Samsung HW-Q990C

The Samsung HW-Q990C is the previous generation of Samsung’s flagship soundbar system, and it remains one of the best value buys in this category once the newer model has replaced it on the shelves.

Like its successor it is a full package rather than a single bar: soundbar, wireless subwoofer and two wireless rear speakers, in an 11.1.4 layout with real speakers behind the listener.

What Apple Home actually does with it

This is an AirPlay 2 device rather than a HomeKit accessory.

• It appears in the Home app as a speaker you can play to, and as an AirPlay target in Control Centre.
• You can put it in a room and group it with HomePods for synchronised multi-room audio.
• Siri can send music to it by room name.
• It can be the audio output in a scene or an automation.

Television sound does not go through Apple Home at all. That arrives over HDMI ARC or optical from the television, and the soundbar’s own remote and app control the modes and the volume.

Before you buy

The generational differences between this and the HW-Q990D are modest, and the price difference when the older model is discounted usually is not. Compare them on price rather than on the model number.

The rear speakers need mains power behind the seating position.

Q-Symphony, which combines the bar with a Samsung television’s own speakers, works only with Samsung sets.

Specifications