Compare Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar vs JBL Bar 1300MK2

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

HDMI 2.1 gaming support is praised for 4K/120-style passthrough and no lag or video-quality loss in gaming tests.

3 supporting reviews

JBL Bar 1300MK2

The lack of HDMI 2.1 features such as 4K/120, VRR and ALLM is repeatedly criticized as a major omission at this price.

3 supporting reviews

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

Gaming HDMI passthrough receives positive evidence from PS5 testing, where reviewers reported no lag or video-quality drop.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

JBL Bar 1300MK2

Gaming passthrough is the biggest repeated weakness: the HDMI inputs stop at 4K/60, forcing 4K/120 console users to connect directly to a capable TV.

4 supporting reviews

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

Cabinet construction is mostly fine, but one reviewer reports audible creak/rattle from the subwoofer cabinet under very high-volume strain.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

JBL Bar 1300MK2

The opposed-driver subwoofer construction is praised for its engineering and stability, supporting strong bass without making cabinet behavior the focus.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

Status indicators are a recurring weak spot because the dot-matrix/front display can be hard to read or tedious for adjustments.

3 supporting reviews

JBL Bar 1300MK2

The hidden front display is widely liked because it clearly shows input, volume and Atmos status, then dims so it does not distract during viewing.

5 supporting reviews

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

The system’s size and weight are a tradeoff: reviewers accept the heft for performance but warn it may not fit easily under some TVs.

2 supporting reviews

JBL Bar 1300MK2

The system is physically substantial, with the subwoofer in particular described as big and heavy, reducing placement convenience.

2 supporting reviews

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

Remote usability is mixed: some reviewers like the simple, well-laid-out design, while others find deeper remote/display navigation tedious.

6 supporting reviews

JBL Bar 1300MK2

The included remote is responsive and unusually useful, giving fast access to volume, bass, rear and height adjustments without depending on the app.

5 supporting reviews

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

Wired connectivity is repeatedly described as excellent or sufficient, especially for HDMI/eARC and optical use.

4 supporting reviews

JBL Bar 1300MK2

The system offers a strong selection of wired inputs, and reviewers appreciate having multiple HDMI connections alongside optical and other options.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

Home theater integration is a core strength, especially with Samsung TVs/Q-Symphony, but the four-piece system can feel like clutter and Q-Symphony results vary.

10 supporting reviews

JBL Bar 1300MK2

As a home-theater package, the system earns very high marks for delivering real surround, strong bass and a clean install without a receiver or permanently wired rears.

7 supporting reviews

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

AirPlay is supported with positive reviewer comments around fast, reliable, or Atmos-compatible wireless playback.

2 supporting reviews

JBL Bar 1300MK2

AirPlay playback was handled cleanly for stereo music, making the bar useful beyond movies.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

Compatibility beyond Samsung is positive in limited evidence, with one reviewer saying it works fine with non-Samsung TV products.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

JBL Bar 1300MK2

The Mk2 is viewed as a meaningful improvement over the original Bar 1300, with stronger sound, updated features and more polished modular behavior.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

Detail retrieval is a major strength, with reviewers praising fine effects, quiet details, and textural information in movies and music.

6 supporting reviews

JBL Bar 1300MK2

Detail retrieval is generally strong and helps sell spatial effects, though one reviewer found very subtle soundtrack cues less resolved than on a full separates system.

5 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

Most reviewers report clean performance at high levels, though one notes cabinet strain/rattle from the redesigned subwoofer when pushed very hard.

6 supporting reviews

JBL Bar 1300MK2

The system stays clean at very high output overall, but the small detachable speakers can introduce some distortion when pushed hard on their own.

2 supporting reviews

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

The smaller dual-driver subwoofer is widely praised for deep, controlled, room-filling bass, but a few reviewers note placement sensitivity, looser timing, or strain at high output.

12 supporting reviews

JBL Bar 1300MK2

The redesigned subwoofer is a core strength, delivering deep, hard-hitting bass and substantial headroom. Some reviewers still trim its default level for a more neutral balance.

8 supporting reviews

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

Cohesion is excellent in the strongest reviews, with subwoofer, bar, and surrounds described as seamless and tonally matched.

4 supporting reviews

JBL Bar 1300MK2

The system usually blends bar, sub and rears into a convincing whole, especially after calibration or at moderate volume. Some music mixes can sound less unified at lower levels.

