Samsung Ultra Slim Soundbar Review 2026: Worth Your Money?
So you finally got that gorgeous new TV. You turned it on and… the sound is just flat. We get it. TV speakers have become thinner and weaker as screens got slimmer. Samsung heard your frustration.
Their Ultra Slim Soundbar series promises big sound in a tiny package. But does it deliver? We spent weeks testing the Samsung HW-S801D to find out. Grab your popcorn because this review is going to be fun.
We will cover everything from bass response to dialogue clarity. We will tell you if this soundbar can truly transform your living room into a mini cinema. Ready to discover if this sleek beauty is the real deal? Let us dive right in!
Key Takeaways:
- Ultra Slim Design: The soundbar measures just 1.6 inches tall. It fits perfectly under most TVs without blocking the screen. You can wall mount it or place it on your TV stand with ease.
- Wireless Dolby Atmos: This soundbar delivers true 3D audio without any ceiling speakers. The upfiring drivers bounce sound off your ceiling to create overhead effects. Movies and games feel more immersive.
- Q-Symphony Technology: When paired with Samsung TVs, the soundbar and TV speakers work together. This creates a wider soundstage. Your audio fills the entire room instead of coming from one direction.
- SpaceFit Sound Pro: The soundbar analyzes your room acoustics automatically. It adjusts its output to match your space. This means optimal sound quality without manual tweaking.
- Game Mode Pro: Gamers will love this feature. It reduces audio latency and enhances directional sounds. You can hear enemy footsteps and gunshots with pinpoint accuracy.
- Alexa Built-in: Voice control is baked right in. You can adjust volume, play music, or control smart home devices without touching a remote.
Design and Build Quality
The Samsung HW-S801D lives up to its Ultra Slim name. This soundbar is remarkably thin at just 1.6 inches. Most soundbars sit like chunky blocks under your TV. This one practically disappears. The sleek profile makes it ideal for modern living rooms where aesthetics matter.
The build quality feels premium without being flashy. Samsung used a matte finish that resists fingerprints and dust. The metal grille covers the front speakers cleanly. No visible screws or cheap plastic here. The overall look is minimalist and sophisticated.
Weight distribution is excellent. The soundbar weighs about 7 pounds. It feels solid but not heavy. You can wall mount it without worrying about anchors or studs. The included mounting bracket makes installation simple.
The wireless subwoofer matches the main unit perfectly. It shares the same dark finish and compact dimensions. You can tuck it beside your couch or behind furniture. The subwoofer connects automatically to the soundbar. No pairing hassles.
Audio Performance and Sound Quality
Sound quality is where the Samsung HW-S801D truly shines. The 3.1.2 channel configuration delivers balanced audio across all frequencies. You get dedicated left, center, and right channels. The two upfiring drivers handle Atmos height effects.
Dialogue clarity impressed us the most. Voices sound natural and distinct. Even in action scenes with explosions and music, you can understand every word. The center channel handles dialogue processing beautifully.
Bass response from the wireless subwoofer is punchy and controlled. It hits hard without becoming boomy or muddy. You feel explosions in your chest. Music genres like hip hop and EDM sound rich and full. The subwoofer adds depth without overpowering other frequencies.
The high frequencies are crisp but never harsh. Cymbals shimmer. String instruments sound detailed. The soundbar avoids the tinny quality that plagues cheaper models. Overall sound signature is warm and engaging.
Dolby Atmos Experience
Dolby Atmos transforms how you experience movies and shows. The Samsung HW-S801D uses upfiring drivers to simulate overhead sound. These drivers bounce audio off your ceiling. Your brain perceives sounds coming from above.
We tested with popular Atmos titles like Dune and Top Gun Maverick. The results were impressive for a soundbar this size. Rain seems to fall around you. Helicopters fly overhead convincingly. The height effect is noticeable and adds real immersion.
Room conditions affect Atmos performance. Flat ceilings between 8 to 10 feet work best. Vaulted or cathedral ceilings reduce the effect. Hard surfaces reflect sound better than acoustic panels or fabric.
