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  1. Home
  2. Soundbar
  3. Compare
  1. Table of Contents
  2. Top
  3. Main Differences
  4. Design
    1. Style - Bar
    2. Style - Subwoofer
    3. Style - Satellites
    4. Dimensions - Bar
    5. Dimensions - Subwoofer
    6. Dimensions - Satellites
    7. Mounting
    8. Build Quality
    9. In The Box
  5. Sound
    1. Stereo Frequency Response
    2. Stereo Frequency Response With Preliminary Calibration
    3. Stereo Soundstage
    4. Stereo Dynamics
    5. Stereo Total Harmonic Distortion
    6. Center
    7. Surround 5.1
    8. Height (Atmos)
    9. Sound Enhancement Features
  6. Connectivity
    1. Inputs/Outputs - Bar
    2. Audio Format Support: ARC/eARC
    3. Audio Format Support: HDMI In
    4. Audio Format Support: Optical
    5. Audio Latency: ARC
    6. Audio Latency: HDMI In
    7. Audio Latency: Optical
    8. Video Passthrough To TV
    9. Wireless Playback
  7. Additional Features
    1. Interface
    2. Bar Controls
    3. Remote
    4. Voice Assistants Support
  8. Comments

Sonos Arc vs Samsung HW-Q950A

Side-by-Side Comparison

Products

Sonos Arc
Samsung HW-Q950A

Tested using Methodology v1.3

Updated Nov 28, 2024 02:21 PM

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Tested using Methodology v1.2

Updated Jan 12, 2024 07:39 PM

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Sonos Arc Picture
Samsung HW-Q950A Picture
Channels
5.0.2
Channels
11.1.4

Variants

  • Arc (Black)
  • Arc SL (Shadow Edition)
  • Arc (White)
  • HW-Q950A (Black)

Review

See Sonos Arc Review
See Samsung HW-Q950A Review
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Our Verdict

Sonos Arc

Samsung HW-Q950A

The Samsung HW-Q950A is a better soundbar than the standalone Sonos Arc. The Samsung has a dedicated subwoofer and satellites, so it reproduces a more extended low-bass and has better surround performance. It also gets louder with less compression at max volume and comes with a graphic EQ and Full HDMI In port. However, the Sonos is better built and has a better soundstage performance. Also, you can upgrade it to the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers for better performance.

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Black
Arc
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Black
HW-Q950A
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Shadow Edition
Arc SL
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Black
HW-Q950A
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White
Arc
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Black
HW-Q950A
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Black
HW-Q950A
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Black
HW-Q950A
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HW-Q950A
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Main Differences for
Mixed Usage

Threshold 

0.10

Mixed Usage 

7.4
8.4

Stereo Frequency Response 
 

7.2
8.2

Surround 5.1 
 

5.7
8.3

Audio Format Support: HDMI In 
 

0.0
10

Full Comparison

Design

Style - Bar  

Style photo - bar  

Sonos Arc Style photo - bar
Samsung HW-Q950A Style photo - bar
Show Text 

Style - Subwoofer  

Style photo - sub  

Sonos Arc Style photo - sub
Samsung HW-Q950A Style photo - sub

Sub Wireless 
 

No
Yes

Enclosure 
 

No Subwoofer
Ported
Show Text 

Style - Satellites  

Style photo - satellites  

Sonos Arc Style photo - satellites
Samsung HW-Q950A Style photo - satellites

Satellite Wireless 
 

No
Yes
Show Text 

Dimensions - Bar  

Dimensions photo - bar  

Sonos Arc Dimensions photo - bar
Samsung HW-Q950A Dimensions photo - bar

Width  

44.9" (114.1 cm)
48.4" (123.0 cm)

Height  

3.4" (8.7 cm)
2.8" (7.0 cm)

Depth  

4.7" (12.0 cm)
5.4" (13.8 cm)
Show Text 

Dimensions - Subwoofer  

Dimensions photo - sub  

Sonos Arc Dimensions photo - sub
Samsung HW-Q950A 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)
Show Text 

Dimensions - Satellites  

Dimensions photo - satellites  

Sonos Arc Dimensions photo - satellites
Samsung HW-Q950A 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)
Show Text 

