Samsung HW-Q70T  Soundbar Review

Reviewed Aug 04, 2020 at 08:08am
Test bench update Jan 22, 2021 at 09:00am
Tested using Methodology v1.0 
Samsung HW-Q70T
0.0
Mixed Usage 
0.0
Dialogue/TV Shows 
0.0
Music 
0.0
Movies 
 0

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

0.0
Mixed Usage 

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.

Pros
  • 7-band graphic EQ with presets.
  • Very well-built design.
  • Good stereo sound profile.
Cons
  • Poor surround performance.
  • Lacks sub-bass.
  • No night mode/auto volume feature.
0.0
Dialogue/TV Shows 

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.

Pros
  • Good stereo sound profile.
  • Dialogue enhancement feature.
Cons
  • No night mode/auto volume feature.
0.0
Music 

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.

Pros
  • 7-band graphic EQ with presets.
  • Good stereo sound profile.
  • Bluetooth compatible.
Cons
  • Lacks sub-bass.
0.0
Movies 

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.

Pros
  • Supports Atmos content.
Cons
  • Poor surround performance.
  • Lacks sub-bass.
  • 0.0
    Mixed Usage
  • 0.0
    Dialogue/TV Shows
  • 0.0
    Music
  • 0.0
    Movies
  • Changelog

    1.  Updated Feb 09, 2021: Converted to Test Bench 1.0.
    2.  Updated Sep 21, 2020: The Dynamics tests have been reconducted due to a value input bug.
    3.  Updated Aug 04, 2020: Review published.
    4.  Updated Jul 30, 2020: Early access published.

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    Popular Soundbar Comparisons

    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.

    Samsung HW-Q600A

    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.

    Samsung HW-Q900T

    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.

    Samsung HW-Q950T

    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.

    Bose Smart Soundbar 300

    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.

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    Test Results

    perceptual testing image
    Sort:
    RATINGS
    Category:
    All
    Design
    Style - Bar

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    Style - Subwoofer

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    Style - Satellites

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    Dimensions - Bar
    WidthLockedLock" (Lock cm)
    HeightLockedLock" (Lock cm)
    DepthLockedLock" (Lock cm)

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    Dimensions - Subwoofer
    WidthLockedLock" (Lock cm)
    HeightLockedLock" (Lock cm)
    DepthLockedLock" (Lock cm)

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    Dimensions - Satellites
    WidthLockedN/A
    HeightLockedN/A
    DepthLockedN/A

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    Back - Bar
    Bar Mounting
    LockedLocked

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    Back - Subwoofer
    Enclosure
    LockedLocked

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    Back - Satellites
    Mounting
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Build Quality

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    In The Box
    HDMI Cable Length
    LockedLock m (Lock ft)
    Digital Optical Cable Length
    LockedN/A

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    Sound
    0.0
    Stereo Frequency Response
    Tested Preset
    LockedLocked
    Slope
    LockedLock
    Std. Err.
    LockedLock dB
    Channels
    Locked3.1.2
    Low-Frequency Extension
    LockedLock Hz
    High-Frequency Extension
    LockedLock kHz

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    0.0
    Stereo Frequency Response With Preliminary Calibration
    Suggested Preset
    LockedLocked
    Suggested Bass Setting
    LockedLock
    Suggested Treble Setting
    LockedLock
    Slope
    LockedLock
    Std. Err.
    LockedLock dB
    Low-Frequency Extension
    LockedLock Hz
    High-Frequency Extension
    LockedLock kHz
    0.0
    Stereo Soundstage
    Crosstalk Error
    LockedLock dB

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    0.0
    Stereo Dynamics
    SPL @ Max Volume
    LockedLock dB SPL
    DRC @ Max Volume
    LockedLock dB

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    0.0
    Stereo Total Harmonic Distortion
    Weighted THD @ 80dB
    LockedLock
    Weighted THD @ Max Volume
    LockedLock

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    0.0
    Center
    Localization
    LockedLocked
    Slope
    LockedLock
    Std. Err.
    LockedLock dB
    SPL @ Max Volume
    LockedLock dB SPL
    Weighted THD @ 80dB
    LockedLock
    Weighted THD @ Max Volume
    LockedLock

