Comparing both the Sonos Arc Ultra and the Samsung HW-Q990D, the Sonos Arc Ultra is a standalone soundbar with a 9.1.4 channel configuration, offering immersive Dolby Atmos audio. In contrast, the Samsung HW-Q990D is a complete package, including the soundbar, subwoofer, and rear speakers, delivering an 11.1.4 channel setup. This means the Samsung system provides true surround sound out of the box, while the Sonos setup can be expanded with additional speakers like the Era 300 and Sub 4 for a comparable experience.
Design-wise, the Sonos Arc Ultra has a sleek, minimalist aesthetic available in black and white, blending seamlessly into various decors. The Samsung system, however, has a more industrial look and is only available in black.
In terms of connectivity, the HW-Q990D offers HDMI eARC, two HDMI passthrough ports, optical input, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, providing versatile options for various devices. The Arc Ultra focuses on simplicity with a single HDMI eARC port and wireless connectivity through Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Price is another consideration; the Samsung system is generally more affordable as a complete surround setup, whereas achieving similar surround capabilities with the Sonos system requires additional investments.
Specs Comparison
Taking a deep dive into the specs, the Sonos Arc Ultra measures approximately 46.38 inches in width, 2.95 inches in height, and 4.35 inches in depth, and weighing around 13 pounds. It houses 14 drivers, including seven tweeters and six midrange woofers, powered by 15 Class-D amplifiers, configured in a 9.1.4 channel setup. This design allows it to deliver immersive Dolby Atmos audio without additional components. Connectivity options include HDMI eARC, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, and Apple AirPlay 2, offering versatility for various devices.
In contrast, the Samsung HW-Q990D adopts a more comprehensive approach, comprising a soundbar, wireless subwoofer, and two wireless rear speakers, resulting in an 11.1.4 channel configuration. The main soundbar unit measures about 48.5 inches in width, 2.7 inches in height, and 5.4 inches in depth, with a weight of 17 pounds. The system has a total power output of up to 656 watts, delivering crisp and dynamic sound. It offers multiple connectivity options, including HDMI eARC, two HDMI inputs, optical input, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, Chromecast, and Apple AirPlay 2. Additionally, the HW-Q990D supports Q-Symphony technology, allowing it to synchronize with compatible Samsung TVs for an enhanced audio experience.
Both systems support Dolby Atmos, but the HW-Q990D’s inclusion of dedicated rear speakers may provide a more authentic surround effect.
Specs Table
Here’s a detailed comparison between the Sonos Arc Ultra and the Samsung HW-Q990D soundbars:
| Feature | Sonos Arc Ultra | Samsung HW-Q990D |
| Audio Channels | 9.1.4 | 11.1.4 |
| Amplifiers | 15 Class-D digital amplifiers | Total system power output of 656W |
| Drivers | 14 drivers: 7 tweeters, 6 midrange drivers, 1 built-in subwoofer | 22 drivers across soundbar, subwoofer, and rear speakers |
| Built-in Subwoofer | Yes (integrated) | No (includes external wireless subwoofer) |
| Up-firing Speakers | Yes | Yes |
| Dolby Atmos Support | Yes | Yes |
| DTS:X Support | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes (Bluetooth 5.3) | Yes (Bluetooth 5.2) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes (Wi-Fi 6) | Yes |
| HDMI Inputs | 1x HDMI eARC (2.1) | 2x HDMI In, 1x HDMI Out (eARC) |
| Optical Input | No (requires adapter) | Yes |
| Voice Assistants | Amazon Alexa, Sonos Voice Control | Amazon Alexa (built-in), Works with Google |
| AirPlay 2 Support | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 46.38 x 2.95 x 4.35 inches | Soundbar: 48.5 x 2.7 x 5.4 inches; Subwoofer: 8.8 x 16.3 x 16.1 inches; Rear Speakers: 5.1 x 7.9 x 5.5 inches |
| Weight | 13.01 pounds | Soundbar: 17 pounds; Subwoofer: 25.8 pounds; Rear Speakers: 7.5 pounds each |
| Power Consumption (Idle) | 4.6W | Standby: 0.5W (Main), 0.5W (Rear), 0.5W (Subwoofer); Operating: 41W (Main), 19W (Rear), 26W (Subwoofer) |
Sound Comparison
The Sonos Arc Ultra and Samsung Q990D gave me two very different kinds of listening experiences when I tested them with Dune: Part Two, Oppenheimer, and Top Gun: Maverick. The Arc Ultra uses a 9.1.4 channel setup with 14 drivers, and I could feel how tight the sound design was, especially during the massive explosions in Oppenheimer. The clarity in the center channel made conversations easy to follow even when the background was layered with music or low-end energy. The built-in Sound Motion woofer gave the bass some body without sounding too heavy. What I liked most was how the Arc Ultra handled transitions from quiet scenes to intense ones—it felt smooth and controlled without any harsh jumps in volume.
