The Samsung HW-Q600A is a 3.1.2 setup that comes with a dedicated subwoofer. It has a pretty neutral, balanced sound profile out-of-the-box that makes it suitable for listening to lots of different types of audio content, though it lacks some low-bass. Like other Samsung soundbars from the 2021 lineup, including the Samsung HW-Q800A and the Samsung HW-Q700A, it offers many sound customization features, including a graphic EQ and presets like 'Game Mode Pro' and 'Adaptive Sound'. There's also Acoustic Beam technology built-in to the bar, advertised to help create a more immersive sound, as well as Q-Symphony, which enhances audio reproduction when connected to compatible Samsung TVs, though we don't test for this. However, it lacks extra features like voice assistant support and Wi-Fi and Apple AirPlay2 compatibility.
Our Verdict
The Samsung HW-Q600A is good for mixed usage. It has a pretty neutral sound profile out-of-the-box that makes it suitable for listening to lots of different types of audio content, and dialogue is reproduced clearly and accurately. However, it struggles to reproduce a thumpy low-bass, which can be disappointing for fans of action-packed movies and bass-heavy music. It supports Atmos and surround content, though its performance isn't very immersive. That said, there are lots of sound customization features available, which is handy.
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Graphic EQ and presets.
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Bass and treble adjustments.
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Gets loud.
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Lacks some low-bass.
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Downmixes surround content into stereo.
The Samsung HW-Q600A is impressive for dialogue-centric content like TV shows. Thanks to its dedicated center channel and balanced mid-range, it can reproduce voices clearly and accurately. There's even an 'Adaptive Sound' preset that enhances audio reproduction, helping make voices more clear and crisp. It gets pretty loud, too, and it's also Bluetooth-compatible, so you can wirelessly stream podcasts and audiobooks from your phone to the bar. However, it doesn't support other wireless playback options like Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay, or Chromecast built-in.
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Gets loud.
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Bluetooth-compatible.
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Doesn't support Wi-Fi, AirPlay, or Chromecast built-in.
The Samsung HW-Q600A is good for music. Out-of-the-box, it has a pretty neutral sound profile suitable for listening to lots of different genres. It gets pretty loud, and there are also lots of sound customization features available, including a graphic EQ, several EQ presets, and bass and treble adjustments. However, the bar still struggles to reproduce a thumpy low-bass, which can be disappointing for fans of bass-heavy genres like EDM.
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Graphic EQ and presets.
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Bass and treble adjustments.
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Gets loud.
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Lacks some low-bass.
The Samsung HW-Q600A is decent for movies. While its balanced sound profile can reproduce dialogue clearly and accurately, it struggles to reproduce low-bass, so you don't feel the deep thump and rumble in action-packed scenes. It supports surround content, but it has to downmix it into stereo to play it, which doesn't sound very immersive. Its Atmos performance is also disappointing, and its height channels don't get very loud. That said, there are some sound customization features available, which is handy.
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Graphic EQ and presets.
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Bass and treble adjustments.
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Lacks some low-bass.
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Downmixes surround content into stereo.
- 7.5 Mixed Usage
- 8.0 Dialogue/TV Shows
- 7.5 Music
- 7.2 Movies
- Updated Jun 13, 2023: Converted to Test Bench 1.2. Updated the results for audio format support via ARC/eARC, HDMI In, and Optical. Added Video Passthrough to TV results as well.
- Updated Mar 13, 2023: Added cable lengths to In The Box.
- Updated Mar 10, 2023: Converted to Test Bench 1.1. With this update, we've added a Mounting test and added information aboutSubwoofer Output, Spotify Connect, and Microphone Mute.
- Updated Feb 21, 2023: Added market comparison with the Samsung HW-Q600B to the Stereo Frequency Response box.
- Updated Oct 18, 2022: Added information about Dolby Vision Passthrough support to 'Other Input Specifications'.
- Updated Apr 22, 2021: Review published.
- Updated Apr 20, 2021: Early access published.
- Updated Apr 15, 2021: Our testers have started testing this product.
- Updated Apr 15, 2021: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
- Updated Apr 04, 2021: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The Samsung HW-Q600A is available in 'Black', and you can see the label for the model we tested here.
If you come across another version, please let us know in the discussions so we can update our review.
Compared To Other Soundbars
The Samsung HW-Q600A is a 3.1.2 soundbar from Samsung's 2021 lineup. It has a similar design and performance compared to the Samsung HW-Q700A and the Samsung HW-Q800A, and it also has Q-Symphony and Acoustic Beam technology built into the bar, though we don't test for this. However, unlike the other 3.1.2 setups, it doesn't offer any voice assistant capabilities, and it doesn't support Wi-Fi or Apple AirPlay2 connectivity.
