The Samsung HW-Q70T is a versatile soundbar that does a good job reproducing most types of audio content. It has a neutral, well-balanced sound that makes it suitable for most uses, though it lacks a bit of bass. On the upside, this bar can get loud and it performs reasonably well at max volume. It supports Atmos content and uses two up-firing speakers on the bar to simulate height. However, it downmixes surround content to stereo, so it won't provide the most immersive movie-watching experience. Overall, this well-built soundbar should please a wide variety of listeners.
Our Verdict
The Samsung HW-Q70T is good for mixed usage. This soundbar performs well with most audio content. Its well-balanced sound profile lacks a bit of sub-bass, which may be noticeable with bass-heavy music and movies, but it does offer sound customization features. Its dedicated center channel makes it suitable for dialogue-heavy content like podcasts and TV shows. It also supports surround and Atmos content, but it won't provide the most immersive listening experience.
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7-band graphic EQ with presets.
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Very well-built design.
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Good stereo sound profile.
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Poor surround performance.
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Lacks sub-bass.
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No night mode/auto volume feature.
The Samsung HW-Q70T is great for dialogue-heavy content. It has a well-balanced sound, especially in the mid-range, which is excellent for reproducing dialogue-heavy content like podcasts and TV shows. It also has a dialogue enhancement feature that can make voices sound more crisp and clear.
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Good stereo sound profile.
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Dialogue enhancement feature.
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No night mode/auto volume feature.
The Samsung HW-Q70T is good for music. This soundbar has a well-balanced sound that should be suitable for most music genres. On the downside, it lacks a bit of sub-bass, which may be disappointing for fans of bass-heavy music like EDM and hip-hop. However, you can customize the sound of the bar using its four EQ presets and 7-band graphic EQ. You can also connect your devices to the bar using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to wirelessly stream your favorite songs.
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7-band graphic EQ with presets.
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Good stereo sound profile.
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Bluetooth compatible.
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Lacks sub-bass.
The Samsung HW-Q70T is decent for movies. While this soundbar has a decently well-balanced sound profile, it lacks a bit of sub-bass needed to reproduce the deep thump and rumble in your favorite movies. On the upside, this bar can get loud, and it doesn't have a lot of compression at max volume. It can play Atmos content, and two up-firing speakers on the bar help to simulate height. Though it supports surround content, it won't provide the most immersive experience.
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Supports Atmos content.
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Poor surround performance.
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Lacks sub-bass.
- 7.5 Mixed Usage
- 7.7 Dialogue/TV Shows
- 7.6 Music
- 7.4 Movies
- Updated Feb 09, 2021: Converted to Test Bench 1.0.
- Updated Sep 21, 2020: The Dynamics tests have been reconducted due to a value input bug.
- Updated Aug 04, 2020: Review published.
- Updated Jul 30, 2020: Early access published.
- Updated Jul 23, 2020: Our testers have started testing this product.
- Updated Jul 23, 2020: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
- Updated Jul 12, 2020: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.
Compared To Other Soundbars
The Samsung HW-Q70T is a 3.1.2 setup from Samsung's 2020 lineup. It has similar performance and a similar design to the 2019 Samsung HW-Q70R, but its default sound profile is slightly brighter. Unlike some of the other Samsung soundbars, it supports Dolby Atmos content. However, its surround performance isn't as immersive as soundbars with dedicated rear speakers, like the Samsung HW-Q90R. See our recommendations for the best soundbars, the best soundbars for movies, and the best Dolby Atmos soundbars.
The Sonos Arc is a better soundbar than the Samsung HW-Q70T. The Sonos is a 5.0.2 setup that offers better surround, Atmos, and soundstage performances. It also comes with a room correction feature, and you can even upgrade it to the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers for better performance. However, the Samsung has a graphic EQ and a Full HDMI In port, which some users may prefer.
The Samsung HW-Q700A is a better soundbar than the Samsung HW-Q70T. The HW-Q700A has better soundstage and height channel performances. It also comes with more sound enhancement features, including an auto-volume mode to help balance the volume level across different programs. Also, it supports Apple AirPlay, unlike the HW-Q70T.
