Soundbars / Samsung HW-Q800H vs TCL S55H
Samsung HW-Q800H vs TCL S55H
Samsung HW-Q800H
The affordable way into Samsung's Q-Symphony — but only 4K/60 pass-through.
Wins overall by 1.8 points
Quick Verdict
The Samsung HW-Q800H takes this by a clear 1.8 points. The affordable way into Samsung's Q-Symphony — but only 4K/60 pass-through. The TCL S55H only makes sense if it wins on a category you care about more than the total.
The Samsung HW-Q800H and TCL S55H are both closely matched soundbar models, and the TCL S55H is $960 cheaper than the Samsung HW-Q800H ($139 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 Surround & Height, the Samsung HW-Q800H leads (8.5 vs 5.5/10) — dolby Atmos height effect and how convincingly it places surround audio. On Features, the Samsung HW-Q800H leads (8.5 vs 6.0/10) — room calibration, TV-brand integration, app control and expandability. Overall, the Samsung HW-Q800H scores 8.2/10 across our 8 scoring categories versus 6.4/10 for the TCL S55H. Below, we break down the full spec sheet, category-by-category scores, and exactly who should buy which one.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Spec | Samsung HW-Q800H | TCL S55H |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1099.00 | $139.00 |
| Release Year | 2026 | 2024 |
| Channels | 5.1.2 (11 drivers) | 2.1 |
| Total Power (W) | Samsung no longer publishes wattage for Q-series bars | 220 |
| Subwoofer | Included (wireless) | Included (wireless), 120W |
| Rear Speakers | Optional add-on — Samsung SWA-9500S wireless rear kit | None |
| Dolby Atmos | Yes | Yes |
| DTS:X | Yes | TCL's own specification lists DTS Virtual:X; some retail listings claim full DTS:X, which is unconfirmed |
| HDMI Ports (ports) | 2✓ | 1 |
| HDMI Passthrough | 4K/60Hz only — Samsung's specification does not list 120Hz, VRR or ALLM | None — eARC output only |
| eARC | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi & Streaming | Yes — AirPlay 2, Google Cast and Spotify Connect all supported | App control via TCL Home, but no Wi-Fi streaming protocols are listed |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | Not published by the manufacturer |
| Voice Assistant | Alexa built in; also works with Google Home. Bixby is not supported | None |
| Warranty | 12 months | 12 months |
| Colors | Black | Black |
Category Scores
Sound Quality
The Samsung HW-Q800H leads clearly here, 8.5 against 6.5 — a 2.0-point margin on overall tonal balance, clarity and detail. If that is what you are buying for, the TCL S55H 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 TCL S55H 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 TCL S55H does not close the gap elsewhere.
Surround & Height
The Samsung HW-Q800H leads clearly here, 8.5 against 5.5 — a 3.0-point margin on dolby Atmos height effect and how convincingly it places surround audio. If that is what you are buying for, the TCL S55H 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 TCL S55H does not close the gap elsewhere.
Features
The Samsung HW-Q800H leads clearly here, 8.5 against 6.0 — a 2.5-point margin on room calibration, TV-brand integration, app control and expandability. If that is what you are buying for, the TCL S55H 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 TCL S55H does not close the gap elsewhere.
Value
The TCL S55H leads clearly here, 8.5 against 8.0 — a 0.5-point margin on performance and features relative to price. If that is what you are buying for, the Samsung HW-Q800H does not close the gap elsewhere.
Best For
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).
- • 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).
- • 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 TCL S55H if…
- • You want to spend less — it's $960 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
TCL S55H
Pros
- +Automatic room calibration is genuinely rare under $200
- +220W with a wireless subwoofer included
- +eARC rather than plain ARC
- +Works as one system with TCL and Roku TVs
Cons
- −TCL's own spec sheet says DTS Virtual:X while retail listings claim DTS:X — treat full DTS:X as unconfirmed
- −No HDMI input
- −TCL does not publish the Bluetooth version
- −Atmos is virtualised, with no up-firing drivers
Shop by Need
FAQs
Is the Samsung HW-Q800H or TCL S55H 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 Samsung HW-Q800H or the TCL S55H?+
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 Surround & Height, the Samsung HW-Q800H or the TCL S55H?+
The Samsung HW-Q800H scores higher on Surround & Height (8.5/10 vs 5.5/10) — dolby Atmos height effect and how convincingly it places surround audio.
Which is better for Features, the Samsung HW-Q800H or the TCL S55H?+
The Samsung HW-Q800H scores higher on Features (8.5/10 vs 6.0/10) — room calibration, TV-brand integration, app control and expandability.
Which is better for Sound Quality, the Samsung HW-Q800H or the TCL S55H?+
The Samsung HW-Q800H scores higher on Sound Quality (8.5/10 vs 6.5/10) — overall tonal balance, clarity and detail.
Is the Samsung HW-Q800H worth the price difference over the TCL S55H?+
The TCL S55H is the cheaper option at $139 versus $1,099. Whether the pricier model is "worth it" depends on how much you value its lead in Connectivity.
Which is better suited to my use case?+
The Samsung HW-Q800H is the better fit if you mainly care about home-theater. The TCL S55H is the better fit for compact.
What's the warranty on the Samsung HW-Q800H vs the TCL S55H?+
The Samsung HW-Q800H ships with a 12-month warranty; the TCL S55H 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
Hisense HS2100 — $129.99
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.