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Samsung VL5 Review | 130 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£620
  • Avg. price in US: ~$550
  • Audio output power: 155.00 W
  • Battery life: ?
  • IP rating: ?
  • Bluetooth version: 4.2
  • Weight: 4600 g

Samsung VL5 review. Compare 130 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Portable Speakers category and whether it is worth buying.

7.4

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of products in the Portable Speakers category, based on technical analysis and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference for identifying the best products in the Portable Speakers category.

Score components:

80.0%

7.9

Technical Score

20.0%

5.6

User score

Very good
7.9

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of technical performance for products in the Portable Speakers category across these key areas: Audio, Connectivity, Battery, Durability, Controls, Design, Smart features.

When it matters: When you want to compare products in the Portable Speakers category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.

Score components:

32.0%

8.5

Audio

20.0%

7.7

Battery

18.0%

8.7

Durability

16.0%

6.6

Connectivity

8.0%

7.9

Controls

3.0%

5.1

Design

3.0%

7.7

Smart features

Very good
5.6

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.

When it matters: When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.

Score components:

70.0%

7.0

User reviews

30.0%

2.2

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.5
(7)

(Reviews last updated: August 2026)

Good
  • 7.4
    Outdoor durability

    Score components:

    40.0%

    ?

    Water resistance

    25.0%

    ?

    IP rating

    20.0%

    5.1

    Weight

    15.0%

    ?

    Battery life

  • 8.8
    Powerful sound

    Score components:

    45.0%

    10

    Audio output power

    25.0%

    ?

    Battery life

    15.0%

    5.1

    Weight

    15.0%

    10

    Party mode

  • 9.3
    Home listening

    Score components:

    35.0%

    10

    Multi-room support

    30.0%

    10

    Wi-Fi connectivity

    20.0%

    10

    Audio output power

    15.0%

    5.1

    Weight

  • samsung-vl5
samsung-vl5

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Samsung VL5 (VL550) is a premium wireless home speaker measuring 522 x 212 x 70 mm and weighing 4.6 kg, engineered in partnership with AKG. It features a retro, minimalist aesthetic with an aluminum body and wood-paneled trim, packing a powerful multi-driver setup that includes three 5-inch mid/bass woofers and two 1-inch tweeters to deliver room-filling sound. Main characteristics and pros include integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, Samsung SmartThings multi-room integration, UHQ 32-bit audio upscaling, distortion-cancelling technology, and a unique, detachable magnetic wireless "Moving Dial" remote puck with a built-in microphone for seamless playback and voice assistant controls. However, notable cons include its lack of true portability due to its substantial weight and a strictly corded electric AC/DC power dependency, alongside a lack of a built-in visual display and slower voice recognition response times when routing commands through a paired smartphone.

Technical Specifications of portable speaker Samsung VL5

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of technical performance for products in the Portable Speakers category across these key areas: Audio, Connectivity, Battery, Durability, Controls, Design, Smart features.

When it matters: When you want to compare products in the Portable Speakers category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.

Score components:

32.0%

8.5

Audio

20.0%

7.7

Battery

18.0%

8.7

Durability

16.0%

6.6

Connectivity

8.0%

7.9

Controls

3.0%

5.1

Design

3.0%

7.7

Smart features

7.9
Samsung VL5 has a technical score of 7.88 points, which is higher than 96.2% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.

When it matters: When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.

Score components:

70.0%

7.0

User reviews

30.0%

2.2

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.5
(7)

(Reviews last updated: August 2026)

5.6
Samsung VL5 has a user score of 5.57 points, which is lower than 98% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by products in the Portable Speakers category.
When it matters: When you prefer products in the Portable Speakers category that have been chosen and reviewed by many other buyers.
2.2
Samsung VL5 has a popularity of 2.2 points, which is lower than 54.5% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the overall score of products in the Portable Speakers category with their prices.

When it matters: When you are comparing products in the Portable Speakers category and want a good balance between quality and price.

