Short answer: the Samsung HW-Q990H. It ranks #3 of 10 surround sound soundbar systems by sound quality, rated 4.0/5, at $1,497.99. The JBL Bar 1000MK2 ranks #7, rated 3.6/5, at $1,199.95, $298.04 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The Samsung HW-Q990H is the better-sounding option. A complete 11.1.4 system with a wireless sub and two wireless rear speakers, each with up-firing drivers, so movies fill the room with convincing overhead effects. The tradeoff: The dual 8 inch sub can sound heavy with music until you turn it down, and bass starts to compress near maximum volume.
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 tradeoff: It lacks finesse, with bass that can sound imprecise and surrounds that play too quietly.
Buy the Samsung HW-Q990H. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $298.04 saving on the JBL Bar 1000MK2 is not enough to make up the difference.
Want more options? Browse the full TV Soundbars rankings.
A complete 11.1.4 system with a wireless sub and two wireless rear speakers, each with up-firing drivers, so movies fill the room with convincing 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.
Prices on this page were last checked November 2, 2026 at 11:36 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Samsung HW-Q990H | JBL Bar 1000MK2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,497.99 | $1,199.95 |
| Ranked | #3 of 10 in Surround Sound Soundbar Systems | #7 of 10 in Surround Sound Soundbar Systems |
| Amplifier Power | 756W total | 960W total |
| 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 | 23 drivers across bar, sub and rears (including 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 |
| Subwoofer Weight | 8.3 kg | 9.1 kg |
| Voice Assistants | Alexa | - |
| Weight | 16.1 lbs (7.3 kg) | 12.1 lbs (5.5 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes (AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Roon Ready) | Yes (AirPlay, Google Cast, Spotify Connect) |
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