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Samsung HW-Q990H review: Two minute review
The Samsung HW-Q990H continues the high standard set by its predecessors, which are reliably among the best soundbars on the market, delivering a full, multi-box Dolby Atmos experience for one of the most competitive prices around. While it doesn’t offer that many changes from its predecessor, it’s still a fantastic system.
An 11.1.4 channel soundbar system, the Q990H is packed with superb sound-enhancing features such as SpaceFit Sound Pro and Q-Symphony, which add more layers to its already excellent sound. Sound Elevation (where sound is raised to the height of the TV itself) is one of two new features introduced, and while I didn’t use it for much of my testing, it could be useful depending on your circumstances.
It supports both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X enhanced audio formats, and there’s even support for 4K 120Hz and VRR passthrough in the soundbar’s two HDMI 2.1 In ports — perfect for those who don’t own one of the best gaming TVs.
The Q990H’s performance is phenomenal. It delivers an immersive, powerful sound with bass that’s both meaty and controlled, aided by the returning small-sized, dual-driver subwoofer introduced in last year’s Q990F. Sound mapping is accurate, with details placed precisely to the correct channels and connected with the action on screen. Speech is consistently clear, and Dolby Atmos effects are re-created faithfully with real clarity. While it doesn’t innovate much on last year’s Samsung HW-Q990F, it’s still a superb soundbar.
Design-wise, the Q990H benefits from the compact subwoofer, which is easy to position while still delivering excellent sound. While the soundbar itself feels sturdy and has a nice color to it, the actual grated design doesn’t feel as premium as 2024’s Samsung Q990D, and the alphanumeric display isn’t always the easiest to read, but is a welcome feature. It would be nice to see Samsung mix up the design of the flagship model in future.
The Q990H is incredibly easy to set up and use. Actual installation took a few minutes, and I used the SmartThings app to control EQ and other features, never running into any issues. There is a supplied remote for those who don’t want to use the app, but I suggest you give the app a try.
The Q990H is a premium soundbar system, and while it delivers the performance to back up its asking price of $1,999 / £1,599 / AU$1,999, there aren’t a great many changes over its predecessor the Q990F. The latter is available for $1,599 / £999 / AU$1,599 at the time of writing, so it’s the better option in my view. Once it disappears though, the Q990H is a more than worthy successor.
Samsung HW-Q990H review: Price and release date
- Release date: May 2026
- Price: $1,999 / £1,599 / AU$1,999
The Samsung HW-Q990F is the flagship model in Samsung’s 2026 soundbar lineup. It sits above the Samsung HW-900H, HW-Q800H and the HW-QS90H, the latter of which is a follow-up to the Samsung QS700F from 2025.
The HW-Q990H’s launch prices are pretty consistent with its predecessor, the HW-Q990F, from last year. The Q990H is launching for £100 cheaper in the UK and AU$100 cheaper in Australia, however.
Samsung HW-Q990H review: Specs
|
Dimensions (W x H x D) |
Soundbar: 1232 x 70.8 x 138mm (48.5 x 2.8 x 5.4 inches); Subwoofer: 249 x 251.8 x 249mm (9.8 x 10.0 x 9.8 inches); Rear speaker: 129.5 x 201.3 x140.4mm (5.1 x 8.0 x 5.5 inches) |
|
Speaker channels |
11.1.4 |
|
Connections: |
1x HDMI out (with eARC), 2x HDMI 2.1 in, optical digital audio, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
|
Dolby Atmos/DTS:X |
Yes/Yes |
|
Sub included |
Yes |
|
Rear speakers included |
Yes |
|
Features |
Q Symphony, SpaceFit Sound Pro, Adaptive Sound, Sound Elevation, Auto Volume, Game Mode Pro, Tap Sound, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, HDMI 2.1 120Hz pass-through, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision pass-through, wireless Dolby Atmos |
Samsung HW-Q990H review: Features
- 11.1.4 channel soundbar system
- Dolby Atmos and DTS-X support
- HDMI 2.1 input ports rated for 4K 120Hz gaming
The Q990H doesn’t bring many new features to the table compared to last year’s Q990F, but that’s not a bad thing, as that soundbar’s features were pretty impressive. The Q990H is an 11.1.4 channel soundbar system comprising four units: a main soundbar, a subwoofer (the same compact unit introduced with the Q990F), and two rear speakers. It has the same 23-speaker layout as the Q990F.
