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Samsung HW-Q950T Soundbar Review

Tested using Methodology v1.0
Reviewed Sep 21, 2020 at 08:33 am
Latest change: Writing modified Oct 14, 2022 at 01:04 pm
Samsung HW-Q950T Picture
8.2
Mixed Usage
8.2
Dialogue/TV Shows
8.2
Music
8.2
Movies
This soundbar was replaced by the Samsung HW-Q950A

The Samsung HW-Q950T is a 9.1.4 setup from 2020. It has a neutral and balanced sound profile that delivers a thumpy, punchy bass suitable for a variety of audio content. It also has several sound enhancement features like a graphic EQ plus presets so that you can tweak its sound. As a high-end soundbar, it comes with Q-Symphony, a feature that works in tandem with compatible Samsung QLED TVs to create a more immersive audio experience, but we don't currently test this feature. However, despite its elevated price point, it has a mostly plastic and fabric build, which feels like a bit of a step down from Samsung's other premium models that use metal grilles. It also has a screen on its top side, which is impossible to see unless you're standing directly over it. Still, if you're looking for a soundbar that works more closely with your Samsung TV, this is a solid choice.

Note: There have been some reports of the subwoofer or satellites' sound cutting out or dropping, possibly because of issues with the wireless connection. We didn't experience this issue with our test unit. However, this may be because our testing space doesn't have many issues with interference, since there aren't a lot of other Wi-Fi networks in the area.

Our Verdict

8.2 Mixed Usage

The Samsung HW-Q950T is great for mixed use. Whether you're watching movies or listening to music, this bar has a balanced and neutral sound. If you want to tweak its sound, it has a graphic EQ as well as presets. There's a dialogue enhancement feature, which is great if you like to listen to audiobooks or TV shows. It can get loud enough to be used during a house party, and you can also stream your favorite songs to it using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. It even supports Atmos, giving you a more immersive movie experience.

Pros
  • Well-balanced sound profile.
  • Can get loud.
  • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth compatible.
  • Supports Atmos.
Cons
  • No room correction.
8.2 Dialogue/TV Shows

The Samsung HW-Q950T is great for dialogue and TV shows. It has a balanced and neutral sound, which helps reproduce clear and accurate dialogue. There's also a dialogue enhancement feature to further improve vocal content. You can stream podcasts and audiobooks to the bar using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth too, which is great.

Pros
  • Well-balanced sound profile.
  • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth compatible.
Cons
  • No auto-volume/night mode.
8.2 Music

The Samsung HW-Q950T is great for music. It has a neutral and balanced sound profile suitable for most music genres and if you like to tweak your sound, there's a graphic EQ and presets to help you get the most out of your audio. It has a good soundstage that's as wide as the bar and focused. As it can get quite loud, you can even crank the volume to your favorite tunes without too many compression artifacts.

Pros
  • Well-balanced sound profile.
  • Can get loud.
  • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth compatible.
Cons
  • No room correction.
8.2 Movies

The Samsung HW-Q950T is very good for movies. It has a balanced sound profile that's capable of delivering a thumpy bass to liven explosions in action movies. If you prefer a different sound, it has a graphic EQ and presets. It can get pretty loud and there aren't many compression artifacts present at max volume. However, while it supports Atmos, its surround and height performances aren't as immersive as a home theater setup.

Pros
  • Well-balanced sound profile.
  • Can get loud.
  • Supports Atmos.
Cons
  • Disappointing height performance.
  • 8.2 Mixed Usage
  • 8.2 Dialogue/TV Shows
  • 8.2 Music
  • 8.2 Movies
  1. Updated Oct 14, 2022: Added market comparison for the Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2 eARC to the 'Style - Sub' box.
  2. Updated Nov 25, 2021: Confirmed 5.1 PCM support via eARC with firmware update.
  3. Updated Jun 17, 2021: Updated Surround 5.1 setup photo.
  4. Updated May 14, 2021: Updated 5.1 PCM support via ARC and Full HDMI In after updating firmware.
  5. Updated Mar 18, 2021: Updated latency measurements with new methodology.
  6. Updated Feb 09, 2021: Updated to Firmware 1017.5. No changes to Audio Format Support via ARC or Full HDMI In.
  7. Updated Feb 09, 2021: Converted to Test Bench 1.0.
  8. Updated Sep 21, 2020: Review published.
  9. Updated Sep 04, 2020: Early access published.
  10. Updated Aug 24, 2020: Our testers have started testing this product.
  11. Updated Aug 21, 2020: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
  12. Updated Jul 29, 2020: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.

