Bose Solo 5 vs Samsung HW-Q950A: Which Soundbar Is Better? - RTINGS.com

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Bose Solo 5

Samsung HW-Q950A

Tested using Methodology v1.2

Updated Sep 24, 2024 01:27 PM

Tested using Methodology v1.2

Updated Sep 18, 2025 02:00 PM

Bose Solo 5 Picture

Samsung HW-Q950A Picture

Channels 2.0

Channels 11.1.4

Our Verdict

Bose Solo 5

Samsung HW-Q950A

The Bose Solo 5 and the Samsung HW-Q950A are two very different soundbar setups. The Bose is a small, standalone soundbar with a simple design. However, the Samsung is a premium 11.1.4 setup with a dedicated sub and satellites. Unlike the Bose, it supports Atmos content, and it has HDMI inputs. It has better soundstage, center, and surround performances. There are also lots more sound enhancement features, including room correction.

Variants

Solo 5 (Black)

HW-Q950A (Black)

Review

See Bose Solo 5 Review

See Samsung HW-Q950A Review

Check Price

Black

Solo 5

Black

HW-Q950A

Black

Solo 5

Black

HW-Q950A

Black

Solo 5

Black

HW-Q950A

Black

Solo 5

Black

HW-Q950A

Black

Solo 5

Black

HW-Q950A

Main Differences for

Mixed Usage

Threshold

0.10

Mixed Usage

0.0

0.0

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Full Comparison

Mixed Usage

0.0

0.0

Dialogue/TV Shows

0.0

0.0

Music

0.0

0.0

Movies

0.0

0.0

Design

Style - Bar

Style photo - bar

Bose Solo 5 Style photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Samsung HW-Q950A Style photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Show Text

Style - Subwoofer

Style photo - sub

Bose Solo 5 Style photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Samsung HW-Q950A Style photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sub Wireless

Locked

Locked

Enclosure

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Style - Satellites

Style photo - satellites

Bose Solo 5 Style photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Samsung HW-Q950A Style photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Satellite Wireless

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Dimensions - Bar

Dimensions photo - bar

Bose Solo 5 Dimensions photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Samsung HW-Q950A Dimensions photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Width

Lock" (Lock cm)

Lock" (Lock cm)

Height

Lock" (Lock cm)

Lock" (Lock cm)

Depth

Lock" (Lock cm)

Lock" (Lock cm)

Show Text

Dimensions - Subwoofer

Dimensions photo - sub

Bose Solo 5 Dimensions photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Samsung HW-Q950A Dimensions photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Width

N/A

Lock" (Lock cm)

Height

N/A

Lock" (Lock cm)

Depth

N/A

Lock" (Lock cm)

Show Text

Dimensions - Satellites

Dimensions photo - satellites

Bose Solo 5 Dimensions photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Samsung HW-Q950A Dimensions photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Width

N/A

Lock" (Lock cm)

Height

N/A

Lock" (Lock cm)

Depth

N/A

Lock" (Lock cm)

Show Text

Mounting

Bar Mounting Holes

Bose Solo 5 Bar Mounting Holes Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Samsung HW-Q950A Bar Mounting Holes Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Satellite Mounting Holes

Bose Solo 5 Satellite Mounting Holes Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Samsung HW-Q950A Satellite Mounting Holes Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Mountable Bar

Locked

Locked

Bar Brackets Included

Locked

Locked

Mountable Satellites

Locked

Locked

Satellite Brackets Included

Locked

Locked

Build Quality

N/A

N/A

Build quality photo

Bose Solo 5 Build quality photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Samsung HW-Q950A Build quality photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Show Text

In The Box

In The Box photo

Bose Solo 5 In The Box photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Samsung HW-Q950A In The Box photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Show Text

Sound

Stereo Frequency Response

N/A

N/A

Stereo Setup

Bose Solo 5 Stereo Setup Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Samsung HW-Q950A Stereo Setup Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Raw Frequency Response

Bose Solo 5 Raw Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Samsung HW-Q950A Raw Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Frequency Response Small

Bose Solo 5 Frequency Response Small Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Samsung HW-Q950A Frequency Response Small Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Tested Preset

Locked

Locked

Slope

Lock

Lock

Std. Err.

