Sony HT-A5000 Soundbar vs Samsung HW-Q800D Soundbar

Both are 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos bars with up-firing drivers, but they solve the bass problem differently. The Sony HT-A5000 uses a built-in subwoofer, so it is a one-box setup with no extra cabinet to place; the Samsung HW-Q800D ships with a separate wireless subwoofer for deeper low end. The Samsung adds Q-Symphony, which pairs its drivers with a compatible Samsung TV's speakers, and it has the higher owner rating. The Sony counters with 8K and 4K/120 passthrough with Dolby Vision, AirPlay 2, Chromecast and 360 Spatial Sound Mapping when you add rear speakers. Buy the Samsung if you own a Samsung TV and want real subwoofer bass; buy the Sony if you want a cleaner single-box install or need 8K/HDR passthrough for a console or disc player.

• Choose the Sony HT-A5000 if you want a self-contained bar with built-in bass, 8K and 4K/120 passthrough with Dolby Vision, and AirPlay 2 plus Chromecast in one unit.
• Choose the Samsung HW-Q800D if you own a Samsung TV and want a dedicated wireless subwoofer, Q-Symphony, and eARC with DTS:X and Dolby TrueHD support.