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Roku Streambar vs Samsung HW-Q990H Soundbar

These are not rivals in the same class. The Roku Streambar is a compact 2.0 soundbar with a streaming player built in, so it improves TV sound and adds Roku's interface in one box. The Samsung HW-Q990H is a full 11.1.4 home theater system with a subwoofer and rear speakers, built for real surround. Buy the Roku for a small room, a secondary TV or a tight setup. Buy the Samsung if you want genuine Dolby Atmos immersion and have the space and a 55-inch or larger screen.

  • Choose the Roku Streambar if you want one small box that fixes weak TV speakers and adds a streaming platform, with no subwoofer or rear speakers to place.
  • Choose the Samsung HW-Q990H if you want true surround with a subwoofer and wireless rear speakers, and your room can take a 48.5-inch bar.

Prices

  • Roku Streambar: $99.99 at Roku (last seen Nov 9)
  • Samsung HW-Q990H Soundbar: $957.67 at Greentoe (checked today)
  • Difference: the Roku Streambar is $857.68 cheaper than the Samsung HW-Q990H Soundbar at the latest prices (Nov 9 and Nov 10)
Roku
Roku Streambar

Roku Streambar

5(1 rating)
$99.99at RokuChecked 17 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Roku
Pros
  • Streaming player and soundbar in one box
  • Very small and light; fits any TV stand
  • Quick setup and a voice remote with TV controls
  • AirPlay, HomeKit and Bluetooth support
Cons
  • No Dolby Atmos and no subwoofer
  • Stereo only, so no rear surround
  • No Ethernet port without a separate adapter
  • Weak bass compared with any system with a sub
Samsung
Samsung HW-Q990H

Samsung HW-Q990H Soundbar

Samsung HW-Q990H

4.8(520 ratings)
$957.67at GreentoeChecked 1 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Greentoe
Pros
  • Real 11.1.4 surround with rear speakers and a subwoofer
  • Wireless Dolby Atmos with up-firing drivers
  • Wide connectivity: HDMI eARC, Ethernet, Chromecast, AirPlay, Roon
  • Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 520 ratings
Cons
  • Large 48.5-inch bar needs a big TV and wall space
  • Subwoofer and two rear speakers need placement and power
  • Setup and calibration take far longer than a plug-in bar
  • Overkill for small rooms and secondary TVs

What separates them

Roku StreambarSamsung HW-Q990H Soundbar
Channel configuration2.0 stereo soundbar11.1.4 channels with subwoofer and rear speakers
Dolby AtmosNo Atmos; Dolby Audio onlyWireless Dolby Atmos with up-firing drivers
Streaming platformBuilt-in Roku OS with thousands of channels and a voice remoteNo built-in OS; streams via AirPlay, Chromecast, Spotify Connect and Bluetooth
Size and placement2.4 x 9.6 x 3.5 inches, 2.2 lb, sits under most TVs48.5 inches wide, 52 lb boxed, needs a 55-inch or larger TV and room for satellites
ConnectivityHDMI out, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, AirPlay, no Ethernet without an adapter2 HDMI in, HDMI eARC out, optical, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay, Chromecast, Roon Ready
BassSmall drivers, no separate subwooferPowered subwoofer with 2x 8-inch drivers and 756 W total
SetupPlug in, pair the remote, done in about 30 secondsMore involved: place bar, subwoofer and two rear speakers, then calibrate
Voice assistantsAlexa, Google Assistant and Siri via AirPlay/HomeKitAlexa and Google Assistant

Price history

$1,497.99$99.99
Oct 28Nov 10
  • Roku Streambar: lowest $99.99 on Nov 9 at Roku.
  • Samsung HW-Q990H Soundbar: lowest $950.72 on Nov 2 at Greentoe; $957.67 on Nov 10.

Prices at every store

Roku Streambar

  • RokuNew

    In stock

    $99.99Free shippingChecked 17 h ago
    Visit Roku
  • eBayNew

    In stock

    $150.47Free shippingChecked 17 h ago
    Visit eBay
  • ArborNew

    In stock

    $179.99Checked 17 h ago
    Visit Arbor
  • BlueDogInkNew

    Availability unknown

    $143.79Free shippingChecked 17 h ago
    Visit BlueDogInk

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 9 stores and price history →

Samsung HW-Q990H Soundbar

  • GreentoeNew

    In stock

    $957.67Checked 1 h ago
    Visit Greentoe
  • TecisoftNew

    In stock

    $1,041.15Checked 17 h ago
    Visit Tecisoft
  • Focus CameraNew

    In stock

    $1,049.99Checked Nov 9
    Visit Focus Camera
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by madelectronicsaus (100% positive, 26,200 ratings)Ships from Australia · duties may applyReturns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $1,098.03+ $103.01 shippingChecked 16 h ago
    Visit eBay

