OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Soundbars Methodology v2.0
Soundbars Methodology v2.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Soundbars Methodology v2.0: technical specifications plus grades from 1,310 independent expert reviews and 1,704 video reviews, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Soundbars Methodology v2.0

Samsung HW-Q800B Soundbar Review | 109 Data compared

Avg. price:~£470N. of audio channels:5.1.2Audio output power:360 WHDMI ARC type:eARC

Samsung HW-Q800B Soundbar Review: Compare 109 technical specifications and 5 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Soundbars category and whether it is worth buying.

Samsung HW-Q800B Soundbar
8.7/10

Overall score

Score
8.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the soundbar's quality, based on technical analyses and grades from independent expert reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best soundbars on the market.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 98% of models
Score components

95%

8.7

Technical score

5%

8.3

Reviews score ( 0 · 5)

Reviews score 5% · 8.3 · based on 5 independent reviews
Every model in this category gets the same split: reviews 5%, technical score 95%. This model has enough reviews, so its review score is the weighted average of their grades.
★Better than 98% of soundbars
8.5

Value for money

Value for money
8.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the soundbar's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a soundbar with a good balance between audio quality, features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 99% of models
Score components

70%

8.7

Overall score

30%

8.0

Price

★Better than 99%
8.7

Technical score

Technical score
8.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the soundbar's technical performance, covering key areas such as audio quality, channel configuration, connectivity, HDMI and wireless features, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare soundbars based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 98% of models
Score components

25%

9.2

Audio

18%

8.9

Formats

16%

8.0

Connectivity

14%

10

Controls

12%

8.2

HDMI & Gaming

10%

9.3

Smart features

5%

5.1

Design

★Better than 98%
8.3

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.3/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 5% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 2 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 78% of models
Grades by review (5)
5 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 5%, the same for every model in this category.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
▲Better than 78%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What owners say about the Samsung HW-Q800B

Based on 72 owners sharing their experience in online comments

46%positive8%mixed46%negative

Owners value the immersive sound and strong bass, but recurring connection, Alexa, and playback issues divide opinions.

What owners dislike

  • Some owners get no Dolby Atmos from Netflix or Prime, no top-speaker sound, or no DTS playback, and 5.1 shows sound unbalanced.6
  • Owners say the subwoofer is weaker than the Q600B or JBL systems, and bass stays faint even at maximum subwoofer and bass enhancement settings.5
  • The wireless subwoofer often fails to connect, with its blue light blinking despite the pairing steps, and some owners report repeated random disconnects.4
  • Built-in Alexa may stop responding to voice commands, and after a few uses the soundbar can go silent until it is unplugged for 10 seconds.4
  • Speech can sound tinny and quiet, especially in 5.1 shows where dialogue is low next to loud action scenes, and music vocals can sound hollow.3
  • The soundbar can become unresponsive after about 1.5 hours of use, so owners must power it off with the remote, which can take 1–2 minutes.3
  • The soundbar sometimes drops out on its own, such as cutting off after a couple of minutes on HDMI or randomly muting during use.3

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

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Soundbars model ranking

Ranked #4 of 189 models in Soundbars (Overall score)

Technical Specifications of soundbar Samsung HW-Q800B Soundbar

Technical score
Technical score
8.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the soundbar's technical performance, covering key areas such as audio quality, channel configuration, connectivity, HDMI and wireless features, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare soundbars based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 98% of models
Score components:

25%

9.2

Audio

18%

8.9

Formats

16%

8.0

Connectivity

14%

10

Controls

12%

8.2

HDMI & Gaming

10%

9.3

Smart features

5%

5.1

Design

8.7
Reviews score
8.3
Value for money
Value for money
8.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the soundbar's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a soundbar with a good balance between audio quality, features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 99% of models
Score components:

70%

8.7

Overall score

30%

8.0

Price

8.5
Brand name
Samsung
N. of audio channels
5.1.2
This soundbar offers 5.1.2 audio channels, more than 93.1% of soundbars and equal to 2.1% of soundbars.
Audio output power
360 W
Market range: <10 W – >260 W
This soundbar delivers 360 W of audio output power, more than 92% of soundbars and equal to 0.6% of soundbars.
Max SPL
95.8 dB SPL
Market range: <75 dB SPL – >105 dB SPL
This soundbar has a max SPL of 95.8 dB SPL, higher than 59.5% of soundbars.
Min frequency
27.9 Hz
Market range: <20 Hz – >120 Hz
This soundbar reaches a minimum frequency of 27.9 Hz, lower than 88.4% of soundbars.
Show more
Dolby Atmos
yes
This soundbar supports Dolby Atmos. 79.8% of soundbars include this feature.
Wireless Atmos is supported with compatible Samsung TVs.
DTS:X
yes
This soundbar supports DTS:X. 89.9% of soundbars include this feature.
Dolby TrueHD
yes
This soundbar supports Dolby TrueHD. 83% of soundbars include this feature.
DTS-HD Master Audio
yes
This soundbar supports DTS-HD Master Audio. 90.4% of soundbars include this feature.
Dolby Digital Plus
yes
This soundbar supports Dolby Digital Plus. 75.5% of soundbars include this feature.
Show more
N. of HDMI inputs
1
Market range: <0 – >5
This soundbar has 1 HDMI inputs, more than 68.1% of soundbars and equal to 27.1% of soundbars.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This soundbar supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 68.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 5
This soundbar uses Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 5, which is newer than that of 78.7% of soundbars and the same as that of 18.1% of soundbars.
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This soundbar supports Bluetooth connectivity. 3.7% of soundbars include this feature.
Bluetooth version
5.2
This soundbar uses Bluetooth 5.2, which is newer than that of 87% of soundbars and the same as that of 0.5% of soundbars.
Show more
Smartphone app
yes
This soundbar has smartphone app. 65.4% of soundbars offer this feature.
Remote control
yes
This soundbar has remote control. 26.6% of soundbars offer this feature.
Control panel
yes
This soundbar has control panel. 9.6% of soundbars offer this feature.
Voice assistant compatibility
yes
This soundbar supports voice assistant compatibility. 69.2% of soundbars include this feature.
Far-field microphones
yes
This soundbar has far-field microphones. 88.3% of soundbars offer this feature.
Show more
HDMI version
eARC
This soundbar uses HDMI eARC, which is newer than that of 73.9% of soundbars and the same as that of 17% of soundbars.
HDMI ARC type
eARC
This soundbar has eARC as its HDMI TV-audio return type, which is more advanced than what 78.7% of soundbars and the same as what 21.3% offers.
HDMI-CEC support
yes
This soundbar supports HDMI-CEC. 37.4% support HDMI-CEC.
HDMI pass-through resolution
4K
This soundbar supports HDMI pass-through up to 4K, which is higher than that of 80.1% of soundbars and the same as that of 17.2% of soundbars.
Up to 4K/120 pass-through.
HDMI pass-through frame rate
60 fps
This soundbar supports HDMI pass-through up to 60 fps, higher than 82.4% of soundbars and equal to 14.4% of soundbars.
Show more
AirPlay
yes
This soundbar supports AirPlay. 80.3% of soundbars include this feature.
Chromecast built-in
yes
This soundbar supports Chromecast built-in. 88.2% of soundbars include this feature.
Chromecast built-in availability is region-specific.
Spotify Connect
yes
This soundbar supports Spotify Connect. 77.1% of soundbars include this feature.
TIDAL Connect
yes
This soundbar supports TIDAL Connect. 91% of soundbars include this feature.
Amazon Music native support
yes
This soundbar supports native Amazon Music. 79.3% support native Amazon Music.
Available via built-in Alexa.
Show more
Width
1,111 mm
Market range: <350 mm – >1.1k mm
This soundbar is 1,111 mm wide, wider than 92.6% of soundbars.
Height
60 mm
Market range: <50 mm – >100 mm
This soundbar is 60 mm high, shorter than 77.5% of soundbars and equal to 2.7% of soundbars.
Thickness
120 mm
Market range: <60 mm – >135 mm
This soundbar is 120 mm thick, thicker than 82.9% of soundbars and equal to 1.6% of soundbars.
Weight
5,100 g
Market range: <500 g – >5.5k g
This soundbar weighs 5,100 g, more than 89.9% of soundbars.
Build material
plastic
This soundbar uses plastic for the build material, which is different from that of 4.8% of soundbars and the same as that of 89.4% of soundbars.
Metal grille.
Show more

