Samsung Rolls Out 2023 Soundbars 

Samsung recently signed a new deal with LG Display that will enable it to sell a new range of OLED TVs and there is a consensus amongst industry insiders that they have every intention of keeping LG and Hisense away from their position atop the TV mountain. Soundbars are another large source of revenue for the Korean manufacturer and whilst they may not have the sex appeal of Sonos — they certainly do sell a lot of them. Samsung teased some of the soundbars discussed below at the 2023 CES but has now revealed additional details and more models. 

Key Features

Samsung has announced six new Q-Series and two new C-Series soundbars but is carrying over two of its 2022 S-series through 2023. We will touch on some of the highlights that may be available on some models. 

Tip: Links are provided that will direct you to more information on each specific model in addition to our tables below.

Dolby Atmos:  For Samsung’s Dolby Atmos-equipped soundbars the following features may be included:

• Wireless Dolby Atmos: On Samsung’s Q and S -series soundbars, this allows the soundbar to receive Atmos sound over Wi-Fi from select Samsung TVs. 

• Dolby Atmos Music: This is a variation of what Dolby Atmos does for movies. Dolby Atmos Music brings an immersive music experience that adds more space, clarity, and depth to music listening – it feels like you’re inside the song.  Dolby Atmos music selections are available on Amazon Music, Apple Music, and TIDAL streaming services. 

Q-Symphony: The 2023 version of Q Symphony supports up to 22 channels of audio (depending on the soundbar and TV models) by syncing the audio of a Q-series soundbar with the speakers of select Samsung TVs.  Q Symphony utilizes all the speakers in a Samsung TV and soundbar. It also optimizes sound quality based on the specific equipment you’re using. This version of Q-Symphony will be included with the S800/801C, Q60C, and higher model soundbars.

SpaceFit: Samsung’s SpaceFit room calibration feature is also included for 2023. SpaceFit is “embedded” in Samsung’s microphone-equipped Q and S-series soundbar models. This means you can calibrate the sound when used with any TV brand. SpaceFit will also update its calibrations automatically on a daily basis or when you move the soundbar to a different location.

2023 Samsung Soundbar Overview

Below is an overview of each Samsung 2023 soundbar model series, which includes comparison tables. You can click on the highlighted model in the price blocks and view that model’s official Samsung product page with complete feature/specification details. All Samsung 2023 soundbars are shipping through Summer 2023.

Tip: Prices may vary with retailer and any promotional offers. 2023 Samsung Soundbars are available at Amazon, Crutchfield, and Samsung.com

Q-Series

Resting at the top of Samsung’s soundbar line-up for 2023 is the HW-Q990C. This soundbar features an 11.1.4 channel configuration, as well as an improved wireless subwoofer, and both side and upfiring speakers for an immersive sound listening experience. Wireless surround speakers are also included.

If you don’t need all the 990C offers or have the budget for it, the HW-Q900C is just a step down with a 7.1.2 channel configuration. Just below that, the HW-Q800C includes three front-firing, two angled side-firing speakers, and two upfiring speakers for a 5.1.2 channel configuration. You can also add optional wireless surround speakers. 

With the HW-Q700C series model, you get a 3.1.2-channel configuration for Dolby Atmos which includes three front channels in combination with two-up firing speakers and a wireless subwoofer. However, you can expand the setup to 5.1.2 channels with the addition of optional Wireless surround speakers. 

With the HW-Q600C series model, you still get a 3.1.2-channel configuration for Dolby Atmos which includes three front channels in combination with two-up-firing speakers and a wireless subwoofer

The HW-Q60C has a 3.1-channel configuration (soundbar and wireless subwoofer) which forgoes dedicated height channels for Dolby Atmos but uses virtual processing instead. However, the 60C can be expanded to 5.1 channels via the addition of optional wireless surround speakers.

C-Series

The 2023 C-Series is Samsung’s basic soundbar line. Not a lot of frills, but still provides an improvement over a TV’s built-in speaker system. The models in this series include the HW-C450 and HW-C400

The C-Series connect to Samsung TVs via Bluetooth. Night Mode is also included. This automatically lowers the volume so you can continue watching and avoid disturbing roommates or partners.

The HW-C450 includes a soundbar and a wireless subwoofer (2.1 channel system) with support for Dolby and DTS two-channel audio, as well as both Voice Enhance and Bass Boost. Game Mode and Adaptive Sound Lite also include optimizing gaming audio.

The HW-C400 is a 2-channel soundbar (Wireless subwoofer not included). Also, Game Mode and Adaptive Sound Lite are not included.

S-Series (Carried over from 2022)

Moving to the S-Series, the Ultra-Slim models from 2022 (HW-S800B and HW-S801B) are being continued through 2023 at this point. These models incorporate a 1.6-inch thick design. Despite slim profiles, these soundbars pack in Dolby Atmos decoding and DTS Virtual:x processing. A 6.5-inch cube wireless subwoofer with a passive radiator is also included in the package. 

Optional Wireless Rear Speaker Kits

• SWA-9500S (for HW-Q900C, Q800C, Q700C, S800B, S801B): $299.99 at Amazon, Crutchfield and Samsung.com

• SWA-9200S (for HW-Q600C, Q60C, C450): $149.99 at Amazon, Crutchfield and Samsung.com

Related Reading

• Podcast: The Future Of Soundbars & Dolby Atmos

• LG’s SC9 And SE6 Soundbars Connect Wirelessly

• How To Improve Your TV’s Sound: Don’t Settle For Less