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Samsung HW-Q990D Soundbar vs JBL Bar 1300MK2 Soundbar

Both are 11.1.4 systems with rear speakers in the box, so the choice comes down to how you use them. The Samsung HW-Q990D leans on Samsung TV integration: Q-Symphony runs the TV speakers with the bar, SpaceFit Sound Pro calibrates to the room, and it has two HDMI inputs plus Alexa built in. The JBL Bar 1300MK2 is the more flexible one: its rear speakers are detachable and battery-powered for about 10 hours, so you can move them around the room, and it adds Google Assistant, Siri, Ethernet and USB. Owners of both praise the room-filling Atmos effect; the JBL's detachable rears are the feature people talk about most, while Samsung owners rate the TV pairing and calibration.

  • Choose the Samsung HW-Q990D if you own a Samsung TV and want Q-Symphony, SpaceFit calibration and a simpler all-in-one setup.
  • Choose the JBL Bar 1300MK2 if you want detachable battery-powered rear speakers, Google Assistant and Siri, and wired Ethernet.

Prices

  • Samsung HW-Q990D Soundbar: $1,296.00 at Amazon (last seen Nov 12)
  • JBL Bar 1300MK2 Soundbar: $1,399.95 at Best Buy (last seen Oct 30)
  • Difference: the Samsung HW-Q990D Soundbar is $103.95 cheaper than the JBL Bar 1300MK2 Soundbar at the latest prices (Oct 30 and Nov 12)
Samsung
Samsung HW-Q990D Soundbar

Samsung HW-Q990D Soundbar

$1,296.00at AmazonChecked 16 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Amazon

Store links may earn us a commission. As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

Pros
  • Q-Symphony uses your Samsung TV's speakers alongside the bar
  • SpaceFit Sound Pro tunes output to the room
  • Two HDMI inputs for a console and a player
  • 656 W across 22 drivers fills large rooms
  • Alexa built in for voice control
Cons
  • Rear speakers are wired to the subwoofer, so placement is fixed
  • Best features depend on owning a Samsung TV
  • No Ethernet port
  • Not water resistant, so indoor use only
JBL
JBL Bar 1300MK2 11.1.4-Channel Soundbar

JBL Bar 1300MK2 Soundbar

JBL Bar 1300MK2 11.1.4-Channel Soundbar

$1,399.95at Best BuyChecked Oct 30
See all prices and details
Visit Best Buy
Pros
  • Detachable rear speakers run about 10 hours on battery
  • Works with Google Assistant, Alexa and Siri
  • Ethernet, USB and optical alongside HDMI
  • Rears can be placed anywhere without running cables
  • Portable speakers double as satellite units around the room
Cons
  • No automatic room calibration like SpaceFit
  • Lower rated max power than the Samsung
  • Battery rears need recharging after long sessions
  • No brand-matched TV speaker pairing

What separates them

Samsung HW-Q990D SoundbarJBL Bar 1300MK2 Soundbar
Rear speakersFixed wired rears included in the boxDetachable, battery-powered rears with about 10 hours of playback
TV integrationQ-Symphony pairs with Samsung TVs so TV and bar speakers play togetherStandard HDMI eARC connection, no brand-specific speaker pairing
Room calibrationSpaceFit Sound Pro analyzes the room and tunes the sound automaticallyNo comparable automatic room calibration
HDMI inputsTwo HDMI inputs plus opticalHDMI plus optical, USB and Ethernet
Voice assistantsAlexa built inGoogle Assistant, Alexa and Siri support
Power656 W max across 22 drivers300 W max
PortabilityCorded, wall-mountable, not water resistantDetachable speakers are portable; the bar itself stays plugged in
Wired networkingWi-Fi and Bluetooth onlyEthernet port for a wired connection

Price history

$1,399.95$284.98
Oct 29Nov 12
  • Samsung HW-Q990D Soundbar: lowest $284.98 on Oct 29 at Walmart; $1,296.00 on Nov 12.
  • JBL Bar 1300MK2 Soundbar: lowest $1,314.79 on Nov 11 at Microless.com.

