The Samsung HW-Q60R is a fairly good sounding soundbar that performs well regardless of the content you play. This bar has a decent sound profile, but it does lack a bit of bass. On the upside, it can get pretty loud and performs well at max volume. Unfortunately, its soundstage isn’t really good, especially when compared to other soundbars in this lineup like the Samsung HW-Q90R, and it doesn’t support Atmos. Nevertheless, this is a very well-built soundbar that has an audio reproduction that should satisfy most.
Our Verdict
Decent for mixed usage. The Samsung HW-Q60R soundbar will perform quite well with different types of content. Its sound profile is fairly neutral and accurate, although it does lack a bit of sub-bass, which will be noticeable on movies and bass-heavy music. The HW-Q60R has a very good reproduction of vocals and voices, which is suitable for dialogue-centered content like audiobooks and podcasts. Unfortunately, it doesn’t support Atmos and height channels for a more immersive listening experience. On the upside, the bar can get pretty loud regardless of the content you’re playing.
-
Decent stereo sound profile.
-
Very well-built design.
-
Decent overall performance at high volume.
-
No height channels and Atmos support.
-
Lacks sub-bass.
Good for dialogue and TV shows. The Samsung Q60R soundbar has a great stereo frequency response with an accurate reproduction of voices and dialogue in movies. It will be a good option for listening to audiobooks and podcasts too. The bar can get very loud too and has a dialogue enhancement feature. Also, it’s quite easy to stream content wirelessly to the bar via Bluetooth.
Decent for music. The Q60R soundbar has a pretty good stereo frequency response, but its bass isn’t that extended, which can hurt its performance on bass-heavy genres. However, it'll be suitable for most music. Unfortunately, the soundstage isn’t the widest but still is decently wide. On the other hand, the bar can get very loud and performs quite well at max volume too.
Passable for movies. The Samsung Q60R soundbar sounds decent but might lack a bit of sub-bass for movies. On the upside, it can get very loud and performs quite well without too much compression at max volume. While it does support surround sound content, this soundbar won’t offer the most immersive experience. It also doesn’t support Atmos and height channels.
- 7.4 Mixed Usage
- 8.1 Dialogue/TV Shows
- 7.5 Music
- 6.9 Movies
- Updated Mar 31, 2021: Converted to Test Bench 1.0.
- Updated Sep 27, 2019: Review published.
Compared To Other Soundbars
The Samsung HW-Q60R is a decent mixed-usage soundbar that has a unique Acoustic Beam design by Samsung which helps with surround performance. It's well-designed and has a decent stereo audio quality as well, but doesn't support Atmos like other higher-hand models in the lineup. See our recommendations for the best soundbars, the best Dolby Atmos soundbars, and the best soundbars for music.
Although the Samsung HW-Q60T is the newer model of the Samsung HW-Q60R, the older model still slightly outperforms the 2020 model. The HW-Q60R is better for dialogue thanks to its center channel performance, and its surround channel is slightly less bass-heavy. However, unlike other Samsung soundbars, including the HW-Q60R, the HW-Q60T lacks a companion app.
The standalone Sonos Arc is better for mixed usage than the Samsung HW-Q60R. The Sonos supports Dolby Atmos content and has built-in voice assistant support. It comes with room correction and has better surround and soundstage performances. However, the Samsung is more customizable thanks to its graphic EQ and presets.
The Samsung HW-Q60R is a better soundbar system than the Sony HT-S100F. It's advertised as a 5.1 setup with the Samsung Acoustic Beam up-firing speakers, which helps with the surround performance. The subwoofer of the Samsung offers more bass than the stand-alone Sony, and the overall audio reproduction of the Samsung soundbar is better. The Samsung also has better overall connectivity options and has more sound enhancement features to make it sound how you prefer.
