The Samsung HW-Q990F builds on the strengths of its predecessor with powerful, immersive sound and dynamic performance. It delivers a cinematic audio experience that stands out in its class.
One of the most noticeable changes is the redesigned subwoofer. It’s now more compact, making it easier to place in smaller spaces without sacrificing performance.
While the HW-Q990F is only a minor upgrade over the previous HW-Q990D, it still sets a high bar for Dolby Atmos soundbars in 2025.
Pros
- Immersive, room-filling sound
- Handy sound-enhancing features
- Sleek, compact subwoofer design
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support
- Solid build quality and aesthetics
Considerations
- High price point
- Front LED display can be hard to read
- Minor upgrade over HW-Q990D
- Requires space for rear speakers
Table of Contents
Samsung HW-Q990F Quick Overview
The Samsung HW-Q990F is the follow-up to the highly rated HW-Q990D. While it doesn’t reinvent the formula, it introduces a more compact subwoofer and continues Samsung’s tradition of delivering top-tier Dolby Atmos soundbars.
This system includes 11.1.4 channels spread across four components: a soundbar, a subwoofer, and two rear speakers. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X passthrough, along with 4K at 120Hz via multiple HDMI 2.1 ports.
Samsung adds smart features like SpaceFit Sound Pro, which calibrates audio to your room. If you own a compatible Samsung TV, you can also use Q-Symphony to enhance sound by syncing the TV’s speakers with the soundbar.
The Q990F sounds fantastic. Despite its smaller size, the subwoofer delivers deep, detailed bass. It may be more refined than previous models.
Surround sound is immersive and engaging. The soundstage is wide, and Dolby Atmos effects are dynamic and precise, easily among the best in its class.
It also handles Atmos music well. While it doesn’t outperform premium music-focused systems like the Marshall Heston 120 or Sonos Arc Ultra, it’s still a strong choice for music lovers.
The new subwoofer is ideal for smaller spaces. The system’s overall size matches the Q990D, but the materials feel slightly less premium. Still, the build quality is solid and feels worth the price.
Setup is quick and easy. Connect the soundbar to your TV via HDMI eARC, and the four units sync wirelessly. You’ll need the SmartThings app for full setup and customization, but the included remote also works well for everyday use.
The Q990F is a premium product with a premium price. While there are cheaper options and all-in-one systems available, the Q990F justifies its cost with excellent performance.
It’s not a major upgrade over the Q990D, which remains the better value if you can still find it. However, as Q990D stock runs out, the Q990F is ready to take its place. Expect discounts throughout the year as prices continue to drop.
Samsung HW-Q990F Review: Price & Release Date
The Samsung HW-Q990F is the company’s flagship soundbar for 2025. It launched in May and sits at the top of Samsung’s lineup, above models like the HW-Q930F, HW-Q900F, HW-Q800F, HW-Q700F, and the redesigned QS700F.
At launch, the HW-Q990F was priced at $1,999 / £1,699 / AU$2,099. Since then, the HW-Q900F has seen a price drop and is now available for around $1,599 / £1,499 / AU$1,599.
Despite its size, the HW-Q990F should fit under most TVs.
Samsung HW-Q990F: Key Specs
- Soundbar dimensions: 1232 x 70.8 x 138 mm (48.5 x 2.8 x 5.4 in)
- Subwoofer: 249 x 251.8 x 249 mm (9.8 x 10.0 x 9.8 in)
- Rear speakers: 129.5 x 201.3 x 140.4 mm (5.1 x 8.0 x 5.5 in)
- Speaker channels: 11.1.4
- Connections:
- 1x HDMI out (eARC)
- 2x HDMI 2.1 in
- Optical digital audio
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Audio formats: Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
- Included: Subwoofer and rear speakers
Samsung HW-Q990F: Features
The HW-Q990F builds on the success of the previous HW-Q990D. It keeps the 11.1.4 channel setup but adds a 23rd speaker and a redesigned dual-driver subwoofer.
It supports a wide range of audio formats, including:
- Dolby Atmos (wired and wireless)
- DTS:X
- Dolby Digital Plus
- Dolby TrueHD
- Dolby 5.1
- DTS-HD Master Audio
For gamers, the two HDMI 2.1 inputs support 4K at 120Hz. The HDMI eARC output ensures high-quality audio passthrough to your TV.
Wireless connectivity includes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. You can stream music, including Dolby Atmos tracks, from compatible devices.
Smart Audio Features
The HW-Q990F includes several advanced sound technologies:
- SpaceFit Sound Pro: Automatically adjusts audio to your room.
- Adaptive Sound: Optimizes sound in real-time based on content.
- Active Voice Amplifier Pro: Boosts dialogue using AI.
- Private Audio Mode: Sends sound to rear speakers for quiet listening.
- Q-Symphony: Syncs with compatible Samsung TVs for fuller sound.
You can also use Tap Sound to instantly play music from your phone by tapping it on the soundbar.
Controls & App Support
You can control the HW-Q990F with the included remote or the Samsung SmartThings app. The app offers deeper customization, including EQ settings and access to features like SpaceFit Sound Pro and Adaptive Sound.
Samsung HW-Q990F Review: Performance
The Samsung HW-Q990F delivers expansive, powerful sound with deep, controlled bass and excellent performance for movies, music, and games.
Powerful, Controlled Bass
Samsung’s new subwoofer may be smaller than before, but it doesn’t compromise on power. It produces deep, punchy bass that can shake a room. During the Batmobile chase in The Batman, the engine’s roar created a thrilling rumble that made the scene feel alive.
Despite its power, the bass remains tight and nuanced. In Defying Gravity from Wicked, the low-end supported the vocals and instruments without overwhelming them, allowing each element to shine.