Mounting 
 

Bar Mounting Holes  

Sonos Arc Bar Mounting Holes
Samsung HW-Q950A Bar Mounting Holes

Satellite Mounting Holes  

Sonos Arc Satellite Mounting Holes
Samsung HW-Q950A Satellite Mounting Holes

Mountable Bar 
 

Yes
Yes

Bar Brackets Included 
 

No
Yes

Mountable Satellites 
 

No
Yes

Satellite Brackets Included 
 

No
No
Show Text 

Build Quality 
 

8.0
7.5

Build quality photo  

Sonos Arc Build quality photo
Samsung HW-Q950A Build quality photo
Show Text 

In The Box 
 

In The Box photo   

Sonos Arc In The Box photo
Samsung HW-Q950A In The Box photo
Show Text 
Sound

Stereo Frequency Response 
 

7.2
8.2

Stereo Setup  

Sonos Arc Stereo Setup
Samsung HW-Q950A Stereo Setup

Raw Frequency Response  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Frequency Response Small  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Channels 
 

5.0.2
11.1.4

Tested Preset 
 

No Preset
Standard

Slope 
 

0.37
0.30

Standard Error 
 

3.33 dB
2.65 dB

Low-Frequency Extension 
 

51.1 Hz
33.2 Hz

High-Frequency Extension 
 

19.9 kHz
19.1 kHz
Show Text 

Stereo Frequency Response With Preliminary Calibration 
 

7.2
8.4

Frequency Response Calibrated  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Suggested Preset 
 

No Preset
Standard

Suggested Bass Setting 
 

0
2

Suggested Treble Setting 
 

-3
0

Slope 
 

-0.09
0.01

Standard Error 
 

3.08 dB
2.19 dB

Low-Frequency Extension 
 

51.1 Hz
30.4 Hz

High-Frequency Extension 
 

19.9 kHz
19.6 kHz
Show Text 

Stereo Soundstage 
 

8.0
7.5

Crosstalk  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Crosstalk Error 
 

2.28 dB
2.24 dB
Show Text 

Stereo Dynamics 
 

8.1
8.8

Dynamic Range Compression  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

91.6 dB SPL
98.8 dB SPL

DRC @ 90dB 
 

0.28 dB

DRC @ Max Volume 
 

0.75 dB
1.08 dB
Show Text 

Stereo Total Harmonic Distortion 
 

8.4

THD  

See details on graph tool

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

0.18

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

1.27
Show Text 

Center 
 

7.8
8.8

Center Setup  

Sonos Arc Center Setup
Samsung HW-Q950A Center Setup

Frequency Response  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Localization 
 

Discrete
Discrete

Slope 
 

-0.40
0.28

Std. Err. 
 

2.94 dB
2.19 dB

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

76.5 dB SPL
96.6 dB SPL

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

0.32
0.17

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

1.56
0.86
Show Text 

Surround 5.1 
 

5.7
8.3

Surround Setup  

Sonos Arc Surround Setup
Samsung HW-Q950A Surround Setup

Frequency Response  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Localization 
 

Phantom (Side Firing, Bar)
Discrete

Slope 
 

0.01
-0.36

Std. Err. 
 

3.27 dB
2.92 dB

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

75.1 dB SPL
89.8 dB SPL

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

0.39
0.52

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

0.98
2.31

7.1 Rears 
 

No
Yes
Show Text 

Height (Atmos) 
 

6.1
6.6

Height Setup  

Sonos Arc Height Setup
Samsung HW-Q950A Height Setup

H Frequency Response  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Localization 
 

Phantom (Up Firing, Bar)
Phantom (Up Firing, Bar & Satellites)

Slope 
 

0.55
-0.28

Std. Err. 
 

2.91 dB
4.20 dB

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

62.0 dB SPL
90.5 dB SPL

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

1.07
0.54

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

0.18
1.03
Show Text 

Sound Enhancement Features 
 

5.7
9.5

Room Correction 
 

Yes
Yes

Dialogue Enhancement 
 

Yes
Yes

Auto-Volume/Night Mode 
 

Yes
Yes

Subwoofer Level Adjustment 
 

No
Yes

Bass Adjustment 
 

Yes
Yes

Treble Adjustment 
 

Yes
Yes

EQ 
 

No
Graphic + Presets

Surround Level Adjustment 
 

No
Yes

Rear Level Adjustment 
 

No
Yes

Height Level Adjustment 
 

Yes
Yes

Virtual Surround 
 

No
Yes
Show Text 
Connectivity

Inputs/Outputs - Bar 
 

Physical Connections Bar Photo 1  

Sonos Arc Physical Connections Bar Photo 1
Samsung HW-Q950A Physical Connections Bar Photo 1

Physical Connections Bar Photo 2  

Sonos Arc Physical Connections Bar Photo 2
Samsung HW-Q950A Physical Connections Bar Photo 2

Optical Audio In 
 

Adapter into HDMI ARC
1

HDMI Out 
 

eARC
eARC

HDMI 2.1 Class Bandwidth 
 

No
No

Full HDMI In 
 

No
2

Analog Audio In 3.5mm (Aux) 
 

