The home theater reviews season has commenced, and I have my hands on some of Samsung’s best devices for 2025. We’ve taken a look at the Samsung QN900F Neo-QLED 8K TV and now, it is time to take a look at the Samsung HW-Q990F soundbar. Given that, Samsung has one of the best technologies in the home theater business, Q-Symphony sound. If you intend to buy something like the QN900F 8K TV, you should consider the Samsung HW-Q990F soundbar to pair with it. Not only for the improved soundbar quality, but for the simple fact that Q-Symphony technology makes it 100% worth it!
Estimated reading time: 12 minutes
Even if you don’t have a Samsung TV, or an older Samsung TV that doesn’t support Q-Symphony, the Samsung HW-Q990F is a fantastic addition to any home theater setup. Especially if you currently do not have a soundbar. Let’s get into the full review!
The Quick Take
The Samsung HW-Q990F carries on the pedigree of the company’s Q-Series soundbars. The Q-Series is a stellar line of soundbars and if you have the cheddar, so worth it.
Everything that makes a Samsung soundbar is here, but your experience may vary depending on the TV you pair it with. If you have a Samsung TV that supports Q-Symphony sound, you will be getting the best of the best experience. If you don’t have a Q-Symphony sound compatible TV, then you’ll be getting a great experience and if you’ve never heard Q-Symphony, you won’t notice. But holy cow, buy a Samsung TV that is compatible with Q-Symphony and you will be in sound heaven!
Score and Bottom Line
Samsung HW-Q990F
$1,999,99
Nailed it
- Samsung managed to make the subwoofer smaller but even better
- Fantastic looking design
- Easy to use and setup
- Q-Symphony Sound when paired with a compatible Samsung TV
- 11.1.4 True Dolby ATMOS sound also wireless
- Space Fit Sound is like magic
Needs work
- I won’t lie, it’s expensive and some may shy away from the price
- It is a chunky boy and may not fit under some TVs on a stand
The Samsung HW-Q990F is an incredible 11.1.4 surround soundbar that is easy to connect and performs with excellence as a main home theater sound source. I paired it with a Q-Symphony compatible TV and a TCL QM8 and in both cases, it sounded amazing. All the Samsung goodies are here, along with support for DTS and Dolby and a plethora of other goodies. If you’re in the market for an outstanding soundbar to go with your amazing Samsung TV, this is the one.
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Samsung HW-Q990F Specifications
The Samsung HW-Q990F has the following features and specifications:
- Number of Channels: 11.1.4
- Number of Speakers: 23
- Subwoofer Type (Active / Passive / Wireless, Built-in): Wireless
- Center Speaker: Yes
- Up-firing Speaker: Yes
- Wide-firing speaker: Yes
- Front-firing Speaker: Yes
- Wall Mounting: Yes
- Compatible Rear Speaker: Inbox
- Compatible Wireless Subwoofer: Inbox
- Multi Position Rear Speaker: Yes
- Farfield Voice expansion for TV: Yes
- Q-Symphony (2025): Yes
- Auto AV Sync: Yes
- Dolby:
- Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby 5.1ch
- DTS:
- DTS:X, DTS-HD HRA, DTS-HD MA, DTS Express, DTS 5.1ch
- Wireless Rear Speaker included: Yes
- Night Mode: Yes
- Hi-Res Audio Decoding: Yes
- SpaceFit Sound Pro Plus: Yes
- Active Voice Amplifier Pro (AVA): Yes
- Sound Modes:
- Surround Sound Expansion
- Game Pro Mode
- Adaptive Sound
- Voice enhance mode: Yes
- 4K Video Pass: 120Hz
- HDR: HDR 10+
- HDMI In: 2
- HDMI Out: 1
- HDMI-CEC: Yes
- HDMI ARC: Yes(eARC)
- Digital Audio Input (Optical): 1
- Bluetooth Power On: Yes
- Chromecast: Yes
- One Remote Control: Yes
- Wireless Dolby Atmos: Yes
- Spotify Connect: Yes
- Bluetooth: Yes
- Spotify Connect: Yes
- AirPlay: Yes
- Bluetooth Version: 5.3
- Rear Speaker Dimensions (inches) (W × H × D): 5.1 x 7.93 x 5.53
- Rear Speaker Weight: 7.5 (lbs)
- Subwoofer Size (inches): 9.8 x 9.91 x 9.8
- Main Unit Weight (lbs): 16.1
- Subwoofer Weight (lbs): 18.3
- Soundbar (inches): 48.5 x 2.79 x 5.43
- Package Size (inch): 51.54 x 16.65 x 11.65
- Package Weight (lbs): 52.5
What’s In The Box
- Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar: Yes
- Subwoofer: Yes
- Rear Speaker Kit: Yes
- HDMI Cable: Yes (HDMI 2.1)
- Optical Cable: No
- Wall Mount Kit: Yes
- Rubber Feet: Yes
- Remote Controller: Yes
- Battery for Remote Controller: Yes
Design
The Samsung HW-Q990F brings some of that familiar Q-Series design from last year but with some major improvements, especially to the subwoofer. I will mention, this is a chunky boy and may not fit under some TVs that are on a stand. This doesn’t make it bad, the enclosure needed to be big enough to fit all the speakers and tech inside, so there is a compromise here. I would recommend wall mounting it.