The Samsung HW-Q70T and the Samsung HW-Q600A have very similar overall performances. Both soundbars have pretty neutral sound profiles out-of-the-box but struggle to reproduce a thumpy low-bass. The HW-Q70T offers more wireless playback options, lower latency, and compatibility with the SmartThings app. That said, the HW-Q600A comes with an auto-volume feature.
The Samsung HW-Q70R is the previous version of the Samsung HW-Q70T, but it performs slightly better in some regards. They're both very similar 3.1.2 setups that support Atmos. However, the Q70R's bass extends deeper than the Q70T, so it doesn't sound as bright. As a result, the Q70R will do a better job reproducing the deep rumble and thump in action-packed movie scenes and bass-heavy music. However, the Q70T has a slightly better surround performance, which is good for movie lovers.
The Samsung HW-Q70T is slightly better than the Sonos Beam (Gen 2). The Samsung is a 3.1.2 setup with a dedicated subwoofer that can reproduce a more extended low-bass. It can get louder than the Sonos. However, the Sonos is still a solid choice for listeners who want a small, standalone setup. It's better built with better soundstage, Atmos, and surround performances.
The Samsung HW-Q800T and the Samsung HW-Q70T are both 3.1.2 setups from the 2020 lineup with a very similar design and performance. The HW-Q800T's bass extends a bit lower than the HW-Q70T, so it may appeal more to fans of bass-heavy genres like EDM and hip-hop. The HW-Q800T has a slightly larger wireless subwoofer. Both bars support Atmos and surround content, but neither does an impressive job creating an immersive experience.
The Samsung HW-Q800A is a better soundbar than the Samsung HW-Q70T. The HW-Q800A reproduces a more extended low-bass, so you can feel the deep thump and rumble in your audio content. It also offers better soundstage and Atmos performances and comes with an auto-volume mode and Apple AirPlay support.
The Samsung HW-Q70T is better than the Sonos Beam for most uses. The Samsung has a more extended low-bass and comes with a graphic EQ and presets for sound customization. It supports Atmos content and has a better surround performance. It has a Full HDMI In port, and it supports more wireless playback options. However, the Sonos has built-in voice assistant support, a better soundstage, and a smaller design. It also has room correction and auto-volume features, unlike the Samsung.
The Bose Smart Soundbar 700 with Speakers + Bass Module is better than the Samsung HW-Q70T. The Bose is better built with discrete satellite speakers. It reproduces a more extended low-bass, and it has better soundstage and surround performances. Unlike the Samsung, it also has built-in voice assistant support. That said, only the Samsung supports Atmos content and comes with a Full HDMI In port for high-quality passthrough.
The Samsung HW-Q70T is better than the Bose Smart Soundbar 300. The Samsung supports Dolby Atmos content, and it comes with a graphic EQ and presets for sound customization. Also, its dedicated sub helps reproduce a more extended low-bass. That said, the Bose has a better soundstage and built-in voice assistant support.
The Samsung HW-Q950T is better than the Samsung HW-Q70T. The HW-Q950T is a 9.1.4 setup that has better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. It reproduces a more extended low-bass, and it gets louder. Also, it has built-in voice assistant support. However, the HW-Q70T is a 3.1.2 setup that's better-built.
The Samsung HW-Q70T is a better soundbar than the Samsung HW-T650. The HW-Q70T is better built, and it supports Dolby Atmos content. It also comes with a graphic EQ for sound customization and more wireless playback options. However, the HW-T650 has a better soundstage performance.
The LG SN9YG is a better soundbar than the Samsung HW-Q70T. The LG offers better surround and Atmos performances, and it reproduces a more extended low-bass. It comes with more sound enhancement features like room correction and auto-volume mode, and it has built-in voice assistant support. It also supports Chromecast built-in. That said, the Samsung has a graphic EQ for sound customization, which some users may prefer.