See also our recommendations for the best Samsung soundbars, the best soundbars with subwoofer, and the best soundbars under $500.
The Samsung HW-Q600B is the next generation of the Samsung HW-Q600A. They're both similar bars, advertised to support a similar selection of features. With stereo content, they sound similar, too. However, even though the Q600B is also advertised as a 3.1.2 setup, its up-firing drivers don't play any sound with height content. We aren't sure if this issue is unique to our unit or not at this time.
Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the Samsung HW-Q600A or the standalone Sonos Arc. The Sonos has a better soundstage performance, and it has a room correction feature. It also offers better surround and Atmos performances. However, the Samsung has a graphic EQ for sound customization and a Full HDMI In port. You can also upgrade the Sonos to the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers.
The Samsung HW-Q600A is better than the Sony HT-S400. The Samsung is a more versatile 3.1.2 bar, with a discrete center channel to help improve vocal clarity compared to the Sony. Unlike the Sony soundbar, it has Atmos support, meaning you can take advantage of object-based formats found on many different streaming platforms. There are more sound enhancement features, too.
The Samsung HW-Q600A is a more versatile bar than the Samsung HW-B650. As a 3.1.2 bar, the Q600A comes with Dolby Atmos support. Unlike the B650, you can use it to take advantage of more immersive object-based formats, usually found on streaming platforms.
The Samsung HW-Q700A is a marginally better soundbar than the Samsung HW-Q600A. The HW-Q700A has a better soundstage performance, it comes with more wireless playback options, and it's compatible with the SmartThings app, so you can control many of its features from your smartphone. Also, its surrounds and Atmos performances are better, and it supports Amazon Alexa voice assistant when you connect it with a third-party Echo device. That said, unlike the HW-Q700A, the HW-Q600A's USB port supports audio playback, which can be handy for some listeners.
The Samsung HW-Q800A is a better soundbar than the Samsung HW-Q600A. The HW-Q800A is able to reproduce a more extended low-bass, and it has a better soundstage performance. It offers more wireless playback options, it has built-in Amazon Alexa voice assistant, and it's compatible with the SmartThings app that lets you control some of its functions from your smartphone. That said, unlike the HW-Q800A, the HW-Q600A's USB port supports audio playback, which can be handy for some listeners.
The Samsung HW-Q600A is a better soundbar than the Samsung HW-Q60T. The HW-Q600A is a 3.1.2 setup from 2021 that supports Dolby Atmos content and supports more audio formats, including Dolby Digital Plus. That said, the 5.1 HW-Q60T is a 2020 model with lower latency, which some listeners may prefer.
The Samsung HW-Q600A and the Samsung HW-S800B are both 3.1.2 Dolby Atmos setups, but depending on your listening habits, you may prefer one over the other. The 2021 Q600A is a bigger bar with more inputs on hand, including Optical and HDMI In. As a result, you can use it for high-quality passthrough, unlike the S800B. However, the S800B's unique slim design is well-suited for smaller spaces and has more enhancement features, including room correction. It's also able to reproduce a more extended low-bass than the Q600A, despite its smaller sub, and it has a better soundstage.
Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer the Samsung HW-Q600A or the Sonos Beam (Gen 2). The Samsung is a 3.1.2 setup with a dedicated sub that can reproduce a slightly more extended low-bass. It also gets louder, and unlike the Sonos, it has a Full HDMI In port for high-quality passthrough. The 5.0 Sonos is better built with better surround and soundstage performances. It also has built-in voice assistant capabilities, and some users may prefer its standalone design.
The Samsung HW-Q600A is a better soundbar than the Sony HT-G700. The Samsung is better built, and it comes with a graphic EQ for sound customization. It offers a more extended low-bass, and it also has a better soundstage performance.
The Samsung HW-Q600A is a better soundbar for mixed usage than the Samsung HW-T650. The HW-Q600A is better built and supports Dolby Atmos content. It also comes with a graphic EQ for sound customization, and it offers a better surround performance. That said, the HW-T650 has a better soundstage performance.
The Samsung HW-Q600A is better than the Samsung HW-B550. The Q600A is a 3.1.2 bar, and unlike the 2.1 B550, it supports Dolby Atmos content. It also comes with a discrete center channel, so vocals are reproduced more clearly in the mix.
The Samsung HW-Q70T and the Samsung HW-Q600A have very similar overall performances. Both soundbars have pretty neutral sound profiles out-of-the-box but struggle to reproduce a thumpy low-bass. The HW-Q70T offers more wireless playback options, lower latency, and compatibility with the SmartThings app. That said, the HW-Q600A comes with an auto-volume feature.
The JBL Bar 9.1 is better than the Samsung HW-Q600A. The JBL is a 5.1.4 setup that comes with dedicated satellites and offers better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. It reproduces a more extended low-bass, and it supports more wireless playback features. It also has a room correction feature. However, only the Samsung has a dialogue enhancement mode and a graphic EQ for sound customization.
