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Samsung HW-A650 vs HW-B550

Which Soundbar Is Better?

    Top
    Main Differences
    Design
      Style - BarStyle - SubwooferStyle - SatellitesDimensions - BarDimensions - SubwooferDimensions - SatellitesMountingBuild QualityIn The Box
    Sound
      Stereo Frequency ResponseStereo Frequency Response With Preliminary CalibrationStereo SoundstageStereo DynamicsStereo Total Harmonic DistortionCenterSurround 5.1Height (Atmos)Sound Enhancement Features
    Connectivity
      Inputs/Outputs - BarAudio Format Support: ARC/eARCAudio Format Support: HDMI InAudio Format Support: OpticalAudio Latency: ARCAudio Latency: HDMI InAudio Latency: OpticalVideo Passthrough To TVWireless Playback
    Additional Features
      InterfaceBar ControlsRemoteVoice Assistants Support
    Comments

Products

Samsung HW-A650
Samsung HW-B550

Tested using Methodology v1.1

Updated Sep 04, 2024 08:51 PM

SEE PRICE
Amazon.com

Tested using Methodology v1.3

Updated Jan 06, 2026 09:22 PM

SEE PRICE
Samsung.com
Samsung HW-A650 Picture
Samsung HW-B550 Picture
Channels
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  1. Recommended in 1 article:
  2. Samsung

Our Verdict

Samsung HW-A650

Samsung HW-B550

The Samsung HW-B550 and the Samsung HW-A650 offer similar frequency responses, so you don't notice much of a difference between their sound. However, the A650 is a 3.1 setup with a discrete center, which improves vocal clarity in your audio. Given the price difference, though, this may not be worth the value for some listeners.

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Variants

  • HW-A650 (Black)
  • HW-B550 (Black)

Review

See Samsung HW-A650 Review
See Samsung HW-B550 Review
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Check Price

Black
HW-A650
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Black
HW-B550
SEE PRICE
Samsung.com
Black
HW-A650
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
Black
HW-B550
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Black
HW-A650
SEARCH
B&H
Black
HW-B550
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Walmart.com
Black
HW-A650
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Black
HW-B550
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HW-A650
SEARCH
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HW-B550
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Read more

Main Differences for
Mixed Usage

Threshold 

0.10

Mixed Usage 
 

0.0
0.0
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Full Comparison

Design

Style - Bar  

Style photo - bar 
 

Samsung HW-A650 Style photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

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Samsung HW-B550 Style photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

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Show Text 

Style - Subwoofer  

Style photo - sub 
 

Samsung HW-A650 Style photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

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Samsung HW-B550 Style photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

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Sub Wireless 
 

Locked
Locked

Enclosure 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Style - Satellites  

Style photo - satellites 
 

Samsung HW-A650 Style photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

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Samsung HW-B550 Style photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

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Satellite Wireless 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Dimensions - Bar  

Dimensions photo - bar 
 

Samsung HW-A650 Dimensions photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

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Samsung HW-B550 Dimensions photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

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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 
 

Samsung HW-A650 Dimensions photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

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Samsung HW-B550 Dimensions photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

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Width  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)

Height  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)

Depth  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)
Show Text 

Dimensions - Satellites  

Dimensions photo - satellites 
 

Samsung HW-A650 Dimensions photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

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Samsung HW-B550 Dimensions photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

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Width  

N/A
N/A

Height  

N/A
N/A

Depth  

N/A
N/A

Mounting 
 

Bar Mounting Holes 
 

Samsung HW-A650 Bar Mounting Holes Sample

SAMPLE

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Samsung HW-B550 Bar Mounting Holes Sample

SAMPLE

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Satellite Mounting Holes 
 

Samsung HW-A650 Satellite Mounting Holes Sample

SAMPLE

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Samsung HW-B550 Satellite Mounting Holes Sample

SAMPLE

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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 
 

