OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Soundbars Methodology v3.0
Soundbars Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Soundbars Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Soundbars Methodology v3.0

Samsung HW-Q990F review: 108 specs compared

Avg. price:~£840N. of audio channels:?Audio output power:?HDMI ARC type:eARC

Samsung HW-Q990F Review: Compare 108 technical specifications, 17 expert and video reviews and 11 best-of lists to see how this product ranks in the Soundbars category and whether it is worth buying.

Samsung HW-Q990F
8.6/10

Overall score

Score
8.6/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 99% of models
Score components

35%

8.3

Technical score

30%

8.4

List score

25%

8.6

Reviews score

10%

10

Sentiment score

★Better than 99% of soundbars
7.8

Value for money

Value for money
7.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the soundbar's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a soundbar with a good balance between audio quality, features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 66% of models
Score components

70%

8.6

Overall score

30%

6.1

Price

▲Better than 66%
8.3

Technical score

Technical score
8.3/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 95% of models
Score components

25%

9.5

Audio

18%

7.3

Formats

16%

8.2

Connectivity

14%

8.9

Controls

12%

8.1

HDMI

10%

7.1

Streaming

5%

7.5

Design

★Better than 95%
8.6

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.6/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.6 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 93% of models

80%

8.6

Average grade

20%

8.8

Popularity

Grades by review (17)
17 videos, average 8.7/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
★Better than 93%
8.4

List score

List score
8.4/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (11)
List score: in 11 of 101 lists (11%)
★Better than 96%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the Samsung HW-Q990F

Based on 0 · 17

Reviewers praise the easy setup and immersive surround, but most find it poor value, and opinions on its size are split.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the Samsung HW-Q990F

Based on 160 owners sharing their experience in online comments

58%positive11%mixed31%negative

Owners praise the immersive movie sound and deep bass, while weak subwoofer impact and unclear dialogue draw the most criticism.

What owners dislike

  • Owners say the subwoofer feels weak and lacks punch, with several finding it less powerful than older Samsung subs or rival systems.19
  • Owners report audio dropouts, the soundbar disconnecting from the TV, and speakers failing to connect or staying out of sync.8
  • Owners say music sounds thin, with weak low mids and bass, and the bar sounds less balanced than rival systems for listening to songs.6
  • Owners feel the price is too high for the performance, especially when the bass is weak or rival soundbars cost similar or less.5
  • Owners report firmware updates causing freezes, bricked units and connection failures, so some advise against installing the newest version.5
  • Owners say the bar cannot be switched to a specific input by IR remote, and its front display and on-screen input messages are limited.5
  • Owners say dialogue sounds muffled or boxy at normal TV volume, and clarity only improves when the bar is played loudly with Atmos content.4
  • Owners say voices and high frequencies can sound harsh or too bright at low or busy volume levels, particularly in some units.4
  • Owners report poor Samsung customer service and warranty handling, including refusals of returns and repeated warranty problems.4
  • Owners say the SpaceFit room calibration fails to start or work, and the Samsung app's group-pairing option for rear speakers is inconsistent.3

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

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Technical Specifications of soundbar Samsung HW-Q990F

Technical score
Technical score
8.3/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 95% of models
Score components:

25%

9.5

Audio

18%

7.3

Formats

16%

8.2

Connectivity

14%

8.9

Controls

12%

8.1

HDMI

10%

7.1

Streaming

5%

7.5

Design

8.3
Reviews score
8.6
List score
8.4
Value for money
Value for money
7.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the soundbar's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a soundbar with a good balance between audio quality, features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 66% of models
Score components:

70%

8.6

Overall score

30%

6.1

Price

7.8
N. of audio channels
?
Audio output power
?
Max SPL
?
Min frequency
?
Max frequency
20,000 Hz
Market range: <19k Hz – >20k Hz
This soundbar reaches a maximum frequency of 20,000 Hz, higher than 17.5% of soundbars and equal to 76.8% of soundbars.
Show more
What reviewers say
Dolby Atmos
yes
This soundbar supports Dolby Atmos. 70% of soundbars include this feature.
DTS:X
yes
This soundbar supports DTS:X. 83.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Dolby TrueHD
no
This soundbar does not support Dolby TrueHD. 16.5% of soundbars include this feature.
DTS-HD Master Audio
no
This soundbar does not support DTS-HD Master Audio. 7.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Dolby Digital Plus
?
Show more
N. of HDMI inputs
?
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This soundbar supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 71.5% of soundbars include this feature.
Wi-Fi version
?
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This soundbar supports Bluetooth connectivity. 4.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Bluetooth version
?
Show more
What reviewers say
Smartphone app
yes
This soundbar has smartphone app. 57.7% of soundbars offer this feature.
Remote control
yes
This soundbar has remote control. 17.5% of soundbars offer this feature.
Control panel
yes
This soundbar has control panel. 5.5% of soundbars offer this feature.
Voice assistant compatibility
yes
This soundbar supports voice assistant compatibility. 63.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Far-field microphones
no
This soundbar does not have far-field microphones. 7.1% of soundbars offer this feature.
Show more
What reviewers say
HDMI version
2.1
This soundbar has HDMI 2.1, which is more capable than 88.3% of soundbars and equal to 11.7% of soundbars.
HDMI ARC type
eARC
This soundbar has eARC as its HDMI TV-audio return type, which is more advanced than what 71.5% of soundbars and the same as what 28.5% offers.
HDMI-CEC support
yes
This soundbar supports HDMI-CEC. 29.2% support HDMI-CEC.
HDMI pass-through resolution
4K
This soundbar passes through 4K, which is higher resolution than 74.5% of soundbars and equal to 23.8% of soundbars.
HDMI pass-through frame rate
120 fps
This soundbar supports HDMI pass-through up to 120 fps, higher than 95.5% of soundbars and equal to 4.5% of soundbars.
Show more
What reviewers say
AirPlay
yes
This soundbar supports AirPlay. 80.4% of soundbars include this feature.
Chromecast built-in
no
This soundbar does not support Chromecast built-in. 11.4% of soundbars include this feature.
Spotify Connect
yes
This soundbar supports Spotify Connect. 79.5% of soundbars include this feature.
TIDAL Connect
no
This soundbar does not support TIDAL Connect. 9.2% of soundbars include this feature.
Amazon Music native support
no
This soundbar does not support native Amazon Music. 13% support native Amazon Music.
Show more
What reviewers say
Width
?
Height
?
Thickness
?
Weight
?
Build material
plastic
This soundbar is built from plastic, which is more premium than 3% of soundbars and equal to 92.6% of soundbars.
Show more
What reviewers say

Samsung HW-Q990F vs the average soundbar

246810TotalAudioFormatsConnectivityHDMIStreamingControlsDesign
  • Supports Dolby Atmos
    This soundbar supports Dolby Atmos, the average soundbar does not.
  • 19 more drivers
    This soundbar has more drivers than the average soundbar (23 vs 4). The average soundbar has 4 drivers.
    23 vs 4
  • Dedicated center channel
    This soundbar has center channel driver, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports DTS:X
    This soundbar supports DTS:X, the average soundbar does not.
  • Wi-Fi connectivity
    This soundbar supports Wi-Fi connectivity, the average soundbar does not.
  • 2 in inch larger subwoofer driver size
    This soundbar has a higher subwoofer driver size than the average soundbar (8 in vs 6 in). The average soundbar uses a subwoofer driver size of 6 in.
    8 in vs 6 in
  • Higher HDMI pass-through frame rate
    This soundbar has a higher HDMI pass-through frame rate than the average soundbar (120 fps vs none fps). The average soundbar supports an HDMI pass-through frame rate of none fps.
    120 fps vs none fps
  • Includes rear speakers
    This soundbar includes rear speakers, the average soundbar does not.
  • 21.1% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.6/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.6 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ★ Better than 93% of models

    80%

    8.6

    Average grade

    20%

    8.8

    Popularity

    Grades by review (17)
    17 videos, average 8.7/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.6 vs 7.1
  • 15.1% higher list score
    List score
    8.4/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
    How we count it
    Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
    Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
    Lists with this model (11)
    List score: in 11 of 101 lists (11%)
    8.4 vs 7.3
  • 38.9% higher sentiment score
    10.0 vs 7.2
  • 19 more drivers
    This soundbar has more drivers than the average soundbar (23 vs 4). The average soundbar has 4 drivers.
    23 vs 4
  • Dedicated center channel
    This soundbar has center channel driver, the average soundbar does not.
  • 2 in inch larger subwoofer driver size
    This soundbar has a higher subwoofer driver size than the average soundbar (8 in vs 6 in). The average soundbar uses a subwoofer driver size of 6 in.
    8 in vs 6 in
  • Includes rear speakers
    This soundbar includes rear speakers, the average soundbar does not.
  • Subwoofer included
    This soundbar has subwoofer included, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports upfiring speakers
    This soundbar supports upfiring speakers, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports wireless rear speakers
    This soundbar is compatible with wireless rear speakers, the average soundbar is not.
  • Supports Dolby Atmos
    This soundbar supports Dolby Atmos, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports DTS:X
    This soundbar supports DTS:X, the average soundbar does not.
  • Wi-Fi connectivity
    This soundbar supports Wi-Fi connectivity, the average soundbar does not.
  • Higher HDMI pass-through frame rate
    This soundbar has a higher HDMI pass-through frame rate than the average soundbar (120 fps vs none fps). The average soundbar supports an HDMI pass-through frame rate of none fps.
    120 fps vs none fps
  • Higher video pass-through
    This soundbar passes through higher-resolution video than the average soundbar (4K vs none).
    4K vs none
  • Supports AirPlay
    This soundbar supports AirPlay, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports Spotify Connect
    This soundbar supports Spotify Connect, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports Q-Symphony
    This soundbar supports Q-Symphony support, the average soundbar does not.
  • Companion smartphone app
    This soundbar supports smartphone app, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports voice assistants
    This soundbar supports voice assistant compatibility, the average soundbar does not.
  • Manual audio delay adjustment
    This soundbar supports manual audio delay adjustment, the average soundbar does not.
  • No AUX input
    This soundbar does not have AUX input, the average soundbar does.
  • 7.64x more expensive
    Samsung HW-Q990F is more expensive than the average soundbar (£840 vs £110).
    £840 vs £110
  • 7.64x more expensive
    Samsung HW-Q990F is more expensive than the average soundbar (£840 vs £110).
    £840 vs £110
  • No AUX input
    This soundbar does not have AUX input, the average soundbar does.

