Get insider access
Preferred store
Notice: Your browser is not supported or outdated so some features of the site might not be available.
  1. Table of Contents
  2. Top
  3. Main Differences
  4. Design
    1. Style - Bar
    2. Style - Subwoofer
    3. Style - Satellites
    4. Dimensions - Bar
    5. Dimensions - Subwoofer
    6. Dimensions - Satellites
    7. Mounting
    8. Build Quality
    9. In The Box
  5. Sound
    1. Stereo Frequency Response
    2. Stereo Frequency Response With Preliminary Calibration
    3. Stereo Soundstage
    4. Stereo Dynamics
    5. Center
    6. Surround 5.1
    7. Height (Atmos)
    8. Sound Enhancement Features
  6. Connectivity
    1. Inputs/Outputs - Bar
    2. Audio Format Support: ARC/eARC
    3. Audio Format Support: HDMI In
    4. Audio Format Support: Optical
    5. Audio Latency: ARC
    6. Audio Latency: HDMI In
    7. Audio Latency: Optical
    8. Video Passthrough To TV
    9. Wireless Playback
  7. Additional Features
    1. Interface
    2. Bar Controls
    3. Remote
    4. Voice Assistants Support
  8. Comments

Samsung HW-Q990C vs Samsung HW-Q990D

Side-by-Side Comparison

Products

Samsung HW-Q990C
Samsung HW-Q990D

Tested using Methodology v1.3

Updated Jul 15, 2024 04:31 PM

SEE PRICE
Amazon.com

Tested using Methodology v1.3

Updated Mar 31, 2025 07:32 PM

SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Samsung HW-Q990C Picture
Samsung HW-Q990D Picture

Variants

  • HW-Q990C (Black)
  • HW-Q990D (Black)

Our Verdict

Samsung HW-Q990C

Samsung HW-Q990D

The Samsung HW-Q990D is the next generation of the Samsung HW-Q990C. While both bars largely look the same, one notable change is the addition of HDMI 2.1. The Q990D can passthrough 4k signals at 120Hz, which is great if you're gaming from a next-gen console. It also supports Private Listening, a feature that sends audio only to the satellite speakers, which helps minimize disturbing others, and Sound Grouping, allowing the satellites to play left and right channel content for a more stereo sound. The Q990C may still be worthwhile if you don't need HDMI 2.1. Since it's older, you may be able to find it discounted, making its cost-to-performance ratio a bit more digestible.

3 

Main Differences for
Mixed Usage

Threshold 

0.10

Mixed Usage 

8.5
8.6
No major differences between these soundbars for mixed usage. See full list of tests below.

Full Comparison

Design

Style - Bar  

Style photo - bar  

Samsung HW-Q990C Style photo - bar
Samsung HW-Q990D Style photo - bar
Show Text 

Style - Subwoofer  

Style photo - sub  

Samsung HW-Q990C Style photo - sub
Samsung HW-Q990D Style photo - sub

Sub Wireless 
 

Yes
Yes

Enclosure 
 

Ported
Ported
Show Text 

Style - Satellites  

Style photo - satellites  

Samsung HW-Q990C Style photo - satellites
Samsung HW-Q990D Style photo - satellites

Satellite Wireless 
 

Yes
Yes
Show Text 

Dimensions - Bar  

Dimensions photo - bar  

Samsung HW-Q990C Dimensions photo - bar
Samsung HW-Q990D Dimensions photo - bar

Width  

48.5" (123.2 cm)
48.5" (123.2 cm)

Height  

2.8" (7.0 cm)
2.7" (6.9 cm)

Depth  

5.4" (13.8 cm)
5.4" (13.8 cm)
Show Text 

Dimensions - Subwoofer  

Dimensions photo - sub  

Samsung HW-Q990C Dimensions photo - sub
Samsung HW-Q990D Dimensions photo - sub

Width  

8.9" (22.6 cm)
8.8" (22.4 cm)

Height  

16.2" (41.2 cm)
16.1" (40.9 cm)

Depth  

16.1" (41.0 cm)
16.1" (40.9 cm)
Show Text 

Dimensions - Satellites  

Dimensions photo - satellites  

Samsung HW-Q990C Dimensions photo - satellites
Samsung HW-Q990D Dimensions photo - satellites

Width  

5.1" (13.0 cm)
5.1" (13.0 cm)

Height  

7.9" (20.0 cm)
7.8" (19.9 cm)

