Samsung Q70T vs Samsung Q800T which is a better choice?

Samsung Q70T vs Samsung Q800T which is a better choice?

The Samsung Q70T vs Samsung Q800T, is in many ways like watching a battle between equals. Except for support for Q-Symphony, the numbers and performance are very similar. So for this comparison, we are going to look at the pros and cons for each of these soundbar alternatives and highlight in some detail the actual differences that might tilt the scale in favor of either one.

Let’s start with a quick performance comparison chart – Samsung Q70T vs Samsung Q800T and you’ll quickly see just how close these two soundbar solutions are.

Performance Specs:

Samsung HW Q70TSamsung HW Q800T
3.1.2 Channels3.1.2 Channels
8” Subwoofer8” Subwoofer
Wireless SubwooferWireless Subwoofer
No chargingNo charging
No playbackNo playback
Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, DTS:X, DTS Digital SurroundDolby Atmos, DTS Digital Surround
1 HDMI in1 HDMI in
1 HDMI Out1 HDMI Out
HDMI ARCHDMI ARC
Bluetooth, WiFi, SmartThings App CompatibleBluetooth, WiFi, SmartThings App Compatible
Built-in support for Alexa & GoogleBuilt-in support for Alexa & Google
No Airplay SupportNo AirPlay support

If you’re wondering where the differences are you are not alone. At this level, there is only one and that may not have any impact on you. It’s only when you get into the actual performance of these two soundbars that you begin to detect a difference in their performance characteristics.

We’ll talk in more detail about these performance differences but to start with, let’s look at the pros and cons of both of these.

Pros of the Samsung Q70T vs Samsung Q800T:

SAMSUNG HW-Q70T 3.1.2ch  Soundbar with Dolby Atmos / DTS:X (2020)

Samsung HW Q70T Pros

  • The system includes a soundbar and a separate subwoofer. This allows the soundbar to deliver a broad soundstage.
  • The wireless subwoofer delivers solid low-frequency performance along with flexibility. You can put it anywhere in your listening space where you’ll be able to access an electrical outlet.
  • With support for Dolby Atoms that has been designed specifically for delivery richer surround sound experience, the Samsung Q70T does put you into the heart of the movie action.
  • You can also connect other WiFi-enabled devices so you can enjoy music playback from your smartphone or other wireless devices.
  • This soundbar also supports Bluetooth connectivity when WiFi isn’t available or isn’t the best option.
  • The soundbar, like many other products from Samsung, can be controlled by their SamrtThings App. This effectively extends the level of control you’ll have over the soundstage.
  • Included with this soundbar is support for HDMI ARC and eARC support. This allows the soundbar to be connected to the TV with a single wire and to then control the soundbar from the TV remote.
  • It also has a USB port on the back of the soundbar that allows you to play movies and music from external sources and to update the soundbar’s firmware when needed.
  • With wireless connectivity, you can add speakers to this soundbar and spread them throughout the house.
  • This soundbar has built-in support for Alexa so everything you do with your Alexa devices can be done with the soundbar too.

Samsung HW Q70T Cons

  • This soundbar does not support Apple AirPlay. While you can get a separate doc that connects wirelessly, it just isn’t as convenient as it could be.
  • With no satellite speakers, surround sound performance isn’t as deep and rich as it could be.
  • The subwoofer does seem to be a bit flat at times. It isn’t bad but in comparison to others, including the Samsung Q800T, the difference is noticeable.
  • The wireless connectivity to the subwoofer has a slight tendency to drop out. This isn’t unique to this soundbar but it does seem to happen just a bit more with this bar than with others.
  • While not ugly, the materials and finishes on this Samsung Q70T are a bit underwhelming. It’s also black without any other color options. It does get dusty and the material is tough to keep clean. Other Samsung products (Samsung Q90R and Samsung Q950T) definitely make a better visual impression.

Check out the latest price on Amazon.

SAMSUNG HW-Q800T 3.1.2ch Soundbar with Dolby Atmos / DTS:X and Alexa Built-In (2020)

Samsung HW Q800T Pros

  • Like the Q70T, this system includes a soundbar and separate wireless subwoofer. This allows the soundbar to deliver a solid movie-watching experience.
  • The wireless subwoofer delivers solid low-frequency performance that improves the performance of the Q70T in terms of low-frequency reproduction. It has the same wireless connectivity that allows you to place it anywhere in the room that suits you.
  • With support for Dolby Atoms that has been designed specifically for a more engaging surround sound experience, the Samsung Q800T does do fair justice to the moviemakers’ intentions. This soundbar also includes Q-Symphony support. This is an advanced connectivity option that comes on newer Samsung TVs (post-2019), that extends the soundstage into 3 dimensions; front, back, and sides.
  • It provides WiFi connectivity so your soundbar can be paired connected to your WiFi systems and shared by anything else that is similarly connected.
  • This soundbar also supports Bluetooth connectivity. This is a great alternative connection option, especially for mobile devices.
  • The SmartThings App from Samsung supports this soundbar system and when you use it, you ability to shape the sound this bar delivers is dramatically improved.
  • Included with this soundbar is support for HDMI ARC and eARC support. This allows the soundbar to be connected to the TV with a single wire and to then control the soundbar from the TV remote.
  • It also has a USB port on the back of the soundbar that allows you to play movies and music from external sources and to update the soundbar’s firmware when needed.
  • With wireless connectivity, you can add speakers to this soundbar and spread them throughout the house.