Compared To Other Soundbars

The Samsung HW-Q950T is a premium 9.1.4 setup from Samsung's 2020 lineup. This soundbar has a neutral sound profile capable of reproducing a nice low bass. It comes with Q-Symphony, which allows you to connect this soundbar to a compatible 2020 Samsung QLED TV that supports this feature and use its speakers in addition to those in the setup to create a more immersive experience, but we don't test for this feature. If you're looking for more soundbars, check out the best soundbars for Dolby Atmos, the best soundbars for movies, and the best soundbars.

Sonos Arc

The Samsung HW-Q950T is a better overall soundbar than the basic Sonos Arc setup. The Samsung is a 9.1.4 setup with a better-balanced sound profile, and it has a graphic EQ and presets so you can tweak the sound to your liking. You can stream audio to the bar using Bluetooth, too, and it supports 4k @ 60Hz passthrough. It also has a better surround performance. However, the Sonos is a 5.1.4 setup with better center and height performance. It has room correction and an auto-volume/night mode. While it has limited inputs, you can also stream audio using Apple AirPlay.

Samsung HW-Q990B

The Samsung HW-Q990B is a bit better than the Samsung HW-Q950T. The Q990B is a newer bar with more features, including room correction to optimize the sound based on your room's unique acoustics. Its surround sound and Atmos performances are better, so sound effects reproduce more accurately in your favorite movies. The Q950T is still a really good bar, so you can't go wrong with either pick.

Samsung HW-Q950A

The Samsung HW-Q950A is a better soundbar than the Samsung HW-Q950T. The HW-Q950A comes with more sound enhancement features, including room correction and auto-volume mode. It also supports Apple AirPlay 2, and it even comes with some sound features that we don't test for, like SpaceFit Sound and TapSound. However, the HW-Q950T gets louder with less compression at max volume.

Samsung HW-Q930B

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.

Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers

The Samsung HW-Q950T is a better soundbar than the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers. The Samsung is a 9.1.4 setup that offers a more neutral sound profile out-of-the-box and gets louder with less compression. It also comes with a graphic EQ and two Full HDMI In ports. However, the 5.1.2 Sonos is better built, with a better soundstage performance and a room correction feature.

Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2 eARC

The Samsung HW-Q950T is better than the Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2 eARC for most uses. Overall, the Samsung soundbar has a more balanced sound out-of-the-box, with more sound enhancement tools to customize its sound. It offers a more immersive sound with Dolby Atmos content, too. Since it comes with one sub and two satellites, the Samsung model more closely resembles other soundbars on the market. That said, the Nakamichi comes with two subs and four satellites, a unique design that's more suited for those with larger living spaces to fill with sound.

Samsung HW-Q800A

The Samsung HW-Q950T is a better soundbar than the Samsung HW-Q800A. The HW-Q950T is a 9.1.4 setup with discrete satellite speakers that offer a better surrounds performance. It also gets louder. However, the 3.1.2 HW-Q800A is better built and supports Apple AirPlay.

JBL Bar 9.1

The Samsung HW-Q950T is better than the JBL Bar 9.1. The Samsung is a 9.1.4 setup that can reproduce a more extended low-bass. It can get louder with less thumping and compression artifacts and comes with a graphic EQand a dialogue enhancement feature. However, the JBL is a 5.1.4 setup that has a better build quality. Unlike the Samsung, the JBL uses detachable wireless satellite speakers to create a more immersive audio experience. It also has a better stereo soundstage performance.

Bose Smart Soundbar 900 with Speakers + Bass Module

The Samsung HW-Q950T and the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 with Speakers + Bass Module are both premium setups. The Bose is better built, and it offers a better soundstage performance. These setups have different sound enhancement features available: the Bose has room correction, whereas the Samsung has a graphic EQ. The Samsung also gets louder, and it has DTS support. There's also a Full HDMI In port available for high quality passthrough.

