TechAudioSpeakersSoundbarsSamsung HW-Q990B vs HW-Q950A: which flagship Samsung soundbar is best and why?Samsung’s new top-of-the-range Q990B builds on the success of the previous Q950A, but how do they differ?When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
TechAudioSpeakersSoundbarsSamsung HW-Q990B vs HW-Q950A: which flagship Samsung soundbar is best and why?Samsung’s new top-of-the-range Q990B builds on the success of the previous Q950A, but how do they differ?When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Samsung’s new top-of-the-range Q990B builds on the success of the previous Q950A, but how do they differ?
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
Samsunguses a frustrating naming convention, often adding a different letter at the end of a model number to denote a new iteration (or year). For 2022, however, the company’s flagship soundbar helpfully has a completely different designation, but is theHW-Q990Ba better proposition than the previousHW-Q950A? Or, if you can find the latter at a much-reduced price is it the obvious purchase?
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
SAMSUNG HW-Q990B VS HW-Q950A: PRICE & FEATURES
The newer Samsung HW-Q990B retails for £1,599/$1,899, while the older Samsung HW-Q950A can be picked up at a discounted price for under £/$1,000 now – check out the real-time widget below for up-to-date price comparison.
This makes for an interesting dilemma, because despite the price differential, the two soundbars appear to offer very similar features.
The Samsung HW-Q990B delivers the same speaker layout and audio format support, but the subwoofer now boasts an 8-inch driver with an acoustic lens designed to produce deeper and more accurate bass. TheQ Symphonyand SpaceFit sound features have been upgraded, plus there’s now support for Wireless Atmos.
Sadly, neither soundbar can pass 4K/120 orVRR for gaming, as part ofHDMI 2.1 spec.
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Today’s best Samsung HW-Q990B and Samsung HW-Q950A dealsSamsung HW-Q990B$1,368ViewSee all pricesSamsung HW-Q950A$1,879.47ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Samsung HW-Q990B and Samsung HW-Q950A dealsSamsung HW-Q990B$1,368ViewSee all pricesSamsung HW-Q950A$1,879.47ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Samsung HW-Q990B and Samsung HW-Q950A dealsSamsung HW-Q990B$1,368ViewSee all pricesSamsung HW-Q950A$1,879.47ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Samsung HW-Q990B and Samsung HW-Q950A deals
Samsung HW-Q990B$1,368ViewSee all pricesSamsung HW-Q950A$1,879.47ViewSee all prices
Samsung HW-Q990B$1,368ViewSee all prices
Samsung HW-Q990B$1,368ViewSee all prices
Samsung HW-Q990B
Samsung HW-Q990B
$1,368View
$1,368
$1,368
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Samsung HW-Q950A$1,879.47ViewSee all prices
Samsung HW-Q950A$1,879.47ViewSee all prices
Samsung HW-Q950A
Samsung HW-Q950A
$1,879.47View
$1,879.47
$1,879.47
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We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
SAMSUNG Q950A VS Q990B: DESIGN & SETUP
The Samsung HW-Q950A is based around a large soundbar with angled corners for the side-firing speakers, and a black fabric finish. There’s a display that for some reason is positioned on top where it can’t be seen, and some basic controls located either side of this panel. Samsung includes a decent remote, and the subwoofer and surrounds are styled to match the bar.
The HW-Q950A requires a bit of thought when installing, but the wireless nature of the sub and rear speakers makes this relatively easy. The SmartThings app allows you to create a wireless connection and set up Alexa, after which you simply connect the TV and any sources. The SpaceFit Sound feature will balance all the channels, using test tones and a built-in microphone.
The Samsung HW-Q990B uses the same large soundbar with angled corners, but swaps fabric for a more robust metal mesh grille. There are still some basic controls on top, but Samsung has sensibly moved the display to the front. The subwoofer is larger and the surround speakers sport new curved cabinets, while the remote adds more controls but remains intuitive to use.
The setup process is almost identical for the HW-Q990B as it is for Q950A, although the new SpaceFit Sound Gen II not only balances out the speakers and corrects for the room, but also periodically updates the equalisation to reflect any changes. Although both soundbars use a wireless sub and surrounds, don’t forget they need to be plugged in, and the upward-firing drivers require a reflective ceiling.
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
SAMSUNG HW-Q990B VS Q950A: SOUND QUALITY
The Samsung HW-Q990B doesn’t look to reinvent the wheel, and uses the same insanely immersive speaker layout and powerful amplification. However, the upfiring drivers use wide-range tweeters for greater accuracy, while the larger 8-inch sub with acoustic lensing delivers deeper bass with improved uniformity, resulting in a low-end that’s clearer and more precise.
The combination of all these speakers creates a hemisphere of sound that immerses the listener, and while the two soundbars are very similar sonically, the upgraded room correction does allow the HW-Q990B to sound tighter and slightly more balanced. The subwoofer also goes deeper, but manages to remain responsive, while the lower frequencies are extremely well integrated.
SAMSUNG Q990B vs Q950A: VERDICT
The Samsung HW-Q990B is equally as impressive, and thanks to upgraded room correction tech and a souped-up subwoofer, it actually sounds tighter, more balanced, and delivers deeper bass impact.
However, cosmetics aside the two soundbars are very similar, which makes the HW-Q950A a tempting proposition based on its more affordable price position. Ultimately, whichever bar you choose, you won’t be disappointed – we suspect it’ll come down to how much you can find each option for at retail.
Today’s best Samsung HW-Q990B and Samsung HW-Q950A dealsSamsung HW-Q990B$1,368ViewSee all pricesSamsung HW-Q950A$1,879.47ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Samsung HW-Q990B and Samsung HW-Q950A dealsSamsung HW-Q990B$1,368ViewSee all pricesSamsung HW-Q950A$1,879.47ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Samsung HW-Q990B and Samsung HW-Q950A dealsSamsung HW-Q990B$1,368ViewSee all pricesSamsung HW-Q950A$1,879.47ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Samsung HW-Q990B and Samsung HW-Q950A deals
Samsung HW-Q990B$1,368ViewSee all pricesSamsung HW-Q950A$1,879.47ViewSee all prices
Samsung HW-Q990B$1,368ViewSee all prices
Samsung HW-Q990B$1,368ViewSee all prices
Samsung HW-Q990B
Samsung HW-Q990B
$1,368View
$1,368
$1,368
See all prices
Samsung HW-Q950A$1,879.47ViewSee all prices
Samsung HW-Q950A$1,879.47ViewSee all prices
Samsung HW-Q950A
Samsung HW-Q950A
$1,879.47View
$1,879.47
$1,879.47
See all prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
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