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Samsung Q990F vs Q990D: Both already include rears and two 4K120 inputs, and Q990F has the smaller subwoofer

Quick verdict

If a compact subwoofer matters, go with the Q990F. If a verified complete-package discount is worth having and the deeper subwoofer fits, the Q990D is the choice. Rear speakers, an 11.1.4-channel layout and two 4K 120 Hz HDMI inputs are already on both.

Before you buy

Why, and what it costs you

About a third less subwoofer footprint

The bare cabinet footprint is roughly 96 square inches for Q990F and about 140 for Q990D.

Where this comes from

With rounded dimensions, 9.8 × 9.8 = 96.04 and 8.66 × 16.14 = 139.77. That comes to about 31.3% less cabinet area, ahead of ventilation and placement clearance.

The catch

Samsung HW-Q990F

Both rear speakers have to be plugged into power as well.

The catch

Samsung HW-Q990D

Its subwoofer cabinet runs deeper than the one that comes with the Q990F.

Samsung HW-Q990F

Samsung HW-Q990F

Why pick it
  • Your subwoofer cabinet has to be shallower.
  • You want the newer package and still need to keep two 120 Hz source inputs.
The catch
Both rear speakers have to be plugged into power as well.
See price & reviews on Amazon
Samsung HW-Q990D

Samsung HW-Q990D

Why pick it
  • A worthwhile discount applies to the Q990D complete package.
  • Its 16.14-inch-deep subwoofer has enough room.
The catch
Its subwoofer cabinet runs deeper than the one that comes with the Q990F.
See price & reviews on Amazon

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Comparison updated , Product data updated , Amazon.com / United States

What this page compares

Q990F or Q990D? Subwoofer floor space, HDMI inputs and included speakers are what to compare. Do not rebuy features that both models already have just because one package is newer.

Both bars share the channel count and the two high-refresh HDMI inputs, so what is left to decide is where the subwoofer goes and what the complete package really costs.

Which one fits

Pick the situations that sound like you

  • A shallow subwoofer spot

    Look at depth and ventilation clearance together.

    Samsung HW-Q990F
    Better fit
    Samsung HW-Q990D
    Caution

  • A pair of 4K 120 Hz sources

    Each has two source inputs that qualify.

    Samsung HW-Q990F
    Similar
    Samsung HW-Q990D
    Similar

  • A complete older package on sale

    Fair only if the components and seller conditions match.

    Samsung HW-Q990F
    Depends
    Samsung HW-Q990D
    Better fit

  • A subwoofer alcove that is narrow yet deep

    The Q990D is the narrower one. Verify ventilation before you use any alcove.

    Samsung HW-Q990F
    Caution
    Samsung HW-Q990D
    Better fit

In practice

Differences you will notice

About a third less subwoofer footprint

The bare cabinet footprint is roughly 96 square inches for Q990F and about 140 for Q990D.

How we worked this out

With rounded dimensions, 9.8 × 9.8 = 96.04 and 8.66 × 16.14 = 139.77. That comes to about 31.3% less cabinet area, ahead of ventilation and placement clearance.

A tight alcove may suit the older subwoofer

Though much deeper, the Q990D subwoofer is about 1.14 inches narrower.

How we worked this out

The Q990D cabinet could go in a 9-inch-wide opening, and the Q990F cabinet could not. Total area does not replace checking each dimension.

Both already have the gaming connections

Two 4K 120 Hz sources can connect to either bar.

How we worked this out

If the Q990D already covers your console connections, justify buying the Q990F with a requirement the older model does not meet.

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 checks

It takes 48.5 inches of width, more than your 48 inches.

Samsung HW-Q990D

Fails these checks

It takes 48.5 inches of width, more than your 48 inches.

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

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.
See price & reviews on Amazon
Option B
Samsung HW-Q990D

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.

Best for
A full surround package, bought while the older model is discounted enough to matter

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 1,232 × 69.5 × 138 mm.
  • The subwoofer is 220 × 413 × 410 mm.
  • Support covers HDMI eARC, an optical input, Wi-Fi and SpaceFit Sound Pro.
See price & reviews on Amazon

Spec by spec

Where they really differ

Where Samsung HW-Q990F and Samsung HW-Q990D differ
SpecSamsung HW-Q990FSamsung HW-Q990DIn practice
Channel layout11.1.4 with subwoofer and rears11.1.4 with subwoofer and rearsThe advertised channel count does not go up on the newer model.
HDMI inputs2 with 4K 120 Hz2 with 4K 120 HzTwo consoles do not call for moving from the Q990D up to the Q990F.
Subwoofer width × depth9.8 × 9.8 inches8.66 × 16.14 inchesQ990F is a bit wider and far shallower.
Bar width48.5 inchesAbout 48.5 inchesThe newer bar is no fix for a narrow-console problem.
Subwoofer depth9.8 inchesAbout 16.14 inchesBefore clearance, Q990F cuts cabinet depth by roughly 6.34 inches.

Trade-offs

What each pick costs you

With Samsung HW-Q990F

  • The bar measures 48.5 inches across.

With Samsung HW-Q990D

  • The rear speakers connect wirelessly for audio, yet they still need power outlets.

Decision guide

How to decide

01

About a third less subwoofer footprint

Bare cabinet footprint comes to roughly 96 square inches for Q990F and about 140 for Q990D. Rounded dimensions give 9.8 × 9.8 = 96.04 and 8.66 × 16.14 = 139.77. The result is about 31.3% less cabinet area, before ventilation and placement clearance.

02

A tight alcove may suit the older subwoofer

Although it is much deeper, the Q990D subwoofer is about 1.14 inches narrower. A 9-inch-wide opening could take the Q990D cabinet, while the Q990F cabinet would not go in. Overall area cannot replace checking each dimension.

03

Both already have the gaming connections

Two 4K 120 Hz sources can plug into either bar. When the Q990D already covers your console connections, buying the Q990F needs some other reason, because the older model has that feature too.

Check these before you buy

  • Check the subwoofer’s width and depth one at a time.
  • Make sure the listing includes both rear speakers and the right subwoofer.
  • Look at the seller, the return terms and the real current price. Ignore an old launch price.

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 checked
Show the facts and the math
Models in the comparison
31 models
Sources
6 covering these models
Product data updated

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.

The facts and sources behind each product in this recommendation
ProductNeeds it meetsFacts we checkedSources
Samsung HW-Q990F
  • Rears included
  • Two consoles at 120 Hz
  • 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.
Samsung HW-Q990D
  • Rears included
  • Two consoles at 120 Hz
  • 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 1,232 × 69.5 × 138 mm.

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.

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