Sonos Beam

The Sonos Beam and the Samsung HW-Q950T are two very different setups. The Samsung is a very versatile 9.1.4 setup with a dedicated sub and satellites. It gets louder and can reproduce a more extended low-bass. Unlike the Sonos, it supports Atmos content and has a Full HDMI In port for high-quality passthrough. Its surround performance is better, too. However, the Sonos is a solid choice if you want a compact 3.0 setup for enhancing dialogue-centric content like TV shows. It even has a better soundstage than the Samsung.

Samsung HW-Q90R

The Samsung HW-Q90R and the Samsung HW-Q950R are two differently performing soundbars with different setups. The HW-Q90R is a 7.1.4 setup that feels better built and has less compression at max volume. Its center, surrounds, and height performances are slightly better. The HW-Q950T, in comparison, is a 9.1.4 setup that's able to reproduce slightly more bass.

Samsung HW-Q70T

The Samsung HW-Q950T is better than the Samsung HW-Q70T. The HW-Q950T is a 9.1.4 setup that has better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. It reproduces a more extended low-bass, and it gets louder. Also, it has built-in voice assistant support. However, the HW-Q70T is a 3.1.2 setup that's better-built.

Samsung HW-Q900A

The Samsung HW-Q950T is a slightly better soundbar than the Samsung HW-Q900A. The HW-Q950T has a more balanced sound profile out-of-the-box, and it gets louder. It also offers a better surround performance. That said, the HW-Q900A comes with more sound enhancement features, including room correction and auto-volume mode. It also supports Apple AirPlay 2 connectivity.

LG SP9YA

The Samsung HW-Q950T is a 9.1.4 setup that's better than the 5.1.2 LG SP9YA. The Samsung comes with discrete satellites that offer a better surrounds performance. Also, it gets louder, and it comes with a graphic EQ. However, the LG is better built, and it has room correction and more wireless playback support.

Bose Smart Soundbar 700 with Speakers + Bass Module

The 9.1.4 Samsung HW-Q950T is a better soundbar than the Bose Smart Soundbar 700 with Speakers + Bass Module. The Samsung gets louder, and it has a better surrounds performance. It supports Dolby Atmos content, and it comes with a graphic EQ and presets, as well as a Full HDMI In port that supports 4k passthrough. However, the Bose is better built, and it has a better soundstage performance.

Samsung HW-Q900T

The Samsung HW-Q950T is better than the Samsung HW-Q900T. The HW-Q950T is a 9.1.4 setup that comes with discrete satellite speakers. It gets louder with less compression at max volume, and it has better surround and Atmos performances. That said, both soundbars have lots of sound customization and connectivity options.

Samsung HW-Q800T

The Samsung HW-Q950T is a better soundbar than the Samsung HW-Q800T. The HW-Q950T is a 9.1.4 setup that comes with discrete satellites, offering a better surrounds performance. It also gets louder, and it has better soundstage and Atmos performances. However, the 3.1.2 HW-Q800T is better built.

Samsung HW-Q850A

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.

LG SN9YG

The Samsung HW-Q950T is better than the LG SN9YG. The Samsung is a 9.1.4 setup with better soundstage, center, surround, and Atmos performances. It also gets louder, and it has a graphic EQ for sound customization. However, the LG is better built with a room correction feature.

LG S95QR

The Samsung HW-Q950T and the LG S95QR are both really premium soundbars with Dolby Atmos support, and their versatile performances make them suitable for most uses. That said, the Samsung is a bit better overall. It gets louder, and it has a better surrounds performance. Its default sound is more neutral, too, especially compared to the LG's bass-heavy sound. You're able to customize the LG to get a more neutral response, though. 

Sony HT-A7000 with Speakers + Bass Module

The Samsung HW-Q950T is better than the Sony HT-A7000 with Speakers + Bass Module. The Samsung is a 9.1.4 setup with better center and Atmos performances. It can also get louder with less compression at max volume. That said, the Sony is still a very premium setup. It's better built, and it offers more wireless playback options.

