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Samsung HW-Q990F vs 5.1 Soundbar SE Surround Sound System

The Samsung HW-Q990F is the better system by a wide margin: true 11.1.4 channels, four up-firing drivers, wireless Dolby Atmos, room calibration and a dual 8-inch subwoofer. The 5.1 Soundbar SE is a budget 5.1 setup that beats TV speakers and adds a wireless sub, but it tops out at 540 W and has no Atmos height channels. At $992.95 at eBay versus $157.99 at Best Buy as of November 3, 2026, the Samsung costs about $835 more. Buy the Samsung for a dedicated room and Atmos content; buy the SE for a first upgrade on a tight budget.

Today the 5.1 Soundbar SE Surround Sound System costs $834.96 less at its best price.

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Samsung
Samsung HW-Q990F

Samsung HW-Q990F

4.7· 1,100 ratings
$992.95at eBayVerified
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Choose the Samsung HW-Q990F if you want real object-based surround with height effects, room calibration and a subwoofer that stays clean at high volume.

Pros
  • True 11.1.4 surround with four up-firing height channels
  • Wireless Dolby Atmos and Q-Symphony with Samsung TVs
  • SpaceFit Sound Pro calibrates to the room automatically
  • Dual 8-inch subwoofer with Dynamic Bass Control
  • Wi-Fi streaming plus AirPlay 2 and Chromecast
Cons
  • Costs roughly six times the SE
  • Large bar plus sub and two rear speakers need space and outlets
  • Full benefit depends on Atmos source content
  • Price swung from $907.66 to $1,199.00 in a week
5
5.1 Soundbar SE Surround Sound System

5.1 Soundbar SE Surround Sound System

4.3· 68 ratings
$157.99at Best BuyObserved at 11:14 PM
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Choose the 5.1 Soundbar SE if you want a clear step up from TV speakers with a wireless subwoofer for well under $200.

Pros
  • Under $160, the cheapest way into 5.1 with a wireless sub
  • Reviewers call setup simple and quick
  • Deep bass and loud, clear sound for the size
  • Works well with Hisense and Roku TVs
Cons
  • No Atmos height channels
  • No room calibration
  • Dolby Digital setting reverts to auto instead of saving
  • No Wi-Fi streaming or AirPlay

What separates them

Samsung HW-Q990F5.1 Soundbar SE Surround Sound System
Channel configuration11.1.4 channels with front, surround, up-firing and rear speakers5.1 channels with a wireless subwoofer
Dolby AtmosYes, including wireless Atmos without an HDMI cableNot listed; relies on Dolby Digital
Power756 W max540 W max
Room calibrationSpaceFit Sound Pro auto-tunes to the roomNone listed
Rear speakersIncluded, wirelessNot listed as included
Voice assistantsBuilt-in Alexa plus Siri supportAmazon Alexa support
ConnectivityBluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMI, optical, AirPlay 2, ChromecastBluetooth, USB, HDMI, optical
Price as of November 3, 2026$992.95 at eBay$157.99 at Best Buy

Price history

$1,199.00$157.99
Oct 28Nov 4
  • Samsung HW-Q990F: lowest $907.66 on Oct 28 at Greentoe; $1,199.00 on Nov 4.
  • 5.1 Soundbar SE Surround Sound System: lowest $157.99 on Nov 3 at Best Buy.

Prices at every store

Samsung HW-Q990F

  • The AV DudesNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $999.00Observed at 9:43 PM
    Visit store
  • Best BuyNew

    In stock

    $1,597.99Free shippingObserved at 9:43 PM
    Visit store
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by videoandaudiocenter (97.4% positive, 4,700 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $992.95Free shippingVerified
    Visit store
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

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

    $1,199.00Free shippingObserved at 9:43 PM
    Visit store

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay
  • Merlin's TV & ApplianceCheck price at Merlin's TV & Appliance
  • Electro Home OutletCheck price at Electro Home Outlet
All 9 stores and price history →

5.1 Soundbar SE Surround Sound System

  • Best BuyNew

    In stock

    $157.99Free shippingObserved at 11:14 PM
    Visit store
  • eBayNew

    In stockSold by thesmartmart_3

    $268.95Free shippingObserved Nov 3, 2026, 9:16 AM
    Visit store
  • WalmartNew

    Out of stock

    $157.99Free shippingObserved Nov 3, 2026, 9:16 AM
    Visit store
  • Hisense D2C ShopNew

