The Samsung HW-Q900C is a 7.1.2 setup released in 2023 as the next generation of the Samsung HW-Q900A. It's a feature-packed bar that supports many different audio formats commonly found on your favorite streaming platforms and Blu-rays, like Dolby Atmos, and it offers improved sound quality compared to the previous generation model. As with most Samsung bars, there are lots of sound customization tools on hand, too, from the SpaceFit Sound Pro room correction tool to Q-Symphony integration with compatible Samsung TVs. Built-in Alexa gives you hands-free control, too. Since it comes without dedicated satellites, this soundbar is an especially great option for those without space for them behind their couch.
Our Verdict
The Samsung HW-Q900C is excellent for mixed usage. This 7.1.2 soundbar is a great pick for those who don't have space behind their couch for dedicated satellites in their living room. With a clear and detailed sound out-of-the-box, you can enjoy everything from music to movies to TV shows. The sub also brings all the rumble in the low bass for genres like EDM and hip-hop. Without satellites, you don't get the same life-like feel as with more premium bars when listening to Dolby Atmos and other height content.
- Room correction feature.
- Extended low-bass.
- Supports Dolby Atmos.
- No discrete satellites included.
The Samsung HW-Q900C is amazing for dialogue-centric podcasts and TV shows. This bar has a discrete center channel designed to improve vocal reproduction. Dialogue is clearly and accurately reproduced, too, so it's easy to follow along with the conversation on screen. Plus, the dialogue enhancement tool gives you extra control over the quality of voices in the mix. Latency is fairly low, too, and you can always use the audio sync tool to manually adjust the delay to avoid lip-synching issues.
- Room correction feature.
- Dialogue enhancement tool.
- Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay support.
- No Chromecast built-in.
The Samsung HW-Q900C is excellent for music. This soundbar offers a balanced sound right out of the box, suitable for listening to many genres. Voices and other lead instruments are clear and detailed in the mix. The sub brings rumbly bass but struggles with the deepest frequencies, which can be noticeable in very bass-heavy music. Still, you have lots of sound customization tools on hand. The room correction tool optimizes the bar's sound based on your room's unique acoustics, while a 7-band graphic EQ and bass and treble adjustments are on hand for manual customization.
- Room correction feature.
- Extended low-bass.
- Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay support.
- No Chromecast built-in.
The Samsung HW-Q900C is great for movies. This soundbar supports many audio formats commonly found on streaming platforms and Blu-rays, including Dolby Digital and Dolby Atmos. Though it lacks discrete satellite speakers, it still provides an immersive listening experience to bring all the action on screen right into the comfort of your living room. Dialogue is clear and easy to follow, while the sub brings the thump and rumble in action-packed scenes. You won't get the same sense of sound effects stretching into the space behind your couch without satellites, though.
- Extended low-bass.
- Dialogue enhancement tool.
- Supports Dolby Atmos.
- No discrete satellites included.
Changelog
- Updated May 21, 2024: Per TBU 1.3 methodology, we updated the text in the Stereo Sound boxes after retesting with the manufacturer's recommended settings. Also added text to Audio Latency: ARC, Audio Latency: HDMI In, and Audio Latency: Optical boxes. Some updates to the usages as well, in line with these changes.
- Updated May 16, 2024: We've converted this review to Test Bench Update 1.3. If applicable, we've retested stereo sound based on the manufacturer's recommendations. Additionally, we've expanded our audio latency tests to the following boxes: Audio Latency: ARC, Audio Latency: HDMI In, and Audio Latency: Optical. You can see the full changelog here.
- Updated Oct 06, 2023: Added market comparison with the Samsung HW-Q930C in the Style - Satellites box.
- Updated Jul 12, 2023: Review published.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The Samsung HW-Q900C is available in Black, and you can see the label for the model we tested here.
If you come across another version of this soundbar, let us know in the forums so we can update this review.
Popular Soundbar Comparisons
The Samsung HW-Q900C is a mid-range offering in the manufacturer's 2023 lineup. It falls between more premium models like the Samsung HW-Q990C and the Samsung HW-Q930C, which come with discrete satellites, and more budget-friendly offerings like the Samsung HW-Q800C. As with most Samsung bars, it gives you access to many different customization features, and you can always upgrade it with satellites down the line. As the next generation of the Samsung HW-Q900A, it also brings some small improvements in sound quality.
See also our recommendations for the best soundbars with a subwoofer, the best Dolby Atmos soundbars, and the best Samsung soundbars.
Since the Samsung HW-Q900C has a dedicated subwoofer, it can bring a more extended low-bass compared to the standalone Sonos Arc. You can always compare the Samsung with setups like the Sonos Ultimate Immersive Set with Arc and the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers to understand how the bar performs with a sub added on. Either way, it does well for a standalone bar, so it may be more suitable if you don't have space for a sub in your living room.
The Samsung HW-Q990C is a more premium alternative to the Samsung HW-Q900C. Both setups have the same bar and subwoofer, but the Q990C adds satellites for better surround sound. The satellites improve the height performance, too, as you notice more sound effects in the space behind you. The Q900C is still a good option if you don't have space for satellites.
The Samsung HW-Q900C is a more premium alternative to the Samsung HW-Q800C—notably, the Q900C is a 7.1.2 setup with two additional surround channels compared to the 5.1.2 Q800C. You notice this difference with surround sound and height content, as the Q900C brings a more immersive sound. It gets louder with less compression at max volume, too.
The Samsung HW-Q930C is a more premium alternative to the Samsung HW-Q900C. The HW-Q930C has rear satellites, offering better height and surround sound performances, especially when you account for more subjective elements like the overall soundstage. The HW-Q900C is a good alternative if you don't have space for satellites in your setup.
Test Results