The Samsung HW-Q90R is a better overall soundbar setup than the Samsung HW-Q70T. While they are both versatile, well-built soundbars that perform well with a variety of uses, the Q90R is simply one of the best soundbars that we've tested to date. With rear speakers, the Q90R's 7.1.4 setup provides a more immersive listening experience when watching movies. It can also get louder than the Q70T, and it has a bit less compression at max volume. However, some users may prefer the Q70T's smaller, sleeker, and simpler design.
The Samsung HW-Q70T is better than the JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam. The Samsung is a 3.1.2 setup that reproduces a more extended low-bass. Some users may prefer its more neutral sound profile out-of-the-box, and that it has a graphic EQ for sound customization. That said, the 5.0 JBL has better surround and Atmos performances, and it supports more wireless playback options. It also has room correction, unlike the Samsung.
The Samsung HW-Q70T is better than the Yamaha YAS-209. The Samsung is better built, and it supports Dolby Atmos content. It also has a discrete center channel and a graphic EQ for sound customization. However, only the Yamaha has built-in voice assistant support.
The Samsung HW-Q70T is better than the Samsung HW-T550. The HW-Q70T is a 3.1.2 setup that's better-built and supports Dolby Atmos content. It has better center and surround performances, and it supports more wireless playback options. That said, only the 2.1 HW-T550 has an auto-volume mode.
The Samsung HW-Q900A is better than the Samsung HW-Q70T. The HW-Q900A is a 7.1.2 setup with better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. It reproduces a more extended low-bass, and it gets louder. Unlike the HW-Q70T, it has room correction, Apple AirPlay 2 support, and built-in voice assistant capabilities. That said, the HW-Q70T is better-built.
Depending on your listening habits, you might prefer either the Polk Audio MagniFi MAX SR or the Samsung HW-Q70T. The Polk Audio is a 5.1 setup with satellites that offers a better surrounds performance. However, we did experience some issues with the audio during our testing. Also, the 3.1.2 Samsung is better built, and unlike the Polk Audio, it supports Atmos content.
Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the Samsung HW-Q65T or the Samsung HW-Q70T. The HW-Q70T is a 3.1.2 setup that supports Dolby Atmos content, unlike the HW-Q65T. It also supports more wireless playback options. However, the 5.1 HW-Q65T comes with discrete satellites, and it has a better surrounds performance.
The Samsung HW-Q70T is a bit better soundbar for mixed usage than the Samsung HW-A650. The HW-Q70T supports Dolby Atmos content and offers a better surround performance. It also supports more wireless playback options. That said, the HW-A650 may be better for users who like dialogue-centric content like TV shows since it comes with an auto-volume mode, unlike the HW-Q70T.
The Samsung HW-Q850A is better than the Samsung HW-Q70T. The HW-Q850A is a 5.1.2 setup that comes with discrete satellites. It has better soundstage, center, surround, and Atmos performances. Also, it comes with built-in voice assistant support, unlike the HW-Q70T. That said, the 3.1.2 HW-Q70T does get louder with less compression at max volume.
The Samsung HW-Q70T is a better soundbar than the Denon Home Sound Bar 550. The Samsung is a 3.1.2 setup with a more neutral sound profile out-of-the-box and a more extended low-bass, which some users may prefer. It gets louder, offers a discrete center channel, and has a graphic EQ for sound customization.
The Samsung HW-Q70T is better than the Samsung HW-A550. The HW-Q70T is a 3.1.2 setup that's better-built and supports Dolby Atmos content. It also has better center and surround performances, and it offers more wireless playback options.
The Samsung HW-Q950A is better than the Samsung HW-Q70T. The HW-Q950A comes with discrete satellites and offers better soundstage, Atmos, and surround performances. It gets louder, too. Unlike the HW-Q70T, it has built-in voice assistant support and room correction. That said, the HW-Q70T is better-built.
The Samsung HW-Q70T is better than the LG SPD7Y. The Samsung is better-built with a graphic EQ. Some listeners may also prefer its more balanced sound profile out-of-the-box. That said, the LG has a better Atmos performance.
The JBL Bar 9.1 is a better soundbar than the Samsung HW-Q70T. The JBL is a 5.1.4 that comes with discrete satellite speakers and offers better surround, soundstage, and Atmos performances. It supports more wireless playback options, and it also comes with a room correction feature. It can reproduce a more extended low-bass, too. That said, the 3.1.2 Samsung comes with a graphic EQ to customize its sound, unlike the JBL.
