The Samsung HW-Q990C is a flagship soundbar released in 2023. It replaces last year's Samsung HW-Q990B and comes with many of the same features for an immersive listening experience. As expected from Samsung's models, this setup has many different customization tools, including a SpaceFit Sound Pro room correction feature to optimize the bar's sound based on your room. Q-Symphony support also lets you pair the bar with a compatible Samsung TV for a more all-around sound. Plus, built-in Alexa gives you hands-free control of your device.
Our Verdict
The Samsung Q990C is excellent for mixed usage. This top-of-the-line 11.1.4 soundbar does well with all sorts of audio content, from music to movies to TV shows. Out-of-the-box, you get a clear and detailed sound across the range, with a thumpy low bass to bring out all the rumble in action-packed scenes. There's support for many different audio formats, as well as lots of sound customization features to get the sound you want. The bar shines with Atmos content, too, bringing an immersive sound right into your living room.
- Many sound customization tools.
- Gets loud.
- Immersive Dolby Atmos sound.
- No HDMI 2.1 support.
The Samsung Q990C is amazing for dialogue-centric TV shows and podcasts. With a discrete center channel designed to improve vocal quality in the mix, you can easily follow along with dialogue. The Active Voice Amplifier tool also acts as a dialogue enhancer, which is handy if you need a clearer sound. With low latency, you don't notice any lip-synching issues when watching videos or movies over HDMI and Optical connections, either.
- Many sound customization tools.
- Lots of wireless playback options.
- Graphic EQ available only on Standard preset.
The Samsung Q990C is impressive for music. As expected with Samsung soundbars, there are lots of sound customization features available to make the most of your listening experience. In standard mode, a 7-band graphic EQ lets you switch up the bar's sound across the range, and you get access to standard bass and treble adjustments with other sound modes. You may not need these features, either—the bar's balanced sound out-of-the-box makes it suitable for listening to many different music genres.
- Many sound customization tools.
- Gets loud.
- Graphic EQ available only on Standard preset.
The Samsung Q990C is great for movies. This premium soundbar supports many audio formats you'll likely come across on streaming platforms and Blu-rays, including Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital. With a wide, expansive soundstage, you enjoy an immersive sound, with satellites that stretch sound effects into the space all around you. Dialogue is clear and detailed in the mix, while the sub brings out the rumble in action-packed scenes. It really makes you feel like you're in the middle of your favorite films.
- Many sound customization tools.
- Gets loud.
- Immersive Dolby Atmos sound.
- Graphic EQ available only on Standard preset.
Changelog
- Updated Jul 15, 2024: We've added a comparison between this soundbar and the LG S95TR in Height (Atmos).
- Updated May 01, 2024: We've checked that this review is up to date and accurate.
- Updated Apr 23, 2024: We've added a comparison between this soundbar and the Samsung HW-Q990D in Video Passthrough To TV.
- Updated Feb 02, 2024: Added information to the Wireless Playback and Voice Assistant Support boxes as Chromecast and Google Assistant support is region-specific.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The Samsung Q990C is available in 'Black,' and you can see the label for our model here.
If you come across another version of this soundbar, let us know in the forums so we can update our review.
Popular Soundbar Comparisons
The Samsung Q990C is a premium setup that's the next generation of the Samsung HW-Q990B. Its immersive sound makes it stand out from the pack, and this model offers a really impressive Dolby Atmos sound. For the price, you enjoy many different sound customization tools, including room correction and a 7-band graphic EQ. If you're looking for a simple upgrade over your TV speakers, it's probably a bit much, but if you're an audiophile who wants the best of the best, this bar is worth a look. It doesn't have an HDMI 2.1 port, so you can't passthrough 4k signals at 120Hz. If you're a gamer or like to watch 4k content, you'll want to consider its successor, the Samsung HW-Q990D.
See also our recommendations for the best soundbars, the best Dolby Atmos soundbars, and the best Samsung soundbars.
The Samsung HW-Q990C and the Sonos Arc are slightly different setups, and you may find it more useful to compare the Samsung with the Sonos Ultimate Immersive Set with Arc. As a standalone bar, the Arc lacks a subwoofer and satellites, so its surround sound isn't quite as impressive as the Samsung's full setup. Still, it performs well on its own, making it a solid choice for those who don't have as much space in their living room.
The Samsung HW-Q990D is the next generation of the Samsung HW-Q990C. While both bars largely look the same, one notable change is the addition of HDMI 2.1. The Q990D can passthrough 4k signals at 120Hz, which is great if you're gaming from a next-gen console. It also supports Private Listening, a feature that sends audio only to the satellite speakers, which helps minimize disturbing others, and Sound Grouping, allowing the satellites to play left and right channel content for a more stereo sound. The Q990C may still be worthwhile if you don't need HDMI 2.1. Since it's older, you may be able to find it discounted, making its cost-to-performance ratio a bit more digestible.
The Samsung HW-Q990C is a better 11.1.4 setup than the JBL Bar 1300X. The Samsung has a better sound quality overall, with a more balanced sound right out of the box. It can get louder, too, with less compression at max volume. It offers built-in voice assistant support, whereas you have to buy a third-party device to control the JBL with your voice. Some users may prefer the JBL's truly wireless satellites, which can be used as Bluetooth speakers and don't need to be plugged into an outlet to work.
Between these premium models, the Samsung HW-Q990C is a bit better than the LG S95TR. The Samsung may have been eclipsed by the Samsung HW-Q990D model as the brand's top-of-the-line flagship model. However, it still offers better overall surround and height performances than the LG, giving you a more dimensional sound to help immerse you in your audio. It offers a graphic EQ if you want to fine-tune its already-balanced sound to your liking. You may still go for the LG if you already own an LG TV, though, as you can connect this bar to your LG TV wirelessly, which is a nifty feature.
Test Results