Score components:

60.0%

7.4

Overall score

40.0%

7.2

Price

7.4
Samsung VL5 has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.4 points, which is lower than 77.3% of products in this category.
Audio output power
What it is: The maximum continuous power the speaker system can deliver.
When it matters: When you need enough output to fill a larger or noisier space.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 20 W

155.00 W
Samsung VL5 has an audio output power of 155.00 W which is higher than that of 95.2% of portable speakers.
Total RMS output: 155.00 W.
Driver unit size
What it is: The diameter of each main speaker driver.
When it matters: When the size of the main driver influences bass reach and output capability.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 50 mm

?
Number of drivers
What it is: The total number of speaker drivers built into the unit.
When it matters: When fuller driver arrays and broader sound coverage matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >= 2

5
Samsung VL5 has 5 drivers, which is more than 93.7% of portable speakers and equal to the number in 3.1% of portable speakers.
Acoustic drivers: 5.
Frequency response tolerance
What it is: The allowed deviation around the stated frequency response curve.
When it matters: When a flatter and more accurate frequency response matters.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <= 3 dB

?
Lowest frequency
What it is: The lowest audible frequency the speaker can reproduce.
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <= 60 Hz

40.00 Hz
Samsung VL5 has a lowest frequency of 40.00 Hz which is lower than that of 74.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 4.6% of portable speakers.
Lower frequency-response endpoint: 40.00 Hz.
Show more
Bluetooth connectivity
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can receive audio over Bluetooth.
When it matters: When wireless playback from phones, tablets, or computers matters.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

yes
Samsung VL5 supports Bluetooth audio. 5.4% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Bluetooth version
What it is: The generation of Bluetooth supported by the speaker hardware.
When it matters: When compatibility and efficiency with newer Bluetooth devices matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >= 5.0

4.2
Samsung VL5 supports Bluetooth version 4.2 which is older than that of 53.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 17.8% of portable speakers.
Bluetooth version: 4.2.
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: The farthest distance at which the Bluetooth link can remain usable.
When it matters: When the source device may be far from the speaker.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >= 10 m

10.00 m
Samsung VL5 has a maximum Bluetooth range of 10.00 m which is longer than that of 4.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 70.2% of portable speakers.
Maximum Bluetooth range: 10.00 m.
Bluetooth profiles supported
What it is: The Bluetooth operating profiles available for playback, control, or calls.
When it matters: When Bluetooth playback, control, and call compatibility depend on specific profiles.

Importance: LOW

?
Bluetooth LE Audio
What it is: Shows whether the speaker supports the low-energy Bluetooth audio standard.
When it matters: When newer low-power Bluetooth audio features matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Samsung VL5 does not support Bluetooth LE Audio. 2.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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Battery life
What it is: The playback time available from one full battery charge.
When it matters: When you need longer playback between charges.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 20 h

?
Battery capacity
What it is: The amount of electrical charge the internal battery can store.
When it matters: When longer untethered playback or power-bank use needs more stored charge.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 5000 mAh

?
Charging time
What it is: The time needed to recharge the battery fully.
When it matters: When the speaker needs to be ready again quickly.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <= 4 h

?
Maximum charging input power
What it is: The maximum charging power the speaker can accept from a compatible power source.
When it matters: When faster charging requires the speaker to accept more input power.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >= 20 W

?
Built-in rechargeable battery
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker uses a battery that can be recharged.
When it matters: When portable use without disposable batteries or continuous mains power matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Samsung VL5 does not have a built-in rechargeable battery. 81.4% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
IP rating
What it is: The ingress protection code for dust and water resistance.
When it matters: When dust and water protection need to match the intended environment.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: IP67+

?
Water resistance
What it is: Indicates whether the enclosure can resist water exposure.
When it matters: When the speaker may be used near pools, rain, or splashes.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

?
Dust resistance
What it is: Shows whether the enclosure is protected against dust ingress.
When it matters: When the speaker may be exposed to sand, soil, or dusty environments.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

?
Waterproof depth rating
What it is: The maximum water depth the speaker is rated to withstand.
When it matters: When the speaker may be submerged or used very close to water.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >= 1 m

?
Drop resistance
What it is: Indicates whether the housing is designed to survive accidental drops.
When it matters: When the speaker may be bumped or suffer an accidental fall during outdoor or travel use.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

?
Show more
On-device controls placement
What it is: The physical area of the speaker where its controls are located.
When it matters: When you want controls that are easy to reach in the speaker intended placement.

Importance: LOW

top
Touchscreen
What it is: Indicates whether a touch-sensitive screen is integrated.
When it matters: When direct visual control is more convenient than buttons or an app.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Samsung VL5 does not have a touchscreen. 0.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
The speaker does not have an integrated touchscreen.
Smartphone app control
What it is: Shows whether the speaker can be controlled from a phone app.
When it matters: When remote settings, updates, or sound adjustment from a phone matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

yes
Samsung VL5 supports smartphone app control. 46.1% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Compatible mobile app provides speaker control or settings.
Remote control
What it is: Indicates whether a dedicated remote control is supplied or supported.
When it matters: When you want to control playback from across the room.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