The Samsung HW-Q600A is better than the Samsung HW-T450. The HW-Q600A is better-built, and it has a better center channel performance. Unlike the HW-T450, it supports Dolby Atmos content and has a graphic EQ for sound customization. There are more physical inputs, too, so you can connect it to your devices via ARC and Full HDMI In.
The Samsung HW-Q600A is better than the LG SL6Y. The Samsung is a 3.1.2 setup that's better built. Unlike the LG, it supports Dolby Atmos content. It also has a graphic EQ that's handy for sound customization.
The Samsung HW-Q600A is a better overall soundbar than the Yamaha YAS-209. The Samsung is a 3.1.2 setup that's better-built and comes with a discrete center channel. Unlike the Yamaha, it supports Dolby Atmos content, and it comes with a graphic EQ for sound customization. It also gets louder. However, only the Yamaha supports Wi-Fi and has built-in voice assistant support.
The Samsung HW-Q600A is better than the Denon Home Sound Bar 550. The Samsung comes with a dedicated sub that helps reproduce a more extended low-bass. It gets louder, and it has a better center performance. There's even a graphic EQ if you want to customize its sound. That said, the Denon has a better surround performance and more wireless playback options.
Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the Vizio V Series V51-H6 or the Samsung HW-Q600A. The Vizio is a 5.1 setup with discrete satellites that offers a better surround performance. It can get louder and reproduce a more extended low-bass. However, if you want a bar that supports Dolby Atmos content, you should check out the Samsung. This 3.1.2 setup is better built and has a graphic EQ for sound customization.
Depending on your preferences, you may prefer either the LG SN8YG or the Samsung HW-Q600A. The LG reproduces a more extended low-bass and offers a boomy sound profile out-of-the-box. It offers more sound enhancement features, including room correction, as well as more wireless playback options. It also has built-in Google Assistant. However, the Samsung comes with a graphic EQ for sound customization. It's also better-built and gets louder with less compression at max volume.
The Samsung HW-Q600A is a significantly better soundbar than the AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth. The Samsung is a 3.1.2 setup that's better-built and comes with center and surround channels, unlike the Amazon. It also supports Dolby Atmos content, and it offers a better stereo soundstage. There are even more sound enhancement features, like a graphic EQ and presets, as well as ARC and Full HDMI In ports. Some listeners may also prefer its more neutral sound profile out-of-the-box.
The Samsung HW-Q600A is a better soundbar than the Sony HT-X8500. The Samsung is a 3.1.2 setup that comes with a dedicated subwoofer and reproduces a more extended low-bass. It's better-built, with better soundstage, center, and Atmos performances. It also comes with a graphic EQ for sound customization, unlike the Sony.
The Samsung HW-Q600A is a better soundbar than the LG SN6Y. The Samsung is better built, and it supports Dolby Atmos content. Its default sound profile is more neutral, which some listeners may prefer. You can also customize it using its graphic EQ, which is nice.
The Samsung HW-Q800T is a better soundbar than the Samsung HW-Q600A. The HW-Q800T gets louder, and it reproduces a more extended low-bass. It also supports Wi-Fi connectivity, offers built-in Alexa voice assistant support, and is compatible with a companion app. However, the HW-Q600A comes with some additional sound enhancement features, including auto-volume and Tap Sound.
The Samsung HW-Q600A is a better soundbar than the Samsung HW-A650. The HW-Q600A is a 3.1.2 setup that supports Dolby Atmos, unlike the 3.1 HW-A650. It can also passthrough the highest bandwidth signals, and it comes with a few sound enhancement features that we don't test for, including Acoustic Beam and Q-Symphony.
The Samsung HW-Q600A is marginally better for mixed usage than the Samsung HW-Q65T. The HW-Q600A is a 3.1.2 setup that supports Dolby Atmos content, unlike the HW-Q65T. That said, the 5.1 HW-Q65T comes with discrete satellites that help offer a significantly better surrounds performance.
The Samsung HW-Q950A is a better soundbar than the Samsung HW-Q600A. The HW-Q950A is an 11.1.4 setup that comes with discrete satellite speakers and offers better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. It reproduces a more extended low-bass, and it gets louder. Also, it comes with a room correction feature and supports Wi-Fi and Apple AirPlay 2 connectivity as well as built-in Alexa voice assistant. However, the 3.1.2 HW-Q600A is better-built.
The Samsung HW-Q600A and the Samsung HW-Q60B are very similarly-performing soundbars, so depending on your listening habits, you may prefer one over the other. The Samsung HW-Q600A has a better Atmos performance thanks to its two up-firing drivers, which do a better job representing height sound effects. However, it doesn't have eARC support like the HW-Q60B, which is disappointing if you're looking to access more formats via your TV.
