Sony Bravia Theater Bar 9 vs Samsung HW-Q900F Soundbar

The Samsung HW-Q900F is the safer pick for most people: it ships with a wireless subwoofer, runs a true 7.1.2 layout, and holds a much stronger owner rating across far more reviews. The Sony Bravia Theater Bar 9 is the better bar for Sony TV owners and small, awkward rooms, because 360 Spatial Sound Mapping and room calibration squeeze wide, tall sound out of a single bar. The catch with the Sony is that its subwoofer and rear speakers are sold separately, so the full surround setup costs more and takes more space. Build on both is solid, wall-mountable, and cloth-grilled; the Samsung bar is the larger and heavier of the two.

• Choose the Sony Bravia Theater Bar 9 if you own a Sony TV, want one slim bar with no subwoofer clutter, and value room-calibrated spatial sound over raw bass.
• Choose the Samsung HW-Q900F if you want a complete 7.1.2 system with a wireless subwoofer in the box and the stronger track record with owners.