Samsung HW-A650 Build quality photo Sample

SAMPLE

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Samsung HW-B550 Build quality photo Sample

SAMPLE

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Show Text 

In The Box 
 

In The Box photo  
 

Samsung HW-A650 In The Box photo Sample

SAMPLE

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Samsung HW-B550 In The Box photo Sample

SAMPLE

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Show Text 
Sound

Stereo Frequency Response 
 

N/A
N/A

Stereo Setup 
 

Samsung HW-A650 Stereo Setup Sample

SAMPLE

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Samsung HW-B550 Stereo Setup Sample

SAMPLE

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Raw Frequency Response  

Samsung HW-A650 Raw Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

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Samsung HW-B550 Raw Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

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Frequency Response Small  

Samsung HW-A650 Frequency Response Small Sample

SAMPLE

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Samsung HW-B550 Frequency Response Small Sample

SAMPLE

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Channels 
 

Locked
Locked

Tested Preset 
 

Locked
Locked

Slope 
 

Lock
Lock

Standard Error 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

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  

Samsung HW-A650 Frequency Response Calibrated Sample

SAMPLE

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Samsung HW-B550 Frequency Response Calibrated Sample

SAMPLE

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Suggested Preset 
 

Locked
Locked

Suggested Bass Setting 
 

Lock
Lock

Suggested Treble Setting 
 

Lock
Lock

Slope 
 

Lock
Lock

Standard Error 
 

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  

Samsung HW-A650 Crosstalk Sample

SAMPLE

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Samsung HW-B550 Crosstalk Sample

SAMPLE

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Crosstalk Error 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Show Text 

Stereo Dynamics 
 

N/A
N/A

Dynamic Range Compression  

Samsung HW-A650 Dynamic Range Compression Sample

SAMPLE

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Samsung HW-B550 Dynamic Range Compression Sample

SAMPLE

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SPL @ Max Volume 
 

Lock dB SPL
Lock dB SPL

DRC @ 90dB 
 

Lock dB

DRC @ Max Volume 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Show Text 

Stereo Total Harmonic Distortion 
 

N/A
N/A

THD  

Samsung HW-A650 THD Sample

SAMPLE

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Samsung HW-B550 THD Sample

SAMPLE

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Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

Lock

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

Lock
Show Text 

Center 
 

N/A
N/A

Center Setup 
 

Samsung HW-A650 Center Setup Sample

SAMPLE

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Samsung HW-B550 Center Setup Sample

SAMPLE

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Frequency Response  

Samsung HW-A650 Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

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Samsung HW-B550 Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

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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 
 

Samsung HW-A650 Surround Setup Sample

SAMPLE

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Samsung HW-B550 Surround Setup Sample

SAMPLE

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Frequency Response  

Samsung HW-A650 Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

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Samsung HW-B550 Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

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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 
 

Samsung HW-A650 Height Setup Sample

SAMPLE

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Samsung HW-B550 Height Setup Sample

SAMPLE

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H Frequency Response  

Samsung HW-A650 H Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

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Samsung HW-B550 H Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

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Localization 
 

Locked
Locked

Slope 
 

N/A
N/A

Std. Err. 
 

N/A
N/A

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

N/A
N/A

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

N/A
N/A

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

N/A
N/A

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 
 

Samsung HW-A650 Physical Connections Bar Photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

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Samsung HW-B550 Physical Connections Bar Photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

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Physical Connections Bar Photo 2 
 

Samsung HW-A650 Physical Connections Bar Photo 2 Sample

SAMPLE

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Samsung HW-B550 Physical Connections Bar Photo 2 Sample

