can please lots of different types of listeners. You can't go wrong with either. The Sonos has a better, more immersive soundstage to make it seem like the action is happening all around you. Meanwhile, the Samsung soundbar offers more customization tools, and it reproduces more low-bass out-of-the-box. You can use the Sonos' bass adjustment tool to get a similar sound, so really, which is best depends on your listening habits.

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Test Results

perceptual testing image
Design
Design
Style - Bar

The Samsung HW-Q930B is a sleek, premium-looking bar with a similar design to the next-generation Samsung HW-Q930C. It's made of high-quality plastic, with metal grilles covering the front, sides, and top of the bar. The edges are angled to accommodate the side-firing speakers.

Design
Style - Subwoofer
Sub Wireless
Yes
Enclosure
Ported

The sub is mostly made of wood with a plastic plate on the back. On the side, there's fabric covering the speaker. If you have a larger living space and want a bar with two subwoofers, consider the 9.2.4 Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2 eARC.

Design
Style - Satellites
Satellite Wireless
Yes

The Samsung HW-Q930B's satellites have a new design compared to previous bars from the manufacturer, with a more angled look on the top and the bottom. Like the bar, they're made of plastic with metal grilles on the sides. They connect to the bar wirelessly, but you still have to plug them into a power outlet to use them. If you want a premium bar with truly wireless satellites, check out the JBL Bar 1000 or the Samsung HW-Q900C.

Design
Dimensions - Bar
Width 43.7" (111.1 cm)
Height 2.3" (5.9 cm)
Depth 4.7" (12.0 cm)

The Samsung HW-Q930B is rather wide, so it doesn't fit between the legs of most 55" TVs. Still, it's a smaller alternative to the Samsung HW-Q990B. Also, it isn't very tall, so it doesn't block your TV screen.

Design
Dimensions - Subwoofer
Width 8.2" (20.9 cm)
Height 15.8" (40.2 cm)
Depth 15.9" (40.3 cm)

The sub is roughly the same size as an average desktop computer, making it a smaller alternative to the sub that comes with the Samsung HW-Q990B.

Design
Dimensions - Satellites
Width 5.1" (13.0 cm)
Height 7.9" (20.0 cm)
Depth 5.6" (14.2 cm)

The satellites are sizeable, like most that come with premium setups. You can set them on a pedestal or mount them to your wall.

Design
Mounting
Mountable Bar
Yes
Bar Brackets Included
Yes
Mountable Satellites
Yes
Satellite Brackets Included
No
8.5
Design
Build Quality

The Samsung HW-Q930B has an excellent build quality. The bar and the satellites have a similar build, with good-quality plastic as well as metal grilles to protect the drivers inside. It's a noticeable upgrade over the fabric build on last year's Samsung HW-Q950A. The sub, meanwhile, is mostly made of wood. The fabric on the side is a potential weak point, as it's thin and likely to collect dust over time.

Design
In The Box

  • User manual
  • 4x rubber foot
  • Wall-mount template with bar brackets and screws
  • Remote with batteries (2x AA)
  • 4x power cord
  • HDMI cable (4.9 ft / 1.5m)

Sound
8.2
Sound
Stereo Frequency Response
Tested Preset
Standard
Slope
-0.52
Std. Err.
3.24 dB
Channels
9.1.4
Low-Frequency Extension
28.3 Hz
High-Frequency Extension
19.9 kHz

The Samsung HW-Q930B has a great stereo frequency response. Its 'Standard' mode offers a pretty neutral sound, especially in the mids where most voices and instruments are reproduced. There's a little extra punch in the bass, too, making it suitable for bass-heavy music genres like EDM and hip-hop. It provides an enjoyable listening experience that's suitable for lots of different types of audio content. You can customize it with its graphic EQ as well as its EQ presets. For stereo content, which includes most music and TV shows, 'Standard' sounds better— 'Adaptive Sound' sounds boxy and filtered, so it's not ideal.

8.2
Sound
Stereo Frequency Response With Preliminary Calibration
Suggested Preset
Standard
Suggested Bass Setting
-3
Suggested Treble Setting
0
Slope
0.00
Std. Err.
2.63 dB
Low-Frequency Extension
32.2 Hz
High-Frequency Extension
19.9 kHz

If you prefer a more neutral sound, you can set the bass to '-3'. The resulting frequency response is more balanced than with its standard settings, and voices and instruments are clear, with tight, accurate bass. As with other Samsung soundbars, the treble adjustment tool doesn't work when on Standard mode, but you can still adjust these frequencies using the graphic EQ in the SmartThings app.