The basic shape and construction has remained mostly the same, I love the absence of mesh cloth material that usually collects dust quickly. Last year, the HW-Q990D was nearly all aluminum, which made the soundbar fairly heavy. This year, the Samsung HW-Q990F mixes aluminum construction with some high-quality plastics, resulting in a one pound reduction in weight.
The overall look of the Samsung HW-Q990F is sleek and clean, though I wouldn’t call it a piece of art because it is just a black slab. Despite the lack of beauty, it’s not ugly, and when placed directly in front of the TV, it’s hardly noticeable. You can also mount it on the wall with wall bracket mounts, which is what I would recommend.
Taking a tour around the soundbar, you will find the Multi-Function, Power, Volume, and Pairing buttons on the top. These are clicky buttons, not touch-sensitive, and I prefer this. The top is where Samsung chose to use plastic material, and it has a nice look to it.
The front of the Samsung HW-Q990F houses a small LED display showing the current status and mode of the soundbar. It does turn off after a few seconds, so it’s not on all the time, which is a nice touch so it doesn’t distract from watching TV.
Moving down to the bottom of the Samsung HW-Q990F, we find the power port, service port, Optical port, HDMI port, and HDMI eARC port. That’s all you’ll see on this puppy; the rest is high-quality materials, including some rubber feet to help keep the soundbar stable if you place it on a TV stand.
The Samsung HW-Q990F remote is also simple but allows you to control the source, Bluetooth pairing, muting, sound mode, playback, woofer level, and tone control. While you don’t need the remote to turn the volume up and down, you can use your TV remote for that (utilizing HDMI CEC built into most TVs); I would keep the soundbar remote handy for other Samsung-centric adjustments. Though, if you have a compatible Samsung TV, your Samsung TV remote should work for all your needs.
Like most Samsung remotes, the design is simple and to the point. I recommend reading the manual because you may miss many features and controls on the remote if you don’t research it.
One of the best improvements Samsung has made with this soundbar is the footprint of the subwoofer. Last year’s subwoofer was a chunker, and the Samsung HW-990F subwoofer is almost half the size of its predecessor. This makes a significant difference, not only in weight, but in the space it takes to house it. They did this without sacrificing any of that low end, an excellent improvement. The wireless rear speakers are about the same size, but still effortless to place and set up.
Overall, the design of the HW-990F is nice and straightforward, yet it is still robust and well-built. It’s not ugly; if you place it correctly, it blends right in without sticking out. Removing the cloth mesh covering and just making it a more industrial design is perfectly fine with me, less mess, and easier to keep clean.
Ease of Use/Setup
Using and setting up the Samsung HW-Q990F is straightforward. If you’re using a non-Samsung TV, all you need to do is plug it in, and you’re on your way. Most newer TVs should be using CEC, so your TV remote should be able to control the soundbar. Check your owner’s manuals for more info about that.
If you’re using a Samsung TV, the TV should detect the soundbar and ask if you like to set it up, go through the quick and simple setup process, and you’re in. You might be asked about Q-Symphony and other Samsung-centric features, but it is straightforward. It’s very much like setting up a Samsung TV, the ecosystem works nicely together.
I opted to place the HW-Q990F in front of the Samsung QN990F I had in for review; it is recommended not to slip the soundbar under the TV. Putting it in front of the screen allows the up-firing speakers to work properly. Not to mention the side-firing speakers. I made the mistake of placing the feet of the QN990F too low, so the soundbar blocked the TV a bit, just be sure you don’t do the same.