8 supporting reviews

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

TV/lip-sync latency is rated strongly, with reviewers reporting no delay, no lag, or low-latency playback across wired and wireless setups.

2 supporting reviews

JBL Bar 1300MK2

The optional wireless TV connection is described as operating with no perceptible latency, supporting convincing lip sync and clean installation.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

Reviewers broadly praise the tonal balance, clarity, bass-to-midrange integration, and detailed highs, with only isolated complaints around music quality.

12 supporting reviews

JBL Bar 1300MK2

The tonal balance is broadly strong, with clear mids and highs and powerful bass. Some listeners trim bass or EQ slightly recessed vocals for their preferred balance.

5 supporting reviews

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

Dolby Atmos height and 3D effects are widely praised as convincing, well placed, and among the best reviewers have heard from soundbars.

10 supporting reviews

JBL Bar 1300MK2

Dolby Atmos is a standout strength, with convincing overhead motion, broad immersion and strong object placement. Height performance still depends on ceiling and room geometry.

15 supporting reviews

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

Reviewers consistently describe the system as loud and room-filling, with enough output for large rooms; no review frames maximum volume as a major weakness.

8 supporting reviews

JBL Bar 1300MK2

Maximum volume is enormous, easily filling large rooms and sometimes becoming excessive in smaller spaces. Reviewers consistently agree there is far more output than most users need.

13 supporting reviews

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

Room calibration is generally useful and effective, though several reviewers characterize the improvements as subtle or requiring small manual corrections.

10 supporting reviews

JBL Bar 1300MK2

Room calibration is usually a major win: several testers heard tighter, better-balanced surround after running it. The main complaint is software presentation, especially the lack of an easy calibration on/off comparison.

11 supporting reviews

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

Dynamic headroom is praised for punch, scale, and powerful transient impact.

2 supporting reviews

JBL Bar 1300MK2

Dynamics are a major asset, giving action scenes sudden impact and games a strong sense of scale without routinely collapsing into distortion.

4 supporting reviews

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

Inter-speaker wireless communication is praised for retaining connections without manual input.

2 supporting reviews

JBL Bar 1300MK2

The pre-paired rear speakers integrate smoothly with the main bar, making changes between docked and surround layouts unusually painless.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

The physical microphone mute is considered an important privacy/control feature.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

JBL Bar 1300MK2

One review judged JBL One a low privacy risk, while still noting that connected assistants and streaming services carry their own policies.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

The wireless rear/sub pairing process is repeatedly described as seamless, instant, or nearly effortless.

5 supporting reviews

JBL Bar 1300MK2

Stereo-pairing the detachable speakers was troublesome in one detailed test, requiring repeated attempts before the connection worked.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

On-device controls are useful and accessible, though the strongest control praise tends to shift toward the app.

2 supporting reviews

JBL Bar 1300MK2

Physical controls on the main bar and detachable speakers are effective and provide a useful fallback to app control.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

Vocal clarity is mostly praised for clean, present voices, though some reviewers found voice processing unnatural or dialogue/vocals muffled.

7 supporting reviews

JBL Bar 1300MK2

Voice reproduction is crisp and easy to follow, especially with PureVoice active during busy scenes.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

Smart features are generally useful and well integrated, especially app control and streaming options.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

JBL Bar 1300MK2

Broadcast, Night Listening and other processing features are seen as genuinely useful rather than filler, although always-on AI processing may bother purists.

3 supporting reviews

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

Bluetooth/AirPlay/Tidal connection speed receives a positive reviewer note, but Bluetooth-specific stability evidence is limited.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

JBL Bar 1300MK2

Bluetooth pairing and playback were described as solid when the detachable speakers were used independently.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

EQ and channel customization are broadly useful, though some reviewers note limits and prefer the app for detailed adjustments.

5 supporting reviews

JBL Bar 1300MK2

The seven-band EQ gives useful control over the strong bass and overall balance, although JBL One does not provide multiple saved EQ profiles.

3 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

The SmartThings app is generally praised as helpful and easier than the display/remote, with only minor complaints about using it for deeper adjustments.

6 supporting reviews

JBL Bar 1300MK2

App impressions are split. Several reviewers found JBL One clean, responsive and easy, while others encountered confusing calibration screens or repeated connection drops.

