It makes sense comparing Samsung HW-T550 vs Samsung HW-N850 because they both are able to give some premium features. Based on our rating, HW-T550 has a total rating of 4.5 out of 10 versus 8.6 for HW-N850. The competitors' control buttons are different: volume down, volume up, power, source and power, input, volume down, volume up, respectively.
Both soundbars have active amplification type. A significant difference between the units in the number of channels, the Samsung HW-T550 has 2.1 versus 5.1.2 for the Samsung HW-N850. The output power is different and equal to 320 (overall) W for the HW-T550 versus 372 (overall) W for the HW-N850. Competitors do not have a built-in subwoofer. Rivals have wireless connection to separate subwoofer. The Samsung HW-T550 got our rating of 6 out of 10, and the Samsung HW-N850 7 for its audio features and specs. Spotify support is available on the HW-N850.
Only the Samsung HW-N850 can connect to the Internet via WI-FI. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. The Samsung HW-T550 has 1/1 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 2/0 of the Samsung HW-N850. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. Both soundbars have a USB connector. For connectivity, the HW-T550 received a rating of 6/10 versus 7/10, respectively. App control is available for the HW-N850. A built-in microphone is present only on the HW-N850. Multi-room is only available for the Samsung HW-N850.
Only the HW-N850 has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the HW-N850. For multichannel surround Samsung HW-T550 got a rating of 5, and Samsung HW-N850 9 out of 10.