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

AirPlay support is frequently cited as a convenient way to stream music, with few complaints beyond general wireless variability.

AirPlay (often referenced as AirPlay 2) is repeatedly listed as supported, helping iOS users cast music and podcasts easily to the bar.

The SmartThings app is commonly described as the easiest way to manage modes, EQ, and channel trims; some reviews still call out UI/streaming quirks or missing conveniences like fully automatic calibration behavior.

App experiences are mostly positive (fast detection, firmware updates, easy control). A dissenting video review (covering the older Bar 500) reports EQ settings not persisting after power-off and limited preset saving.

Supports a wide range of formats including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, with common praise for how convincingly it renders immersive mixes.

Dolby Atmos support is consistently referenced; some reviews also mention DTS Virtual:X, while at least one video review (older Bar 500) notes a lack of DTS support. Expect strong format coverage for mainstream movie streaming and discs, with some variability by generation.

Compatibility is good across TVs via HDMI eARC/ARC, and optical offers a fallback; region-specific streaming feature availability (like Chromecast) is the main compatibility caveat.

Bluetooth playback is generally regarded as convenient and functional; fewer comments focus on stability, but reported experiences are mostly positive with quality depending on source.

Bluetooth is consistently included for simple phone-to-bar playback, with Bluetooth 5.3 mentioned in one review. No widespread instability complaints appear in these transcripts.

Chromecast support is inconsistent across sources and regions; some reviews list it as supported while others (notably in the US context) say it’s unavailable.

Chromecast/Google Cast streaming is repeatedly mentioned, enabling easy casting from Android and compatible apps/services.

Cohesion between the bar, rears, and sub is often described as seamless, with smooth handoffs that keep effects anchored as they move around the room.

Overall cohesion is strong for movies, but there are repeated notes that the subwoofer can lag slightly on fast music and that bar-to-sub blending is not always perfectly seamless in every room.

Physical buttons are basic but functional; at least one review prefers the clicky, non-touch controls for responsiveness and reliability.

Design is generally seen as premium and understated, though the bar’s large size and industrial/monolithic look can feel dated or imposing in smaller spaces.

Reviews consistently describe a discreet, low-profile bar that fits under most TVs with minimal branding; at least one video review highlights multiple color options (including white) to better match room decor.

Detail retrieval is repeatedly praised for a soundbar system, with clear effects placement and good separation; a few reviewers still find ultra-premium modular systems extract slightly more microdetail.

Detail and effects definition are repeatedly noted, especially for Atmos movie scenes and gaming, where reviewers describe convincing placement and lifelike impact cues.

Dialogue is consistently praised for clarity, helped by center-channel focus and voice-enhancement/AVA options that many found effective for TV and movies.

Dialogue clarity is a highlight in most reviews, credited to the center-channel tuning and PureVoice 2.0 which adapts to scenes and volume. One review of the older Bar 500 was less satisfied with movie dialogue clarity.

Generally stays clean at high levels, but a few sources note occasional crackle/static or the sub chuffing on extreme ultra-low bass passages.

Dynamic swings in movies are a strong point, with punchy transients and convincing impact; the system generally keeps composure even in demanding scenes.

EQ and channel-level controls are a highlight for tweakers (especially in the app), though a few reviewers want easier presets or broader access to adjustments without mode limitations.

EQ controls (bass/treble and profiles) plus calibration tools are mentioned across reviews. Some users want deeper customization or more persistent presets depending on the generation being discussed.

Balanced tuning is a recurring theme: weighty lows paired with clear mids/treble, though a few listeners found bass-heavy music can get a bit muddy without tweaks.

Reviews generally describe a clean midrange and detailed treble that avoids harshness, with voices and effects staying natural. Bass is often characterized as warm and weighty rather than ultra-tight and punchy.

HDMI 2.1 passthrough is the headline upgrade, enabling 4K/120Hz and gaming features for consoles/PCs; most sources call it a meaningful addition, with rare reports of port-specific issues.

Multiple reviewers emphasize passthrough is not HDMI 2.1 and does not support 4K/120. Recommended workaround is to connect consoles directly to the TV and use eARC for audio back to the bar.

HDMI eARC/ARC is the recommended connection for best reliability and full-format support; it also enables convenient TV-remote control via CEC in most setups.

HDMI eARC is repeatedly highlighted as the preferred TV hookup for full-feature audio and simple control via HDMI-CEC, supporting a cleaner one-cable setup.

Integration in a home theater is a key strength, with convincing immersion and easy expansion-free setup; Samsung TV owners can gain extra front-stage width and tighter on-screen anchoring via Q-Symphony.

Home theater integration is described as a strength: easy TV control integration (CEC/auto on-off), useful HDMI passthrough for sources when TV inputs are limited, and quick calibration options to adapt to the room.

Wireless linking between the bar, surrounds, and sub is commonly reported as stable with few dropouts; isolated anecdotes mention occasional blips or unit-specific issues, but most experiences are robust.

Multi-room/grouping is referenced via JBL speaker grouping features and casting ecosystems, enabling playback across multiple compatible speakers in a home setup.

