ConsFirst / Soundbars / Compare
Samsung HW-Q990H vs Vizio Elevate 7.1.4 Pro
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
We may earn a commission when you buy through our links. It never changes what we report. Learn more
The short answer
Samsung HW-Q990H ranks higher (#2 vs #3 of 8) and scores better on sound & dialogue, setup & tv connection, app & features. Vizio Elevate 7.1.4 Pro wins on bass.
The biggest complaint about the Samsung HW-Q990H is pricey, wide, and a modest subwoofer; for the Vizio Elevate 7.1.4 Pro it's no remote; the app needs a walmart account. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Samsung HW-Q990H | Vizio Elevate 7.1.4 Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in soundbars | #2 | #3 |
| Price tier | $$$ | $$ |
| Type | Dolby Atmos | Dolby Atmos |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 26% | — |
| Overall score | 4.3 | 4.0 |
| Sound & dialogue | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| Bass | 3.5 | 5.0 |
| Setup & TV connection | 4.5 | 3.5 |
| App & features | 4.0 | 3.0 |
| Reliability | — | — |
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-Q990H
- Pricey, wide, and a modest subwoofer
Wirecutter calls it pricey and says the 48.5-inch bar may not fit between a TV's legs. Its compact sub measured 5.6 dB (mid-bass) and 4.2 dB (low-bass) less than the Vizio Elevate's and isn't likely to shake your couch. A 2-star Amazon reviewer found the sub basically useless.
- Annoying display and app-dependent controls
Wirecutter says the front display scrolls only four characters at a time, so you end up using the SmartThings app, which takes more time than grabbing a remote.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT) - Little gain over the cheaper HW-Q990F
RTINGS found much of the performance unchanged from the HW-Q990F. It says the new Sound Elevation feature lifts dialogue at the cost of horizontal clarity, and it picks the discounted Q990F as the better value. A few early Amazon reviewers were disappointed with the sound and soundstage.
Vizio Elevate 7.1.4 Pro
- No remote; the app needs a Walmart account
Wirecutter says there's no remote, so adjustments go through Vizio's app. Using the app requires a Walmart account, and it takes 5-10 seconds to connect each time. A 5-star Walmart owner also wished it came with a remote.
- Bare-bones connections
It has one HDMI eARC port and no HDMI, optical or analog inputs, so you need a TV with ARC or eARC. Streaming is Bluetooth only (no AirPlay or Google Cast), and the USB port starts playing music with no way to skip or stop (Wirecutter).
Source: Wirecutter (NYT) - Needs tuning, and it's hard to buy
Wirecutter says Vizio systems arrive with the sub and surrounds turned up far too loud, and voices were a little bright until adjusted. It's sold only through Walmart and showed as out of stock there on 2026-10-11. The two-surround Elevate 5.1.4 Pro is sold only at Sam's Club.
Who should pick which
Pick the Samsung HW-Q990H if
A near home-theater setup without an AV receiver
Connecting a game console or Blu-ray player directly (two HDMI 2.1 inputs)
Samsung TV owners
Skip it if: Your TV stand is narrower than about 4 feet; You want couch-shaking bass; You can find the HW-Q990F on sale
Pick the Vizio Elevate 7.1.4 Pro if
Full surround and Atmos on a mid-size budget
Bass fans
People happy to adjust settings in a phone app
Skip it if: You want a physical remote; You don't want a Walmart account; You need Wi-Fi streaming or extra inputs
We don't list prices — they change daily. Paid links.