Short answer: the Samsung HW-Q990F. It ranks #2 of 10 surround sound soundbar systems by sound quality, rated 4.0/5, at $998; the JBL Bar 1000MK2 ranks #7, rated 3.6/5, and costs $1,199.95, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The Samsung HW-Q990F is the better-sounding option. This 11.1.4 system includes a wireless sub and two wireless rear speakers with up-firing drivers, giving movies a wide, enveloping sound field with real overhead effects. Watch for: In a direct comparison, a Sonos Arc Ultra system sounded more natural and its sub played deeper.
The case for the JBL Bar 1000MK2: A 7.1.4 system whose battery-powered surround speakers detach from the bar ends, so you get real rear effects only when you want them. The catch: It lacks finesse, with bass that can sound imprecise and surrounds that play too quietly.
Buy the Samsung HW-Q990F. It is rated higher for sound quality than the JBL Bar 1000MK2 and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Still deciding? The full TV Soundbars rankings cover every ranked option.
This 11.1.4 system includes a wireless sub and two wireless rear speakers with up-firing drivers, giving movies a wide, enveloping sound field with real overhead effects.
A 7.1.4 system whose battery-powered surround speakers detach from the bar ends, so you get real rear effects only when you want them.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Samsung HW-Q990F | JBL Bar 1000MK2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $998.00 | $1,199.95 |
| Ranked | #2 of 10 in Surround Sound Soundbar Systems | #7 of 10 in Surround Sound Soundbar Systems |
| App | Yes (SmartThings) | Yes (JBL One) |
| Aux Input | No | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Channels | 11.1.4 | 7.1.4 |
| DTS:X | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions | 2.8”H x 48.5”W x 5.4”D (71 x 1232 x 138 mm) | 2”H x 33.6”W x 5”D (52 x 854 x 128 mm) |
| Dolby Atmos | Yes (up-firing drivers) | Yes (up-firing drivers) |
| Drivers | Bar, sub and rears with up-firing height drivers; Sub: dual 8” opposed woofers | Bar: 6 racetrack drivers, 2x 1” tweeters, 2x 2.75” up-firing; Surrounds: 2 racetrack and 2 up-firing each; Sub: 10” woofer |
| HDMI Input | 2 | 3 |
| HDMI eARC | Yes | Yes |
| Included Subwoofer | Wireless, dual 8” drivers | Wireless, 10” driver |
| Optical Input | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Speakers | Included (wireless) | Detachable (battery) |
| Room Correction | Yes (SpaceFit Sound Pro) | Yes |
| Subwoofer Dimensions | 252H x 249W x 249D mm | 400H x 325W x 325D mm |
| Voice Assistants | Alexa, Google Assistant | - |
| Weight | 16.1 lbs (7.3 kg) | 12.1 lbs (5.5 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes (AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect) | Yes (AirPlay, Google Cast, Spotify Connect) |
| Amplifier Power | - | 960W total |
| Subwoofer Weight | - | 9.1 kg |
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