The Samsung HW-Q990H is the successor to the Samsung HW-Q990F. As the new crown jewel in the Korean brand's soundbar lineup, it comes with many of the premium features you'd expect (and many that were present in the last gen). Wireless Dolby Atmos (with a compatible Samsung TV), an expansive 11.1.4-channel configuration, and Eclipsa Audio compatibility all featured on the previous year's spec sheet, but this iteration focuses more on software-based tweaks. In particular, a host of AI-powered algorithms and processing tools promise a more adaptive sound.
Our Verdict
The Samsung HW-Q990H is amazing for mixed usage. On paper, it's largely unchanged from the previous generation. It retains the 11.1.4 configuration, with discrete satellites and the same compact subwoofer that came with the last gen. The default tuning is balanced, with plenty of bass on tap and balanced mid- and treble-range reproduction. Just be aware that the SpaceFit Sound Pro room correction feature seems to have more of an impact on the response than in previous years. Still, the wide soundstage and excellent dynamics performance add to this bar's versatility with all forms of audio content, bolstered by solid performance with 5.1 surround and Atmos formats. As usual with Samsung bars, you get an extremely wide array of sound customization options, including a 7-band EQ, so there's plenty of scope for personalized tuning if you don't like how the room correction renders the sound.
Compatible with all major audio formats.
Plenty of sound modes, plus 7-band graphic EQ.
Extensive wireless connectivity options.
4k @ 120Hz HDMI passthrough.
Some bass-range compression as you approach max volume.
The Samsung Q990H is amazing for dialogue and TV shows. The extremely balanced mid-range and discrete center channel combine for detailed reproduction of dialogue and voices, with great tracking across the stereo field. The excellent dynamics performance means there's no compression in the mid-range as you turn up the volume either. If you need to bring out voices even more, you can choose from two different voice enhancement modes: 'Voice Enhancement' (an EQ setting) and 'Active Voice Amplifier' (a uniformly applied DSP).
Compatible with all major audio formats.
Plenty of sound modes, plus 7-band graphic EQ.
Some bass-range compression as you approach max volume.
The Samsung Q990H is a great choice for music. Its default tuning is very balanced, with a punchy low-end response that's not overly bass-heavy, courtesy of the discrete sub. The mid-range is detailed, rendering soft vocals delicately while ensuring distorted guitars still have an edge to them. With SpaceFit Sound Pro enabled, we noticed a slight reduction in the high end compared to the previous generation, which softens sibilants somewhat, though this will vary by room. However, given how adaptive this feature is, your experience will likely be dependent on the acoustics of your room. Regardless of acoustics, music lovers will appreciate the wide stereo soundstage, excellent dynamics performance, and a plethora of sound adjustment options (including a 7-band EQ).
SpaceFit Sound Pro is highly adaptive to your room.
Plenty of sound modes, plus 7-band graphic EQ.
Extensive wireless connectivity options.
Some bass-range compression as you approach max volume.
The Samsung Q990H is an impressive choice for movies. As you'd expect from a flagship bar, all major audio formats are supported, as well as the nascent 3D audio format Eclipsa. The balanced default frequency response ensures that adrenaline-fueled chase sequences have plenty of low-end heft, while ensuring screeching tires and dialogue still cut through. Stereo content benefits from the wide soundstage, while the amazing dynamics performance ensures details don't get compressed at louder volumes. Surround sound content is highly immersive too, thanks to the dedicated surrounds, and Atmos playback features smooth tracking along horizontal and vertical planes, though this will also depend on how SpaceFit Sound Pro room correction compensates for your room. This bar comes with a few specialized sound features that can benefit movie watching as well, like the Sound Elevation feature, which uses the up-firing drivers to elevate the sound field to match the height of your TV.
Compatible with all major audio formats.
SpaceFit Sound Pro is highly adaptive to your room.
Some bass-range compression as you approach max volume.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The Samsung HW-Q990H comes in one color variant: 'Black'. We took photos of the labels found on the bar, sub and satellite speakers. If you encounter another variant of this soundbar, please let us know in the comments and we'll update our review.
Popular Soundbar Comparisons
As the brand's flagship soundbar for the year, the Samsung HW-Q990H will naturally be closely compared to the previous generation Samsung HW-Q990F. On paper, there's not much to separate the two, with no ostensible difference in hardware between the generations. That said, the advertised new features all fall under the umbrella of AI-adjacent software changes. While this might garner some skepticism, our testing did highlight a difference in how features like SpaceFit Sound Pro room correction would alter the frequency response. Unless you're hellbent on futureproofing, you'll likely be satisfied with the Q990F, though, given it performs very similarly in practice.
Even the Samsung HW-Q990D of two generations prior can offer similar performance at a greatly discounted price (albeit with a larger subwoofer). Those amenable to the Sonos ecosystem might consider the Sonos Ultimate Immersive Set with Arc Ultra. It offers a wider soundstage and punchier bass, though this comes at the expense of format support and sound customization options.
For more soundbar options, take a look at our picks for the best soundbars for movies, alongside the best soundbars and the best Samsung soundbars.
Test Results
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