Samsung HW-Q990F soundbar
Kerry Wan/ZDNET
During CES 2025, Samsung announced two flagship soundbars to complement its new line of TVs. Samsung's HW-Q990F is the latest Samsung home audio system in a box, aiming to compete with last year's Sony Bravia Bar 9 and Sonos Arc Ultra.
The HW-Q990F's demos at CES were limited, so I was excited to assess its performance when Samsung invited me to its quality assurance lab. I watched movies, listened to music, and tested the soundbar's most advertised features. If you plan to upgrade your home theater, you'll want to know about the HW-Q990F.
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Although I spent a few hours with the HW-Q990F system, the following isn't my final verdict; I still need to receive a review unit to determine the soundbar's full capabilities. However, I'll share real-world and lab-controlled insights about the home entertainment system in the coming months.
The HW-Q990F is the successor to the HW-Q990D, offering the same in-the-box components: a soundbar, wireless subwoofer, and two rear speakers. The HW-990F's main soundbar looks almost identical to its predecessor, sporting a long, thin form factor with angular corners. Unlike its predecessor, the newer soundbar features new speaker grilles for an elevated look.
Samsung HW-Q990F subwoofer
The HW-Q990F's exterrnal subwoofer.
Jada Jones/ZDNET
Samsung says the HW-Q990F has 23 speakers in total, one more than its predecessor, though it's unclear where this extra speaker is within the system. Still, the HW-Q990F is an 11.1.4-channel system with the main soundbar including center, front wide-firing, side-firing, and up-firing speakers for height.
The HW-Q990F supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Eclipsa Audio spatial audio technologies. Eclipsa Audio is Samsung and Google's collaborative, open-source take on spatial audio.
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I watched parts of "Avengers: Age of Ultron" on Disney+ in Dolby Atmos. The HW-Q990F displayed all of its might during the movie's intense fight scenes, getting plenty loud. The soundbar's onboard subwoofer is more potent than you'd think; you don't need to max out the external sub to get the boom and thump you want.
The HW-Q990F's external subwoofer cabin is almost half the size of its predecessor, going from 16 inches tall and wide to about 10. The external sub may be small, but it's mighty. Samsung says the subwoofer sports two 8-inch opposing drivers to mitigate vibration.
The HW-Q990F's dual rear speakers, like their predecessors, likely have two speakers inside. They're not terribly loud and can't compete with the main soundbar, but they add a noticeable layer of immersion.
Samsung HW-Q990F rear speaker
One of the HW-Q990F's rear speakers.
Jada Jones/ZDNET
This sound system is equipped with built-in Alexa, Apple AirPlay, Google Home, and Spotify Connect. I could only test the AirPlay, which was reliable and Dolby Atmos-compatible. Like last year's model, the HQ-Q990F isn't as impressive with music as it is with movies, but I'll never complain about a soundbar doubling as a smart speaker.
The HW-Q990F supports eARC and HDMI 2.1 for a 4K/120Hz refresh rate, which isn't an improvement from last year's model but still optimal audio performance for gaming.
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Plenty of Samsung-exclusive features are available, including Q-Symphony, access to SmartThings, Private Rear Sound, Sound Grouping, Game Pro Mode, and Adaptive Sound, all of which are available on the 2024 model.
Samsung improved the Active Voice Amplifier feature by installing Active Voice Amplifier Pro into the HW-Q990F. This feature reduces background noise and amplifies dialogue in real time.
ZDNET's buying advice (for now)
All in all, the Samsung HW-Q990F is precisely what you'd expect it to be: in sync with your Samsung TV, packed with features, and has impressive, dynamic, and room-filling sound.
I still need to make a final verdict, but after spending a few hours with it, I can say that if you have the HW-Q990D, HW-Q910D, or HW-Q800D, you don't need to rush to upgrade.
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If you're debating between the HW-Q990F and the Sonos Arc Ultra, Era 300, and Sub 4 bundle, it's a tough matchup. The Samsung system has more speakers and more TV and audio features, while the Sonos system provides more clarity and universal compatibility.
I'll draw more conclusions between the two home entertainment systems once I review the HW-Q990F, but I can confidently say if you have a newer Samsung TV, you should go with the HW-Q990F.
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