Samsung HW-Q800F vs Samsung HW-Q990F
Get the Samsung Q800F. Unless you want sound behind you, or game at 4K/120 through the soundbar — then the Q990F.
Samsung HW-Q800F
A 5.1.2 bar with a compact subwoofer, clear dialogue and real up-firing speakers, for about half the price of the big systems.
Samsung HW-Q990F
A full 11.1.4 surround system with a sub and rear speakers, and the best Atmos you can get from a soundbar. Big, and the box is full.
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Both have a wireless sub, clear dialogue and up-firing Atmos, and both play DTS:X. The Q990F adds two rear speakers and 4K/120 passthrough, but the Q800F gives you the deep bass and overhead effects for less.
- —You want a bar and sub without paying flagship prices.
- —You have no room for speakers behind the sofa.
- —Your console plugs into the TV, not the soundbar.
- —You want sound behind you too.
- —You game at 4K/120 through the soundbar.
- —You have room for rear speakers behind the sofa.
Key differences
Pros and cons
- +Deep bass from a compact sub
- +Clear dialogue from a centre channel
- +Remote and wall bracket in the box
- −HDMI passthrough is 4K/60 only, with no HDMI 2.1.
- −No rear speakers in the box.
- −Samsung's 2026 HW-Q800H has replaced it, so stock is running down.
- +Real surround and overhead effects
- +Deep, tight bass from the included sub
- +4K/120 passthrough for consoles
- −The front display is hard to read.
- −Setup needs Samsung's SmartThings app.
- −Some owners report the volume getting out of sync when streaming music.
- −The bar is 123cm wide, too long for TVs under 55 inches.
Ready to choose?
- Is the Samsung Q800F worth it?
- Is the Samsung Q990F worth it?
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How we reached this verdict
We compared independent expert reviews with the manufacturer's specifications, then checked it's sold at a major retailer where you live. We don't test products ourselves.
Sources: RTINGS, What Hi-Fi, What Hi-Fi, manufacturer specifications.