?
Fast pairing
What it is: Shows whether setup with compatible devices can be completed more quickly.
When it matters: When quick setup with compatible devices matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Samsung VL5 does not support fast pairing. 22.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No qualifying fast-pair capability; initial pairing is manual or standard.
Show more
Weight
What it is: The total mass of the portable speaker.
When it matters: When carrying the speaker frequently or packing light matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 1000 g

4,600 g
Samsung VL5 weighs 4,600 g which is heavier than that of 87.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.3% of portable speakers.
Height
What it is: The vertical external dimension of the speaker body.
When it matters: When the speaker must fit beneath shelves or in a compact bag.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 20 cm

21.2 cm
Samsung VL5 has a height of 21.2 cm which is taller than that of 80.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.2% of portable speakers.
Width
What it is: The side-to-side external dimension of the speaker body.
When it matters: When the speaker must fit a narrow shelf, bag, or tabletop.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 25 cm

52.2 cm
Samsung VL5 has a width of 52.2 cm which is wider than that of 98.5% of portable speakers.
Depth
What it is: The front-to-back depth of the speaker housing.
When it matters: When the speaker should take up less front-to-back space.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 10 cm

7 cm
Samsung VL5 has a depth of 7 cm which is shallower than that of 63.2% of portable speakers and equal to that of 2.1% of portable speakers.
Carry options
What it is: The available ways to carry, hang, or attach the speaker.
When it matters: When a handle, strap, or attachment point changes how you carry the speaker.

Importance: LOW

none
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Companion app name
What it is: The official app used to control settings and functions of the speaker.
When it matters: When app compatibility and the available control features depend on the official app.

Importance: LOW

?
Firmware updates
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can receive firmware revisions after purchase.
When it matters: When post-purchase fixes and feature improvements matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

yes
Samsung VL5 supports firmware updates. 52.9% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports user-accessible firmware updates.
Firmware update method
What it is: The path used to install firmware updates on the speaker.
When it matters: When the convenience and reliability of installing updates matters.

Importance: LOW

OTA
Voice assistant support
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can work with supported voice assistants.
When it matters: When hands-free control through a compatible assistant matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Samsung VL5 does not support voice assistants. 26.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No direct supported voice-assistant control.
Spotify Connect
What it is: Shows whether Spotify can stream directly to the speaker over the network.
When it matters: When Spotify should stream directly without keeping phone audio active.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

yes
Samsung VL5 supports Spotify Connect. 89.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports native Spotify Connect.
Show more

Samsung VL5 vs the average portable speaker

  • 135 W more audio output power
    Samsung VL5 has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (155 W vs 20.00 W).
    Total RMS output: 155.00 W.
    What it is: The maximum continuous power the speaker system can deliver.
    When it matters: When you need enough output to fill a larger or noisier space.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >= 20 W

    Samsung VL5 has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (155 W vs 20.00 W).155.00 W vs 20.00 W
  • 3 more speaker drivers
    Samsung VL5 has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (5 vs 2).
    Acoustic drivers: 5.
    What it is: The total number of speaker drivers built into the unit.
    When it matters: When fuller driver arrays and broader sound coverage matter.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >= 2

    Samsung VL5 has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (5 vs 2).5 vs 2
  • Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
    Samsung VL5 supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average portable speaker does not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
    What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can connect to wireless local networks.
    When it matters: When direct network streaming or smart multi-room features matter.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: yes

    Samsung VL5 supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average portable speaker does not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • 5 more EQ presets
    Samsung VL5 has more EQ presets than the average portable speaker (5 vs 0).
    5 eq presets.
    What it is: The number of preset sound tuning profiles that can be selected.
    When it matters: When you want more ready-made sound profiles for different content.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >= 4 presets

    Samsung VL5 has more EQ presets than the average portable speaker (5 vs 0).5 vs 0
  • Has built-in stereo speakers
    Samsung VL5 has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
    Provides true stereo output within the unit.
    What it is: Shows whether the device uses separate left and right audio channels.
    When it matters: When true left-and-right channel playback matters without pairing a second speaker.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Samsung VL5 has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
  • Has an equalizer
    Samsung VL5 has an equalizer, while the average portable speaker does not have an equalizer.
    Offers user-selectable EQ, tone adjustment, or sound presets.
    What it is: Shows whether the sound balance can be adjusted across frequency ranges.
    When it matters: When you want to adjust bass, midrange, or treble balance.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Samsung VL5 has an equalizer, while the average portable speaker does not have an equalizer.
  • Claims MIL-STD-810 compliance
    Samsung VL5 claims MIL-STD-810 compliance, while the average portable speaker does not claim MIL-STD-810 compliance.
    What it is: Shows whether testing against MIL-STD-810 durability procedures is claimed.
    When it matters: When independently defined durability test procedures matter.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Samsung VL5 claims MIL-STD-810 compliance, while the average portable speaker does not claim MIL-STD-810 compliance.
  • 20 Hz deeper bass extension
    Samsung VL5 has deeper bass extension than the average portable speaker (40 Hz vs 60.00 Hz).
    Lower frequency-response endpoint: 40.00 Hz.
    What it is: The lowest audible frequency the speaker can reproduce.
    When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <= 60 Hz

