Samsung HW-Q800F Review: Powerful Dolby Atmos Soundbar for Immersive Home Cinema

Experience impressive Dolby Atmos sound with Samsung HW-Q800F’s powerful 5.1.2 setup and sleek compact subwoofer.

Samsung HW-Q800F: Quick Overview

Samsung’s HW-Q800F, the 2025 edition of their popular Dolby Atmos soundbar and subwoofer combo, proves that the South Korean tech titan is still reigning supreme in the home theater arena. Packing a 5.1.2-channel layout, this soundbar tweaks the formula with a much more compact and stylish subwoofer that's easier to integrate into your TV setup. The best part? Power hasn’t been sacrificed — boasting a robust 400W output spread across 11 speakers.

Having spent some quality time with the HW-Q800F, I was genuinely blown away by its might. The bass was deep, dynamic, and crystal-clear, turning epic movie soundtracks into immersive experiences and making thunderous sound effects feel truly impactful. It’s one of the best Dolby Atmos soundbars I’ve tested, thanks to its precise sound positioning and expansive soundstage that elevate my favorite films.

Of course, if you crave the full surround sound effect, a system like Samsung’s HW-Q990F with rear speakers still holds the crown. But the Q800F comes at a friendlier price, and if you want, you can add rear speakers later. Even right out of the box, the sound is powerful, spacious, and captivating.

Beyond movies, the Q800F shines with music too. It supports Wi-Fi streaming for services like Tidal Connect and Spotify Connect, plus Bluetooth 5.3 and standard connections like HDMI eARC and digital optical input.

For gamers, the soundbar includes an HDMI input supporting 4K passthrough at 60Hz. I did wish it had bumped this up to 120Hz by 2025 for smoother gameplay, but that’s a minor gripe overall.

The Q800F also packs smart features like Q-Symphony (which syncs with compatible Samsung TVs), SpaceFit Surround Pro for room calibration, and Active Voice Amplification for clearer dialogue. A new Moderate Bass mode lets you turn off the subwoofer and have the main soundbar handle bass—handy if you’re short on space.

With a suite of sound modes, a user-friendly companion app, and support for formats including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, the Q800F checks nearly every box for a mid-range soundbar.

Design-wise, the highlight is definitely the new compact subwoofer. The main soundbar sticks to classic Samsung style: solid construction, a sleek metal grille, and an LED display. It’s not as flashy as some rivals, but the smaller subwoofer is a genuine upgrade over the 2024 HW-Q800D model.

Setup? A breeze. It’s plug-and-play with minimal cables and zero pairing hassles. The subwoofer connected instantly when powered on, and the included physical remote is as elegant and straightforward as ever.

At the end of the day, the Samsung HW-Q800F is a superstar soundbar that ticks almost all the boxes. Stunning Dolby Atmos and music performance, a design upgrade with the subwoofer, and a rich feature set at an approachable price make it one of the standout soundbars in its class.

Samsung HW-Q800F: Price & Release

• Official Price: $1,099
• Likely Available for Less
• Released in 2025

The HW-Q800F is Samsung’s 2025 mid-budget soundbar and subwoofer combo, following the HW-Q800D from the previous year. It slots just below the pricier HW-Q990F, which includes rear speakers but comes at a higher cost.

At launch, the Q800F carried a recommended price of $1,099—$100 more than last year’s model. However, these days, it’s easy to find it for under $750 from reliable online retailers.

Samsung HW-Q800F: Specs At A Glance

Samsung HW-Q800F: Features That Impress

The HW-Q800F is loaded with features that build on its predecessor’s success. The 5.1.2 speaker layout returns, now pumping out 400 watts compared to last year's 360W, complemented by a brand-new compact subwoofer.

It fully supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, alongside Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD Master Audio. You can connect via HDMI eARC, optical input, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi.