You can mount the HW-Q990F on the wall using brackets and hardware. You can place it under the TV if it is also wall mounted. Or if your TV is on a stand, you could put it behind and mount the soundbar on the wall behind the TV. But be aware that the front-firing speakers may be blocked, depending on how high or low you mount the soundbar. I recommend finding studs, but you could also use heavy-duty wall anchors. Studs are better.
Samsung’s SpaceFit sound will automatically calibrate the sound to your room. A built-in microphone inside the subwoofer and the soundbar ensure sound settings are auto-optimized and calibrated to match the dimensions of your room. This system works very well and delivers an excellent experience. And if you have a compatible Q-Symphony Samsung TV, the system will detect that, and you will be able to use the TV speakers and the soundbar together. You can change that at any time in the settings, but why would you?
Setting up the rear speakers is also simple, just plug and play. The system will detect the rear speakers and the subwoofer on its own and everything will connect. Samsung has made the whole process straightforward and nearly effortless.
Overall, the Samsung HW-Q990F is straightforward and effortless to set up. Once everything is in place, you don’t need to worry about anything else but finding the right movie to experience the fullness of this soundbar.
Sound/Features
One of the key features of the Samsung HW-Q990F is the Q-Symphony sound, I love it. When you pair a compatible Samsung TV with this soundbar, you will have access to both device’s speakers and they will be in sync. This isn’t a new feature for Samsung, but it is one of the best features Samsung has developed in the past few years and as far as I know, Samsung is the only one with the feature. Well worth using, if you have the ability. Here are the top ten features of this soundbar.
- True 11.1.4 Ch Full Surround
- Wireless Dolby Atmos¹
- Q-Symphony
- SpaceFit Sound Pro
- Smart Integration
- Active Voice Amplifier (AVA) Pro
- Subwoofer With Dynamic Bass Control
- Game Pro Mode
- Wireless TV connection
- Adaptive Sound
Eleven primary channels are the meat of this system. Three front (left, center, right), two side-firing, 2 wide-firing, and four rear channels offer up room filling True Dolby Atmos Sound. Of course, you get the subwoofer and the rear speakers contain upfiring speakers as well.
Samsung also allows you to experience Wireless Dolby Atmos sound without connecting HDMI cables at all. I had no issues with this, but I still prefer to wire my soundbar. Though, I do appreciate the wireless surround speakers and subwoofer.
The Samsung HW-Q990F also comes with SpaceFit Sound Pro, which calibrates the sound to your room and space. There are many other soundbars that do this as well, and I think the feature does an impressive job of mapping the environment to deliver quality results.
Two excellent features on the Samsung HW-Q990F are, Adaptive Sound and Active Voice Amplifier. This enhances voices and dialogue so you can hear voices better, even at low volume, with intelligently optimized audio. Scenes are analyzed in real time to pull out the most important audio based on the type of content. The Active Voice Amplifier breaks down room noise so that onscreen voices are always optimized.
The feature has been improved and is far more noticeably working than in the past. One solution would be for moviemakers to create a better mix where dialogue isn’t swallowed by sound effects, but I digress.
For gamers, Samsung offers Game Mode Pro that uses the up-firing speakers, acoustic beam and strong woofers to produce an all around more immersive gaming experience. I don’t game a lot, but I can confirm that the sound was very immersive when playing Xbox.
Overall, the Samsung HW-Q990F soundbar is the best Samsung has and it is fantastic. I enjoyed it more using a Samsung TV with Q-Symphony sound, but it is just as good on other brands too. It’s immersive, loud, and the Dolby Atmos content is astounding.
Price/Value
This is the Samsung big boy soundbar and that’s going to cost you. Though, Samsung has already been offering some deals, so be sure to check their website. Here’s what I have to say about the value. Buying this soundbar should set you up for a good number of years, five years or even more. So if you think about it in those terms, you are getting your money’s worth with this soundbar.
Wrap Up
The Samsung HW-Q990F is an incredible 11.1.4 surround soundbar that is easy to connect and performs with excellence as a main home theater sound source. I paired it with a Q-Symphony compatible TV and a TCL QM8 and in both cases, it sounded amazing. All the Samsung goodies are here, along with support for DTS and Dolby and a plethora of other goodies. If you’re in the market for an outstanding soundbar to go with your amazing Samsung TV, this is the one.
