Are you looking to upgrade your home entertainment system with a new soundbar? With so many options on the market, it can be tough to decide between brands. Two of the top contenders are Samsung and Klipsch, which both offer high-performing soundbars packed with features. But which brand reigns supreme?
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll compare Samsung and Klipsch soundbars side-by-side. We‘ll analyze audio quality, design, connectivity, smart features, and more to determine the key differences between these two audio giants.
Samsung Soundbars Overview
As a leading electronics manufacturer, Samsung offers a wide selection of soundbars to meet different needs and budgets. Ranging from entry-level models to premium home theater systems, Samsung soundbars stand out for their:
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Sleek, minimalist design: Samsung soundbars boast a slim, low-profile design in black or silver colors to seamlessly blend with modern décor and TVs. Many models can be wall-mounted too.
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Solid audio performance: While not as powerful as Klipsch‘s audio, Samsung still delivers clear, balanced sound with punchy bass thanks to proprietary technologies. Higher-end models add Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for surround sound.
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User-friendly features: Samsung makes its soundbars easy to set up and control, with some models featuring built-in voice assistants like Bixby, Alexa, or Google Assistant. The SmartThings app also enables control from smartphones.
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Extensive wireless connectivity: Options like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Apple AirPlay allow for music streaming from any device. Some models can even connect wirelessly to Samsung TVs.
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Wireless subwoofers: Many Samsung soundbar systems include a compact wireless subwoofer for added bass response without cluttering wires.
With prices spanning $100 to $1,500+ and channel counts from 2.0 to 11.1.4, Samsung offers soundbars suitable for small rooms up to spacious home theaters.
Klipsch Soundbars Overview
Known for its high-performance loudspeakers since 1946, Klipsch brings its audio expertise to its soundbars. Key characteristics include:
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Premium components: Klipsch utilizes proprietary speaker elements like spun copper woofers and tractrix horns for dynamic, distortion-free audio across the frequency range.
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Room-filling sound: The company‘s decadeslong experience results in powerful soundbars that immerse you in films, music, and games. Even entry-level 2.1-channel models fill rooms with quality acoustics.
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Sleek or classic designs: Some Klipsch models boast a contemporary aesthetic in matte black, while higher-end Reference lines emit a vintage hi-fi vibe with real wood veneer cabinets.
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Built-in subwoofers: For powerful bass without a separate sub, Klipsch soundbars integrate a downward- or front-firing subwoofer right into the cabinet. Wireless subwoofer options are available too.
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Advanced audio formats: Klipsch supports the latest Dolby Atmos and DTS:X formats on select models for breathtaking cinematic audio with added height and surround channels.
With price tags ranging from $200 to $1,200, Klipsch caters more to serious home theater enthusiasts rather than casual streamers on a budget.
Sound Quality Comparison
When choosing a soundbar, audio performance should be the number one priority. Do Samsung and Klipsch soundbars stack up for clear dialogue, dynamic effects, and thumping bass? Let‘s investigate.
Audio Technologies
For authentic, multidimensional sound, both companies incorporate leading audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X on premium models. These leverage upward-firing drivers to create immersive overhead and surround effects for a true home theater experience.
Samsung also employs other proprietary sound technologies throughout its lineup for optimized audio, including:
- Adaptive Sound: Analyzes content in real time to automatically adjust treble and bass for balanced sound.
- SpaceFit Sound+: Uses built-in microphones to tune the soundbar‘s output to the environment‘s acoustics.
- Q-Symphony: Allows Samsung TV speakers to integrate with the soundbar for expanded audio.
Whereas Klipsch leverages its specialized speaker designs like Tractrix horns and spun copper IMG woofers to supply pristine audio across all models. The company‘s decades of experience pay off in soundbars with exceptional clarity and heart-pounding bass response sans distortion.
Sound Quality Reviews
In reviews, Samsung soundbars regularly receive praise for clear voice reproduction and dynamic bass, although audio can lean bright at high volumes. Klipsch earns outstanding marks across the board for room-filling sound with sparkling highs, full-bodied mids, and thunderous lows that immerse you in movies.
So while Samsung offers better audio technology and features, Klipsch wins when it comes pure power and audio performance. Listeners favor the realistic imaging and emotionally engaging experience from Klipsch soundbars.
Design Comparison
A soundbar‘s design affects both visual appeal and functionality within a space. Do Samsung or Klipsch better complement modern décor? Let‘s compare aesthetics.
Build Construction
Samsung soundbars flaunt slim, streamlined builds often under 3 inches deep to seamlessly accompany today‘s super-thin TVs. Sleek metal grilles wrap around the front and sides for a contemporary edge. Samsung also offers options for tabletop or wall mounting.
By contrast, Klipsch exudes a more classic hi-fi style reminiscent of stereo components. Soundbars take on wider, boxier shapes and come finished in black wood veneer or matte colors. Subwoofers are chunkier as well. While Klipsch products function fine on shelves, only a few models can be wall mounted.
Dimensions & Weight
On average, Samsung soundbars run 2-3 feet wide and weigh 10-15 pounds. Slimmer models like the HW-S60B are just over 2 inches high. However, larger options with Dolby Atmos like the HW-Q950A span almost 5 feet across.
Klipsch soundbars measure 3-5 feet wide but skew heavier at 15-40+ pounds each. And front-firing subwoofers integrated into cabinets add another 5-10 inches of height. Klipsch‘s Cinema 600 alone tips the scales at 42 pounds.
So Samsung products integrate more seamlessly around slim displays, while Klipsch offers wider soundbars better suited for spacious media rooms.