Samsung HW Q800T Cons

  • Like the Q70T, this soundbar does not support Apple AirPlay. While you can get a docking station that connects wirelessly, it just isn’t the same.
  • There are no satellite speakers with this soundbar. With wireless connectivity, they could be added but it will not be as good as it is with soundbars that are designed with them.
  • Especially compared to the Samsung Q70T, the Samsung Q800T has a better subwoofer and while that difference isn’t dramatic, it is definitely noticeable. Low-frequency performance is a clear differentiator.
  • As with all wireless speaker connections, the Samsung Q800T suffers from occasional connection breaks. It isn’t any more frequent than with the Q70T and it doesn’t happen often enough to make this a dramatic problem, but it can be annoying.
  • The fit and finish of this soundbar are a good deal nicer than the Q70T with metal grills rather than thin cloth covering but the side grills are plastic and that isn’t particularly helpful. Other Samsung products (Samsung Q90R and Samsung Q950T) definitely make a better visual impression.

Check out the latest price on Amazon.

There are other soundbars outside of the Samsung line of soundbars that will support AirPlay.

Such as the JBL Bar 9.1 and Sonos Arc.

Here’s the Tale of the Tape – Samsung Q70T vs Samsung Q800T

 Samsung HW Q70TSamsung HW Q800T
 SoundbarSoundbar
Width38.6 inches – 98 cm38.6 inches – 98 cm
Height2.4 inches – 6 cm2.4 inches – 6 cm
Depth4.5 inches – 11.5 cm4.5 inches – 11.5 cm
 SubwooferSubwoofer
Width8 inches – 20.4 cm8 inches – 20.4 cm
Height13.9 inches – 35.3 cm15.8 inches 40.1 cm
Depth11.9 inches – 30.3 cm15.8 inches 40.1 cm

As you can see, the dimensions are very similar until you get to the subwoofer and this size difference helps explain why the Samsung Q800T delivers a better low-frequency response. That additional volume allows Samsung to deliver a more powerful driver.

Both of these soundbars are budget-friendly. The latest prices for the Samsung Q70T average $328. The Samsung Q800T is just $60 more at $389. That puts both of these soundbars at the bottom end of the rage for soundbar systems. Compare this to prices at the high end of the Samsung product range, the Samsung Q950A. That vastly improves your listening and watching experience but at a price that is nearly 3x what either the Q70T or Q800T will cost.

Truth be told, for most people watching in an average living room, even with the latest QLED TV, the difference in quality won’t stand out dramatically enough to justify that much of a premium price. You should be very happy with either the Samsung Q70T or Samsung Q800T.

Digging Deeper

Now that you’ve read all about the Samsung Q70T vs the Samsung Q800T it’s time to watch a few unboxings, reviews, and demos. Here are some of our favorite sources.

You can start with these two video reviews from Juan Camacho, one when he unboxed and set up the Q70T and another after using the Samsung  Q70T  for a month.

The next comes from a solid reviewer of all things tech. He goes by totallydubbedHD and he covers a wide range of TVs and sound systems you may want to dig into. His review of the Samsung Q800T takes a careful look at this soundbar and talks quite a bit about how it performs.

The Verdict

We like both of these Samsung soundbars. The Samsung HW Q800T soundbar is an excellent choice, sitting at the lower end of the price scale. So for those on a tight budget, you get a lot without having to spend a lot.

It does a better job of delivering bass so action movies and music that is driven by powerful bass lines will come through better with this system. It also provides a slightly wider soundstage but honestly, the difference between this soundbar and the Samsung Q70T is marginal.

The price for this is slightly higher than for the Q70T but that’s a small difference and if you shop carefully you are likely to find some deals that will make the Samsung Q800T an even better choice.

We do still like the Samsung Q70T. It is a very solid performer in this range of soundbars, comparing well to both the Q800T and other brands in the price range. For example, reviewers of the Bose Smart Soundbar 300 say this compares well with the Samsung Q70T but it has no subwoofer and it costs more.

It also stands up well against the Klipsch Cinema 400 Sound Bar + and at a similar price point. Like the Q70T, it has a separate subwoofer and no satellite speakers. However, when you look at the Amazon and BestBuy ratings, the Samsung Q70T takes the overall prize for performance.

The bottom line is this. There are better soundbars out there, even within the Samsung family but when you fairly compare price and performance, these are two excellent options. In our head-to-head comparison of the Samsung Q70T vs Samsung Q800T, we give the slight advantage to the Q800T but we would be very happy to have either in our home.

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