The Samsung HW-Q990F home entertainment system costs $2,000. It comes with a soundbar, external subwoofer, and two rear speakers. This setup has many software features and audio modes.
It offers an impressive, room-filling sound. However, there aren’t big upgrades from last year’s model. So there’s no urgent need to upgrade if you own the previous version.
For a limited time, Samsung is offering the HW-Q990F at a discounted price of $400 off. This makes it a compelling deal. Adding this soundbar to your TV setup can greatly enhance your viewing experience.
It provides richer, louder, and more immersive sound. Pairing the soundbar with rear speakers and a subwoofer can turn it into a powerful home theater system. Last year’s model has a slight exterior redesign.
It has a softer black-grey color instead of pure black. The external subwoofer also has a more compact, cubed design. Despite its large size, the Q990F has a sleek and modern look.
And it doesn’t compromise on room-filling audio performance. The Samsung HW-Q990F sound system, paired with the 2025 QN90F Neo QLED 4K TV, delivers top-notch performance. You don’t need a Samsung TV to enjoy the soundbar.
But certain features like Q-Symphony are only available with a compatible Samsung TV. However, the Q990F remains a powerhouse on its own. With a total of 23 speakers and an 11.1.4-channel setup, the Q990F delivers as a flagship model.
As long as your TV supports eARC, you can maximize the soundbar’s full potential. The Samsung HW-Q990F is an excellent home entertainment system. It’s perfect for those looking to elevate their viewing and listening experience.
Its design, features, and robust audio performance make it a great choice. This is true even if you don’t yet own a Samsung TV. I didn’t think Samsung needed to release a new soundbar every year.
That is, until I listened to the latest version published on July 4, 2025. I’ve spent the past few days testing and reviewing Samsung’s latest soundbar, the HW-Q990F. Spoiler alert: it’s exceptional.
It will certainly join the ranks of the best Dolby Atmos soundbars. However, there is something peculiar about Samsung’s approach to its soundbars. It occurred to me during my testing.
It’s about how the company chooses to release a new lineup every year. To my knowledge, it is the only company to do so. Even its biggest rival, Sonos, decided not to launch a successor to the Arc this year.
In general, manufacturers leave gaps of three to five years between their soundbar releases. Take Sonos, for example. It released the Arc in 2021 and has yet to announce a successor.
JBL also tends to leave a few years between new releases. It maintains a similar strategy. This led me to question, “Does Samsung seriously need to launch a new soundbar every year?” It already releases new TVs and Galaxy smartphones annually.
Samsung unveils sound system discount
But is there enough innovation in the world of soundbars to justify a yearly upgrade? Interestingly, the HW-Q990F answered that question for me.
The new model introduced a 300W subwoofer with dual 8-inch drivers. This was a significant upgrade over its predecessor. The new subwoofer added a new dimension to the bass.
It had a more textured and tonally varied approach that enhanced the package as a whole. This wasn’t just a minor improvement. It significantly uplifted the entire listening experience.
Looking at the past three generations of this product, we can see a steady performance increase with each generation. The Q990D took the series from four to five stars due to its subtle yet appreciated upgrades. The Q990F, once again, delivers a solid improvement over its predecessor.
This is true even if the upgrade might not appear game-changing at first. So, the dilemma seems to be this: wait a few years while stockpiling upgrades and deliver a soundbar that is a significant leap over its predecessor, or roll soundbars out annually with moderate upgrades. Samsung’s strategy appears to be targeting customers who are considering an upgrade over an older model.
And who don’t want to wait three or more years for the latest model to launch. It makes sense to me. I couldn’t imagine the frustration of finally purchasing a Sonos Arc in late 2024, only to be met with the surprise launch of the Arc Ultra immediately afterward.
While there’s always that fear of buying a product when its bigger and better next-generation version is on the horizon, Samsung’s approach is at least fairly consistent. This means you can always bide your time if only the latest and greatest model will do. Samsung’s best entry-level soundbar, the Samsung HW-B650, is currently available at its lowest price in a year.
Just ahead of Amazon Prime Day, this soundbar + subwoofer combo is priced at $229, down from the original MSRP of $249. This marks a significant drop from its recent price hike to $397 in April. The Samsung HW-B650, which I awarded a 4.5-star rating, is a fantastic value for anyone looking to upgrade their TV’s audio experience without breaking the bank.
Although it’s just a 3.1 channel soundbar, it utilizes DTS Virtual:X technology to create a virtual surround sound experience. It provides an immersive audio environment without the need for additional rear speakers. One of the standout features of the HW-B650 is its wireless subwoofer.
It delivers impressive, floor-shaking bass. Whether you’re watching blockbuster movies like “Top Gun: Maverick” or “No Time To Die,” the soundbar’s bass capabilities enhance the viewing experience significantly. In my review, I noted that the bass was powerful enough to shake the floor.
And delicate sound effects remained clear and distinct. Moreover, despite its budget-friendly price, the HW-B650 doesn’t compromise on the quality of high-frequency sound effects. Sounds like bottle caps being unscrewed and the crackling of a fire were audible and clear, even during louder scenes.
This level of detail is rarely found in cheaper soundbar options. The HW-B650 excels not just in movie audio but also in music playback. The subwoofer complements bass-heavy tracks beautifully.
I found myself enjoying music through the soundbar more than I expected. The Bass playback mode enhances this experience, making it a versatile addition to any home entertainment setup. Additionally, the HW-B650 is compatible with Samsung’s rear speakers.
This allows users to expand their home theater system in the future. This special sale makes it an excellent opportunity to start building your setup. Given its impressive performance and affordability, I highly recommend grabbing the Samsung HW-B650 soundbar before this deal ends.
It’s an offer hard to pass up for anyone looking to enhance their media consumption experience.
Kirstie a technology news reporter at DevX. She reports on emerging technologies and startups waiting to skyrocket.
