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Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar System vs JBL Bar 1000MK2 Soundbar

The Samsung HW-Q990F is the stronger surround system for a dedicated movie room: 11.1.4 channels, dual 8-inch sub drivers, room calibration and Q-Symphony with Samsung TVs. The JBL Bar 1000MK2 is the more flexible pick: its rear speakers detach from the bar and can be carried to another room, and it works the same with any TV brand. Both are well reviewed, but the Samsung has far more owner feedback behind its rating, while the JBL's detachable design and 10-inch subwoofer suit mixed use and smaller rooms.

  • Choose the Samsung HW-Q990F if you have a Samsung TV and want the most complete true surround setup with automatic room calibration.
  • Choose the JBL Bar 1000MK2 if you want rear speakers you can detach and move around, and you don't own a Samsung TV.

Prices

  • Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar System: $645.00 at Emafoo (last seen Nov 5)
  • JBL Bar 1000MK2 Soundbar: $670.99 at eBay (checked today)
  • Difference: the Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar System is $25.99 cheaper than the JBL Bar 1000MK2 Soundbar at the latest prices (Nov 5 and Nov 9)
Samsung
Samsung HW-Q990F

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar System

Samsung HW-Q990F

4.7(1,100 ratings)
$645.00at EmafooObserved Nov 5, 2026, 12:26 PM
See all prices and details
Visit Emafoo
Pros
  • True 11.1.4 layout with separate rear speakers
  • SpaceFit Sound Pro calibrates to the room
  • Q-Symphony adds Samsung TV speakers to the mix
  • Built-in Alexa, AirPlay 2 and Chromecast
  • Large base of owner ratings
Cons
  • Q-Symphony benefits only Samsung TV owners
  • Rear speakers need power and placement behind the seats
  • Fewer wired inputs than the JBL
JBL
JBL Bar 1000MK2

JBL Bar 1000MK2 Soundbar

JBL Bar 1000MK2

4.5(68 ratings)
$670.99at eBayObserved at 1:01 PM
See all prices and details
Visit eBay

Store links may earn us a commission.

Pros
  • Detachable rear speakers can move to another room
  • 10-inch subwoofer digs deep for movies
  • Works with any TV brand over HDMI eARC
  • Wide input set including Ethernet, USB and AUX
  • 4K Dolby Vision passthrough
Cons
  • No automatic room calibration
  • No assistant built in
  • Far fewer owner ratings than the Samsung

What separates them

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar SystemJBL Bar 1000MK2 Soundbar
Channel configuration11.1.4 with dedicated front, surround, up-firing and rear speakers7.1.4 with detachable rear speakers and up-firing drivers
Rear speakersFixed wireless rear speakers placed behind the seatingDetach from the bar ends and can be carried to another room
SubwooferWireless sub with dual 8-inch driversWireless 10-inch down-firing sub, bass-reflex, 150 W RMS
Room calibrationSpaceFit Sound Pro tunes output to the room automaticallyNo automatic room calibration; MultiBeam widens the stage
TV integrationQ-Symphony syncs with compatible Samsung TV speakersWorks the same with all TV brands, no brand-specific syncing
Voice assistantsBuilt-in Alexa, plus AirPlay 2 and ChromecastWorks with Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri; no assistant built in
ConnectionsHDMI in and out, optical, Bluetooth, Wi-FiHDMI eARC, optical, USB, Ethernet, AUX, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
Owner feedback4.7 out of 5 from about 1,100 ratings4.5 out of 5 from 68 ratings on the listing, 4.7 from 172 reviews at one retailer

Price history

$1,199.95$645.00
Oct 28Nov 9
  • Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar System: lowest $645.00 on Nov 5 at Emafoo; $912.88 on Nov 9.
  • JBL Bar 1000MK2 Soundbar: lowest $727.91 on Nov 3 at Greentoe; $749.95 on Nov 9.

Prices at every store

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar System

  • GreentoeNew

    In stockSold by TV's & Home Theater

    $912.88Free shippingObserved at 12:44 PM
    Visit Greentoe
  • The AV DudesNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $999.00Observed Nov 8, 2026, 6:43 PM
    Visit The AV Dudes
  • EmafooNew

    Availability unknown

    $645.00Observed Nov 5, 2026, 12:26 PM
    Visit Emafoo
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by brandsmartusa (99.5% positive, 37,700 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $912.31Free shippingObserved at 1:01 PM
    Visit eBay

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay
  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart
  • Electro Home OutletCheck price at Electro Home Outlet

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All 22 stores and price history →

JBL Bar 1000MK2 Soundbar

  • JBL by HarmanNew

    In stock

    $749.95Free shippingObserved at 12:44 PM
    Visit JBL by Harman
  • GreentoeNew

    In stockSold by TV's & Home Theater

    $799.00Free shippingObserved at 11:46 AM
    Visit Greentoe
  • Abt ElectronicsNew

    In stock

    $1,199.95Free shippingObserved at 12:44 PM
    Visit Abt Electronics
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by swingcomputers (99.6% positive, 71,200 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $670.99Free shippingObserved at 1:01 PM
    Visit eBay

