Samsung HW-T650 vs HW-A550: Which Soundbar Is Better? - RTINGS.com

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Products

Samsung HW-T650

Samsung HW-A550

Tested using Methodology v1.0

Updated Mar 13, 2025 04:54 PM

Tested using Methodology v1.0

Updated Sep 04, 2024 08:51 PM

Samsung HW-T650 Picture

Samsung HW-A550 Picture

Channels 3.1

Channels 2.1

Our Verdict

Samsung HW-T650

Samsung HW-A550

The Samsung HW-T650 is a better soundbar than the Samsung HW-A550. The HW-T650 is a 3.1 soundbar that offers a better soundstage performance to help immerse you in your audio. Also, unlike the 2.1 HW-A550, it comes with a discrete center channel, so dialogue is more accurately localized to a pinpoint location.

Variants

HW-T650

HW-A550 (Black)

Review

See Samsung HW-T650 Review

See Samsung HW-A550 Review

Check Price

Standard

HW-T650

Black

HW-A550

Standard

HW-T650

Black

HW-A550

Standard

HW-T650

Black

HW-A550

Standard

HW-T650

Black

HW-A550

Standard

HW-T650

Black

HW-A550

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

Samsung HW-T650 Style photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Samsung HW-A550 Style photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Show Text

Style - Subwoofer

Style photo - sub

Samsung HW-T650 Style photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Samsung HW-A550 Style photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Show Text

Style - Satellites

Style photo - satellites

Samsung HW-T650 Style photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Samsung HW-A550 Style photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Show Text

Dimensions - Bar

Dimensions photo - bar

Samsung HW-T650 Dimensions photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Samsung HW-A550 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

Samsung HW-T650 Dimensions photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Samsung HW-A550 Dimensions photo - sub 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 - Satellites

Dimensions photo - satellites

Samsung HW-T650 Dimensions photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Samsung HW-A550 Dimensions photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Width

N/A

N/A

Height

N/A

N/A

Depth

N/A

N/A

Back - Bar

Back photo - bar

Samsung HW-T650 Back photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Samsung HW-A550 Back photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Bar Mounting

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Back - Subwoofer

Back photo - sub

Samsung HW-T650 Back photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Samsung HW-A550 Back photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Enclosure

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Back - Satellites

Back photo - satellites

Samsung HW-T650 Back photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Samsung HW-A550 Back photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Mounting

Locked

Locked

Build Quality

N/A

N/A

Build quality photo

Samsung HW-T650 Build quality photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Samsung HW-A550 Build quality photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Show Text

In The Box

In The Box photo

Samsung HW-T650 In The Box photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Samsung HW-A550 In The Box photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

HDMI Cable Length

N/A

N/A

Digital Optical Cable Length

Lock m (Lock ft)

Lock m (Lock ft)

Show Text

Sound

Stereo Frequency Response

N/A

N/A

Stereo Setup

Samsung HW-T650 Stereo Setup Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Samsung HW-A550 Stereo Setup Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Raw Frequency Response

Samsung HW-T650 Raw Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Samsung HW-A550 Raw Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Frequency Response Small

Samsung HW-T650 Frequency Response Small Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Samsung HW-A550 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

Samsung HW-T650 Frequency Response Calibrated Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Samsung HW-A550 Frequency Response Calibrated Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Suggested Preset

Locked

Locked

Suggested Bass Setting

Lock

Lock

Suggested Treble Setting

Lock

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

Samsung HW-T650 Crosstalk Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Samsung HW-A550 Crosstalk Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Crosstalk Error

Lock dB

Lock dB

Show Text

Stereo Dynamics

N/A

N/A

Dynamic Range Compression

Samsung HW-T650 Dynamic Range Compression Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Samsung HW-A550 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

Samsung HW-T650 THD Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Samsung HW-A550 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

Samsung HW-T650 Center Setup Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Samsung HW-A550 Center Setup Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Frequency Response

Samsung HW-T650 Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Samsung HW-A550 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

Samsung HW-T650 Surround Setup Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Samsung HW-A550 Surround Setup Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Frequency Response

Samsung HW-T650 Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Samsung HW-A550 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

Samsung HW-T650 Height Setup Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Samsung HW-A550 Height Setup Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