LG SN11RG

The LG SN11RG is a 7.1.4 setup, while the Samsung HW-Q950T is a 9.1.4 setup. The Samsung is a bit better for mixed usage, and it has better center and surround performances. It also gets louder with less compression at max volume. Some users may prefer its more neutral sound profile, and it even comes with a graphic EQ to customize it. That said, the LG feels better built and produces a more punchy and boomy sound. It even has room correction as well as an auto-volume mode.

Sony HT-A7000

The Samsung HW-Q950T is better than the standalone Sony HT-A7000. The Samsung is a 9.1.4 setup with a dedicated sub and satellites included. It has better surround and Atmos performances, and it gets louder. It can also reproduce a more extended low-bass. When it comes to sound enhancement features, your personal preferences may play a role in which bar you prefer. The Samsung has a graphic EQ, whereas the Sony has room correction and auto-volume features. The Sony is also better built, and you can upgrade it down the line.

Sonos Beam (Gen 2)

The Samsung HW-Q950T and the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) are two very different soundbars. The Samsung is a 9.1.4 setup that has a subwoofer and satellite speakers. It's much more versatile, with better surrounds and a more extended low-bass out of the box. But if you're low on space, the Sonos' small, standalone design is ideal. It's still a good choice for vocal-centric content and music, and it even has a better soundstage than the Samsung soundbar.

Klipsch Cinema 800

The Samsung HW-Q950T is better than the Klipsch Cinema 800. The Samsung is a better built 9.1.4 setup with discrete satellites. It has better surround and Atmos performances, and it gets louder. Unlike the Klipsch, it supports DTS content and built-in voice assistant capabilities. However, the 3.1 Klipsch is still a solid choice for dialogue-centric content like TV shows.

LG SP11RA

The Samsung HW-Q950T is a bit better for mixed usage than the LG SP11RA. The Samsung gets louder, and it has better surround and Atmos performances. It also has built-in voice assistant support, whereas the LG requires a third-party device to use voice assistants. That said, the LG is better built with a room correction feature and more wireless playback options.

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX

The Samsung HW-Q950T is better than the Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX. The Samsung is a 9.1.4 setup that has better soundstage and surround performances. Its default sound profile is more neutral, which some listeners may prefer. It also has built-in voice assistant support. That said, only the Sennheiser has room correction and Chromecast built-in.

Vizio M Series M512a-H6

The Vizio M Series M512a-H6 and the Samsung HW-Q950T are both very versatile setups, so depending on your listening habits, you may prefer one over the other. The Vizio is a more budget-friendly pick with a better soundstage. However, it doesn't get as loud as the Samsung, and its surround sound performance isn't quite as impressive. The Samsung also has a graphic EQ, so you have more ability to customize its sound.

Bose Smart Soundbar 700

The Samsung HW-Q950T is a better soundbar than the Bose Smart Soundbar 700. The Samsung is a 9.1.4 setup that comes with a sub and satellites and supports Dolby Atmos content. It reproduces a more extended low bass and has better surrounds performance. It also comes with a graphic EQ and presets for sound customization and a Full HDMI In port. That said, the 3.0 Bose is better built and has a room correction feature.

Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch

The Samsung HW-Q950T is better than the Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch. The Samsung is a 9.1.4 setup with a better-balanced sound profile out-of-the-box that also reproduces a more extended low-bass. It gets louder with less compression at max volume. Unlike the Nakamichi, it has a graphic EQ for sound customization and built-in voice assistant support. That said, the 9.2.4 Nakamichi is better built with a better Atmos performance. Some users may also prefer its unique design with two subs and four satellites.

Sony HT-ST5000

The Samsung HW-Q950T is a better soundbar than the Sony HT-ST5000. The Samsung is a 9.1.4 setup that comes with dedicated satellite speakers and offers a better surrounds performance. It gets louder than the Sony, and it also comes with built-in Alexa voice assistant support. Also, it's more customizable thanks to its graphic EQ, presets, and bass and treble adjustments. That said, the 7.1.2 Sony is better-built, and it supports Chromecast built-in, unlike the Samsung.

