Samsung HW-QS700F

Can Samsung's mid-range soundbar keep up with the tough competition?

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Since the soundbar category gained popularity in the mid-2000s, there has been a significant increase in the variety of models presented. From solo soundbars to packages that include surround speakers and subwoofers, there's a layout that will suit everyone these days.

And tech giant Samsung has tried out a whole range of different set-ups with more models than we could count on two hands. But while the brand's recent flagship offerings have been hugely impressive, its mid-range and entry-level models have tended to struggle somewhat against their price rivals.

It's with that in mind that we come to the Samsung HW-QS700F - a package consisting of a main soundbar and wireless subwoofer. Can this bar outperform its rivals in such a competitive market?

While the Samsung QS700F first launched at £749, you can now find it for a lower price at most retailers. In the UK, for example, it can consistently be bought for £649. That puts it in the mid-range Dolby Atmos soundbar category, and at that price - positioned neatly between the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) and the Sonos Arc Ultra - it's got some stiff competition.

Bass box bonus

Unlike both of those Sonos models, the QS700F includes a dedicated subwoofer as well as the main 'bar, so in pure component terms, you do get more kit for your money with the Samsung.

The main soundbar features a plastic grate on the top, with a small gap for buttons in order to adjust volume, power and input. That grate is covering its sleek black plastic body.

The front centre, left and right channels, two up-firing channels; and the bass from the central subwoofer deliver a total 3.1.2-channel configuration. You can position the soundbar either on a tabletop with the grate facing the ceiling or on a wall mount so it is facing the listener.