Samsung HW-M360/ZA vs Samsung HW-N850

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Votes 1 1
Rating 5 5

HW-M360/ZA vs HW-N850 comparison chart

Overall
Samsung HW-M360/ZA
6.6
Samsung HW-N850
8.6
6
10
Multichannel surround
4
9

Samsung HW-M360/ZA vs Samsung HW-N850 review

Samsung HW-M360/ZA
vs
Samsung HW-N850

Comparison of Samsung HW-M360/ZA and Samsung HW-N850 will allow us to get comprehensive information about the features of these two devices. And as a result of the comparison, it becomes clear that HW-M360/ZA is inferior in all characteristics to HW-N850. According to the results of our comparison, HW-M360/ZA received 6.6 points out of 10 possible, and HW-N850 was rated 8.6 points.

Advantages Samsung HW-M360/ZA over Samsung HW-N850

  • We do not know advantages

Advantages Samsung HW-N850 over Samsung HW-M360/ZA

  • Supports object-oriented sound with Dolby Atmos technology
  • Surround sound with DTS:X support
  • Wireless connection via Wi-Fi
  • HDMI ARC supports
  • Voice control supports
  • Built-in microphone

Audio features

Each of the compared models received 7 points for the audio features.

HW-M360/ZA
7
HW-N850
7

It worth understanding the difference between the two types of amplification: a passive soundbar does not have its own amplifier and receives amplification from the signal source, while an active soundbar has a built-in amplifier. The same active type of amplification is used in the HW-M360/ZA and the HW-N850.

There are stereo soundbars and multichannel ones. It is with the help of multichannel devices that you can get volumetric sound. It is worth noting one of the main differences, the HW-M360/ZA has 2.1 channels, while the HW-N850 has 5.1.2 channels. Also, the output power of the soundbars under consideration is different, Samsung HW-M360/ZA has 200 W, and 372 (overall) W has the competitor.

HW-M360/ZA HW-N850
Built-in channels2.15.1.2
Amplification typeactiveactive
Output power, W200372 (overall)
Separate speaker (in package)00
Separate speaker connectionswirelesswireless

Subwoofers

Soundbars can have a built-in or external subwoofer. The first type is inseparable from the soundbar body, but for the second, you can choose a good location for deep bass. Both reviewed devices are equipped with an external subwoofer. Competitors support wireless connection to a separate external subwoofer.

HW-M360/ZA HW-N850
Built-in subwoofer
Separate subwoofer (in package)
Separate subwoofer connectionswirelesswireless

Multichannel surround

Unlike stereo, when reproducing multichannel sound, each specific direction of sound corresponds to its dedicated channel with a separate independent loudspeaker, which creates a three-dimensional sound stage. The HW-M360/ZA received rating 4 out of 10 for multichannel audio processing, but the HW-N850, in the same category, earned 9 out of 10 points.

HW-M360/ZA
4
HW-N850
9

The peculiarity of Dolby Atmos is that this format is object-oriented, that is, each object of the audio signal is sounded separately and linked to its spatial location. Dolby Atmos surround sound support is implemented only in Samsung HW-N850.

DTS:X is an algorithm for processing sound scenes by the processor, linking directly to objects, rather than channels, and calculating the optimal distribution of sound output in a room. The manufacturer has implemented DTS:X technology only in HW-N850.

HW-M360/ZA HW-N850
Dolby Atmos
Dolby (other)Dolby DigitalDolby Digital
DTS:X
DTS (other)has nothas not

Streaming services

The possibility to listen online to millions of songs from one device has become a reality thanks to streaming services. The streaming services category rating is the same - 10 out of 10 points.

HW-M360/ZA
10
HW-N850
10

AirPlay is available on each of the two models. The popular Spotify service is available on both soundbars. The streaming audio from Pandora, Tuneln, Deezer, Chromecast, it is possible to listen to each of soundbars.

HW-M360/ZA HW-N850
Apple Music (AirPlay)AirPlayAirPlay
Amazon Music
Spotify
Other streaming servicesPandora, Tuneln, Deezer, ChromecastPandora, Tuneln, Deezer, Chromecast

Connectivity

The existence of a sufficient number of current connectors significantly expands the functionality of the device. For example, only through HDMI is it possible to implement the transfer of object-oriented formats, and the presence of a Bluetooth connection will allow remote control, etc. The devices received different ratings for connectivity: Samsung HW-M360/ZA was rated 5 out of 10, and Samsung HW-N850 was rated 7 out of 10.

HW-M360/ZA
5
HW-N850
7

The presence of Wi-Fi in the soundbar allows you to get rid of wires when connected to a sound source and get minimal audio latency when playing content from streaming services. Wireless connection via Wi-Fi is possible on the HW-N850.

Bluetooth connection is now one of the main communication protocols for speaker systems, which provides excellent quality and minimal audio latency. The availability of Bluetooth protocol, we can see in both models.

HDMI ARC is a very usefull technology that creates a two-way communication channel between a TV and another device. This is convenient since there is no need to use optical and other cables in the system. HDMI ARC is a feature unique to Samsung HW-N850. Connecting external devices via USB can be done on both models.

HW-M360/ZA HW-N850
WI-FI
Bluetooth
Ethernet (RJ45)00
NFC
HDMI input/output0/02/0
HDMI ARC
HDMI eARC
HDMI CEC
Optical digital input/output1/01/0
USB1 (USB 2.0)1 (USB 2.0)
Coaxial digital input/output0/00/0
Analog audio input/output (RCA)1/00/0
Headphone output00
Subwoofer output00

Features

Voice control is designed to make operating the device more convenient. This allows you to control basic soundbar functions from anywhere in the room.

Proprietary applications allow you to control your soundbars remotely. This is possible both via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. The ability to control the soundbar using the application is implemented in each of the competitors. Only Samsung HW-N850 has a built-in microphone.

Some soundbars can be part of a multi-room system and it is an affordable solution for sounding the whole house. It is possible to create a multiroom system based on each of these soundbars.

HW-M360/ZA HW-N850
Voice controlAmazon Alexa
App control
Microphone
Remote control
Multi-room

Dimensions

HW-M360/ZA HW-N850
Size (Wx H x D), cm/in88.9 x 5.1 x 5.8/35.7 x 2.1 x 2.7121.9 x 7.6 x 12.7/48.2 x 3.2 x 5.4
Weight, kg/pounds1.4/3.38.1/18.7
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