When it comes to upgrading your TV's audio, soundbars have become the go-to solution for many people. Today, we're comparing two popular options: the Sonos Beam Gen 2 ($499) and the Samsung HW-Q800D ($699). Both offer impressive features, but they take different approaches to delivering great sound.
Before diving into the specifics, let's talk about what matters in a soundbar. The primary goal is to improve your TV's audio quality, but modern soundbars do much more. They can stream music, connect to voice assistants, and even create virtual surround sound effects. Some use clever software tricks to simulate immersive audio, while others use physical speakers pointing in different directions.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 was released in late 2021, bringing Dolby Atmos support and improved processing to Sonos's compact soundbar lineup. It's been a consistent favorite for its balance of size and performance.
The Samsung HW-Q800D is newer, launching in early 2024. It represents Samsung's latest middle-tier offering, with physical up-firing speakers and a separate subwoofer for more impactful sound.
The Beam Gen 2 is remarkably compact at just 25.6 inches wide. It's perfect for smaller rooms or when you want minimal visual impact. Setup is nearly effortless - plug in power and HDMI, and the Sonos app walks you through the rest. The app even includes "Trueplay," which uses your iPhone's microphone to tune the sound for your specific room (sorry, Android users, this feature isn't available for you).
The Q800D takes a more traditional approach with a larger main bar and separate subwoofer. While this means more space needed and two power outlets, it delivers more powerful sound. The subwoofer connects automatically, and Samsung's SpaceFit Sound Pro feature (which works on both Android and iPhone) handles room correction.
The Beam Gen 2 handles dialogue beautifully. Its speech enhancement feature is particularly effective during quiet scenes or when background noise is present. For Dolby Atmos (a technology that creates 3D sound effects), it uses virtual processing - meaning it tricks your ears into hearing height effects without physical up-firing speakers. While not as convincing as physical speakers, it works surprisingly well in smaller rooms.
The HW-Q800D takes a different approach with actual up-firing speakers and that separate subwoofer. Action movies benefit significantly from this setup - explosions have more impact, and Atmos effects are more precise. The dedicated center channel (a speaker specifically for dialogue) ensures voices remain clear even during intense scenes.
Both soundbars handle music well, but with different strengths. The Beam Gen 2 produces a more balanced, refined sound that works well across genres. Its integration with the Sonos ecosystem means you can easily stream from any service and expand to other rooms later.
The Q800D's subwoofer gives it an advantage with bass-heavy music, and its wider soundstage (the perceived width of the audio) can make live recordings feel more immersive. However, some might find the bass overwhelming in smaller rooms.
In my testing, the Beam Gen 2 consistently impresses with its ability to fill smaller rooms (under 200 square feet) with rich, detailed sound. The virtual Atmos effects work better than expected, though they don't match systems with physical height speakers.
The Q800D really shines in medium to large rooms where its additional power and separate subwoofer make a noticeable difference. The physical up-firing speakers create more convincing overhead effects, and the sub adds impact you can feel during movies.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 at $499 represents solid value, especially considering its smart features and potential for expansion within the Sonos ecosystem. The lack of a subwoofer is partially offset by surprisingly good bass response for its size.
The Samsung HW-Q800D at $699 offers more hardware for your money - including that subwoofer and up-firing speakers. If you have a Samsung TV, features like Q-Symphony add extra value.
Choose the Sonos Beam Gen 2 if you:
Choose the Samsung HW-Q800D if you:
Both manufacturers have good track records for software updates and support. Sonos particularly stands out for adding new features years after release. Samsung typically focuses on compatibility updates and bug fixes.
The Beam Gen 2 has proven reliable since its 2021 release, with positive user feedback about long-term performance. The Q800D is too new for long-term reliability data, but Samsung's previous models in this series have performed well over time.
Both soundbars excel in their intended use cases. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a fantastic choice for smaller rooms and those who value simplicity and smart features. The Samsung HW-Q800D delivers more immersive home theater performance, especially in larger spaces.
