🤖 Beep-boop. I can read reviews REALLY FAST and summarize. Do you have any questions about Samsung HW-Q990C or Sony HT-A7000?
Sound quality
Connectivity
Compatibility
Design
Features
Brand reputation
Expand Hide

Experts recommend Samsung HW-Q990C more than Sony HT-A7000

As of 8 Jan 2025, experts prefer Samsung HW-Q990C over Sony HT-A7000, but both Sound Bars have solid expert endorsements.

As per this month's meta ranking, Samsung HW-Q990C received 4 recommendations: from PCMag (25 Nov 2024), TechHive (6 Oct 2023) WIRED (2 Jan 2025) and 1 other. By contrast, Sony HT-A7000 received only 3 recommendations from TechRadar (24 Dec 2024), Tom's Guide (22 Nov 2024) and WIRED (2 Jan 2025).

Rank Change Price Sound Bar
Rtings.com
TechRadar
Tom's Guide
PCMag
What Hi-Fi
TechHive
World Wide Stereo
WIRED
SoundGuys
Digital Trends
3
- $1199
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.
-
-
-
6
-
5
-
6
-
1
10
- Check price
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
-
-
-
-
12
-
-

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

About our ranking methodology

Endorsement summary:

  • On 2 Jan 2025 WIRED ranked Samsung HW-Q990C as #6 and Sony HT-A7000 as #12
    Rank Sound Bar Comment
    ... ... ...
    #6 out of 14 Samsung HW-Q990C
    Best Dolby Atmos Soundbar
    ... ... ...
    #12 out of 14 Sony HT-A7000
    Best for Gaming
    ... ... ...
  • On 25 Nov 2024 PCMag ranked Samsung HW-Q990C as #6
    Rank Sound Bar Comment
    ... ... ...
    #6 out of 9 Samsung HW-Q990C
    Best for Samsung TVs
    ... ... ...
  • On 6 Oct 2023 TechHive ranked Samsung HW-Q990C as #5
    Rank Sound Bar Comment
    ... ... ...
    #5 out of 8 Samsung HW-Q990C
    Best high-end soundbar
    ... ... ...
  • On 8 Nov 2024 Digital Trends ranked Samsung HW-Q990C as #1
    Rank Sound Bar Comment
    #1 out of 13 Samsung HW-Q990C
    The best soundbar for most people
    ... ... ...
  • On 24 Dec 2024 TechRadar ranked Sony HT-A7000 as #7
    Rank Sound Bar Comment
    ... ... ...
    #7 out of 11 Sony HT-A7000
    The best soundbar for gaming
    ... ... ...
  • On 22 Nov 2024 Tom's Guide ranked Sony HT-A7000 as #6
    Rank Sound Bar Comment
    ... ... ...
    #6 out of 6 Sony HT-A7000
    Best Sony soundbar

After counting and adding up the 93 expert endorsements of the January rankings, Samsung HW-Q990C outranks Sony HT-A7000. This is not to say that Sony HT-A7000 is a bad option. Like Samsung HW-Q990C, it is recommended by experts, but less.

MetaRanking Common points from expert reviews summarized.
As can be seen below, Samsung HW-Q990C outranks Sony HT-A7000 by 7 positions. This indicates that, as of 8 Jan 2025, Samsung HW-Q990C is more critically acclaimed than Sony HT-A7000.
Rank Change Price Sound Bar
Rtings.com
TechRadar
Tom's Guide
PCMag
What Hi-Fi
TechHive
World Wide Stereo
WIRED
SoundGuys
Digital Trends
1
- Check price
Sonos Arc Ultra
-
3
1
1
1
-
-
8
-
2
2
- $484
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
-
-
7
4
4
10
-
2
-
3
- $1199
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.
-
-
-
6
-
5
-
6
-
1
4
- Check price
Samsung HW-Q990D
1
4
-
-
7
-
-
-
-
-
Show all rows
Expert Reviews There are people on the Internet whose job is to review products. Below are their opinions.