Harman/Kardon Enchant 1300

The Samsung HW-Q950T is better than the Harman/Kardon Enchant 1300. The Samsung is a 9.1.4 setup with a dedicated sub that helps reproduce a more extended low-bass. It supports Dolby Atmos content, and it has a better surrounds performance. It also gets louder, and it has a graphic EQ and built-in voice assistant support. That said, the 5.0 Harman/Kardon is better-built with room correction. It also has a better soundstage.

Samsung HW-Q600A

The Samsung HW-Q950T is better than the Samsung HW-Q600A. The HW-Q950T is a 9.1.4 setup that comes with discrete satellite speakers. It gets louder, and it has better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. It also has built-in voice assistant support, unlike the HW-Q600A. That said, the HW-Q600A is better-built.

Samsung HW-Q700A

The Samsung HW-Q950T is better than the Samsung HW-Q700A. The HW-Q950T has better stereo frequency response and surround performances. It gets louder, and it has built-in voice assistant support. However, the HW-Q700A is better-built, with Apple AirPlay 2 support and an auto-volume mode.

Samsung HW-Q80R

The Samsung HW-Q950T is slightly better for mixed usage than the Samsung HW-Q80R. The HW-Q950T comes wtih discrete satellites, and it has a better surround performance. Unlike the HW-Q80R, it has built-in voice assistant support. That said, the HW-Q80R is better-built.

Sony HT-Z9F

The Samsung HW-Q950T is a better soundbar than the Sony HT-Z9F. The Samsung is a 9.1.4 setup with dedicated satellite speakers and reproduces a more extended low-bass. It offers better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances, and it gets louder. It even comes with a graphic EQ for sound customization and built-in support for Alexa voice assistant. However, the 3.1 Sony is better built, and it supports Chromecast built-in.

Samsung HW-Q850T

The Samsung HW-Q950T is a better soundbar than the Samsung HW-Q850T. The HW-Q950T has a better soundstage performance, and it gets louder. Also, it has better performances with its surrounds and height channels. However, the HW-Q850T is better-built.

Klipsch Cinema 1200

The Samsung HW-Q950T or the Klipsch Cinema 1200 are both very versatile, premium soundbar setups. The Samsung is a 9.1.4 setup that's better-built and has better surround and Atmos performances. Unlike the Klipsch, it also supports DTS content. That said, the Klipsch's bass-heavy sound is more suitable for listeners who like to feel extra thump and punch in their audio.

Klipsch Cinema 600

The Samsung HW-Q950T is a better soundbar than the Klipsch Cinema 600. The Samsung is better-built and comes with discrete satellite speakers that offer a better surrounds performance. It also supports Dolby Atmos content and offers many sound customization features, including a graphic EQ and bass and treble adjustments. Its Full HDMI In port supports high-quality passthrough, and it supports Wi-Fi connectivity and built-in support for Alexa voice assistant.

Vizio Elevate

Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the Vizio Elevate or the Samsung HW-Q950T. The Vizio is better built and offers a better soundstage performance. It has an auto-volume mode and supports more wireless playback options than the Samsung. However, the Samsung gets louder and offers a better surround performance. It comes with a graphic EQ and built-in voice assistant support. Also, some listeners may prefer that it provides a more neutral out-of-the-box sound profile than the Vizio.

JBL Bar 5.1 Surround

The Samsung HW-Q950T is better than the JBL Bar 5.1 Surround. The Samsung is a 9.1.4 setup with discrete satellites that supports Dolby Atmos content. It has better soundstage and surround performances, and it comes with a graphic EQ. Also, it has built-in voice assistant support. That said, the JBL is better-built, with more wireless playback options and a room correction feature.

LG SN10YG

The Samsung HW-Q950T is better than the LG SN10YG. The Samsung is a 9.1.4 setup that comes with discrete satellites which help create a better surround performance. It also gets louder, and it comes with a graphic EQ for sound customization. That said, the LG is better-built, and it has a room correction feature and Chromecast built-in support.