H Frequency Response

Samsung HW-T650 H Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Samsung HW-A550 H Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

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

Physical Inputs - Bar

Physical inputs bar photo 1

Samsung HW-T650 Physical inputs bar photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Samsung HW-A550 Physical inputs bar photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Physical inputs bar photo 2

Samsung HW-T650 Physical inputs bar photo 2 Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Samsung HW-A550 Physical inputs bar photo 2 Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Optical Audio In

Locked

Locked

HDMI ARC

Locked

Locked

HDMI Out

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

Show Text

Audio Format Support - ARC

N/A

N/A

eARC

Locked

Locked

Dolby Atmos

Locked

Locked

Dolby Digital

Locked

Locked

Dolby Digital Plus

Locked

Locked

DTS

Locked

Locked

DTS:X (eARC only)

Locked

Locked

Dolby TrueHD (eARC only)

Locked

Locked

DTS-HD MA (eARC only)

Locked

Locked

5.1 PCM (eARC only)

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Audio Format Support - Full HDMI In

N/A

N/A

Dolby Atmos

Locked

Locked

DTS:X

Locked

Locked

Dolby Digital

Locked

Locked

Dolby Digital Plus

Locked

Locked

DTS

Locked

Locked

Dolby TrueHD

Locked

Locked

DTS-HD MA

Locked

Locked

5.1 PCM

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Audio Format Support - Optical

N/A

N/A

Dolby Digital

Locked

Locked

DTS

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Latency

N/A

N/A

Latency Video

Samsung HW-T650 Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

for videos & test results

Samsung HW-A550 Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

for videos & test results

ARC

Lock ms

Lock ms

Optical

Lock ms

Lock ms

Full HDMI In

Lock ms

Lock ms

Show Text

Wireless Playback

N/A

N/A

Bluetooth

Locked

Locked

Wi-Fi

Locked

Locked

Chromecast built-in

Locked

Locked

Apple AirPlay

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Other Input Specifications

4k @ 60 Hz Passthrough

Locked

Locked

4k @ 60 Hz @ 10 bit Passthrough

Locked

Locked

4k @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:4 Passthrough

Locked

Locked

HDR10 Passthrough

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Connectivity - Subwoofer

Physical inputs subwoofer photo 1

Samsung HW-T650 Physical inputs subwoofer photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Samsung HW-A550 Physical inputs subwoofer photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Physical controls subwoofer photo 1

Samsung HW-T650 Physical controls subwoofer photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Samsung HW-A550 Physical controls subwoofer photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sub Wireless

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Connectivity - Satellites

Physical inputs satellites photo 1

Samsung HW-T650 Physical inputs satellites photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Samsung HW-A550 Physical inputs satellites photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Physical controls satellites photo 1

Samsung HW-T650 Physical controls satellites photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Samsung HW-A550 Physical controls satellites photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sat Wireless

Locked

Locked

Additional Features

Interface

Interface photo

Samsung HW-T650 Interface photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Samsung HW-A550 Interface photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Display

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Bar Controls

Controls photo

Samsung HW-T650 Controls photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Samsung HW-A550 Controls photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Show Text

Remote

Remote photo

Samsung HW-T650 Remote photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Samsung HW-A550 Remote photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Universal Remote

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Voice Assistants Support

Amazon Alexa

Locked

Locked

Google Assistant

Locked

Locked

Apple Siri

Locked

Locked

App

App image

Samsung HW-T650 App image Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Samsung HW-A550 App image Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

App Name

Locked

Locked

iOS

Locked

Locked

Android

Locked

Locked

Acts As A Remote

Locked

Locked

Controls Soundbar's Settings

Locked

Locked

Casts Device Files

Locked

Locked

Other Features

Power Saving

Locked

Locked

HDMI CEC (TV Remote Control)

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Check Price

Standard

HW-T650

Black

HW-A550

Standard

HW-T650

Black

HW-A550

Standard

HW-T650

Black

HW-A550

Standard

HW-T650

Black

HW-A550

Standard

HW-T650

Black

HW-A550

Samsung HW-T650

Samsung HW-A550

Comments

Comparison

• Posted 3 years ago

Samsung HW-T650 vs Samsung HW-A550: Main Discussion

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