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  1. Table of Contents
  2. Top
  3. Main Differences
  4. Design
    1. Style - Bar
    2. Style - Subwoofer
    3. Style - Satellites
    4. Dimensions - Bar
    5. Dimensions - Subwoofer
    6. Dimensions - Satellites
    7. Mounting
    8. Build Quality
    9. In The Box
    10. Back - Bar
    11. Back - Subwoofer
    12. Back - Satellites
  5. Sound
    1. Stereo Frequency Response
    2. Stereo Frequency Response With Preliminary Calibration
    3. Stereo Soundstage
    4. Stereo Dynamics
    5. Stereo Total Harmonic Distortion
    6. Center
    7. Surround 5.1
    8. Height (Atmos)
    9. Sound Enhancement Features
  6. Connectivity
    1. Inputs/Outputs - Bar
    2. Audio Format Support: ARC/eARC
    3. Audio Format Support: HDMI In
    4. Audio Format Support: Optical
    5. Audio Latency: ARC
    6. Audio Latency: HDMI In
    7. Audio Latency: Optical
    8. Video Passthrough To TV
    9. Wireless Playback
    10. Connectivity - Subwoofer
    11. Connectivity - Satellites
  7. Additional Features
    1. Interface
    2. Bar Controls
    3. Remote
    4. Voice Assistants Support
    5. App
    6. Other Features
  8. Comments

Samsung HW-Q70R vs Sonos Arc

Side-by-Side Comparison

Products

Samsung HW-Q70R
Sonos Arc

Tested using Methodology v1.0

Updated Jan 11, 2024 07:47 PM

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Tested using Methodology v1.3

Updated Nov 28, 2024 02:21 PM

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Samsung HW-Q70R Picture
Sonos Arc Picture

Variants

  • HW-Q70R
  • Arc (Black)
  • Arc SL (Shadow Edition)
  • Arc (White)

Our Verdict

Samsung HW-Q70R

Sonos Arc

The Samsung HW-Q70R is better for mixed usage than the standalone Sonos Arc. The Samsung has a dedicated subwoofer, reproducing a more extended low-bass. Unlike the Sonos, it has a graphic EQ and a Full HDMI In port. Also, it supports more wireless playback options. The Sonos has better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. Unlike the Samsung soundbar, it has room correction and built-in voice assistant support. You can also upgrade it to the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers for better performance.

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Standard
HW-Q70R
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Shadow Edition
Arc SL
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Standard
HW-Q70R
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Standard
HW-Q70R
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Standard
HW-Q70R
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Notice: Two or more of the products selected have been tested with different test methodologies, so some of the results below aren't directly comparable. Learn how our test benches and scoring system work, and read more about the latest changes to our soundbars test methodology.

Main Differences for

Threshold 

0.10

Mixed Usage 

7.8
7.4

Stereo Frequency Response 
 

8.5
7.2

Surround 5.1 
 

3.2
5.7

Audio Format Support - Full HDMI In 
 

10
0.0

Auto-Volume/Night Mode 
 

No
Yes

Stereo Soundstage 
 

7.0
8.0

Full Comparison

Design

Style - Bar  

Style photo - bar  

Samsung HW-Q70R Style photo - bar
Sonos Arc Style photo - bar

Show text

Style - Subwoofer  

Style photo - sub  

Samsung HW-Q70R Style photo - sub
Sonos Arc Style photo - sub

Sub Wireless 
 

Yes
No

Enclosure 
 

Ported
No Subwoofer

Show text

Style - Satellites  

Style photo - satellites  

Samsung HW-Q70R Style photo - satellites
Sonos Arc Style photo - satellites

Satellite Wireless 
 

No
No

Show text

Dimensions - Bar  

Dimensions photo - bar  

Samsung HW-Q70R Dimensions photo - bar
Sonos Arc Dimensions photo - bar

Width  

43.3" (110.0 cm)
44.9" (114.1 cm)

Height  

2.2" (5.5 cm)
3.4" (8.7 cm)