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay
  • Focus CameraCheck price at Focus Camera

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All 32 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecRoku StreambarSamsung HW-Q990H Soundbar
ConnectivityWi-FiBluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMI, Ethernet, Optical Audio
ColorBlackBlack
Assistant SupportGoogle Assistant, Amazon Alexa, SiriGoogle Assistant, Amazon Alexa
Streaming ServicesThousands of free and paid channels—
Music ServicesMusic—
Smart Home PlatformsAlexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Roku Smart H…—
Display Output Resolution4K—
HDR SupportHDR—
Display Output FormatsHDMI—
Display HighlightsUpscaling from 720p, Upscaling from 1080p—
Wi-Fi802.11ac dual-band MIMO Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz)—
Bluetooth5.0—
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecRoku StreambarSamsung HW-Q990H Soundbar
EthernetNo (requires USB adaptor, sold separately)—
Supported Wireless TechnologiesApple Airplay, HomeKit—
Bluetooth Device SupportYes—
Remote IncludedYes—
Remote TypeVoice remote—
Remote FeaturesVoice control, TV controls—
Audio OutputHDMI—
Dimensions2.4 x 9.6 x 3.5 inches—
Form FactorSoundbar—
Weight

What reviewers say

Roku Streambar

Buyers describe the Streambar as a fast, simple upgrade that cleans up both streaming and TV audio. The most common complaint is thin bass, and some note it is best in smaller rooms.

What people mention
  • SetupPraisedOwners say it plugs in and pairs with the remote in about 30 seconds.
  • Sound qualityMixedDialogue is clearer than TV speakers, but the sound is small and light on bass.
  • BassCriticisedReviewers say low end is thin and there is no subwoofer option.
  • StreamingPraisedThe built-in Roku platform and 4K HDR playback are called fast and familiar.

Samsung HW-Q990H Soundbar

  • 4.8 / 5520 ratings

Owners rate the HW-Q990H highly, at 4.8 out of 5 from 520 ratings. Most praise the enveloping Atmos effect and strong bass; some note the size and setup demands.

What people mention
  • Surround effectPraisedOwners say the rear and up-firing channels create a convincing bubble around the listener.
  • BassPraisedThe 8-inch subwoofer is described as deep and tight rather than boomy.
  • DialoguePraisedAVA Pro is said to keep voices clear during loud action scenes.
Reviews
  • Samsung HW-Q990H Review: The Best-Sounding Soundbar System You Can Buy Right Now
  • Best Surround Sound System 2026: Top choices for home cinema - Advertisement
  • Best Dolby Atmos Soundbars 2026: Immersive sound in the living room

Questions and answers

Which is better for a small living room?
The Roku Streambar. It is 9.6 inches wide and needs no subwoofer or rear speakers, so it fits a small stand and a small room. The Samsung's 11.1.4 layout needs space behind and beside the seating to pay off.
Do I get real surround sound from the Roku?
No. The Streambar is a 2.0 bar with no subwoofer and no rear channels. The Samsung adds a subwoofer and wireless rear speakers for actual surround.
Which lasts longer?
Both are built to last, but they age differently. The Samsung is a passive speaker system that stays useful as TVs change. The Roku's streaming apps depend on Roku continuing to update the software, which it has done for years.
Is the Samsung worth stepping up to?
If you watch movies and games on a 55-inch or larger TV and want Atmos, yes. The jump from stereo to 11.1.4 with a subwoofer is the biggest single upgrade in TV audio. If you mainly want clearer news and casual streaming, the Roku covers it.
Does the Roku need a separate streaming device?
No. Roku OS is built in, with thousands of channels and a voice remote. The Samsung has no on-screen interface, so you stream from your TV's apps or cast to it.
Can either be wall mounted?
The Samsung ships with wall-mount hardware. The Streambar is designed to sit on a stand; Roku does not include a wall mount.

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Buying guides that pick them

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2.2 lb
—
HD Type4K—
Video FormatsVP9 (.MKV), H.264/AVC (.MKV,.MP4,.MOV), H.265/H…—
Video OutputHDR—
Video Codec SupportVP9 (.MKV), H.264/AVC (.MKV,.MP4,.MOV), H.265/H…—
Video HighlightsHDR playback, 4K playback—
Supported ServicesNetflix—
With Remote IncludedYes—
Release DateOctober 2020—
Wireless—Yes
Special Purpose—Soundbar
Style—Floor-standing, Wall Mount
Set—Yes
Dolby Atmos Enabled—Yes
Max Wattage—756 W
Width—48.5 in wide
Subwoofer Inputs/Outputs—Wireless
Drivers—2x 8" / 20.3 cm
Channel Configuration—11.1.4-Channel
SizeMixed
The 48.5-inch bar draws comments about fit on narrower TV stands.