I tested the flagship Samsung HW-Q990H Dolby Atmos soundbar, and while it sticks to the formula of its predecessors, it still sets the bar for
soundbars in 2026

Date:
Thu, 28 May 2026 01:00:00 +0000

Description:
The Samsung HW-Q990H is yet another awesome entry in Samsung's flagship soundbar lineage, delivering a full Dolby Atmos experience at home.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Samsung HW-Q990H review: Two minute review The Samsung HW-Q990H continues the high standard set by its predecessors, which are reliably among the best soundbars on the market, delivering a full, multi-box Dolby Atmos experience for one of the most competitive prices around. While it doesnt offer that many changes from its predecessor, its still a fantastic system.

An 11.1.4 channel soundbar system, the Q990H is packed with superb sound-enhancing features such as SpaceFit Sound Pro and Q-Symphony, which add more layers to its already excellent sound. Sound Elevation (where sound is raised to the height of the TV itself) is one of two new features introduced, and while I didnt use it for much of my testing, it could be useful depending on your circumstances. It supports both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X enhanced audio formats, and theres even support for 4K 120Hz and VRR passthrough in the soundbars two HDMI 2.1 In ports perfect for those who dont own one of the best gaming TVs . Latest Videos From

The Q990Hs performance is phenomenal. It delivers an immersive, powerful
sound with bass thats both meaty and controlled, aided by the returning small-sized, dual-driver subwoofer introduced in last year's Q990F. Sound mapping is accurate, with details placed precisely to the correct channels
and connected with the action on screen. Speech is consistently clear, and Dolby Atmos effects are re-created faithfully with real clarity. While it doesnt innovate much on last years Samsung HW-Q990F, its still a superb soundbar.

Design-wise, the Q990H benefits from the compact subwoofer, which is easy to position while still delivering excellent sound. While the soundbar itself feels sturdy and has a nice color to it, the actual grated design doesnt feel as premium as 2024s Samsung Q990D, and the alphanumeric display isnt always the easiest to read, but is a welcome feature. It would be nice to see
Samsung mix up the design of the flagship model in future.

The Q990H is incredibly easy to set up and use. Actual installation took a
few minutes, and I used the SmartThings app to control EQ and other features, never running into any issues. There is a supplied remote for those who dont want to use the app, but I suggest you give the app a try.

The Q990H is a premium soundbar system, and while it delivers the performance to back up its asking price of $1,999 / 1,599 / AU$1,999, there arent a great many changes over its predecessor the Q990F. The latter is available for $1,599 / 999 / AU$1,599 at the time of writing, so it's the better option in my view. Once it disappears though, the Q990H is a more than worthy
successor. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. Samsung HW-Q990H at Peter Tyson for 1,599 Samsung HW-Q990H review: Price and release date (Image credit: Future) Release date: May 2026 Price: $1,999 / 1,599 / AU$1,999 The Samsung HW-Q990F is the flagship model in Samsungs 2026 soundbar lineup. It sits above the Samsung HW-900H, HW-Q800H and the HW-QS90H, the latter of which is a follow-up to the Samsung QS700F from 2025.

The HW-Q990Hs launch prices are pretty consistent with its predecessor, the HW-Q990F, from last year. The Q990H is launching for 100 cheaper in the UK
and AU$100 cheaper in Australia, however. Samsung HW-Q990H review: Specs
Swipe to scroll horizontally

Dimensions (W x H x D)

Soundbar: 1232 x 70.8 x 138mm (48.5 x 2.8 x 5.4 inches); Subwoofer: 249 x 251.8 x 249mm (9.8 x 10.0 x 9.8 inches); Rear speaker: 129.5 x 201.3 x140.4mm (5.1 x 8.0 x 5.5 inches)

Speaker channels

11.1.4

Connections:

1x HDMI out (with eARC), 2x HDMI 2.1 in, optical digital audio, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth

Dolby Atmos/DTS:X

Yes/Yes

Sub included

Yes

Rear speakers included

Yes

Features

Q Symphony, SpaceFit Sound Pro, Adaptive Sound, Sound Elevation, Auto Volume, Game Mode Pro, Tap Sound, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, HDMI 2.1 120Hz pass-through, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision pass-through, wireless Dolby Atmos Samsung HW-Q990H review: Features The Q990H has two HDMI In ports, both of which support 4K 120Hz passthrough for gaming (Image credit: Future) 11.1.4 channel soundbar system Dolby Atmos and DTS-X support HDMI 2.1 input ports rated for 4K 120Hz gaming The Q990H doesnt bring many new features to the table compared to last years Q990F, but thats not a bad thing, as that soundbar's features were pretty impressive. The Q990H is an 11.1.4 channel soundbar system comprising four units: a main soundbar, a subwoofer (the same compact unit introduced with the Q990F), and two rear speakers. It has the same 23-speaker layout as the Q990F.

In terms of audio support, the Q990H supports Dolby Atmos and DTS: X sound formats, and theres support for Eclipsa Audio, Samsung and Google s joint foray into the 3D sound world. Wireless Dolby Atmos and DTS:X are also supported.

Connections are the same as last year, with an HDMI eARC port for connection to your chosen display, as well as two HDMI In ports. Both are HDMI 2.1 and rated for 4K 120Hz gaming, and both support HDR10+ HDR . There's also Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for music streaming.

The Q990H introduces two new sound features. Sound Elevation is designed to direct the sound towards the screen itself in order to create a more natural listening experience, while Auto Volume aims to reduce sudden spikes in
volume when changing channels or content.

Returning sound-enhancing features include SpaceFit Sound Pro, which
optimizes the sound profile to suit the environment youre in; Adaptive Sound, which analyzes the content being played and adjusts it in real time; and Active Voice Amplifier Pro, which analyzes voices within a scene and
optimizes them. The Q990H also supports Q-Symphony, which enables a
compatible connected Samsung TVs speakers to be employed to enhance the audio further.

There are a number of night-mode listening features as well, such as Private Audio, which directs the sound to the rear speakers, and Moderate Bass, which mutes the subwoofer and directs the bass to come from the soundbar itself.

The Q900H can be controlled by the SmartThings app, where adjustments to the EQ and sound levels for each channel can be made. You can also choose from
the soundbars four listening modes here: Standard, Surround, AI and Game. The aforementioned sound enhancements can also be controlled via the app.
Features score: 5 / 5 Samsung HW-Q990H review: Performance The Q990H's excellent sound positioning and detail mean scenes like the Death Star attack from Star Wars: A New Hope are immersive and cinematic. (Image credit: Disney / Future) Detailed expansive sound Powerful, controlled bass Great Atmos reproduction Of the Q990Hs four sound presets (Standard, Surround, Game and AI) I chose Surround, as I felt it gave the most consistently immersive
sound. I also used the SpaceFit Sound Pro setting to calibrate the soundbar
to our testing lab, and this created a more immersive sound profile.

The Q990Hs sound placement and mapping are superb. Watching the Death Star attack run from Star Wars : A New Hope , the whir of the X-Wings engines came from the rear speakers, laser fire came from all around, and the flight paths of the various TIE fighters and X-Wings was accurately placed, making me feel like I was in the cockpit.

Watching The Batman , as Penguin fired a spray of bullets towards Catwoman, the sound travelled from the front to the rear channels, following the direction of the action on screen. In the chase sequence itself, the swerving of tires and blaring car horns travelled across the soundbar, again mapped perfectly.

The compact subwoofer first introduced in last years Q990F returns here, and
I was reminded of how good it was. Despite its smaller stature, the Q990Hs subwoofer packs a mighty punch. As the Batmobiles engine fires up in The Batman , the subwoofer delivered an almighty rumble that filled the room, accurately delivering the roar and the crunching gear changes during the driving sequences. Crucially however, the bass never got ahead of itself, as the subwoofer demonstrated excellent control, with the same gear changes delivered with great detail.