Connectivity Comparison
With everything from TVs to phones and tablets capable of streaming media, soundbars need versatile device connectivity. How do Samsung and Klipsch compare?
Wired Options
All models from both brands include at least one HDMI port for plugging into a TV‘s ARC/eARC input. This allows for uncompressed digital audio signals from the TV and basic control.
Higher-tier Samsung bars add second HDMI input to integrate 4K Blu-ray players or cable boxes. Some Klipsch options offer this too.
For extra bass, Samsung bundles most soundbars with a wireless subwoofer. But Klipsch subs connect via wired RCA ports instead.
Wireless Options
Every Samsung and Klipsch soundbar supports Bluetooth streaming from smartphones/tablets.
Many Klipsch and Samsung bars also boast Wi-Fi for music services and multiroom audio via proprietary apps. Plus Samsung bars work with Apple AirPlay.
And several premium Samsung models even integrate Alexa or the Google Assistant for handy voice control.
So Samsung pulls ahead for wireless flexibility—especially regarding smart integrations.
Smart Features Comparison
Speaking of smart capabilities, today‘s soundbars do more than simply play audio. Which brand offers better convenience and control features?
Voice Assistants
As previously mentioned, higher-end Samsung soundbars actually speak back via Alexa or the Google Assistant. You can adjust volume levels, switch inputs, control playback, or manage smart home devices completely hands-free.
Conversely, Klipsch soundbars aren‘t natively compatible with any virtual assistants. However, you can connect an external Echo Dot or Nest device to achieve voice functionality.
Multiroom & Smart Home Control
Through Samsung‘s SmartThings app, compatible soundbars can group with other speakers for synchronized music across rooms. You also manage settings like audio mode, crossover frequency, etc. remotely from a smartphone.
Klipsch soundbars lack multiroom or smart home control capabilities. The company‘s upcoming Klipsch Connect app promises enhanced settings adjustments and streaming though.
So Samsung clearly takes the lead for convenience-focused features that simplify use and widen integration potential.
Soundbar & Subwoofer Options
Samsung and Klipsch offer varied soundbar collections to accommodate different room sizes, music/movie preferences, and budgets. Let‘s outline the core lines.
Samsung Lineup
Samsung soundbar model numbers reflect channel count, so HW-S60B designates a 2.0 setup. Core product tiers consist of:
- HW-B Series: Budget-priced 2.0 and 2.1 channel models under $300.
- HW-S Series: Midrange 2.1 and 5.1 setups with added ports and Dolby Atmos.
- HW-Q Series: High-end 9.1.4 and 11.1.4 configurations with surround sound and bass-heavy wireless subs.
Subwoofers range from compact 8-inch models for the HW-S50B to huge 15.6-inch giants paired to HW-Q990B bars. Samsung also sells optional wireless rear speakers to upgrade surround effects.
Klipsch Cinema Series
Comparatively, Klipsch Cinema soundbars and subwoofers include:
- 400 Series: Entry-level 2.1 channel models under $300.
- 600 Series: Midrange 3.1 setups around $500 and up.
- 1200 Series: High-performance 5.1.4 Dolby Atmos models beyond $1,200.
The low-end Cinema 400 features a compact 8-inch sub, while the 600 and 1200 lines utilize a meaty 10-inch wireless subwoofer. Extra surround speakers can be added as well.
So both companies cater to varying listening needs/spaces with stepped-up audio capabilities and components at each tier.
Pricing Showdown
While features heavily influence soundbar preferences, budget often dictates which models make realistic options. Samsung and Klipsch run the gamut for affordability—but how do their price tags compare?
Entry-Level Soundbars
Klipsch just edges out Samsung for lower-cost soundbars under $300 MSRP:
- Klipsch Cinema 400 2.1 Soundbar: $249
- Samsung HW-S50B 2.1 Soundbar: $279
However, Samsung offers better value given more wireless capabilities despite pricier cost.
Midrange Soundbars
In the $400 to $700 midrange, Samsung soundbars shine for the technology stuffed into modest price points:
- Klipsch Cinema 600 3.1 Soundbar: $499
- Samsung HW-Q700B 3.1.2 Soundbar: $549 with Dolby Atmos
Here Samsung outfits models with better format support and wireless connectivity.
High-End Soundbars
For serious home theater enthusiasts with bigger budgets, Klipsch pulls ahead in premium offerings beyond $1,000:
- Klipsch Cinema 1200 5.1.4 Dolby Atmos Soundbar: $1,199
- Samsung HW-Q990B 11.1.4 Channel Soundbar: $1,499
Given better audio performance however, that extra $300 represents a worthwhile investment for the Klipsch model.
So while Samsung often wins on affordable technological advancements, Klipsch satisfies sophisticates seeking high-fidelity, cinema-quality sound regardless of price.
Verdict: Samsung vs Klipsch Soundbars
Based on our comparative assessment, is one brand clearly better across criteria?
For buyers that prioritize features and wireless connectivity at lower costs, Samsung soundbars deliver. Nice-sounding models packed with the latest Dolby Atmos/DTS:X support, voice assistant integration, AirPlay, and slick modern designs come available at just $300+.
However, serious home theater fans will appreciate Klipsch‘s audio purity over tech extras. While pricier on average, performance matches the premium price; Klipsch pours outstanding quality and room-filling power into every cabinet. Movies and music feel more impactful despite fewer fancy accoutrements.
Ultimately though, the "best" soundbar depends on your listening priorities:
- For a technology-driven listening experience, choose Samsung.
- For emotional, high-fidelity audio, go with Klipsch.
Either brand brings strengths to upgrade TV audio. Identify features that matter most before picking Samsung, Klipsch, or any soundbar to enhance music, films, and shows.
