Soundbars / Samsung HW-Q800H vs Yamaha TRUE X BAR 50A (SR-X50A)
Samsung HW-Q800H vs Yamaha TRUE X BAR 50A (SR-X50A)
Samsung HW-Q800H
The affordable way into Samsung's Q-Symphony — but only 4K/60 pass-through.
Wins overall by 0.7 points
Quick Verdict
The Samsung HW-Q800H takes this by a clear 0.7 points. The affordable way into Samsung's Q-Symphony — but only 4K/60 pass-through. The Yamaha TRUE X BAR 50A (SR-X50A) only makes sense if it wins on a category you care about more than the total.
The Samsung HW-Q800H and Yamaha TRUE X BAR 50A (SR-X50A) are both closely matched soundbar models, and the Yamaha TRUE X BAR 50A (SR-X50A) is $599.10 cheaper than the Samsung HW-Q800H ($499.95 vs $1,099). 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. On Sound Quality, the Samsung HW-Q800H leads (8.5 vs 7.5/10) — overall tonal balance, clarity and detail. On Bass, the Samsung HW-Q800H leads (8.5 vs 7.5/10) — low-end weight and extension, with or without a separate subwoofer. Overall, the Samsung HW-Q800H scores 8.2/10 across our 8 scoring categories versus 7.5/10 for the Yamaha TRUE X BAR 50A (SR-X50A). 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 | Yamaha TRUE X BAR 50A (SR-X50A) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1099.00 | $499.95 |
| Release Year | 2026 | 2023 |
| Channels | 5.1.2 (11 drivers) | 2.1.2 |
| Total Power (W) | Samsung no longer publishes wattage for Q-series bars | 280 |
| Subwoofer | Included (wireless) | Both — dual built-in woofers plus an included 100W wireless True X Sub 100A |
| Rear Speakers | Optional add-on — Samsung SWA-9500S wireless rear kit | Optional add-on — Yamaha TRUE X SPEAKER 1A wireless surrounds |
| Dolby Atmos | Yes | Yes |
| DTS:X | Yes | No |
| HDMI Ports (ports) | 2 | 2 |
| HDMI Passthrough | 4K/60Hz only — Samsung's specification does not list 120Hz, VRR or ALLM | 4K pass-through; Yamaha does not specify a refresh rate, so assume 4K/60 |
| eARC | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi & Streaming | Yes — AirPlay 2, Google Cast and Spotify Connect all supported | Wi-Fi 5 with AirPlay 2; Chromecast is not supported |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Voice Assistant | Alexa built in; also works with Google Home. Bixby is not supported | Retailer listings claim built-in Alexa, but Yamaha's own specification does not list it for this model |
| 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 Yamaha TRUE X BAR 50A (SR-X50A) 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 Yamaha TRUE X BAR 50A (SR-X50A) does not close the gap elsewhere.
Dialogue Clarity
The Samsung HW-Q800H leads clearly here, 8.0 against 7.5 — a 0.5-point margin on how well speech cuts through a busy soundtrack. If that is what you are buying for, the Yamaha TRUE X BAR 50A (SR-X50A) does not close the gap elsewhere.
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 Yamaha TRUE X BAR 50A (SR-X50A) does not close the gap elsewhere.
Connectivity
The Samsung HW-Q800H leads clearly here, 8.0 against 7.5 — a 0.5-point margin on HDMI inputs and passthrough, eARC, Wi-Fi and streaming protocol support. If that is what you are buying for, the Yamaha TRUE X BAR 50A (SR-X50A) does not close the gap elsewhere.
Features
The Samsung HW-Q800H leads clearly here, 8.5 against 8.0 — a 0.5-point margin on room calibration, TV-brand integration, app control and expandability. If that is what you are buying for, the Yamaha TRUE X BAR 50A (SR-X50A) does not close the gap elsewhere.
Design & Build
The Samsung HW-Q800H and Yamaha TRUE X BAR 50A (SR-X50A) are level here, at 7.5/10 each. finish, size relative to a TV, and how well it fits a living room is not what separates these two — look to the categories where the scores diverge.
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 Yamaha TRUE X BAR 50A (SR-X50A) does not close the gap elsewhere.
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).
- • 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).
- • Dialogue Clarity matters most to you — the Samsung HW-Q800H scores 8.0/10 here (how well speech cuts through a busy soundtrack).
- • 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).
Choose the Yamaha TRUE X BAR 50A (SR-X50A) if…
- • You want to spend less — it's $599.10 cheaper.
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
Yamaha TRUE X BAR 50A (SR-X50A)
Pros
- +The detachable subwoofer working as a portable Bluetooth speaker is genuinely useful and unique here
- +280W published power, plus a real HDMI input
- +A clear upgrade path to true wireless surrounds
- +AirPlay 2 built in
Cons
- −No DTS support at all — not DTS:X, not even DTS Digital Surround
- −Bluetooth 5.0 is dated
- −Yamaha does not confirm whether Alexa is actually built in
- −Pass-through refresh rate is unspecified, so gamers should assume 4K/60
Shop by Need
FAQs
Is the Samsung HW-Q800H or Yamaha TRUE X BAR 50A (SR-X50A) 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 Yamaha TRUE X BAR 50A (SR-X50A)?+
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 Samsung HW-Q800H or the Yamaha TRUE X BAR 50A (SR-X50A)?+
The Samsung HW-Q800H scores higher on Sound Quality (8.5/10 vs 7.5/10) — overall tonal balance, clarity and detail.
Which is better for Bass, the Samsung HW-Q800H or the Yamaha TRUE X BAR 50A (SR-X50A)?+
The Samsung HW-Q800H scores higher on Bass (8.5/10 vs 7.5/10) — low-end weight and extension, with or without a separate subwoofer.
Which is better for Dialogue Clarity, the Samsung HW-Q800H or the Yamaha TRUE X BAR 50A (SR-X50A)?+
The Samsung HW-Q800H scores higher on Dialogue Clarity (8.0/10 vs 7.5/10) — how well speech cuts through a busy soundtrack.
Is the Samsung HW-Q800H worth the price difference over the Yamaha TRUE X BAR 50A (SR-X50A)?+
The Yamaha TRUE X BAR 50A (SR-X50A) is the cheaper option at $499.95 versus $1,099. Whether the pricier model is "worth it" depends on how much you value its lead in Surround & Height.
What's the warranty on the Samsung HW-Q800H vs the Yamaha TRUE X BAR 50A (SR-X50A)?+
The Samsung HW-Q800H ships with a 12-month warranty; the Yamaha TRUE X BAR 50A (SR-X50A) 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
Polk Audio Signa S4 — $449.00
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.