Depth  

4.0" (10.1 cm)
4.7" (12.0 cm)

Show text

Dimensions - Subwoofer  

Dimensions photo - sub  

Samsung HW-Q70R Dimensions photo - sub
Sonos Arc Dimensions photo - sub

Width  

7.9" (20.1 cm)
N/A

Height  

15.9" (40.4 cm)
N/A

Depth  

15.7" (39.8 cm)
N/A

Show text

Dimensions - Satellites  

Dimensions photo - satellites  

Samsung HW-Q70R Dimensions photo - satellites
Sonos Arc Dimensions photo - satellites

Width  

N/A
N/A

Height  

N/A
N/A

Depth  

N/A
N/A

Show text

Mounting 
 

Bar Mounting Holes  

Sonos Arc Bar Mounting Holes

Satellite Mounting Holes  

Sonos Arc Satellite Mounting Holes

Mountable Bar 
 

Yes

Bar Brackets Included 
 

No

Mountable Satellites 
 

No

Satellite Brackets Included 
 

No

Show text

Build Quality 
 

8.0
8.0

Build quality photo  

Samsung HW-Q70R Build quality photo
Sonos Arc Build quality photo

Show text

In The Box 
 

In The Box photo   

Samsung HW-Q70R In The Box photo
Sonos Arc In The Box photo

HDMI Cable Length 
 

1.5 m (4.9 ft)

Digital Optical Cable Length 
 

N/A

Show text

Back - Bar  

Back photo - bar  

Samsung HW-Q70R Back photo - bar

Bar Mounting 
 

Universal (holes on underside)

Show text

Back - Subwoofer  

Back photo - sub  

Samsung HW-Q70R Back photo - sub

Enclosure 
 

Ported
No Subwoofer

Show text

Back - Satellites  

Back photo - satellites  

Samsung HW-Q70R Back photo - satellites

Mounting 
 

No

Show text

Sound

Stereo Frequency Response 
 

8.5
7.2

Stereo Setup  

Samsung HW-Q70R Stereo Setup
Sonos Arc Stereo Setup

Raw Frequency Response  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Frequency Response Small  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Channels 
 

3.1.2
5.0.2

Tested Preset 
 

Standard
No Preset

Slope 
 

-0.53
0.37

Standard Error 
 

2.43 dB
3.33 dB

Low-Frequency Extension 
 

27.9 Hz
51.1 Hz

High-Frequency Extension 
 

19.9 kHz
19.9 kHz

Show text

Stereo Frequency Response With Preliminary Calibration 
 

8.5
7.2

Frequency Response Calibrated  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Suggested Preset 
 

Standard
No Preset

Suggested Bass Setting 
 

0
0

Suggested Treble Setting 
 

0
-3

Slope 
 

-0.53
-0.09

Standard Error 
 

2.43 dB
3.08 dB

Low-Frequency Extension 
 

27.9 Hz
51.1 Hz

High-Frequency Extension 
 

19.9 kHz
19.9 kHz

Show text

Stereo Soundstage 
 

7.0
8.0

Crosstalk  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Crosstalk Error 
 

2.67 dB
2.28 dB

Show text

Stereo Dynamics 
 

7.8
8.1

Dynamic Range Compression  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

95.6 dB SPL
91.6 dB SPL

DRC @ 90dB 
 

0.28 dB

DRC @ Max Volume 
 

2.14 dB
0.75 dB

Show text

Stereo Total Harmonic Distortion 
 

7.5

THD  

See details on graph tool

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

0.52

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

1.91

Show text

Center 
 

8.3
7.8

Center Setup  

Samsung HW-Q70R Center Setup
Sonos Arc Center Setup

Frequency Response  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Localization 
 

Discrete
Discrete

Slope 
 

-0.32
-0.40

Std. Err. 
 

