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Samsung HW-Q990F vs Sonos Arc Ultra
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Samsung HW-Q990F ranks higher (#1 vs #2 of 11) and scores better on sound & dialogue, setup & tv connection.
The biggest complaint about the Samsung HW-Q990F is pricey, and a small step over older models; for the Sonos Arc Ultra it's expensive, and a full system costs far more. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Good for: Full surround and Atmos in one box
Its catch: pricey, and a small step over older models
Check price on AmazonGood for: One-piece Atmos without a subwoofer
Its catch: expensive, and a full system costs far more
Check price on AmazonPaid links. We don't list prices — they change daily. Neither one feels right?
Side by side
| Samsung HW-Q990F | Sonos Arc Ultra | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in soundbars | #1 | #2 |
| Price tier | $$$ | $$$ |
| Type | Dolby Atmos | Dolby Atmos |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 11% | 6% |
| Overall score | 4.2 | 3.9 |
| Sound & dialogue | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| Bass | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Setup & TV connection | 4.5 | 3.5 |
| App & features | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Reliability | 3.5 | 3.5 |
Price tiers: $ under $200 · $$ $200–500 · $$$ over $500. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Samsung HW-Q990F
- Pricey, and a small step over older models
PCMag's only listed con is that it's pricey. TechRadar lists it at $1,999 at launch and calls it only a minor upgrade over the HW-Q990D, which it says is the better value while stock lasts.
Source: PCMag best soundbars, TechRadar review - Hard-to-read display; app needed for setup
TechRadar lists a difficult-to-read front LED display as a con and says the SmartThings app is necessary for setup, though the remote is adequate afterward.
Source: TechRadar review - Mixed connectivity; bulky rears
Amazon's review summary says connectivity gets mixed feedback, with some owners finding Bluetooth hit-or-miss, and that some find the rear speakers larger than expected.
Sonos Arc Ultra
- Expensive, and a full system costs far more
Tom's Guide's one con is that a full setup quickly becomes very expensive: the Sub 4 adds $799 and a pair of Era 300 rears adds $900. CNET and PCMag both list it as expensive, and PCMag also calls it large. Amazon's review summary says some owners feel it doesn't justify the price.
- Connection problems for some
Wirecutter could get it working with an iPad but not with a Samsung Galaxy S10 Android phone, and never got the Sonos Sub 4 to connect, so it isn't a pick. Amazon's summary says some owners report connection issues.
- Less room-filling for movies, fussy tuning
CNET found movie sound less expansive than the original Arc's. Tom's Guide found that the Advanced Trueplay room tuning cut the bass, so it had to be added back with EQ, and the EQ has only two bands. The only TV connection is HDMI eARC: there's no optical port.
Source: CNET review, Tom's Guide review
Who should pick which
Pick the Samsung HW-Q990F if
Full surround and Atmos in one box
Connecting consoles or players through HDMI 2.1 inputs
Mixed iPhone and Android households (AirPlay 2 and Google Cast)
Skip it if: You want a single bar with no rear speakers; You need a readable front display; You want the newest model (the HW-Q990H)
Pick the Sonos Arc Ultra if
One-piece Atmos without a subwoofer
Music as well as movies
Building a Sonos multiroom system
Skip it if: You want a full surround system on a budget; You have a TV under 50 inches or a short TV stand; You need an optical input for an older TV
We don't list prices — they change daily. Paid links.
Neither one feels right?
If both catches are deal-breakers, start here.
Wirecutter's budget pick and RTINGS' favorite under-$200 bar without satellites: a 2.1 system with natural, full sound, a real subwoofer and a handy voice button. It can't match bigger systems for volume or envelopment, and low-star Walmart reviews describe HDMI dropouts and a sub that stopped working.
Its catch: dropouts and subwoofer failuresA third option · #4Sony Bravia Theater Bar 7Tom's Guide's best soundbar for movies: crystal-clear dialogue, room calibration and controlled bass in a 37.5-inch 5.1.2 bar. It's sold with or without the subwoofer, so check what's in the box. Music sounds only okay, some subtle high-frequency detail gets lost, and Amazon has few ratings so far.
Its catch: music sounds only okayAll 11 comparedSee every soundbar, rankedEach one's biggest complaint at a glance, with the full ranking.
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