    Out of stock

    $157.99Free shippingObserved Nov 3, 2026, 9:16 AM
    Visit store
All 4 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecSamsung HW-Q990F5.1 Soundbar SE Surround Sound System
WirelessYesYes
ColorBlackBlack
StyleWall MountWall Mount
Assistant SupportAmazon Alexa, SiriAmazon Alexa
ConnectivityBluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMI, Optical AudioBluetooth, USB, HDMI, Optical Audio
Max Wattage756 W540 W
Special PurposeSoundbar—
SetYes—
Dolby Atmos EnabledYes—
Configuration—5.1 Channel
With Surround Sound—Yes
Brand—Hisense
Show all 24 specsShow fewer specs
SpecSamsung HW-Q990F5.1 Soundbar SE Surround Sound System
Model Number—HS5100
Number of HDMI Inputs (Total)—0
Number of USB Inputs—1
Number of HDMI Outputs (Total)—1
Product Height—2.4 inches
Product Width—35.5 inches
Product Depth—3.58 inches
Remote Control Included—true
Cable(s) Included—HDMI, RCA, Power

What reviewers say

Samsung HW-Q990F

With a 4.7 out of 5 rating from about 1,100 ratings, owners describe the sound as good to great and the setup as straightforward. Bluetooth connectivity is called convenient.

Pros
  • Sound quality described as good to great
  • Straightforward setup process
  • Convenient Bluetooth connectivity
Cons
  • Rear speakers require nearby power outlets
  • Room calibration matters for the surround effect

5.1 Soundbar SE Surround Sound System

Reviewers describe a big, easy upgrade over TV speakers, with loud, clear sound and strong bass from the wireless subwoofer. Setup is quick, and several owners say it pairs well with Hisense and Roku TVs. The main complaint is that the Dolby Digital setting doesn't stick.

Pros
  • Big improvement over TV speakers
  • Simple, quick setup
  • Deep bass from the wireless subwoofer
  • Loud, clear sound that fills the room
Cons
  • Dolby Digital setting reverts to auto instead of saving
Reviews
  • The Best Soundbars for 2026
  • The Best Soundbars for 2026 - PCMag editors select and review products independently
  • The Samsung HW-Q990F Is Our Favorite High-End Soundbar - Skip to main content
  • Best Soundbar, Price Range or even more

Questions and answers

Is the Samsung HW-Q990F worth the extra over the 5.1 Soundbar SE?
Yes if you watch Atmos movies or want height effects and rear speakers. The SE is a solid TV-speaker upgrade, but it cannot produce overhead sound. The gap is about $835 at the November 3, 2026 prices.
Which is better for a small apartment?
The 5.1 Soundbar SE. It is cheaper, simpler and easier to place. The Q990F needs room for a large bar, a subwoofer and two rear speakers to pay off.
Does the 5.1 Soundbar SE support Dolby Atmos?
No Atmos support is listed. It handles Dolby Digital, and one reviewer notes that setting reverts to auto instead of saving.
Which has better bass?
The Samsung. Its wireless subwoofer uses dual 8-inch drivers with Dynamic Bass Control. The SE's subwoofer is praised for deep bass at its price, but it has less headroom.
Can I use either with a non-Samsung TV?
Yes. Both connect over HDMI and optical. Q-Symphony and SpaceFit tuning work best with compatible Samsung TVs, and reviewers report the SE pairs well with Hisense and Roku TVs.
Which lasts longer?
Neither maker publishes a lifespan figure. The Samsung has more drivers and electronics that could fail, but also a higher build tier. The SE is simpler, with fewer parts to go wrong.

More comparisons

  • Samsung HW-Q990F vs Bose Smart Soundbar
  • Samsung HW-Q990F vs LG S95TR
  • Samsung HW-Q990F vs Yamaha True X Bar 50A 280W 2.1.2-Channel Dolby Atmos Sound Bar System
  • Samsung HW-Q990F vs Nakamichi Dragon Dolby Atmos Home Surround Sound System with 12" Subwoofer
  • Samsung HW-Q990F vs Sonos Arc Ultra
  • Samsung HW-Q990F vs Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus
  • Samsung HW-Q990F vs Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 (HT-A9000)
  • Samsung HW-Q990F vs Polk Audio MagniFi Max AX SR 7.1.2-Channel Dolby Atmos Soundbar and Wireless Surround System

Buying guides that pick them

  • Best soundbars for TVs
  • Best soundbars
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  • Best wireless surround sound speakers with Dolby Atmos
  • Best surround sound systems for TV
ENERGY STAR Certified
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true
Warranty - Parts—1 Year Parts
Warranty - Labor—1 year