The Samsung HW-Q900T soundbar is a premium-looking 7.1.2 setup with a dedicated subwoofer. It has a very neutral default sound profile, a wide and focused soundstage, and many sound customization and connectivity options. The manufacturer advertises that Alexa voice assistant is built into the bar, but we don't test for this. It also supports surround and Dolby Atmos content, though it lacks satellite speakers so it doesn't provide the most immersive listening experience. On the upside, it can get loud, and its versatile overall performance should please many different listeners.
Our Verdict
The Samsung HW-Q900T soundbar is very good for mixed usage. This 7.1.2 setup has a dedicated center channel that makes it ideal for reproducing dialogue-heavy content like TV shows clearly and accurately. Its well-balanced default sound profile is suitable for many different types of music genres and audio content. While it supports surround and Atmos content, it doesn't have dedicated surround speakers, so its sound isn't the most immersive. On the upside, it has many sound customization features.
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Dedicated center channel.
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Graphic EQ and presets.
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Well-balanced sound profile.
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Poor surrounds and height performances.
The Samsung HW-Q900T soundbar is impressive for dialogue and TV shows. Thanks to its 7.1.2 setup, it has a dedicated center channel that makes dialogue-heavy content clear and accurate. Its default sound profile is very well-balanced, especially in the mid-range, which is ideal for accurately reproducing voices. If you want dialogue to sound more clear and crisp, there's even a dialogue enhancement feature available. It can also get loud, and you can stream podcasts to the bar wirelessly via a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection.
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Dialogue enhancement feature.
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Dedicated center channel.
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Bluetooth and Wi-Fi compatible.
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No auto-volume mode.
The Samsung HW-Q900T soundbar is great for music. It has a very neutral, well-balanced default sound profile, so it's suitable for listening to a wide range of music genres. It has a dedicated subwoofer, which helps reproduce a deep, extended bass that can please fans of bass-heavy genres like EDM. If you prefer a different sound, there's a graphic EQ and presets available in the Samsung SmartThings app.
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Graphic EQ and presets.
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Well-balanced sound profile.
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No room correction feature.
The Samsung HW-Q900T soundbar is good for movies. Its neutral sound profile is suitable for lots of different audio content, and its extended bass helps reproduce the deep thumps and rumbles from explosions and other action-packed scenes. The bar can get loud, too. Unfortunately, while it supports surround and Atmos content, it doesn't provide the most immersive listening experience.
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Well-balanced sound profile.
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Supports Atmos and DTS content.
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Poor surrounds and height performances.
- 7.9 Mixed Usage
- 8.1 Dialogue/TV Shows
- 8.0 Music
- 7.7 Movies
- Updated Feb 09, 2021: Converted to Test Bench 1.0.
- Updated Sep 21, 2020: Review published.
- Updated Sep 04, 2020: Early access published.
- Updated Aug 31, 2020: Our testers have started testing this product.
- Updated Aug 28, 2020: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
- Updated Aug 01, 2020: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.
Compared To Other Soundbars
The Samsung HW-Q900T is a premium, versatile 7.1.2 setup released in 2020. It has a neutral, well-balanced sound profile, and many sound customization options. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS content, and it has Alexa voice assistant built into the bar. It's also compatible with Samsung's Q Symphony feature, which syncs the bar with your Samsung QLED TV to create a more immersive listening experience, though we don't test for this. That said, it lacks dedicated surround speakers, so it doesn't provide the most immersive surround experience. If you're looking for other soundbars, check out our recommendations for the best soundbars, the best soundbars for movies, and the best Samsung soundbars.
The Samsung HW-Q900T is a better soundbar than the standalone Sonos Arc. The Samsung is a 7.1.2 setup that reproduces a more extended low-bass thanks to its dedicated sub. It gets louder and supports more wireless playback options. Also, it has a graphic EQ for sound customization and two Full HDMI In ports. However, the 5.0.2 Sonos is better built, with better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. You can also upgrade it to the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers for better performance.
The Samsung HW-Q900A is the newer version of the Samsung HW-Q900T, and it offers better overall performance. The HW-Q900A offers better surround and Atmos performances, and it supports Apple AirPlay 2 connectivity. It also comes with more sound enhancement features like room correction and auto-volume mode. There are also some sound enhancement features that we don't test for, like SpaceFit Sound+ and Tap Sound.
The Samsung HW-Q950T is better than the Samsung HW-Q900T. The HW-Q950T is a 9.1.4 setup that comes with discrete satellite speakers. It gets louder with less compression at max volume, and it has better surround and Atmos performances. That said, both soundbars have lots of sound customization and connectivity options.
The Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers is a better overall soundbar setup than the Samsung HW-Q900T. The Sonos is better-built, and it comes with satellite speakers, unlike the Samsung. It has a wider soundstage and more sound customization features, including a room correction feature. Also, it has a better-balanced sound when playing Atmos and surround content. However, the Samsung has a Full HDMI In port that supports 4k passthrough. Also, the Samsung has fewer compression artifacts at max volume.
The Samsung HW-Q90R is a better soundbar for watching movies than the Samsung HW-Q900T. The 7.1.4 HW-Q90R comes with two satellite speakers, unlike the HW-Q900T, which helps provide a more immersive listening experience. The HW-Q90R is also better-built, and its surround and height channels have more neutral, better-balanced sound profiles. That said, both soundbars have very versatile performances overall.
The Samsung HW-Q900T and the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 are both very premium setups, so depending on your listening habits, you may prefer one over the other. The Samsung is a 7.1.2 setup with a dedicated subwoofer that can reproduce a more extended low-bass. It gets louder with a bit less compression at max volume. However, the standalone Bose is better built and has better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. You can also upgrade it with a sub and satellites if you want.
The Samsung HW-Q900T is a better soundbar than the Samsung HW-Q700A. The HW-Q900T is a 7.1.2 setup that reproduces a more extended low-bass to help you feel deep thumps and rumbles. It also gets louder with less compression at max volume. However, the 3.1.2 HW-Q700A is better built, with a better Atmos performance and Apple AirPlay 2 support.
The Samsung HW-Q800A is a better 3.1.2 soundbar than the 7.1.2 Samsung HW-Q900T. The HW-Q800A has a better height performance, and it comes with an auto-volume feature, which makes the volume more consistent between different programs. Also, it's better built and supports Apple AirPlay. However, the HW-Q900T can get louder with less compression present at max volume.
The Samsung HW-Q80R is a better soundbar for watching movies than the Samsung HW-Q900T. The 5.1.2 HW-Q80R has a better-balanced sound profile when playing surrounds and Atmos content, which creates a more immersive listening experience. It's also better-built than the HW-Q900T. That said, the HW-Q900T comes with preset modes and is compatible with Samsung's Q Symphony technology, unlike the HW-Q80R, and its overall performance is still quite versatile.
The Samsung HW-Q800T and the Samsung HW-Q900T are both very versatile soundbars with different configurations. The 7.1.2 HW-Q900T provides a more immersive listening experience for surrounds content, as it doesn't downmix it into stereo like the 3.1.2 HW-Q800T. The HW-Q900T also has a larger soundstage and less distortion when it's played at max volume. That said, the HW-Q800T is better-built.
Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the Bose Smart Soundbar 700 with Speakers + Bass Module or the Samsung HW-Q900T. The Bose is better built and comes with discrete satellites. It has better soundstage and surround performances, as well as a room correction feature. However, only the Samsung supports Dolby Atmos content. It also comes with a graphic EQ and presets as well as a Full HDMI In port for high-quality passthrough.
The Samsung HW-Q900T is a better soundbar than the Samsung hW-Q70T. The HW-Q900T is a 7.1.2 setup that reproduces a more extended low-bass. It also has a better soundstage performance, and it comes with built-in Alexa voice assistant support. However, the 3.1.2 HW-Q70T is better built.
The Samsung HW-Q950A is a better soundbar than the Samsung HW-Q900T. The HW-Q950A is an 11.1.4 setup that comes with discrete satellite speakers. It offers better surround and Atmos performances, and it supports Apple AirPlay 2. Also, it comes with more sound enhancement features, including room correction and auto-volume mode.
Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the Samsung HW-Q900T or the Samsung HW-Q850A. The HW-Q900T is a 7.1.2 setup from 2020 with a better-balanced sound profile out-of-the-box, and it gets louder. However, the HW-Q850A is a 5.1.2 setup from 2021 that's better-built and supports Apple AirPlay. Also, it has better surrounds and Atmos performances.
The LG SP9YA is a better soundbar than the Samsung HW-Q900T. The LG is a 5.1.2 setup that's better-built and supports more wireless playback options. Also, it comes with more sound enhancement features, including room correction and auto-volume. However, the 7.1.2 Samsung has a graphic EQ, and it gets louder, albeit with more compression.
The Samsung HW-Q900T is better than the Samsung HW-Q600A. The HW-Q900T is a 7.1.2 setup that has better soundstage and surround performances. It reproduces a more extended low-bass, and it supports more wireless playback options. Unlike the HW-Q600A, it also has built-in voice assistant support. That said, the HW-Q600A is better-built with a better Atmos performance.
Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the JBL Bar 9.1 or the Samsung HW-Q900T. The JBL is a 5.1.4 setup with discrete satellites and offers better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. It also comes with a room correction feature and more wireless playback support. However, the 7.1.2 Samsung gets louder, and it comes with a graphic EQ for sound customization.
The LG SN11RG is a slightly better soundbar for mixed usage than the Samsung HW-Q900T. The LG is a 7.1.4 setup that's better-built and offers better surround and Atmos performances. It also comes with a room correction feature, unlike the Samsung. That said, the Samsung has a graphic EQ, so you have more ability to customize its sound.
The Samsung HW-Q900T is better than the standalone Bose Smart Soundbar 700. The Samsung is a 7.1.2 setup that supports Dolby Atmos content and reproduces a more extended low bass thanks to its dedicated subwoofer. It also comes with a graphic EQ and presets for sound customization, as well as a Full HDMI In port. That said, the 3.0 Bose is better built, with a better soundstage and a room correction feature. You can also upgrade it as the Bose Smart Soundbar 700 with Speakers + Bass Module for a better performance.
The Samsung HW-Q900T is slightly better for mixed usage than the Samsung HW-Q850T. The HW-Q900T is a 7.1.2 setup with a better soundstage. It also gets louder. However, the HW-Q850T comes with discrete satellites, so it offers a better surrounds performance.
Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the Samsung HW-Q900T or the LG SN10YG. The Samsung is a 7.1.2 setup that gets louder and offers more sound customization features like a graphic EQ and presets. That said, the 5.1.2 LG is better built with better surround and Atmos performances. It also comes with a room correction feature and more wireless playback options.
The Samsung HW-Q900T is a bit better for mixed usage than the LG SN8YG. The Samsung gets louder, and it has better surround and soundstage performances. Also, its default sound profile is more neutral, which some listeners may prefer. It even comes with a graphic EQ for sound customization. That said, the LG has a better Atmos performance and more sound enhancement features like room correction and auto-volume.
The Samsung HW-Q900T is a bit better than the LG SN9YG. The Samsung is a 7.1.2 setup with a better soundstage performance, a graphic EQ for sound customization, and a more neutral sound profile out-of-the-box. It also gets louder, albeit with more compression at max volume. However, the 5.1.2 LG is better built and comes with a room correction feature.
The Samsung HW-Q900T is better than the Sony HT-Z9F. The Samsung is a 7.1.2 setup with a better stereo soundstage that can reproduce a more extended low-bass. Unlike the Sony, it comes with a graphic EQ for sound customization as well as built-in voice assistant support. That said, the Sony is better built, and it supports Chromecast built-in.
The Samsung HW-Q900T is better than the Sony HT-G700. The Samsung is a 7.1.2 setup that reproduces a more extended low-bass and gets louder with less compression. It has a better soundstage, and it supports more wireless playback options. Unlike the Sony, it comes with a graphic EQ and built-in voice assistant support.
The Sony HT-ST5000 and the Samsung HW-Q900T are both premium, versatile 7.1.2 setups, and depending on your listening habits, you may prefer one over the other. The Samsung has a better-balanced default sound profile and more sound customization options including a graphic EQ. It gets louder than the Sony, and it has less distortion at max volume. However, the Sony is better-built, comes with more connectivity options, and is compatible with Chromecast built-in. Also, the Sony has a better-balanced sound profile when playing Atmos and surround content.
Test Results
The Samsung HW-Q900T is a sleek-looking soundbar that looks like the Samsung HW-Q950T. The front and top of the bar are covered in a tightly-wrapped fabric, and the rest of the bar is made of plastic. The sides of the bar are slightly angled with vent-like openings for the side surround speakers. Unfortunately, the display screen is located on top of the bar, so you can't read it from your couch.
The Samsung HW-Q900T's subwoofer is mostly made of wood. The right side of the speaker has an opening that's covered with fabric, which seems like it could easily rip or get dirty. There's also a port and a pairing button on the back.
The Samsung HW-Q900T is a very wide, large soundbar. It doesn't fit between the legs of a 55" TV. Unless your TV sits flush on the table, it isn't tall enough to block your screen.
The subwoofer is about the size of a large desktop PC. It can also be used wirelessly, which is convenient.
This setup doesn't have satellite speakers.
On the back of the bar, there's an opening for the inputs. The power cable attaches at the back of the bar. If you want to wall-mount it, there are universal holes on the underside of the bar.
The back of the subwoofer has a port and a pairing button. The power cable also connects at the bottom.