Depth  

5.5" (14.0 cm)
5.6" (14.1 cm)
Show Text 

Mounting 
 

Bar Mounting Holes  

Samsung HW-Q990C Bar Mounting Holes
Samsung HW-Q990D Bar Mounting Holes

Satellite Mounting Holes  

Samsung HW-Q990C Satellite Mounting Holes
Samsung HW-Q990D Satellite Mounting Holes

Mountable Bar 
 

Yes
Yes

Bar Brackets Included 
 

Yes
Yes

Mountable Satellites 
 

Yes
Yes

Satellite Brackets Included 
 

No
No
Show Text 

Build Quality 
 

8.5
8.5

Build quality photo  

Samsung HW-Q990C Build quality photo
Samsung HW-Q990D Build quality photo
Show Text 

In The Box 
 

In The Box photo   

Samsung HW-Q990C In The Box photo
Samsung HW-Q990D In The Box photo
Show Text 
Sound

Stereo Frequency Response 
 

8.4
8.5

Stereo Setup  

Samsung HW-Q990C Stereo Setup
Samsung HW-Q990D Stereo Setup

Raw Frequency Response  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Frequency Response Small  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Channels 
 

11.1.4
11.1.4

Tested Preset 
 

Standard
Standard

Slope 
 

-0.01
-0.32

Standard Error 
 

2.38 dB
2.32 dB

Low-Frequency Extension 
 

28.7 Hz
27.5 Hz

High-Frequency Extension 
 

19.1 kHz
19.9 kHz
Show Text 

Stereo Frequency Response With Preliminary Calibration 
 

8.4
8.5

Frequency Response Calibrated  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Suggested Preset 
 

Standard
Standard

Suggested Bass Setting 
 

0
0

Suggested Treble Setting 
 

0
0

Slope 
 

-0.01
-0.28

Standard Error 
 

2.38 dB
2.37 dB

Low-Frequency Extension 
 

28.7 Hz
27.5 Hz

High-Frequency Extension 
 

19.1 kHz
19.9 kHz
Show Text 

Stereo Soundstage 
 

7.5
7.5

Crosstalk  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Crosstalk Error 
 

2.33 dB
2.43 dB
Show Text 

Stereo Dynamics 
 

9.1
9.1

Dynamic Range Compression  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

99.9 dB SPL
99.4 dB SPL

DRC @ 90dB 
 

0.46 dB
0.32 dB

DRC @ Max Volume 
 

0.84 dB
0.81 dB
Show Text 

Center 
 

8.7
8.8

Center Setup  

Samsung HW-Q990C Center Setup
Samsung HW-Q990D Center Setup

Frequency Response  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Localization 
 

Discrete
Discrete

Slope 
 

-0.33
-0.22

Std. Err. 
 

2.31 dB
2.24 dB

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

96.6 dB SPL
96.2 dB SPL

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

0.35
0.24

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

1.70
1.99
Show Text 

Surround 5.1 
 

8.2
8.4

Surround Setup  

Samsung HW-Q990C Surround Setup
Samsung HW-Q990D Surround Setup

Frequency Response  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Localization 
 

Discrete
Discrete

Slope 
 

-0.34
-0.16

Std. Err. 
 

3.16 dB
2.83 dB

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

91.8 dB SPL
93.2 dB SPL

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

0.60
0.56

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

2.82
3.00

7.1 Rears 
 

Yes
Yes
Show Text 

Height (Atmos) 
 

6.7
6.8

Height Setup  

Samsung HW-Q990C Height Setup
Samsung HW-Q990D Height Setup

H Frequency Response  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Localization 
 

Phantom (Up Firing, Bar & Satellites)
Phantom (Up Firing, Bar & Satellites)

Slope 
 

-0.11
-0.23

Std. Err. 
 

4.11 dB
3.76 dB

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

90.9 dB SPL
91.4 dB SPL

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

0.61
0.53

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

1.61
1.46
Show Text 

Sound Enhancement Features 
 

9.5
9.5

Room Correction 
 

Yes
Yes

Dialogue Enhancement 
 

Yes
Yes

Auto-Volume/Night Mode 
 

Yes
Yes

Subwoofer Level Adjustment 
 

Yes
Yes

Bass Adjustment 
 

Yes
Yes

Treble Adjustment 
 

Yes
Yes

EQ 
 

Graphic + Presets
Graphic + Presets

Surround Level Adjustment 
 

Yes
Yes

Rear Level Adjustment 
 

Yes
Yes

Height Level Adjustment 
 

Yes
Yes

Virtual Surround 
 

Yes
Yes
Show Text 
Connectivity

Inputs/Outputs - Bar 
 

Physical Connections Bar Photo 1  

Samsung HW-Q990C Physical Connections Bar Photo 1
Samsung HW-Q990D Physical Connections Bar Photo 1

