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LG S95QR vs Samsung HW-Q990B: Overview of expert opinions

The Samsung HW-Q990B soundbar is better for those who prioritize a balanced mid and treble response, making it suitable for a wider range of audio content. It is also better for movies, with its two surround speakers providing an immersive feel with Dolby Digital and Dolby Atmos formats.

The soundbar is also better for those who want comprehensive Bluetooth connectivity options, including support for Wi-Fi and Apple AirPlay 2. Additionally, it is better for those who want to integrate their soundbar with their Samsung TV and smart home devices. The Samsung HW-Q990B is also better for those who prioritize convenience and sound quality, with a built-in microphone and support for multiple voice recognition systems.

The LG S95QR soundbar is better for those who want a soundbar that's great for both movies and music and has a slightly more customizable sound. It is also a great option for a room with high ceilings, as it has two up-firing height drivers built into the bar itself, as well as an up-firing driver on each of the two satellite speakers, which can create the illusion of height.

The soundbar is also better for those who want additional features like voice control and wireless connectivity, including AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa support. Additionally, it is better for those who want to stream music from their favorite apps and have an LG TV with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos-capable features.

The LG S95QR is also better for users who want a more immersive audio experience and a wider range of sound enhancement features, such as AI Room Calibration, bass and treble adjustments, and EQ presets.

Table of contents (click on an item)

Sound quality
The Samsung HW-Q990B is better for movies and larger rooms, while the LG S95QR has a wider soundstage and more customizable sound, making it great for both movies and music.
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Connectivity
The Samsung HW-Q990B is better for comprehensive Bluetooth connectivity and more HDMI inputs, while the LG S95QR is better for voice control, wireless connectivity, and hi-res music streaming.
Click to jump to the Connectivity comparison
Compatibility
The Samsung HW-Q990B is better for those who want to integrate their soundbar with their Samsung TV and smart home devices, while the LG S95QR is better for those who want to stream music from their favorite apps and have an LG TV with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos-capable features.
Click to jump to the Compatibility comparison
Design
The Samsung HW-Q990B is better for those who prioritize a modern design with unique features, while the LG S95QR is better for those who prioritize sound clarity and quality with a simpler design.
Click to jump to the Design comparison
Features
The Samsung HW-Q990B is better for convenience and sound quality, while the LG S95QR is better for immersive audio and a wider range of sound enhancement features.
Click to jump to the Features comparison
Brand reputation
Samsung and LG both have strong reputations for producing high-quality audio products, with Samsung known for top-performing soundbars and LG known for innovative and high-quality audio products and a comprehensive customer support system.
Click to jump to the Brand reputation comparison

Sound quality

According to expert reviews, the Samsung HW-Q990B has a more balanced mid and treble response, making it suitable for a wider range of audio content. It also has a strong bass performance, but sometimes has too much bass, which can become overwhelming with dense tracks. The soundstage on the Samsung HW-Q990B is good, but it doesn't have any tricks to make the soundstage seem wider than the bar itself.

The Samsung HW-Q990B is the clear winner for movies, with its two surround speakers providing an immersive feel with Dolby Digital and Dolby Atmos formats. It is also better suited for larger rooms with high ceilings, as it has a more advanced sound system with 11 channels, 1 subwoofer, and 4 up-firing channels, which can provide sound from all angles and fill the entire room with sound.

On the other hand, the LG S95QR may have some distortion at max volume, especially in the bass and mid ranges. However, it has bass and treble adjustments that allow for customization of the sound to your liking. The subwoofer that comes with the S95QR is powerful and will satisfy bass addicts.

It delivers deep, punchy bass that can really bring music and movies to life. The LG S95QR has a better overall soundstage compared to the Samsung HW-Q990B, providing an immersive feel with a wider soundstage that goes beyond the bar itself, and it has very good focus, accurately localizing sound objects to pinpoint locations in the soundstage.

The LG S95QR is still very good for music, with clear and detailed vocals and lead instruments, and adequate rumble in the bass with bass-heavy genres like hip-hop and EDM. The LG S95QR is a great option for those who want a soundbar that's great for both movies and music and has a slightly more customizable sound.

