
Samsung Hw Q80R Review
True Score

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With a remarkably immersive Dolby Atmos 5.1 surround soundstage, the Samsung HW-Q80R ranks among the best soundbars for movies, music, and TV shows. It has smart features and boasts incredible audio enhancement, making it a great all-around option.
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our Verdict

Top experts love the surround sound performance and the Dolby Atmos performance of the Samsung HW-Q80R, endorsing it for movies, music, and TV shows.
Editors from Forbes were delighted by its flawless audio profile that produces movie-ready extended low bass. Reviewers from Forbes love its surround sound performance, praising its side-firing and up-firing configuration that give a realistic 3D soundstage.
This system has a a graphic equalizer and presets, so users can adjust the audio profile as needed. The sound system can get really loud, rivaling some large party speakers.
It has an excellent set of wired connectivity options and it also connects via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Through the mobile app, this system supports hassle-free remote control, and it supports third-party voice assistants too.
However, if you need a model with a built-in Chromecast, see our Harman Kardon Enchant 1300 review and check out our Apple HomePod mini review if you prefer a smart speaker.
Reasons to Buy
- Incredible surround and Dolby Atmos soundstage
- Remarkably deep extended low bass
- Supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi streaming
- Speaker gets incredibly loud and has a graphic EQ
- Mobile app and support for third-party voice assistants
Reasons to Avoid
- Takes up plenty of space
- Lacks room correction feature
- Lacks built-in Chromecast or AirPlay
Specifications
- Bluetooth Enabled–
- Depth5.6
- Dialogue Enhancement Feature–
- Energy Star CertifiedYes
- HDMI ARC–
- Height3.3
- SubwooferYes
- Surround Sound Supported–
- Voice Assistant–
- Wall Mountable–
- Weight18.7 pounds
- Width48.2
- Wireless ConnectivityBluetooth, Wi-Fi
- Wireless Subwoofer Connectivity–
- Works With–
Overview
The Samsung HW-Q80R is the company’s premium 2019-model soundbar that boasts a 5.1.2 channel configuration built with home-theater-level movie enthusiasts in mind.
This system supports Dolby Atmos and has a great surround soundstage, ranking highly among the best-rated speakers today. It comes with a dedicated subwoofer and produces extraordinarily deep bass that will please movie and music devotees.
Users can stream audio via both Bluetooth or Wi-Fi with this soundbar, and it has two full HDMI inputs in addition to a shared HDMI ARC+Out and optical ports.
Music lovers can customize graphic equalizer and presets via the Samsung SmartThings app, and you can connect it to third-party voice assistants for effortless voice control.
The only flaw with this soundbar is that the audio latency is a bit high, and sensitive ears can notice a slight lag between the audio and video feeds.
Continue reading to learn more about the Samsung HW-Q80R, and be sure to check out our list of the highest-rated soundbars in the industry today.


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Product Comparison
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True Score | 82 | 78 | 79 | |
Market Context | – | With a 5.1.2 set up the Samsung HW-Q80R provides a much wider Dolby and surround Soundstage and delivers a more immersive experience than the 3.1.2 channel Samsung HW-Q70T. It has a 100.4 dB maximum SPL, getting much louder than the 95.3 dB maximum SPL of the Samsung HW-Q70T. However, if you prefer the more affordable 3.1.2 soundbar, you may want to check out our Samsung HW-Q70T review today. | While both the Samsung HW-Q600A and the Samsung HW-Q80R are versatile soundbars, the Samsung HW-Q80R has an edge with movie content, thanks to a 5.1.2 configuration, delivering a more immersive 3D surround soundstage than the 3.1.2 HQ-Q600A. It also supports Wi-Fi, unlike the Samsung HW-Q600 A, which only streams through Bluetooth. However, if you need to learn more about the more affordable soundbar, see our Samsung HW-Q600A review today. | Thanks to the included satellite speakers, the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 provides a much wider surround Atmos soundstage than the Samsung HW-Q80R, which lacks satellites. The Bose Smart Soundbar 900. On the other hand, the Samsung speaker has full HDMI inputs and supports DTS content, unlike the Bose system. |
Voice Assistant | ||||
Surround Sound Supported | ||||
Wireless Connectivity | ||||
Bluetooth Enabled | ||||
Wireless Subwoofer Connectivity | ||||
Dig Deeper | – | Read Review → | Read Review → |
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- $499.99
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Score Card
E
Expert Score
*.75
We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores
C
Customer Score
*.25
We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores
True Score
Any product with a True Score above 80 is a Absolutely Fresh
Expert Score Breakdown
Publications with higher Trust Scores are given more weight
- 81Great for mixed usage. The Samsung HW-Q80R soundbar has a very good, neutral and accurate… read more
- 80The Samsung HW-Q80R is the most flat-out powerful, dynamic and precise two-piece soundbar solution I’ve… read more
- 80Samsung’s soundbar division does it again: the HW-Q80R delivers a magnificently muscular performance read more
- NR“No bottom line found for this product” read more
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