The Samsung HW-Q60R is a slightly better soundbar system than the Sonos Beam. Although the Sonos has a wider soundstage, the overall performance of the Samsung is better. It performs better with surround content thanks to the built-in Acoustic Beam up-firing speakers. On the other hand, the Sonos has a room correction feature, and it's easy to upgrade with a wireless sub and satellites, though we tested the Sonos as a stand-alone bar.
The Samsung HW-Q70R is an overall better-sounding soundbar setup than the Samsung HW-Q60R. The Q70R has a better stereo performance and it also supports Atmos, which the Q60R can’t do. However, the Q60R can play surround content while the Q70R can't. On the other hand, the Q70R has more audio formats supported and can also be used via Wi-Fi.
The Samsung HW-Q60R is very similar to the Samsung HW-R650, but the Q60R has a small edge due to the fact it has the Samsung Acoustic Beam up-firing speakers that make it a 5.1 setup. They are practically the same bar with the same performance other than the fact that the up-firing speakers help the surround content performance.
The Samsung HW-Q700A is marginally better for mixed usage than the Samsung HW-Q60R. The HW-Q700A is a 3.1.2 setup that supports Dolby Atmos content. It also offers a better soundstage performance and more wireless playback options. That said, the 5.1 HW-Q60R has a better surrounds performance.
The Samsung HW-Q80R is a much better soundbar setup than the Samsung HW-Q60R. The Q80R is a 5.1.2 soundbar that using up and side-firing speakers to simulate an Atmos-like experience. The Q80R also has a much better bass response, a wider stereo soundstage, more connectivity options, and has less artifacts when pushed to louder volumes. On the other hand, the Q60R is a smaller soundbar that still has side-firing speakers to simulate surround sound, though it isn't Atmos-enabled.
The Samsung HW-Q800A is better than the Samsung HW-Q60R. The HW-Q800A is a 3.1.2 setup that supports Dolby Atmos content and has built-in voice assistant support. It reproduces a more extended low-bass, and it supports more wireless playback options. That said, the 5.1 HW-Q60R has a better surrounds performance.
The Vizio V Series V51-H6 is a better overall soundbar than the Samsung HW-Q60R. The Vizio has two satellite speakers, which provide a more immersive surround sound. It also has a better-balanced sound profile out of the box. However, the Samsung is better built, and it has a graphic EQ and a Full HDMI In port, unlike the Vizio.
The 5.1 Samsung HW-Q60R is a better soundbar than the 3.1 Samsung HW-T650. Both bars have discrete center channels, but the HW-Q60R doesn't downmix surround content into stereo to play it, which sounds clearer and more real than the HW-T650. Additionally, the HW-Q60R comes with a graphic EQ so you have even more control over your audio experience. On the other hand, the HW-T650 supports Dolby Digital Plus through its HDMI ports, unlike the HW-Q60R.
The Samsung HW-Q800T is better than the Samsung HW-Q60R. The HW-Q800T is a 3.1.2 setup that reproduces a more extended low-bass. Unlike the HW-Q60R, it supports Dolby Atmos content and built-in voice assistant. It also has more wireless playback options. That said, the 5.1 HW-Q60R has a better surrounds performance.
The Samsung HW-Q70T is slightly better for mixed usage than the Samsung HW-Q60R. The HW-Q70T is a 3.1.2 setup that supports Dolby Atmos content and offers more wireless connectivity support. However, the 5.1 HW-Q60R has a better surrounds performance, and an auto-volume mode.
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 Samsung HW-Q60R and the LG SK9Y have similar performance in mixed usage. The Samsung has a much better build quality, better center channel performance, and is more customizable; however, the LG has up-firing speakers to simulate height in Dolby Atmos content, has Chromecast built-in, and has more input selection.
The Samsung HW-Q60R is a slightly better soundbar setup than the Samsung HW-T550. The Q60R has a dedicated center channel and features Samsung's Acoustic Beam that acts like up-firing speakers. Both of these result in a more accurate dialogue reproduction and a more immersive surround experience. The HW-T550 also feels a bit cheaper-made than the 2019 HW-Q60R.
