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 Ultimea Skywave X100 ranks #9, rated 3.5/5, and costs $998.99, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The Samsung HW-Q990F is the better-sounding choice. 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. It streams over Wi-Fi as well as Bluetooth, which the Ultimea Skywave X100 cannot. The catch: In a direct comparison, a Sonos Arc Ultra system sounded more natural and its sub played deeper.
The case for the Ultimea Skywave X100: A 9.1.6 system with a 10 inch wireless sub and wireless rears, delivering deep, tight bass and plenty of overhead effects for movies and games. The tradeoff: The tuning favors movies and games, so music lacks the refinement of systems like Sonos Arc Ultra.
Buy the Samsung HW-Q990F. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Ultimea Skywave X100 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 9.1.6 system with a 10 inch wireless sub and wireless rears, delivering deep, tight bass and plenty of overhead effects for movies and games.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Samsung HW-Q990F | Ultimea Skywave X100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $998.00 | $998.99 |
| Ranked | #2 of 10 in Surround Sound Soundbar Systems | #9 of 10 in Surround Sound Soundbar Systems |
| App | Yes (SmartThings) | Yes (Ultimea) |
| Aux Input | No | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.4 |
| Channels | 11.1.4 | 9.1.6 |
| DTS:X | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions | 2.8”H x 48.5”W x 5.4”D (71 x 1232 x 138 mm) | 2.8”H x 43.3”W x 3.9”D (70 x 1100 x 100 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 | 19 drivers across bar, sub and rears; Sub: 10” woofer |
| HDMI Input | 2 | - |
| HDMI eARC | Yes | Yes |
| Included Subwoofer | Wireless, dual 8” drivers | Wireless, 10” driver |
| Optical Input | Yes | - |
| Rear Speakers | Included (wireless) | Included (wireless) |
| Room Correction | Yes (SpaceFit Sound Pro) | - |
| Subwoofer Dimensions | 252H x 249W x 249D mm | - |
| Voice Assistants | Alexa, Google Assistant | - |
| Weight | 16.1 lbs (7.3 kg) | - |
| Wi-Fi | Yes (AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect) | No |
| Amplifier Power | - | 1500W peak |
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