    Samsung VL5 has deeper bass extension than the average portable speaker (40 Hz vs 60.00 Hz).40.00 Hz vs 60.00 Hz
  • 135 W more audio output power
    Samsung VL5 has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (155 W vs 20.00 W).
  • 3 more speaker drivers
    Samsung VL5 has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (5 vs 2).
  • Has built-in stereo speakers
    Samsung VL5 has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
  • 20 Hz deeper bass extension
    Samsung VL5 has deeper bass extension than the average portable speaker (40 Hz vs 60.00 Hz).
  • Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
    Samsung VL5 supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average portable speaker does not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • Has Ethernet support
    Samsung VL5 has Ethernet support, while the average portable speaker does not have Ethernet support.
  • Supports AAC Bluetooth audio
    Samsung VL5 supports AAC Bluetooth audio, while the average portable speaker does not support AAC Bluetooth audio.
  • Includes a power adapter
    Samsung VL5 includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
  • Claims MIL-STD-810 compliance
    Samsung VL5 claims MIL-STD-810 compliance, while the average portable speaker does not claim MIL-STD-810 compliance.
  • 5 more EQ presets
    Samsung VL5 has more EQ presets than the average portable speaker (5 vs 0).
  • Has an equalizer
    Samsung VL5 has an equalizer, while the average portable speaker does not have an equalizer.
  • Supports party mode
    Samsung VL5 supports party mode, while the average portable speaker does not support party mode.
  • Supports playback mute
    Samsung VL5 supports playback mute, while the average portable speaker does not support playback mute.
  • Has a sleep timer
    Samsung VL5 has a sleep timer, while the average portable speaker does not have a sleep timer.
  • Supports multi-room audio
    Samsung VL5 supports multi-room audio, while the average portable speaker does not support multi-room audio.
  • Supports Spotify Connect
    Samsung VL5 supports Spotify Connect, while the average portable speaker does not support Spotify Connect.
  • Supports firmware updates
    Samsung VL5 supports firmware updates, while the average portable speaker does not support firmware updates.

Total
Audio
Connectivity
Battery
Durability
Controls
Smart features
  • Does not include a passive radiator
    Samsung VL5 does not include a passive radiator, while the average portable speaker includes a passive radiator.
  • 0.8 Bluetooth levels older
    Samsung VL5 has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (4.2 vs 5.0).
    Bluetooth version: 4.2.
  • Does not have a built-in rechargeable battery
    Samsung VL5 does not have a built-in rechargeable battery, while the average portable speaker has a built-in rechargeable battery.
  • Does not have a battery level indicator
    Samsung VL5 does not have a battery level indicator, while the average portable speaker has a battery level indicator.
  • 5 °C higher minimum operating temperature
    Samsung VL5 has a higher minimum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (5 °C vs 0 °C).
  • 5 °C lower maximum operating temperature
    Samsung VL5 has a lower maximum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (35 °C vs 40 °C).
  • Does not support stereo pairing
    Samsung VL5 does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
    True left/right stereo pairing: supported.
  • Does not support True Wireless Stereo
    Samsung VL5 does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.
    Does not support True Wireless Stereo speaker linking.
  • 3,800 g heavier
    Samsung VL5 is heavier than the average portable speaker (4,600 g vs 800 g).
  • 34.1 cm wider
    Samsung VL5 is wider than the average portable speaker (52.2 cm vs 18.1 cm).
  • 8.8 cm taller
    Samsung VL5 is taller than the average portable speaker (21.2 cm vs 12.4 cm).
  • Does not have a built-in rechargeable battery
    Samsung VL5 does not have a built-in rechargeable battery, while the average portable speaker has a built-in rechargeable battery.
    What it is: Indicates whether the speaker uses a battery that can be recharged.
    When it matters: When portable use without disposable batteries or continuous mains power matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Samsung VL5 does not have a built-in rechargeable battery, while the average portable speaker has a built-in rechargeable battery.
  • Does not include a passive radiator
    Samsung VL5 does not include a passive radiator, while the average portable speaker includes a passive radiator.
    What it is: Shows whether passive radiators are used to reinforce bass output.
    When it matters: When enhanced bass response from a compact enclosure matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Samsung VL5 does not include a passive radiator, while the average portable speaker includes a passive radiator.
  • 3,800 g heavier
    Samsung VL5 is heavier than the average portable speaker (4,600 g vs 800 g).
    What it is: The total mass of the portable speaker.
    When it matters: When carrying the speaker frequently or packing light matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <= 1000 g

