It makes sense comparing Samsung HW-Q80R vs LG SL9YG because they both are able to give some premium features. Based on our rating, both soundbars have the same overall rating of 8. The competitors' control buttons are different: power, volume down, volume up, source and power, volume down, volume up, play/pause, microphone, respectively.
Both soundbars have active amplification type. A significant difference between the units in the number of channels, the Samsung HW-Q80R has 5.1.2 versus 4.1.2 for the LG SL9YG. The output power is different and equal to 372 (overall) W for the HW-Q80R versus 500 (overall) W for the SL9YG. Competitors do not have a built-in subwoofer. Rivals have wireless connection to separate subwoofer. Both models received our 8 rating of 10 for their audio features and specs.
Soundbars do not have AirPlay support. Spotify is available on each of the soundbars.
These models have the ability to connect to the Internet via WI-FI. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. The Samsung HW-Q80R has 2/1 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 1/1 of the LG SL9YG. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. Both soundbars have a USB connector. For connectivity, each of the soundbars received a rating of 7/10.
App control is available in every soundbar. A built-in microphone is present in each model. Multi-room is available to every soundbar.
Both devices have support for Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format. The surround sound technology DTS:X is supported by devices under review. For multichannel surround Samsung HW-Q80R got a rating of 10, and LG SL9YG 8 out of 10.