The HDMI input supports 4K passthrough at 60Hz—not the 120Hz some gamers might want for silky-smooth play, like in titles such as Metroid Prime 4: Beyond on Nintendo Switch 2. Hopefully, Samsung upgrades this soon, but for now, 120Hz is only achievable via your TV’s HDMI ports.

What stands out is SpaceFit Surround Pro, which tunes the soundbar and subwoofer to your room’s acoustics. The sound modes include Standard, Adaptive (which uses AI to tailor sound to your content), Surround, and Game. Adaptive mode quickly became my go-to.

New to the 2025 model is Moderate Bass mode, which disables the subwoofer and lets the main bar handle bass—great if you’re temporarily tight on space.

If you own a Samsung TV from 2022 or later, some controls are easier to access through the TV’s menu. Plus, Q-Symphony lets your TV speakers join forces with the soundbar and subwoofer for even richer sound.

• Feature Rating: 4.5/5

Samsung HW-Q800F: Sound Quality That Delivers

• Excellent Atmos with precise sound positioning
• New subwoofer offers exceptional bass output
• Ultra-clear dialogues, crisp highs, and impressive musicality

This soundbar is a beast when it comes to audio. Harnessing 11 speakers with 400W power, it produces room-shaking volume without losing clarity.

Testing with The Boy and the Heron, the bass rumbled magnificently during a scene with a chorus of frogs and fish inviting the protagonist to join them. The low-end growl filled the room effortlessly.

Next up was Top Gun: Maverick on 4K UHD Blu-ray. The thunderous roar of jet engines was almost cinematic, with a bass response so solid I could almost feel the jets taking off. The Atmos height effects were genuinely astonishing, elevating the aerial scenes.

While true ceiling speakers would step this up a notch, the upward-firing drivers did a fantastic job delivering vertical sound.

I also put The Mask 4K UHD through its paces. The thunderclap in the opening scene hit hard, window breakage was crisp but never harsh, and dialogue between Stanley and Tina was pristine. The Atmos positional audio nailed Tina's voice coming from the back seat, and subtle background sounds like an air hockey puck were perfectly placed.

Music tests with Dolby Atmos tracks impressed too. Hans Zimmer’s Dream of Arrakis opened with percussion that spanned the soundstage, and the deep bass pulsed with energy. Even stereo tracks like M-High’s 12 O.C Riddim showcased the subwoofer’s punchy low-end, while Hendrix’s All Along the Watchtower revealed nuanced percussion, sharp guitars, and clear vocals.

The Q800F’s SpaceFit Surround Pro really optimized sound for my room, and sound modes like Adaptive and Surround offered distinct listening experiences.

Of course, without rear speakers, the Q800F can’t fully replicate 360-degree surround sound, but it still delivers a sprawling, balanced, and thunderous sonic experience that’s very Samsung.

• Sound Quality Rating: 5/5

Samsung HW-Q800F: Design & Build

• Soundbar looks familiar, but subwoofer is significantly improved
• Not the most stylish model on the market
• But build quality is undoubtedly high

The Samsung HW-Q800D was nearly indistinguishable from its predecessor, but this time Samsung made the generational shift much more noticeable.

They achieved this by adding a new compact subwoofer that fits much better into your living space than the previous tall block. You still get excellent low-frequency performance, so there’s no need to compromise bass for style.

The soundbar itself stayed the same—pretty standard overall. It features a nice metal grille with a clear front display, but you get the traditional black bar. If you want something flashier, retro-style Marshall Heston 120 or the sleeker Sonos Arc Ultra might be better options.

Still, you get reliable build quality from this combo—both devices feel sturdy and avoid any cheap or plasticky appearance. I’m also a fan of the simple physical controls on the soundbar and the slim remote included.

• Design Rating: 4.5/5

Samsung HW-Q800F: Setup & Ease of Use

• Simple wireless plug-and-play setup
• Easy-to-use remote and companion app
• No pairing issues with the subwoofer this time

I was thrilled by how easy it was to set up and use the Samsung HW-Q800F. I simply plugged in the soundbar and subwoofer and connected the main bar to my Samsung S95F via HDMI eARC.

