Skip to content
Specdex
Compare now
Sonos Ray — $279
Sonos

Sonos Ray

$279

80
/ 100
From $279
VS
Samsung HW-S801D wins by 2
Samsung HW-S801D — $399
Samsung

Samsung HW-S801D

$399

82
/ 100
From $399
Specdex verdict

Samsung HW-S801D takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Sonos Ray lands at 80 and Samsung HW-S801D at 82. That puts Samsung HW-S801D ahead by 2 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Sonos Ray if…

  • ✓Dolby Atmos on most
  • ✓One-box simplicity
  • ✓eARC passthrough

Pick Samsung HW-S801D if…

  • ✓Dolby Atmos on most
  • ✓One-box simplicity
  • ✓eARC passthrough
Share this comparison: Share to Reddit X / Twitter

Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Ease of use

Tie

Compared on the ease of use sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Design

Tie

Compared on the design sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Sound

Samsung HW-S801D

Compared on the sound sub-score

Samsung HW-S801D leads on sound (82 vs 80).

Value for money

Sonos Ray

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Sonos Ray more score per dollar ($279 vs $399).

Sonos Ray 80
vs
82 Samsung HW-S801D

Score breakdown

Sonos Ray
80
sound 80
features 78
design 84
ease 86
Samsung HW-S801D
82
sound 82
features 80
design 84
ease 86

Specs side-by-side

Sonos Ray versus Samsung HW-S801D — full spec comparison
Spec Sonos Ray Samsung HW-S801D

Sonos Ray

Pros
  • +Dolby Atmos on most
  • +One-box simplicity
  • +eARC passthrough
Cons
  • −Rear surrounds sold separately on some
  • −App quality varies
  • −Cabinet depth needs space

Samsung HW-S801D

Pros
  • +Dolby Atmos on most
  • +One-box simplicity
  • +eARC passthrough
Cons
  • −Rear surrounds sold separately on some
  • −App quality varies
  • −Cabinet depth needs space

FAQ: Sonos Ray vs Samsung HW-S801D

Which is better, Sonos Ray or Samsung HW-S801D? +

Samsung HW-S801D scores 82 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 2. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Sonos Ray worth the price? +

At $279, Sonos Ray delivers a Specdex score of 80 — strongest in ease.

Is Samsung HW-S801D worth the price? +

At $399, Samsung HW-S801D delivers a Specdex score of 82 — strongest in ease.

Does Sonos Ray or Samsung HW-S801D last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for sound, Sonos Ray or Samsung HW-S801D? +

Samsung HW-S801D — leads on sound (82 vs 80). Compared on the sound sub-score.

Which is the better value, Sonos Ray or Samsung HW-S801D? +

Sonos Ray — more score per dollar ($279 vs $399). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.