Soundbars / Polk Audio Signa S4 vs Samsung HW-Q800H
Polk Audio Signa S4 vs Samsung HW-Q800H
Samsung HW-Q800H
The affordable way into Samsung's Q-Symphony — but only 4K/60 pass-through.
Wins overall by 1.4 points
Quick Verdict
A 1.4-point gap makes the Samsung HW-Q800H the straightforward choice here. The affordable way into Samsung's Q-Symphony — but only 4K/60 pass-through.
The Polk Audio Signa S4 and Samsung HW-Q800H are both closely matched soundbar models, and the Polk Audio Signa S4 is $650 cheaper than the Samsung HW-Q800H ($449 vs $1,099). On Connectivity, the Samsung HW-Q800H leads (8.0 vs 4.5/10) — HDMI inputs and passthrough, eARC, Wi-Fi and streaming protocol support. On Features, the Samsung HW-Q800H leads (8.5 vs 5.5/10) — room calibration, TV-brand integration, app control and expandability. On Surround & Height, the Samsung HW-Q800H leads (8.5 vs 7.0/10) — dolby Atmos height effect and how convincingly it places surround audio. Overall, the Samsung HW-Q800H scores 8.2/10 across our 8 scoring categories versus 6.8/10 for the Polk Audio Signa S4. Below, we break down the full spec sheet, category-by-category scores, and exactly who should buy which one.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Spec | Polk Audio Signa S4 | Samsung HW-Q800H |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449.00 | $1099.00 |
| Release Year | 2022 | 2026 |
| Channels | 3.1.2 | 5.1.2 (11 drivers) |
| Total Power (W) | Not published by the manufacturer | Samsung no longer publishes wattage for Q-series bars |
| Subwoofer | Included (wireless), 5.9-inch driver | Included (wireless) |
| Rear Speakers | None — Polk's SR2 wireless surrounds pair with the MagniFi range, not the Signa S4 | Optional add-on — Samsung SWA-9500S wireless rear kit |
| Dolby Atmos | Yes | Yes |
| DTS:X | No | Yes |
| HDMI Ports (ports) | 1 | 2✓ |
| HDMI Passthrough | None — eARC output only | 4K/60Hz only — Samsung's specification does not list 120Hz, VRR or ALLM |
| eARC | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi & Streaming | None | Yes — AirPlay 2, Google Cast and Spotify Connect all supported |
| Bluetooth | Not published by the manufacturer | 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 7.5 — a 1.0-point margin on overall tonal balance, clarity and detail. If that is what you are buying for, the Polk Audio Signa S4 does not close the gap elsewhere.
Bass
The Samsung HW-Q800H leads clearly here, 8.5 against 7.5 — a 1.0-point margin on low-end weight and extension, with or without a separate subwoofer. If that is what you are buying for, the Polk Audio Signa S4 does not close the gap elsewhere.
Dialogue Clarity
The Polk Audio Signa S4 and Samsung HW-Q800H are level here, at 8.0/10 each. how well speech cuts through a busy soundtrack is not what separates these two — look to the categories where the scores diverge.
Surround & Height
The Samsung HW-Q800H leads clearly here, 8.5 against 7.0 — a 1.5-point margin on dolby Atmos height effect and how convincingly it places surround audio. If that is what you are buying for, the Polk Audio Signa S4 does not close the gap elsewhere.
Connectivity
The Samsung HW-Q800H leads clearly here, 8.0 against 4.5 — a 3.5-point margin on HDMI inputs and passthrough, eARC, Wi-Fi and streaming protocol support. If that is what you are buying for, the Polk Audio Signa S4 does not close the gap elsewhere.
Features
The Samsung HW-Q800H leads clearly here, 8.5 against 5.5 — a 3.0-point margin on room calibration, TV-brand integration, app control and expandability. If that is what you are buying for, the Polk Audio Signa S4 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 Polk Audio Signa S4 does not close the gap elsewhere.
Value
The Samsung HW-Q800H leads clearly here, 8.0 against 7.5 — a 0.5-point margin on performance and features relative to price. If that is what you are buying for, the Polk Audio Signa S4 does not close the gap elsewhere.
Best For
Choose the Polk Audio Signa S4 if…
- • You want to spend less — it's $650 cheaper.
Choose the Samsung HW-Q800H if…
- • 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).
- • 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).
- • 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
Polk Audio Signa S4
Pros
- +True up-firing height drivers rather than virtualised Atmos, which most bars at this price lack
- +VoiceAdjust genuinely helps with mumbled dialogue
- +Dolby Atmos Certified
- +Included wireless subwoofer
Cons
- −No Wi-Fi or smart features of any kind
- −No DTS:X support
- −Cannot be expanded with rear speakers
- −2022 hardware still selling at a 2022 price
- −42 inches wide, so it needs a wide TV stand
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 Polk Audio Signa S4 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 Connectivity, the Polk Audio Signa S4 or the Samsung HW-Q800H?+
The Samsung HW-Q800H scores higher on Connectivity (8.0/10 vs 4.5/10) — HDMI inputs and passthrough, eARC, Wi-Fi and streaming protocol support.
Which is better for Features, the Polk Audio Signa S4 or the Samsung HW-Q800H?+
The Samsung HW-Q800H scores higher on Features (8.5/10 vs 5.5/10) — room calibration, TV-brand integration, app control and expandability.
Which is better for Surround & Height, the Polk Audio Signa S4 or the Samsung HW-Q800H?+
The Samsung HW-Q800H scores higher on Surround & Height (8.5/10 vs 7.0/10) — dolby Atmos height effect and how convincingly it places surround audio.
Which is better for Sound Quality, the Polk Audio Signa S4 or the Samsung HW-Q800H?+
The Samsung HW-Q800H scores higher on Sound Quality (8.5/10 vs 7.5/10) — overall tonal balance, clarity and detail.
Is the Polk Audio Signa S4 worth the price difference over the Samsung HW-Q800H?+
The Polk Audio Signa S4 is the cheaper option at $449 versus $1,099. Whether the pricier model is "worth it" depends on how much you value its lead in Connectivity.
What's the warranty on the Polk Audio Signa S4 vs the Samsung HW-Q800H?+
The Polk Audio Signa S4 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.
Cheaper Option
Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 5 (HT-B500) — $349.99
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.