The Vizio M Series M51a-H6 is better than the Samsung HW-Q70T. The Vizio is a 5.1 setup with discrete satellites. It has better surround and Atmos performances. Also, it can reproduce a more extended low bass. That said, the 3.1.2 Samsung is better built and has more wireless playback options.
The Samsung HW-Q70T is a better soundbar than the TCL Alto 8i. The Samsung is a 3.1.2 setup, unlike the 2.1 TCL, and it comes with a dedicated subwoofer. The Samsung is better built and has a more balanced default sound profile. It's also more customizable, thanks to its graphic EQ.
The Samsung HW-Q70T is a better overall performing soundbar than the JBL Bar 5.1 Surround. The Samsung is a 3.1.2 setup with a better-balanced sound profile. It can get louder with fewer compression artifacts, and it supports Atmos as well as eARC. It also has a graphic EQ and a companion app. However, the JBL is a 5.1 with a room correction feature and an Ethernet port.
The Samsung HW-Q900T is a better soundbar than the Samsung hW-Q70T. The HW-Q900T is a 7.1.2 setup that reproduces a more extended low-bass. It also has a better soundstage performance, and it comes with built-in Alexa voice assistant support. However, the 3.1.2 HW-Q70T is better built.
The Samsung HW-Q70T is a better overall soundbar than the Vizio SB36312-G6. Both are 3.1.2 setups that support Atmos content. However, the Samsung has a better-balanced, less boomy sound profile that makes it more versatile. The Vizio also can't get as loud the Samsung. The Samsung also has more sound customization options that allow you to adjust the sound based on your preferences.
The Samsung HW-Q70T is a better overall soundbar than the Samsung HW-T450. The 3.1.2 Q70T is a more premium-looking, better-built setup than the 2.1 entry-level T450. Both setups have a decently well-balanced default sound profile, but the Q70T has more customization options that let you tweak the sound to meet your unique needs. Unlike the Q70T, the T450 doesn't support Atmos content, which is disappointing for movie fans. If you want to connect multiple devices to your soundbar, you'll appreciate that the Q70T has more input options than the T450.
The Samsung HW-Q70T performs very similarly to the Sony HT-Z9F. Both are well-built, premium-looking setups that support Dolby Atmos content. They both have well-balanced sound profiles, but the Samsung's bass extends marginally deeper than the Sony, giving it a slight edge when it comes to reproducing the deep thumps and rumbles in bass-heavy movies and music. The Sony uses S Force and Vertical Surround technology to simulate an Atmos surround experience, while the Samsung uses two up-firing speakers on the bar to create a more immersive experience. The Samsung also has more sound customization options.
The Samsung HW-Q80R is a better overall soundbar than the Samsung HW-Q70T. Both bars have a versatile performance and a well-balanced sound, but the Q80R is slightly more premium. This 5.1.2 setup provides a much more immersive Atmos and surround channel experience than the Q70T thanks to its two additional speakers, which is ideal for movie fans. The Q80R also gets louder, and its soundstage sounds slightly wider.
The Sony HT-ST5000 is a bit better for mixed usage than the Samsung HW-Q70T. The Sony is a 7.1.2 setup that's better built. It has better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances, and there are even more wireless playback options to choose from. That said, the 3.1.2 Samsung gets louder with less compression at max volume.
The Samsung HW-Q70T is better than the Yamaha YAS-408. The Samsung is a 3.1.2 setup that's better built. Unlike the Yamaha, it supports Dolby Atmos content. It also has a discrete center channel, as well as a graphic EQ to help you customize its sound.
The Samsung HW-Q70T is slightly better for mixed usage than the Samsung HW-Q60R. The HW-Q70T is a 3.1.2 setup that supports Dolby Atmos content and offers more wireless connectivity support. However, the 5.1 HW-Q60R has a better surrounds performance, and an auto-volume mode.