Precise Sound Placement
The Q990F excels at placing sound effects with pinpoint accuracy. In The Batman, the sound of cars weaving through traffic moved smoothly across the front soundbar. In Star Wars: A New Hope, X-Wings and TIE Fighters flew overhead and behind, fully utilizing the rear speakers for an immersive experience.
Balanced, Wide Soundstage
Sound balance is another strength. In Wicked, high-pitched vocals were crisp and clear, while strings and bass tones blended seamlessly. The soundstage was impressively wide, easily filling the room during testing.
Smart Features That Enhance Sound
Samsung’s SpaceFit Sound Pro feature boosts volume and tightens audio without shrinking the soundstage. While results may vary by room, it worked well in our acoustically treated lab.
Pairing the Q990F with Samsung’s S95F OLED TV enabled Q-Symphony. This feature added volume, depth, and width to the sound, especially noticeable in subtle effects like gear shifts and engine revs in The Batman.
Music Performance
Dolby Atmos’s music sounded fantastic. In Riders on the Storm by The Doors, rain effects hovered overhead while vocals, guitars, and keyboards were clear and well-balanced. I’ve Got So Much To Give by Barry White spread instruments across the room, creating a rich, layered experience.
Stereo music wasn’t as impressive as Atmos tracks, but still performed well. Japanese Song by Thelonious Monk had a wide soundstage, with bright piano notes and well-placed saxophone tones. It may not match the musicality of dedicated systems like the Marshall Heston 120, but it holds its own.
Gaming Performance
Gaming on the Q990F was smooth and responsive. Playing Battlefield V at 4K 120Hz on an Xbox Series X, the soundbar passed the signal to the S95F TV without adding lag. Input latency measured just 9.5ms, ensuring fast, accurate audio during intense firefights.
Samsung HW-Q990F Review: Design
The Samsung HW-Q990F sound system includes four components: a main soundbar, a subwoofer, and two rear speakers. Each has been redesigned for this model.
The most noticeable change is the subwoofer. Samsung replaced the large, upright design of previous models with a compact, cube-shaped version. It now measures 249 x 251.8 x 249 mm (9.8 x 9.9 x 9.8 in), making it nearly half the size of the Q990D’s subwoofer. This smaller footprint offers more flexibility for placement.
The main soundbar and rear speakers remain the same size as those in the Q990D. However, their appearance has changed. While the front of the soundbar still features a metal grille, the top now uses a lined, grated design that looks less premium. The rear speakers follow this same design shift.
Visually, the new subwoofer is a step up. It looks sleeker and more modern. In contrast, the other components feel like a downgrade in build quality compared to last year’s model.
The soundbar retains its alphanumeric display. Although it’s still hard to read from a distance, it’s a useful feature that many will appreciate.
Samsung HW-Q990F Usability Review
Setting up the Q990F is quick and straightforward, even though it includes multiple components.
After connecting the main soundbar to the TV’s HDMI eARC port, the other units only needed power. They automatically synced wirelessly, eliminating the need for extra cables.
You can control the system using the included remote or the SmartThings app. The remote works well for basic functions. However, the SmartThings app offers more control and customization options.
The app lets you fine-tune sound settings and access advanced features. Still, the Q990F sounds great right out of the box, even without adjustments.
Samsung HW-Q990F Review: Is It Worth the Price?
The Samsung HW-Q990F is a complete soundbar system aimed at home theater enthusiasts. It comes with a premium price tag—$1,599 / £1,599 / AU$1,599 at the time of writing.
That’s significantly more than other high-quality all-in-one soundbars like the Marshall Heston 120 or Sonos Arc Ultra, both priced around $999 / £999. Budget options like the Hisense AX5125H offer surround sound for as little as $299 / £299.
So, is the Q990F worth the extra cost?
Powerful, Immersive Sound
The Q990F delivers exceptional performance. With 11.1.4 channels and 23 speakers, it creates a rich, immersive audio experience. Whether you’re watching movies or gaming, the sound is dynamic and powerful.
Minor Upgrade Over the Q990D
One drawback is that the Q990F isn’t a huge leap from its predecessor, the Q990D. The older model is still available for $1,199 / £799 and offers nearly the same performance.
The main difference is a redesigned subwoofer. While it looks better and is more compact, the overall upgrade is modest. If you can still find the Q990D, it may offer better value for now.
The Q990F is a premium product with a price to match. It delivers excellent sound, but the value depends on whether you can still find the Q990D at a discount.
Should You Buy the Samsung HW-Q990F?
Buy it if:
- You want top-tier surround sound with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
- You’re building a high-end home theater setup.
- You value a sleek, compact subwoofer design.
Don’t buy it if:
- You already own the Q990D.
- You’re looking for a budget-friendly option.
- You want major upgrades over previous models.
How It Compares
| Model | Speaker Channels | Key Connections | Dolby Atmos / DTS:X | Dimensions (Soundbar / Sub / Rear) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Q990F | 11.1.4 | 2x HDMI 2.1 in, 1x HDMI out, Wi-Fi, BT | Yes / Yes | 1232 x 70.8 x 138 mm / 249³ mm / 129.5 x 201.3 x 140.4 mm |
| Samsung Q990D | 11.1.4 | Same as Q990F | Yes / Yes | Slightly larger soundbar and sub |
| LG S95TR | 11.1.4 | HDMI 2.1, eARC, Wi-Fi, BT | Yes / Yes | Similar size, slightly different layout |
| JBL Bar 1300X | 16 | 4x HDMI in, optical, USB-A | Yes / Yes | More compact soundbar, larger sub |