No
No

RCA In 
 

No
No

USB for Files 
 

No
No

Ethernet 
 

1
No

Subwoofer Output 
 

No
No
Show Text 

Audio Format Support: ARC/eARC 
 

9.6
10

Dolby Atmos 
 

Supported
Supported

Dolby Digital 
 

Supported
Supported

Dolby Digital Plus 
 

Supported
Supported

Dolby TrueHD 
 

Supported
Supported

DTS 
 

Supported
Supported

DTS:X 
 

Not Supported
Supported

DTS-HD MA 
 

Not Supported
Supported

PCM Channels 
 

Up To 7.1
Up To 7.1
Show Text 

Audio Format Support: HDMI In 
 

0.0
10

Dolby Atmos 
 

Not Supported
Supported

Dolby Digital 
 

Not Supported
Supported

Dolby Digital Plus 
 

Not Supported
Supported

Dolby TrueHD 
 

Not Supported
Supported

DTS 
 

Not Supported
Supported

DTS:X 
 

Not Supported
Supported

DTS-HD MA 
 

Not Supported
Supported

PCM Channels 
 

Not Supported
Up To 7.1
Show Text 

Audio Format Support: Optical 
 

10
10

Dolby Digital 
 

Supported
Supported

DTS 
 

Supported
Supported

PCM Channels 
 

2.0
2.0
Show Text 

Audio Latency: ARC 
 

8.5

ARC Latency Video  

PCM-2.0 ch 
 

42 ms

PCM-5.1 ch 
 

41 ms

Dolby MAT (PCM) Atmos 
 

59 ms

Dolby Digital 
 

92 ms

Dolby Digital Plus 
 

101 ms

Dolby Digital Plus Atmos 
 

101 ms
Show Text 

Audio Latency: HDMI In 
 

0.0
7.7

HDMI Latency Video  

Latency Video  

PCM-2.0 ch 
 

N/A

PCM-5.1 ch 
 

N/A

Dolby MAT (PCM) Atmos 
 

N/A

Dolby Digital 
 

N/A

Dolby Digital Plus 
 

N/A

Dolby Digital Plus Atmos 
 

N/A

ARC 
 

80 ms

Optical 
 

60 ms

Full HDMI In 
 

59 ms
Show Text 

Audio Latency: Optical 
 

9.0

Optical Latency Video  

PCM-2.0 ch 
 

99 ms

Dolby Digital 
 

129 ms
Show Text 

Video Passthrough To TV 
 

0.0
8.5

1080p Max Refresh Rate 
 

Not Supported
120Hz

1080p @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate 
 

Not Supported
120Hz

4k Max Refresh Rate 
 

Not Supported
60Hz

4k @ 120Hz @ 10-Bit 
 

Not Supported
Not Supported

4k @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate 
 

Not Supported
60Hz

8k Max Refresh Rate 
 

Not Supported
30Hz

HDR10 Passthrough 
 

No
Yes

HDR10+ Passthrough 
 

No
Yes

Dolby Vision Passthrough 
 

No
Yes

HDMI Forum VRR Passthrough 
 

No
Yes

FreeSync Passthrough 
 

No
No

G-SYNC Passthrough 
 

No
No

ALLM Passthrough 
 

No
Yes
Show Text 

Wireless Playback 
 

3.0
9.0

Bluetooth 
 

No
Yes

Wi-Fi Playback 
 

Yes
Yes

Chromecast built-in 
 

No
No

Apple AirPlay 
 

Yes
Yes

Spotify Connect 
 

Yes
Yes
Show Text 
Additional Features

Interface 
 

Interface photo  

Sonos Arc Interface photo
Samsung HW-Q950A Interface photo

Display 
 

No
Yes
Show Text 

Bar Controls 
 

Controls photo  

Sonos Arc Controls photo
Samsung HW-Q950A Controls photo
Show Text 

Remote  

Remote photo  

Sonos Arc Remote photo
Samsung HW-Q950A Remote photo
Show Text 

Voice Assistants Support 
 

Amazon Alexa 
 

Yes (Built-in)
Yes (Built-in)

Google Assistant 
 

Yes (Built-in)
No

Apple Siri 
 

No
No

Microphone Mute 
 

Yes
Yes
Show Text 

Check Price

Black
Arc
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Black
HW-Q950A
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Shadow Edition
Arc SL
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Black
HW-Q950A
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White
Arc
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HW-Q950A
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HW-Q950A
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HW-Q950A
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HW-Q950A
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Sonos Arc

Samsung HW-Q950A

Comments

  1. Comparison
 • Posted 1 year ago

Sonos Arc vs Samsung HW-Q950A: Main Discussion

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