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Samsung HW-Q990F review: Two minute review
The Samsung HW-Q990F is the successor to the Samsung HW-Q990D, a five-star Dolby Atmos soundbar that earned a top spot in our best soundbars guide. The Q990F doesn’t change much of Samsung’s formula, with the main change being a redesign of the subwoofer to a smaller compact size, but it continues Samsung’s legacy of excellent Dolby Atmos soundbars.
The Samsung HW-Q990F features 11.1.4 channels across four separate units, including a soundbar, a subwoofer and two rear speakers. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X passthrough, along with 4K 120Hz on multiple HDMI 2.1 ports.
The Q990F’s sound-enhancing features include SpaceFit Sound Pro to tune the system for your specific viewing space. Plus, owners of some of the best Samsung TVs can make use of its Q-Symphony for even bigger and better sound.
Performance is nothing short of brilliant on the Q990F. Its smaller subwoofer doesn’t sacrifice any power or detail and is arguably more nuanced than its predecessors. Elsewhere, the system delivers immersive and engaging surround sound, an impressively wide soundstage, and a dynamic presentation of Dolby Atmos height effects up there with the best Dolby Atmos soundbars.
The Q990F is especially great for Atmos music, and while it won’t beat the likes of the Marshall Heston 120 or Sonos Arc Ultra, it’s still a solid option for music playback.
The Q990F’s new, more compact subwoofer is a dream for those looking to save on space. The system’s size is identical to its predecessor, but its overall finish and materials don’t quite feel as premium as the Q990D’s. Still, the Q990F feels well-built, sturdy, and premium enough for the money.
Setting up the Q990F is a breeze. Once connected to the TV via HDMI eARC, the four units sync wirelessly, and you’re on your way. The SmartThings app is necessary for setup, and it allows you to fine-tune the Q990F and access some of its best features. If you don’t want to use the app, Samsung’s supplied remote is more than adequate for control.
The Q990F is undoubtedly a premium-priced soundbar. There are cheaper surround soundbar packages available, along with powerful all-in-one solutions, but the Q990F justifies its price with its performance. It’s not a big step up over its predecessor, which is the better value choice while it’s still available, but once that stock runs out, the Q990F is ready to fill the gap. Expect some big deals on the Q990F throughout the coming year as well, as prices are already dropping.
Samsung HW-Q990F review: Price & release date
- Release date: May 2025
- Price: $1,999 / £1,699 / AU$2,099
The Samsung HW-Q990F is Samsung’s 2025 flagship soundbar. It sits above the HW-Q930F, HW-Q900F, HW-Q800F, HW-Q700F, and the Samsung QS700F, a redesign of the mid-range Q700 series.
Since its launch in May 2025, prices for the HW-Q900F have dropped, and it is now regularly available for $1,599 / £1,499 / AU$1,599, a healthy discount.
Samsung HW-Q990F review: Specs
|
Dimensions (W x H x D) |
Soundbar: 1232 x 70.8 x 138 mm (48.5 x 2.8 x 5.4 inch); Subwoofer: 249 x 251.8 x 249 mm (9.8 x 10.0 x 9.8 inch); Rear speaker: 129.5 x 201.3 x140.4 mm (5.1 x 8.0 x 5.5 inch) |
|
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, 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-Q990F review: Features
- 11.1.4 channels
- Dolby Atmos & DTS:X passthrough, including wireless Dolby Atmos
- HDMI 2.1 with 4K 120Hz support
The Samsung HW-Q990F has much the same impressive feature set as its predecessor, the Samsung HW-Q990D. It has 11.1.4 channels but increases the total number of speakers by one to 23, and it features a new, sleeker, dual-driver subwoofer (more on that below).
The Q990F supports both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, along with Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby 5.1 and DTS: HD-Master Audio.
For connections, there is an HDMI eARC port for connection to displays, as well as two HDMI 2.1 in ports that support 4K 120Hz for gaming. There is also Wi-Fi and Bluetooth streaming for music playback, including Dolby Atmos music support.
The Q990F’s audio-enhancing features include SpaceFit Sound Pro, which can optimize the sound for your living space; Private Audio, which uses the rear speakers for late-night listening; Adaptive Sound, where the sound is tweaked in real time; Active Voice Amplifier Pro, which uses AI to boost the level of voices in soundtracks; and Q-Symphony, a feature that combines the built-in speakers of compatible Samsung TVs with the Q990F’s sound for boosted audio.
Wireless Dolby Atmos support lets you stream Dolby Atmos soundtracks from compatible Samsung TVs to the Q990F soundbar, albeit in a compressed format. Also, there is Tap Sound, which lets the Q990F instantly stream the music you’ve been listening to when you tap your smartphone on it.