11 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

Video passthrough support is strong, with praise for 4K/120, HDR format passthrough, and gaming-friendly HDMI behavior.

4 supporting reviews

JBL Bar 1300MK2

Video passthrough is useful for multiple sources and Dolby Vision, but its 4K/60 ceiling is a meaningful limitation for modern gaming.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

Spotify Connect is included in a wireless streaming bundle reviewers call stellar, though reviews do not deeply isolate Spotify-specific behavior.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

JBL Bar 1300MK2

Spotify Connect music playback was handled smoothly and musically in stereo during hands-on use.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

Setup is one of the strongest positives, repeatedly described as easy, plug-and-play, or novice-friendly, though one review wanted some manual intervention.

8 supporting reviews

JBL Bar 1300MK2

Setup is consistently praised as fast and simple for such a complex surround package, with pre-paired speakers and guided calibration doing most of the work.

11 supporting reviews

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

Value is split by price sensitivity: many reviewers say performance justifies the cost, while others say the expensive system is not clearly excellent enough.

14 supporting reviews

JBL Bar 1300MK2

Value depends heavily on price. Many reviewers think the complete performance and flexibility justify the premium, while a few recommend waiting for discounts or object to the flagship MSRP.

13 supporting reviews

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

Stereo and music imaging are generally praised for focus, width, and staging, but one dissenting review found music performance especially weak.

8 supporting reviews

JBL Bar 1300MK2

Stereo imaging is strong, with explicit praise for separation and a broad, well-organized presentation on music.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

Audio format support is broad and positively framed, covering mainstream immersive formats and newer support without major reviewer concern.

3 supporting reviews

JBL Bar 1300MK2

DTS:X support is treated as a meaningful advantage alongside Dolby Atmos, giving disc and movie fans broad immersive-format coverage.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

Dialogue clarity is usually considered strong, helped by Samsung’s voice features, but one review sharply criticized speech as muffled and underwhelming.

9 supporting reviews

JBL Bar 1300MK2

Dialogue is consistently clear through action and heavy bass, with PureVoice usually helping without sounding harsh. One long-term test found its benefit more scene-dependent.

17 supporting reviews

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

Low-volume performance is unusually strong, with reviewers praising quiet-detail audibility and private/low-level listening usefulness.

3 supporting reviews

JBL Bar 1300MK2

Low-volume performance is mixed: bass can remain surprisingly impactful and Night mode is excellent, but subtle detail often improves noticeably once the system is played louder.

4 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

Surround presentation is the product’s strongest consensus area, with reviewers praising immersion, positioning, and a convincing sound bubble; one review found rear speakers weaker under stress.

13 supporting reviews

JBL Bar 1300MK2

Surround performance is highly convincing because real rear speakers create genuine wraparound effects; upmixing can also add useful ambience to stereo TV.

6 supporting reviews

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

Height staging receives standout praise, including claims it is better produced than on other soundbar systems.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

JBL Bar 1300MK2

The soundstage is consistently described as wide and tall, with convincing off-center balance and strong overhead dimension once the room and levels cooperate.

8 supporting reviews

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

Build quality is mostly positive, with sturdy metal and high-end feel, but one reviewer calls the overall construction merely adequate for the class.

4 supporting reviews

JBL Bar 1300MK2

Build quality earns strong marks for solid construction, durable finishes, secure modular parts and premium-feeling hardware.

10 supporting reviews

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

Design is polarizing: many like the cleaner subwoofer and modern industrial look, while others find the soundbar dated, bulky, or not home-friendly.

9 supporting reviews

JBL Bar 1300MK2

The styling is intentionally understated and some reviewers find it premium and clean, while others think the long black-bar look is too ordinary for the price.

6 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

JBL Bar 1300MK2

Core system operation is generally dependable, with pre-paired components and reports of trouble-free connections. App-specific drops remain a separate weakness.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

JBL Bar 1300MK2

Wall-mount support is excellent: brackets and screws for the bar and rears are included, something several reviewers note rivals often charge extra for.

3 supporting reviews

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

JBL Bar 1300MK2

Bass is one of the defining strengths: deep, physical and room-shaking, yet often controlled enough to preserve dialogue. A few reviewers found default bass too dominant or heard artifacts when heavily boosted.