The Samsung HW-Q70T is better than the LG SN6Y. The Samsung is better built, and it supports more wireless playback options. It has a better surround performance, and unlike the LG, it supports Atmos content. Some users may prefer its more neutral out-of-the-box sound profile, too. Thanks to its graphic EQ, it's also more customizable.
The Samsung HW-Q70T is better than the Sony HT-X9000F. The Samsung is a better-built setup that offers more wireless playback options. It has better soundstage, center, and surround performances, too. There's even a graphic EQ to help you customize its sound. Some listeners may also prefer its more neutral sound profile out-of-the-box.
The Samsung HW-Q70T is a better overall soundbar than the Samsung HW-Q60T. The Q60T's default sound profile is a little bass-heavy, so if you like a more neutral sound out-of-the-box, you may prefer the Q70T. On the upside, both soundbars come with a graphic EQ that lets you tweak the sound to match your preferences. Unlike the Q70T, the Q60T doesn't support Dolby Atmos content, which can be disappointing for movie fans. It also has fewer connectivity options compared to the Q70T, and there's no app.
The Samsung HW-Q70T is a slightly better soundbar than the Sony HT-G700. The Sony struggles to produce a thumpy low-bass, which may be disappointing to fans of bass-heavy music like EDM and hip-hop. While both soundbars can get loud, the Sony has much more compression at max volume, so it won't sound as clear. While the Sony comes with seven EQ presets to help you customize your sound, the Samsung has more customization options like a 7-band graphic EQ. However, unlike the Samsung, the Sony comes with a night mode feature that helps keep the volume at the same level between different programs.
The Samsung HW-Q70T is a better overall soundbar than the LG SN8YG. It has a more well-balanced sound profile than the slightly boomy sound of the LG, which makes it more suitable for listening to a variety of music genres. Thanks to its 7-band EQ, the Samsung also has more sound customization features so you can tweak the sound to match your preferences. It also has less distortion than the LG when played at max volume. However, the LG comes with a room correction feature that can improve its sound quality based on the acoustic characteristics of your room.
Test Results
The Samsung HW-Q70T has a metal grille covering the top and the front of the bar, though it has a slightly different look than the metal grille on the Samsung HW-Q70R. The back and sides of the soundbar are covered with hard plastic.
The sub for the Samsung HW-Q70T is mainly made of wood. There's a thin fabric covering the speaker on one side, which could easily rip or get dirty. The port is on the back.
The Samsung HW-Q70T soundbar is a little less wide than the Samsung HW-Q70R. It likely won't fit between the legs of most 55" TVs. However, it's also not very tall, so it shouldn't block your screen unless your TV sits flush on the table.
The subwoofer in the Samsung HW-Q70T setup is slightly smaller than the sub of the Samsung HW-Q70R. It's roughly the same size as a typical desktop PC. It's also wireless, so you can move the sub anywhere in the room.
There aren't any satellites in this setup.
The back of the bar has two openings for the inputs and the power cable. On the top side, at the back-middle of the bar, there are touch-style control buttons. If you want to mount the bar, you'll need to use the universal holes on the underside and the included brackets.
The back of the sub is wood, expect for the plastic port. There's also a pairing button in the bottom corner.
The Samsung HW-Q70T soundbar has a great build quality. The metal grille and hard plastic materials give the bar a solid, premium look and help to protect the speakers inside. However, the thin fabric on the sub may attract dirt and dust, and it feels like it could rip easily.
- Manual
- HDMI cable
- Remote with batteries (2x AA)
- Power cables (x2)
- Adapter for the soundbar
- Wall-mounting brackets
- Screws for wall-mounting brackets
- Template for wall-mounting brackets
- Rubber Foot stickers (x4)
The Samsung HW-Q70T soundbar has a very good stereo frequency response. It has a well-balanced sound profile that makes it suitable for most music genres and dialogue-heavy content. However, its bass doesn't extend quite as deep as the Samsung HW-Q70R or the Samsung HW-Q800T, so it may not reproduce the deepest thumps and rumbles found in bass-heavy music and movies as well. You can also use the 7-band graphic EQ to customize your sound.