The Samsung HW-Q900T has a good build quality. The bar is mostly made of plastic, which feels solid and durable. However, the fabric covering the bar and the opening on the subwoofer feels like it could rip or get dirty easily.
- 2x AA batteries
- HDMI cable
- Remote
- 2x Power cord
- Wall-mount template with bar brackets and screws
- User manual
The Samsung HW-Q900T has a great stereo frequency response. Its sound profile is very neutral and well-balanced, making it suitable for a wide range of audio content. Its bass is extended, so it delivers a deep thump and punch that can please fans of bass-heavy genres like EDM and hip-hop. You can also customize the sound to your liking using the graphic EQ and presets.
The Samsung HW-Q900T has a good stereo soundstage. The bar is wide and the soundstage feels like it's about the same width. It's well-focused, so objects like instruments or voices seem to be coming from an accurate, pinpoint location rather than a more general area.
The Samsung HW-Q900T has great stereo dynamics. This soundbar can get loud, which is ideal for listeners who want to use it in a large room or a crowded environment like a party. However, there's a bit of compression present at max volume, but it shouldn't be too noticeable.
This soundbar has an impressive total harmonic distortion performance. There isn't a lot of distortion at normal listening levels, resulting in a clean and pure audio reproduction. At max volume, there's some distortion present, but you might not hear this with real-life content.
The Samsung HW-Q900T has an excellent center channel performance. This 7.1.2 setup has a dedicated center speaker, which results in more accurate and clearer reproduction of dialogue.
The Samsung HW-Q900T has a poor surrounds performance. It doesn't come with dedicated surround speakers, and instead, it uses side-firing speakers to bounce sound off the walls. As a result, objects in the soundstage don't sound as clear and accurate as they would in a setup with dedicated surround speakers.
This soundbar has a poor height performance. It uses up-firing speakers on the bar to reflect sound off the ceiling and back to the listener, giving you the impression of height. However, the localization of objects is diffused, and the sound profile is quite bright and lacking detail. If you're looking for a similar soundbar but with a better height performance, check out the Samsung HW-Q950T.
The Samsung HW-Q900T soundbar has a passable amount of sound enhancement features. If you like to customize the sound, there's a graphic EQ and four preset modes ('Standard', 'Surround', 'Game Pro', 'Adaptive Sound') available. The 'Adaptive Sound' feature works as a dialogue enhancement mode, so it makes voices sound more crisp and clear. There are four in-app EQ graph modes: 'None', 'Pop', 'Jazz', and 'Classic' to help you find your preferred sound. If you have a Samsung QLED TV, you can also sync it to the TV for a more immersive sound using the Q Symphony feature, although we don't test for this.
The Samsung HW-Q900T can be used as a hub between different devices like your TV and your gaming console thanks to its HDMI ports. There's also a USB port for servicing and firmware updates. Unfortunately, there isn't a 3.5mm AUX port, so you may not be able to plug in older devices.
The Samsung HW-Q900T supports all standard surround formats via its HDMI ARC port. It supports eARC, so you can use it for lossless surround formats.
This soundbar has outstanding support via its Full HDMI In port. It can play almost all audio formats, so you get a more immersive experience when watching movies from Blu-ray discs or streaming platforms. However, in our tests, 5.1 PCM files wouldn't play on the center channel.
When connecting to this soundbar via its Optical In port, you can play Dolby Digital or DTS content, which is typically found on Blu-ray discs and streaming platforms like Netflix and Disney+.
You can stream content from your smartphone or tablet to the Samsung HW-Q900T wirelessly using a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection. Unlike the Samsung HW-Q900A, it doesn't support Apple AirPlay 2 connectivity.
The Samsung HW-Q900T soundbar can passthrough the highest bandwidth signals. When you use it as a hub between your PC and your TV, text looks clear and crisp.
The subwoofer connects wirelessly to the soundbar. It just requires a power cable.
The Samsung HW-Q900T doesn't have satellites.
The Samsung HW-Q900T soundbar has a small display located on the top-middle of the bar, near the controls. The display shows you the volume level, the speaker settings, and the inputs. In the front of the bar, there are three small lights that appear, flash, or disappear depending on the commands.
The bar's controls are located on the top-middle, towards the back. There's a multi-function button that controls the input, volume controls, and a button that lets you mute the microphone.
The Samsung HW-Q900T's remote has the same style as the remotes from the latest high-end Samsung TVs.
This soundbar is compatible with the Samsung SmartThings app. You can use the app to change inputs, control the volume, select sound modes, and access the EQ. Also, the app lets you cast music from your device to the bar. However, you need to use the remote to control levels of the bar's left, center, right, side, and top speakers.