2.43 dB
2.94 dB

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

88.0 dB SPL
76.5 dB SPL

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

1.94
0.32

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

2.45
1.56

Show text

Surround 5.1 
 

3.2
5.7

Surround Setup  

Samsung HW-Q70R Surround Setup
Sonos Arc Surround Setup

Frequency Response  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Localization 
 

Stereo (Downmix)
Phantom (Side Firing, Bar)

Slope 
 

-1.68
0.01

Std. Err. 
 

5.62 dB
3.27 dB

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

88.2 dB SPL
75.1 dB SPL

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

0.66
0.39

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

1.06
0.98

7.1 Rears 
 

No
No

Show text

Height (Atmos) 
 

5.9
6.1

Height Setup  

Samsung HW-Q70R Height Setup
Sonos Arc Height Setup

H Frequency Response  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Localization 
 

Phantom (Up Firing, Bar)
Phantom (Up Firing, Bar)

Slope 
 

1.00
0.55

Std. Err. 
 

4.70 dB
2.91 dB

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

89.3 dB SPL
62.0 dB SPL

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

0.96
1.07

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

2.54
0.18

Show text

Sound Enhancement Features 
 

5.9
5.7

Room Correction 
 

No
Yes

Dialogue Enhancement 
 

Yes
Yes

Auto-Volume/Night Mode 
 

No
Yes

Subwoofer Level Adjustment 
 

Yes
No

Bass Adjustment 
 

Yes
Yes

Treble Adjustment 
 

Yes
Yes

EQ 
 

Graphic + Presets
No

Surround Level Adjustment 
 

No
No

Rear Level Adjustment 
 

Yes
No

Height Level Adjustment 
 

Yes
Yes

Virtual Surround 
 

Yes
No

Show text

Connectivity

Inputs/Outputs - Bar 
 

Physical Connections Bar Photo 1  

Samsung HW-Q70R Physical Connections Bar Photo 1
Sonos Arc Physical Connections Bar Photo 1

Physical Connections Bar Photo 2  

Samsung HW-Q70R Physical Connections Bar Photo 2
Sonos Arc Physical Connections Bar Photo 2

Optical Audio In 
 

1
Adapter into HDMI ARC

HDMI Out 
 

1 (shared)
eARC

HDMI 2.1 Class Bandwidth 
 

No

Full HDMI In 
 

1
No

Analog Audio In 3.5mm (Aux) 
 

No
No

RCA In 
 

No
No

USB for Files 
 

No
No

Ethernet 
 

No
1

Subwoofer Output 
 

No

HDMI ARC 
 

1 (shared)