The Q990F can be controlled using the supplied remote control or with the Samsung SmartThings app, where more in-depth sound and EQ adjustments can be made. The app is also where features such as Active Voice Amplifier Pro, SpaceFit Sound Pro and Adaptive sound can be accessed.
Samsung HW-Q990F review: Performance
- Expansive, powerful sound
- Weighty, tightly controlled bass
- Excellent gaming performance
Despite having only minimal changes on paper from its predecessor, the Q990F has mighty shoes to fill, and Samsung’s change to subwoofer was a risky move. Thankfully, the move paid off.
Samsung’s new subwoofer may be smaller, but it’s just as powerful as its predecessors. It delivers impactful, meaty bass and has room-shaking power. Watching the Batmobile chase from The Batman, the roar of the Batmobile’s engine produced plenty of glorious rumble, with each rev of the engine reminding me just how engaging this small but mighty subwoofer is.
The subwoofer sound is also tightly controlled and nuanced. Musical numbers such as Defying Gravity from Wicked still had plenty of detailed low-end, giving instruments and vocals \room to breathe in the mix.
Placement of sound effects is another area where the Q990F excels. During the same Batmobile chase in The Batman, the direction of sound as Batman and Penguin weaved in and out of traffic was tracked across the front soundbar with stunning accuracy and precision. The same was true in Star Wars: A New Hope on Disney Plus as X-Wings and TIE Fighters flew around and overhead, making full use of the rear speakers.
The Q990F’s sound balance also impressed me. In Wicked, the higher-pitched vocals were front and center, and reproduced with real clarity, while the strings sat perfectly with the lower bass tones, creating a wonderfully balanced mix. And the system’s beautifully wide soundstage easily filled our testing lab.
Testing out the Q990F’s features, I found that SpaceFit Sound Pro not only added volume but tightened the sound up without affecting the expansive soundstage. The results may vary depending on your room (our testing lab is well laid out for soundbars), but it’s worth giving it a try.
I tested the Q990F with the Samsung S95F, one of the best OLED TVs of 2025. This allowed me to test out Q-Symphony, and it added extra volume and power and widened the soundstage even more, something that was particularly noticeable with subtle effects such as gear changes or engine revs from the Batmobile in The Batman.
Switching from movies to music, the Q990F sounded great with Dolby Atmos tracks. Listening to an Atmos mix of Riders on the Storm by the Doors via Tidal, the rain was perfectly placed overhead while Jim Morrison’s low vocals, the guitars, and the high notes of the keyboard were clear, precise, and well-balanced. And when I listened to Barry White’s I’ve Got So Much To Give, the guitars, bass and drums felt like they were coming from different areas around the room.
Stereo music performance wasn’t as show-stopping as Dolby Atmos music, but it was good nonetheless. Thelonious Monk’s Japanese Song displayed impressive width, with the piano sounding bright and clear and the smooth, punchy tones of the saxophone accurately positioned. It’s not going to beat the likes of the Marshall Heston 120 for musicality, but it does a good job.
Playing Battlefield V at 4K 120Hz, with an Xbox Series X running through the Q990F to the S95F TV, the action felt smooth and responsive during chaotic gunfights and sequences. It even had a 9.5ms input lag time when I measured it, proving that there was no added latency when the Xbox’s signal passed through the Q990F.
Samsung HW-Q990F review: Design
- New, more compact subwoofer
- Soundbar as wide as a 55-inch TV
- Not as visually appealing as predecessors
The Q990F comprises four units: the main soundbar, the subwoofer, and the two surround speakers. Each unit has undergone a redesign, and while the new subwoofer is much more visually appealing, the other units somehow feel and look cheaper than the ones in last year’s Q990D system.
The metal grille-type design of the soundbar remains the same at the front, but on top, it has been replaced by a cheaper-looking, lined, grated design, and the same is true of the rear speakers.
The subwoofer is the biggest change in terms of scale. Samsung has scrapped the bulky, weighty upright subwoofer design of past systems in favor of a more compact, cubed build. The new subwoofer measures 249 x 251.8 x 249 mm (9.8 x 9.9 x 9.8 in), compared to the Q990D’s subwoofer, which measured 220 x 413 x 410 mm (8.6 x 16.2 x 16.1 in). It’s almost half the size of the Q990D’s sub, allowing much more freedom for placement. The main soundbar and rear speakers are the same size as the Q990D’s.
The soundbar has the same alphanumeric display found in previous generations, and while still challenging to read, it’s a welcome feature.
Samsung HW-Q990F review: Setup & usability
- Easy setup
- Useful SmartThings app for control and features
- Wireless connection between units
The Q990F is an excellent option if you’re looking for a surround sound system without the cable hassles you’d find in a traditional wired home theater setup.