The Samsung HW-Q70T has a decent stereo soundstage performance. It sounds about as wide as the bar itself, but it doesn't do any tricks to make it sound wider than that. It has a good focus, so it's easy to pinpoint the location of objects in the stereo soundstage. For a 3.1.2 setup with a better soundstage, check out the Samsung HW-Q700A.
Update 09/21/2020: We've discovered a value input bug that would cause the Dynamics box results to be slightly off. All soundbars reviewed since January 30th, 2020 have been updated.
The Samsung HW-Q70T can get loud and will be suitable for large rooms and crowded environments. At max volume, there's a little bit of compression in the bass and treble ranges, but you likely won't notice it with real-life content.
The Samsung HW-Q70T's THD performance is good. At a normal listening volume, there isn't a lot of distortion, so audio should sound pure and clean. However, at max volume, there's a slight jump in THD, especially in the high-bass range. However, this distortion is still within decent limits and is very difficult to hear with real-life content.
This 3.1.2 setup has an excellent center channel performance. The Samsung HW-Q70T has a dedicated center channel, which results in a clearer and more accurate reproduction of dialogue found in TV shows and movies.
The Samsung HW-Q70T has a poor surround performance. This soundbar doesn't come with rear speakers, so it has to downmix surround content to stereo, which doesn't sound as immersive. It also sounds a bit bass-heavy.
The Samsung HW-Q70T's height performance is poor. It supports Atmos content, and it uses two up-firing speakers on the bar to bounce sound off the ceiling to give the illusion of height. However, it sounds a bit bright, and it doesn't sound as real as discrete localization created by down-firing speakers.
The Samsung HW-Q70T has sub-par sound enhancement features. There isn't a room correction feature, so the bar may sound different depending on the room you're in. Unlike the Samsung HW-Q600A, it lacks an auto-volume feature to help prevent dramatic changes in the volume between commercials and the show you're watching. Fortunately, you can customize the sound of the bar based on what you're listening to thanks to the 7-band graphic EQ and presets.
This soundbar has several of the most common inputs. Thanks to its HDMI ports, it can be used as a hub for different devices, such as your game console and your Blu-ray player. However, you won't be able to play audio directly from a USB or aux connection.
The Samsung HW-Q70T has fantastic support for audio content over its HDMI ARC port. It supports Dolby Digital and DTS, which is great for watching movies and Netflix content. It also supports eARC, so you'll be able to play lossless surround formats as well.
The Samsung HW-Q70T has amazing audio format support. It can play audio from most sources, including Blu-ray discs and popular streaming platforms like Netflix.
The Samsung HW-Q70T supports both Dolby Digital and DTS content via optical. These formats are commonly found on Blu-ray discs and streaming platforms such as Netflix.
The Samsung HW-Q70T has very good wireless playback connections. You can connect the soundbar wirelessly to your mobile devices, such as a phone or a tablet, using a Bluetooth or a Wi-Fi connection. This allows you to use the bar to play your favorite music from your smartphone even when the device isn't connected with a cable.
The Samsung HW-Q70T can passthrough the highest bandwidth signals, so if you want to connect the bar to your TV and your PC, the text on the screen will still appear clear and crisp.
The sub connects wirelessly to the soundbar. It also has an input for its power cord.
The interface is very simple. There's a small screen behind the metal grille. It displays the volume level and the input you're on. However, it's only a four-character display, so you may need to wait for some messages to scroll to fully display.
The controls are located on top of the bar. The touch-sensitive buttons include a power button, volume control, and a button that allows you to change the input.
The bar's remote is the same as the one that comes with the Samsung HW-Q70R. It allows you to control all the functions of the soundbar, but it can't be used as a universal remote.
The SmartThings app connects easily to the Samsung HW-Q70T soundbar. It allows you to control many of the bar's functions, and you can also use it to adjust the 7-band graphic EQ. However, it can't completely replace the remote because it lacks the Center level and Front Top level adjustment buttons.
This soundbar has an auto-off function that turns the bar off if no audio signal is detected for 18 minutes. It also has HDMI CEC support, so you can control the basic functions of the bar using your TV remote.