Show text

Audio Format Support: ARC/eARC 
 

10
9.6

Dolby Atmos 
 

Yes
Supported

Dolby Digital 
 

Yes
Supported

Dolby Digital Plus 
 

Yes
Supported

Dolby TrueHD 
 

Yes
Supported

DTS 
 

Yes
Supported

DTS:X 
 

Yes
Not Supported

eARC 
 

Yes

DTS-HD MA 
 

Yes
Not Supported

PCM Channels 
 

Up To 7.1

5.1 PCM (eARC only) 
 

Yes

Show text

Audio Format Support: HDMI In 
 

10
0.0

Dolby Atmos 
 

Yes
Not Supported

Dolby Digital 
 

Yes
Not Supported

Dolby Digital Plus 
 

Yes
Not Supported

Dolby TrueHD 
 

Yes
Not Supported

DTS 
 

Yes
Not Supported

DTS:X 
 

Yes
Not Supported

DTS-HD MA 
 

Yes
Not Supported

PCM Channels 
 

Not Supported

5.1 PCM 
 

Yes

Show text

Audio Format Support: Optical 
 

10
10

Dolby Digital 
 

Yes
Supported

DTS 
 

Yes
Supported

PCM Channels 
 

2.0

Show text

Audio Latency: ARC 
 

8.5

ARC Latency Video  

PCM-2.0 ch 
 

42 ms

PCM-5.1 ch 
 

41 ms

Dolby MAT (PCM) Atmos 
 

59 ms

Dolby Digital 
 

92 ms

Dolby Digital Plus 
 

101 ms

Dolby Digital Plus Atmos 
 

101 ms

Show text

Audio Latency: HDMI In 
 

7.8
0.0

HDMI Latency Video  

Latency Video  

PCM-2.0 ch 
 

N/A

PCM-5.1 ch 
 

N/A

Dolby MAT (PCM) Atmos 
 

N/A

Dolby Digital 
 

N/A

Dolby Digital Plus 
 

N/A

Dolby Digital Plus Atmos 
 

N/A

ARC 
 

94 ms

Optical 
 

74 ms

Full HDMI In 
 

-19 ms

Audio Latency: Optical 
 

9.0

Optical Latency Video  

PCM-2.0 ch 
 

99 ms

Dolby Digital 
 

129 ms

Show text

Video Passthrough To TV 
 

0.0
0.0

1080p Max Refresh Rate 
 

Not Supported

1080p @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate 
 

Not Supported

4k Max Refresh Rate 
 

Not Supported

4k @ 120Hz @ 10-Bit 
 

Not Supported

4k @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate 
 

Not Supported

8k Max Refresh Rate 
 

Not Supported

HDR10 Passthrough 
 

Yes
No

HDR10+ Passthrough 
 

No

Dolby Vision Passthrough 
 

No

HDMI Forum VRR Passthrough 
 

No

4k @ 60 Hz Passthrough 
 

Yes

FreeSync Passthrough 
 

No

G-SYNC Passthrough 
 

No

ALLM Passthrough 
 

No

4k @ 60 Hz @ 10 bit Passthrough 
 

Yes

4k @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:4 Passthrough 
 

Yes

Show text

Wireless Playback 
 

8.0
3.0

Bluetooth 
 

Yes
No

Wi-Fi Playback 
 

Yes
Yes

Chromecast built-in 
 

No
No

Apple AirPlay 
 

No
Yes

Spotify Connect 
 

Yes

Show text

Connectivity - Subwoofer 
 

Physical inputs subwoofer photo 1  

Samsung HW-Q70R Physical inputs subwoofer photo 1

Physical controls subwoofer photo 1  

Samsung HW-Q70R Physical controls subwoofer photo 1

Sub Wireless 
 

Yes
No

Show text

Connectivity - Satellites 
 

Physical inputs satellites photo 1  

Samsung HW-Q70R Physical inputs satellites photo 1

Physical controls satellites photo 1  

Samsung HW-Q70R Physical controls satellites photo 1

Sat Wireless 
 

No
No

Show text

Additional Features

Interface 
 

Interface photo  

Samsung HW-Q70R Interface photo
Sonos Arc Interface photo

Display 
 

Yes
No

Show text

Bar Controls 
 

Controls photo  

Samsung HW-Q70R Controls photo
Sonos Arc Controls photo

Show text

Remote  

Remote photo  

Samsung HW-Q70R Remote photo
Sonos Arc Remote photo

Universal Remote 
 

No

Show text

Voice Assistants Support 
 

Amazon Alexa 
 

No
Yes (Built-in)

Google Assistant 
 

No
Yes (Built-in)

Apple Siri 
 

No
No

Microphone Mute 
 

Yes

Show text

App 
 

App image  

Samsung HW-Q70R App image

App Name  

Samsung SmartThings

iOS  

Yes

Android  

Yes

Acts As A Remote 
 

Yes

Controls Soundbar's Settings 
 

Some

Casts Device Files 
 

Yes

Show text

Other Features 
 

Power Saving 
 

Auto-off

HDMI CEC (TV Remote Control) 
 

Yes

Show text

Check Price

Standard
HW-Q70R
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Shadow Edition
Arc SL
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Standard
HW-Q70R
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Standard
HW-Q70R
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Standard
HW-Q70R
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Samsung HW-Q70R

Sonos Arc

Comments

  1. Comparison

Samsung HW-Q70R vs Sonos Arc: Main Discussion

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