There was no complicated pairing process; the subwoofer was pre-paired with the soundbar, and the two worked seamlessly right out of the box. I’d had minor issues with the Q800D, so this hassle-free setup was a delight.

Unlike some competitors, Samsung still includes a physical remote with their soundbars, and the one with the Q800F worked as expected—making it easy to control volume, sound modes, subwoofer levels, and more.

I also used the SmartThings app for broader control, including EQ, voice enhancement, room calibration, and more. The app has a simple layout, and navigating its menus was never confusing.

It’s worth noting that the Q800F includes a built-in microphone for Amazon Alexa and Google voice assistants, with a convenient button on the bar to toggle this feature.

• Setup & Ease Rating: 5/5

Samsung HW-Q800F: Value for Money

• Slight price increase over the predecessor…
• …but widely available on sales for a great price
• Lots of quality across the board

Although the Samsung HW-Q800F is $100 more expensive than its predecessor, I don’t think it’s a big deal.

First, you get more power in a more compact, elegant overall package. And crucially, you’re unlikely to pay full price of $1,099.

Yes, even months after release, I’ve seen the Q800F selling for under $750, and it’s widely available. Considering you get a fantastic soundbar and subwoofer combo with stunning Atmos, great bass, and a wide feature set, it’s excellent value.

Realistically, the HW-Q990F will remain a few hundred dollars more expensive for a while, and while that system offers full surround sound, those seeking a cheaper option will be happy with the Q800F's capabilities.

• Value Rating: 4.5/5

Should You Buy the Samsung HW-Q800F?

Samsung HW-Q800F Alternatives

Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6

Although it lacks Wi-Fi streaming and has a 3.1.2 channel configuration, the Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 is an excellent soundbar and subwoofer combo for price and quality. It offers solid sound quality, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, easy setup, and a great companion app. Seen for under $500, it’s a great deal.

Marshall Heston 120

The Marshall Heston 120 is a different beast. It’s an all-in-one soundbar, so it doesn’t come with a subwoofer but delivers deep, immersive bass. It impressed me with its Dolby Atmos for films and music and offers many connectivity options. It’s pricey, especially with the optional Heston Sub 200, but for premium look and sound, it’s a top pick.

How We Tested the Samsung HW-Q800F

• Extensive hours watching films and listening to music
• Tested in a dedicated TV room at Future Labs
• Played Dolby Atmos movies and varied music formats

I connected the soundbar to the Samsung S95F OLED TV, taking advantage of exclusive features like Q-Symphony. Most testing used Dolby Atmos 4K UHD Blu-rays on a Panasonic DP-UB820 player, alongside non-Atmos content and streaming via Tidal Connect.

Having also reviewed last year’s HW-Q800D, I personally experienced the improvements in Samsung’s 2025 model.

This combo delivered powerful, sometimes earth-shaking sound with precision and clarity that truly enriched my viewing experience.

With its strong performance, smart features, and sleek new subwoofer design, the Samsung HW-Q800F is a compelling choice for anyone craving immersive Dolby Atmos sound without breaking the bank. What’s your take on upgrading your home theater sound? Are you team compact subwoofer or full surround speakers?

• What audio formats does the Samsung HW-Q800F support?
  It supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD Master Audio.
• Can I connect the soundbar to my TV wirelessly?
  The soundbar supports Wi-Fi streaming and Bluetooth 5.3, but for TV audio, HDMI eARC or optical connections are used.
• Does the compact subwoofer compromise bass performance?
  Not at all. The new compact subwoofer delivers powerful, deep bass that rivals larger models.
• Is the soundbar easy to set up?
  Yes, it’s a plug-and-play setup with instant subwoofer pairing and intuitive controls via remote and SmartThings app.
• Can I expand the system with rear speakers later?
  Yes, the Q800F can be paired with optional wireless rear speakers for a full surround experience.

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