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Test Results

perceptual testing image
Design
Design
Style - Bar

This is a fairly wide and heavy soundbar. It has a similar design to the Samsung HW-Q900T as it has slightly angular sides with vent-like openings for its side surround speakers. The bar is mostly made from plastic and its front and top sides covered in a tight fabric that looks like it could easily get dirty.

Design
Style - Subwoofer

The Samsung HW-Q950T's subwoofer is mostly made of wood. The right side speaker is covered by fabric that feels like it could easily rip or collect dust. You can also check out the Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2 eARC, a 9.2.4 setup with two subwoofers, if you have a larger living space to fill with sound.

Design
Style - Satellites

The satellites are mostly made of plastic. They have a tight fabric covering on their top and front sides. As their power cable is located beneath the speakers, there's a groove to help keep the satellites from squashing the cord. If you're looking for a similar soundbar but don't have space for satellite speakers, check out the Samsung HW-Q900T.

Design
Dimensions - Bar
Width 48.4" (123.0 cm)
Height 2.8" (7.0 cm)
Depth 5.4" (13.8 cm)

The Samsung HW-Q950T is a long soundbar and it most likely won't fit between the legs of any 55" TV. On the upside, it's not too tall, especially when compared to other large soundbars like the Samsung HW-Q90R, so it shouldn't obscure your view of the TV unless it sits flush to the table.

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

The subwoofer is about the size of a large desktop PC but you shouldn't have too much of a problem placing it in a room.

Design
Dimensions - Satellites
Width 4.8" (12.2 cm)
Height 8.2" (20.9 cm)
Depth 5.6" (14.3 cm)

The satellite speakers are fairly tall and long but they can be placed anywhere in the room, as long as they're connected to a power source.

Design
Back - Bar
Bar Mounting
Universal (holes on underside)

The Samsung HW-Q950T soundbar has one opening for its input ports and its power cable is located separately on the right side of the bar's back. You can wall-mount this bar using its universal holes located on its underside thanks to the included brackets and screws.

Design
Back - Subwoofer
Enclosure
Ported

The back of the subwoofer has its port as well as its pairing button. The power connects at the bottom of the subwoofer.

Design
Back - Satellites
Mounting
Universal (holes on back)

These satellites are labeled left and right so that you can place them accordingly in your home. Their backside has a pairing button and a universal hole if you want to wall-mount them.

7.5
Design
Build Quality

The Samsung HW-Q950T has a good build quality. Although it's fairly wide and heavy, the bar and satellites are made from mostly plastic. All of the speakers are protected by tight fabric but it looks like it could easily collect dust, and is a slight step down from the Samsung HW-Q90R's metal grilles. However, the subwoofer is made from wood, which makes it feel pretty sturdy. Unfortunately, the display is located on the top of the bar and you won't be able to see it unless you're standing directly over it.

Design
In The Box
HDMI Cable Length
1.5 m (4.9 ft)
Digital Optical Cable Length
N/A

  • Manual
  • Remote and 2x AA batteries
  • 4x Power cables
  • HDMI cable
  • Wall-mounting accessories
  • x4 Rubber foot

Sound
8.4
Sound
Stereo Frequency Response
Tested Preset
Standard
Slope
-0.14
Std. Err.
2.62 dB
Channels
9.1.4
Low-Frequency Extension
28.3 Hz
High-Frequency Extension
18.5 kHz

The Samsung HW-Q950T has a great stereo frequency response. It has a deep low bass that's boomy, which is great for explosions in your favorite action films. It otherwise has a very neutral sound profile that's well-suited for a variety of audio content. If you prefer to customize its sound, this soundbar also has a graphic EQ plus a few presets.

8.4
Sound
Stereo Frequency Response With Preliminary Calibration
Suggested Preset
Standard
Suggested Bass Setting
0
Suggested Treble Setting
0
Slope
-0.14
Std. Err.
2.62 dB
Low-Frequency Extension
28.3 Hz
High-Frequency Extension
18.5 kHz
7.5
Sound
Stereo Soundstage
Crosstalk Error
2.35 dB

The Samsung HW-Q950T soundbar has a good stereo soundstage. While the bar is pretty wide, the soundstage is about the same width and the bar doesn't do any tricks to widen it. That said, it has a pretty focused soundstage as objects seem to be coming from accurate pinpoint locations rather than general areas.

