Samsung HW-QS90H vs. HW-Q900H vs. HW-Q990H: Comparing Q Series Soundbars
Shop The Q Series Soundbars
Comparing Key Soundbar Specs
We've compiled this list of key specs on each Samsung Q Series soundbar to help you keep track of their key features while you decide which one to buy.
| Feature | HW-QS90H | HW-Q900H | HW-Q990H |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $997.99 | $1497.99 | $1697.99 |
| Number of Channels | 7.1.2 | 7.1.2 | 11.1.4 |
| Inputs | 1x HDMI, 1x Optical | 2x HDMI, 1x Optical | 2x HDMI, 1x Digital Optical |
| Wireless Rear Speaker | No | No | Yes, 2 |
| Wireless Subwoofer | No | Yes | Yes |
| Dolby Atmos | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Enhance Mode | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| SpaceFit Sound Pro | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Game Mode Pro | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Volume | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sound Elevation | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Consider Your Soundbar Budget
Before we get into the different sound technologies on these Samsung soundbars, you need to determine your budget. Currently, the HW-QS90H retails for $997.99, the HW-Q900H retails for $1,497.99 and the HW-Q990H retails for $1,697.99. None of these are considered "budget" models, but there's a distinct price difference between the 3. The Samsung HW-Q990H is the brand's flagship soundbar, with full surround and included speakers and a dual-driver subwoofer to account for the higher price. If you have the budget, we think it's worth it to splurge. Let's explore why.
Samsung HW-QS90H: An All-In-One Solution
The HW-QS90H is Samsung's first all-in-one soundbar; the reason why it doesn't come with a separate soundbar is because the woofers are housed inside the soundbar. It can be set on a TV stand or mounted to a wall, with its built-in gyro sensor to optimize sound based on where you place it. So, beyond being the most budget-friendly pick of the three, this soundbar is also ideal for smaller spaces with less room for extra equipment, or for those who want to achieve a sleek, minimalist setup.
Comparing Audio Quality
How do these devices sound? The HW-QS90H and HW-Q990H are very different, and there's really no comparison: with wide-, side- and up-firing drivers plus the added speakers and subwoofer, HW-Q990H is designed to be a true home theater system. However, that's not to say the HW-QS90H doesn't sound good; its four integrated woofers still offer solid bass, particularly in smaller rooms. The HW-Q900H is sort of the Goldilocks of the three. Like the HW-Q990H, HW-Q900H features wide-, side- and up-firing drivers, and a dual subwoofer, but it lacks the rear speakers that help the HW-Q990H create true immersion.
New Samsung Soundbar Features
Each of these soundbars offers two new features: Auto Volume and Sound Elevation. Auto Volume helps keep sound levels consistent, a solution to the annoying phenomenon of blasting loud commercials. Sound Elevation helps dialogue sound like it's coming directly from the characters on-screen, rather than from your soundbar. As these features are common to the three Q Series soundbars, they're not a deciding factor, but we felt they were worth mentioning.
Designed for Immersive Audio
Each of these Samsung speakers share audio technologies that produce 3D sound, including wireless Dolby Atmos and Eclipsa Audio, Samsung's 3D audio technology they created with Google. So, if you're enjoying a show or movie that doesn't support Dolby Atmos, Eclipsa can still produce spatial audio. However, the HW-Q900H and HW-Q990H come with a subwoofer and a subwoofer and rear speakers, respectively, which adds to the surround sound feeling by literally placing the different components around you in the room.
Smart Home Connectivity
Samsung's newest soundbars are also all compatible with SmartThings, which lets you control your soundbar via the SmartThings app on your phone. Plus, this means you can control your Samsung appliances and soundbar all in one convenient app. As the flagship model, the HW-Q990H also includes a built-in SmartThings Hub, so it can act as a controller for Matter and SmartThings smart home devices. It's another feature that adds convenience to the most expensive soundbar of the trio, but make sure it's a feature you'll actually use before you invest.
Which Samsung Q Series Soundbar Should You Get?
Similarities aside, each of these speakers is better for different users. Think of them as good, better, best, where spending more gets you some more features to improve your home audio setup. If you're working with a smaller budget and/or need a soundbar for a smaller space, the HW-QS90H is ideal. If you want to upgrade your sound but still value simple installation, the HW-Q900H is a good choice. For those seeking the most premium audio upgrade with a complete, multi-unit setup, we recommend investing in the HW-Q990H. No matter which you choose, you can shop Samsung soundbars in-store and online at Abt. Visit our store in Glenview to hear them for yourself, or call our audio specialists at 800-860-3577 if you have additional questions about these soundbars.
Samsung Q Series Soundbar FAQs
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The HW-Q990H is easily the best soundbar of the collection, with more drivers, an included subwoofer and rear speakers that create immersive 3D sound.
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Yes; these soundbars all support Q-Symphony.
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Yes; the HW-QS90H, HW-Q900H and HW-Q990H all support wireless Dolby Atmos, which is designed to produce immersive spatial audio.
