Compare Samsung HW-Q990D Soundbar vs JBL Bar 500 MK2 Soundbar

Room calibration drew divided reactions: some reviewers said SpaceFit worked well or optimized bass, while others noticed little or no audible change.

Room calibration was one of the most praised features, described as easy and useful for improving room-specific sound.

AirPlay support was treated as part of a broad, convenient casting package that helped the bar work as a wireless music system.

The SmartThings app was usually praised for easier setup and deeper control, despite remote/display limitations pushing users toward it.

The JBL One app drew mixed feedback: quick detection and feature access were praised, but EQ saving and in-app music limitations hurt confidence.

Audio format support was praised for covering key formats such as Dolby Atmos and DTS variants, though some mentions were primarily factual.

Audio format support was mixed: Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual X support helped immersion, but one review cited no DTS support.

Bluetooth connection evidence was limited but positive, with one reviewer saying it worked as advertised despite feeling awkward on a premium system.

Cabinet construction evidence was positive, with the bar described as a serious, solid piece of gear.

Chromecast compatibility was a weak point in one review because Chromecast was not supported in the US version tested.

Chromecast/Google Cast support was praised within the broader casting feature set, making phone-based playback feel easy and flexible.

Cohesion was praised through seamless surround handoffs, integrated bass, refined delivery, and a warm detailed presentation.

Cohesive presentation was mixed: one review noted subwoofer integration gaps, while another said the bass complemented the bar well.

Physical buttons were praised as clicky rather than touch-sensitive, which one reviewer explicitly preferred.

Design aesthetics were mostly positive for understated, sleek, high-end looks, though some found the angular design dated or severe.

Design and aesthetics were widely praised for compactness, discretion, a low TV-friendly profile and an attractive white option.

Build quality was consistently described as premium, solid, robust, and well constructed.

Build quality evidence was generally decent-to-positive, with plastic construction acknowledged but the shape and finish still viewed favorably.

Detail retrieval was praised for fine effects, instrument separation, and precision, though one reviewer said it lacked the highest premium detail.

Detail retrieval was praised in movie and music playback, with reviewers hearing lifelike effects and small audio nuances.

Dialogue clarity drew strong agreement, with reviewers repeatedly saying voices stayed clear through dense movie mixes, sports, and dialogue-heavy content.

Dialogue clarity was a major strength across most reviews, though one reviewer felt movie clarity was weaker than expected.

Most reviewers reported clean output or very low compression at high volume, though a few heard subwoofer crackle, chuffing, or stress on extreme bass passages.

Dolby Atmos height effects were repeatedly praised as immersive, overhead, and convincing, though one reviewer wanted more true above-you sensation.

Dolby Atmos effects were praised by one reviewer but more limited or illusion-like in others because the bar lacks dedicated up-firing drivers.

Dynamic headroom was praised for big volume shifts, impact differences, and enough dynamic range for cinematic material.

EQ and sound customization were praised through the app, especially channel levels, EQ tools, and near-total control.

EQ customization was useful through bass/treble controls and app features, but one reviewer criticized the lack of saved presets.

Reviewers consistently described a balanced profile with clear mids and treble, controlled bass, and only occasional low-end muddiness or content-dependent tuning caveats.

Tonal balance was generally positive, especially in treble and bass warmth, but reviewers also noted subwoofer integration limits and music-dependent tradeoffs.

Gaming HDMI passthrough was mostly praised as a major upgrade, though one reviewer reported a faulty HDMI port on the tested unit.

Gaming passthrough was limited by 4K/60 and non-HDMI 2.1 support, making direct console-to-TV connection preferable for 4K/120 gaming.

Google-related support was marked down because one reviewer specifically found the lack of US Chromecast support irksome.

Google-related voice control was similarly limited in one review because it required an external device.

HDMI 2.1 gaming support was a major strength, with repeated praise for 4K/120Hz, VRR, low latency, and console usefulness.

HDMI 2.1 gaming support was a weakness because reviewers noted the HDMI input is not HDMI 2.1 and is limited for 4K/120 use.

HDMI eARC was recommended as the best wired route for reliability and sound quality.

HDMI ARC/eARC was viewed as simple and sufficient for TV hookup when the TV has enough device inputs.

Home theater integration was strong, especially with compatible Samsung TVs through Q-Symphony, though benefits depend on TV ownership.

Home theater integration was praised for balancing cinema-like sound with convenience and for lifting TV sound without adding clutter.

