Products
Tested using Methodology v1.3
Updated Aug 03, 2026 09:31 PM
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Amazon
Tested using Methodology v1.3
Updated May 25, 2026 06:03 PM
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BestBuy.com
Channels
5.1.2
Channels
11.1.4
Our Verdict
Sonos Arc Ultra
Samsung HW-Q990F
The Samsung HW-Q990F is a better all-in-one solution compared to the Sonos Arc Ultra. That said, you can expand the 5.1.2-channel standalone Sonos bar into a surround sound setup by connecting it with compatible Sonos speakers. Meanwhile, the 11.1.4-channel Samsung system includes two discrete satellites, an external sub, and up-firing drivers in both satellites and the soundbar. If you're planning on gaming with your bar, the Samsung has HDMI In support, which can help reduce A/V-desync.
Variants
- Arc Ultra (Black)
- Arc Ultra (White)
- HW-Q990F (Black)
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Black
Arc Ultra
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Amazon
Black
HW-Q990F
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White
Arc Ultra
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Amazon
Black
HW-Q990F
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Black
HW-Q990F
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B&H
Black
HW-Q990F
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Amazon
Black
HW-Q990F
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Samsung.com
Main Differences for
Mixed Usage
Mixed Usage
Threshold
Mixed Usage
Full Comparison
Design
Style - Bar
Style photo - bar
Style - Subwoofer
Style photo - sub
Sub Wireless
Enclosure
Style - Satellites
Style photo - satellites
Satellite Wireless
Dimensions - Bar
Dimensions photo - bar
Width
Height
Depth
Dimensions - Subwoofer
Dimensions photo - sub
Width
Height
Depth
Dimensions - Satellites
Dimensions photo - satellites
Width
Height
Depth
Mounting
Bar Mounting Holes
Satellite Mounting Holes
Mountable Bar
Bar Brackets Included
Mountable Satellites
Satellite Brackets Included
Build Quality
Build quality photo
In The Box
In The Box photo
Sound
Stereo Frequency Response
Stereo Setup
Raw Frequency Response
Frequency Response Small
Channels
Tested Preset
Slope
Standard Error
Low-Frequency Extension
High-Frequency Extension
Stereo Frequency Response With Preliminary Calibration
Frequency Response Calibrated
Suggested Preset
Suggested Bass Setting
Suggested Treble Setting
Slope
Standard Error
Low-Frequency Extension
High-Frequency Extension
Stereo Soundstage
Crosstalk
Crosstalk Error
Stereo Dynamics
Dynamic Range Compression
SPL @ Max Volume
DRC @ 90dB
DRC @ Max Volume
Center
Center Setup
Frequency Response
Localization
Slope
Std. Err.
SPL @ Max Volume
Weighted THD @ 80dB
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
Surround 5.1
Surround Setup
Frequency Response
Localization
Slope
Std. Err.
SPL @ Max Volume
Weighted THD @ 80dB
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
7.1 Rears
Height (Atmos)
Height Setup
H Frequency Response
Localization
Slope
Std. Err.
SPL @ Max Volume
Weighted THD @ 80dB
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
Sound Enhancement Features
Room Correction
Dialogue Enhancement
Auto-Volume/Night Mode
Subwoofer Level Adjustment
Bass Adjustment
Treble Adjustment
EQ
Surround Level Adjustment
Rear Level Adjustment
Height Level Adjustment
Virtual Surround
Connectivity
Inputs/Outputs - Bar
Physical Connections Bar Photo 1
Physical Connections Bar Photo 2
Optical Audio In
HDMI Out
HDMI 2.1 Class Bandwidth
Full HDMI In
Analog Audio In 3.5mm (Aux)
RCA In
USB for Files
Ethernet
Subwoofer Output
Audio Format Support: ARC/eARC
Dolby Atmos
Dolby Digital
Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby TrueHD
DTS
DTS:X
DTS-HD MA
PCM Channels
Audio Format Support: HDMI In
Dolby Atmos
Dolby Digital
Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby TrueHD
DTS
DTS:X
DTS-HD MA
PCM Channels
Audio Format Support: Optical
Dolby Digital
DTS
PCM Channels
Audio Latency: ARC
ARC Latency Video
PCM-2.0 ch
PCM-5.1 ch
Dolby MAT (PCM) Atmos
Dolby Digital
Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby Digital Plus Atmos
Audio Latency: HDMI In
HDMI Latency Video
PCM-2.0 ch
PCM-5.1 ch
Dolby MAT (PCM) Atmos
Dolby Digital
Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby Digital Plus Atmos
Audio Latency: Optical
Optical Latency Video
PCM-2.0 ch
Dolby Digital
Video Passthrough To TV
1080p Max Refresh Rate
1080p @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate
4k Max Refresh Rate
4k @ 120Hz @ 10-Bit
4k @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate
8k Max Refresh Rate
HDR10 Passthrough
HDR10+ Passthrough
Dolby Vision Passthrough
HDMI Forum VRR Passthrough
FreeSync Passthrough
G-SYNC Passthrough
ALLM Passthrough
Wireless Playback
Bluetooth
Wi-Fi Playback
Chromecast built-in
Apple AirPlay
Spotify Connect
Additional Features
Interface
Interface photo
Display
Bar Controls
Controls photo
Remote
Remote photo
Voice Assistants Support
Amazon Alexa
Google Assistant
Apple Siri
Microphone Mute
Check Price
Black
Arc Ultra
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Amazon
Black
HW-Q990F
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BestBuy.com
White
Arc Ultra
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Amazon
Black
HW-Q990F
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Walmart.com
Black
HW-Q990F
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B&H
Black
HW-Q990F
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Amazon
Black
HW-Q990F
SEARCH
Samsung.com
Sonos Arc Ultra
Samsung HW-Q990F
Comments
Sonos Arc Ultra vs Samsung HW-Q990F: Main Discussion
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No problem at all! Let me know if you have any questions about how things work!
The more useful comparison would be the HW-Q990F against Arc Ultra with 2x Era300 and a Sub. This way it is really not comparing apples with apples. Edit: I did not quite get yet how to operate here and I did not see that I can actually select that set-up. That way it is great!