The Samsung HW-Q60R is marginally better for mixed usage than the Samsung HW-A650. The HW-Q60R has a better surrounds performance thanks to its phantom localization. It also supports high quality passthrough via its Full HDMI In port, unlike the HW-A650.
The Samsung HW-Q60R is slightly better than the Yamaha YAS-209. It's a 5.1 system compared to the 2.1 configuration of the Yamaha. It gets louder, and its dedicated center speaker makes for better reproduction of dialogue and voices. It's also better-built and feels more high-end. On the other hand, the Yamaha sub produces deeper bass on stereo content and also supports Wi-Fi playback, which the Samsung doesn't do.
Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the Sony HT-Z9F or the Samsung HW-Q60R. The Sony is a 3.1 setup that supports Atmos content, unlike the Samsung. That said, the Samsung's surround performance is better. It also has more sound enhancement features, like a graphic EQ. Its sound profile offers a more detailed treble range, too.
The Samsung HW-Q60R is a better soundbar than the Klipsch Bar 48. It has a better overall audio reproduction performance and has a slightly wider soundstage as well. This 5.1 setup also has a Samsung Acoustic Beam, which is somewhat like up-firing speakers to help give a better surround experience. The Samsung also has Full HDMI In ports, which the Klipsch is lacking. On the other hand, the Klipsch has a unique design and style, and it also can get louder than the Samsung.
The Yamaha YAS-408 and the Samsung HW-Q60R are very similar for mixed usage, but the Yamaha is better for stereo content while the Samsung will be better for dialog thanks to its dedicated center channel. The sub of the Yamaha performs slightly better, but the Yamaha soundbar doesn't have as many sound enhancement features as the Samsung. On the other hand, you can play content wirelessly via Wi-Fi on the Yamaha, which you can't do on the Samsung.
The Samsung HW-Q60R is a slightly better soundbar than the LG SL6Y. The Samsung produces great dialogue-centric content thanks to its fairly neutral sound profile. The Samsung also has a 3.5mm analog audio jack, and you can also adjust the sound using its graphic EQ. The LG however, supports slightly more audio formats through its HDMI In connection and you can fully control the soundbar's settings through its mobile companion app.
The Samsung HW-Q60R is a better soundbar setup than the Sonos Playbar, although we tested the Sonos by itself, without a sub and satellites. The Samsung supports the sound quality a bit better and has a dedicated subwoofer for the bass. On the other hand, the stereo soundstage of the Sonos is noticeably larger thanks to the speakers' disposition on the bar. However, the Samsung doesn't downmix surround content thanks to Samsung's Acoustic Beam up-firing speakers on the bar.
The Samsung HW-Q60R and the Bose Smart Soundbar 700 are similarly performing soundbars with slightly different features. The Samsung is a 5.1 setup and comes with a dedicated subwoofer, while the Bose is a standalone 3.0 soundbar. The Samsung also has more input options and better sound enhancement features, including a graphic EQ. However, only the Bose supports Apple AirPlay, and it has a better build quality.
The Samsung HW-Q60R is a better soundbar system than the Bose Solo 5. The Samsung has a wireless subwoofer, a dedicated center channel, and side-firing speakers, while the Bose is a simple 2.0 system. The Samsung gets loud, has more features, and overall sounds better. It also has tons of connection options the Bose doesn't have and supports more audio formats. Other than price, there's no real reason to get the Bose over the better performing Samsung.
The Samsung HW-Q60R is slightly more versatile than the Samsung HW-R550 thanks to the Samsung Acoustic Beam up-firing speakers. It also has a dedicated center channel for better and clearer dialog. The Acoustic Beam helps with the surround performance of the Q60R.
The Samsung HW-Q90R is significantly better than the Samsung HW-Q60R. The HW-Q90R has satellite speakers for better surround sound performance and its sound profile is much more balanced. The Q90R also has up firing speakers for Dolby Atmos content and has much more connectivity options, but the HW-Q60R has better sound enhancement features, such as Night Mode, which reduces volume change between different programs when you watch at night.
