Home theater systems need a soundbar, and two of the most popular brands in this space are Samsung and Sonos. Each offers various soundbars with various features and price points, but which is better?
Samsung is known for producing top-tier electronics, and its soundbars live up to this reputation. They offer various options, from entry-level models to high-end options, with features like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support. On the other hand, Sonos is an industry leader in high-fidelity audio systems and multi-room audio setups. Their soundbars are designed to work together seamlessly with other Sonos speakers and can be controlled via the Sonos app.
Both brands have their advantages and disadvantages, so the final decision comes down to personal preferences and needs. This article will compare the soundbars from these two brands based on sound quality, features, and overall value for money.
Let’s jump right in!
Samsung vs. Sonos Soundbars: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Samsung Soundbars | Sonos Soundbars | |
|---|---|---|
| Sound Quality | Clear and crisp audio quality | Immersive and balanced sound |
| Design | Sleek and modern | Simple and minimalist |
| Connectivity | Support multiple connectivity options | Limited connectivity options |
| Smart Features | Various smart features like voice control and app integration | Smart features like voice control and app integration |
| Brand Reputation | Well-known and established brand in the electronics industry | Relatively new brand but has gained a reputation for producing high-quality audio products |
- 3.1ch Soundbar
- Dolby 5.1 DTS Virtual:X
- Bass boosted
- Built-in center speaker
- Bluetooth multi connection
- Voice Enhance & Night Mode
- Subwoofer included
- Clear, powerful sound
- wide soundstage for enhanced drama
- Sonos' App helps with simple setup
- App, Spotify connect, Apple AirPlay 2, and Wi-Fi enabled
Samsung vs. Sonos Soundbars: What’s the Difference?
Samsung and Sonos are two leading audio brands that offer distinctive soundbars to enhance your listening experience. While Samsung soundbars boast powerful bass and dynamic range, Sonos prioritize high-quality sound as well as compatibility with other smart devices.
Let’s break down the key differences between Samsung and Sonos soundbars.
Sound Quality
Samsung and Sonos soundbars both offer exceptional sound quality. However, there are some subtle distinctions in each brand’s sound profiles. Samsung soundbars tend to have more powerful and dynamic audio with an emphasis on bass, creating a wider soundstage with multiple drivers and subwoofers working together, which is ideal for watching action movies or listening to music with heavy bass.
On the other hand, Sonos soundbars are renowned for their clarity and balance, particularly in midrange frequencies. These bars provide a more organic soundscape, which makes them ideal for watching dialogue-heavy movies or listening to music with vocals.
Samsung’s high-end soundbars, such as the HW-Q950A, feature Dolby Atmos and DTS:X technology to give you a cinematic experience with 3D surround sound. On the other hand, Sonos uses its proprietary Trueplay technology, which uses a microphone to calibrate the soundbar to your room’s acoustics, guaranteeing you the best sound quality no matter where you place it.
Features
Samsung soundbars come with multiple connectivity options like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and HDMI to connect multiple devices to your soundbar. Plus, they include built-in Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant so that you can control your soundbar with voice commands. Some Samsung soundbars even come equipped with wireless subwoofers, which can be placed anywhere in the room for extra versatility.
Sonos soundbars offer a range of connectivity options, such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth; however, they lack an HDMI port in favor of optical input for connecting to your television. Sonos boasts some smart features like support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. However, unlike Samsung models, they lack an inbuilt microphone, so you will need to use an external device to control the volume with voice commands. Additionally, Sonos products are known for their seamless integration with other Sonos products in order to create multi-room audio systems.
- Offers crystal-clear dialogue, vibrant bass, and a full panoramic soundstage.
- Dolby Atmos for 3D sound
- Stream audiobooks, podcasts, radio, and music over WiFi
- Compact smart soundbar for TV and more
- Control the soundbar using Sonos app, Apple AirPlay 2, your TV remote, and your voice.
Design
Samsung and Sonos soundbars differ when it comes to design. Samsung soundbars boast a sleek, modern profile that fits well with most TVs, and some come with wireless subwoofers that can be placed anywhere in the room for added flexibility in placement.
Sonos soundbars boast a more minimalist aesthetic; their uniform shape and subtle finish blend in well with any decor. Furthermore, Sonos offers various accessories like wall mounts and stands for further flexibility when selecting your placement options.
The main difference between Samsung and Sonos is their range of colors. Samsung soundbars typically come in black or silver, while Sonos provides a wider selection, including white and black. Plus, with Sonos, you can purchase separate speaker covers in various hues to customize your soundbar’s appearance to match your style.
©ronstik/Shutterstock.com
Installation and Setup
Samsung soundbars come with multiple connectivity options, such as HDMI and Bluetooth, making them simple to connect to your television or other devices. Some Samsung soundbars even include a wireless subwoofer that can be paired seamlessly with the soundbar itself.
Sonos soundbars use Wi-Fi connectivity, offering a more stable and dependable connection. To set up the soundbar, download the Sonos app and follow its onscreen instructions; it guides you through connecting it to your home network and other devices. Sonos offers Trueplay technology, which uses a microphone to calibrate the soundbar according to your room’s acoustics for optimal sound quality.
- 2.0 Channel Soundbar
- Built-in woofer
- Supports streaming music via Bluetooth & NFC
- Black
Brand Ecosystem
Samsung offers a variety of home entertainment items, such as TVs, soundbars, and speakers, that integrate seamlessly together. Plus, they have smart home items like locks, cameras, and appliances, which can all be controlled through the Samsung SmartThings app for added convenience.