Speaking of detail, the Q990H delivers it in spades. During the Darkstar test flight in Top Gun: Maverick , subtle sound effects, such as the wind passing through the jets outer panels and the tightening of Mavericks gloves are all well balanced with the bass of the jet engine and the loud beeps of the various displays.

The Q990H benefits from four height channels, meaning Atmos effects are reproduced accurately. As Maverick flies over Admiral Kane in Top Gun: Maverick , the sound of the Darkstars flight path went over my head, delivering an expansive sound. The same was true as TIE Fighters flew
overhead in Star Wars , with height channels precisely following their iconic howling sound. The Q990H's subwoofer delivers powerful, controlled bass: perfect for capturing the roar of the Batmobile's engine in The Batman (pictured) (Image credit: Warner Bros. / Future) Throughout my testing, the Q990Hs front channels delivered crystal-clear speech, even in complicated scenes such as the Batmobile chase, accurately delivering the Penguins
frantic shouts over the loud explosions and impacts.

As I tested the Q990H with the Samsung S95F , one of 2025s best OLED TVs , I tried out the Q-Symphony setting. This added extra volume and more power to the front channels by using the S95Fs speakers, giving everything extra
punch. If you dont own a Samsung TV, fear not this Q990H still sounds fantastic without Q-Symphony.

I tried out the new Sound Elevation feature, and while it did move the height of the sound effectively, it wasnt necessary for my viewing. This could be a useful feature for those who wall-mount the soundbar, but Id recommend giving it a try to see if it fits your environment.

The Q990H is also a solid soundbar for music. Listening to a Dolby Atmos version of Bad Bunnys BAILE INoLVIDABLE , the Q990H delivered tightly controlled low-end from the tracks heavy bass synths and drums later in the song. The piano sounded detailed, and Bunnys varied vocals were delivered accurately. High notes had plenty of brightness without sounding overbearing, and the horn section sounded punchy and detailed.

Switching to a heavier track, Dir En Greys Un Deux , the Q990H did a great
job delivering the pounding guitars, crunching drums and Kyos soaring vocals, capturing the wide production of the track with its big soundstage. While other soundbars, such as the Sonos Arc Ultra , are better for music overall, the Q990H is still great. Performance score: 5 / 5 Samsung HW-Q990H review: Design While I like the compact subwoofer, the rest of the HW-Q990H could do with a design refresh (Image credit: Future) Return of the brilliant compact subwoofer Sturdy build quality Design becoming familiar The Q990H is almost identical in appearance to last years Q990F, which in turn felt like a cheapened design of the 2024 Samsung HW-Q990D. While the Q990H does have a sturdy, weighty build that feels premium, my criticisms of last years design remain.

The highlight is once again the compact subwoofer design. The dual-driver
unit is weighty, but has a much more visually appealing cubed design. Due to its more compact size, its much easier to conceal than most subwoofers. The main soundbar measures 1232 x 70.8 x 138mm (48.5 x 2.8 x 5.4 inches), which was the exact width of the 55-inch Samsung S95F OLED TV I tested the soundbar with. Its quite a deep soundbar however, so you may need to consider this
when placing it.

The actual look and materials of the Q990H are the main issue. While the metallic grille thats been used for years remains, the cheaper-looking grated design introduced in the Q990F is still here, and it doesnt look as appealing as older models. The same is true of the rear speakers, which dont feel or look as premium.

The alphanumeric display included can still be a challenge to a read, but its still welcome. While the Q990Hs overall design is fine, Samsung could stand
to learn from other multi-box units, such as the JBL 1300Mk2. Design score: 4 / 5 Samsung HW-Q990H review: Setup and usability You can control the Q990H with the supplied remote (pictured) or the SmartThings or new Samsung Sound app (Image credit: Future) Easy, hassle-free setup SmartThings app for
control as well as remote Wireless connection between soundbar and other
units As Ive found with the last few iterations of Samsungs flagship
soundbar, the Q990H was a breeze to set up. I simply connected the main soundbar to the TV via HDMI eARC, and then paired the subwoofer and rear speakers by holding down a button. At one point during my testing I had to disconnect and re-connect the same units due to a brief Wi-Fi issue, and this again took a matter of minutes.