Lock dB

Lock dB

Channels

Locked

Locked

Low-Frequency Extension

Lock Hz

Lock Hz

High-Frequency Extension

Lock kHz

Lock kHz

Show Text

Stereo Frequency Response With Preliminary Calibration

N/A

N/A

Frequency Response Calibrated

Bose Solo 5 Frequency Response Calibrated Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Samsung HW-Q950A Frequency Response Calibrated Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Suggested Preset

Locked

Locked

Suggested Bass Setting

Lock

Lock

Suggested Treble Setting

N/A

Lock

Slope

Lock

Lock

Std. Err.

Lock dB

Lock dB

Low-Frequency Extension

Lock Hz

Lock Hz

High-Frequency Extension

Lock kHz

Lock kHz

Show Text

Stereo Soundstage

N/A

N/A

Crosstalk

Bose Solo 5 Crosstalk Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Samsung HW-Q950A Crosstalk Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Crosstalk Error

Lock dB

Lock dB

Show Text

Stereo Dynamics

N/A

N/A

Dynamic Range Compression

Bose Solo 5 Dynamic Range Compression Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Samsung HW-Q950A Dynamic Range Compression Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

SPL @ Max Volume

Lock dB SPL

Lock dB SPL

DRC @ Max Volume

Lock dB

Lock dB

Show Text

Stereo Total Harmonic Distortion

N/A

N/A

THD

Bose Solo 5 THD Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Samsung HW-Q950A THD Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Weighted THD @ 80dB

Lock

Lock

Weighted THD @ Max Volume

Lock

Lock

Show Text

Center

N/A

N/A

Center Setup

Bose Solo 5 Center Setup Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Samsung HW-Q950A Center Setup Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Frequency Response

Bose Solo 5 Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Samsung HW-Q950A Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Localization

Locked

Locked

Slope

Lock

Lock

Std. Err.

Lock dB

Lock dB

SPL @ Max Volume

Lock dB SPL

Lock dB SPL

Weighted THD @ 80dB

Lock

Lock

Weighted THD @ Max Volume

Lock

Lock

Show Text

Surround 5.1

N/A

N/A

Surround Setup

Bose Solo 5 Surround Setup Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Samsung HW-Q950A Surround Setup Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Frequency Response

Bose Solo 5 Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Samsung HW-Q950A Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Localization

Locked

Locked

Slope

Lock

Lock

Std. Err.

Lock dB

Lock dB

SPL @ Max Volume

Lock dB SPL

Lock dB SPL

Weighted THD @ 80dB

Lock

Lock

Weighted THD @ Max Volume

Lock

Lock

7.1 Rears

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Height (Atmos)

N/A

N/A

Height Setup

Bose Solo 5 Height Setup Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Samsung HW-Q950A Height Setup Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

H Frequency Response

Bose Solo 5 H Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Samsung HW-Q950A H Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Localization

Locked

Locked

Slope

N/A

Lock

Std. Err.

N/A

Lock dB

SPL @ Max Volume

N/A

Lock dB SPL

Weighted THD @ 80dB

N/A

Lock

Weighted THD @ Max Volume

N/A

Lock

Show Text

Sound Enhancement Features

N/A

N/A

Room Correction

Locked

Locked

Dialogue Enhancement

Locked

Locked

Auto-Volume/Night Mode

Locked

Locked

Subwoofer Level Adjustment

Locked

Locked

Bass Adjustment

Locked

Locked

Treble Adjustment

Locked

Locked

EQ

Locked

Locked

Surround Level Adjustment

Locked

Locked

Rear Level Adjustment

Locked

Locked

Height Level Adjustment

Locked

Locked

Virtual Surround

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Connectivity

Inputs/Outputs - Bar

Physical Connections Bar Photo 1

Bose Solo 5 Physical Connections Bar Photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Samsung HW-Q950A Physical Connections Bar Photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Physical Connections Bar Photo 2