Latency is generally well controlled (including reports of very low passthrough lag), though some setups can see more delay on certain formats over optical or wireless connections.

At least one reviewer notes audio sync controls are available (via app) to correct lip-sync delays when needed.

Loud output with ample headroom; most reviewers rarely needed to push volume high, and the system can fill large rooms without sounding strained.

Overall output is described as high for the price and size, easily filling small-to-medium rooms. Reviewers cite strong slam for action movies and plenty of headroom without needing extreme volume settings.

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Low-volume listening gets specific praise where PureVoice 2.0 is said to keep speech intelligible at night or in apartments without needing to crank the master volume.

The multi-piece system usually pairs and stays linked reliably once powered, with most reviews reporting stable operation across the bar, rears, and sub.

On-bar controls are simple but handy when a remote isn’t nearby; most interaction still happens through the app, especially for deeper tuning.

On-bar controls are intentionally minimal (typically volume and source). Some users appreciate the simplicity, while one reviewer disliked certain button behavior and preferred using the remote/app instead.

Optical input is available as a legacy fallback, but multiple sources note it limits advanced formats like Dolby Atmos compared with HDMI eARC.

Optical input is mentioned as an available fallback connection. Reviewers also note optical can be limiting for carrying Atmos compared with HDMI eARC.

The included remote is serviceable and handy for quick adjustments, but several reviews prefer the app, and some note missing shortcuts or that the small front display reduces remote usefulness.

Remote control operation is generally described as straightforward, with dedicated calibration access in at least one review. Some sources also note CEC/TV-remote control integration for daily use.

Setup is widely described as straightforward for a four-piece system, with the rears/sub often pairing quickly; optimal placement and app onboarding can add a bit of time.

Setup is widely portrayed as straightforward: HDMI eARC to the TV, power for the bar and wireless sub, then quick calibration. Several reviews stress fewer steps than earlier generations and simple day-one usability.

Smart assistant support (notably Alexa, plus Google/Bixby in some regions) is a key feature; voice control is generally useful, though some users prefer app/remote control for consistency.

Voice assistant compatibility (Alexa/Google ecosystems) is mentioned, but at least one reviewer states it may require an external assistant device rather than being fully built-in on the bar itself.

Smart features like Q-Symphony, wireless Atmos options, Private Rear Sound, and grouping modes add flexibility; several are Samsung-TV dependent or more niche in day-to-day use.

Height effects are a standout for many, creating a dome-like presentation; results can vary with ceiling height, room treatments, and placement.

Multiple reviewers caution that height effects are limited compared with soundbars that have dedicated upfiring speakers. You may hear some vertical cues, but the presentation is typically described as subtle rather than dramatic.

Spotify Connect works for many, but at least one review flags frustrating volume-step behavior; overall reliability appears good with occasional app/control oddities.

Spotify Connect is explicitly described as seamless and reliable in multiple written reviews, with quick device selection from within the Spotify app.

The front status display is a frequent complaint: small, scroll-limited, and hard to read through the grille or from across a room.

A readable front display/LED feedback is highlighted as a usability win, including clear indications of input/volume and plain-English status messaging compared with ambiguous light codes on some competitors.

Imaging is strong for a soundbar system, with precise placement and improved width; some note it still can’t fully match the spatial organization of top modular/separates rigs.

Stereo focus is commonly described as strong, with vocals and on-screen action anchored confidently at center while maintaining clear separation across the front stage.

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Creates an enveloping surround field that’s widely described as class-leading for a soundbar package, especially with the included rears and upfiring drivers.

Virtual surround (MultiBeam/processing) is repeatedly described as convincingly wide and enveloping for rooms that cannot accommodate rear speakers. It improves immersion, but does not fully replace discrete rears for precision.

Value is viewed as strong versus comparable full Atmos packages, especially with discounts; however, many note the prior Q990C can be a better deal if HDMI 2.1 isn’t needed.

Video passthrough support is robust in reviews that mention it, including HDR formats and Dolby Vision passthrough, making the HDMI inputs more useful for source devices.

Video passthrough support is repeatedly called out for Dolby Vision and HDR10+ via the HDMI input, generally reported as limited to 4K at 60 Hz.

The bar and sub are described as sizable and hefty, which signals premium build but can be inconvenient for smaller rooms or lighter furniture.

Wi-Fi streaming is broadly stable, and Samsung TV owners often praise wireless connection options; a few reports mention occasional blips or format-specific quirks, so HDMI eARC remains the most dependable path.

Wi-Fi streaming is generally presented as robust with broad casting support, though at least one review notes the absence of Ethernet on their unit and recommends considering room Wi-Fi coverage. Other videos describe Ethernet on a different generation, suggesting feature variance across models/sources.

Wired connectivity is strong for a modern soundbar system, with HDMI eARC plus additional HDMI inputs and optical; the main complaint is the lack of analog inputs for legacy sources.

Connectivity is described as flexible, including HDMI eARC plus at least one HDMI input and optical, with some sources also noting USB playback. Ethernet presence varies by the specific unit/model discussed in different reviews.