Samsung HW-Q990F vs JBL Bar 1300MK2
Both are 11.1.4 flagship soundbars with wireless subs and rears. The Samsung HW-Q990F is the safer pick for Samsung TV owners and anyone who wants room calibration and Alexa built in; it is $998.00 at Best Buy as of November 3, 2026. The JBL Bar 1300MK2 wins on bass size, DTS:X and detachable, battery-powered rear speakers, but its HDMI inputs are 2.0b only, so no 4K/120 Hz passthrough for consoles.
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Samsung HW-Q990F
4.7$998.00at Best BuyObserved Nov 2, 2026, 5:08 PM
Choose the Samsung HW-Q990F if you own a Samsung TV and want Q-Symphony, SpaceFit Sound Pro room calibration and built-in Alexa at a known $998.00.
Pros
- SpaceFit Sound Pro calibrates to your room automatically
- Q-Symphony adds Samsung TV speakers to the mix
- Built-in Alexa and AirPlay 2
- Full HDMI 2.1 gaming features including 4K/120 Hz
- 756 W total output with dual 8-inch sub drivers
Cons
- No DTS:X decoding
- Rears need power outlets, so placement is less flexible
What separates them
| Samsung HW-Q990F | JBL Bar 1300MK2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Channel layout | 11.1.4 with wireless sub and wireless rear speakers | 11.1.4 with 12-inch wireless sub and detachable rear speakers |
| Room calibration | SpaceFit Sound Pro auto-tunes to the room | No automatic room calibration listed |
| HDMI passthrough | HDMI inputs with 4K/120 Hz and gaming features (Game Mode Pro) | HDMI inputs limited to 2.0b, no 4K/120 Hz, no ALLM |
| Object audio formats | Dolby Atmos | Dolby Atmos and DTS:X |
| Subwoofer | Dual 8-inch drivers with Dynamic Bass Control | Single 12-inch subwoofer, 33 Hz low end |
| Rear speakers | Wireless, wall-powered rears | Detachable, battery-powered rears that pair to Bluetooth devices |
| Voice assistants | Built-in Alexa, Siri support |
Price history
$1,399.95$907.66
- Samsung HW-Q990F: lowest $907.66 on Oct 28 at Greentoe; $949.00 on Nov 3.
- JBL Bar 1300MK2: lowest $1,399.95 on Oct 30 at Best Buy.
Prices at every store
Samsung HW-Q990F
- Best BuyNew
In stock
$998.00Free shippingObserved Nov 2, 2026, 5:08 PM - The AV DudesNew
In stockReturn policy
$999.00Observed at 7:45 AM - eBayNew
In stock
$1,200.00Free shippingObserved Nov 2, 2026, 5:08 PM - AmazonNew
Availability unknown
$998.00Free shippingObserved Nov 2, 2026, 5:08 PM
Also available at
- eBayCheck price at eBay
- Electronic ExpressCheck price at Electronic Express
- Full Compass SystemsCheck price at Full Compass Systems
Specs compared
| Spec | Samsung HW-Q990F | JBL Bar 1300MK2 |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Black | Black |
| Wireless | Yes | — |
| Special Purpose | Soundbar | — |
| Style | Wall Mount | — |
| Set | Yes | — |
| Assistant Support | Amazon Alexa, Siri | — |
| Dolby Atmos Enabled | Yes | — |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMI, Optical Audio | — |
| Max Wattage | 756 W | — |
| HDMI inputs limited to 2.0b | — | no 4K/120 Hz passthrough, no ALLM support |
| Dolby Atmos / DTS |
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
Questions and answers
- Which is better for a PS5 or Xbox Series X?
- The Samsung HW-Q990F. Its HDMI ports pass 4K/120 Hz and support gaming features like ALLM, while the JBL's HDMI inputs are limited to 2.0b.
- Which has better bass?
- The JBL Bar 1300MK2. Its single 12-inch subwoofer reaches 33 Hz, against the Samsung's dual 8-inch drivers.
- Do I need a Samsung TV to get the most from the Q990F?
- No, but Q-Symphony only works with compatible Samsung TVs. On other TVs you lose that feature but keep Atmos, SpaceFit and Alexa.
- Can I move the JBL rear speakers around the room?
- Yes. They detach from the bar and run on their own battery, and you can pair one or both to a phone over Bluetooth.
- Is the JBL worth more than the Samsung?
- Only if you want DTS:X, the bigger sub or portable rears. The Samsung is $998.00 at Best Buy as of November 3, 2026 and adds room calibration and HDMI 2.1, which the JBL lacks.
- Which is easier to set up?
- Both are wireless for sub and rears. The Samsung adds automatic calibration, so it tunes itself; the JBL relies on manual placement and its app.
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