Samsung HW-Q990H (2026)

The HW-Q990H is Samsung's top-of-the-line soundbar of 2025. Thanks to the 11.1.4 channel system, True Dolby Atmos, 2 included rear speakers, and a surprising dual-driver subwoofer, I enjoy realistic, cinema-worthy sound.

Extensive sound system The HW-Q990H is an 11.1.4 soundbar. The system features a total of 23 speakers, distributed across 11 channels, a subwoofer, and 4 upward-facing speakers. This allows me to listen to realistic movie sound. I can turn the volume up overwhelmingly high or down to a whisper, without the sound quality deteriorating. This way, I enjoy every movie and series I watch. I also find the soundbar a good choice for music. For instance, I can hear every detail of my favorite songs on Spotify.

Surround sound with True Dolby Atmos With the HW-Q990H, I enjoy spatial surround sound. This is due to the soundbar's 4 upward-facing speakers and 2 included rear speakers. The sound from the rear speakers, in particular, stands out immediately. When watching Dolby Atmos content, the sound becomes even more spacious, and the upward-facing speakers of the soundbar play a larger role. During these movies or series, the sound bounces off the ceiling and the surrounding walls to my seat. In short: with the HW-Q990H, I am right in the middle of the action.

Compact subwoofer The included subwoofer looks small, but still delivers deep bass tones. This cube-shaped subwoofer features two built-in 8-inch drivers and fills the room with sound. As a result, I don't miss a single moment of my favorite action movies. I can hear the subwoofer clearly, but the bass tones are never overwhelming. No matter how loud I turn the volume up, the bass remains clear and complements the sound of the soundbar beautifully.

After listening for years with a traditional home cinema set, I was, to be honest, quite skeptical about switching to a soundbar. My old setup consisted of a robust combination of a Quadral surround system, a center speaker, Bowers & Wilkins speakers, a subwoofer, and a Denon receiver. Consequently, I was seriously afraid that I would have to compromise significantly on sound quality and the overall experience.

But the combination of the Samsung 77S95F and the Samsung HW-Q990H completely surprised me. In fact, this setup far exceeded my expectations.

What makes this combination so special is how the TV speakers work together with the soundbar. The sound truly fills the entire room and creates an impressive spatial effect. Movies take on a cinematic impact with deep bass, crystal-clear dialogue, and a surround experience that draws you completely into the action. But music also sounds surprisingly full, dynamic, and detailed. For someone who listens very critically, that says a lot.

Furthermore, the picture quality of the 77S95F is simply phenomenal. The OLED panel delivers extremely deep black levels, intense colors, and a brightness that truly brings movies, series, and games to life. Especially when combined with the powerful sound of the Q990H, it creates an experience that you don't just see and hear, but truly feel.

Because I am a true sound freak, I am even going to expand my setup with two Samsung Music Frame speakers. These not only add extra spaciousness to the sound but also function perfectly as standalone speakers for streaming music. After listening to this combination in the store, I knew immediately: this completes the whole picture.

My conclusion?

Anyone who thinks a soundbar can never match a traditional surround sound system absolutely must experience this combination. Together, the Samsung 77S95F and Q990H deliver an unprecedentedly immersive movie and music experience. This is no longer just an ordinary TV with a soundbar — this is pure home cinema experience at the highest level.