In 2025, few soundbars rival the premium capabilities of the Sonos Arc and the Samsung HW-Q990C. Both deliver stunning Dolby Atmos performance, smart home integration, and powerful audio for immersive home theaters. But which flagship is the better fit for your setup?
This comparison breaks down real-world performance, speaker configuration, smart features, ecosystem support, and more to help you choose the best soundbar for your home.
Speaker Configuration & Atmos Performance
Sonos Arc
5.0.2 system with upfiring Atmos drivers
No subwoofer included (sold separately)
Uses Trueplay tuning for room calibration (iOS only)
Samsung HW-Q990C
11.1.4 system with wireless rear speakers and subwoofer
True immersive 3D audio with dedicated surround and height channels
SpaceFit Sound Pro room calibration
✅ Winner: Samsung Q990C for full-room cinematic impact
Smart Assistant & Ecosystem Integration
| Feature | Sonos Arc | Samsung Q990C |
| Alexa Built-In | ✅ | ✅ |
| Google Assistant Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| AirPlay 2 | ✅ | ❌ |
| Smart Home App | Sonos App | SmartThings |
| Voice Control Features | Sonos Voice + Alexa/GA | Alexa + Bixby + GA |
✅ Winner: Sonos Arc for Apple HomeKit users; Samsung for SmartThings setups
Connectivity & Compatibility
Sonos Arc
HDMI eARC only
No HDMI passthrough
Pairs with Sonos Sub (Gen 3) and surrounds (One SL, Era 100)
Seamless with Sonos multiroom speakers
Samsung Q990C
HDMI eARC + 2 HDMI In (great for console pass-through)
Includes wireless subwoofer and rear speakers
Q-Symphony pairs with Samsung TVs for unified speaker playback
✅ Winner: Samsung Q990C for complete out-of-box experience + HDMI passthrough
Design & Room Fit
| Category | Sonos Arc | Samsung Q990C |
| Soundbar Width | 45 inches | 48.5 inches |
| Subwoofer | Optional add-on | Included |
| Rear Speakers | Optional | Included |
| Mounting Options | Wall-mountable | Soundbar + rear mountable |
✅ Winner: Sonos Arc for minimal aesthetic; Q990C for full surround room setups
Real-Life Use Scenarios
For Movie Lovers
Q990C offers more enveloping surround sound and sub bass out-of-box
For Apartment Dwellers
Sonos Arc is ideal for space-saving and wireless control
For Apple Ecosystem Users
Sonos Arc integrates better with AirPlay 2, Siri, and HomeKit
Price & Value
Sonos Arc: ~$899 (sub and surrounds sold separately)
Samsung HW-Q990C: ~$1,599 (includes sub + rear speakers)
Both are premium, but Samsung delivers a more complete theater package for the price.
Final Verdict
| Feature Category | Winner |
| Out-of-box Atmos system | Samsung HW-Q990C |
| Smart home integration | Sonos Arc (Apple users) |
| Voice assistant control | Tie |
| Expandability | Sonos Arc |
| HDMI passthrough | Samsung HW-Q990C |
🎯 Recommendation:
Choose Sonos Arc if you already own Sonos speakers, are invested in AirPlay or HomeKit, or need a minimal setup.
Choose Samsung HW-Q990C if you want an all-in-one cinematic experience with physical surround, HDMI inputs, and booming bass.