Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 9 vs Samsung HW-Q990H Soundbar

The Samsung HW-Q990H is the more complete system out of the box: it ships with a wireless subwoofer and rear speakers, so it delivers true 11.1.4 surround without add-ons. The Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 9 is a single 13-driver bar that fakes rear channels with 360 Spatial Sound Mapping, and you need to buy the SW3/SW5 sub and RS3R/RS5 rears separately for real bass and rears. Buy the Samsung for a plug-and-play full surround setup and the Sony for a cleaner one-box install, especially with a BRAVIA TV. Owners rate the Sony well (4.4/5), and reviewers consistently praise Samsung's Q-series for room-filling Atmos and strong bass.

• Choose the Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 9 if you want one wall-mounted bar with no rear speakers cluttering the room, or you own a BRAVIA TV and want the TV to drive the soundbar's center channel for clearer dialogue.
• Choose the Samsung HW-Q990H if you want a complete 11.1.4 system with subwoofer and rear speakers included and true rear-channel surround for movies.