Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.
Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar
Best BudgetSamsung HW-Q800D
Best Mid-RangePrice
$800-$900
$400-$600
Summary
CNET's top pick under $1,000 for a single soundbar, praised for sounding great on both music and movies. A premium step-up option for those who want Bose quality without a full surround system.
RTINGS' top mid-range pick with a 5.1.2-channel setup that delivers premium sound without the flagship price tag. Frequently discounted, making it exceptional value.
Pros
- Best single soundbar under $1,000 according to CNET testing
- Excellent for both music listening and movie watching
- Clean, attractive design that doesn't dominate the room
- Simple setup with no satellites or subwoofer to manage
- 5.1.2-channel Dolby Atmos with wireless subwoofer included
- Well-balanced sound praised for both movies and music
- Frequently drops significantly in price from MSRP
- Compact compared to full surround systems while still delivering strong performance
Cons
- No included subwoofer — bass is limited compared to packaged systems
- Expensive for a single-bar solution without surround
- Bose ecosystem add-ons (sub, surrounds) push total cost very high
- No rear satellite speakers — less immersive than the Q990F
- Surround sound relies on upfiring drivers rather than true rear channels
- Samsung's app and interface can feel clunky
Our take
Bose has always nailed the 'sounds great, no fuss' formula, and the Smart Ultra is the best expression of that — if you're a music listener first and movie watcher second, this is your bar.
If the Q990F is out of budget, the Q800D is where you land without feeling like you compromised — it's a genuinely great soundbar that just skips the rear satellites.
Buy
