Samsung HW-QS700F Soundbar vs Ultimea Skywave 7.1.4ch Sound Bar

The ULTIMEA Skywave is the more expansive system: it adds two rear surround speakers and up-firing drivers for a true 7.1.4 layout, and its 840W peak rating is far higher than the Samsung's 345W. The Samsung HW-QS700F is the better-built, more polished unit, with a 6.5-inch active subwoofer plus 8-inch passive radiator, a position sensor that re-tunes the bar for wall or table placement, and Q-Symphony and SpaceFit Sound Pro when paired with a recent Samsung TV. Owners rate the ULTIMEA well at 4.7 out of 5, but Samsung's processing, app support and TV integration are more mature. Buy the Samsung for a clean single-bar setup with a Samsung TV; buy the ULTIMEA if you want discrete rear channels and a bigger room-filling effect.

• Choose the Samsung HW-QS700F if you own a 2022-2025 Samsung TV and want one bar with a strong subwoofer, automatic room calibration and no rear speakers to place.
• Choose the ULTIMEA Skywave if you want real rear surround speakers and up-firing height channels for a full home-theater layout at a lower outlay.