The soundbar also supports DTS:X for broader content compatibility. Most streaming services now offer Atmos content. Netflix, Disney Plus, Apple TV Plus, and Amazon Prime all support it. You will find plenty of content to enjoy.
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Smart Features and Connectivity
The Samsung HW-S801D is loaded with smart features. Alexa comes built into the soundbar. You can ask Alexa to play music, check weather, or control smart devices. The far field microphones hear your voice clearly even with content playing.
WiFi connectivity opens up streaming possibilities. You can play music directly from Spotify, Amazon Music, or other services. No phone needed. The SmartThings app provides full control over settings and sound modes.
HDMI eARC ensures lossless audio transmission. Connect the soundbar to your TV with one cable. It passes Dolby Atmos and high resolution audio without compression. The optical input provides a backup connection option.
Bluetooth 5.0 lets you stream audio from phones and tablets. The connection is stable with minimal latency. You can switch between TV audio and phone music easily. The soundbar remembers paired devices for quick reconnection.
Samsung Q-Symphony Integration
Q-Symphony is Samsung’s secret weapon. This feature makes your Samsung TV speakers and soundbar work together. Instead of muting TV speakers, Q-Symphony uses them as additional channels. The result is a wider and more enveloping soundstage.
We tested Q-Symphony with a Samsung 65 inch QLED TV. The difference was immediately noticeable. Sounds seemed to come from a larger area. The sweet spot for listening expanded. You no longer need to sit directly in front of the soundbar.
Setup is automatic with compatible Samsung TVs. The soundbar and TV detect each other over HDMI. Q-Symphony activates with a single menu toggle. No complex configuration needed. The system calibrates itself for optimal performance.
Not all Samsung TVs support Q-Symphony. Check compatibility before purchasing. Models from 2020 and newer generally include this feature. The technology continues improving with each generation.
SpaceFit Sound Pro Technology
Every room sounds different. SpaceFit Sound Pro analyzes your room acoustics and adjusts audio accordingly. The soundbar sends out test tones. Built in microphones measure how sound reflects in your space. The system then optimizes output for your specific room.
This calibration happens automatically when you set up the soundbar. You can also run it manually after rearranging furniture. The process takes about a minute. Results are stored in the soundbar memory.
We noticed clearer audio after calibration. Bass felt tighter and more controlled. Dialogue popped out of the mix better. The improvement varies depending on your room. Spaces with lots of soft furnishings see bigger gains.
The technology addresses common room problems. Hard floors cause harsh reflections. Thick carpets absorb high frequencies. SpaceFit Sound Pro compensates for these issues automatically.
Gaming Performance
Gamers have specific audio needs. The Samsung HW-S801D includes Game Mode Pro for competitive gaming. This mode reduces audio latency to below 20 milliseconds. You hear sounds exactly when they happen on screen. No annoying delay.
Directional audio becomes more precise in Game Mode Pro. The soundbar enhances positional cues. You can hear exactly where footsteps come from. This gives you a real advantage in shooters and battle royale games.
We tested with PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. Both consoles delivered excellent results. The soundbar supports VRR passthrough for smooth gameplay. 4K 120Hz signals pass through without issues.
Game Mode Pro also boosts low frequency effects for impacts and explosions. Grenades and car crashes feel more visceral. The soundbar makes gaming more immersive without sacrificing competitive audio accuracy.
Remote Control and App Experience
Samsung includes a physical remote with the HW-S801D. The remote is simple with dedicated buttons for key functions. You get volume controls, sound mode selection, and input switching. The layout is intuitive and easy to memorize.
The SmartThings app offers deeper control. You can access equalizer settings and fine tune bass and treble. Sound modes include Standard, Surround Sound, Game, and Adaptive Sound. Each mode optimizes audio for specific content types.
Adaptive Sound is particularly clever. It analyzes your content in real time. The soundbar automatically adjusts settings scene by scene. Action sequences get more bass. Dialogue scenes prioritize voice clarity. You do not need to manually switch modes.