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 23 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecSamsung HW-Q990F Soundbar SystemJBL Bar 1000MK2 Soundbar
WirelessYesYes
ColorBlackBlack
StyleWall MountWall Mount
SetYesYes
Assistant SupportAmazon Alexa, SiriGoogle Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Siri
Dolby Atmos EnabledYesYes
ConnectivityBluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMI, Optical AudioBluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, HDMI, Ethernet, AUX, Opt…
Max Wattage756 W960 W
Special PurposeSoundbar—
Height13 in high—
Configuration—2 Channel
Battery Capacity—6,600 mAh
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecSamsung HW-Q990F Soundbar SystemJBL Bar 1000MK2 Soundbar
Battery Life—10 hr battery life
Width—19.5 in wide
Subwoofer Inputs/Outputs—Wireless
Enclosure Type—Bass-Reflex
Subwoofer Driver—1x 10.2" / 26 cm (Down-Firing)
Subwoofer Amplifier Output—150 W RMS
Frequency Response—33 Hz to 20 kHz (System)
Amplifier Output—250 W RMS
High-Frequency Drivers—2x 1" / 25 mm

What reviewers say

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar System

  • 4.7 / 51,100 ratings

Rated 4.7 out of 5 from about 1,100 ratings. Buyers call the sound good to great and the setup straightforward, and they like the Bluetooth connectivity.

What people mention
  • Sound qualityPraisedBuyers describe the surround sound as good to great.
  • SetupPraisedOwners say the system is straightforward to set up.
  • ConnectivityPraisedBluetooth is called convenient for phone and streaming use.
  • Rear speakersMixedWireless rears free you from speaker cable but still need power outlets.

JBL Bar 1000MK2 Soundbar

  • 4.5 / 568 ratings

Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 68 ratings, owners mostly praise the surround effect from the detachable speakers and the subwoofer's output. Complaints center on battery life in the rear speakers and setup fiddliness.

What people mention
  • Surround effectPraisedOwners say placing the detachable speakers behind the couch creates a real bubble of sound.
  • BassPraisedThe 10-inch subwoofer is described as punchy and deep for a soundbar system.
  • BatteryCriticisedReviewers note the rear speakers run down during long viewing and must go back on the bar to charge.
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
  • We measured our favourite Dolby Atmos soundbars and favourite TVs to find the perfect Black Friday pairings - Get the What Hi-Fi
  • I compared the best soundbars from Samsung and Sonos, and here's my preference - ZDNET
  • Best soundbars in 2026: Top picks for movies, TV, and Dolby Atmos

Questions and answers

Which is better for movies?
The Samsung, on paper. Its 11.1.4 layout adds more surround and height channels, and SpaceFit Sound Pro tunes the system to your room. The JBL is still a true Dolby Atmos and DTS:X system and is easier to fit into small rooms.
Which has better bass?
The JBL's single 10-inch down-firing subwoofer moves more air per driver, while the Samsung uses two 8-inch drivers. Both go deep; the JBL leans punchier, the Samsung tighter and more even.
Do the JBL's rear speakers really detach?
Yes. They clip onto the ends of the bar and lift off to sit behind you, or you can carry one to another room for audio. The Samsung's rear speakers are fixed wireless units that stay in place.
Which works better with a non-Samsung TV?
The JBL. It connects over HDMI eARC and behaves the same with any brand. The Samsung works with any TV too, but Q-Symphony only adds TV speakers on compatible Samsung sets.
Which is easier to set up?
The JBL, because the rear speakers come attached and you place them where you want. The Samsung needs its rear speakers and subwoofer positioned and powered, then runs room calibration.
Is the Samsung worth stepping up to?
If you have a Samsung TV and a room that suits rear speakers, yes: more channels, calibration and tighter TV integration. If you want portability and a simpler fit, the JBL covers the basics well.

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Full-Range Drivers
—
2x 2.8" / 70 mm Up-Firing
Midrange Drivers—6x 1.7 x 3.1" / 44 x 80 mm
Channel Configuration—7.1.4-Channel
Power Rating—40 W RMS per Speaker
Satellite Inputs/Outputs—Wireless
Placement & Mounting Options—Wall-Mount (with Included Hardware)
Speaker Positioning—Rear
Satellite Speaker Configuration—2-Way
Input Power—100 to 240 VAC, 50 / 60 Hz
Environmental Resistance—No
Wall Mountable—Yes (with Included Hardware)
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)—38.5 x 19.5 x 15.5"
Package Weight—43 lb
Inputs—3x HDMI1x Optical TOSLINK - Audio
Outputs—1x HDMI - eARC
Audio Decoding—DTS:X, Dolby Atmos
Wireless Connectivity—Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
Wireless Subwoofer Connectivity—true
App Compatible—true
Setup
Mixed
Pairing is easy, but getting the rear speaker placement and levels right takes some adjusting.
  • Best soundbars for movies
  • Best soundbars with subwoofers