The Samsung HW-Q800B is better than the Samsung HW-Q600A. The Q600A is a 3.1.2 setup, while the Q800B is a 5.1.2 setup. That means that the Q800B comes with two side-firing drivers that improve its surround sound performance for a more clear and real sound. It reproduces more low-bass, too, so you get more rumble in your audio. There are also more sound enhancement features such as room correction.
The Samsung HW-Q600A is a better overall soundbar than the JBL Bar 5.1 Surround. The Samsung supports Dolby Atmos content, and it offers a better soundstage performance. It also comes with more sound enhancement features, including a graphic EQ, a dialogue enhancement feature, and bass and treble adjustments. However, the JBL offers a better surround performance and supports more wireless playback options. It also comes with a room correction feature, unlike the Samsung.
The Samsung HW-Q600A is a better soundbar than the Sony HT-Z9F. The Samsung has a better Atmos performance, and it comes with more sound enhancement features, including a graphic EQ so you can customize its sound. That said, the Sony has more wireless playback options.
The Samsung HW-Q600A is better than the standalone Bose Smart Soundbar 700. The Samsung has a dedicated sub that helps reproduce a more extended low bass. It supports Dolby Atmos content and has more sound enhancement features like a graphic EQ and auto-volume. However, only the Bose has a room correction feature. The Bose also has a better soundstage, built-in voice assistant support, and more wireless playback options. You can also upgrade it as the Bose Soundbar 700 with Speakers + Bass Module for better performance.
Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 or the Samsung HW-Q600A. The Bose is a standalone 5.1.2 setup that's better built. It has better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. You can even upgrade it with a sub and satellites if you want. However, if you want a bar with a dedicated sub included, the Samsung soundbar is a better choice. It can reproduce a more extended low-bass than the Bose.
The Samsung HW-Q600A is better than the Samsung HW-S60A. The HW-Q600A comes with a dedicated sub that helps reproduce a more extended low-bass. It gets louder, and it supports Dolby Atmos content. Unlike the HW-S60A, it comes with a Full HDMI In port. That said, some listeners may prefer the HW-S60A's more compact design and superior surround performance. The HW-S60A also comes with built-in voice assistant support, more wireless playback options, and a better soundstage.
The Samsung HW-Q600A is better than the Harman/Kardon Enchant 1300. Thanks to its dedicated subwoofer, the Samsung can reproduce more of the thump and rumble in your audio. It also supports Dolby Atmos content. As for sound enhancement features, the Samsung has a graphic EQ, whereas the Harman/Kardon has room correction. That said, the 5.0 Harman/Kardon has better soundstage and surround performances.
The Samsung HW-Q600A is a better soundbar than the Sonos Beam. The Samsung supports Dolby Atmos content and comes with a Full HDMI In port, unlike the Sonos. It also reproduces a more extended low-bass and has more sound customization features, including a graphic EQ and presets. However, the Sonos is more compact, has a room correction feature, and has built-in voice assistant support. It also has a better soundstage.
The Samsung HW-Q600A is better than the JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam. The Samsung is a 3.1.2 setup that reproduces a more extended low-bass. Some listeners may prefer its more neutral out-of-the-box sound. It also comes with more sound enhancement features like a graphic EQ and dialogue enhancement. That said, the 5.0 JBL has a better surround performance, and it comes with room correction.
The Samsung HW-Q600A is better than the Bose Soundbar 500. The Samsung comes with a dedicated sub that helps reproduce a more extended low-bass. Unlike the Bose, it has Atmos support and a Full HDMI In port for high-quality passthrough. It also gets louder, and it has a graphic EQ for sound customization. That said, only the Bose has room correction and built-in voice assistant support.
The Samsung HW-Q600A is better than the Polk Audio MagniFi MAX SR. The Samsung is a 3.1.2 setup that's better built and supports Dolby Atmos content. It has more sound enhancement features, including a graphic EQ. The 5.1 Polk Audio has a better surrounds performance, however, we noticed some sound issues during our testing that may make it less than ideal for some users.
The Klipsch Cinema 800 is better than the Samsung HW-Q600A. The Klipsch has better soundstage and surround performances. It can also reproduce a more extended low-bass. That said, the 3.1.2 Samsung is better built with a better Atmos performance.
The Samsung HW-Q850A is better than the Samsung HW-Q600A. The HW-Q850A is a 5.1.2 setup that comes with discrete satellites. It has better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances, and it supports more wireless playback options. Unlike the HW-Q600A, it also has built-in voice assistant support.