Samsung HW-Q800B Soundbar vs the average soundbar

246810TotalAudioFormatsConnectivityHDMI & GamingSmart featuresControlsDesign
  • More audio channels
    This soundbar has more audio channels than the average soundbar (5.1.2 vs 2). The average soundbar has 2.0 audio channels.
    5.1.2 vs 2.0
  • 4 inch larger subwoofer driver size
    This soundbar has a higher subwoofer driver size than the average soundbar (8 inch vs 4 inch). The average soundbar uses a subwoofer driver size of 4 inch.
    8 inch vs 4 inch
  • 1 more HDMI inputs
    This soundbar has more HDMI inputs than the average soundbar (1 vs 0). The average soundbar has 0 HDMI inputs.
    1 vs 0
  • Supports Dolby Atmos
    This soundbar supports Dolby Atmos, the average soundbar does not.
    Wireless Atmos is supported with compatible Samsung TVs.
  • Dedicated center channel
    This soundbar has center channel driver, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports DTS:X
    This soundbar supports DTS:X, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports DTS-HD Master Audio
    This soundbar supports DTS-HD Master Audio, the average soundbar does not.
  • Subwoofer included
    This soundbar has subwoofer included, the average soundbar does not.
  • 26.2% better value for money
    Samsung HW-Q800B Soundbar has better value for money than the average soundbar (8.51 vs 6.7).
    8.51 vs 6.75
  • More audio channels
    This soundbar has more audio channels than the average soundbar (5.1.2 vs 2). The average soundbar has 2.0 audio channels.
    5.1.2 vs 2.0
  • 4 inch larger subwoofer driver size
    This soundbar has a higher subwoofer driver size than the average soundbar (8 inch vs 4 inch). The average soundbar uses a subwoofer driver size of 4 inch.
    8 inch vs 4 inch
  • Dedicated center channel
    This soundbar has center channel driver, the average soundbar does not.
  • Subwoofer included
    This soundbar has subwoofer included, the average soundbar does not.
  • 7 more drivers
    This soundbar has more drivers than the average soundbar (11 vs 4). The average soundbar has 4 drivers.
    11 vs 4
  • Supports upfiring speakers
    This soundbar supports upfiring speakers, the average soundbar does not.
  • 5.14x more audio output power
    This soundbar has a higher audio output power than the average soundbar (360 W vs 70 W). The average soundbar delivers 70 W of audio output power.
    360 W vs 70 W
  • Supports wireless rear speakers
    This soundbar is compatible with wireless rear speakers, the average soundbar is not.
  • 5 more equalizer bands
    This soundbar offers more equalizer bands than the average soundbar (7 vs 2). The average soundbar offers 2 equalizer bands.
    7 vs 2
  • Bass boost
    This soundbar supports bass boost, the average soundbar does not.
  • 24.1 Hz lower min frequency
    This soundbar has a lower minimum frequency than the average soundbar (27.9 Hz vs 52 Hz). The average soundbar has a minimum frequency of 52 Hz.
    27.9 Hz vs 52 Hz
  • 2.7 dB SPL higher max SPL
    This soundbar has a higher max SPL than the average soundbar (95.8 dB SPL vs 93.1 dB SPL). The average soundbar reaches 93.1 dB SPL max SPL.
    95.8 dB SPL vs 93.1 dB SPL
  • Supports Dolby Atmos
    This soundbar supports Dolby Atmos, the average soundbar does not.
    Wireless Atmos is supported with compatible Samsung TVs.
  • Supports DTS:X
    This soundbar supports DTS:X, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports DTS-HD Master Audio
    This soundbar supports DTS-HD Master Audio, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports Dolby TrueHD
    This soundbar supports Dolby TrueHD, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports Dolby Digital Plus
    This soundbar supports Dolby Digital Plus, the average soundbar does not.
  • Hi-Res Audio certified
    This soundbar supports hi-Res Audio certification, the average soundbar does not.
    Hi-Res Audio Decoding is explicitly listed.
  • Broader music format support
    This soundbar supports more music formats than the average soundbar (AAC, AIFF, ALAC, FLAC, MP3, OGG, WAV vs MP3).
    AAC, AIFF, ALAC, FLAC, MP3, OGG, WAV vs MP3
  • 5 more supported audio formats
    This soundbar supports more audio formats than the average soundbar (7 vs 2). The average soundbar supports 2 audio formats.
    7 vs 2
  • AAC support
    This soundbar supports AAC, the average soundbar does not.
  • 1 more HDMI inputs
    This soundbar has more HDMI inputs than the average soundbar (1 vs 0). The average soundbar has 0 HDMI inputs.
    1 vs 0
  • Wi-Fi connectivity
    This soundbar supports Wi-Fi connectivity, the average soundbar does not.
  • Newer Bluetooth version
    This soundbar uses 5.2 for Bluetooth version, while the average soundbar uses 5.0.
    5.2 vs 5.0
  • Supports HDR pass-through
    This soundbar supports hDR pass-through support, the average soundbar does not.
    HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, and Dolby Vision pass-through.
  • Higher pass-through resolution
    This soundbar supports 4K for HDMI pass-through resolution, while the average soundbar supports none.
    Up to 4K/120 pass-through.
    4K vs none
  • Higher HDMI pass-through frame rate
    This soundbar has a higher HDMI pass-through frame rate than the average soundbar (60 fps vs none fps). The average soundbar supports an HDMI pass-through frame rate of none fps.