The choice ultimately comes down to your room size, primary use case, and whether you prioritize simplicity or maximum performance. Either way, both represent significant upgrades over built-in TV speakers and offer good value for their respective price points.
| Sonos Beam Gen 2 Soundbar ($499) | Samsung HW-Q800D 5.1.2 ($699) |
|---|---|
| Channel Configuration - Determines how sound is distributed around your room | |
| 5.0 (virtual surround) | 5.1.2 (true surround with subwoofer and height channels) |
| Dolby Atmos Implementation - Affects how convincing overhead sounds are | |
| Virtual (software-based) | Physical (dedicated up-firing speakers) |
| Subwoofer - Critical for impactful bass in movies and music | |
| None included (can add wireless sub for $749 extra) | Included wireless 8" subwoofer |
| Room Size Suitability - Crucial for optimal performance | |
| Small to medium rooms (under 200 sq ft) | Medium to large rooms (200-400 sq ft) |
| Smart Features - Important for integration with other devices | |
| Alexa/Google built-in, AirPlay 2, Sonos ecosystem | SmartThings, Q-Symphony (Samsung TVs only) |
| Additional Speakers - Affects future expandability | |
| Can add surrounds and sub for full system | Cannot add additional speakers |
| Room Correction - Helps optimize sound for your space | |
| Trueplay (iOS devices only) | SpaceFit Sound Pro (all devices) |
| Size - Consider your TV stand space | |
| Compact (25.6" x 2.7" x 3.9") | Larger bar + separate subwoofer (needs two power outlets) |
| Primary Use Case Recommendation - Where each excels | |
| Apartments, music streaming, dialogue clarity | Home theater, action movies, bass-heavy content |
The Samsung HW-Q800D performs better for movies due to its dedicated subwoofer and true up-firing speakers for Dolby Atmos. While the Sonos Beam Gen 2 delivers good movie performance, it lacks the deep bass impact and overhead effects that make action scenes more immersive.
The Samsung HW-Q800D includes a wireless subwoofer, making it ready for deep bass out of the box. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 doesn't include a subwoofer, though one can be added later. For home theater use, a subwoofer significantly improves the experience.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is ideal for smaller rooms under 200 square feet due to its compact size and virtual surround processing. The Samsung HW-Q800D might be too powerful for very small spaces, with its subwoofer potentially overwhelming the room.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 can be expanded with rear speakers and a subwoofer for a full surround system. The Samsung HW-Q800D cannot be expanded with additional speakers beyond its included components.
Both perform well, but the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is particularly praised for its dialogue clarity, especially with its speech enhancement feature. The Samsung HW-Q800D also offers clear dialogue through its dedicated center channel.
Yes, both the Sonos Beam Gen 2 and Samsung HW-Q800D support HDMI-CEC, allowing control through your TV's remote. The Samsung offers additional integration features with Samsung TVs.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 excels at music streaming with its extensive streaming service support and multi-room capabilities. While the Samsung HW-Q800D sounds good with music, it's more focused on home theater performance.
Both soundbars come with necessary HDMI cables. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 and Samsung HW-Q800D connect via HDMI eARC for the best audio quality, with optical connections available as backup.
The Samsung HW-Q800D delivers more convincing Dolby Atmos effects with its physical up-firing speakers. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 uses virtual Atmos processing, which works well but isn't as immersive.
Both can be wall-mounted. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 requires a separate mount purchase, while the Samsung HW-Q800D includes wall-mounting hardware.
The Samsung HW-Q800D offers better gaming performance due to its subwoofer and more powerful output for action effects. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 works well for casual gaming but lacks the impact for intense gaming sessions.
The $200 price difference between the Sonos Beam Gen 2 ($499) and Samsung HW-Q800D ($699) is justified if you want stronger bass, true Atmos, and more powerful output. For smaller rooms or primarily TV/music use, the Beam Gen 2 offers better value.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: whathifi.com - en.community.sonos.com - techradar.com - youtube.com - consumerreports.org - bestbuy.com - youtube.com - sonos.com - wave-electronics.com - en.community.sonos.com - epicsystems.tech - tomsguide.com - bestbuy.com - techradar.com - valueelectronics.com - samsung.com - rtings.com - samsung.com - crutchfield.com - samsung.com - samsung.com - samsung.com - shidirect.com