The Samsung HW-Q600A is better than the Polk Audio Signa S2. The Samsung is a 3.1.2 setup that's better built and supports Dolby Atmos content. It has better center and surround performances, and it comes with more sound enhancement features like a graphic EQ. Also, it reproduces a more extended low-bass, so you feel some more thump and rumble in your audio.
Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the Samsung HW-Q600A or the standalone Sony HT-A7000. The Samsung is a 3.1.2 setup with a dedicated subwoofer that can reproduce a more extended low-bass. It has a better Atmos performance, and it gets louder with less compression at max volume. However, the 7.1.2 Sony is better built with better soundstage and surround performances. You can also upgrade it with a sub and satellites if you want.
The Samsung HW-Q600A is better than the Polk Audio Signa S4. They're both 3.1.2 setups, but the Samsung soundbar can reproduce a more extended low-bass. It also gets louder and has some more sound enhancement features, like a graphic EQ. There's even a Full HDMI In port for video passthrough, unlike the Polk.
The Samsung HW-Q600A is better than the Samsung HW-B450. The HW-Q600A is a 3.1.2 setup that supports Dolby Atmos content, unlike the B450. It comes with HDMI connections, too, and it has a graphic EQ to give you more control over its sound.
The Samsung HW-Q600A is better than the LG S65Q. The Samsung is a 3.1.2 setup that supports Dolby Atmos content, unlike the LG. It has a more neutral sound profile out-of-the-box that reproduces clearer and more accurate dialogue.
The Bose Smart Soundbar 700 with Speakers + Bass Module is better than the Samsung HW-Q600A. The Bose is better built, and it comes with discrete satellites. It reproduces a more extended low-bass and offers better soundstage and surround performances. Unlike the Samsung, it has room correction and built-in voice assistant support. That said, only the Samsung supports Dolby Atmos content and a graphic EQ.
The Samsung HW-Q600A is better than the Samsung HW-A450. The HW-Q600A is a 3.1.2 setup that's better built. It has a better center channel performance, and it also supports Dolby Atmos content.
The Samsung HW-Q600A is a better soundbar than the Samsung HW-A550. Thanks to its 3.1.2 setup, the HW-Q600A has a better center channel performance. It's also better-built, and unlike the HW-A550, it supports Dolby Atmos content.
The Samsung HW-Q70R is a bit better for mixed usage than the Samsung HW-Q600A. The HW-Q70R reproduces a more extended low-bass, so you feel more thump and rumble in your audio. Also, it supports more wireless playback options. That said, the HW-Q600A has more sound enhancement features, including auto-volume mode.
The Samsung HW-Q600A is better than the Klipsch Cinema 400. The Samsung is a 3.1.2 setup that's better-built and gets louder. It has better soundstage, center, and surround performances. Unlike the Klipsch, it supports Atmos content, comes with a graphic EQ, and has a Full HDMI In port that supports high quality passthrough. That said, the 2.1 Klipsch reproduces a more extended low-bass.
The Samsung HW-Q600A is better than the Yamaha YAS-109. The Samsung is a 3.1.2 setup with a dedicated subwoofer that can reproduce a more extended low-bass. It's better-built, and unlike the Yamaha, it supports Dolby Atmos content. It also has better soundstage and center performances. There are even more sound enhancement features available, including a graphic EQ. That said, the 2.0 Yamaha still has a better surrounds performance.
The 3.1.2 Samsung HW-Q600A is better than the 2.1 Samsung HW-T550. The HW-Q600A is better-built, and it has a better center channel performance. Unlike the HW-T500, it also supports Dolby Atmos content and comes with a height level adjustment feature.
The Samsung HW-Q600A is better than the TCL Alto 9+. The Samsung is a better built setup with better Atmos and soundstage performances. It gets louder with less compression at max volume, and it has more sound enhancement features, including a graphic EQ. Some listeners may also prefer its more neutral sound profile out-of-the-box.
Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the Samsung HW-Q600A or the Klipsch Cinema 600. The Samsung is better built, and it supports Dolby Atmos content. It comes with a graphic EQ and presets for sound customization, as well as a Full HDMI In port. The Klipsch has better surround and soundstage performances, and it reproduces a more extended low-bass.
The Samsung HW-Q600A is better than the Sony HT-S350. The Samsung is better built, and it supports Dolby Atmos content. It has better center and surround performances as well as a better-balanced sound profile out-of-the-box. It even comes with a graphic EQ and a Full HDMI In port, unlike the Sony.
The JBL Link Bar is a decent standalone bar, but the Samsung HW-Q600A is much more versatile overall. The Samsung is a 3.1.2 setup that's better-built and supports Dolby Atmos content, unlike the JBL. It comes with a dedicated sub, too, so it can reproduce a touch more in the bass range. It also comes with more sound enhancement features, including a graphic EQ.
