I had a chance to test and compare two models: Samsung HW-Q950T vs Vizio V21-H8 and this review should help people who are looking for a good soundbar. The Samsung HW-Q950T was rated 8.4, while the Vizio V21-H8 has a rating 5.5. The soundbars are equipped with a different number of buttons, multi function, volume down, volume up, microphone for the HW-Q950T and power, volume down, volume up, source, Bluetooth for the V21-H8.
Each of the models under consideration has active amplification type. A noticeable difference is the number of channels that HW-Q950T has 9.1.4 and V21-H8 has 2.1. The built-in subwoofer is not implemented in any of these models. An external subwoofer connects to the HW-Q950T via wireless, but V21-H8 has wired and wireless connection type. Rate 9 out of 10 received the Samsung HW-Q950T for audio features and specs, but the Vizio V21-H8 received 6 out of 10.
Soundbars do not have AirPlay support. The HW-Q950T can play audio from Spotify.
Wireless Internet connection is realized only in the HW-Q950T. Soundbars from this comparison have Bluetooth support. There are 2/1 HDMI inputs/outputs in the Samsung HW-Q950T versus 0/1 HDMIs in the Vizio V21-H8. As in the HW-Q950T, so in the V21-H8 there is the HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC). Connecting devices via USB is possible in both models. We rated the connectivity of the HW-Q950T at 8 out of 10, while the V21-H8 was rated 6/10.
Each of the soundbars can be controlled using the application. The soundbars in this review are equipped with a microphone. The Samsung HW-Q950T may become part of a multiroom system.
Dolby Atmos audio decoder is onboard the HW-Q950T. The HW-Q950T can work with surround sound due to DTS:X support. The HW-Q950T was rated 9/10, while the V21-H8 received a mark of 5/10 for multichannel surround.