    Samsung VL5 is heavier than the average portable speaker (4,600 g vs 800 g).4600 g vs 800 g
  • Does not support stereo pairing
    Samsung VL5 does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
    True left/right stereo pairing: supported.
    What it is: Indicates whether two compatible speakers can form a stereo pair.
    When it matters: When two compatible speakers should form separate left and right channels.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Samsung VL5 does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
  • Does not support True Wireless Stereo
    Samsung VL5 does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.
    Does not support True Wireless Stereo speaker linking.
    What it is: Shows whether the speaker supports true wireless speaker-to-speaker pairing.
    When it matters: When two compatible speakers should pair wirelessly for stereo playback.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Samsung VL5 does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.
  • 5 °C higher minimum operating temperature
    Samsung VL5 has a higher minimum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (5 °C vs 0 °C).
    What it is: The lowest ambient temperature recommended for normal operation.
    When it matters: When the speaker must work reliably in colder conditions.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <= -10 °C

    Samsung VL5 has a higher minimum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (5 °C vs 0 °C).5 °C vs 0 °C
  • Does not have a battery level indicator
    Samsung VL5 does not have a battery level indicator, while the average portable speaker has a battery level indicator.
    What it is: Shows whether the remaining battery level can be displayed clearly.
    When it matters: When you want to know the remaining charge before or during use.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Samsung VL5 does not have a battery level indicator, while the average portable speaker has a battery level indicator.
  • 0.8 Bluetooth levels older
    Samsung VL5 has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (4.2 vs 5.0).
    Bluetooth version: 4.2.
    What it is: The generation of Bluetooth supported by the speaker hardware.
    When it matters: When compatibility and efficiency with newer Bluetooth devices matter.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >= 5.0

    Samsung VL5 has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (4.2 vs 5.0).4.2 vs 5.0
Total
Overall
Audio
Connectivity
Battery
Durability
Controls
Design

Graphic comparison of Samsung VL5 and other products in the Portable Speakers category

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
3.5
7 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: August 2026)

What customers like about Samsung VL5?

  • Stunning sound quality tuned and certified by AKG
  • Deep, powerful, and tight bass with minimal distortion due to distortion-cancelling technology
  • Wide, room-filling soundstage that stays punchy even at lower volumes
  • Innovative, tactile 'hockey puck' wireless moving dial remote control
  • Minimalist, elegant retro design featuring a seamless aluminum body and wood finish
  • Seamless integration with Samsung SmartThings app and Samsung TVs for multi-speaker setups
  • Voice assistant support allowing users to speak directly into the remote's microphone

What customers dislike about Samsung VL5?

  • Expensive original retail price tag
  • Lacks a built-in battery, meaning it requires a permanent mains power source and is not truly portable
  • SmartThings app has limited native Wi-Fi streaming source options compared to competitors
  • Large, heavy, and bulky footprint weighing around 5kg
  • No built-in smart voice assistant, requiring a connected phone or tablet to process commands
  • Multi-room grouping features can occasionally be unstable or drop connection
  • Not waterproof or dustproof for outdoor use

Expert reviews

G
gearpatrol.com
15/06/2018
Summary of the review
Review: This Hi-Fi Wireless Speaker Has a Portable Volume Dial (And It's Brilliant)
E
expertreviews.co.uk
03/12/2018
Summary of the review
Samsung AKG VL5 (VL550) review: An innovative smart speaker with a punchy sound
T
trustedreviews.com
12/12/2018
Summary of the review
Samsung AKG VL5 Review - Trusted Reviews
H
hifichoice.com
25/03/2019
Summary of the review
Samsung VL5 wireless speaker - Hi-Fi Choice
Q
qz.com
20/07/2022
Summary of the review
Samsung’s new wireless speaker is as beautiful as it is useful - Quartz
D
digihelpdesk.co.uk
13/01/2025
Summary of the review
Samsung VL550 wireless smart speaker review - Digi Helpdesk Expert Reviews
F
fwd.nl
30/06/2018
Summary of the review
Samsung VL550 Review – expensive Wi-Fi speaker with a cool accessory
(Translated)Show original
B
bright.nl
11/06/2018
Summary of the review
Tested: Can the Samsung AKG speaker compete with Sonos?
(Translated)Show original

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