    60 fps vs none fps
  • Newer HDCP version
    This soundbar uses 2.2 for HDCP version, while the average soundbar uses none.
    2.2 vs none
  • Built-in Chromecast
    This soundbar supports Chromecast built-in, the average soundbar does not.
    Chromecast built-in availability is region-specific.
  • Supports AirPlay
    This soundbar supports AirPlay, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports Spotify Connect
    This soundbar supports Spotify Connect, the average soundbar does not.
  • Multiroom ecosystem support
    This soundbar supports multiroom ecosystem support, the average soundbar does not.
    SmartThings multi-room ecosystem. AirPlay 2 multi-room support. Chromecast built-in multi-room support.
  • Supports TIDAL Connect
    This soundbar supports tIDAL Connect, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports Q-Symphony
    This soundbar supports Q-Symphony support, the average soundbar does not.
    Uses both TV and soundbar speakers with compatible Samsung TVs.
  • Native Amazon Music support
    This soundbar supports native Amazon Music, the average soundbar does not.
    Available via built-in Alexa.
  • Automatic room calibration
    This soundbar supports automatic room calibration, the average soundbar does not.
  • Companion smartphone app
    This soundbar supports smartphone app, the average soundbar does not.
  • App EQ customization
    This soundbar supports eQ customization (app), the average soundbar does not.
  • Auto volume leveling
    This soundbar supports auto volume leveling, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports voice assistants
    This soundbar supports voice assistant compatibility, the average soundbar does not.
  • Manual audio delay adjustment
    This soundbar supports manual audio delay adjustment, the average soundbar does not.
    Adjustment available in the brand app.
  • Night mode
    This soundbar supports night mode, the average soundbar does not.
  • 1 more microphones
    This soundbar has more microphones than the average soundbar (1 vs 0). The average soundbar has 0 microphones.
    1 vs 0
  • Easier firmware updates
    This soundbar uses over-the-air, app-based, USB for firmware update method, while the average soundbar uses app-based, USB.
    over-the-air, app-based, USB vs app-based, USB
  • Far-field microphones
    This soundbar has far-field microphones, the average soundbar does not.
  • 7 mm lower height
    This soundbar is shorter than the average soundbar (60 mm vs 67 mm). The average soundbar is 67 mm tall.
    60 mm vs 67 mm
  • No USB audio input
    This soundbar does not have USB audio input, the average soundbar does.
    no (The USB port is for service/firmware updates only, not audio input)
  • No AUX input
    This soundbar does not have AUX input, the average soundbar does.
  • 349 mm wider width
    This soundbar is wider than the average soundbar (1,111 mm vs 762 mm). The average soundbar is 762 mm wide.
    1,111 mm vs 762 mm
  • No USB playback support
    This soundbar does not support USB playback support, the average soundbar does.
    no (USB port is for service only)
  • 3,100 g heavier weight
    This soundbar is heavier than the average soundbar (5,100 g vs 2000 g). The average soundbar weighs 2000 g.
    5,100 g vs 2,000 g
  • 34 mm thicker design
    This soundbar is thicker than the average soundbar (120 mm vs 86 mm). The average soundbar is 86 mm thick.
    120 mm vs 86 mm
  • Narrower bass adjustment range
    This soundbar has a lower bass adjustment range than the average soundbar (-6 to 6 dB vs -100 to 100 dB). The average soundbar offers a bass adjustment range of -100 to 100 dB.
    -6 to 6 dB vs -100 to 100 dB
  • 4.95x more expensive
    Samsung HW-Q800B Soundbar is more expensive than the average soundbar (£470 vs £95).
    £470 vs £95
  • 4.95x more expensive
    Samsung HW-Q800B Soundbar is more expensive than the average soundbar (£470 vs £95).
    £470 vs £95
  • Narrower bass adjustment range
    This soundbar has a lower bass adjustment range than the average soundbar (-6 to 6 dB vs -100 to 100 dB). The average soundbar offers a bass adjustment range of -100 to 100 dB.
    -6 to 6 dB vs -100 to 100 dB
  • 100 Hz lower max frequency
    This soundbar has a lower maximum frequency than the average soundbar (19,900 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average soundbar has a maximum frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    19,900 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • No USB audio input
    This soundbar does not have USB audio input, the average soundbar does.
    no (The USB port is for service/firmware updates only, not audio input)
  • No AUX input
    This soundbar does not have AUX input, the average soundbar does.
  • No USB playback support
    This soundbar does not support USB playback support, the average soundbar does.
    no (USB port is for service only)
  • 349 mm wider width
    This soundbar is wider than the average soundbar (1,111 mm vs 762 mm). The average soundbar is 762 mm wide.
    1,111 mm vs 762 mm
  • 3,100 g heavier weight
    This soundbar is heavier than the average soundbar (5,100 g vs 2000 g). The average soundbar weighs 2000 g.
    5,100 g vs 2,000 g
  • 34 mm thicker design
    This soundbar is thicker than the average soundbar (120 mm vs 86 mm). The average soundbar is 86 mm thick.
    120 mm vs 86 mm