Bose Solo 5 Physical Connections Bar Photo 2 Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Samsung HW-Q950A Physical Connections Bar Photo 2 Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Optical Audio In

Locked

Locked

HDMI Out

Locked

Locked

HDMI 2.1 Class Bandwidth

Locked

Locked

Full HDMI In

Locked

Locked

Analog Audio In 3.5mm (Aux)

Locked

Locked

RCA In

Locked

Locked

USB for Files

Locked

Locked

Ethernet

Locked

Locked

Subwoofer Output

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Audio Format Support: ARC/eARC

N/A

N/A

Dolby Atmos

Locked

Locked

Dolby Digital

Locked

Locked

Dolby Digital Plus

Locked

Locked

Dolby TrueHD

Locked

Locked

DTS

Locked

Locked

DTS:X

Locked

Locked

DTS-HD MA

Locked

Locked

PCM Channels

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Audio Format Support: HDMI In

N/A

N/A

Dolby Atmos

Locked

Locked

Dolby Digital

Locked

Locked

Dolby Digital Plus

Locked

Locked

Dolby TrueHD

Locked

Locked

DTS

Locked

Locked

DTS:X

Locked

Locked

DTS-HD MA

Locked

Locked

PCM Channels

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Audio Format Support: Optical

N/A

N/A

Dolby Digital

Locked

Locked

DTS

Locked

Locked

PCM Channels

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Latency

N/A

N/A

Latency Video

Bose Solo 5 Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

for videos & test results

Samsung HW-Q950A Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

for videos & test results

ARC

N/A

Lock ms

Optical

Lock ms

Lock ms

Full HDMI In

N/A

Lock ms

Show Text

Video Passthrough To TV

N/A

N/A

1080p Max Refresh Rate

Locked

Locked

1080p @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate

Locked

Locked

4k Max Refresh Rate

Locked

Locked

4k @ 120Hz @ 10-Bit

Locked

Locked

4k @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate

Locked

Locked

8k Max Refresh Rate

Locked

Locked

HDR10 Passthrough

Locked

Locked

HDR10+ Passthrough

Locked

Locked

Dolby Vision Passthrough

Locked

Locked

HDMI Forum VRR Passthrough

Locked

Locked

FreeSync Passthrough

Locked

Locked

G-SYNC Passthrough

Locked

Locked

ALLM Passthrough

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Wireless Playback

N/A

N/A

Bluetooth

Locked

Locked

Wi-Fi Playback

Locked

Locked

Chromecast built-in

Locked

Locked

Apple AirPlay

Locked

Locked

Spotify Connect

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Additional Features

Interface

Interface photo

Bose Solo 5 Interface photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Samsung HW-Q950A Interface photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Display

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Bar Controls

Controls photo

Bose Solo 5 Controls photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Samsung HW-Q950A Controls photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Show Text

Remote

Remote photo

Bose Solo 5 Remote photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Samsung HW-Q950A Remote photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Show Text

Voice Assistants Support

Amazon Alexa

Locked

Locked

Google Assistant

Locked

Locked

Apple Siri

Locked

Locked

Microphone Mute

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Check Price

Black

Solo 5

Black

HW-Q950A

Black

Solo 5

Black

HW-Q950A

Black

Solo 5

Black

HW-Q950A

Black

Solo 5

Black

HW-Q950A

Black

Solo 5

Black

HW-Q950A

Bose Solo 5

Samsung HW-Q950A

Comments

Comparison

• Posted 2 years ago

Bose Solo 5 vs Samsung HW-Q950A: Main Discussion

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