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Samsung HW-Q990F vs Sony Bravia Theater Bar 7
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Samsung HW-Q990F ranks higher (#1 vs #4 of 11) and scores better on sound & dialogue, app & features.
The biggest complaint about the Samsung HW-Q990F is pricey, and a small step over older models; for the Sony Bravia Theater Bar 7 it's music sounds only okay. 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: Movie and TV dialogue
Its catch: music sounds only okay
Check price on AmazonPaid links. We don't list prices — they change daily. Neither one feels right?
Side by side
| Samsung HW-Q990F | Sony Bravia Theater Bar 7 | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in soundbars | #1 | #4 |
| Price tier | $$$ | $$$ |
| Type | Dolby Atmos | Dolby Atmos |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 11% | 20% |
| Overall score | 4.2 | 4.1 |
| Sound & dialogue | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| Bass | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Setup & TV connection | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| App & features | 4.0 | 3.5 |
| Reliability | 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.
Sony Bravia Theater Bar 7
- Music sounds only okay
Tom's Guide calls music performance 'okay': vocals felt pinched, bass was strangely lackluster on music, and percussion sounded tinny.
Source: Tom's Guide review - Some fine detail lost; bass tuned low out of the box
Tom's Guide found some subtle high-frequency sounds lost under a bass-heavy soundtrack. Its guide says the bass was tuned a bit low out of the box and recommends raising bass and surround height in the app.
- Sub sold separately on some listings
Tom's Guide says the Bar 7 comes with or without the subwoofer. It tested the bundle; the sub alone costs $329 if you add it later. The bar is fairly compact and can look small under larger TVs.
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 Sony Bravia Theater Bar 7 if
Movie and TV dialogue
TVs about 55 inches or smaller
Sony Bravia TV owners
Skip it if: Music is your main use; You want rear speakers in the box; You want a long track record from owners
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 · #5Samsung HW-Q600FA 3.1.2 bar with a wireless sub that Tom's Guide rates 4.5 stars for floor-shaking bass and crisp dialogue at a midrange price. It has no Wi-Fi, app, AirPlay or Chromecast, its Atmos lacks height, and room calibration works only with select Samsung TVs.
Its catch: no Wi-Fi, app, AirPlay or ChromecastAll 11 comparedSee every soundbar, rankedEach one's biggest complaint at a glance, with the full ranking.
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