Our Verdict
Decent for mixed usage. This 2.1 soundbar sounds decent with stereo content like music and dialog-oriented content like podcasts and audiobooks. However, it won’t be the best option for movies as it doesn’t provide an immersive experience due to the lack of height channels and Atmos support. It has a decent overall sound profile but might lack a bit of low-bass for fans of action movies and bass-heavy music genres.
- Decent stereo sound.
- Well-built design.
- Good overall performance at high volume.
- No 4k @ 60Hz passthrough.
- No height channels and Atmos support.
- Poor surround performance.
Good for dialogue and TV shows. The Samsung HW-R550 has a decent overall sound profile and accurate mid-range performance. It can get loud enough for normal use and there’s a useful dialogue enhancement feature to make voices clearer. You’ll also be able to stream content wirelessly with a Bluetooth connection, making this bar a decent option for content like podcasts and audiobooks.
Decent for music. The Samsung HW-R550 lacks a bit of bass, especially lower frequencies, so it might not be the ideal system for bass-heavy music. However, its mid-range is good, while the treble lacks a bit of detail. This gives an overall dark sound profile but won’t be too noticeable, making it a decent option for a wide variety of music genres. You can also push the soundbar to its limits at high volume without getting audible distortion or compression, which is good. You’ll also be able to stream content via Bluetooth and have a few customization options.
Mediocre for movies. The Samsung HW-R550 won’t give you an immersive feel since it doesn’t have height channels and doesn’t support Atmos. It's also a 2.1 setup, which means all 5.1 surround content on Blu-ray discs and Netflix will be downmixed and will feel like it's coming from the front instead of around you.
Changelog
- Updated Apr 06, 2021: Converted to Test Bench 1.0.
- Updated Jun 16, 2020: We've changed the Surround Level Adjustment test result for consistency.
- Updated Sep 27, 2019: Review published.
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Popular Soundbar Comparisons
The Samsung HW-R550 is a decent overall soundbar, especially for its price range. It has a good overall sound profile, but lacks a bit of sub-bass, even with a dedicated subwoofer. Since it's a fairly affordable soundbar, it doesn't support high-end features like Atmos and can't passthrough 4k @ 60Hz. See our recommendations for the best soundbars, the best soundbars under $300, and the best soundbars with subwoofer.
The Samsung HW-N450 and Samsung HW-R550 are similarly performing 2.1 soundbars. They have an almost identical sound profile that's slightly dark and lacks a bit of bass. The HW-R550 is better suited for TV and dialogue, however, as it has the added advantage of a dialogue enhancer feature, unlike the HW-450.
The Yamaha YAS-207 is a better soundbar system than the Samsung HW-R550. These two 2.1 setups have decent overall performance, but the Yamaha's stereo frequency response is a bit more accurate and neutral. Its center channel performance is also noticeably better and results in more detailed and accurate voices and dialog in movies. On the other hand, the Samsung has more features, is better-built, and is more stylish.
The Samsung HW-R650 and Samsung HW-R550 are practically identical, but the R650 has a dedicated center channel that the R550 doesn't have. This results in better dialog and voice reproduction, which is great when watching TV shows and movies. Other than that, these soundbars are pretty much the same.
The Samsung HW-Q60R is slightly more versatile than the Samsung HW-R550 thanks to the Samsung Acoustic Beam up-firing speakers. It also has a dedicated center channel for better and clearer dialog. The Acoustic Beam helps with the surround performance of the Q60R.
Test Results
