Samsung M5 review

A seriously talented speaker that brings fun and performance in spades Tested at £230

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

A seriously talented speaker that brings fun and performance in spades

Pros

  • +

    Big and spacious sound for its size

  • +

    Fun, likeable character

  • +

    Clean, cohesive sound

  • +

    Strong midrange

  • +

    Exciting, agile presentation

Cons

  • -

    Bass can occasionally be tubby

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When it comes to Samsung’s M5, there is little more you could ask a wireless speaker to do at this price.

Features

The M5 has a stand included so it can be placed upright or set flat

The M5 has a stand included so it can be placed upright or set flat

It’s one of the cheapest wireless speakers we’ve tested recently, and has easily the longest features list - covering Bluetooth, built-in wi-fi, DLNA certification, internet radio and NFC connectivity.

It’s packing multi-room smarts too. And while we liked its bigger brother, the M7, there’s arguably more to love here; a better balance across the frequency range and, of course, a price tag that’s £100 cheaper.

We didn’t encounter the same issues with set-up as we did with its sibling either, using the free-to-download app to help get it onto our wireless network without much bother. Of course, you can stream using Bluetooth, but then you wouldn’t be unlocking the M5’s charm.

Once on the network, and used in conjunction with the Samsung Multi-room app, the M5 really comes into its own.

Don’t be fooled by the app’s name – you can still use it to control a single speaker; it offers you easy access to music stored both locally and on DLNA devices on the same network, plus internet radio via the TuneIn Radio service and a bevy of popular streaming services, all just a few finger taps away.

Design and build

The M5 can play back music from various sources, including DLNA devices and sound from your Samsung TV

The M5 can play back music from various sources, including DLNA devices and sound from your Samsung TV

The speaker is as well-designed as the app: solid and well built. The triangular design is stylish but understated, and allows the M5 to be used flat or vertically using the stand included.

Standing the M5 up helps improve bass response, perhaps due to less low-end reinforcement from the support surface. Controls are minimal: three touch-sensitive icons for source (internet radio, Bluetooth or TV SoundConnect – the last offering a wireless connection with compatible Samsung TVs).

On the left-hand side, there’s an NFC point for quick Bluetooth pairing, while the volume dial is also touch-sensitive. It’s responsive, and as easy to use as a physical control.

There’s no power button, but the M5 goes into sleep mode after around 25 minutes of inactivity. As for file compatibility, it is extensive: MP3, WAV, WMA, AAC, AIFF, ALAC and FLAC (up to 16-bit/44.1kHz) music files.

Performance

We liked it vertical but it’s always worth checking what works best with your room

We liked it vertical but it’s always worth checking what works best with your room

The M5 is instantly enthusiastic in its handling of the soulful intro to Busta Rhymes’s Thank You, giving a surprisingly big and spacious sound.

If you want to nudge up the volume, go right ahead – the M5 will go loud before you notice any distortion, and should fill most reasonably sized rooms. It’s a lively and agile presentation, timing well and bringing superb clarity.

There’s plenty of detail, and dynamically it’s no slouch either. It steers it away from ever sounding hard or harsh too.

Some bassy recordings show up occasional tubbiness in the low end, but it’s never enough to be a problem.

Verdict

You will enjoy the clean, open and exciting sound the M5 produces, while its connectivity makes it a one-stop shop for your streaming needs.

Its multi-room potential only adds to its charm too. This is a must-try wireless speaker that is fun and packs a performance.

What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

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