I had a chance to test and compare two models: Samsung HW-T550 vs Samsung Q700B and this review should help people who are looking for a good soundbar. The Samsung HW-T550 was rated 4.5, while the Samsung Q700B has a rating 5.8.
Each of the models under consideration has active amplification type. A noticeable difference is the number of channels that HW-T550 has 2.1 and Q700B has 3.1.2. Soundbars have the same power - 320 (overall) W. The built-in subwoofer is not implemented in any of these models. An external subwoofer can be connected to any of the units in this comparison. Rate 6 out of 10 received the Samsung HW-T550 for audio features and specs, but the Samsung Q700B received 7 out of 10.
Soundbars do not have AirPlay support. The units in this comparison do not support Spotify.
Both models do not have a wireless Wi-Fi interface. Soundbars from this comparison have Bluetooth support. 1/1 HDMI inputs/outputs are in each of soundbars. As in the HW-T550, so in the Q700B there is the HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC). Connecting devices via USB is possible in both models. We rated the connectivity of the HW-T550 at 6 out of 10, while the Q700B was rated 8/10.
None of these soundbars can be controlled using the app. Soundbars in this review are not equipped with a microphone. The models under consideration cannot become part of a multiroom system.
Dolby Atmos audio decoder is onboard the Q700B. The Q700B can work with surround sound due to DTS:X support. The HW-T550 was rated 5/10, while the Q700B received a mark of 10/10 for multichannel surround.