The Samsung HW-Q930C is a premium 9.1.4 soundbar released in 2023. It's the next generation of the Samsung HW-Q930B with many of the same features and a slightly better sound. You have lots of ability to control the bar's sound with its SpaceFit Sound room correction tool and 7-band graphic EQ. Built-in Alexa support allows hands-free control of the bar, too. The included rear satellites bring a more immersive feel to multi-channel content, and its sub brings plenty of thump and rumble in the bass for action-packed scenes.
Our Verdict
The Samsung Q930C is great for mixed usage. This 9.1.4 soundbar brings a balanced sound right out of the box, making it suitable for listening to lots of different audio content. Voices and lead instruments are clear and accurate in the mix, and dialogue in your favorite TV shows and movies is easy to follow. Plus, its sub brings lots of rumble in the bass. This bar supports many different audio formats common to streaming platforms and Blu-rays.
- Room correction tool.
- Graphic EQ and presets.
- Dolby Atmos support.
- No HDMI 2.1 class bandwidth.
The Samsung Q930C is excellent for dialogue-focused TV shows and podcasts. Dialogue is reproduced with clarity and accuracy, and its discrete center channel is designed to improve vocal reproduction in the mix. Its 'Voice Enhance' tool works to enhance dialogue as well. Latency falls within good limits as well, so you don't notice any lip-synching delays. Plus, you can wirelessly connect the bar to your mobile devices to easily stream podcasts right from the bar.
- Room correction tool.
- Gets loud.
- Low latency.
- Some compression at max volume.
The Samsung Q930C is great for music. On its 'Standard' preset, it reproduces an even and balanced sound. Voices and lead instruments are clear and accurate in the mix, and there's plenty of rumble in the bass for genres like EDM and hip-hop. Plus, you can switch up its sound thanks to its wide array of customization tools. While it can also get loud, there's some compression when you push it to max volume, especially in the bass range.
- Room correction tool.
- Graphic EQ and presets.
- Gets loud.
- Some compression at max volume.
The Samsung Q930C is great for movies. This 9.1.4 soundbar supports many audio formats commonly found on both streaming platforms and Blu-rays, including Dolby Digital and Dolby Atmos. Its rear satellites bring a more clear and real feel to multi-channel content, and its sub reproduces a deep bass for more intense scenes. Plus, its discrete center channel ensures that dialogue is clear and easy to follow.
- Room correction tool.
- Gets loud.
- Dolby Atmos support.
- Some compression at max volume.
Changelog
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Updated Dec 13, 2024:
This review has been updated to mention the Samsung HW-Q930D in Stereo Frequency Response.
- Updated Jul 26, 2024: We've added a comparison between this soundbar and the Samsung HW-Q800D in Dimensions - Satellites.
- 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.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The Samsung Q930C is available in Black. 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 Q930C is the next generation of the Samsung HW-Q930B. Both bars have similar features, though the next generation has a slightly improved sound. Positioned as a more affordable alternative to the flagship Samsung HW-Q990C, this soundbar boasts many of its same premium settings, like SpaceFit Sound room correction and Q-Symphony support for compatible Samsung TVs. The Samsung HW-Q900C is a good alternative if you don't have space for rear satellites in your setup.
See also our recommendations for the best soundbars, the best Samsung soundbars, and the best soundbars for movies.
The Samsung HW-Q990C is a more premium alternative to the Samsung HW-Q930C. Both have many of the same features, like SpaceFit Sound room correction and built-in Alexa support. However, the HW-Q990C has additional channels, offering a better sound with surround and height content. Plus, it gets louder with less compression at max volume.
The Samsung HW-Q930D and Samsung HW-Q930C are very similar soundbars. The newer HW-Q930D sounds a lot like the previous generation, HW-Q930C, and you can EQ them to sound like one another. Besides adding Chromecast (depending on your region) and compatibility with G-SYNC and FreeSync on the HW-Q930D, they're nearly indistinguishable.
The Samsung HW-Q990D has the edge over the Samsung HW-Q930C. The Q990D is an 11.1.4 setup, and it supports HDMI 2.1, so you can passthrough a 4k signal at 120Hz, which is well-suited for gaming. It can also get louder with fewer compression artifacts. The 9.1.4 Q930C is nothing to scoff at, though. It offers a similarly balanced sound, supports height content, and even has a similarly excellent build to its higher-end cousin, but it's available for less than the Q990D.
The Samsung HW-Q930C is the next generation of the Samsung HW-Q930B. They're both 9.1.4 Dolby Atmos soundbars with rear satellites. They offer similar performances overall, though the Q930C is a bit better, with a slightly more neutral sound out-of-the-box that some users may prefer.
Test Results