7.5
Sound
Stereo Soundstage
Crosstalk Error
2.04 dB

The Samsung HW-Q930B has a good stereo soundstage. It has good focus, so sound effects are localized to pinpoint locations in the soundstage. For example, instruments in an orchestra seem like they're coming from where the musicians sit on the stage. On its 'Standard' mode, the soundstage is perceived to be a little wider than the bar itself. 'Adaptive Sound' widens it a little, but it sounds diffused, and sound is forced towards the back of the wall. For stereo content, it's usually best to stick with 'Standard' mode, though your subjective impressions may vary.

8.0
Sound
Stereo Dynamics
SPL @ Max Volume
95.9 dB SPL
DRC @ Max Volume
1.81 dB

The Samsung HW-Q930B has a great stereo dynamics performance. The bar gets loud, so it fills your room with sound. There's not too much compression at max volume, so audio reproduction is clear and pure even at loud volumes.

7.7
Sound
Stereo Total Harmonic Distortion
Weighted THD @ 80dB
0.46
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
1.42

The Samsung HW-Q930B has a good stereo THD performance. At a normal listening volume, distortion falls within good limits, so audio reproduction is clean and pure. While there's a small jump in THD at max volume, overall, distortion is hard to hear, so you aren't likely to notice it unless you're an astute audiophile.

8.2
Sound
Center
Localization
Discrete
Slope
-0.56
Std. Err.
3.13 dB
SPL @ Max Volume
89.2 dB SPL
Weighted THD @ 80dB
0.33
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
1.09

The Samsung HW-Q930B has a great center channel performance. This 9.1.4 soundbar has a discrete center channel, which helps reproduce dialogue with greater clarity and accuracy. Voices are localized to pinpoint locations in the soundstage, and thanks to its balanced frequency response, they're clear and detailed in the mix.

7.8
Sound
Surround 5.1
Localization
Discrete
Slope
-1.15
Std. Err.
4.39 dB
SPL @ Max Volume
92.1 dB SPL
Weighted THD @ 80dB
0.47
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
2.05
7.1 Rears
Yes

The Samsung HW-Q930B has a great surrounds performance. Its two discrete satellites provide a clear and accurate representation of sound effects in the soundstage. Sound seems like it's coming from all around you, rather than just from a speaker placed in front of you. There's a little extra bass mixed into these channels to provide thump and rumble to action-packed scenes like car crashes and explosions.

6.8
Sound
Height (Atmos)
Localization
Phantom (Up Firing, Bar & Satellites)
Slope
-0.56
Std. Err.
3.90 dB
SPL @ Max Volume
91.4 dB SPL
Weighted THD @ 80dB
0.50
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
0.93

The Samsung HW-Q930B has up-firing drivers built into the bar and the satellites, which ricochet sound off the ceiling to create the illusion of height. With its neutral sound, sound effects are clear and present in the mix.

Subjectively, the bar provides a good listening experience with Atmos content. It immerses you in the sound, with a wide and tall soundstage that makes it seem like sound effects are taking place all around you, each matching the action you see on the screen. The bass provides good rumble, too, so you feel the rumble in explosions and other action-packed scenes like you would at a movie theater. Its performance is comparable to the more premium Samsung HW-Q990B, and it offers more detail than the more affordable Samsung HW-Q910B.

9.5
Sound
Sound Enhancement Features
Room Correction
Yes
Dialogue Enhancement
Yes
Auto-Volume/Night Mode
Yes
Subwoofer Level Adjustment
Yes
Bass Adjustment
Yes
Treble Adjustment
Yes
EQ
Graphic + Presets
Surround Level Adjustment
Yes
Rear Level Adjustment
Yes
Height Level Adjustment
Yes
Virtual Surround
Yes

The Samsung HW-Q930B has an incredible selection of sound enhancement features. This premium bar gives you access to most of Samsung's customization tools, including a 7-band graphic EQ and EQ presets like 'Standard', 'Surround Sound', 'Game', and 'Adaptive Sound'. Using the Settings button on the remote, you have a dialogue enhancement tool called Voice Enhance as well as a night mode feature to balance the volume level between different programs and commercials. Like most premium bars, it has a room correction feature to optimize the soundbar's output based on your room's acoustics— it's called SpaceFit Sound. Compared to the Samsung HW-Q990B, there's no Auto EQ; however, this feature only adjusts the subwoofer's output, so you may not find it's worth the extra cost.

