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AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth vs Samsung HW-Q950A
Side-by-Side Comparison
Products
AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth
Samsung HW-Q950A
Tested using Methodology v1.0
Updated Apr 09, 2024 02:07 PM
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Amazon.comTested using Methodology v1.2
Updated Jan 12, 2024 07:39 PM
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Amazon.com
Channels2.1
Channels11.1.4
Variants
- 2.1 Channel Bluetooth
- HW-Q950A (Black)
Our Verdict
AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth
Samsung HW-Q950A
The Samsung HW-Q950A is a significantly better soundbar than the AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth. The Samsung is an 11.1.4 setup with a dedicated sub and satellites that's better-built. Unlike the AmazonBasics, it has center, surround, and Atmos channels, as well as ARC and HDMI connection ports. It has a better soundstage, and it offers more sound enhancement features. There's even built-in voice assistant support. Some listeners may also prefer its more neutral sound profile out-of-the-box.
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Standard
2.1 Channel Bluetooth
SEE PRICE
Amazon.comBlack
HW-Q950A
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Amazon.comStandard
2.1 Channel Bluetooth
SEE PRICE
Walmart.comBlack
HW-Q950A
SEE PRICE
BestBuy.comStandard
2.1 Channel Bluetooth
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BestBuy.comBlack
HW-Q950A
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Samsung.comBlack
HW-Q950A
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Walmart.comNotice:
Two or more of the products selected have been tested with different test methodologies, so some of the results below aren't directly comparable.
Learn how our test benches and scoring system work, and read more about the latest changes to our
soundbars test methodology.
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Main Differences forMixed Usage
Mixed Usage
Threshold
Mixed Usage
5.1
8.4
Center
0.0
8.8
Stereo Frequency Response
6.4
8.2
Surround 5.1
0.0
8.3
Height (Atmos)
0.0
6.6
Audio Format Support - ARC
0.0
10
Stereo Dynamics
6.9
8.8
Stereo Soundstage
6.0
7.5
Audio Format Support - Full HDMI In
0.0
10
Auto-Volume/Night Mode
No
Yes
Sound Enhancement Features
1.8
9.5
Full Comparison
Design
Style - Bar
Style photo - bar
Style - Subwoofer
Style photo - sub
Sub Wireless
No
Yes
Enclosure
Integrated
Ported
Style - Satellites
Style photo - satellites
Satellite Wireless
No
Yes
Dimensions - Bar
Dimensions photo - bar
Width
31.3" (79.5 cm)
48.4" (123.0 cm)
Height
3.6" (9.2 cm)
2.8" (7.0 cm)
Depth
3.7" (9.5 cm)
5.4" (13.8 cm)
Dimensions - Subwoofer
Dimensions photo - sub
Width
N/A
8.2" (20.9 cm)
Height
N/A
15.8" (40.2 cm)
Depth
N/A
15.9" (40.3 cm)
Dimensions - Satellites
Dimensions photo - satellites
Width
N/A
4.9" (12.4 cm)
Height
N/A
8.0" (20.2 cm)
Depth
N/A
5.5" (14.0 cm)
Mounting
Bar Mounting Holes
Satellite Mounting Holes
Mountable Bar
Yes
Bar Brackets Included
Yes
Mountable Satellites
Yes
Satellite Brackets Included
No
Build Quality
6.0
7.5
Build quality photo
In The Box
In The Box photo
HDMI Cable Length
N/A
Digital Optical Cable Length
1.2 m (3.9 ft)
Back - Bar
Back photo - bar
Bar Mounting
Universal (holes on back)
Back - Subwoofer
Back photo - sub
Enclosure
Integrated
Ported
Back - Satellites
Back photo - satellites
Mounting
No
Sound
Stereo Frequency Response
6.4
8.2
Stereo Setup
Raw Frequency Response
Frequency Response Small
Tested Preset
Standard
Standard
Slope
-1.41
0.30
Std. Err.
4.35 dB
2.65 dB
Channels
2.1
11.1.4
Low-Frequency Extension
61.7 Hz
33.2 Hz
High-Frequency Extension
11.5 kHz
19.1 kHz
Stereo Frequency Response With Preliminary Calibration
6.4
8.4
Frequency Response Calibrated
Suggested Preset
Standard
Standard
Suggested Bass Setting
N/A
2
Suggested Treble Setting
N/A
0
Slope
-1.41
0.01
Std. Err.
4.35 dB
2.19 dB
Low-Frequency Extension
61.7 Hz
30.4 Hz
High-Frequency Extension
11.5 kHz
19.6 kHz
Stereo Soundstage
6.0
7.5
Crosstalk Error
2.54 dB
2.24 dB
Stereo Dynamics
6.9
8.8
Dynamic Range Compression
SPL @ Max Volume
93.6 dB SPL
98.8 dB SPL
DRC @ Max Volume
3.54 dB
1.08 dB
Stereo Total Harmonic Distortion
7.3
8.4
Weighted THD @ 80dB
0.51
0.18
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
3.13
1.27
Center
0.0
8.8
Center Setup
Frequency Response
Localization
Not Supported
Discrete
Slope
N/A
0.28
Std. Err.
