The Samsung HW-Q800H is a 5.1.2-channel soundbar from Samsung, listed at $1,098. It ships with a wireless subwoofer, so the price covers the bass as well as the bar.
Samsung HW-Q800H Pros and Cons
Drawn from the published figures on this page, not from listening.
- ✓Dedicated height channels (5.1.2) for Dolby Atmos, not only virtual processing
- ✓A dedicated centre channel for dialogue
- ✓Subwoofer included in the box
- ✓Can grow into true surround with optional rear speakers
- ✓HDMI eARC carries lossless Dolby TrueHD and Atmos from the TV
- ✓HDMI input with 4K pass-through - a spare port for a console or player
- ✓Wi-Fi streaming with AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect
- ✓Room correction tunes the sound to where it is placed
- ✓Dialogue enhancement and a night mode
- ✓Voice assistant built in (Alexa)
- ✗No DTS:X, so DTS soundtracks play without their height layer
Channels and Surround Sound
The 5.1.2 badge means 5 ear-level channels (left, centre, right and 2 for width or surround), 1 subwoofer channel, 2 height channels firing at the ceiling. It decodes Dolby Atmos. Virtual surround: Surround Sound Expansion.
Subwoofer, Rear Speakers and Mounting
A wireless subwoofer is included, measuring 9.81 x 9.94 x 10.44 in (W x H x D). Rear surround speakers are optional, so it can become a true surround system later. Wall-mountable: Yes (bracket included).
Connections
The Samsung HW-Q800H has HDMI eARC to the TV - the connection that carries lossless Dolby TrueHD and Atmos from the TV's own apps and inputs; 1 HDMI input with 4K video pass-through (HDMI 2.1); optical digital input.
Streaming, Control and Sound Modes
Wi-Fi (2.4, 5.0 GHZ), with AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, TIDAL, Amazon Music, Pandora, SiriusXM, TuneIn, YouTube Music; Bluetooth; voice control: Alexa built-in, Google Assistant optional; app control (Apple iOS, Android); a remote in the box. Sound features: dialogue enhancement, night mode, automatic volume levelling, room correction.
Size and Which TV It Suits
The bar measures 43.75 x 2.38 x 4.75 in (W x H x D), or 1111 x 61 x 121 mm, and weighs 11.2 lbs. It is no wider than the screen of a 55-inch TV (47.9 in wide) or larger, which is where a soundbar looks in proportion. At 2.38 in tall it should clear the bottom of most TVs sitting on their own feet.
Open the soundbar size simulator to try another TV or compare two bars.
Samsung HW-Q800H Specifications
| Sound |
|---|
| Channels | 5.1.2 |
| Dolby Atmos | Yes |
| DTS:X | No |
| Drivers | Tweeters: Dome (3); Woofers: Cones (7); Subwoofer: 6.5" Cone; Enclosure: Sealed(Bar),Radiator(Sub) |
| Subwoofer | Included |
| Rear speakers | Optional |
| Virtual surround | Surround Sound Expansion |
| Dialogue enhancement | Yes |
| Night mode | Yes |
| Room correction | Yes |
| Connections |
|---|
| HDMI to TV | eARC |
| HDMI inputs | 1 |
| Video pass-through | 4K |
| HDMI version | 2.1 |
| Optical inputs | Yes |
| Analogue input | No |
| USB | No |
| Subwoofer output | Wireless |
| HDMI CEC | Yes |
| Streaming and Control |
|---|
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Streaming | AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, TIDAL, Amazon Music, Pandora, SiriusXM, TuneIn, YouTube Music |
| Voice control | Alexa built-in, Google Assistant optional |
| App | Apple iOS, Android |
| Remote included | Yes |
| Learns TV remote | No |
| Physical |
|---|
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 43.75 x 2.38 x 4.75 in / 1111 x 61 x 121 mm |
| Weight | 11.2 lbs / 5.08 kg |
| Subwoofer size | 9.81 x 9.94 x 10.44 in (W x H x D), 15.9 lbs |
| Wall mounting | Yes (bracket included) |
| Warranty | 1 Year parts, 1 Year labour |
| List price | $1,098 |
Power is the maker's total across all drivers and is not comparable to an amplifier's per-channel rating.