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Samsung HW-Q990D — 11.1.4 · Wireless sub + rears · Q-Symphony
Samsung

Samsung HW-Q990D

11.1.4 · Wireless sub + rears · Q-Symphony

93
/ 100
From $1,799
VS
Samsung HW-Q990D wins by 7
Sonos Beam (Gen 2) — $499
Sonos

Sonos Beam (Gen 2)

$499

86
/ 100
From $499
Specdex verdict

Samsung HW-Q990D takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Samsung HW-Q990D lands at 93 and Sonos Beam (Gen 2) at 86. That puts Samsung HW-Q990D ahead by 7 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Samsung HW-Q990D if…

  • ✓11.1.4 with sub + rears included
  • ✓DTS:X and Atmos
  • ✓Best matched with Samsung TVs

Pick Sonos Beam (Gen 2) if…

  • ✓Dolby Atmos on most
  • ✓One-box simplicity
  • ✓eARC passthrough
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sound

Samsung HW-Q990D

Compared on the sound sub-score

Samsung HW-Q990D leads on sound (95 vs 86).

Features

Samsung HW-Q990D

Compared on the features sub-score

Samsung HW-Q990D leads on features (94 vs 84).

Design

Sonos Beam (Gen 2)

Compared on the design sub-score

Sonos Beam (Gen 2) leads on design (84 vs 82).

Value for money

Sonos Beam (Gen 2)

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Sonos Beam (Gen 2) more score per dollar ($499 vs $1,799).

Samsung HW-Q990D 93
vs
86 Sonos Beam (Gen 2)

Score breakdown

Samsung HW-Q990D
93
sound 95
features 94
design 82
ease 80
Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
86
sound 86
features 84
design 84
ease 86

Specs side-by-side

Samsung HW-Q990D versus Sonos Beam (Gen 2) — full spec comparison
Spec Samsung HW-Q990D Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
Channels
11.1.4
—
Connectivity
HDMI 2.1 eARC, Wi-Fi, BT
—
Extras
Wireless sub + rears included
—

Samsung HW-Q990D

Pros
  • +11.1.4 with sub + rears included
  • +DTS:X and Atmos
  • +Best matched with Samsung TVs
Cons
  • −Bulky rear speakers
  • −EQ can be bright
  • −Complex setup

Sonos Beam (Gen 2)

Pros
  • +Dolby Atmos on most
  • +One-box simplicity
  • +eARC passthrough
Cons
  • −Rear surrounds sold separately on some
  • −App quality varies
  • −Cabinet depth needs space

FAQ: Samsung HW-Q990D vs Sonos Beam (Gen 2)

Which is better, Samsung HW-Q990D or Sonos Beam (Gen 2)? +

Samsung HW-Q990D scores 93 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 7. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Samsung HW-Q990D worth the price? +

At $1,799, Samsung HW-Q990D delivers a Specdex score of 93 — strongest in sound.

Is Sonos Beam (Gen 2) worth the price? +

At $499, Sonos Beam (Gen 2) delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in sound.

Does Samsung HW-Q990D or Sonos Beam (Gen 2) last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for sound, Samsung HW-Q990D or Sonos Beam (Gen 2)? +

Samsung HW-Q990D — leads on sound (95 vs 86). Compared on the sound sub-score.

Which is better for features, Samsung HW-Q990D or Sonos Beam (Gen 2)? +

Samsung HW-Q990D — leads on features (94 vs 84). Compared on the features sub-score.