15 supporting reviews

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

JBL Bar 1300MK2

Gaming sounds excellent when connected appropriately, thanks to low latency, strong positional cues, Atmos effects and powerful dynamics.

2 supporting reviews

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

The system’s bass and spatial presentation are described as non-directional or room-filling enough to feel omnidirectional.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

JBL Bar 1300MK2

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

JBL Bar 1300MK2

Overall sound quality is a major strength: powerful, expansive and cinematic, with enough refinement for both movies and music despite some low-volume and tonal caveats.

9 supporting reviews

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

JBL Bar 1300MK2

The detachable rears deliver convincing real surround and useful standalone playback. Their small size can limit bass and absolute authority compared with larger powered satellites.

9 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

JBL Bar 1300MK2

Sound elevation is convincing, with effects audibly traveling overhead and around the listener, though some tests found height stronger at the front than the rear.

2 supporting reviews

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

JBL Bar 1300MK2

The detachable rears generally last long enough for extended viewing, with real-world reports around 7.5–8.5 hours at louder use and roughly 10 hours viewed as ample.

5 supporting reviews

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

JBL Bar 1300MK2

USB-C charging can refill the rear speakers in a little over four hours, a reasonable recovery time for their portable use.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

JBL Bar 1300MK2

USB-C power is a practical escape hatch for anyone who does not want to keep docking the battery-powered rears, and they can remain powered while in use.

2 supporting reviews

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

JBL Bar 1300MK2

The detachable speakers work well as portable Bluetooth units, especially as a stereo pair, adding useful value beyond home theater.

2 supporting reviews

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

Physical control buttons are praised for being clicky rather than touch-sensitive.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

JBL Bar 1300MK2

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

JBL Bar 1300MK2

Music performance is much better than typical soundbar expectations, with strong stereo separation, engaging bass and convincing Atmos music. It tends to sound most cohesive when played moderately loud.

7 supporting reviews

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

Alexa-style assistant integration is present and useful, but one reviewer found the always-listening behavior annoying enough to mute.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

JBL Bar 1300MK2

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

Voice assistant responsiveness appears high enough to trigger annoyance in one review, but the evidence is limited.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

JBL Bar 1300MK2

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

Wireless streaming is mixed: several reviewers praise wireless connectivity, while others flag dropouts or fussy phone handoff behavior.

3 supporting reviews

JBL Bar 1300MK2

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

Google Cast/Chromecast-style streaming is included in a wireless feature set reviewers describe positively.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

JBL Bar 1300MK2

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

Google integration is mixed: Google Cast support is praised as part of the wireless set, while one reviewer could not connect Google Home.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

JBL Bar 1300MK2

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

HDMI eARC is praised for letting the TV remote handle everyday volume and mute control.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

JBL Bar 1300MK2

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

JBL Bar 1300MK2

The docking magnets are exceptionally strong and satisfying, keeping the detachable speakers secure while making charging easy.

3 supporting reviews

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

The optical input receives a positive latency assessment in the available evidence.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

JBL Bar 1300MK2

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

JBL Bar 1300MK2

Overall product quality is rated very highly across most sources, with repeated praise for the combination of sound, modularity and easy home-theater deployment.

17 supporting reviews

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

JBL Bar 1300MK2

Packaging has one specific weakness: exposed driver domes can be vulnerable if the main bar is grabbed incorrectly while unpacking.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

Rear-speaker cable flexibility receives one positive note because Samsung includes different lead lengths for easier placement.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

JBL Bar 1300MK2

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

JBL Bar 1300MK2

Rear-speaker versatility is arguably the signature feature: they can serve as surrounds, docked front extensions, Bluetooth speakers, broadcast speakers and a quiet Night Listening pair.

17 supporting reviews

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

JBL Bar 1300MK2

Despite its huge output, one reviewer found it worked very well in a small bedroom, while the adjustable levels help keep scale manageable.

2 supporting reviews

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

JBL Bar 1300MK2

The optional wireless TV/One Commander arrangement is reported to run cleanly and reliably in testing.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

JBL Bar 1300MK2

The low-profile bar fits beneath many TVs, but its width and the sizable sub demand real space. Several reviewers recommend pairing it with larger screens and measuring the furniture first.

8 supporting reviews