Inter-speaker connectivity was reliable in review use, with no dropouts, flawless connection, easy power-only satellite use, and automatic sync comments.

Inter-speaker connectivity was praised in one review for letting audio continue on another compatible speaker around the home.

Latency evidence was positive, with reviewers reporting synced audio/video and no added delay from HDMI pass-through.

Reviewers found the system loud enough for large rooms and cinematic impact, with only contextual concerns about using that power in smaller spaces.

Reviewers found the bar/sub system loud enough to fill rooms, with strong sound pressure and big impact even without using the full volume range.

Low-volume features were useful for late-night listening, though they involved compromises such as reduced dynamics or rear-only playback.

Low-volume performance was positive, especially for apartment or nighttime use where dialogue help and restrained volume matter.

Pairing reliability was positive where tested, with speakers pairing immediately or expected to sync automatically during setup.

On-device controls received positive but limited evidence as useful when the remote is unavailable.

On-device controls drew a usability complaint from one reviewer who disliked that any button could turn the unit on.

Optical input was treated as a fallback because it lacks Dolby Atmos and was framed as a compromised connection compared with eARC.

Rear speaker cable feedback was mixed: one review praised extra-long power cables, while others wanted longer cables or noted shorter rear-speaker runs.

Remote usability was mixed: some found it simple or well-designed, while others criticized cumbersome adjustments and missing shortcuts.

Remote usability received limited but positive evidence, with one reviewer calling the remote fairly simple.

Setup simplicity was strongly praised across reviews, with several calling it effortless, intuitive, or complete in minutes.

Setup simplicity was a consistent strength, helped by easier connection, simple calibration and little need for audio knowledge.

Alexa-style smart assistant integration was limited in one review because voice control required an external device rather than being built in.

Smart features were generally praised, especially Q-Symphony, Private Rear Sound, useful modes, and Samsung ecosystem extras.

Smart features were a clear strength, especially broad casting support, direct streaming and multi-room convenience.

Soundstage height was a clear strength, with reviewers describing height, overhead scale, and dome-like placement.

Soundstage height received positive evidence in one review, where ambient effects were described as hovering in midair.

Spotify Connect evidence was mixed: one reviewer had a maddening volume-step issue, while another called Spotify Connect a favorite feature.

Spotify Connect evidence was positive overall, with one review saying Spotify and Tidal Connect worked seamlessly.

Status indicators were a common complaint because the small front display was hard to read, limited, or nearly useless for settings.

The status display was praised for using plain English instead of confusing light patterns.

Stereo imaging was generally praised, especially with music and front/rear speaker modes, though it remains a soundbar-based presentation.

Stereo imaging earned praise in one review for keeping vocal effects centered cleanly within the stereo image.

The subwoofer was widely praised for power, punch, and integration, though reviewers disagreed on whether it was earth-shaking enough or fully refined.

The subwoofer was consistently viewed as powerful, deep and fun, but not always the fastest or most seamlessly integrated for music.

Surround performance was one of the strongest areas, with reviewers describing immersive, room-filling effects and convincing movement around the listening position.

Surround simulation was widely praised for creating an immersive field without rear speakers, with caveats that the effect is still virtual and room-dependent.

Value opinions were mixed but generally positive: reviewers saw strong performance for the money, while often noting the cheaper Q990C as better value for non-gamers.

Value for money was strong overall, with several reviewers calling it a compelling buy at the $500 or discounted sub-$400 range.

Video passthrough support was praised for Dolby Vision/HDR formats and 4K/120Hz support, with one reviewer preferring TV ports for best image quality.

Video passthrough was useful for disc players and consoles, but gaming use is limited by 4K/60 constraints.

Voice clarity was a strength overall, especially with dialogue aids, though one reviewer found voice processing hit-and-miss and another chose to leave it off.

Voice clarity was praised in one review, where narration came through clearly with the subwoofer adding depth.

Weight and size convenience was a mild drawback: reviewers noted the bar is large, heavy, and best matched with bigger TVs.

Weight convenience was a tradeoff: the subwoofer is heavy, but one reviewer said it should not need moving after setup.

Wi-Fi connection was described as surprisingly seamless with only a few blips, though HDMI was still recommended for maximum reliability.

Wireless streaming was mostly described as easy and reliable, though one reviewer warned that weak Wi-Fi coverage could matter because there is no Ethernet.

Wired input evidence was mixed: reviewers praised eARC and wired reliability but criticized the absence of analog inputs.

Wired inputs were considered practical, with reviewers saying the rear inputs were accessible and the connection set was sufficient.