In terms of audio support, the Q990H supports Dolby Atmos and DTS: X sound formats, and there’s support for Eclipsa Audio, Samsung and Google’s joint foray into the 3D sound world. Wireless Dolby Atmos and DTS:X are also supported.
Connections are the same as last year, with an HDMI eARC port for connection to your chosen display, as well as two HDMI In ports. Both are HDMI 2.1 and rated for 4K 120Hz gaming, and both support HDR10+ HDR. There’s also Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for music streaming.
The Q990H introduces two new sound features. Sound Elevation is designed to direct the sound towards the screen itself in order to create a more natural listening experience, while Auto Volume aims to reduce sudden spikes in volume when changing channels or content.
Returning sound-enhancing features include SpaceFit Sound Pro, which optimizes the sound profile to suit the environment you’re in; Adaptive Sound, which analyzes the content being played and adjusts it in real time; and Active Voice Amplifier Pro, which analyzes voices within a scene and optimizes them. The Q990H also supports Q-Symphony, which enables a compatible connected Samsung TV’s speakers to be employed to enhance the audio further.
There are a number of night-mode listening features as well, such as Private Audio, which directs the sound to the rear speakers, and Moderate Bass, which mutes the subwoofer and directs the bass to come from the soundbar itself.
The Q900H can be controlled by the SmartThings app, where adjustments to the EQ and sound levels for each channel can be made. You can also choose from the soundbar’s four listening modes here: Standard, Surround, AI and Game. The aforementioned sound enhancements can also be controlled via the app.
Samsung HW-Q990H review: Performance
- Detailed expansive sound
- Powerful, controlled bass
- Great Atmos reproduction
Of the Q990H’s four sound presets (Standard, Surround, Game and AI) I chose Surround, as I felt it gave the most consistently immersive sound. I also used the SpaceFit Sound Pro setting to calibrate the soundbar to our testing lab, and this created a more immersive sound profile.
The Q990H’s sound placement and mapping are superb. Watching the Death Star attack run from Star Wars: A New Hope, the whir of the X-Wing’s engines came from the rear speakers, laser fire came from all around, and the flight paths of the various TIE fighters and X-Wings was accurately placed, making me feel like I was in the cockpit.
Watching The Batman, as Penguin fired a spray of bullets towards Catwoman, the sound travelled from the front to the rear channels, following the direction of the action on screen. In the chase sequence itself, the swerving of tires and blaring car horns travelled across the soundbar, again mapped perfectly.
The compact subwoofer first introduced in last year’s Q990F returns here, and I was reminded of how good it was. Despite its smaller stature, the Q990H’s subwoofer packs a mighty punch. As the Batmobile’s engine fires up in The Batman, the subwoofer delivered an almighty rumble that filled the room, accurately delivering the roar and the crunching gear changes during the driving sequences. Crucially however, the bass never got ahead of itself, as the subwoofer demonstrated excellent control, with the same gear changes delivered with great detail.
Speaking of detail, the Q990H delivers it in spades. During the Darkstar test flight in Top Gun: Maverick, subtle sound effects, such as the wind passing through the jet’s outer panels and the tightening of Maverick’s gloves are all well balanced with the bass of the jet engine and the loud beeps of the various displays.
The Q990H benefits from four height channels, meaning Atmos effects are reproduced accurately. As Maverick flies over Admiral Kane in Top Gun: Maverick, the sound of the Darkstar’s flight path went over my head, delivering an expansive sound. The same was true as TIE Fighters flew overhead in Star Wars, with height channels precisely following their iconic howling sound.
Throughout my testing, the Q990H’s front channels delivered crystal-clear speech, even in complicated scenes such as the Batmobile chase, accurately delivering the Penguin’s frantic shouts over the loud explosions and impacts.
As I tested the Q990H with the Samsung S95F, one of 2025’s best OLED TVs, I tried out the Q-Symphony setting. This added extra volume and more power to the front channels by using the S95F’s speakers, giving everything extra punch. If you don’t own a Samsung TV, fear not — this Q990H still sounds fantastic without Q-Symphony.
