Compare Samsung HW-Q990D Soundbar vs JBL Bar 1300X Soundbar

Status indicators were a common complaint because the small front display was hard to read, limited, or nearly useless for settings.

Status displays and indicators were well liked, with reviewers calling the front display helpful, easy to read, and useful for battery/status feedback.

Cabinet construction evidence was positive, with the bar described as a serious, solid piece of gear.

One reviewer criticized the subwoofer cabinet, tying plastic construction to audible rattle at very low frequencies.

HDMI 2.1 gaming support was a major strength, with repeated praise for 4K/120Hz, VRR, low latency, and console usefulness.

HDMI 2.1 gaming support was limited, with reviewers routing consoles directly to the TV for better high-refresh gaming.

Latency evidence was positive, with reviewers reporting synced audio/video and no added delay from HDMI pass-through.

One reviewer noted a short one-second restart delay after pausing video, making TV latency a minor annoyance rather than a dealbreaker.

Gaming HDMI passthrough was mostly praised as a major upgrade, though one reviewer reported a faulty HDMI port on the tested unit.

Gaming passthrough was a weakness where discussed, with reviewers flagging missing HDMI 2.1 or 4K/120Hz support.

Stereo imaging was generally praised, especially with music and front/rear speaker modes, though it remains a soundbar-based presentation.

Stereo performance split reviewers: one found separation present, but several heard music as a step down, constrained, or simply not right.

EQ and sound customization were praised through the app, especially channel levels, EQ tools, and near-total control.

EQ customization was one of the clearest weaknesses, with repeated complaints about limited bands, few levels, and weak preset control.

On-device controls received positive but limited evidence as useful when the remote is unavailable.

On-device controls were split: basic buttons were liked in one review, while another criticized missing direct controls for key modes.

Reviewers consistently described a balanced profile with clear mids and treble, controlled bass, and only occasional low-end muddiness or content-dependent tuning caveats.

Frequency balance was mixed, ranging from balanced and non-fatiguing to shouty, flappy, muffled, or uneven with music.

Spotify Connect evidence was mixed: one reviewer had a maddening volume-step issue, while another called Spotify Connect a favorite feature.

Spotify support was generally useful, especially for streaming, though one reviewer noted Spotify was not built into the JBL app.

Soundstage height was a clear strength, with reviewers describing height, overhead scale, and dome-like placement.

Height performance was impressive in several tests, but some reviewers found vertical projection less pronounced than rival Atmos bars.

Video passthrough support was praised for Dolby Vision/HDR formats and 4K/120Hz support, with one reviewer preferring TV ports for best image quality.

Video passthrough was useful thanks to multiple HDMI inputs and HDR/Dolby Vision support, but limited by 4K/120Hz shortcomings.

Wired input evidence was mixed: reviewers praised eARC and wired reliability but criticized the absence of analog inputs.

Wired connectivity was consistently praised for generous HDMI and input coverage, with multiple reviewers calling the ports ample or generous.

Room calibration drew divided reactions: some reviewers said SpaceFit worked well or optimized bass, while others noticed little or no audible change.

Room calibration was usually seen as helpful and effective, but one reviewer felt it did not make meaningful tonal changes.

Audio format support was praised for covering key formats such as Dolby Atmos and DTS variants, though some mentions were primarily factual.

Audio format support was strong where evaluated, with reviewers highlighting Dolby Atmos and DTS:X coverage and broad decoding support.

Dialogue clarity drew strong agreement, with reviewers repeatedly saying voices stayed clear through dense movie mixes, sports, and dialogue-heavy content.

Dialogue was often clear against busy soundtracks, but several reviewers found occasional difficulty, muffling, or a need for more adjustment.

Smart features were generally praised, especially Q-Symphony, Private Rear Sound, useful modes, and Samsung ecosystem extras.

Smart and extra features were useful but uneven: reviewers liked streaming and portable-speaker tricks, while some wanted more modes and controls.

Setup simplicity was strongly praised across reviews, with several calling it effortless, intuitive, or complete in minutes.

Setup was mostly considered simple, quick, or plug-and-play, with one reviewer finding the first controls and guide tricky.

Low-volume features were useful for late-night listening, though they involved compromises such as reduced dynamics or rear-only playback.

Low-volume and quiet-scene handling was praised in one review for keeping loud and quiet sounds delicately balanced.

Design aesthetics were mostly positive for understated, sleek, high-end looks, though some found the angular design dated or severe.

Design reactions were mostly positive for innovation and minimalism, though several comments framed the look as practical rather than striking.

Bluetooth connection evidence was limited but positive, with one reviewer saying it worked as advertised despite feeling awkward on a premium system.

Bluetooth stability was mixed: one reviewer could not pair a smartphone, while others had smooth streaming or no sync concerns.

Pairing reliability was positive where tested, with speakers pairing immediately or expected to sync automatically during setup.

Wireless speaker pairing was praised in the two tests that addressed it, with stable surround operation and a strong stereo Bluetooth setup.

Inter-speaker connectivity was reliable in review use, with no dropouts, flawless connection, easy power-only satellite use, and automatic sync comments.

