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samsung hw b550 review

Samsung Hw B550 Review

True Score

77
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Mixed Reviews
72
3

Experts

90
232

Consumers

Expert Rankings

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With a neutral out-of-the-box sound profile, the Samsung HW-B550 is a good option for music, TV shows, and occasional movie-watching. However, it has poor bass and lacks Dolby Atmos and surround sound, so it’s not very immersive for movies.

SAMSUNG HW-B550/ZA 2.1ch Soundbar w/ DTS Virtual:X
SAVE $52
$279.99
$227.99

What Is Not on the Box

What the brand doesn’t always tell you…

our Verdict

Product testers were pleased by the neutral sound profile and loud output of the Samsung HW-B550, recommending it for music, TV shows, and basic movie watching. Reviewers from What Hifi were impressed by the pleasant sound profile, endorsing it for most music genres and podcasts.

Testers from CNET love the loud sound output of this model, saying that it is good for entertaining. However, it doesn’t reproduce that deep rumbling bass that enlivens action moves, despite having a dedicated subwoofer.

It has a huge selection of audio customization features that include a graphic equalizer, equalizer presets, and bass and treble sliders. However, this system doesn’t support Dolby Atmos, contrary to the manufacturer’s claims, and it also downmixes surround sound to stereo, so it is not very immersive for movies.

Voice assistant and mobile app features are missing on this system, but it has a great build quality that should stay useful in the living room or home theater for a long time.

True Score

77

Reasons to Buy

  • Incredibly loud output is good for small indoor gatherings
  • Huge collection of sound customization options that include a graphic equalizer, EQ presets, and bass and treble sliders
  • Dialogue enhancement feature is great for TV shows

Reasons to Avoid

  • Subpar extended low-bass is not great for movies
  • Lacks Apple Airplay, Wi-Fi, and Chromecast
  • Doesn't have mobile apps
  • System doesn’t work with voice assistants
  • Lacks a dedicated center channel for dialogue

Specifications

  • Bluetooth Enabled
  • Depth
  • Dialogue Enhancement Feature
  • Energy Star Certified
    Yes
  • HDMI ARC
  • Height
  • Subwoofer
  • Surround Sound Supported
  • Voice Assistant
  • Wall Mountable
  • Weight
  • Width
  • Wireless Connectivity
  • Wireless Subwoofer Connectivity
  • Works With

Overview

The Samsung HW-B550 is an entry-level 2.1-channel soundbar released in 2020, promising immersive sounds for TVs. It’s a great choice for users seeking to upgrade the built-in TV speakers.

Still, you can find higher-end systems on our list of the highest-rated speakers. A dialogue enhancement feature fine-tunes TV audio, although it lacks a dedicated center channel. This model has a graphic EQ and presets for fine-tuning the sound profile.

Despite having a dedicated subwoofer, this system produces subpar low bass. That said, it gets really loud, achieving a top SPL of 92.5 dB. Ports on this system include optical, combined HDMI ARC+Out, full HDMI in, and USB.

Unfortunately, wireless streaming options are limited to Bluetooth, and it has no app or voice assistant. Additionally, it doesn’t support Dolby Atmos and lacks a 3D surround soundstage, so it’s not the best model for movies.

Browse to the end of this Samsung HW-B550 soundbar and check out our list of the most popular soundbars today.

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Product Comparison

All Stores

  • SAMSUNG HW-B550/ZA 2.1ch Soundbar w/ DTS Virtual:X
    Save $52
    $279.99
    $227.99

    Availability

    In Stock

    Free Shipping

    No
  • Samsung   HW B550 2.1ch Soundbar with Dolby Audio / DTS Virtual:X
    Save $50
    $279.99
    $229.99

    Availability

    In Stock

    Free Shipping

    No
  • Samsung HW-B550 2.1ch Soundbar and Subwoofer with Dolby with an Additional 1 Year Coverage by Epic Protect (2022)
    $267.98

    Availability

    In Stock

    Free Shipping

    Yes

Score Card

E

Expert Score

72

*.75

We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores

C

Customer Score

90

*.25

We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores

True Score

77

Any product with a True Score above 70 is a Mixed Reviews

Expert Score Breakdown

  • Rtings
    A

    Trust Score

    72
    The Samsung B550 is decent for mixed usage. As a 2.1 soundbar, it’s ideal for… read more
  • Which?
    D

    Trust Score

    NR
    The Samsung HW-B550 soundbar is a basic model that doesn’t support Dolby Atmos, the surround… read more
  • Consumer Reports
    F

    Trust Score

    NR
    The Samsung HW-B550/ZA is part of the Soundbars test program at Consumer Reports. In our… read more

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