Design and build:

JBL Bar 1000 is smaller in width than the Samsung Q990B. It has additional surround speakers that you need to charge by attaching to the bars. If you have compact space, then the JBL Bar 1000 is more suitable than the Q990B. It is good to pair with medium sized TVs like 55 or 65”. Samsung Q990B is a large soundbar which will work with large TV screens like 65 to 75”. While both the bars are wall mountable, JBL Bar 1000 comes with all necessary equipment.

Performance:

Comparing JBL Bar 1000 vs Samsung Q990B, the Q990B Samsung soundbar has 11.1.4 channels whereas the JBL Bar 1000 has 7.1.4. While the Samsung Q990B comes with standard sized surround speakers, the JBL Bar 1000 has tiny speakers. Both these soundbars can get loud enough for larger rooms but it is never wise to crank speakers up to their fullest. Instead, we suggest placing them in medium sized rooms.

JBL Bar 1000 has 0.75” tweeter and 1.8125" x 3.5" woofer for front and center channels. There are drivers for side-firing and up-firing channels as well. It uses MultiBeam technology works with side and upward firing drivers to deliver a spacious and multidimensional sound. Plug the surround speakers on both sides of the bar for 3.5 hours to get a battery life of 10 hours. The bar also includes a 10” subwoofer that delivers clean and punchier bass.

Similar to Samsung Q990B, it has a dedicated center channel and can deliver clean and clear voices. It has built-in microphone for room calibration. While the JBL is not a high-end soundbar, it can still produce enjoyable performance. It has well balanced trebles, impactful mids and prominent lows. Comparing Samsung Q990B vs JBL Bar 1000, the Q990 model has more powerful and immersive surrounds.

The sound from the independent large satellites is more prominent than the small speakers of JBL. Movie effects and explosions are more impactful and realistic with Samsung Q990B. JBL Bar 1000 has decent surrounds. Soundstage is wide and accurate from side-firing drivers.

Samsung Q990B produces sound with good amount of power. The soundbar has SpaceFit that will optimize sound of the bar based on room structure. Then there is Auto EQ for subwoofer sound improvement. It has excellent dialogue reproduction. There is also voice enhancement mode if you need it. It also has Active Voice Amplifier that boosts the voice in each scene. Bass response is tight and shows adequate rumble needed to enjoy effects in music and movies.

 It has an immersive sound field that is accurate and engaging. Similar to JBL Bar 1000, it has upward firing drivers both in the bar and rear speakers. Atmos effects are convincing from the Samsung Q990B than the JBL. To get the best out of the bar try using the Adaptive mode. Movies with height effects are quite enjoyable. Along with movies, music is played with precise instrumental sounds.

Features: 

Comparing JBL Bar 1000 vs Samsung Q990B, they have differences in terms of features. Based on things that are important to you, either one of them will be better. Like if you want multiroom facility, then the JBL Bar 1000 will be good because it can create multiroom system with Chromecast. If you buy Google Cast compatible speakers, they will become a part of multiroom system. While both have Apple Airplay, only JBL Bar 1000 has Chromecast.

In case you need the bar to connect wirelessly to Bluetooth TVs, then Samsung HW-Q990B will give you this option. It also has a Tap Sound feature where you can tap the smartphone on the bar to play the content. There is also a Q-Symphony feature with which the bar and TV will play together but only when connected to specific Samsung QLED models.

Connectivity:

JBL Bar 1000 and Samsung Q990B soundbars have almost similar connection ports. They have optical port, HDMI eARC, and 2 HDMI In. Alone with these, the JBL also has USB and Ethernet port. in terms of wireless streaming, you can play content via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Control options:

Both these soundbars have physical controls on the bar that are few and quite basic. JBL has volume and input change options whereas, Samsung Q990B has volume, input change and mic mute/unmute. The included remotes are quite useful for controlling the bars from a distance. They support HDMI CEC with which the bars can be controlled with TV remotes. Samsung Q990B can work with Samsung TV remote control of specific models.

For voice control, the Samsung has Alexa built-in. JBL Bar does not have any voice control, but you can purchase 3^rd party devices to work with Alexa, Google Assistant or Siri. The bars are versatile and can be controlled with mobile apps as well. For JBL Bar 1000, there is JBL One app and for Samsung Q990B there is Samsung SmartThings app.

Settings:

JBL Bar 1000 has two modes, smart and standard. We love the inclusion of bass and treble adjustments on it which is missing in the Samsung Q990B. Samsung Q990B has Adaptive Sound, 3D surround, game pro and stereo mode. They both have voice enhancement mode, level adjustments for surround, subwoofer, rear and height channel and virtual surround sound.

Cost:

JBL Bar 1000 and Samsung Q990B are similar priced soundbars with a minor price difference of around $100 between them. They are available under $1000.

FAQ:

Which one is more affordable than JBL Bar 1000?

You can have a look at Vizio M-Series 5.1.2 Soundbar that is available at almost half the price. It will deliver decent performance and will be a good choice for overall use.

Which Samsung models are compatible with Q-Symphony?

The following with Samsung QLED TVs will work with Q-Symphony: Q60, Q70, Q80, Q85, Q90, Q800, Q900, Q950, and Frame TV series.