Soundbars / Hisense HS2100 vs Samsung HW-Q800H
Hisense HS2100 vs Samsung HW-Q800H
Samsung HW-Q800H
The affordable way into Samsung's Q-Symphony — but only 4K/60 pass-through.
Wins overall by 2.4 points
Quick Verdict
The Samsung HW-Q800H takes this by a clear 2.4 points. The affordable way into Samsung's Q-Symphony — but only 4K/60 pass-through. The Hisense HS2100 only makes sense if it wins on a category you care about more than the total.
The Hisense HS2100 and Samsung HW-Q800H are both closely matched soundbar models, and the Hisense HS2100 is $969 cheaper than the Samsung HW-Q800H ($129.99 vs $1,099). On Surround & Height, the Samsung HW-Q800H leads (8.5 vs 4.0/10) — dolby Atmos height effect and how convincingly it places surround audio. On Connectivity, the Samsung HW-Q800H leads (8.0 vs 4.0/10) — HDMI inputs and passthrough, eARC, Wi-Fi and streaming protocol support. On Features, the Samsung HW-Q800H leads (8.5 vs 4.5/10) — room calibration, TV-brand integration, app control and expandability. Overall, the Samsung HW-Q800H scores 8.2/10 across our 8 scoring categories versus 5.8/10 for the Hisense HS2100. Below, we break down the full spec sheet, category-by-category scores, and exactly who should buy which one.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Spec | Hisense HS2100 | Samsung HW-Q800H |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129.99 | $1099.00 |
| Release Year | 2023 | 2026 |
| Channels | 2.1 | 5.1.2 (11 drivers) |
| Total Power (W) | 240 | Samsung no longer publishes wattage for Q-series bars |
| Subwoofer | Included (wireless), 120W, 11cm slim cabinet | Included (wireless) |
| Rear Speakers | None | Optional add-on — Samsung SWA-9500S wireless rear kit |
| Dolby Atmos | No | Yes |
| DTS:X | No | Yes |
| HDMI Ports (ports) | 1 | 2✓ |
| HDMI Passthrough | None | 4K/60Hz only — Samsung's specification does not list 120Hz, VRR or ALLM |
| eARC | No | Yes |
| Wi-Fi & Streaming | None | Yes — AirPlay 2, Google Cast and Spotify Connect all supported |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Voice Assistant | None | Alexa built in; also works with Google Home. Bixby is not supported |
| Warranty | 12 months | 12 months |
| Colors | Black | Black |
Category Scores
Sound Quality
The Samsung HW-Q800H leads clearly here, 8.5 against 6.0 — a 2.5-point margin on overall tonal balance, clarity and detail. If that is what you are buying for, the Hisense HS2100 does not close the gap elsewhere.
Bass
The Samsung HW-Q800H leads clearly here, 8.5 against 7.0 — a 1.5-point margin on low-end weight and extension, with or without a separate subwoofer. If that is what you are buying for, the Hisense HS2100 does not close the gap elsewhere.
Dialogue Clarity
The Samsung HW-Q800H leads clearly here, 8.0 against 6.5 — a 1.5-point margin on how well speech cuts through a busy soundtrack. If that is what you are buying for, the Hisense HS2100 does not close the gap elsewhere.
Surround & Height
The Samsung HW-Q800H leads clearly here, 8.5 against 4.0 — a 4.5-point margin on dolby Atmos height effect and how convincingly it places surround audio. If that is what you are buying for, the Hisense HS2100 does not close the gap elsewhere.
Connectivity
The Samsung HW-Q800H leads clearly here, 8.0 against 4.0 — a 4.0-point margin on HDMI inputs and passthrough, eARC, Wi-Fi and streaming protocol support. If that is what you are buying for, the Hisense HS2100 does not close the gap elsewhere.
Features
The Samsung HW-Q800H leads clearly here, 8.5 against 4.5 — a 4.0-point margin on room calibration, TV-brand integration, app control and expandability. If that is what you are buying for, the Hisense HS2100 does not close the gap elsewhere.
Design & Build
The Samsung HW-Q800H leads clearly here, 7.5 against 6.5 — a 1.0-point margin on finish, size relative to a TV, and how well it fits a living room. If that is what you are buying for, the Hisense HS2100 does not close the gap elsewhere.
Value
The Hisense HS2100 and Samsung HW-Q800H are level here, at 8.0/10 each. performance and features relative to price is not what separates these two — look to the categories where the scores diverge.
