How many fit
Only 3 of the 31 models checked meet every need here: “I’d like speakers behind my sofa” and “I game on two consoles at 4K 120 Hz”.
3 models fit, out of 31 checkedPicked for one job
What soundbar package should you pick if you want rear speakers?
Top pick
Samsung HW-Q990F
Samsung Q990F is the choice if you can power two rear speakers and want a complete package with two 4K 120 Hz HDMI inputs. JBL Bar 1300X MK2 is the choice when there are no outlets beside the sofa, and Polk MagniFi Max AX SR is the choice when three source inputs matter more to you than 120 Hz passthrough.
Why it suits this job
- The selected package contains two physical rear speakers
- The room layout allows for power or battery charging
- The catch
- Both rear speakers have to be plugged into power as well.
- Go with JBL Bar 1300X MK2 if
- Power outlets are unavailable, so the rear speakers have to run from rechargeable batteries.
More reasons we picked it
- The devices you connect are matched by the number of source inputs and the video bandwidth
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Complete soundbar packages compared on rear power, HDMI inputs and subwoofer space, with real speakers behind the sofa kept apart from virtual surround labels.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the soundbars we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
Show the facts and the math
How we countedThe count uses each product's current fit ratings for “I’d like speakers behind my sofa” and “I game on two consoles at 4K 120 Hz”. A need with no documented match is not counted.
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung HW-Q990F |
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| JBL Bar 1300X MK2 |
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| Polk MagniFi Max AX SR |
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| Samsung HW-Q990D |
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Decision guide
How to choose for this job
Count only the speakers that are physically in the selected package. An Atmos or virtual-channel label does not tell you what is in the box.
Physical rear speakers come with five of the packages here
Five standard packages in the current 21-model set come with separate rears: Samsung Q990F, Samsung Q990D, JBL Bar 1300X, JBL Bar 1300X MK2 and Polk MagniFi Max AX SR. Other bars may support optional rears or virtual surround, but those mean different purchases and layouts.
Wireless rears usually still need a power cable
Rear speakers from Samsung and Polk need power. The two JBL packages use rechargeable detachable rears, which swap permanent rear power cords for a charging routine. Before choosing a package, find out where outlets are available, especially if the sofa sits away from the walls.
The subwoofer could be the part that does not fit
The Q990F’s subwoofer base measures 9.8 × 9.8 inches, while the JBL Bar 1300X MK2 uses a 15 × 15-inch base. That works out to about 2.34 times as much bare cabinet footprint for the JBL, and it implies no matching difference in bass quality or output.
An example with real numbers
A TV with four inputs and a complete surround package
After one TV port is set aside for the soundbar, count the source connections.
The mathAvailable source connections = TV HDMI ports − 1 ARC/eARC port + separate soundbar HDMI inputs.
- Four HDMI sockets are on the TV, one of them used for ARC or eARC.
- A single HDMI connection serves each source.
- What gets counted is physical connections, and not equal bandwidth or guaranteed format support.
| Situation | Remaining TV inputs | Bar inputs | Total source connections |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Q990F | 3 | 2 | 5 |
| JBL Bar 1300X MK2 | 3 | 3 | 6 |
| Polk MagniFi Max AX SR | 3 | 3 | 6 |
What it tells youOne more source connection comes with the JBL and Polk packages, whereas the Q990F offers two inputs explicitly verified for 4K 120 Hz.
Watch out forSix physical connections do not amount to six high-refresh gaming inputs.
What this page can’t tell you
- These exact packages are what the count of included speakers reflects. Retailer bundles and optional accessories can be different.
4 options
The top pick and the alternatives
Samsung, HW-Q990F/ZA
Samsung HW-Q990F
With the Q990F, the subwoofer and two rear speakers come in the same box, and two 4K 120 Hz sources can plug straight in. It is the one to pick if you have room under the TV and also have spots ready for the rear speakers.
Top pick ifMovies and two gaming consoles on a full surround package
Key facts
- A subwoofer and two rear speakers come in the 11.1.4-channel package.
- Passthrough at 4K 120 Hz is supported on the two HDMI source inputs.
The catch
Both rear speakers have to be plugged into power as well.
JBL, Bar 1300XMK2
JBL Bar 1300X MK2
When a lack of outlets for rear speakers stands between you and a full surround setup, the 1300X MK2 is the one to pick. Three direct HDMI inputs take pressure off a crowded TV. In return you get a charging routine for the detachable speakers, and the subwoofer is sizable.
Pick this instead ifPower outlets are unavailable, so the rear speakers have to run from rechargeable batteries.
Key facts
- 11.1.4-channel setup that includes a 12-inch subwoofer and two rechargeable rears.
- One eARC TV connection and three HDMI source inputs.
The catch
The rear batteries must be recharged and are not guaranteed to last all day.
Polk Audio, MagniFi Max AX SR
Polk MagniFi Max AX SR
For a movie setup with several HDMI sources and room for powered rear speakers, the Max AX SR fits. The 10-inch subwoofer and both rears are bundled in. High-refresh consoles will run into its limit of 4K 60 Hz passthrough.
Pick this instead ifThree direct HDMI inputs are what you want, and 4K 60 Hz passthrough is enough.
Key facts
- Two SR2 rear speakers and a 10-inch subwoofer come in the 7.1.2-channel package.
- Passthrough at 4K 60 Hz is supported on the three HDMI source inputs.
The catch
Its HDMI passthrough maxes out at 4K 60 Hz.
Samsung, HW-Q990D/ZA
Samsung HW-Q990D
Put the Q990D on your shortlist if its complete-package price comes in below the Q990F. It already offers two 4K 120 Hz inputs and rear height speakers. The catch is a larger subwoofer that needs more floor depth.
Pick this instead ifAn older complete package costs noticeably less, and its deeper subwoofer fits.
Key facts
- A subwoofer and two rear speakers come in the 11.1.4-channel package.
- Passthrough at 4K 120 Hz is supported on the two HDMI source inputs.
The catch
Its subwoofer cabinet runs deeper than the one that comes with the Q990F.
Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Top pick for this job
Samsung HW-Q990F
The selected package contains two physical rear speakers
See price & reviews on AmazonPick this instead if
JBL Bar 1300X MK2
Power outlets are unavailable, so the rear speakers have to run from rechargeable batteries.
See price & reviews on AmazonWe may earn a commission from qualifying Amazon purchases. How we make money