The catch
Samsung HW-Q990F
Both rear speakers have to be plugged into power as well.
Side by side
Samsung Q990F vs Q800F: Q800F sends a 120Hz console to the TV, while Q990F brings rears and 4K120 passthrough
Quick verdict
The Q990F is the pick if you want rear speakers in the box or need two 4K 120 Hz sources to run through the bar. If a bar and subwoofer are enough and you would rather have fewer speakers to place, take the Q800F. Its single HDMI input is capped at 4K 60 Hz, so a 120 Hz console should plug into the TV.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
A 120 Hz TV still works with the Q800F
Plug the console into a suitable HDMI input on the TV, then send compatible audio back over eARC.
Where this comes from
That 60 Hz cap covers video passed through the Q800F input only. Other TV inputs do not become 60 Hz inputs because of it.
The catch
Samsung HW-Q800F
It ships without rear speakers.
Samsung HW-Q990F
- Why pick it
- You want physical rear speakers in the package from the start.
- The soundbar has to connect directly to two 4K 120 Hz sources.
- The catch
- Both rear speakers have to be plugged into power as well.
Samsung HW-Q800F
- Why pick it
- For now you would rather skip separate rear speakers.
- Your space takes a 43.73-inch bar but rejects a 48.5-inch one.
- The catch
- It ships without rear speakers.
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What this page compares
Q990F or Q800F? Rear-speaker placement, HDMI bandwidth and cabinet size set them apart, and two 120 Hz consoles can change which one you should buy.
Rather than comparing the two channel numbers on their own, look first at where the rear speakers would go and how the HDMI signal travels.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
No outlets for powering rear speakers
There are no rear units to power with the Q800F.
- Samsung HW-Q990F
- Caution
- Samsung HW-Q800F
- Better fit
Running two sources via the bar at 4K 120 Hz
Q800F’s one input is 60 Hz.
- Samsung HW-Q990F
- Better fit
- Samsung HW-Q800F
- Not suitable
A mere 2.5 inches beneath the screen
This uses cabinet height, ahead of acoustic clearance.
- Samsung HW-Q990F
- Not suitable
- Samsung HW-Q800F
- Better fit
An older TV with optical audio out
Optical works with both, though Atmos does not travel over it.
- Samsung HW-Q990F
- Good
- Samsung HW-Q800F
- Good
In practice
Differences you will notice
A 120 Hz TV still works with the Q800F
Plug the console into a suitable HDMI input on the TV, then send compatible audio back over eARC.
How we worked this out
That 60 Hz cap covers video passed through the Q800F input only. Other TV inputs do not become 60 Hz inputs because of it.
Subwoofer footprint stays just as compact in the smaller package
Each listed subwoofer cabinet is roughly 9.8 inches wide and deep.
How we worked this out
Most of the Q800F space saving comes from the smaller bar and the absence of supplied rear speakers. The bass box does not have half the footprint.
Two fewer rear speakers means two fewer placement decisions
Spots are needed for the bar and subwoofer with Q800F. With Q990F you also need two powered rear locations.
How we worked this out
A wireless audio link still needs electrical power, so a sofa in the middle of the room could change the recommendation.
Plug in your numbers
Is there room for the soundbar under your TV?
Measure the clear space under your TV. Count only the devices you will plug into the soundbar. Leave out the ones already connected to the TV. The numbers below are placeholders until you enter yours.
Samsung HW-Q990F
Fails these checksIt takes 48.5 inches of width, more than your 48 inches.
Samsung HW-Q800F
Passes these checksIt measures 43.73 inches wide and 2.38 inches high, with 1 separate HDMI source input and 4.3 inches of total width to spare.
Measure the top of an open shelf. This check does not cover enclosed cubbies. Detachable speakers count toward the docked width. Leave extra depth for cables and the TV stand. This checks size and port count only. Dolby Atmos, 4K/120Hz passthrough and the audio formats your TV supports are outside it.
Option A
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.
- Best for
- Movies and two gaming consoles on a full surround package
Facts we checked
- 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 bar is 48.5 × 2.79 × 5.43 inches.
- The subwoofer is 9.8 × 9.91 × 9.8 inches.
- Support covers HDMI eARC, an optical input, Wi-Fi, voice enhancement and Night Mode.
Option B
Samsung, HW-Q800F/ZA
Samsung HW-Q800F
If you want a separate subwoofer and upward-firing sound but would rather not put speakers behind the sofa, the Q800F fits. A high-refresh console should go on the TV, because the bar’s single HDMI input passes 4K at 60 Hz.
- Best for
- A bar with a subwoofer and no rear speakers to place
Facts we checked
- A 5.1.2-channel bar that comes with a wireless subwoofer and no rear speakers.
- An optical input, one HDMI source input and one eARC TV connection.
- Passthrough at 4K 60 Hz, per the manufacturer.
- The bar is 1,110.7 × 60.4 × 120 mm.
- The subwoofer is 249 × 251.8 × 249 mm.
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Samsung HW-Q990F | Samsung HW-Q800F | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 11.1.4 with subwoofer and rears | 5.1.2 with subwoofer, no rears | Hardware behind the listener is part of the Q990F. |
| HDMI source inputs | 2 | 1 | One more source can connect directly to the Q990F. |
| Confirmed 4K passthrough | 120 Hz | 60 Hz | Route a 120 Hz console around the Q800F video input. |
| Cabinet width and height | 48.5 × 2.79 inches | 43.73 × 2.38 inches | Q800F gives back both width and screen clearance. |
| Subwoofer cabinet footprint | About 9.8 × 9.8 inches | About 9.8 × 9.8 inches | A smaller soundbar package does not shrink the subwoofer floor footprint as well. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Samsung HW-Q990F
- The bar measures 48.5 inches across.
With Samsung HW-Q800F
- Its source input tops out at 4K 60 Hz passthrough.
Decision guide
How to decide
A 120 Hz TV still works with the Q800F
Plug the console into a suitable HDMI input on the TV and send compatible audio back over eARC. The 60 Hz limit only affects video that passes through the Q800F input. Other TV inputs do not become 60 Hz inputs because of it.
Subwoofer footprint stays just as compact in the smaller package
At approximately 9.8 inches wide and deep, both listed subwoofer cabinets are the same size. What saves space with the Q800F is mainly a smaller bar and the lack of supplied rear speakers. The bass-box footprint is not cut in half.
Two fewer rear speakers means two fewer placement decisions
With the Q800F you place only the bar and the subwoofer. The Q990F also needs two rear locations with power. Wireless audio links still leave the electrical requirement in place, which is why a sofa in the middle of the room may change the recommendation.
What this page can’t tell you
- This comparison rests on manufacturer specifications and package contents rather than a controlled listening test. How a bar sounds also depends on room shape, placement and source content.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the soundbars we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
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 checkedShow 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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| Samsung HW-Q800F | None of these needs is a documented match |
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Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Open either model on Amazon for the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Samsung HW-Q990F
You want physical rear speakers in the package from the start.
See price & reviews on AmazonSamsung HW-Q800F
For now you would rather skip separate rear speakers.
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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