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Samsung HW-S60A Review

Nathan Rizzuti Avatar
Updated Dec 20, 2023 11:30 AM

True Score

79
80
4

Experts

88
2,248

Consumers

Product Awards

GR Certified

Customer Favorite

Expert Rankings

The Samsung HW-S60A offers good sound customization, low-latency performance, and clear sound for dialogue. It falls short in delivering deep bass and lacks some premium features. But despite this, overall, it delivers great performance for the price.

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Table of Contents

Product Snapshot

Overview

The Samsung HW-S60A is a high-end 5.0 channel soundbar that was first released in 2021, targeting movie and music lovers who need smart features and 3D Surround performance.

This system uses Samsung’s proprietary Acoustic Beam technology and side-horn speakers to create an immersive 3D soundstage that’s good for movies and games.

Unfortunately, this system doesn’t support Dolby Atmos, so it is not as immersive with directional content as the best-rated speakers. It also lacks a dedicated subwoofer and can’t reproduce deep extended low bass.

A graphic equalizer and EQ presets enable adjusting the settings easily. You can connect to this device wirelessly through Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Apple Airplay.

Wired connectivity options include optical, a combined HDMI ARC+Out, and full HDMI inputs. This system also gets fairly loud, so it’s good for big home theaters.

Built-in Amazon Alexa and the Samsung SmartThings app offer effortless control. Browse to learn more about the Samsung HW-S60A, and see how it compares with the most popular soundbars on the market today.

Consensus

our Verdict

The Samsung HW-S60A has good stable connectivity with low latency over ARC and Optical. And it also supports plenty of wireless connections, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Apple AirPlay 2.

It has clear vocals and neutral sound, suitable for most audio content. However, it struggles to produce deep-thumping bass in movies and music. Despite this, it offers a wide array of sound customization features, including graphic EQ and presets

In terms of build quality, it has a durable plastic construction, though the fabric covering wears over time. The controls work well, but the lack of volume indicators on the soundbar is another minor inconvenience.

However, the soundbar lacks support for Chromecast built-in and Atmos, which limits immersion. While the soundstage is relatively wide, the bar lacks tricks to expand it further.

ReasonS to Buy

  • Built-in Acoustic Beam technology for immersive sound
  • Alexa voice assistant for convenient control
  • Dialogue enhancement feature for clear TV show dialogues
  • Auto-volume mode to balance volume levels across programs
  • Wireless streaming via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Apple AirPlay 2
  • Lots of sound customization with graphic EQ and presets
  • Low latency via ARC and Optical for synced audio and video
  • Great build quality with durable plastic construction
  • Good stereo soundstage with accurate audio placement
  • Reasonable price for the features offered

Reason to Avoid

  • Lacks low-bass for impactful music and action movies
  • No support for Chromecast built-in
  • Not as punchy as some other soundbars
  • Missing a dedicated balancing mode for dialogue
  • Volume indicator absent on the soundbar itself
  • Some difficulty setting up the built-in Alexa
  • Fabric covering may be prone to ripping or getting dirty
  • Soundbar may not pick up remote signals from low positions
  • No Atmos support for an immersive audio experience

Samsung HW-S60A Specs

Bluetooth EnabledBluetooth EnabledYes
DepthDepth4.9"
Dialogue Enhancement FeatureDialogue Enhancement FeatureYes
Energy Star CertifiedEnergy Star CertifiedNo
HDMI ARCHDMI ARCYes
HeightHeight2.7"
Number of Audio ChannelsNumber of Audio Channels5
SubwooferSubwooferOptional (sold separately)
Surround Sound SupportedSurround Sound SupportedDolby Digital, DTS
Voice AssistantVoice AssistantAmazon Alexa
Wall MountableWall MountableYes
WeightWeight6.6 lbs
WidthWidth30.1"
Wireless ConnectivityWireless ConnectivityBluetooth, NFC, Wi-Fi
Wireless Subwoofer ConnectivityWireless Subwoofer ConnectivityYes
Works WithWorks WithAmazon Alexa

All Specs

Test Results

Low End Roll Off (Hz)64.42
High End Roll Off (Hz)
Max Volume Test (db)92.3
Latency (ms)53
THD @ 80dB0.29

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    Product Comparison

    Samsung HW-S60A Review

    True Score

    79
    81
    82
    77
    77

    Ranking

    #

    45

    /

    149

    #

    31

    /

    149

    #

    18

    /

    149

    #

    75

    /

    149

    #

    73

    /

    149

    Market Context

    The Samsung HW-S60A is a high-end 5.0 channel soundbar that was first released in 2021, targeting movie and music lovers who need smart features and…

    The Samsung HW-S60A is a high-end 5.0 channel soundbar that was first released in 2021, targeting movie and music lovers who need smart features and 3D Surround performance.