SAMPLE

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Optical Audio In 
 

Locked
Locked

HDMI ARC 
 

Locked

HDMI Out 
 

Locked
Locked

HDMI 2.1 Class Bandwidth 
 

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

eARC 
 

Locked

DTS-HD MA 
 

Locked
Locked

PCM Channels 
 

Locked

5.1 PCM (eARC only) 
 

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

5.1 PCM 
 

Locked
Show Text 

Audio Format Support: Optical 
 

N/A
N/A

Dolby Digital 
 

Locked
Locked

DTS 
 

Locked
Locked

PCM Channels 
 

Locked
Show Text 

Audio Latency: ARC 
 

N/A
N/A

ARC Latency Video  

Samsung HW-A650 ARC Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

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Samsung HW-B550 ARC Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

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PCM-2.0 ch 
 

Lock ms

PCM-5.1 ch 
 

N/A

Dolby MAT (PCM) Atmos 
 

N/A

Dolby Digital 
 

Lock ms

Dolby Digital Plus 
 

N/A

Dolby Digital Plus Atmos 
 

N/A
Show Text 

Audio Latency: HDMI In 
 

N/A
N/A

HDMI Latency Video  

Samsung HW-A650 HDMI Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

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Samsung HW-B550 HDMI Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

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Latency Video  

Samsung HW-A650 Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

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Samsung HW-B550 Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

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PCM-2.0 ch 
 

Lock ms

PCM-5.1 ch 
 

N/A

Dolby MAT (PCM) Atmos 
 

N/A

Dolby Digital 
 

Lock ms

Dolby Digital Plus 
 

N/A

Dolby Digital Plus Atmos 
 

N/A

ARC 
 

Lock ms

Optical 
 

Lock ms

Full HDMI In 
 

Lock ms
Show Text 

Audio Latency: Optical 
 

N/A
N/A

Optical Latency Video  

Samsung HW-A650 Optical Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

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Samsung HW-B550 Optical Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

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PCM-2.0 ch 
 

Lock ms

Dolby Digital 
 

Lock ms
Show Text 

Video Passthrough To TV 
 

N/A
N/A

1080p Max Refresh Rate 
 

Locked

1080p @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate 
 

Locked

4k Max Refresh Rate 
 

Locked

4k @ 120Hz @ 10-Bit 
 

Locked

4k @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate 
 

Locked

8k Max Refresh Rate 
 

Locked

HDR10 Passthrough 
 

Locked
Locked

HDR10+ Passthrough 
 

Locked

Dolby Vision Passthrough 
 

Locked

HDMI Forum VRR Passthrough 
 

Locked

4k @ 60 Hz Passthrough 
 

Locked

FreeSync Passthrough 
 

Locked

G-SYNC Passthrough 
 

Locked

ALLM Passthrough 
 

Locked

4k @ 60 Hz @ 10 bit Passthrough 
 

Locked

4k @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:4 Passthrough 
 

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 
 

Samsung HW-A650 Interface photo Sample

SAMPLE

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Samsung HW-B550 Interface photo Sample

SAMPLE

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Display 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Bar Controls 
 

Controls photo 
 

Samsung HW-A650 Controls photo Sample

SAMPLE

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Samsung HW-B550 Controls photo Sample

SAMPLE

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Show Text 

Remote  

Remote photo 
 

Samsung HW-A650 Remote photo Sample

SAMPLE

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Samsung HW-B550 Remote photo Sample

SAMPLE

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Show Text 

Voice Assistants Support 
 

Amazon Alexa 
 

Locked
Locked

Google Assistant 
 

Locked
Locked

Apple Siri 
 

Locked
Locked

Microphone Mute 
 

Locked
Locked

Check Price

Black
HW-A650
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Black
HW-B550
SEE PRICE
Samsung.com
Black
HW-A650
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
Black
HW-B550
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Black
HW-A650
SEARCH
B&H
Black
HW-B550
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
Black
HW-A650
SEARCH
BestBuy.com
Black
HW-B550
SEARCH
B&H
Black
HW-A650
SEARCH
Samsung.com
Black
HW-B550
SEARCH
BestBuy.com
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Samsung HW-A650

Samsung HW-B550

Comments

  1. Comparison
 • Posted 1 year ago

Samsung HW-A650 vs Samsung HW-B550: Main Discussion

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