Samsung launches a powerful soundbar that will make you forget about subwoofers

Since the acquisition of Harman Kardon, Samsung has gradually consolidated its audio expertise, and the 2026 vintage is a new illustration of this. The Q-Series range remains the beating heart of the catalog, with two new references that attract attention: the HW-Q990H and the HW-QS90H. These two bars were officially presented during CES 2026, which was held in Las Vegas from January 4 to 9.

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Remember that the HW-Q990H occupies, like every year, the top of the hierarchy. It succeeds the HW-Q995F and maintains an 11.1.4 channel architecture consisting of a 7.0.2 main bar, 4.0.2 wireless satellite speakers and an active subwoofer with dual 8-inch drivers. The latter claims a power of 300 W, with low frequencies that can go down to 32 Hz.

In total, the set develops 756 W of class D amplification for a total of 23 speakers. Compatibility with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X is naturally there, as is support for video signals up to 120 Hz.

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Sound that seems to come from the TV and an audio leveler

New compared to the Q995F is the Sound Elevation function which allows, virtually, to give the impression that the sound comes from the television and no longer directly from the soundbar with the intention of better localizing the voices for a more coherent scene. In addition, we can also count on the Automatic Volume function which limits sound variations between different sources.

Not seen at CES, the HW-Q930H and HW-Q800H models will be available soon. They faithfully renew the formula of their predecessors, respectively HW-Q930F and HW-Q810F. In terms of design, nothing changes: we find the ribbed upper surface characteristic of the brand, and especially the compact cubic subwoofers introduced last year, which use a double membrane principle.

The HW-Q800H with its 5.1.2 channel configuration with 11 speakers is Dolby Atmos and Dolby True HD compatible, including a woofer associated with a passive radiator.

These two soundbars also offer the Auto Volume and Sound Elevation functions.

The HW-QS90H: immersion without cables or satellites?

The striking new addition to this range is the HW-QS90H, an all-in-one bar which aims for a streamlined installation, without external subwoofer or separate speakers. Beyond the acoustic architecture, the bar integrates Convertible Fit Design technology, which automatically adapts the sound reproduction according to the positioning of the device: flat on a television stand or fixed to the wall.

On a technical level, the HW-QS90H is therefore based on a 7.1.2 channel configuration with 13 integrated speakers: nine full-range transducers, two oriented upwards for Dolby Atmos effects, and two specifically dedicated to bass. According to the manufacturer, the Quad Bass Woofer system, developed in-house, allows deep bass frequencies to be reproduced without the help of a dedicated subwoofer.

The HW-Q600H is equipped with Wi-Fi

Apart from the high-end models, the only notable development concerns the HW-Q600H, the entry model of the Q-Series. Technically speaking, this 3.1.2 channel bar is identical to the previous generation, the HW-Q610F. But it takes a decisive step forward by integrating a Wi-Fi chip for the first time, thus opening access to wireless connectivity, multiroom via SmartThings, and network audio streaming services.

Q-Symphony and SmartThings: always the ecosystem at the center

One of the strengths of the 2026 range is connectivity between devices. Samsung highlights the Q-Symphony function, a technology similar to what we find in the competition (LG WOW Orchestra, Hisense Hi-Concerto or TCL Tutti Choral) which allows the soundbar to be synchronized with the television to form a coherent and unified audio system. The dialogues become more intelligible and the enveloping effects are diffused over a larger space.

Control is carried out via the SmartThings application, which centralizes the management of audio profiles, grouping in multiroom mode, access to streaming services and voice assistants. Among the notable software improvements, we note the Automatic Volume function, available on high-end models, which stabilizes the sound level between different sources or content. Note that these software developments apply to both the Q990H and the QS90H, but also benefit compatible previous generations.

Music Studio: Samsung seeks to establish itself in multiroom

Alongside its soundbars, Samsung has introduced the Music Studio range, two connected speakers designed for multiroom broadcasting and interior design. For the record, the Music Studio 5 is based on a 2.1 channel system and displays a design that the brand describes as being like an “art gallery”, the result of a collaboration with designer Erwan Bouroullec.

The Music Studio 7, for its part, opts for a more classic aesthetic, but steps up its game with a 3.1.1 configuration capable of broadcasting sound frontally, sideways and vertically, thus ensuring compatibility with spatial audio.

S-Series and B-Series ranges renewed identically

Apart from the new Q-Series and Music Studio products, Samsung is playing the card of continuity for the rest of its catalog. The S-Series models – lifestyle sound bars like the S810D, S710D, S66D and S50B – are being carried over without any hardware modification. The same goes for entry-level B-Series references, such as the B410F, B460F, B660F and B760F, which do not evolve further.

Availability and prices

The high-end Samsung HW-Q990H soundbar is sold at 1499 euros, the HW-Q930H at 899 euros and the HW-Q800H at 699 euros, i.e. prices identical to those charged by previous generations. The HW-QS90H, the new all-in-one of the year, is priced at 849 euros, while the HW-Q600H is launched at 499 euros.