Compare Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar vs JBL Bar 500 MK2 Soundbar

AirPlay support is repeatedly confirmed for easy iOS/macOS streaming and multi-room scenarios; reviewers generally describe it as straightforward and reliable once the bar is on Wi-Fi.

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

SmartThings is widely used for setup and tuning; app control is generally stable and useful for calibration, channel levels, and modes, though some note the remote/display is slower for deeper adjustments.

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.

Format support is a major strength: reviewers cite Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, with some also noting Samsung/Google’s Eclipsa Audio readiness alongside common Dolby legacy formats.

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.

Bluetooth connections are generally described as quick and stable once paired, used mainly for casual playback and fast handoff from phones.

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.

Bluetooth range is not deeply tested in most reviews, but general use descriptions imply typical room-to-room coverage without frequent dropouts.

Google Cast/Chromecast-style casting is commonly listed among the streaming options; it broadens wireless playback beyond Bluetooth when the soundbar is on Wi-Fi.

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

Across film and Atmos demos, the system is praised for a seamless, cohesive bubble of sound with smooth handoffs between bar, rears, and sub, especially after calibration.

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 top-panel controls are described as clicky and responsive, offering quick access to input/volume and mic mute without relying on the app.

The package looks premium and is easier to place than prior generations thanks to the smaller sub, but several reviewers call the bar’s design a bit dated or visually plain.

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 and separation are frequently highlighted, with subtle effects and low-level ambience coming through clearly in movies and well-recorded music.

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

Many reviews find dialogue clear and well-centered (especially with voice-enhancement features available), but a notable minority report muffled speech depending on content, mode, and room.

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.

At high volumes, most reviewers report clean playback with little strain; a few note the new subwoofer can creak/rattle when pushed extremely hard in certain rooms.

Dynamic swings in action scenes are a standout: loud moments hit hard while quieter cues remain intelligible, giving the system strong headroom for small-to-medium rooms.

Tuning flexibility is strong via channel-level controls and multiple sound modes; EQ is present but sometimes limited (often bass/treble only outside Standard), so fine shaping varies by mode.

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.

Overall tonal balance is praised as full and engaging, with controlled bass integration after calibration; a few reviewers note genre-dependent bass timing or mids/voices that can feel less refined.

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.

Google ecosystem support is present through Google Cast and Google Home/Assistant integrations in many accounts, though some note region/model quirks in setup.

HDMI 2.1 passthrough is repeatedly cited as a key advantage for gamers, supporting 4K/120 (and often VRR) so consoles/PCs can run through the bar.

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 connectivity is commonly described as painless, enabling TV-remote volume control via CEC and simplifying day-to-day use.

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.

As a compact home-theater replacement, the four-box kit integrates easily in living rooms and is frequently compared favorably to more complex receiver-based setups.

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.

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

Lip-sync performance is usually reported as solid over HDMI, and several reviewers call out low latency for gaming/video; wireless TV-to-bar modes may be more environment-dependent.

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

Maximum output is a highlight: reviewers describe room-filling volume that stays composed, often feeling louder than expected at modest volume settings.

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.

Low-volume performance is frequently praised, with good intelligibility and detail at night-friendly levels; private rear/voice modes can help in shared spaces.

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.

On-device controls (buttons and mic mute) add convenience, though deep settings navigation is easier via SmartThings than via the bar’s small front display.

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.

An optical input is included for older TVs and devices, providing a simple fallback when HDMI eARC/ARC is unavailable.

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

Privacy controls get positive mentions thanks to a physical microphone mute and the option to disable/avoid voice assistants if desired.

The included remote is generally considered simple and practical; many users end up using their TV remote via eARC/CEC after initial setup.

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 plug-and-play: power each speaker, connect HDMI, and pairing happens automatically; a few reviewers note minor manual level tweaks or app steps.

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.

Voice-assistant support (notably Alexa, plus compatibility with Google ecosystems) is a feature highlight, though usefulness varies by user and region.

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 are robust, including streaming integrations, room calibration, and Samsung ecosystem extras like Q-Symphony; most reviewers find them additive rather than mandatory.

Height effects are consistently strong for a soundbar system, creating convincing overhead cues in Atmos mixes, though some note the perceived height depends on ceiling and room reflections.

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 is commonly listed among direct-streaming options and is generally treated as a reliable, convenient way to play music without Bluetooth.

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

The front dot-matrix display helps with status and input feedback, but multiple reviewers find it small or hard to read, making app control preferable.

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 typically wide and precise for a soundbar package, with stable placement across the front stage; dedicated stereo listeners may still prefer separate speakers.

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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Surround performance is a core strength, with rears and side/height drivers creating a highly enveloping field; a few critiques focus on satellites sounding less premium for music or intense scenes.

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 through the lens of its high price: many call it worth it for an all-in-one flagship surround kit, while others recommend waiting for discounts or choosing rivals for better cost-to-performance.

Video passthrough support is repeatedly highlighted, with HDMI inputs that pass modern 4K/120 signals and common HDR formats, letting the bar act as an AV hub.

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.

Voice responsiveness is generally acceptable, with the option to mute microphones; some users find always-listening behavior annoying if left enabled.

Voice reproduction is often described as clean and natural, especially after calibration or with dialogue modes, but can be inconsistent in certain mixes/rooms according to a minority of reviewers.

The main bar is described as large/hefty, which can complicate placement on narrow TV stands; wall mounting is a common recommendation.

Wi-Fi streaming is a strength for AirPlay/Cast and service integrations, though a few accounts mention fussy features (like tap-to-play) or occasional wireless-Atmos reliability depending on setup.

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 inputs are centered on HDMI (including eARC) plus optical, making the bar an effective hub for TVs, consoles, and disc players; the lack of analog aux is a noted omission in some coverage.

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.