N/A
2.19 dB
SPL @ Max Volume
N/A
96.6 dB SPL
Weighted THD @ 80dB
N/A
0.17
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
N/A
0.86
Surround 5.1
0.0
8.3
Surround Setup
Frequency Response
Localization
Not Supported
Discrete
Slope
N/A
-0.36
Std. Err.
N/A
2.92 dB
SPL @ Max Volume
N/A
89.8 dB SPL
Weighted THD @ 80dB
N/A
0.52
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
N/A
2.31
7.1 Rears
No
Yes
Height (Atmos)
0.0
6.6
Height Setup
H Frequency Response
Localization
Not Supported
Phantom (Up Firing, Bar & Satellites)
Slope
N/A
-0.28
Std. Err.
N/A
4.20 dB
SPL @ Max Volume
N/A
90.5 dB SPL
Weighted THD @ 80dB
N/A
0.54
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
N/A
1.03
Sound Enhancement Features
1.8
9.5
Room Correction
No
Yes
Dialogue Enhancement
Yes
Yes
Auto-Volume/Night Mode
No
Yes
Subwoofer Level Adjustment
No
Yes
Bass Adjustment
No
Yes
Treble Adjustment
No
Yes
EQ
Presets
Graphic + Presets
Surround Level Adjustment
No
Yes
Rear Level Adjustment
No
Yes
Height Level Adjustment
No
Yes
Virtual Surround
No
Yes
Connectivity
Inputs/Outputs - Bar
Physical Connections Bar Photo 1
Physical Connections Bar Photo 2
Optical Audio In
1
1
HDMI Out
No
eARC
HDMI 2.1 Class Bandwidth
No
Full HDMI In
No
2
Analog Audio In 3.5mm (Aux)
1
No
RCA In
Yes
No
USB for Files
No
No
Ethernet
No
No
Subwoofer Output
No
HDMI ARC
No
Audio Format Support: ARC/eARC
0.0
10
Dolby Atmos
No
Supported
Dolby Digital
No
Supported
Dolby Digital Plus
No
Supported
Dolby TrueHD
No
Supported
DTS
No
Supported
DTS:X
No
Supported
eARC
No
DTS-HD MA
No
Supported
PCM Channels
Up To 7.1
5.1 PCM (eARC only)
No
Audio Format Support: HDMI In
0.0
10
Dolby Atmos
No
Supported
Dolby Digital
No
Supported
Dolby Digital Plus
No
Supported
Dolby TrueHD
No
Supported
DTS
No
Supported
DTS:X
No
Supported
DTS-HD MA
No
Supported
PCM Channels
Up To 7.1
5.1 PCM
No
Audio Format Support: Optical
6.0
10
Dolby Digital
Yes
Supported
DTS
No
Supported
PCM Channels
2.0
Latency
8.3
7.7
Latency Video
ARC
N/A
80 ms
Optical
50 ms
60 ms
Full HDMI In
N/A
59 ms
Video Passthrough To TV
0.0
8.5
1080p Max Refresh Rate
120Hz
1080p @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate
120Hz
4k Max Refresh Rate
60Hz
4k @ 120Hz @ 10-Bit
Not Supported
4k @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate
60Hz
8k Max Refresh Rate
30Hz
HDR10 Passthrough
No
Yes
HDR10+ Passthrough
Yes
Dolby Vision Passthrough
Yes
HDMI Forum VRR Passthrough
Yes
4k @ 60 Hz Passthrough
No
FreeSync Passthrough
No
G-SYNC Passthrough
No
ALLM Passthrough
Yes
4k @ 60 Hz @ 10 bit Passthrough
No
4k @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:4 Passthrough
No
Wireless Playback
6.0
9.0
Bluetooth
Yes
Yes
Wi-Fi Playback
No
Yes
Chromecast built-in
No
No
Apple AirPlay
No
Yes
Spotify Connect
Yes
Connectivity - Subwoofer
Physical inputs subwoofer photo 1
Physical controls subwoofer photo 1
Sub Wireless
No
Yes
Connectivity - Satellites
Physical inputs satellites photo 1
Physical controls satellites photo 1
Sat Wireless
No
Yes
Additional Features
Interface
Interface photo
Display
No
Yes
Bar Controls
Controls photo
Remote
Remote photo
Universal Remote
No
Voice Assistants Support
Amazon Alexa
No
Yes (Built-in)
Google Assistant
No
No
Apple Siri
No
No
Microphone Mute
Yes
App
App image
App Name
No App
iOS
No
Android
No
Acts As A Remote
No
Controls Soundbar's Settings
No
Casts Device Files
No
Other Features
Power Saving
Auto-off
HDMI CEC (TV Remote Control)
No
Check Price
Standard
2.1 Channel Bluetooth
SEE PRICE
Amazon.comBlack
HW-Q950A
SEE PRICE
Amazon.comStandard
2.1 Channel Bluetooth
SEE PRICE
Walmart.comBlack
HW-Q950A
SEE PRICE
BestBuy.comStandard
2.1 Channel Bluetooth
SEARCH
BestBuy.comBlack
HW-Q950A
SEARCH
Samsung.comBlack
HW-Q950A
SEARCH
Walmart.com
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AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth
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AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth vs Samsung HW-Q950A: Main Discussion
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