If you have a compatible Samsung TV, you can use the Q-Symphony feature, too. It syncs the bar without your TV to create a more immersive sound using the TV's speakers in tandem with the bar. In practice, it doesn't make a noticeable difference with the sound, so it's not worth it to get a Samsung TV specifically to use this feature.

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
No
Ethernet
No
Subwoofer Output
No

The Samsung HW-Q930B has lots of connectivity options. You can connect it to your TV via Optical or HDMI, and there's even an HDMI cable included in the box. You can use it as a hub between different devices, too, using its Full HDMI In port.

10
Connectivity
Audio Format Support: ARC/eARC
Dolby Atmos
Supported
Dolby Digital
Supported
Dolby Digital Plus
Supported
Dolby TrueHD
Supported
DTS
Supported
DTS:X
Supported
DTS-HD MA
Supported
PCM Channels
Up To 7.1

The Samsung HW-Q930B supports lots of different audio formats. If you watch a lot of content on streaming platforms, you're likely to come across a lot of Dolby Digital and Dolby Atmos content, both of which are supported by the bar.

10
Connectivity
Audio Format Support: HDMI In
Dolby Atmos
Supported
Dolby Digital
Supported
Dolby Digital Plus
Supported
Dolby TrueHD
Supported
DTS
Supported
DTS:X
Supported
DTS-HD MA
Supported
PCM Channels
Up To 7.1

The Samsung HW-Q930B supports lots of audio formats via HDMI In. It can playback common surround sound formats like Dolby Digital, as well as lossless and object-based formats like Dolby Atmos.

10
Connectivity
Audio Format Support: Optical
Dolby Digital
Supported
DTS
Supported
PCM Channels
2.0

Via Optical, the Samsung HW-Q930B can playback both common surround sound formats, Dolby Digital and DTS. Dolby Digital is commonly found on streaming platforms, and you're likely to come across DTS with most Blu-rays.

8.6
Connectivity
Latency
ARC
49 ms
Optical
67 ms
Full HDMI In
6 ms

The Samsung HW-Q930B has an excellent latency performance. With relatively low latency, you don't notice a delay between the audio you hear and the video you see, even with lip-synching content. You can also connect the bar with compatible Samsung TVs via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, and there aren't any noticeable issues with latency over those connections, either. Of course, different apps and TVs compensate for latency differently, so your real-world experience can vary. If you have any issues, you can use the AV Sync feature to adjust the latency manually.

8.5
Connectivity
Video Passthrough To TV
1080p Max Refresh Rate
120Hz
1080p @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate
120Hz
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

The Samsung HW-Q930B can passthrough some of the highest-quality bandwidth signals, meaning you can connect it between different devices like your PC and your TV for clear and crisp text on the screen. There's Dolby Vision Passthrough support, too, though it can't passthrough 4k @ 120Hz.

9.0
Connectivity
Wireless Playback
Bluetooth
Yes
Wi-Fi Playback
Yes
Chromecast built-in
No
Apple AirPlay
Yes
Spotify Connect
Yes

The Samsung HW-Q930B lets you wirelessly playback audio from your mobile devices over a Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or Apple AirPlay 2 connection. Chromecast is available in some regions, too, so if you want to use this feature, check out your country's product page to see if it's available.

Samsung's Tap Sound feature is another way to play audio from your phone on the bar. It works through Bluetooth, so you tap your compatible phone against the bar to get it to play audio from your phone. It's handy, but if your phone isn't compatible, you can still just stream audio wirelessly via Bluetooth.

Additional Features
Additional Features
Interface
Display
Yes

The Samsung HW-Q930B has a small four-character display on the right side of the bar. It shows the volume level and the current input as you change them, scrolling through longer words so you can read them. If you press the 'i' button on the remote, it also shows the format being played.

Additional Features
Bar Controls

There are some physical buttons on the top of the bar. You can use them to change the input, adjust the volume, and turn the microphone on and off.

Additional Features
Remote

The Samsung HW-Q930B's remote gives you access to some additional features, meaning you can change the sound mode and the input, for example, from the comfort of your couch. The Samsung SmartThings app also acts as a remote if you prefer to control your bar from your phone.

Additional Features
Voice Assistants Support
Amazon Alexa
Yes (Built-in)
Google Assistant
No
Apple Siri
No
Microphone Mute
Yes

You can control the Samsung HW-Q930B with your voice using Amazon Alexa. In some regions, Google Assistant support is available, too. If you don't want it to listen to you, there's a mic mute button on top of the bar.