CEC control lets your TV remote handle basic functions. Turn on your TV and the soundbar wakes automatically. Volume adjusts together. One remote controls everything.
Value for Money Assessment
The Samsung HW-S801D sits in the mid range price bracket. You pay for premium build quality and advanced features. Compared to budget soundbars, the difference is night and day. Sound quality and smart features justify the investment.
Against flagship soundbars, the S801D holds its own. You sacrifice some bass depth and rear surround effects. But you gain the ultra slim design and room saving footprint. The tradeoff makes sense for many buyers.
Samsung includes everything you need in the box. The wireless subwoofer comes standard. You get HDMI and optical cables. Wall mount hardware is included. No hidden costs or required accessories.
The soundbar goes on sale regularly during major shopping events. Prime Day and Black Friday bring significant discounts. Patience can save you a hundred dollars or more.
Pros and Cons Summary
What We Love:
The ultra slim design fits anywhere without blocking your TV. Dialogue clarity is exceptional for movies and shows. Q-Symphony integration with Samsung TVs creates impressive sound width. SpaceFit Sound Pro calibration works remarkably well. Gaming performance meets competitive player needs.
What Could Be Better:
Bass is good but not room shaking. Dedicated subwoofers from competitors hit harder. The soundbar lacks rear speaker support for true surround sound. Atmos effects depend heavily on room conditions. Price is higher than basic soundbar options.
Who Should Buy This:
This soundbar is perfect for Samsung TV owners who want seamless integration. Buyers with limited space will appreciate the slim design. Anyone prioritizing dialogue clarity over booming bass should consider it. The HW-S801D fits modern minimalist living rooms beautifully.
Final Verdict
The Samsung HW-S801D Ultra Slim Soundbar delivers on its promises. It proves that thin soundbars can produce excellent audio. The combination of wireless Dolby Atmos, Q-Symphony, and SpaceFit Sound Pro creates a compelling package. Build quality matches the premium price tag.
This is not the soundbar for bass heads or surround sound purists. You will not get the visceral impact of larger systems. True 5.1 or 7.1 configurations remain superior for dedicated home theaters.
For everyone else, the S801D is a fantastic choice. It upgrades your TV audio dramatically without cluttering your living room. The smart features add genuine value. Voice control and streaming integration work smoothly. Setup is truly plug and play.
We recommend the Samsung HW-S801D for buyers who value design and convenience alongside sound quality. It represents the best of modern soundbar engineering. Your movies, shows, and games will sound better than ever.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Samsung HW-S801D Support True Surround Sound?
The HW-S801D is a 3.1.2 channel system. It uses upfiring drivers for Atmos height effects. However, it does not support rear wireless speakers. For true surround sound with rear channels, you need to consider higher models like the Q-Series.
Can I Use This Soundbar With Non-Samsung TVs?
Yes, the soundbar works with any TV that has HDMI ARC or optical output. You will lose Q-Symphony functionality with non-Samsung TVs. All other features including Dolby Atmos and SpaceFit Sound work normally.
How Does the Wireless Subwoofer Connect?
The subwoofer connects wirelessly to the soundbar automatically. Simply plug in the subwoofer and power on the soundbar. They pair within seconds. No manual setup or configuration needed.
Is the Samsung HW-S801D Good for Music?
The soundbar performs well with music. Vocals sound clear and instruments have good separation. The bass from the subwoofer adds warmth to tracks. Audiophiles may prefer dedicated stereo speakers, but casual listeners will enjoy music on this system.
What Sound Modes Are Available?
The HW-S801D offers several sound modes. These include Standard, Surround Sound, Game, and Adaptive Sound. Adaptive Sound is most versatile as it automatically adjusts to your content. You can also customize bass and treble in the app.
Does It Support Voice Control Without External Devices?
Alexa is built directly into the soundbar. You do not need an Echo device or external smart speaker. The soundbar has far field microphones that hear your voice commands. You can control playback, volume, and smart home devices.