I tried out the new Sound Elevation feature, and while it did move the height of the sound effectively, it wasn’t necessary for my viewing. This could be a useful feature for those who wall-mount the soundbar, but I’d recommend giving it a try to see if it fits your environment.
The Q990H is also a solid soundbar for music. Listening to a Dolby Atmos version of Bad Bunny’s BAILE INoLVIDABLE, the Q990H delivered tightly controlled low-end from the track’s heavy bass synths and drums later in the song. The piano sounded detailed, and Bunny’s varied vocals were delivered accurately. High notes had plenty of brightness without sounding overbearing, and the horn section sounded punchy and detailed.
Switching to a heavier track, Dir En Grey’s Un Deux, the Q990H did a great job delivering the pounding guitars, crunching drums and Kyo’s soaring vocals, capturing the wide production of the track with its big soundstage. While other soundbars, such as the Sonos Arc Ultra, are better for music overall, the Q990H is still great.
Samsung HW-Q990H review: Design
- Return of the brilliant compact subwoofer
- Sturdy build quality
- Design becoming familiar
The Q990H is almost identical in appearance to last year’s Q990F, which in turn felt like a cheapened design of the 2024 Samsung HW-Q990D. While the Q990H does have a sturdy, weighty build that feels premium, my criticisms of last year’s design remain.
The highlight is once again the compact subwoofer design. The dual-driver unit is weighty, but has a much more visually appealing cubed design. Due to its more compact size, it’s much easier to conceal than most subwoofers. The main soundbar measures 1232 x 70.8 x 138mm (48.5 x 2.8 x 5.4 inches), which was the exact width of the 55-inch Samsung S95F OLED TV I tested the soundbar with. It’s quite a deep soundbar however, so you may need to consider this when placing it.
The actual look and materials of the Q990H are the main issue. While the metallic grille that’s been used for years remains, the cheaper-looking grated design introduced in the Q990F is still here, and it doesn’t look as appealing as older models. The same is true of the rear speakers, which don’t feel or look as premium.
The alphanumeric display included can still be a challenge to a read, but it’s still welcome. While the Q990H’s overall design is fine, Samsung could stand to learn from other multi-box units, such as the JBL 1300Mk2.
Samsung HW-Q990H review: Setup and usability
- Easy, hassle-free setup
- SmartThings app for control as well as remote
- Wireless connection between soundbar and other units
As I’ve found with the last few iterations of Samsung’s flagship soundbar, the Q990H was a breeze to set up. I simply connected the main soundbar to the TV via HDMI eARC, and then paired the subwoofer and rear speakers by holding down a button. At one point during my testing I had to disconnect and re-connect the same units due to a brief Wi-Fi issue, and this again took a matter of minutes.
The Q990H can be controlled by the supplied remote or the SmartThings app. I opted for the latter, and it allowed me to easily make adjustments to the EQ and sound levels as I saw fit, with said changes happening almost instantaneously. It’s worth trying out the app, but the Q990H also sounds great out of the box.
One quick note: Samsung advertises its new Samsung Sound app as the new control, though at the time of writing it doesn’t offer the full compatibility or support all the features of SmartThings, so you’re best sticking with the latter for now.
- Setup & usability score: 4.5 / 5
Samsung HW-Q990H review: Value
- Great flagship performance and features
- Still a premium price
- Only minor upgrades over predecessor
The Q990H is undoubtedly at the premium end of the soundbar market. Priced at $1,999 / £1,599 / AU$1,999, it’s pricier than a lot of all-in-one options such as the Sonos Arc Ultra and Marshall Heston 120, as well as more budget surround sound models from the likes of JBL, Hisense and Ultimea.
Major rivals such as the JBL 1300MK2 are also available for less, with the 1300MK2 priced at $1,699 / £999 in the US and UK (it’s pricier in Australia at $AU2,299). That said, the 1300MK2 did launch several months ago, so its prices have had time to drop.
Still, the Q990H is a flagship soundbar that delivers phenomenal audio quality and comes with a ton of useful features, most prominently its HDMI 2.1 ports for gaming. Compared to said multi-box rivals, it’s also pretty fairly priced.