It is also a great option for a room with high ceilings, as it has two up-firing height drivers built into the bar itself, as well as an up-firing driver on each of the two satellite speakers, which can create the illusion of height.

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Connectivity

The Samsung HW-Q990B is better for those who want comprehensive Bluetooth connectivity options, including support for Wi-Fi and Apple AirPlay 2. It also has Samsung's Tap Sound feature, making it easy to connect mobile phones to the soundbar. The soundbar is also better for those who need more HDMI inputs and outputs, and want the option for higher quality audio transmission.

It also has a USB port for firmware updates.

The LG S95QR is better for those who want additional features like voice control and wireless connectivity, including AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa support. It also has built-in Spotify support and is hi-res compatible, making it a great choice for music streaming.

The soundbar is also better for those who want to reduce the number of wires needed, as it has a wireless connection option with WOWCAST. However, the wireless setup for the LG S95QR can be a bit of a pain, and it may require more effort to set up wirelessly.

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Compatibility

The Samsung HW-Q990B is better for those who want to integrate their soundbar with their Samsung TV and smart home devices. It has an additional compatibility feature with Samsung TVs that have Q Symphony, allowing for a potential combo channel count of up to 22. It also has built-in support for Amazon Alexa, Wi-Fi, and Apple AirPlay 2, making it a more versatile option for those who want to connect their soundbar to a variety of devices.

Additionally, it supports high resolution audio, which means that users can enjoy their music and movies with superior sound quality.

The LG S95QR is better for those who want to stream music from their favorite apps and have an LG TV with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos-capable features. It is optimized to work even better with LG's 2022 Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos-capable TVs, providing the best possible audio quality.

It also has Chromecast support and Spotify Connect, making it easy to enjoy music from a variety of sources without having to switch between different apps. However, it only supports Bluetooth 5. 0 with SBC and AAC codecs, and requires a third-party device like an Amazon Echo or Google Home speaker to use Alexa or Google Assistant.

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Design

The Samsung HW-Q990B is better for those who prioritize a more distinctive and modern design with its angled corners and metallic finish. It can complement a minimalist and contemporary style with its clean lines and premium build quality. Additionally, its unique design features such as the Acoustic Lens and angled top and small pedestal stands on its rear speakers enhance the overall surround sound experience and provide a more immersive audio experience.

On the other hand, the LG S95QR is better for those who prefer a simpler and more angular design with a touch of texture from the fabric covering the front of the speakers. Its wider satellites and up-firing center channel cater to those who prioritize sound clarity and quality. However, the grey finish might not suit all home decor styles.

Overall, both soundbars have solid builds and unique design features that cater to different preferences and needs. It is important to consider these design features when choosing a soundbar to ensure that you get the best possible audio experience that fits your home decor style.

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Features

The Samsung HW-Q990B is better for users who prioritize convenience and sound quality. It has a built-in microphone and supports multiple voice recognition systems, making it easier to use voice commands without additional setup. It also supports wireless content playback via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, including Apple Airplay 2 and Samsung’s ‘Tap View’ system, making it easy to stream music or other audio content from smartphones or other devices without the need for cables.

Additionally, it has a 7-band graphic EQ that allows for more precise adjustments, making it ideal for users who want to have more control over their sound.

The LG S95QR is better for users who want a more immersive audio experience and a wider range of sound enhancement features. It includes up-firing height channels to deliver powerful, multidimensional audio that flows all around the user, even overhead. It also has a fully working LCD display that can show various information, and a fantastic selection of sound enhancement features, such as AI Room Calibration, bass and treble adjustments, and EQ presets.

Additionally, it has more EQ presets to choose from, making it ideal for users who are not familiar with EQ settings or who prefer to use pre-set options.

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Brand reputation

According to expert reviews, both Samsung and LG have a strong reputation for producing high-quality audio products. Samsung is known for producing top-performing soundbars, while LG is known for producing innovative and high-quality audio products. LG also offers a more comprehensive customer support system compared to Samsung, with multiple support options available.

The Samsung HW-Q990B is better for those who prioritize high-quality electronics and top-performing soundbars. The LG S95QR is better for those who prioritize innovative and high-quality audio products and want a comprehensive customer support system.