    This system uses Samsung’s proprietary Acoustic Beam technology and side-horn speakers to create an immersive 3D soundstage that’s good for movies and games.

    Unfortunately, this system doesn’t support Dolby Atmos, so it is not as immersive with directional content as the best-rated speakers. It also lacks a dedicated subwoofer and can’t reproduce deep extended low bass.

    A graphic equalizer and EQ presets enable adjusting the settings easily. You can connect to this device wirelessly through Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Apple Airplay.

    Wired connectivity options include optical, a combined HDMI ARC+Out, and full HDMI inputs. This system also gets fairly loud, so it’s good for big home theaters.

    Built-in Amazon Alexa and the Samsung SmartThings app offer effortless control. Browse to learn more about the Samsung HW-S60A, and see how it compares with the most popular soundbars on the market today.

    The Samsung HW-Q600A comes with a dedicated subwoofer, producing deeper extended low bass than the Samsung HW-S60A, which doesn’t come with a sub. It also…

    The Samsung HW-Q600A comes with a dedicated subwoofer, producing deeper extended low bass than the Samsung HW-S60A, which doesn’t come with a sub. It also supports Dolby Atmos, unlike the Samsung HW-S60A. That said, the Samsung HW-S60A has a full HDMI input.

    With a 5.0 configuration, the Samsung HW-S60A has a more engaging surround soundstage than the Sonos Beam, which has a 3.1 setup. It also has…

    With a 5.0 configuration, the Samsung HW-S60A has a more engaging surround soundstage than the Sonos Beam, which has a 3.1 setup. It also has a graphic equalizer and supports Bluetooth, unlike the Sonos Beam. However, the Sonos Beam has a room correction feature, unlike the Samsung HW-S60A.

    The Samsung HW-S60A offers a more neutral sound profile out of the box than the JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam. It also has a graphic equalizer,…

    The Samsung HW-S60A offers a more neutral sound profile out of the box than the JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam. It also has a graphic equalizer, unlike the JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam. That said, the JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam supports Dolby Atmos and has a room correction feature, which the Samsung HW-S60A lacks.

    Featuring a discrete center channel, the Samsung HW-S60A produces a clearer dialogue than the Samsung HW-S60T, which doesn’t have a discreet center channel. It also…

    Featuring a discrete center channel, the Samsung HW-S60A produces a clearer dialogue than the Samsung HW-S60T, which doesn’t have a discreet center channel. It also has an auto volume and supports Apple Airplay too, unlike the Samsung HW-S60T. Check out our Samsung HW-S60T review for details.

    Bluetooth Enabled

    Yes

    Yes

    No

    Yes

    Yes

    Depth

    4.9"

    4.1"

    3.9"

    3.9"

    4.9"

    Dialogue Enhancement Feature

    Yes

    na

    Yes

    na

    Yes

    Energy Star Certified

    No

    Yes

    No

    n/a

    Yes

    HDMI ARC

    Yes

    Yes

    Yes

    Yes

    Yes

    Height

    2.7"

    2.3"

    2.7"

    2.3"

    2.6"

    Number of Audio Channels

    5

    3.1.2

    3

    5

    4

    Subwoofer

    Optional (sold separately)

    Included

    No

    Included

    Build-in, Optional (sold separately)

    Dig Deeper

    Samsung HW Q600A Review →

    Sonos Beam Review →

    JBL Bar 5.0 Multibeam Review →

    Samsung HW-S60T Review →

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    • Save $55
      $329.99
      $274.65

      Availability

      Not available

      Free Shipping

      Yes
    • $277.95

      Availability

      In Stock

      Free Shipping

      No

    Score Card

    E

    Expert Score

    80

    *.75

    We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores

    C

    Customer Score

    88

    *.25

    We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores

    True Score

    79

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

    Expert Scores

    • Rtings
      101.4

      Category Trust Rating

      71
      The Samsung HW-S60A is decent for mixed usage. Out-of-the-box, it has a pretty neutral sound… Read More

      By:

      John Panoryios
    • Which?
      59.2

      Category Trust Rating

      NR
      Looking to boost your TV’s sound and gain a few smart features to boot? Samsung’s… Read More

      By:

      Unknown
    • Consumer Reports
      19.6

      Category Trust Rating

      NR
      “No bottom line found for this product” Read More

      By:

      Unknown
    • Techhive
      27.5

      Category Trust Rating

      80
      Not that many budget soundbars come equipped with both built-in Alexa and AirPlay 2, but… Read More

      By:

      Ben Patterson

    Customer Scores