The Vizio SB36512-F6 is better than the Samsung HW-Q60R. The Vizio comes with rear satellite speakers that provide a much better surround sound experience. It also has a more balanced sound signature and a wider selection of inputs. It supports more audio formats as well, but the Samsung has a better build quality and more sound enhancement features.
The Samsung HW-Q60R performs quite similarly to the Yamaha YAS-207, although it's a 5.1 setup. However, due to its configuration, it has a dedicated center channel that is great for clear voices and dialog, which the Yamaha 2.1 doesn't have. The Samsung is also noticeably better-built, has more features, but its stereo sound isn't as accurate and neutral as the Yamaha.
Test Results
The Samsung HW-Q60R resembles the Samsung HW-N450 very closely, but it's wider. It has a metal grill on the front and top, and the rest is made of good quality plastic and gives off a premium feel. There are four buttons to control the bar on the right side.
The sub is made from wood for the most part. Fabric covers the speaker on the right side, and the port is found on the back and made of plastic.
This is a fairly wide soundbar, and unless the legs of a 55" TV stand are on the edges of the TV, it's unlikely that the bar will fit in between. Its height, on the other hand, is unlikely to block any part of your screen unless your TV sits flush on the table like the Sony A9F.
The sub looks like an average size desktop, maybe slightly wider. You can place it anywhere in your room as long as you can provide it with power, thanks to its wireless connectivity.
There are no satellites in this setup.
The bar has two openings for the input ports and the power cable. If you want to wall-mount it, you must use the universal holes that are hidden on the underside.
The back of the sub is plain. The port is on the top and the power cable connects at the bottom so you can easily hide it.
The Samsung HW-Q60R's build quality is great. It's a robust construction with metal on the top and the front, and good quality plastic on the sides and back. It feels premium despite the fabric that covers the subwoofer's speaker that can get dirty or rip easily.
- Manuals
- Remote & Batteries
- Optical Cable
- Holder Support (x2)
- Holder Foot (x2)
- Bar power cable
- Subwoofer power cable
- Power brick for bar
- Wall Mount Guide
- Bracket Wall Mount (x2)
- Screws
- Holder-Screw
The Samsung HW-Q60R has a decent sounding stereo frequency response. Unfortunately, the low-frequency extension of this soundbar is decently high, which means it might struggle a bit to reproduce the very deep thump and rumble of bass in movies and bass-heavy music genres, but will still perform well enough for most people. On the upside, the overall sound signature of this soundbar is great and sounds neutral, accurate, and clean.
The HW-Q60R's stereo soundstage is decent. When listening to the soundstage feels to be as wide as the bar, or slightly bigger, but the bar doesn’t do anything to make it sound wider. It's also decently focused, but objects don’t seem to come from an accurate pinpoint location like some other bars, such as the Samsung HW-Q90R.
The Samsung HW-Q60R has good dynamics performance and can get pretty loud, which is great for large rooms or crowded environments. When pushed to its max level, there aren’t too many compression artifacts and the overall performance is decent. Most people won’t have an issue with this with real-life content.
The Samsung HW-Q60R soundbar has good THD performance. At a normal volume level, around 80dB, the THD is within very good limits and will reproduce pure and clean sound. However, when pushing the bar to its maximum capacities, there’s a big jump in THD in the high-bass range. THD is still very hard to hear; this might not be noticeable with real-life content, especially considering that most people won't be using the bar at max volume.
This is a 5.1 setup that has excellent performance in the center channel. Due to its configuration, the Samsung HW-Q60R soundbar has a dedicated center speaker, which results in a clearer and more accurate audio reproduction of the dialogue in movies. The frequency response is great across the whole range and you’ll still be able to get a good loudness level.