The Samsung HW-Q600A is a bit better soundbar than the Samsung HW-Q60R. The 3.1.2 HW-Q600A supports Dolby Atmos content thanks to its two up-firing speakers, unlike the HW-Q60R. That said, the 5.1 HW-Q60R offers a better surround performance.
The LG SN10YG is better than the Samsung HW-Q600A. The LG is a 5.1.2 setup with better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. Unlike the Samsung, it has room correction and built-in voice assistant support. It also offers more wireless playback options. That said, some users may prefer the Samsung's graphic EQ for sound customization.
The Samsung HW-Q600A is better than the Yamaha YAS-207. The Samsung is a 3.1.2 setup that's better built. Unlike the Yamaha, it supports Dolby Atmos content. It has a better center channel performance and more sound enhancement features, like a graphic EQ and presets. That said, the 2.1 Yamaha has a better surrounds performance.
The Samsung HW-Q600A is better than the Bose Smart Soundbar 300. The Samsung supports Dolby Atmos content, and it reproduces a more extended low-bass. It also comes with more sound enhancement features like a graphic EQ and auto-volume mode. That said, the Bose has more wireless playback options and built-in voice assistant support. It also has a better stereo soundstage.
The Samsung HW-Q600A is better than the LG Eclair QP5. The Samsung is a better-built bar with better center and surround performances. Also, some listeners may prefer its more neutral, balanced sound profile out-of-the-box. That said, the LG has a much smaller, more compact design that's ideal for users without a lot of space in their setup.
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 with Speakers + Bass Module is better than the Samsung HW-Q600A. The Bose is a better-built 5.1.2 setup with discrete satellites. It has better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. Also, it can reproduce a more extended low-bass. That said, it doesn't support DTS content like the Samsung.
The Samsung HW-Q600A is better than the Sony HT-X9000F. The Samsung is a 3.1.2 setup that's better-built and comes with more sound enhancement features, such as a graphic EQ. It also has better soundstage, center, surround, and Atmos performances. Some users may also prefer that it has a more neutral sound profile out-of-the-box.
The Samsung HW-Q600A is better than the Bose Solo 5. The Samsung is a 3.1.2 setup that's better-built and comes with a dedicated sub to reproduce a more extended low-bass. It has better soundstage, center, and surround performances, and it gets louder with less compression at max volume. Unlike the Bose, it supports Atmos content and has ARC and Full HDMI In ports. There are even more sound enhancement features, such as a graphic EQ and presets. However, some users may prefer the Bose's more compact design.
The LG SN9YG is better than the Samsung HW-Q600A. The LG is a 5.1.2 setup that reproduces a more extended low-bass and offers a better surround performance. Unlike the Samsung, it has room correction and built-in voice assistant support. It also supports more wireless playback options. That said, some listeners may prefer the Samsung's graphic EQ for sound customization.
The Samsung HW-Q600A is better than the Samsung HW-Q59CT for most uses. The HW-Q600A is a 3.1.2 setup that's better built. Unlike the 5.1 HW-Q59CT, it supports Dolby Atmos content. That said, both bars have a good stereo frequency response and lots of customization options.
The Vizio SB36512-F6 is a bit better for mixed usage than the Samsung HW-Q600A. The Vizio is a 5.1.2 setup with discrete satellites that offers better surround and Atmos performances. There's also less compression when you play it at max volume. However, it isn't as well-built as the Samsung. Also, the Samsung offers more sound enhancement features, like a graphic EQ.
The Vizio M Series M51a-H6 is better than the Samsung HW-Q600A. The Vizio is a 5.1 setup that comes with discrete satellite speakers and offers better surround and Atmos performances. It also reproduces a more extended low bass, so you feel more thump and rumble in your audio. That said, the Samsung is better built. Unlike the Vizio, it has a graphic EQ to help you customize its sound.
The Samsung HW-Q600A is a better soundbar than the LG SPD7Y. The Samsung is better built, and it has a better center channel performance. Unlike the LG, it comes with a graphic EQ for sound customization. Also, its default sound profile is more neutral, which some listeners may prefer.
The Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 is better than the Samsung HW-Q600A. The Vizio is a 5.1 setup with discrete satellites. It has better surround performance and can reproduce a more extended low bass. Also, it gets louder, with a bit less compression, when you push it to max volume. That said, the 3.1.2 Samsung is better built. There's also a graphic EQ available, which some listeners may prefer for sound customization.
The Samsung HW-Q900A is a better soundbar than the Samsung HW-Q600A. The HW-Q900A gets louder with less compression at max volume, and it reproduces a more extended low-bass. It also has better soundstage and surround performances, as well as more wireless support options. It also comes with built-in voice assistant support and a room correction feature. That said, the HW-Q600A is better built.