Contrastingly, Sonos is a leader in home audio with speakers, soundbars, and subwoofers that offer exceptional sound quality and easy use. Their products also come with accessories like speaker stands and wall mounts to give you more placement options. Although Sonos only provides a few smart home products of their own, their soundbars can be integrated with other popular systems like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant for even greater integration possibilities.
- The mountable soundbar for TV, movies, music, and more
- Enjoy crisp dialogue and impressive bass from wall to wall with Playbar. Control it with the Sonos app, your remote, and more
- Whether you mount it on the wall or place it below your TV on a stand or console, Playbar automatically tunes itself for the best possible sound
- Playbar was specially tuned by Oscar winning sound engineers to emphasize the sound of the human voice so you can always follow the story
- Easily connect Sonos speakers in different rooms over Wi-Fi to create a home sound system that brings every room and everyone together
Remote Control
Samsung soundbars usually come with a remote that lets you adjust volume, bass, and other settings. Some come equipped with an in-built microphone so that you can control your soundbar with voice commands. In addition, Samsung provides a mobile app so you can operate your soundbar from your smartphone or tablet.
Sonos soundbars do not come with a remote, instead relying on the Sonos app for control. With it, you can adjust volume, bass, and other settings as well as access popular streaming services from any smartphone, tablet, or computer, providing an incredibly user-friendly interface.
Samsung vs. Sonos Soundbars: 10 Must-Know Facts
- Samsung and Sonos are two of the leading brands in soundbar technology. Both companies provide diverse soundbars with various features and price points to suit any budget.
- Samsung soundbars are renowned for their powerful bass and crisp dialogue, while Sonos soundbars boast superior audio quality with immersive surround sound effects.
- Samsung soundbars typically include wireless subwoofers, while Sonos soundbars don’t need a separate sub because of their built-in woofers.
- Samsung soundbars are compatible with Samsung TVs, while Sonos soundbars can be used with any TV brand.
- Both Samsung and Sonos soundbars provide Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity for streaming music from mobile devices and other sources.
- Samsung soundbars boast a variety of inputs, such as HDMI, optical, and USB, while Sonos only offers limited input options.
- Sonos soundbars offer voice control through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, while Samsung soundbars can be operated using either their SmartThings app or Amazon Alexa voice commands.
- Samsung soundbars support multiple audio formats, such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X; in contrast, Sonos soundbars only support Dolby Digital and stereo audio output.
- Samsung soundbars boast a sleek and contemporary design to match Samsung TVs, while Sonos soundbars boast an understated yet classic aesthetic that pairs well with any decor.
- Samsung soundbars tend to be more budget-friendly than Sonos soundbars, though the latter offers superior sound quality and more advanced features.
- 11.1.4ch Soundbar
- Wireless Dolby Atmos / DTS:X
- Rear speakers
- Q Symphony
- SpaceFit Sound+
- AirPlay 2
- Adaptive Sound
- Game Pro Mode
- Alexa built-in
- Includes support for Alexa voice commands, AirPlay 2, and more
- 3D sound with Dolby Atmos
- Trueplay tuning technology produces sound optimized for your room's acoustics
- Eleven high performance drivers
Samsung vs. Sonos Soundbars: Which are Better?
It’s clear that each brand has its own strengths and weaknesses. Ultimately, the decision between them comes down to personal needs and preferences.
Samsung soundbars are ideal for those who prioritize immersive sound quality and customizable audio settings. Their models boast features like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, creating a surround sound experience and the flexibility to customize audio settings according to content genres. Additionally, Samsung offers soundbars at various price points, so they’re affordable for everyone.
Sonos soundbars are ideal for those seeking an easy-to-use and versatile audio solution. Not only do these bars integrate seamlessly with other Sonos products and services like the Sonos app and voice control through Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, but they prioritize simplicity too — only one cable is needed to power and playback audio.
Eventually, the choice between Samsung and Sonos soundbars comes down to personal preference. If immersive sound quality and customization are important factors for you, Samsung may be the superior option. On the other hand, if convenience and integration are key factors, then Sonos offers a superior solution.
It’s also worth noting that both brands regularly release new products and updates, so staying informed on the newest models and features is essential for making an informed decision.
Alternatives to Sonos and Samsung Soundbars
While Sonos and Samsung are two of the most popular brands of soundbars on the market, there are lots of other great options to choose from. Here are some of the best:
- Bose Soundbar 700: This soundbar features excellent sound quality, voice control, and support for Dolby Atmos.
- Vizio Elevate: This unique soundbar has upward-firing speakers that provide a more immersive sound experience.
- LG SN11RG: Here’s another fantastic option for those who are looking for an immersive sound experience. In addition to Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, it has a wireless subwoofer.
- Yamaha YSP-5600: This option is a bit pricier than most of the others on this list, but it’s worth consideration since it offers excellent sound quality and a variety of features.
Up Next
- 7 Reasons to Avoid New Home Theater Speakers Today — There are alternatives that can produce great sound without the drawbacks of home theater speakers.
- 5 Reasons to Buy New Home Theater Speakers Today, and Which Are Best — If your TV’s sound isn’t as good as its visuals, consider buying home theater speakers.
- Bowers & Wilkins vs. JBL Soundbars: Which Are Better? — If you’ve narrowed your search down to these two brands, we can help you make the final decision.