Both products have received some customer complaints and issues, so it's important for consumers to do their research and read reviews before making a purchase. Ultimately, the best soundbar for an individual will depend on their personal preferences and needs, as well as their budget.

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Experts prefer LG S95QR over Samsung HW-Q990B

On 9 Oct 2024 (28 days ago) we went through 96 Sound Bar expert endorsements .

Currently, LG S95QR received 1 endorsement from TechHive (6 Oct 2023). Meanwhile, Samsung HW-Q990B did not receive any endorsements this month.

Rank Change Price Sound Bar
Rtings.com
TechRadar
Tom's Guide
PCMag
What Hi-Fi
TechHive
World Wide Stereo
WIRED
SoundGuys
Digital Trends
43
N/A $730
LG S95QR
The LG S95QR is a top-of-the-line soundbar with a powerful and immersive sound, versatile connectivity options, sleek design, and a range of sound enhancement features, making it a great choice for those who prioritize high-quality audio and are willing to invest in a premium soundbar.
-
-
-
-
-
6
-
-
-
-
N/A N/A $1038
Samsung HW-Q990B
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

Curious to see this month's entire Sound Bars ranking? It's here

About our ranking methodology

Endorsement summary:

  • On 6 Oct 2023 TechHive ranked LG S95QR as #6
    Rank Sound Bar Comment
    ... ... ...
    #6 out of 8 LG S95QR
    Best high-end soundbar, runner-up
    ... ... ...
MetaRanking Common points from expert reviews summarized.
As can be seen below, in Oct 2024 neither LG S95QR nor Samsung HW-Q990B were recommended by key experts who publish Sound Bars recommendations.
Rank Change Price Sound Bar
Rtings.com
TechRadar
Tom's Guide
PCMag
What Hi-Fi
TechHive
World Wide Stereo
WIRED
SoundGuys
Digital Trends
1
- $489
Sonos Beam Gen 2
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a compact and stylish soundbar that delivers excellent audio quality for both music and movies, with versatile connectivity options and compatibility with Dolby Atmos, making it a recommended choice for Sonos fans and those seeking high-quality audio enjoyment.
6
10
-
6
4
4
10
3
2
-
2
- $819
Sonos Arc
The Sonos Arc is a high-end soundbar with impressive sound quality, expansive soundstage, and modern design, ideal for those seeking an immersive surround sound experience for movies and music.
-
9
5
3
5
-
11
10
-
2
3
- $929
Samsung HW-Q990C
The Samsung HW-Q990C soundbar is highly praised for its exceptional sound quality, immersive experience, and extensive connectivity options, making it a top choice for enhancing TV audio and creating a cinematic home theater experience.
-
-
-
5
-
5
-
5
-
1
4
- $998
Sony HT-A7000
The Sony HT-A7000 is a high-end soundbar with a neutral sound profile, wide and immersive soundstage, comprehensive connectivity options, and advanced features such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, making it a great choice for enhancing the listening experience.
-
7
6
-
1
-
-
4
-
-
Show all rows
Expert Reviews There are people on the Internet whose job is to review products. Below are their opinions.

Expert reviews [14]

88
Total expert reviews: 14
  • with a score: 9
  • without a score: 5
Highest score by Expert Reviews
100
Average score based on 14 reviews
88
Lowest score by Rtings.com
78

Score distribution:

80-100
60-80
40-60
20-40
0-20

Expert reviews [12]

93
Total expert reviews: 12
  • with a score: 6
  • without a score: 6
Highest score by TechRadar
100
Average score based on 12 reviews
93
Lowest score by techtiper.com
84

Score distribution:

80-100
60-80
40-60
20-40
0-20
From Seller:
  • Enjoy best-in-class 9.1.5-channel sound with six-channel wireless rear speakers with up-firing height channels and subwoofer included, featuring a center up-firing speaker for improved voice clarity and surround effects
  • Read more
From Seller:
  • WIRELESS DOLBY ATMOS: Now, thanks to Samsung, enjoy a Dolby Atmos experience that doesn’t require optical cables; Immerse yourself in sound and hear sound from above and behind for a rich and unparalleled home entertainment audio experience*
  • Read more

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