The setup of the Q990F was easy, despite it having multiple units. After plugging the main soundbar into the S95F TV’s HDMI eARC port, I next plugged in all the units, and they wirelessly synced up.
The Q990F can be controlled either using the supplied remote or the SmartThings app. The remote is more than adequate, but using the SmartThings app gives access to all the sound and setup features described above and more. It’s worth giving the app a go, though the Q990F’s sound is also good out of the box.
- Setup & usability score: 4.5 / 5
Samsung HW-Q990F review: Value
- Complete soundbar system
- Premium price
- A minor upgrade over its predecessor
At $1,599 / £1,599 / AU$1,599 at the time of writing, several weeks after its launch, the Q990F is at the premium end of the soundbar market. All-in-one solutions that provide a superb cinematic experience, such as the Marshall Heston 120 and Sonos Arc Ultra, are priced at $999 / £999. And there are even budget surround sound options, such as the Hisense AX5125H ($299 / £299), that give you surround sound at a fraction of the cost.
But the Q990F delivers superior performance, with serious power and engaging and immersive sound, thanks to its 11.1.4 channels and 23 speakers.
There is the small matter of the Q990F’s predecessor, the Q990D, still being available for $1,199 / £799 as it nears the end of its life cycle, and outside of the Q990F’s sub, there are not a great deal of upgrades. Right now, the Q990D is better bang for your buck, but as stock depletes, the Q990F is a more than worthy successor to the Q990D.
Should I buy the Samsung HW-Q990F?
|
Section |
Notes |
Score |
|
Features |
An extensive list of sound enhancing features, plus 4K, 120Hz support for consoles |
5 / 5 |
|
Performance |
Immersive, dynamic, expansive and powerful sound |
5 / 5 |
|
Design |
A more compact and visually appealing subwoofer, but the rest of the design feels like a step back |
4 / 5 |
|
Setup & usability |
Simple setup and plenty of control via remote or SmarThings app |
4.5 / 5 |
|
Value |
Delivers on its price, but undoubtedly still a premium soundbar |
4 / 5 |
Buy it if…
Don’t buy it if…
Samsung HW-Q990D review: Also consider
| Header Cell – Column 0 |
Samsung HW-Q990F |
Samsung HW-Q990D |
LG S95TR |
JBL Bar 1300X |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dimensions |
Soundbar: 1232 x 70.8 x 138 mm (48.5 x 2.8 x 5.4 inch); Subwoofer: 249 x 251.8 x 249 mm (9.8 x 10.0 x 9.8 inch); Rear speaker: 129.5 x 201.3 x140.4 mm (5.1 x 8.0 x 5.5 inch) |
Soundbar: 1309.0 x 595.0 x 277.0 mm, Subwoofer: 220.0 x 413.0 x 410.0 mm , Rear speaker: 129.5 x 201.3 x140.4 mm |
Soundbar: 1249.68 x 63.5 x 134.6 mm (49.2 x 2.5 x 5.3 inches) Subwoofer: 200.6 x 406.4 x 403.8 mm (7.9 x 16 x 15.9 inches), Rear speakers: 160 x 223.5 x 142.2 mm(6.3 x 8.8 x 5.6 inches) |
Soundbar: 1000 x 60.9 x 139.7mm (39.4 x 2.4 x 5.5 inches), Surround speakers: 203.2 x 60.9 x 139.7mm(8 x 2.4 x 5.5 inches), Subwoofer: 365.7 x 480 x 365.7mm (14.4 x 18.9 x 14.4 inches |
|
Speaker channels |
11.1.4 |
11.1.4 |
11.1.4 |
16 |
|
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 out (with eARC), HDMI 2.1 in, optical digital audio, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
4 HDMI inputs (1 with eARC), optical digital audio, USB type-A |
|
Dolby Atmos/DTS:X |
Yes/Yes |
Yes/Yes |
Yes/Yes |
Yes/Yes |
How I tested the Samsung HW-Q990F
- Connected to the Samsung S95F
- Tested with different sources
- Dolby Atmos, 5.1 surround and stereo sound tested
To test the Samsung HW-Q990F, I connected it to the Samsung S95F, Samsung’s flagship OLED TV for 2025. This allowed me to use Q-Symphony and other Samsung-related features.
I tested the Q990F using the same reference scene I use when testing the best TVs, particularly 4K Blu-rays of The Batman and Wicked. I also used 4K streaming, which has compressed sound mixes, to see how it fared, particularly the Star Wars space battle sequences. I also analyzed the system’s sound balance, as well as speech and sound effects placement.
I tested the Q990F’s music streaming capabilities with both Dolby Atmos and stereo mixes through Tidal and Spotify, over both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. I also tested the Q990F’s gaming performance using an Xbox Series X and Battlefield V.
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james.davidson@futurenet.com (James Davidson)
