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| The Q990F is Samsung's top-tier soundbar model for 2025. Tyler Hayes |
If you're aiming to transform your living room into a home cinema without installing tower speakers or investing in an AV receiver, the Samsung HW-Q990F might just be the perfect solution. Bundling a powerful soundbar with a wireless subwoofer and a pair of wireless rear speakers, the Q990F offers an uncompromising 11.1.4-channel Dolby Atmos experience that manages to impress even seasoned audio professionals. With its immersive soundstage, rich feature set, and simple setup process, this soundbar system proves that premium sound doesn’t have to mean a complex installation.
Samsung Q990F Soundbar
The Q990F is Samsung's latest flagship soundbar system. It includes everything you need for a complete 11.1.4-channel Dolby Atmos surround sound experience with powerful audio and plenty of wireless music streaming options.
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What we like
- Tremendous sound with impressive Dolby Atmos performance
- Minimal setup for a system of this type
- Lots of wireless connections for music streaming
- Subwoofer is more compact than previous models but still powerful
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What we don’t like
- Tiny soundbar display is hard to read
- Lacks in-app indicator for audio formats
- HDMI ports can be tricky to access
- Not a huge upgrade over cheaper, older models that are still available
As a long-time audio reviewer, I've evaluated countless sound systems over the years, and the Q990F stands out not just for its sheer power but for the immersive detail it delivers. While single-unit soundbars like the Sonos Arc Ultra are impressive in their own right, there's an undeniable advantage in Samsung’s all-in-one surround package: complete spatial audio coverage right out of the box. That said, shoppers should know that older models like the Q990C and Q990D are still on sale and might be better values if you're willing to compromise on a slightly larger subwoofer or forgo HDMI 2.1 passthrough.
Unboxing and Setup: From Box to Theater in Minutes
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| The Q990F can wirelessly pair with newer Samsung TVs, so you don't have to worry about a cable hanging from your display. Tyler Hayes |
Setting up the Samsung Q990F is refreshingly easy. Everything you need is included: the soundbar, subwoofer, rear speakers, HDMI cable, remote, and even mounting brackets for the surrounds. Within minutes, I had the entire system unboxed and placed, with the only effort being lifting the hefty soundbar itself it weighs over 16 pounds. Each rear speaker connects wirelessly to the main unit but requires a separate power outlet. The subwoofer is also wireless and can be positioned anywhere in the room, though corner placement typically enhances low-frequency performance.
If you're a Samsung TV owner (2022 models and newer), you can pair the soundbar wirelessly and enjoy full Dolby Atmos decoding. Otherwise, you can rely on the eARC HDMI port for a direct connection. The addition of two HDMI 2.1 passthrough ports is a welcome touch for gamers or media streamers, enabling support for 4K/120Hz video output from consoles like the PS5 or Xbox Series X.
One of the few drawbacks of the Q990F's design is the placement of its ports on the underside, which can be slightly awkward to access once installed. Still, it's a small price to pay for an otherwise intuitive setup experience.
Familiar Aesthetics with Subtle Refinements
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| The Q990F's rear satellite speakers enable true surround sound playback. Tyler Hayes |
Visually, the Q990F doesn’t stray far from the design language of previous Q9 series models. It’s still a substantial soundbar at 48.5 inches wide and nearly 6 inches deep, making it a better fit for large TVs. This year’s update introduces a darker gray finish and a newly designed sealed subwoofer. The sub’s smaller footprint is easier to integrate into tighter spaces while still delivering plenty of bass punch.
The rear speakers are serviceable in design, coated in the same dark gray as the main bar. They're not the most stylish, and as my spouse noted, they blend more into the “office hardware” category than home décor. Still, they’re compact enough not to be intrusive.
The main unit includes a scrolling text display hidden behind the grille a carryover from past models that continues to feel outdated. It's hard to read and cycles through messages awkwardly. Thankfully, most settings are accessible via the SmartThings app, which, while not designed specifically for home theater control, provides a streamlined experience overall. One disappointing omission is the inability to view the current audio format in the app an essential detail for many AV enthusiasts.
Cinema-Quality Sound That Lives Up to the Hype
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| The soundbar looks a lot like previous Q990 models, but that's not a bad thing. Tyler Hayes |
With a total output of 756 watts, the Q990F doesn’t hold back. Watching high-intensity scenes from films like "Dune: Part Two" or "Top Gun: Maverick" was a visceral experience gunfire crackled with precision, explosions rattled the room, and ambient sound effects enveloped me completely. The rear speakers and upward-firing drivers work together to create a dome of sound that feels cinematic and engaging. Dolby Atmos performance is especially noteworthy, adding verticality to the soundscape without needing ceiling speakers.
The system’s new sealed subwoofer is smaller than last year's, but just as fierce. It pumped out deep, punchy bass with minimal distortion, and I never felt the need to adjust EQ levels though the option is there for those who like to tinker. Samsung’s SpaceFit Sound Pro adds room calibration with a single tap in the SmartThings app, subtly tightening audio performance based on your room’s dimensions.
There are also features like “Moderate Bass” mode, which disables the subwoofer (great for apartments), and “Private Rear Sound,” which shifts audio focus to the rear speakers handy for late-night viewing. Samsung’s Q-Symphony mode, which plays sound through both the TV speakers and the soundbar, works well enough, though its benefits are minimal if you’ve already got great speakers.
Surprisingly Good for Music Too
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| The Q990F has a display for showing settings and other info, but its small size requires extensive text scrolling. Tyler Hayes |
Though built with home theater in mind, the Q990F is also a versatile music machine. It supports all major wireless protocols Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and Spotify Connect so it's easy to stream from your phone or tablet. Whether listening to stereo mixes or Dolby Atmos music from Apple Music, playback was crisp, dynamic, and immersive. I enjoyed how easily I could throw on a playlist while cooking or cleaning without any connectivity hiccups.
And with Amazon Alexa built-in, the Q990F doubles as a smart speaker for your living room. Voice controls are responsive, and integration into smart home setups is seamless.
Final Verdict: Is the Samsung Q990F Worth It?
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| This year's model has a more compact subwoofer, but it still offers deep low frequencies. Tyler Hayes |
In terms of performance, simplicity, and value for a premium soundbar system, the Samsung HW-Q990F is hard to beat. It provides a rich, room-filling Dolby Atmos experience that rivals more complicated and expensive home theater setups. Setup is effortless, the feature set is deep, and the sound quality is truly excellent for both movies and music.
The retail price of $2,000 is substantial, but frequent sales drop it closer to $1,700 and at that price, it’s an excellent deal for what you get. However, if budget is a concern, you might want to consider the older Q990C, which remains a great performer at a lower cost. That said, the refinements in the Q990F like HDMI 2.1 passthrough and the sleeker subwoofer may be worth the premium for some buyers.
If you’re looking for a top-tier, plug-and-play surround sound system that delivers thunderous audio, deep immersion, and thoughtful convenience features, the Q990F is one of the best options in 2025.