The Samsung Q990D, with its 11.1.4 configuration and dedicated subwoofer and rears, took a different approach. Watching Top Gun: Maverick, the jets flying overhead really did feel like they were moving behind and above me, and that’s something the Arc Ultra couldn’t fully replicate on its own. The 656W total system power gave it more headroom and made loud moments hit harder. The sub had more rumble during low-end scenes and I could feel it in the floor, which added a nice punch during takeoff sequences or engine-heavy moments. The rear speakers also made action scenes in Dune feel wider and more dimensional. Dialogue was still clear, but the system as a whole leaned more into cinematic impact than surgical precision.
Personally, I think the Sonos Arc Ultra sounds more refined and controlled, especially when I’m watching something that doesn’t rely on big sound effects to deliver emotion—like in Oppenheimer or dialogue-heavy scenes in dramas. But the Q990D brought the room alive during big blockbusters and felt like a full theater setup right out of the box. Personally, I would go with the Arc Ultra for how well it balances clean dialogue with immersive effects in a single unit. That said, if someone wants room-shaking bass and true surround from rear speakers without having to add anything later, the Q990D is hard to argue against. It really depends on whether you prefer simplicity with detail or full-bodied surround immersion.
Design & Space Considerations
The Sonos Arc Ultra has a minimalist aesthetic with a sleek, cylindrical form factor measuring approximately 46.38 inches in width, 2.95 inches in height, and 4.35 inches in depth, and weighing around 13 pounds. Its matte finish and subtle curves allow it to blend seamlessly into various living spaces, complementing modern interiors without drawing undue attention. The touch-sensitive controls are thoughtfully positioned on an upward-facing panel at the rear, maintaining the soundbar’s clean lines while providing intuitive access to playback functions. The build quality feels robust, with a solid construction that conveys durability and a premium feel.
In contrast, the Samsung HW-Q990D adopts a more comprehensive design, comprising a main soundbar, a wireless subwoofer, and two wireless rear speakers, resulting in an 11.1.4-channel configuration. The main soundbar unit measures about 48.5 inches in width, 2.7 inches in height, and 5.4 inches in depth, with a weight of 17 pounds. Its design features angled sides and a metal grille that protects the drivers, giving it a slightly more industrial appearance. The subwoofer and rear speakers are substantial in size, with the subwoofer measuring 8.8 inches in width, 16.1 inches in height, and 16.1 inches in depth, and weighing approximately 25.8 pounds. The rear speakers are compact, measuring 5.1 inches in width, 7.8 inches in height, and 5.6 inches in depth, and weighing 7.5 pounds each. This multi-component setup requires more space and thoughtful placement to optimize the immersive audio experience; you’d need a larger living room space to really accommodate the Q990D soundbar.
The Verdict?
After spending time comparing the Sonos Arc Ultra and the Samsung HW-Q990D, I think both soundbars share more similarities than differences. The Sonos Arc Ultra delivers a clean, immersive audio experience with a 9.1.4 configuration and manages to do it all from a single unit. That’s one of the things I appreciated most—it keeps the setup simple without sacrificing much in terms of surround effects. The drivers are tuned carefully, and the built-in woofer gave me enough low-end that I never felt like something was missing, even during big action sequences. It’s also lighter, smaller, and looks better under most TVs, especially if you prefer a more minimal aesthetic. The wireless integration and newer connectivity standards like Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6 also made it feel a bit more future-ready.
That said, the Q990D brought more power and a true surround experience. With 11.1.4 channels and included rear speakers and a dedicated subwoofer, the sound felt massive. In movies like Top Gun: Maverick, there was no mistaking the directional movement and extra punch the system could deliver. It also supports DTS:X, has more HDMI inputs, and delivers 656W of total system power, which makes a noticeable difference in larger spaces. But it’s bulkier and requires more room, more cabling, and some consideration when placing the rears. Personally, I would go with the Arc Ultra because I value simplicity and space, and I think it offers one of the cleanest all-in-one setups with impressive performance. If someone has the room and wants full theater immersion from day one, the Q990D would be hard to beat—but for my everyday use, the Arc Ultra just fits better.