The Vizio M Series M512a-H6 is better than the Samsung HW-Q600A. The Vizio has discrete satellites and offers a better surround performance. It also reproduces a more extended low-bass and has a better soundstage. The Samsung is better built, though.
The Samsung HW-Q600A is a bit better for mixed usage than the LG GX Soundbar. The Samsung is better built with better center and Atmos performances. It can reproduce a more extended low-bass, and it comes with a graphic EQ. However, the LG has better soundstage and surround performances. It can also get louder with less compression at max volume.
The Samsung HW-Q600A is better than the Yamaha YAS-408. The Samsung is a 3.1.2 setup that's better-built and offers a better center channel performance. Unlike the Yamaha, it supports Dolby Atmos content, and it offers a graphic EQ and presets for sound customization. That said, the 2.1 Yamaha has a better surrounds performance and more wireless playback options.
The Samsung HW-Q80R is better than the Samsung HW-Q600A. The HW-Q80R is a 5.1.2 setup that offers better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. It also supports Wi-Fi connectivity, unlike the 3.1.2 HW-Q600A.
The Samsung HW-Q950T is better than the Samsung HW-Q600A. The HW-Q950T is a 9.1.4 setup that comes with discrete satellite speakers. It gets louder, and it has better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. It also has built-in voice assistant support, unlike the HW-Q600A. That said, the HW-Q600A is better-built.
The Samsung HW-Q600A is better than the LG SP7Y. The Samsung is a 3.1.2 setup that's better-built and supports Dolby Atmos content. It has a more neutral sound profile out-of-the-box, which some users may prefer, as well as a graphic EQ for sound customization. That said, the 5.1 LG has better surround and soundstage performances.
The LG SP9YA is better than the Samsung HW-Q600A. The LG is a 5.1.2 setup that can reproduce a more extended low-bass. It has better soundstage and surround performances. Also, there are more wireless playback options and more sound enhancement features, including room correction.
The Samsung HW-Q900T is better than the Samsung HW-Q600A. The HW-Q900T is a 7.1.2 setup that has better soundstage and surround performances. It reproduces a more extended low-bass, and it supports more wireless playback options. Unlike the HW-Q600A, it also has built-in voice assistant support. That said, the HW-Q600A is better-built with a better Atmos performance.
The 3.1.2 Samsung HW-Q600A is better than the 2.0 Bose TV Speaker. The Samsung has a dedicated sub that helps reproduce a more extended low-bass, and it supports Dolby Atmos content. It has better soundstage, surround, and center performances, too. It also gets louder with less compression at max volume. There are even some more sound enhancement features available, such as a graphic EQ.
Test Results
The Samsung HW-Q600A is a sleek, simple soundbar with a similar design to the Samsung HW-Q700A. The top and the front of the bar are covered with a metal grille, while the rest of the bar is made of plastic.
The sub is mostly made of wood. There's a port in the rear, and a fabric covering the front.
The Samsung HW-Q600A doesn't come with any satellites. However, it's compatible with the Wireless Surround Kit, so you can purchase them separately.
The Samsung HW-Q600A is a bit wide, so it likely won't fit between the legs of a 55" TV. It also isn't very tall, so it shouldn't block your TV screen unless your TV sits flush on the table.
The sub is the same size as the sub for the Samsung HW-Q700A. It's about the size of a typical desktop PC, and its wireless design means you can place it anywhere in your room.
The Samsung HW-Q600A has an impressive build quality. The bar itself has a metal grille that helps to protect the drivers, and the rest of the bar is made of solid-feeling plastic. The sub is mostly made of wood. However, the fabric covering the front of the sub is loose and seems like it could rip or get dirty easily, which is a bit disappointing.
- Manual
- HDMI cable (4.9 ft / 1.5m)
- Remote with batteries (2xAA)
- 2x power cables (4.9 ft / 1.5m)
- Adapter for soundbar (4.9 ft / 1.5m)
- Mounting brackets with screws with template
The Samsung HW-Q600A has a very good stereo frequency response. Out-of-the-box, it has a very neutral and balanced sound profile suitable for listening to lots of different types of audio content, with a little extra boom in the bass range. However, it struggles to reproduce a thumpy low-bass, which can be disappointing if you want to feel the rumble in action-packed movies and bass-heavy music. There are a lot of sound customization features available, including a graphic EQ with presets as well as bass and treble adjustments. Overall, its stereo sound is quite similar to the next-generation Samsung HW-Q600B.
With calibration, the Samsung HW-Q600A has a very good stereo frequency response. With its Bass set to '-3' and its Treble set to '1', it has a slightly more neutral sound profile, making it suitable for lots of different types of audio content. That said, the low-bass still lacks deep thump and rumble.
