Compare Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar vs JBL Bar 1300X Soundbar

Reviews describe the two-step calibration as effective and room-aware, with one reviewer calling it essential and another saying it works well even in awkward rooms.

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 2 support is repeatedly listed and treated as a core wireless streaming option.

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.

The JBL One app is generally described as easy and intuitive, though one review hit a brief calibration glitch that cleared after reopening.

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.

Reviews consistently cite Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, and one video review also calls out LPCM support.

An optical input is highlighted as a way to connect older TVs or older gear when eARC is not available.

The detachable rears are typically quoted at about 10 to 12 hours per charge, but several reviewers note the need to remember recharging them.

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

Evidence is mixed; one review says iPhone Bluetooth streaming worked great, while another could not get phone pairing to cooperate.

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

One review specifically criticizes the subwoofer’s plastic cabinet because it can rattle under extreme bass load.

One setup review says the rear speakers were ready after a couple of hours of charging.

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 is repeatedly listed as a supported casting option.

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.

Several reviews praise the system for knitting front, rear, and overhead effects into a seamless or cohesive soundfield.

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.

Reviewers generally describe the styling as simple and understated rather than flashy.

Multiple reviews say the system feels solid and well made, with strong magnets and premium-feeling construction.

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

Reviews repeatedly mention hearing small ambient or incidental sounds that cheaper systems miss.

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 is usually described as clear and easy to follow, though a few reviewers heard occasional muffling or difficulty in some content.

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.

One review says dialogue loses some clarity when volume is pushed high, but this is framed as a mild limitation rather than constant distortion.

Height effects are a major strength, with multiple reviews describing convincing overhead movement, though not every reviewer thought it led the class.

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.

The system is repeatedly praised for moving cleanly from quiet detail to explosive peaks without losing control.

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.

Reviews consistently call the EQ and sound controls limited, usually citing a simple three-band EQ and few presets.

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.

Movie playback is often described as balanced and lively, but several music-focused reviews complain about tonal unevenness or lack of neutrality.

One review confirms 4K60 passthrough works for gaming, but it is not presented as a cutting-edge gaming solution.

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

Reviews cite Google Cast and or Google Assistant ecosystem support as part of the streaming and smart-home feature set.

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 reviews explicitly note the lack of 4K/120 passthrough and other next-gen gaming features.

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

ARC and especially eARC support are consistent selling points and the preferred path for full Atmos playback.

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.

Reviews portray the system as a strong all-in-one home theater hub, helped by its switching ability, multiple HDMI inputs, and full surround package.

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The detachable surrounds are described as securely attaching and staying linked reliably to the main bar in testing.

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.

One review notes roughly a one-second delay after unpausing, but the app also provides lip-sync correction.

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

Reviewers consistently describe the system as very loud, room-filling, and capable of major output.

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

One review specifically praises the ability to preserve quiet detail without constant volume adjustment.

The detachable modules are described as reliably staying connected, and reviews also mention stereo-pair style use cases.

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.

The top-panel buttons are described as simple, easy to read, and straightforward for basic input and volume changes.

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

Reviews consistently mention an optical input as part of the connection set.

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.

Opinions are mixed; some reviewers like the remote and find it complete, while others complain about hidden functions or missing dedicated buttons.

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 usually described as easy and guided, especially through the app and calibration flow. Some reviewers still note a learning curve from the unusual detachable design or sparse printed instructions, even though the process is mostly manageable.

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

Reviews report Alexa support, but typically via external smart speakers rather than a built-in assistant.

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

App control, calibration, multiroom casting, detachable speaker modes, and other convenience features are repeatedly emphasized.

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.

Height and spatial envelopment are often praised, but a few reviewers think the vertical projection falls short of the very best rivals.

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 or native Spotify control is repeatedly mentioned as available and functional, despite mixed treatment inside JBL’s own 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.

The front LED or alphanumeric display is repeatedly praised for showing source, codec, volume, or battery-related information clearly.

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.

Directional placement and imaging accuracy are frequently praised, especially in spatial movie content.

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The large subwoofer is widely praised for deep, forceful bass, but several reviewers also note that it can be imprecise, overbearing, or a little flappy at extremes.

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.

Even with stereo or non-Atmos material, reviews say the bar can create a convincing room-filling surround effect through DSP or upmixing.

Reviews strongly approve of USB-C charging for the detachable speakers because it offers a more practical backup than redocking alone.

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.

Reviewers generally think the package delivers strong value for a flagship setup, though some still see it as pricey.

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.

Reviews confirm broad video passthrough support including 4K, Dolby Vision, and HDR10, but not full HDMI 2.1 gaming features.

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.

Voices and vocals are usually described as clear and natural, especially with better-quality content.

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.

One review says the bar connected to the home network without much fuss, supporting a generally positive view of Wi-Fi setup and streaming stability.

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.

Multiple reviews highlight the generous wired input set, especially the extra HDMI ports. eARC is repeatedly presented as the best-sounding wired path for full Atmos playback, with optical treated as more limited.