Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar System vs JBL Bar 500MK2

The Samsung HW-Q990F is the stronger system for a dedicated home theater: true 11.1.4 channels with wireless rear speakers, a dual 8-inch subwoofer and room calibration put real surround behind and above you. The JBL Bar 500MK2 is a simpler 5.1 bar with a single 10-inch subwoofer and no rear speakers, so it widens the front stage and adds bass but does not place sound behind the listener. Owners of the Samsung praise the sound and easy setup; the JBL has far fewer ratings, so its track record is thinner. Buy the Samsung for a full surround room; buy the JBL if you want a clean front-stage upgrade with strong bass and no speakers behind the couch.

• Choose the Samsung HW-Q990F if you want true surround with rear and up-firing speakers, room calibration and a subwoofer that digs deep for movies and games.
• Choose the JBL Bar 500MK2 if you want a single bar plus wireless subwoofer with Dolby Atmos processing, strong bass and a simple setup that works with any TV brand.