The Samsung HW-Q60R's surrounds performance is sub-par. This is a 5.1 system with what Samsung calls the Acoustic Beam, which is somewhat up-firing speakers that help to give a better surround experience. This is different than dedicated up-firing speakers but is still a phantom localization, which won’t result in the most accurate and clear representation of surround objects in the soundstage. This won’t feel as real as a discrete surround experience offered by tower speakers. Also, the sound isn’t the best and it lacks a lot of detail, making the overall sound dark. If you want a 5.1 setup with dedicated surround speakers, check out the Vizio V Series V51-H6 instead.
The Samsung HW-Q60R setup doesn’t have height channels and doesn’t support Atmos. For a similar soundbar that does, take a look at the Samsung HW-Q70R or the Samsung HW-Q80R.
Update 05/28/2020: The HW-Q60R supports surround sound content, but we had previously listed 'Surround Level Adjustment' to 'N/A'. The test result has now been set to 'No', which has slightly decreased the scoring.
The Samsung HW-Q60R soundbar has decent sound enhancement features. Like all Samsung soundbars, it lacks Room Correction, so it might sound differently depending on your room. On the upside, you’ll be able to control the amount of bass produced by the sub and slightly customize the sound to your liking thanks to an EQ. The Samsung HW-Q60T, which replaces this soundbar, also offers a similar set of features but includes presets such as Pro Game mode alongside its graphic EQ. However, for both Samsung soundbars, the surround mode needs to be enabled for the bar to decode 5.1 content without downmixing to 3.1.
The Samsung HW-Q60R can pass the highest quality signal through its Full HDMI In port, but it has only one such port. On the upside, you can use the Analog Audio In to connect older devices through their audio jack and enjoy a nice sound experience, or play back music you have stored on your USB.
Over the HDMI ARC port, this soundbar supports the most common formats found on soundbars, Dolby Digital and DTS. You can enjoy a 5.1 surround experience from any content encoded in those formats, such as Blu-ray discs or streaming media. Unfortunately, due to ARC's limitations, you can't play lossless formats.
The Full HDMI in port allows you to place the bar between an external device like a PC or a Blu-Ray player and the TV. Unfortunately, the supported formats are limited to Dolby Digital and DTS. Although these formats are the most common ones with lots of content found on Streaming platforms or Blu-ray discs, most other premium bars can also decode object-based surround like Dolby Atmos over their Full HDMI in port and offer a more immersive sound experience.
Dolby Digital and DTS content are usually found on Blu-ray discs and streaming platforms like Netflix. This bar can offer surround sound using either of these formats through its Optical port.
The Samsung HW-Q60R supports only Bluetooth for wireless playback. Although this is the most common way to connect wirelessly, the lack of Wi-Fi, Chromecast built-in, and Apple AirPlay might be limiting to some users.
When this bar is used as a hub between your PC or game console and your TV, it can pass through chroma 4:4:4. but only up to a refresh rate of 30Hz. If you send such a signal, the text will look crisp.
The sub connects wirelessly to the bar, and all you have is the power cable.
The interface consists of a small screen behind the front grill in the front. It's simple and easy to use and can display the volume level and the input source. Due to its small size, sometimes it has to scroll to display the entire message.
The buttons on the side allow you to perform basic actions like controlling the volume, powering the bar on or off, and selecting the input.
The style of the remote is very similar to the style of the remotes that are found in the latest high-end Samsung TVs. You can control all of the functions of the soundbar, but unfortunately, it doesn't have the option to work as a universal remote.
The app that pairs with the Samsung HW-Q60R soundbar is the same that pairs with most of the latest Samsung home appliances and TVs. It doesn’t completely replace the remote as it doesn’t have a settings button and lacks a Bluetooth pairing button.
The Samsung HW-Q60R, just like the rest of the soundbars in the Q Series, can turn itself off after 5 minutes of inactivity. The HDMI ARC supports HDMI CEC, so you can use your TV's remote to perform basic tasks on your bar.