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

7.0
Alan Ross - The Anti Shill!
≈ estimated
14/12/2025
Deep-dive review · sound, Atmos and music tests
Verdict
Samsung HW-Q990F is a neat compact kit that offers fair value at a lower price, but it is weak for music and height.
9.5
The Listening Chair
≈ estimated
02/12/2025
Hands-on review · setup, Q Symphony test and listening
Verdict
Samsung HW-Q990F still impresses year on year and is hard to beat with a Samsung TV.
4.0
TechTrick Review
≈ estimated
31/10/2025
Hands-on review · sound tests in two shops
Verdict
Samsung HW-Q990F sounds over-boosted and tiring, so it is not the best choice at its price.
9.0
Muaz Malek
≈ estimated
07/10/2025
Hands-on review · sound, setup and app use
Verdict
Samsung HW-Q990F is very satisfying overall and worth the investment, especially within Samsung's ecosystem.
9.0
New Stuff TV
≈ estimated
31/07/2025
Hands-on review · movie, TV and low-volume tests
Verdict
Samsung HW-Q990F delivers strong low-volume performance and clear dialogue, turning a TV into a complete home cinema system.
9.0
RTINGS Audio
≈ estimated
05/05/2025
Full review · sound, connectivity and comparisons
Verdict
Samsung HW-Q990F is a solid all-round premium soundbar that sounds great, with some firmware and app caveats.
9.0
NeverEnoughTech
≈ estimated
30/04/2025
Hands-on review · movie, music and surround tests
Verdict
Samsung HW-Q990F is Samsung's most complete soundbar system to date, though not quite at the very top of the class.
9.0
hxos plus
≈ estimated
13/04/2025
Teardown and review · internals, app and sound tests
Verdict
Samsung HW-Q990F performs extremely well, with a better subwoofer and more features than last year.
9.5
Full Transparency
≈ estimated
04/04/2025
Hands-on review · sound, setup and competitor comparison
Verdict
Samsung HW-Q990F is named the best Dolby Atmos soundbar of 2025 so far, ahead of its rivals.
9.5
AVS Forum
≈ estimated
01/04/2025
Hands-on review · sound, gaming and app tests
Verdict
Samsung HW-Q990F is not a radical leap over last year's model, but it is a refined, easy-to-recommend Atmos system.
9.0
EvoGrid
≈ estimated
09/01/2026
Hands-on review · movies, gaming and late-night listening
Verdict
Samsung HW-Q990F is an easy pick for movies, streaming and gaming, though less ideal in small rooms.
9.5
Jiles McCoy
≈ estimated
16/11/2025
First look · setup, Q-Symphony and listening impressions
Verdict
Samsung HW-Q990F remains a top pick among mainstream soundbars, especially when paired with a Samsung TV.
More graded video reviews (4)
creator’s own scoreestimated by us

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Samsung HW-Q990F

  • Twenty-three drivers and an 8 in subwoofer give a full, wide sound.
  • Dolby Atmos and DTS:X are both supported.
  • Rear speakers are in the box and link wirelessly.
  • HDMI 2.1 passes 4K video at 120 fps.
  • Wi-Fi, AirPlay and Spotify Connect are built in.
  • Q-Symphony pairs the soundbar with a Samsung TV for a bigger sound.

What customers don't like about Samsung HW-Q990F

  • There is no automatic room calibration, so setup needs manual care.
  • Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio are not supported.
  • The subwoofer bass is only average.
  • It is large, and it can be too big for a small room.
  • The price is high when new, though it drops over time.

Verdict

Twenty-three drivers and an 8 in wireless subwoofer give the Samsung HW-Q990F a big, full sound for a large living room. Dolby Atmos is built in, and the rear speakers come in the box, so the sound comes from above and behind during films. Wi-Fi, AirPlay and Spotify Connect are all there, and Q-Symphony works well with a Samsung TV. HDMI 2.1 passes 4K at 120 fps, which suits fast gaming. Reviewers liked the clear dialogue and big sound with Atmos music, though front separation is not very wide. The trade-off is that there is no automatic room calibration, so setup takes some care. It suits a buyer with a large room who wants cinema sound and does not mind setting it up by hand.

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