There is the small matter, however, of the Q990H’s predecessor, the Q990F, still being available. While the Q990H offers a couple of upgrades, the Q990F is still a fantastic soundbar in its own right, and at $1,599 / £999 / AU$1,599 it’s the better option right now. Once it disappears, though, the Q990H will make a worthy successor — and we’ll have hopefully seen some discounts by then.
Should I buy the Samsung HW-Q990H?
|
Section |
Notes |
Score |
|
Features |
Great list of sound enhancing features, WI-Fi and Hi-res audio for music and 4K 120Hz for gaming |
5 / 5 |
|
Performance |
Detailed, powerful sound with faithful and accurate Dolby Atmos reproduction |
5 / 5 |
|
Design |
Compact subwoofer returns and feel sturdy, but design feels familiar and could do with a refresh |
4 / 5 |
|
Setup & usability |
Easy setup and usage with easier supplied remote or SmartThings app |
4.5 / 5 |
|
Value |
A premium experience with a price to match. Few upgrades over predecessor |
4 / 5 |
Buy it if…
Don’t buy it if…
Samsung HW-Q990H review: Also consider
| Header Cell – Column 0 |
Samsung HW-Q990F |
Samsung HW-Q990F |
JBL Bar 1300MK2 |
Sonos Arc Ultra |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Price (May 2026) |
$1,999 / £1,599 / AU$1,999 |
$1,599 / £999 / AU$1,599 |
$1,699 / £999 / AU$2,299 |
Row 0 – Cell 4 |
|
Dimensions |
Soundbar: 1232 x 70.8 x 138mm (48.5 x 2.8 x 5.4 inches); Subwoofer: 249 x 251.8 x 249mm (9.8 x 10.0 x 9.8 inches); Rear speaker: 129.5 x 201.3 x140.4mm (5.1 x 8.0 x 5.5 inches) |
Soundbar: 1232 x 70.8 x 138mm (48.5 x 2.8 x 5.4 inches); Subwoofer: 249 x 251.8 x 249mm (9.8 x 10.0 x 9.8 inches); Rear speaker: 129.5 x 201.3 x140.4mm (5.1 x 8.0 x 5.5 inches) |
Soundbar: 40.6 x 2.3 x 5.4 inches / 1030 x 58 x 136mm; subwoofer: 12.4 x 10.9 x 10.8 inches / 315 x 277 x 275mm; surround speakers: 8 x 2.3 x 5.4 inches / 202 x 58 x 136mm |
2.95 x 46.38 x 4.35 inches (75 x 1178 x 110.6mm) |
|
Speaker channels |
11.1.4 |
11.1.4 |
11.1.4 |
9.1.4 |
|
Connections |
Two HDMI 2.1 input, One HDMI output, optical output, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
Two HDMI 2.1 input, One HDMI output, optical output, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
1x HDMI eARC, 3x HDMI in, digital optical, USB (playback US-only), Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3 (surround speakers use 5.4) |
1x HDMI with eARC, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
|
Dolby Atmos/DTS:X |
Yes/Yes |
Yes/Yes |
Yes / Yes |
Yes/No |
|
Sub included |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
|
Rear speakers included |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
How I tested the Samsung HW-Q990H
- Tested with the Samsung S95F OLED TV
- Tested using different sources
- Dolby Atmos, 5.1 surround and stereo sound tested
I tested the Samsung HW-Q990H with the Samsung S95F OLED TV, which allowed me to test out the Q-Symphony feature, which employs the Samsung S95F’s speakers in conjunction with the soundbar.
To test the Q990H soundbar, I used reference Dolby Atmos scenes that I also use to test TV speakers, namely The Batman and Top Gun: Maverick on 4K Blu-ray, and Star Wars: A New Hope for 4K streaming.
I used the Samsung SmartThings app to test out its sound features, including SpaceFit Sound Pro and Sound Elevation, as well as testing out its different sound presets.
I also tested the Samsung HW-Q990H’s music capabilities using Dolby Atmos tracks such as Bad Bunny’s BAILLE INoLVIDABLE, as well as stereo tracks such as Dir En Grey’s Un Deux.
Read the full article here