9.0
Sound
Stereo Dynamics
SPL @ Max Volume
101.1 dB SPL
DRC @ Max Volume
1.00 dB

The Samsung HW-Q950T has outstanding stereo dynamics. It can get pretty loud, which is great if you're hosting a house party or if you have a large room. It also performs quite well at max volume as there isn't much compression.

8.3
Sound
Stereo Total Harmonic Distortion
Weighted THD @ 80dB
0.18
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
1.55

The THD performance of the Samsung HW-Q950T soundbar is great. At a normal listening volume, its audio reproduction is clean. While there's a small jump in THD when you push this bar to its max volume, it may not be noticeable to most people with real-life content.

8.6
Sound
Center
Localization
Discrete
Slope
0.05
Std. Err.
2.92 dB
SPL @ Max Volume
96.9 dB SPL
Weighted THD @ 80dB
0.21
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
1.05

The Samsung HW-Q950T is a 9.1.4 setup with an impressive center channel performance. As it uses a dedicated center channel, it reproduces clear and accurate dialogue in movies.

8.0
Sound
Surround 5.1
Localization
Discrete
Slope
-0.02
Std. Err.
5.01 dB
SPL @ Max Volume
103.7 dB SPL
Weighted THD @ 80dB
0.32
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
3.97
7.1 Rears
Yes

Update 06/17/2021: We updated the surround setup photo to reflect that this soundbar only plays surround content from the satellites and the subwoofer. There were no changes to the score or the results.

The Samsung HW-Q950T has an impressive surrounds performance. It comes with two discrete surround speakers that help to more accurately localize objects like voices in the sound image. Its surround channels get pretty loud, too, and the frequency response is quite neutral and balanced, so dialogue and instruments are reproduced clearly.

6.0
Sound
Height (Atmos)
Localization
Phantom (Up Firing, Bar & Satellites)
Slope
1.02
Std. Err.
5.71 dB
SPL @ Max Volume
88.5 dB SPL
Weighted THD @ 80dB
1.09
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
0.74

The Samsung HW-Q950T soundbar has a disappointing height performance. As it uses its up-firing speakers found on the bar as well as its satellites, it bounces sound off of your ceiling to help give you the impression of height. However, this produces a diffused localization of objects that doesn't sound as real as a discrete localization provided by down-firing speakers.

6.3
Sound
Sound Enhancement Features
Room Correction
No
Dialogue Enhancement
Yes
Auto-Volume/Night Mode
No
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-Q950T soundbar has acceptable sound enhancement features. Unlike the Samsung HW-Q950A, it lacks room correction and an auto-volume mode, which is a little disappointing from a high-end model. However, it does come with a graphic EQ as well as several presets: 'Standard', 'Surround', 'Game Pro', and 'Adaptive Sound'. Inside the companion app, there's also EQ graph modes: 'None', 'Pop', 'Jazz', and 'Classic'. It's equipped with Q Symphony, which allows you to sync this soundbar with your Samsung TV and is advertised to produce a more immersive sound by using all speakers, including your TV's.

Connectivity
Connectivity
Physical Inputs - Bar
Optical Audio In
1
HDMI ARC
1 (shared)
HDMI Out
1 (shared)
Full HDMI In
2
Analog Audio In 3.5mm (Aux)
No
RCA In
No
USB for Files
No
Ethernet
No

The Samsung HW-Q950T can be used as a hub between your TV and other devices as it has several inputs. While it doesn't have an AUX In so that you can connect it to older devices, it has two Full HDMI In cables.

10
Connectivity
Audio Format Support - ARC
eARC
Yes
Dolby Atmos
Yes
Dolby Digital
Yes
Dolby Digital Plus
Yes
DTS
Yes
DTS:X (eARC only)
Yes
Dolby TrueHD (eARC only)
Yes
DTS-HD MA (eARC only)
Yes
5.1 PCM (eARC only)
Yes

Update 11/25/2021: Following user feedback, we updated the the firmware to version 1021.0. We can confirm that this soundbar now supports 5.1 PCM content. Sound comes from both the soundbar and the satellites.

