Samsung HW-Q990H review

The HW-Q990H is less a soundbar than a full surround system in one box: the bar, a subwoofer with AI Dynamic Bass Control, and two wireless rear speakers with up-firing drivers that bounce sound off the ceiling for an 11.1.4 channel layout. That makes it the most complete package here, but also the one that goes furthest from the idea of skipping a speaker system. For dialogue, Samsung lists Active Voice Amplifier Pro, which emphasizes voices when the room or the soundtrack gets noisy, along with a Voice Enhance mode and Night mode. Auto Volume measures and normalizes loudness across sources, which helps with jumps between shows and ads. A center height filter is meant to make voices feel like they come from the screen. Connections include HDMI eARC and HDMI 2.1, and Q-Symphony and wireless Dolby Atmos work with Samsung TVs. We could not confirm the US price from Samsung's store as fetched, so check it before you buy.

Who it is for

Viewers who want full surround sound from a boxed system and are fine placing rear speakers.

Price

See vendor pricing (USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• True 11.1.4 channel system with subwoofer and two wireless up-firing rear speakers
• Active Voice Amplifier (AVA) Pro and a Voice Enhance mode
• Auto Volume to normalize loudness across content
• Wireless Dolby Atmos and Q-Symphony with Samsung TVs
• HDMI eARC and HDMI 2.1

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: The only true surround system in the box on this list
• Strength: AVA Pro is built to keep voices clear over room noise
• Strength: Auto Volume evens out loud ads and quiet shows
• Weakness: Rear speakers and a subwoofer need space and power outlets
• Weakness: Some features work best with a Samsung TV
• Weakness: We could not verify the US price from Samsung's page as fetched

Key facts

• Channels: 11.1.4
• In the box: Soundbar, subwoofer, 2 rear speakers
• Dialogue control: AVA Pro, Voice Enhance mode
• Connection: HDMI eARC, HDMI 2.1

Where it ranks

Samsung HW-Q990H is No. 7 in our Best Soundbars verdict.