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
NL Tech
≈ estimated
02/01/2023
Hands-on review · sound tests and value check
Verdict
Samsung HW-Q800B sounds surprisingly good for the price and is worth buying now.
9.0
Juan Camacho
≈ estimated
26/10/2022
Long-term test · one month of daily use
Verdict
Samsung HW-Q800B is a good purchase after a month: clear dialogue and strong bass, though it occasionally disconnects.
8.0
Archway Tech
≈ estimated
29/09/2022
Hands-on review · sound, features and competitors
Verdict
Samsung HW-Q800B is a solid pick for Samsung TV owners who want a cheaper bar, but weak for Atmos and music.
7.0
The TV Dan
≈ estimated
11/06/2022
Unboxing and setup · TV, music and game tests
Verdict
Samsung HW-Q800B is decent: loud and clear for dialogue, but it is big and the upward speakers may annoy neighbours.
9.0
BestProduct
≈ estimated
06/03/2023
Short overview · features, build and sound
Verdict
Samsung HW-Q800B has a well-finished build and excellent sound, with Dolby Atmos reproduced well.
Shop video
Hands-on video, no verdict
Overview video
Overview video
Not graded
Overview video
Overview video

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Samsung HW-Q800B Soundbar

  • Excellent dialogue clarity with a dedicated center channel and Active Voice Amplifier
  • Powerful, deep bass performance from the included wireless subwoofer
  • Versatile sound modes including 'Adaptive Sound' and 'Game Mode Pro'
  • Seamless integration with Samsung TVs through Q-Symphony and Wireless Dolby Atmos
  • Automatic room calibration via SpaceFit Sound Gen II optimizes audio for the specific environment
  • Wide range of wireless connectivity options including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay 2, and Spotify Connect

What customers don't like about Samsung HW-Q800B Soundbar

  • Front-heavy soundstage due to the lack of included discrete rear satellite speakers
  • Subwoofer can occasionally be inconsistent or overpowering for certain music genres without manual tweaking
  • Occasional Wi-Fi disconnection issues requiring a soft reboot to fix
  • The front LED display can be difficult to read through the metal mesh grille
  • Limited physical HDMI inputs compared to higher-end flagship models
  • Some users find the initial setup via the SmartThings app or the provided manual confusing

Verdict

The Samsung HW-Q800B is a premium 5.1.2 channel soundbar system featuring 11 speakers and a total power output of 360 watts, including an 8-inch wireless subwoofer. It supports high-end audio formats like wireless Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, and offers advanced features such as Q-Symphony for syncing with Samsung TVs, SpaceFit Sound for room-based calibration, and Active Voice Amplifier for dialogue clarity. Main pros include its powerful, wide soundstage, deep bass performance, and versatile connectivity with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, and HDMI eARC. However, potential cons include its large physical footprint, a front-heavy soundstage due to the lack of dedicated rear speakers in the box, and the fact that some key features are exclusive to compatible Samsung TVs.

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