The Q990H can be controlled by the supplied remote or the SmartThings app. I opted for the latter, and it allowed me to easily make adjustments to the EQ and sound levels as I saw fit, with said changes happening almost instantaneously. Its worth trying out the app, but the Q990H also sounds
great out of the box.

One quick note: Samsung advertises its new Samsung Sound app as the new control, though at the time of writing it doesnt offer the full compatibility or support all the features of SmartThings, so youre best sticking with the latter for now. Setup & usability score: 4.5 / 5 Samsung HW-Q990H review: Value Image 1 of 3 Samsung Q990H soundbar (Image credit: Future) Samsung
Q990H subwoofer (Image credit: Future) Samsung Q990H rear speaker (Image credit: Future) Great flagship performance and features Still a premium price Only minor upgrades over predecessor The Q990H is undoubtedly at the premium end of the soundbar market. Priced at $1,999 / 1,599 / AU$1,999, its pricier than a lot of all-in-one options such as the Sonos Arc Ultra and Marshall Heston 120, as well as more budget surround sound models from the likes of JBL, Hisense and Ultimea.

Major rivals such as the JBL 1300MK2 are also available for less, with the 1300MK2 priced at $1,699 / 999 in the US and UK (its pricier in Australia at $AU2,299). That said, the 1300MK2 did launch several months ago, so its
prices have had time to drop.

Still, the Q990H is a flagship soundbar that delivers phenomenal audio
quality and comes with a ton of useful features, most prominently its HDMI
2.1 ports for gaming. Compared to said multi-box rivals, its also pretty fairly priced.

There is the small matter, however, of the Q990Hs predecessor, the Q990F, still being available. While the Q990H offers a couple of upgrades, the Q990F is still a fantastic soundbar in its own right, and at $1,599 / 999 /
AU$1,599 its the better option right now. Once it disappears, though, the Q990H will make a worthy successor and well have hopefully seen some discounts by then. Value score: 4 / 5 Should I buy the Samsung HW-Q990H?
Swipe to scroll horizontally

Section

Notes

Score

Features

Great list of sound enhancing features, WI-Fi and Hi-res audio for music and 4K 120Hz for gaming

5 / 5

Performance

Detailed, powerful sound with faithful and accurate Dolby Atmos reproduction

5 / 5

Design

Compact subwoofer returns and feel sturdy, but design feels familiar and
could do with a refresh

4 / 5

Setup & usability

Easy setup and usage with easier supplied remote or SmartThings app

4.5 / 5

Value

A premium experience with a price to match. Few upgrades over predecessor

4 / 5 Buy it if... You want the full Dolby Atmos experience at home The Q990H delivers a powerful, refined and immersive sound experience with authentic Dolby Atmos, bringing the cinema to your home You want a soundbar to cover
all the bases With Hi-res audio support, Dolby Atmos and DTS: X and 4K 120Hz for gaming, the Q990H really does cover all the bases. You want a compact but powerful subwoofer Some subwoofers prioritise design over sound and vice versa. The Q990H's subwoofer does both: it's small enough to hide but without compromising on sound. Don't buy it if... You're on a budget The Q990H is a fantastic soundbar, but it comes with a premium price tag. There are cheaper Atmos soundbars available. You want an easy-to-read front display The Q990H design hasn't been updated for a while, and the LED front display is still tricky to read. You own the Samsung HW-Q990F The Q990H introduces a couple of new features and refinements, but it's not dissimilar to last year's Q990F. Samsung HW-Q990H review: Also consider Swipe to scroll horizontally Header Cell - Column 0

Samsung HW-Q990F

Samsung HW-Q990F

JBL Bar 1300MK2

Sonos Arc Ultra

Price (May 2026)