Expert reviews [9]

98
Total expert reviews: 9
  • with a score: 4
  • without a score: 5
Highest score by TechRadar
100
Average score based on 9 reviews
98
Lowest score by cybershack.com.au
91

Score distribution:

80-100
60-80
40-60
20-40
0-20
100
The Samsung HW-Q990C is a flagship soundbar that offers exceptional power and immersion, making it a top choice for a home theater experience. With its class-leading channel count, smart features, and impressive sound quality, it delivers great value despite its premium price tag.
+ pros
  • Exceptional power and immersion: The Samsung HW-Q990C delivers a powerful and immersive home theater experience with its class-leading channel count and 656W of power.
  • New features: The soundbar includes SmartThings Hub functionality, Amazon Alexa voice control, and Alexa device grouping for multi-room setups, adding convenience and versatility to the user experience.
  • Integrated auto-calibration system: The Q990C has an integrated auto-calibration system that ensures optimal sound quality and performance.
  • Improved Adaptive Sound mode: The soundbar has improvements to the Adaptive Sound mode, providing a better audio experience tailored to the content being played.
  • Music playback: The Q990C excels in music playback, addressing the limitations of its predecessor and delivering impressive sound quality.
- cons
  • Lack of 4K 120Hz HDMI passthrough: The soundbar lacks 4K 120Hz HDMI passthrough, which may be a drawback for gamers who want to take full advantage of their gaming consoles.
  • Premium price tag: The Q990C comes with a premium price tag of £1,599/$1,599/AUS$1,499, which may be a deterrent for some consumers.
  • Limited alternative options: While the LG S95QR and Sony HT-A7000 are mentioned as alternatives, they may not offer the same level of features and performance as the Q990C.
Show all 9 reviews

Expert reviews [20]

87
Total expert reviews: 20
  • with a score: 15
  • without a score: 5
Highest score by What Hi-Fi
100
Average score based on 20 reviews
87
Lowest score by Rtings.com
73

Score distribution:

80-100
60-80
40-60
20-40
0-20
80
Sony HT-A7000 Dolby Atmos Soundbar review
The Sony HT-A7000 is a powerful soundbar with integrated upfiring speakers that support true Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, as well as Sony's new 360 Reality Audio format. While it comes at a high price point and some optional extras are not included in the box, it is a solid choice for those looking for a full-range soundbar with a wide selection of sources and the ability to connect multiple HDMI 2.1 devices.
+ pros
  • Integrated upfiring speakers for true Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, as well as Sony's 360 Reality Audio format.
  • Two HDMI 2.1 ports for connecting both a PS5 and Xbox Series X.
  • Optional subwoofer and rear surround speakers for room to grow.
- cons
  • Optional extras are not included in the box, making it a pricey purchase.
  • Height channels could produce a more convincing soundstage.
  • Soundbar cut out once or twice during testing period.
Show all 20 reviews
From Seller:
  • 11.1.4 CH. TRUE DOLBY ATMOS SOUND: Feel sound all around with 11 front-facing speakers, 1 subwoofer and 4 up-firing channels for a true Dolby Atmos experience; Flood the room with audio from all angles, for sound so real you can almost touch it
  • Read more
From Seller:
  • A wider sweet spot lets everyone have the best seat in the house. Fully enjoy the thrill of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X with Vertical Surround Engine, S-Force Pro Front Surround and 360 Spatial Sound Mapping.
  • Read more
Video Reviews Most popular unboxing/review videos.
The BEST Home Theater SOUNDBAR JUST Got BETTER! Samsung Q990C Review
Review by Andrew Robinson
Very popular! 388K views!
Play video review
Samsung HW-Q990C review: Better Than The HW-Q990B Soundbar?
Review by totallydubbedHD
Popular! 92K views!
Play video review
Why the Samsung Q990C 11.1.4 Soundbar will BLOW YOUR MIND 🤯 | Dolby Atmos True-HD | 3-Week Review
Review by Lo Knows Tech
Popular! 30K views!
Play video review
Sony's Best Atmos Soundbar - HT-A7000
Review by Abt Electronics
Popular! 21K views!
Play video review
The Soundbar You Won't Regret Buying - Sony HT-A7000
Review by ShortCircuit
Crazy popular! 3.0M views!
Play video review
Sony HT-A7000 Soundbar Review: Best of the Best?
Review by Jonah Matthes
Very popular! 220K views!
Play video review

This website displays data from third party public sources. The data presented is for information purposes only. We can't guarantee correctness and completeness of all the data presented here, and therefore will not accept liability for any issues arising from usage of this data. All Trademarks and Copyrights belong to their respective owners. ReviewFinder is reader-supported - if you click on a link on ReviewFinder and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no extra cost to you.


Copyright © 2025