Best For
Choose the Hisense HS2100 if…
- • You want to spend less — it's $969 cheaper.
- • Your main use case is compact.
Choose the Samsung HW-Q800H if…
- • Surround & Height matters most to you — the Samsung HW-Q800H scores 8.5/10 here (dolby Atmos height effect and how convincingly it places surround audio).
- • Connectivity matters most to you — the Samsung HW-Q800H scores 8.0/10 here (HDMI inputs and passthrough, eARC, Wi-Fi and streaming protocol support).
- • Features matters most to you — the Samsung HW-Q800H scores 8.5/10 here (room calibration, TV-brand integration, app control and expandability).
- • Sound Quality matters most to you — the Samsung HW-Q800H scores 8.5/10 here (overall tonal balance, clarity and detail).
- • Bass matters most to you — the Samsung HW-Q800H scores 8.5/10 here (low-end weight and extension, with or without a separate subwoofer).
Pros & Cons
Hisense HS2100
Pros
- +240W published power is a lot for the money
- +The slim subwoofer actually fits under a sofa or cabinet
- +Roku TV Ready means one remote controls everything on a Roku TV
- +Bluetooth 5.3
Cons
- −No Dolby Atmos — Dolby Digital only
- −DTS Virtual:X is a virtualiser, not true DTS:X
- −Plain ARC rather than eARC, which limits the audio formats a TV can send it
- −No Wi-Fi
- −It announces itself audibly at startup with no way to disable it
Samsung HW-Q800H
Pros
- +Q-Symphony is the strongest TV-attach feature in the category if you own a Samsung TV
- +Both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, which the Sonos and Bose lack
- +True up-firing drivers plus a wireless subwoofer included
- +Automatic room calibration and a real HDMI input
Cons
- −Pass-through is 4K/60Hz only — no 120Hz, VRR or ALLM, so console gamers should look at the Q990H or the Sony
- −Samsung no longer publishes power figures
- −Q-Symphony only benefits Samsung TV owners
- −Rear speakers cost extra
Shop by Need
FAQs
Is the Hisense HS2100 or Samsung HW-Q800H better overall?+
Based on our 8-category scoring, the Samsung HW-Q800H comes out ahead overall. See the full breakdown in the scores section above — the right pick still depends on which categories matter most for your use case.
Which is better for Surround & Height, the Hisense HS2100 or the Samsung HW-Q800H?+
The Samsung HW-Q800H scores higher on Surround & Height (8.5/10 vs 4.0/10) — dolby Atmos height effect and how convincingly it places surround audio.
Which is better for Connectivity, the Hisense HS2100 or the Samsung HW-Q800H?+
The Samsung HW-Q800H scores higher on Connectivity (8.0/10 vs 4.0/10) — HDMI inputs and passthrough, eARC, Wi-Fi and streaming protocol support.
Which is better for Features, the Hisense HS2100 or the Samsung HW-Q800H?+
The Samsung HW-Q800H scores higher on Features (8.5/10 vs 4.5/10) — room calibration, TV-brand integration, app control and expandability.
Which is better for Sound Quality, the Hisense HS2100 or the Samsung HW-Q800H?+
The Samsung HW-Q800H scores higher on Sound Quality (8.5/10 vs 6.0/10) — overall tonal balance, clarity and detail.
Is the Hisense HS2100 worth the price difference over the Samsung HW-Q800H?+
The Hisense HS2100 is the cheaper option at $129.99 versus $1,099. Whether the pricier model is "worth it" depends on how much you value its lead in Surround & Height.
Which is better suited to my use case?+
The Hisense HS2100 is the better fit if you mainly care about compact. The Samsung HW-Q800H is the better fit for dolby-atmos or home-theater.
What's the warranty on the Hisense HS2100 vs the Samsung HW-Q800H?+
The Hisense HS2100 ships with a 12-month warranty; the Samsung HW-Q800H ships with a 12-month warranty. Always confirm current terms on the manufacturer's site before buying.
Should I wait for the next model instead of buying either of these?+
If either model is more than two years old, a successor may be close — check the "Latest Model" link on each product page. Otherwise, both are current, well-supported options and there's no strong reason to wait.
Premium Option
LG S95AR — $1699.00
Specifications and prices for both products last verified . Scores are calculated from published specifications — see how we compare products.