TCRThe Comparison Report

Soundbars / Samsung HW-Q800H vs Hisense HS2100

Samsung HW-Q800H vs Hisense HS2100

Best Overall

Samsung HW-Q800H

The affordable way into Samsung's Q-Symphony — but only 4K/60 pass-through.

Wins overall by 2.4 points

Buy on Amazon

Quick Verdict

The Samsung HW-Q800H is the stronger all-round pick, ahead by 2.4 points. The affordable way into Samsung's Q-Symphony — but only 4K/60 pass-through.

The Samsung HW-Q800H and Hisense HS2100 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

SpecSamsung HW-Q800HHisense HS2100
Price$1099.00$129.99
Release Year20262023
Channels5.1.2 (11 drivers)2.1
Total Power (W)Samsung no longer publishes wattage for Q-series bars240
SubwooferIncluded (wireless)Included (wireless), 120W, 11cm slim cabinet
Rear SpeakersOptional add-on — Samsung SWA-9500S wireless rear kitNone
Dolby AtmosYesNo
DTS:XYesNo
HDMI Ports (ports)21
HDMI Passthrough4K/60Hz only — Samsung's specification does not list 120Hz, VRR or ALLMNone
eARCYesNo
Wi-Fi & StreamingYes — AirPlay 2, Google Cast and Spotify Connect all supportedNone
Bluetooth5.35.3
Voice AssistantAlexa built in; also works with Google Home. Bixby is not supportedNone
Warranty12 months12 months
ColorsBlackBlack

Category Scores

Sound QualityOverall tonal balance, clarity and detail
Samsung HW-Q800H
8.5
Hisense HS2100
6.0
BassLow-end weight and extension, with or without a separate subwoofer
Samsung HW-Q800H
8.5
Hisense HS2100
7.0
Dialogue ClarityHow well speech cuts through a busy soundtrack
Samsung HW-Q800H
8.0
Hisense HS2100
6.5
Surround & HeightDolby Atmos height effect and how convincingly it places surround audio
Samsung HW-Q800H
8.5
Hisense HS2100
4.0
ConnectivityHDMI inputs and passthrough, eARC, Wi-Fi and streaming protocol support
Samsung HW-Q800H
8.0
Hisense HS2100
4.0
FeaturesRoom calibration, TV-brand integration, app control and expandability
Samsung HW-Q800H
8.5
Hisense HS2100
4.5
Design & BuildFinish, size relative to a TV, and how well it fits a living room
Samsung HW-Q800H
7.5
Hisense HS2100
6.5
ValuePerformance and features relative to price
Samsung HW-Q800H
8.0
Hisense HS2100
8.0
Sound QualityBassDialogue ClaritySurround & HeightConnectivityFeaturesDesign & BuildValue
Samsung HW-Q800H Hisense HS2100

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 Samsung HW-Q800H and Hisense HS2100 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 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).

Choose the Hisense HS2100 if…

  • You want to spend less — it's $969 cheaper.
  • Your main use case is compact.

Pros & Cons

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

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

Shop by Need

FAQs

Is the Samsung HW-Q800H or Hisense HS2100 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 Samsung HW-Q800H or the Hisense HS2100?+

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 Samsung HW-Q800H or the Hisense HS2100?+

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 Samsung HW-Q800H or the Hisense HS2100?+

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 Samsung HW-Q800H or the Hisense HS2100?+

The Samsung HW-Q800H scores higher on Sound Quality (8.5/10 vs 6.0/10) — overall tonal balance, clarity and detail.

Is the Samsung HW-Q800H worth the price difference over the Hisense HS2100?+

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 Samsung HW-Q800H is the better fit if you mainly care about dolby-atmos or home-theater. The Hisense HS2100 is the better fit for compact.

What's the warranty on the Samsung HW-Q800H vs the Hisense HS2100?+

The Samsung HW-Q800H ships with a 12-month warranty; the Hisense HS2100 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.

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