$1,999 / 1,599 / AU$1,999

$1,599 / 999 / AU$1,599

$1,699 / 999 / AU$2,299 Row 0 - Cell 4

Dimensions

Soundbar: 1232 x 70.8 x 138mm (48.5 x 2.8 x 5.4 inches); Subwoofer: 249 x 251.8 x 249mm (9.8 x 10.0 x 9.8 inches); Rear speaker: 129.5 x 201.3 x140.4mm (5.1 x 8.0 x 5.5 inches)

Soundbar: 1232 x 70.8 x 138mm (48.5 x 2.8 x 5.4 inches); Subwoofer: 249 x 251.8 x 249mm (9.8 x 10.0 x 9.8 inches); Rear speaker: 129.5 x 201.3 x140.4mm (5.1 x 8.0 x 5.5 inches)

Soundbar: 40.6 x 2.3 x 5.4 inches / 1030 x 58 x 136mm; subwoofer: 12.4 x 10.9 x 10.8 inches / 315 x 277 x 275mm; surround speakers: 8 x 2.3 x 5.4 inches / 202 x 58 x 136mm

2.95 x 46.38 x 4.35 inches (75 x 1178 x 110.6mm)

Speaker channels

11.1.4

11.1.4

11.1.4

9.1.4

Connections

Two HDMI 2.1 input, One HDMI output, optical output, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth

Two HDMI 2.1 input, One HDMI output, optical output, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth

1x HDMI eARC, 3x HDMI in, digital optical, USB (playback US-only), Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3 (surround speakers use 5.4)

1x HDMI with eARC, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth

Dolby Atmos/DTS:X

Yes/Yes

Yes/Yes

Yes / Yes

Yes/No

Sub included

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Rear speakers included

Yes

Yes

Yes

No Samsung HW-Q990F (2025) The Samsung HW-Q990F is the Q990H's predecessor, and was Samsung's first flagship model to use the compact subwoofer featured on the Q990H. It delivers very similar performance and features to the Q990H, and is currently cheaper. This is your best bet until the Q990H's prices
start dropping. Read our full Samsung HW-Q990F review JBL 1300Mk2 The JBL 1300Mk2 is an 11.1.4 channel Dolby Atmos system, the same as the Q990H. Its rear speakers are detachable from the front soundbar for easy storage, making it a neater system than the Q990H. While it is cheaper, it's lacking the 4K 120Hz passthrough the Q990H has, so if you want gaming features, the Q990H is your better option. Read our full JBL 1300Mk2 View Deal Sonos Arc Ultra The Sonos Arc Ultra is an all-in-one Dolby Atmos soundbar that delivers great performance. It's better for music than the Q990H, but the Q990H has rear speakers and a subwoofer included as standard, whereas the Arc Ultra's are optional. If you want the best value, the Q990H is my pick.

Read our full Sonos Arc Ultra review How I tested the Samsung HW-Q990H
Tested with the Samsung S95F OLED TV Tested using different sources Dolby Atmos, 5.1 surround and stereo sound tested I tested the Samsung HW-Q990H
with the Samsung S95F OLED TV, which allowed me to test out the Q-Symphony feature, which employs the Samsung S95F's speakers in conjunction with the soundbar.

To test the Q990H soundbar, I used reference Dolby Atmos scenes that I also use to test TV speakers, namely The Batman and Top Gun: Maverick on 4K Blu-ray, and Star Wars: A New Hope for 4K streaming.

I used the Samsung SmartThings app to test out its sound features, including SpaceFit Sound Pro and Sound Elevation, as well as testing out its different sound presets.

I also tested the Samsung HW-Q990H's music capabilities using Dolby Atmos tracks such as Bad Bunny's BAILLE INoLVIDABLE , as well as stereo tracks such as Dir En Grey's Un Deux . First reviewed: May 2026 Read more about how we test Samsung HW-Q990H: Price Comparison 1,599 View 1,599 View 1,599 View No price information Check Amazon We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices powered by



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/televisions/soundbars/i-tested-the-flagship-samsung- hw-q990h-dolby-atmos-soundbar-and-while-it-sticks-to-the-formula-of-its-predec essors-it-still-sets-the-bar-for-soundbars-in-2026


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