Prices at every store

Samsung HW-Q990D Soundbar

  • StadiumNew

    In stock

    $1,333.23Free shippingChecked Nov 10
    Visit Stadium
  • eBayPre-owned

    Availability unknownSold by azing_electronics (99.7% positive, 151,100 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $679.99Free shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit eBay
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $1,296.00Free shippingChecked 16 h ago
    Visit Amazon
  • ShopNew

    Availability unknownSold by Shop app

    $3,472.23+ $8.00 shippingChecked Nov 11
    Visit Shop

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 6 stores and price history →

JBL Bar 1300MK2 Soundbar

  • Microless.comNew

    In stockShips from abroad · duties may apply

    $1,314.79+ $470.00 shippingChecked Nov 10
    Visit Microless.com
  • JBLNew

    Availability unknown

    $1,399.95Checked Oct 30
    Visit JBL
  • Best BuyNew

    Availability unknown

    $1,399.95Checked Oct 30
    Visit Best Buy
  • BrandsMart USANew

    Availability unknown

    $1,399.95Checked Oct 30
    Visit BrandsMart USA
All 8 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecSamsung HW-Q990D SoundbarJBL Bar 1300MK2 Soundbar
Assistant SupportAlexaGoogle Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Siri
StyleRectangular prism, HW-Q990DFloor-standing, Wall Mount
Max Wattage656W300 W
WirelessYesYes
Special PurposeSoundbarSoundbar
Dolby Atmos EnabledYesYes
ConnectivityBluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMIBluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, HDMI, Ethernet, Optical …
OutdoorNo—
Power SourceCorded Electric—
BluetoothYes—
Connectivity TechnologyWireless—
Ports And InterfacesOptical, HDMI, HDMI In (2)—
Show all 33 specsShow fewer specs
SpecSamsung HW-Q990D SoundbarJBL Bar 1300MK2 Soundbar
Wi-FiYes—
Smart FunctionsVoice control, Chromecast, Spotify Connect—
Speaker PlacementWall-mountable—
Design HighlightsWall Mountable—
MaterialPlastic (subwoofer plate)—
Driver Size20cm (subwoofer)—
Driver ConfigurationUp-firing—
Driver TypeDynamic Driver—
Number Of Drivers22—
Max Output Power

What reviewers say

Samsung HW-Q990D Soundbar

Owners of Samsung's flagship bars generally rate the Q990 series highly for room-filling Atmos effects and strong bass. Common complaints center on setup of the rear speakers and the size of the subwoofer.

What people mention
  • SoundstagePraisedOwners say the rear and up-firing speakers create a wide, room-filling Atmos effect.
  • BassPraisedThe 20cm subwoofer is described as deep and punchy for movies.
  • SetupMixedConnection is simple, but placing and calibrating the rear speakers takes time.
  • SizeCriticisedThe subwoofer's large cabinet is hard to fit into smaller rooms.

Questions and answers

Which is better for a Samsung TV?
The Samsung HW-Q990D. Q-Symphony makes the TV speakers and soundbar play as one system, and SpaceFit Sound Pro calibrates to the room. The JBL connects over standard HDMI eARC and won't use the TV's own speakers.
Do the JBL's rear speakers really run on battery?
Yes. They detach from the bar and run about 10 hours per charge, so you can place them behind the couch without cables. The Samsung's rears are wired to the subwoofer.
Which has more power?
The Samsung is rated at 656 W max across 22 drivers; the JBL is rated at 300 W. Both are loud enough for most living rooms, and the JBL's detachable rears matter more than the wattage gap for surround placement.
Which is better for movies versus music?
Both handle Dolby Atmos well. The Samsung's calibration and extra HDMI input suit a fixed movie room; the JBL's movable rears and streaming app support suit mixed use and music in different spots.
Is the JBL worth stepping up to over the Samsung?
Only if you want detachable rears, Google Assistant or Siri, or a wired Ethernet connection. If you have a Samsung TV, the Q990D's integration is the stronger reason to pick it.
Which lasts longer?
Both are plug-in soundbars built to sit under a TV for years. The JBL's battery rears are the one wear item; expect capacity to fade with heavy daily use. The Samsung has no battery to degrade.

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656 Watts
—
Nominal Output Power26 W (subwoofer)—
Output Level (SPL)80 dB—
Weight11.7 kg (subwoofer)—
Depth410.0 mm (subwoofer)—
Height413.0 mm (subwoofer)—
Color—Black
Set—Yes
Battery Capacity—4,722 mAh
Battery Life—10 hr battery life
Width—55.3 in wide
Portable—Yes