The Samsung HW-Q600A has a decent stereo soundstage performance. The soundstage is perceived to be about as wide as the bar itself, but it doesn't have any tricks to make it seem wider than that. That said, it also has good focus, so objects seem to come from an accurate, pinpoint location rather than a general area.
The Samsung HW-Q600A has a very good stereo dynamics performance. It gets pretty loud, which is handy for listeners using the bar in a large room or those who want to crank up the volume for parties. There isn't a lot of compression present when you play it at max volume, either.
The Samsung HW-Q600A has a decent stereo THD performance. At normal listening volumes, there isn't a lot of distortion, resulting in clear and pure audio reproduction. However, there's a jump in THD when you play it at max volume. This may be difficult to hear with real-life content.
The Samsung HW-Q600A has a great center channel performance. Thanks to its discrete center channel, this 3.1.2 setup can more clearly and accurately reproduce dialogue in vocal-centric content like TV shows. Its frequency response is a bit bass-heavy, but this shouldn't be too noticeable since there isn't usually a lot of bass reproduced through the center channel.
The Samsung HW-Q600A has poor surrounds performance. It has to downmix surround content into stereo to play it, so surround objects like voices and footsteps aren't as clearly and accurately localized in the soundstage. Audio can seem like it's coming from in front of you, rather than from speakers placed all around you.
The Samsung HW-Q600A has a disappointing Atmos performance. It has up-firing speakers on the bar, which bounce sound off the ceiling and back down towards you to give the impression of height. Unfortunately, this won't sound as clear or real as discrete localization created by down-firing speakers in a home theater setup. It also doesn't get very loud on this channel, which can be disappointing for listeners who like to turn up the volume.
The Samsung HW-Q600A has a decent selection of sound enhancement features. It offers a graphic EQ for sound customization as well as a few EQ presets: 'Standard', 'Surround Sound', 'Game', and 'Adaptive Sound'. The 'Adaptive Sound' preset analyzes your audio content to optimize its performance, so you can enhance dialogue to make it more clear and crisp. You can also press and hold the SOUND MODE button when the bar is turned off to activate the auto-volume mode, which helps balance the volume level between different programs.
This soundbar also comes with some sound enhancement features that we don't test for. It has Acoustic Beam virtual surround technology, which is advertised to help immerse you in your audio. It also comes with Q-Symphony, which syncs up your audio from the bar with audio from a compatible Samsung TV to create a more immersive sound. The Tap Sound feature is advertised to allow you to mirror music from your phone when you tap it against the bar.
The Samsung HW-Q600A comes with several physical inputs. There's a Full HDMI In port, which lets you use the bar as a hub between different devices. However, it doesn't have an AUX port, so you can't wire older devices and smartphones to the bar to play audio.
The Samsung HW-Q600A has impressive audio format support via ARC. It supports Dolby Digital and DTS, which are commonly found on Blu-ray discs and streaming platforms.
The Samsung HW-Q600A has fantastic audio format support via Full HDMI In. It supports most common formats, including Dolby Digital and DTS, which are typically found on Blu-ray discs and streaming platforms. While it can obtain 2.0 PCM, it can't play 5.1 PCM audio files.
The Samsung HW-Q600A supports both Dolby Digital and DTS content via Optical, which are commonly found on Blu-ray discs and streaming platforms.
The Samsung HW-Q600A has low latency over its ARC and Full HDMI In ports, so it's suitable for watching videos over these connections. However, its latency over Optical is quite high. That said, some apps and some TVs compensate for latency differently, so your real-world experience may vary.
Note: We retested Optical latency several times and even tried using different Optical cables, but we continued to get a latency measurement of over 200ms. That said, we didn't really observe a noticeable delay between audio and video when watching a video with dialogue over Optical.
The Samsung HW-Q600A can passthrough the highest quality bandwidth signals, including Dolby Vision Passthrough. This is handy for listeners who want to connect the bar between their TV and PC, as text on the screen appears clear and crisp. That said, it can't passthrough 4k @ 120Hz.
The Samsung HW-Q600A is Bluetooth-compatible, so you can wirelessly stream audio from your phone or tablet to the bar. However, unlike the Samsung HW-Q700A, it doesn't support Wi-Fi or Apple AirPlay2.
There's a small display on the right side of the bar behind the metal grille. It shows the volume level and the current input, but since it's only a four-character display, you may have to wait for it to scroll through longer words.
Touch-sensitive controls on the top of the bar let you power it on/off, adjust the volume, and change the input.
The remote has a simple design that lets you control the bar's functions. However, it isn't a universal remote, so you can't control your TV with it. It's advertised to work with certain Samsung TVs, but we don't test for this.
If you're looking for a 3.1.2 soundbar that supports Amazon Alexa when connected to a third-party device, check out the Samsung HW-Q700A. The Samsung HW-Q800A also has built-in Alexa support.