When it comes to premium soundbars, two brands stand out: Bose and Samsung. Both companies have a reputation for delivering exceptional audio experiences, making it difficult to choose between their flagship models, the Bose Soundbar 900 and the Samsung Q990C. In this in-depth comparison, we’ll dive into the features, performance, and value of these two soundbars to help you make an informed decision.

Design and Build Quality

Bose Soundbar 900: The Soundbar 900 exudes elegance with its sleek and minimalist design. Its black anodized aluminum grille and rounded edges give it a sophisticated look that complements any home décor. Despite its compact size, it packs a punch with its powerful drivers and sturdy construction.

Samsung Q990C: The Q990C boasts a more angular and modern design, featuring a metal grille and sharp edges. It’s slightly larger than the Soundbar 900 but still maintains a slim profile. The soundbar’s robust build and premium materials ensure durability and longevity.

Audio Performance

Bose Soundbar 900: The Soundbar 900 delivers immersive and room-filling sound with its 10-driver array. Its proprietary PhaseGuide technology directs sound around the room, creating a wide and enveloping soundstage. The soundbar’s deep bass and crystal-clear highs provide an exceptional audio experience for movies, music, and gaming.

Samsung Q990C: The Q990C features an impressive 11.1.4-channel system with 22 drivers. Its Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support enables it to deliver a truly cinematic audio experience. The soundbar’s powerful woofers produce thunderous bass, while its up-firing speakers create a captivating overhead soundscape.

Features

Bose Soundbar 900: The Soundbar 900 offers a range of features to enhance your listening experience. It supports HDMI eARC for lossless audio passthrough, Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless streaming, and Apple AirPlay 2 for seamless integration with Apple devices. Additionally, it comes with a dedicated bass module and a voice assistant-enabled remote control.

Samsung Q990C: The Q990C is equally feature-rich, offering HDMI eARC, Bluetooth 5.2, and AirPlay 2 support. It also features a built-in SmartThings Hub for controlling smart home devices and a Game Pro mode for optimized gaming performance. The soundbar includes a separate subwoofer and rear speakers for a truly immersive surround sound experience.

Connectivity

Bose Soundbar 900: The Soundbar 900 offers a variety of connectivity options, including two HDMI inputs, an HDMI output with eARC, an optical input, and a 3.5mm auxiliary input. It also supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for wireless connectivity.

Samsung Q990C: The Q990C provides similar connectivity options, with two HDMI inputs, an HDMI output with eARC, an optical input, and a 3.5mm auxiliary input. Additionally, it features a USB port for media playback and a Wi-Fi connection for streaming services.

Price and Value

Bose Soundbar 900: The Bose Soundbar 900 is priced at $899, while the optional bass module costs an additional $499. This makes it a relatively expensive soundbar, but it offers exceptional performance and a premium design.

Samsung Q990C: The Samsung Q990C is priced at $1,499, which includes the subwoofer and rear speakers. It’s a more expensive option than the Soundbar 900, but it provides a more immersive and feature-rich experience.

Which Soundbar is Right for You?

The choice between the Bose Soundbar 900 and the Samsung Q990C depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a compact and stylish soundbar with excellent sound quality, the Soundbar 900 is an excellent choice. However, if you want a more immersive and feature-rich experience with a true surround sound setup, the Q990C is the better option.

Pros and Cons

Bose Soundbar 900:

Pros:

• Sleek and minimalist design
• Immersive soundstage
• Clear and balanced audio
• Supports AirPlay 2
• Dedicated bass module

Cons:

• Relatively expensive
• Limited connectivity options

Samsung Q990C:

Pros:

• Impressive 11.1.4-channel system
• Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support
• Built-in SmartThings Hub
• Includes subwoofer and rear speakers
• Game Pro mode

Cons:

• Larger and more expensive
• Limited HDMI inputs

Key Points: Bose Soundbar 900 vs. Samsung Q990C – The Verdict

Both the Bose Soundbar 900 and the Samsung Q990C are exceptional soundbars that offer a premium audio experience. The Soundbar 900 is a great choice for those who prioritize design and compact size, while the Q990C is the better option for those seeking an immersive surround sound system with advanced features. Ultimately, the best soundbar for you depends on your specific requirements and budget.

Top Questions Asked

1. Which soundbar has a wider soundstage?
The Bose Soundbar 900 has a wider soundstage due to its PhaseGuide technology, which directs sound around the room.

2. Which soundbar is better for movies?
Both soundbars offer excellent audio performance for movies, but the Samsung Q990C has an edge with its Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support.

3. Can I connect both soundbars to my TV?
Yes, both soundbars have HDMI eARC support, allowing them to connect to your TV and receive lossless audio passthrough.

4. Which soundbar has better bass?
The Samsung Q990C has more powerful woofers than the Bose Soundbar 900, resulting in deeper and more impactful bass.

5. Can I use Google Assistant or Alexa with either soundbar?
Yes, both soundbars support voice assistant integration, but only through an external device or smart home system.