The Samsung HW-Q950T soundbar has incredible support via its HDMI ARC port as it supports most common audio formats. It also supports eARC, so it's able to play object-based surround signals and high-quality lossless formats.

10
Connectivity
Audio Format Support - Full HDMI In
Dolby Atmos
Yes
DTS:X
Yes
Dolby Digital
Yes
Dolby Digital Plus
Yes
DTS
Yes
Dolby TrueHD
Yes
DTS-HD MA
Yes
5.1 PCM
Yes

Update 05/14/2021: We updated the the firmware to version 1019.5. We retested the bar and found that it now supports 5.1 PCM via Full HDMI In with all the channels playing the correct files.

The Samsung HW-Q950T has remarkable support via its Full HDMI In port. It can play almost all audio formats, which is great if you like to watch Blu-ray movies or shows from a streaming service.

10
Connectivity
Audio Format Support - Optical
Dolby Digital
Yes
DTS
Yes

When you're connected via Optical In, this soundbar supports both Dolby Digital and DTS, which is usually found on Blu-ray discs as well as streaming platforms.

8.1
Connectivity
Latency
ARC
46 ms
Optical
45 ms
Full HDMI In
93 ms

Update 03/18/2021: There was a mistake in our methodology where we measured the latency using every second frame (eg. 120fps). We now re-evaluated the footage using every frame at 240fps for more accurate results.

8.0
Connectivity
Wireless Playback
Bluetooth
Yes
Wi-Fi
Yes
Chromecast built-in
No
Apple AirPlay
No

The Samsung HW-Q950T has great wireless playback options. You can stream your favorite audio via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi but you won't be able to use more system-specific connectivity options like Apple AirPlay.

Connectivity
Other Input Specifications
4k @ 60 Hz Passthrough
Yes
4k @ 60 Hz @ 10 bit Passthrough
Yes
4k @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:4 Passthrough
Yes
HDR10 Passthrough
Yes

The Samsung HW-Q950T soundbar can passthrough the highest quality signals. When connected between your PC and TV, text is clear and crisp on your screen.

Connectivity
Connectivity - Subwoofer
Sub Wireless
Yes

This subwoofer connects wirelessly to the soundbar and only requires a cable for its power supply.

Connectivity
Connectivity - Satellites
Sat Wireless
Yes

The Samsung HW-Q950T's satellites only use a power cable and connect to the soundbar wirelessly.

Additional Features
Additional Features
Interface
Display
Yes

The Samsung HW-Q950T soundbar has a small display on its top side. It can only be seen when you're standing over the bar, which is a little annoying. This display indicates your volume level, speaker settings, and inputs. There are also three lights in front of the bar that turn on and off when adjusting the volume but they're not level indicators.

Additional Features
Bar Controls

The Samsung HW-Q950T has a couple of buttons on the top of the bar. There's a multi-function button to select your input, you can adjust the volume up or down, and you can turn the mic on/off.

Additional Features
Remote
Universal Remote
No

The Samsung HW-Q950T's remote is the same style as the Samsung HW-Q90R and it allows you to control all the soundbar's functions. However, you won't be able to use it as a universal remote for other devices.

Additional Features
Voice Assistants Support
Amazon Alexa
Yes (Built-in)
Google Assistant
No
Apple Siri
No
Additional Features
App
App Name Samsung SmartThings
iOS Yes
Android Yes
Acts As A Remote
Yes
Controls Soundbar's Settings
Some
Casts Device Files
Yes

The Samsung HW-Q950T soundbar has a companion app called Samsung SmartThings. You can control some of the soundbar's settings such as changing the volume or tweaking its sound via its EQ. However, it can't do everything that the remote can do, as the remote can also control the bar and satellite's levels.

Additional Features
Other Features
Power Saving
Auto-off
HDMI CEC (TV Remote Control)
Yes

The Samsung HW-Q950T turns itself off after 18 minutes of inactivity. It also supports HDMI CEC, so you can use your TV remote to control basic features of your soundbar like volume.