Where they actually differ
The most decisive specs, ranked by how much they matter — before the full spec table.
| Spec | Samsung - HW-S800D | Sonos - Beam (Gen 2) |
|---|---|---|
| Subwoofer included | true | false |
| eARC | false | true |
| Total power | 330 W |
Between the HW-S800D and Beam (Gen 2), the HW-S800D comes out ahead in subwoofer included / total power, while the Beam (Gen 2) wins on earc. Overall, the HW-S800D scores 72.9 and the Beam (Gen 2) scores 85.9 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
The Beam (Gen 2) is the clear pick on raw spec strength, leading by 13.0 points on the Mars Score. The margin is wide enough that the underdog only makes sense if its individual strengths line up with what you specifically need.
Pick the HW-S800D if you care most about subwoofer included / total power. The biggest gaps in its favor are subwoofer included, total power. The single most decisive one: Has Subwoofer included.
Pick the Beam (Gen 2) if you care most about earc. Its strongest claims are earc. The single most decisive one: Has eARC.
Both ship with comparable dolby atmos, so those specs do not separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: the Beam (Gen 2) is the safer default. The other model is the right choice only when its specific advantages line up with your priorities.
Which should you buy: Samsung - HW-S800D or Sonos - Beam (Gen 2)?
Sonos - Beam (Gen 2) leads the current Mars Score by 13.0 points.The more useful decision is the trade-off behind that result: compare total power, subwoofer included against the way you will actually use the product.
Choose Samsung - HW-S800D if…
Samsung - HW-S800D has the measurable edge on subwoofer included, total w.
Choose Sonos - Beam (Gen 2) if…
Sonos - Beam (Gen 2) has the measurable edge on has earc.
This is a structured comparison of the published catalog values. It is not a claim of identical real-world performance across every workload; use the linked spec drill-downs and methodology page to inspect the inputs.
Why Samsung - HW-S800D wins
- ▲Has Subwoofer included.
- ▲Total power: 330 W vs W.
Why Sonos - Beam (Gen 2) wins
- ▲Has eARC.
Spec comparison
Audio
| Spec | Samsung - HW-S800D | Sonos - Beam (Gen 2) |
|---|---|---|
| Channels | 3.1.2 | 5.0 |
| Total power | 330 Wlead | |
| Dolby Atmosⓘ | true | true |
| DTS:X | false | false |
Connectivity
| Spec | Samsung - HW-S800D | Sonos - Beam (Gen 2) |
|---|---|---|
| HDMI inputs | 0 | 1lead |
| eARCⓘ | false | truelead |
| Subwoofer included | truelead | false |