The strongest inter-speaker connectivity evidence was positive, with one reviewer saying the surrounds worked reliably even at distance.

Cohesion was praised through seamless surround handoffs, integrated bass, refined delivery, and a warm detailed presentation.

Cohesion was usually praised, especially the seamless bubble of sound, though one reviewer found the stage somewhat constrained.

Remote usability was mixed: some found it simple or well-designed, while others criticized cumbersome adjustments and missing shortcuts.

Remote reactions varied from easy and well-labeled to unbacklit, mediocre, or frustratingly enigmatic.

The SmartThings app was usually praised for easier setup and deeper control, despite remote/display limitations pushing users toward it.

The JBL One app was usually praised as easy and useful, though one reviewer called it only good, not great.

The subwoofer was widely praised for power, punch, and integration, though reviewers disagreed on whether it was earth-shaking enough or fully refined.

The subwoofer drew heavy praise for huge impact and deep bass, but some reviewers found its levels hard to control or less precise with music.

Surround performance was one of the strongest areas, with reviewers describing immersive, room-filling effects and convincing movement around the listening position.

Surround performance was a major strength, repeatedly described as immersive, precise, and competitive with strong soundbar rivals.

Wi-Fi connection was described as surprisingly seamless with only a few blips, though HDMI was still recommended for maximum reliability.

One reviewer reported the app connected the bar to the home network without fuss, supporting a positive Wi-Fi reliability score.

Dolby Atmos height effects were repeatedly praised as immersive, overhead, and convincing, though one reviewer wanted more true above-you sensation.

Dolby Atmos effects were widely praised as spectacular, astounding, and immersive, though a few reviews wanted clearer or stronger height projection.

Detail retrieval was praised for fine effects, instrument separation, and precision, though one reviewer said it lacked the highest premium detail.

Detail retrieval was a strength, with reviewers hearing subtle effects, crisp textures, and distinct elements in busy scenes.

Most reviewers reported clean output or very low compression at high volume, though a few heard subwoofer crackle, chuffing, or stress on extreme bass passages.

High-volume control is mostly good, with two reviewers praising resistance to distortion, though one heard dialogue clarity soften when pushed louder.

Reviewers found the system loud enough for large rooms and cinematic impact, with only contextual concerns about using that power in smaller spaces.

Reviewers consistently found the bar loud and room-filling, with enough output for cinematic impact; one noted it could play at full volume without becoming unbearable.

Voice clarity was a strength overall, especially with dialogue aids, though one reviewer found voice processing hit-and-miss and another chose to leave it off.

Voice reproduction was generally strong, with reviewers praising vocal clarity, natural presentation, and PureVoice performance despite limited adjustment.

Dynamic headroom was praised for big volume shifts, impact differences, and enough dynamic range for cinematic material.

One reviewer strongly praised dynamic range, especially smooth transitions between quiet and loud moments.

Build quality was consistently described as premium, solid, robust, and well constructed.

Build quality was generally regarded as solid or excellent, with reviewers praising sturdy construction and premium-feeling materials.

Weight and size convenience was a mild drawback: reviewers noted the bar is large, heavy, and best matched with bigger TVs.

Size and placement convenience were mixed to poor: the wider bar can overhang a stand, and the large subwoofer is hard to hide.

Value opinions were mixed but generally positive: reviewers saw strong performance for the money, while often noting the cheaper Q990C as better value for non-gamers.

Value opinions were positive for movie-focused users and the all-in-one package, but some reviewers questioned the cost against strong competitors.

Home theater integration was strong, especially with compatible Samsung TVs through Q-Symphony, though benefits depend on TV ownership.

Home theater integration was a core strength, with reviewers calling it a strong all-in-one setup and a good easy alternative to separates.

HDMI eARC was recommended as the best wired route for reliability and sound quality.

Reviewers who evaluated TV audio connection favored HDMI ARC/eARC, calling it the best path for Dolby Atmos playback.

Optical input was treated as a fallback because it lacks Dolby Atmos and was framed as a compromised connection compared with eARC.

Optical input was treated as a fallback, with reviewers warning that it gives a lesser surround experience than eARC.

Battery-powered surrounds enable flexibility, but several reviewers called regular recharging a hassle or a faff.

Chromecast compatibility was a weak point in one review because Chromecast was not supported in the US version tested.

Physical buttons were praised as clicky rather than touch-sensitive, which one reviewer explicitly preferred.

Google-related support was marked down because one reviewer specifically found the lack of US Chromecast support irksome.

Magnetic attachment was mostly secure and robust, though one reviewer said the detachable speakers sometimes required force to remove.

Off-axis or omnidirectional coverage was limited in one review, which described the experience outside the central seat as lopsided.

Rear speaker cable feedback was mixed: one review praised extra-long power cables, while others wanted longer cables or noted shorter rear-speaker runs.

Smart assistant integration was limited in the one opinionated assessment, with the reviewer saying there was not much in the way of smarts.

USB-C charging was repeatedly praised as a useful backup or major improvement for keeping the detachable speakers powered.