Samsung HW-Q800F vs Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
Get the Samsung Q800F. Unless your TV is 55 inches or smaller and you want one compact bar — then the Sonos Beam.
Samsung HW-Q800F
A 5.1.2 bar with a compact subwoofer, clear dialogue and real up-firing speakers, for about half the price of the big systems.
Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
A compact bar with clear voices and a wide sound, sized for TVs up to 55 inches. Its Atmos height is virtual.
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The Q800F adds a sub for deep bass, real up-firing Atmos speakers and an HDMI input. The Beam costs less and is one small bar with very clear voices that sounds bigger than it looks, but its height effect is simulated.
- —You watch films and want real bass.
- —You want overhead effects from up-firing speakers.
- —You have a Samsung TV: it pairs wirelessly.
- —Your TV is 55 inches or smaller.
- —You want one compact bar and nothing else.
- —You have, or might add, Sonos speakers.
Key differences
Pros and cons
- +Deep bass from a compact sub
- +Clear dialogue from a centre channel
- +Remote and wall bracket in the box
- −HDMI passthrough is 4K/60 only, with no HDMI 2.1.
- −No rear speakers in the box.
- −Samsung's 2026 HW-Q800H has replaced it, so stock is running down.
- +Small, with a surprisingly big sound
- +Very clear dialogue
- +Alexa and Google Assistant built in
- −Atmos height is virtual, so effects stay mostly in front.
- −Light on the deepest bass without a Sonos sub.
- −One HDMI port, no Bluetooth, and no remote in the box.
- −Some owners report distorted surround sound over HDMI, or sound dropping out with some TVs.
Ready to choose?
- Is the Samsung Q800F worth it?
- Is the Sonos Beam worth it?
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How we reached this verdict
We compared independent expert reviews with the manufacturer's specifications, then checked it's sold at a major retailer where you live. We don't test products ourselves.
Sources: RTINGS, What Hi-Fi, What Hi-Fi, manufacturer specifications.