Physical Connections Bar Photo 2  

Samsung HW-Q990C Physical Connections Bar Photo 2
Samsung HW-Q990D Physical Connections Bar Photo 2

Optical Audio In 
 

1
1

HDMI Out 
 

eARC
eARC

HDMI 2.1 Class Bandwidth 
 

No
Yes

Full HDMI In 
 

2
2

Analog Audio In 3.5mm (Aux) 
 

No
No

RCA In 
 

No
No

USB for Files 
 

No
No

Ethernet 
 

No
No

Subwoofer Output 
 

No
No
Show Text 

Audio Format Support: ARC/eARC 
 

10
10

Dolby Atmos 
 

Supported
Supported

Dolby Digital 
 

Supported
Supported

Dolby Digital Plus 
 

Supported
Supported

Dolby TrueHD 
 

Supported
Supported

DTS 
 

Supported
Supported

DTS:X 
 

Supported
Supported

DTS-HD MA 
 

Supported
Supported

PCM Channels 
 

Up To 7.1
Up To 7.1
Show Text 

Audio Format Support: HDMI In 
 

10
10

Dolby Atmos 
 

Supported
Supported

Dolby Digital 
 

Supported
Supported

Dolby Digital Plus 
 

Supported
Supported

Dolby TrueHD 
 

Supported
Supported

DTS 
 

Supported
Supported

DTS:X 
 

Supported
Supported

DTS-HD MA 
 

Supported
Supported

PCM Channels 
 

Up To 7.1
Up To 7.1
Show Text 

Audio Format Support: Optical 
 

10
10

Dolby Digital 
 

Supported
Supported

DTS 
 

Supported
Supported

PCM Channels 
 

2.0
2.0
Show Text 

Audio Latency: ARC 
 

8.6
9.3

ARC Latency Video  

PCM-2.0 ch 
 

37 ms
34 ms

PCM-5.1 ch 
 

37 ms
40 ms

Dolby MAT (PCM) Atmos 
 

69 ms
58 ms

Dolby Digital 
 

90 ms
79 ms

Dolby Digital Plus 
 

94 ms
86 ms

Dolby Digital Plus Atmos 
 

96 ms
90 ms
Show Text 

Audio Latency: HDMI In 
 

8.8
9.4

HDMI Latency Video  

PCM-2.0 ch 
 

41 ms
34 ms

PCM-5.1 ch 
 

40 ms
35 ms

Dolby MAT (PCM) Atmos 
 

73 ms
63 ms

Dolby Digital 
 

104 ms
97 ms

Dolby Digital Plus 
 

99 ms
89 ms

Dolby Digital Plus Atmos 
 

99 ms
95 ms
Show Text 

Audio Latency: Optical 
 

8.0
9.1

Optical Latency Video  

PCM-2.0 ch 
 

103 ms
97 ms

Dolby Digital 
 

303 ms
156 ms
Show Text 

Video Passthrough To TV 
 

8.5
10

1080p Max Refresh Rate 
 

120Hz
120Hz

1080p @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate 
 

120Hz
120Hz

4k Max Refresh Rate 
 

60Hz
120Hz

4k @ 120Hz @ 10-Bit 
 

Not Supported
Supported

4k @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate 
 

60Hz
120Hz

8k Max Refresh Rate 
 

30Hz
60Hz

HDR10 Passthrough 
 

Yes
Yes

HDR10+ Passthrough 
 

Yes
Yes

Dolby Vision Passthrough 
 

Yes
Yes

HDMI Forum VRR Passthrough 
 

Yes
Yes

FreeSync Passthrough 
 

No
Yes

G-SYNC Passthrough 
 

No
Yes

ALLM Passthrough 
 

Yes
Yes
Show Text 

Wireless Playback 
 

9.0
10

Bluetooth 
 

Yes
Yes

Wi-Fi Playback 
 

Yes
Yes

Chromecast built-in 
 

No
Yes

Apple AirPlay 
 

Yes
Yes

Spotify Connect 
 

Yes
Yes
Show Text 
Additional Features

Interface 
 

Interface photo  

Samsung HW-Q990C Interface photo
Samsung HW-Q990D Interface photo

Display 
 

Yes
Yes
Show Text 

Bar Controls 
 

Controls photo  

Samsung HW-Q990C Controls photo
Samsung HW-Q990D Controls photo
Show Text 

Remote  

Remote photo  

Samsung HW-Q990C Remote photo
Samsung HW-Q990D Remote photo
Show Text 

Voice Assistants Support 
 

Amazon Alexa 
 

Yes (Built-in)
Yes (Built-in)

Google Assistant 
 

No
No

Apple Siri 
 

No
No

Microphone Mute 
 

Yes
Yes
Show Text 

Samsung HW-Q990C

Samsung HW-Q990D

Comments

  1. Comparison

Samsung HW-Q990C vs Samsung HW-Q990D: Main Discussion

What do you think of these products? Let us know below.