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    0.0
    Surround 5.1
    Localization
    LockedLocked
    Slope
    LockedLock
    Std. Err.
    LockedLock dB
    SPL @ Max Volume
    LockedLock dB SPL
    Weighted THD @ 80dB
    LockedLock
    Weighted THD @ Max Volume
    LockedLock
    7.1 Rears
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Height (Atmos)
    Localization
    LockedLocked
    Slope
    LockedLock
    Std. Err.
    LockedLock dB
    SPL @ Max Volume
    LockedLock dB SPL
    Weighted THD @ 80dB
    LockedLock
    Weighted THD @ Max Volume
    LockedLock

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    0.0
    Sound Enhancement Features
    Room Correction
    LockedLocked
    Dialogue Enhancement
    LockedLocked
    Auto-Volume/Night Mode
    LockedLocked
    Subwoofer Level Adjustment
    LockedLocked
    Bass Adjustment
    LockedLocked
    Treble Adjustment
    LockedLocked
    EQ
    LockedLocked
    Surround Level Adjustment
    LockedLocked
    Rear Level Adjustment
    LockedLocked
    Height Level Adjustment
    LockedLocked
    Virtual Surround
    LockedLocked

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    Connectivity
    Physical Inputs - Bar
    Optical Audio In
    LockedLocked
    HDMI ARC
    LockedLocked
    HDMI Out
    LockedLocked
    Full HDMI In
    LockedLocked
    Analog Audio In 3.5mm (Aux)
    LockedLocked
    RCA In
    LockedLocked
    USB for Files
    LockedLocked
    Ethernet
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Audio Format Support - ARC
    eARC
    LockedLocked
    Dolby Atmos
    LockedLocked
    Dolby Digital
    LockedLocked
    Dolby Digital Plus
    LockedLocked
    DTS
    LockedLocked
    DTS:X (eARC only)
    LockedLocked
    Dolby TrueHD (eARC only)
    LockedLocked
    DTS-HD MA (eARC only)
    LockedLocked
    5.1 PCM (eARC only)
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Audio Format Support - Full HDMI In
    Dolby Atmos
    LockedLocked
    DTS:X
    LockedLocked
    Dolby Digital
    LockedLocked
    Dolby Digital Plus
    LockedLocked
    DTS
    LockedLocked
    Dolby TrueHD
    LockedLocked
    DTS-HD MA
    LockedLocked
    5.1 PCM
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Audio Format Support - Optical
    Dolby Digital
    LockedLocked
    DTS
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Latency
    SAMPLE
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    Samsung HW-Q70T Latency Video Sample
    ARC
    LockedLock ms
    Optical
    LockedLock ms
    Full HDMI In
    LockedLock ms
    0.0
    Wireless Playback
    Bluetooth
    LockedLocked
    Wi-Fi
    LockedLocked
    Chromecast built-in
    LockedLocked
    Apple AirPlay
    LockedLocked

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    Other Input Specifications
    4k @ 60 Hz Passthrough
    LockedLocked
    4k @ 60 Hz @ 10 bit Passthrough
    LockedLocked
    4k @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:4 Passthrough
    LockedLocked
    HDR10 Passthrough
    LockedLocked

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    Connectivity - Subwoofer
    Sub Wireless
    LockedLocked

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    Connectivity - Satellites
    Sat Wireless
    LockedLocked

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    Additional Features
    Interface
    Display
    LockedLocked

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    Bar Controls

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    Remote
    Universal Remote
    LockedLocked

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    Voice Assistants Support
    Amazon Alexa
    LockedLocked
    Google Assistant
    LockedLocked
    Apple Siri
    LockedLocked
    App
    App NameLockedLocked
    iOSLockedLocked
    AndroidLockedLocked
    Acts As A Remote
    LockedLocked
    Controls Soundbar's Settings
    LockedLocked
    Casts Device Files
    LockedLocked

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    Other Features
    Power Saving
    LockedLocked
    HDMI CEC (TV Remote Control)
    LockedLocked

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