Looking for a personalized buying advice from the RTINGS.com experts? Insiders have direct access to buying advice on our insider forum.

PreviewBack to editorFormat guide
Sort by:
newest first
  1. 2
    1
    0
    1
    0

    Hi SeriesXPro, We did not have the same experience with our unit. I suggest you try a factory reset or contact the manufacturer. As far as which sound preset to use it comes down to user preference. I would use what sounds best to you on various content. I hope this helps.

    There’s no way, in your frequency response graph there are 2 obvious and insanely large craters at around 40, 100 and around 300 which is super obvious to the human ear, yall didn’t review this properly cuz if yall did, the evidence is already under your nose

    Edited 8 months ago: Typo
  2. 2
    1
    0
    1
    0

    Did yall connect the soundbar to the smart things app? If so, what settings/mode did yall use or turn on/off? My Q990D, no matter what settings I turn on or off, is severely lacking high bass compared to even my jbl boombox 3, the high bass sounds super strained and small and is mostly coming out of the bar itself while the subwoofer barely makes a sound(trust me it’s not my room acoustics, I practically put my face on the subwoofer) , and plays unpleasantly loud for the lowest frequencies(I’m aware it could be cuz of room acoustics but I brought it outside my house and it had the same characteristics as inside my doorstep. My subwoofer placement should be good as well due to the ports being well away from walls and making sure it’s not a dead spot using the subwoofer crawl, crawling around, only volume of bass deviates but high bass just never appears) . My LG SP9YA, though it didn’t have as good of a low bass extension, it’s high bass was super punchy and tight and sounds super good for music, whereas the Q990D is great for the music as well but is severely disappointing in the high bass department. The sad part about this is that the eq bands don’t go as low as the subwoofer frequencies so I can’t do anything about it, I noticed your frequency response measurements also show the around 60-70hz drop as well as the 300-400hz crater too and yall didn’t seem to comment on that. These ruins the soundbar performance for music imo, especially the 60-70hz crater, whereas the 300-400hz crater is less observable. If yall have any advice to rectify this it would be great. Also looking for more info about adaptive vs standard as I feel like adaptive mode ruins the clarity of voices in songs, but that’s less noticeable in movies while also being compensated by the much more immersive surround sound and height channel realism. Thanks a lot!

    Hi SeriesXPro, We did not have the same experience with our unit. I suggest you try a factory reset or contact the manufacturer. As far as which sound preset to use it comes down to user preference. I would use what sounds best to you on various content. I hope this helps.

  3. 2
    1
    0
    1
    0

    Did yall connect the soundbar to the smart things app? If so, what settings/mode did yall use or turn on/off?

    My Q990D, no matter what settings I turn on or off, is severely lacking high bass compared to even my jbl boombox 3, the high bass sounds super strained and small and is mostly coming out of the bar itself while the subwoofer barely makes a sound(trust me it’s not my room acoustics, I practically put my face on the subwoofer) , and plays unpleasantly loud for the lowest frequencies(I’m aware it could be cuz of room acoustics but I brought it outside my house and it had the same characteristics as inside my doorstep. My subwoofer placement should be good as well due to the ports being well away from walls and making sure it’s not a dead spot using the subwoofer crawl, crawling around, only volume of bass deviates but high bass just never appears) .

    My LG SP9YA, though it didn’t have as good of a low bass extension, it’s high bass was super punchy and tight and sounds super good for music, whereas the Q990D is great for the music as well but is severely disappointing in the high bass department.

    The sad part about this is that the eq bands don’t go as low as the subwoofer frequencies so I can’t do anything about it, I noticed your frequency response measurements also show the around 60-70hz drop as well as the 300-400hz crater too and yall didn’t seem to comment on that.

    These ruins the soundbar performance for music imo, especially the 60-70hz crater, whereas the 300-400hz crater is less observable.

    If yall have any advice to rectify this it would be great. Also looking for more info about adaptive vs standard as I feel like adaptive mode ruins the clarity of voices in songs, but that’s less noticeable in movies while also being compensated by the much more immersive surround sound and height channel realism. Thanks a lot!