Samsung makes a significant impact with the HW-Q995F, a new addition to the 900 series. This 11.1.4 soundbar, the older sibling of the HW-QS710F, enhances auditory immersion with 23 drivers and wireless rear speakers. Featuring a new compact subwoofer and a more balanced signature, it becomes more versatile.
With the HW-Q995F, Samsung appears to have perfected its formula for the Q900 series. Following the Q995D’s improvements, this latest model marks a significant advancement. As with the new QS710F, the Korean brand adopts a more mature approach, with a sound signature that is less aggressive and less sharp in the highs, aligning with what one would expect from a high-end product.
Although the 11.1.4 system with 23 drivers distributed among the bar, subwoofer, and rear speakers has been retained, it seems that all components have been upgraded and tuned to produce a new sound.
The subwoofer, very similar to that of the QS710F, has been completely redesigned. Gone is the traditional vertical format with a bass-reflex tube; Samsung opts for a compact cube with two 18 cm drivers in what appears to be a sealed enclosure—more on that in the audio section. This subwoofer is more discreet, more neutral, and it clearly contributes to the new sound signature of the HW-Q995F. Add to that the wireless rear speakers that bring real depth to the sound stage, and you have a soundbar that promises enhanced immersion.
Technical Specifications
| Model | Samsung HW-Q995F |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 123.2 cm x 13.8 cm x 7.08 cm |
| Spatial Audio | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X |
| Number of HDMI Ports | 3 |
| HDMI e-ARC | Yes |
| Wifi | Yes |
| Subwoofer | External |
| Rear Speakers | External |
| Product Sheet | Available |
This review was conducted with a soundbar provided by the manufacturer.
Design: Simple, Compact, and Effective
In terms of design, the HW-Q995F stays true to Samsung’s soundbar lineage: understated, elegant, and designed to blend into any living room. Compared to the previous model, the top part has been redesigned with small bars across the full width of the device instead of a grille. The main bar measures 123 cm in length, 7 cm in height, and 14 cm in depth. Although sizable, it is compatible with most TV stands.
The matte black finish, with its new striated metal top surface, gives the speaker a modern and discreet appearance. The attention to detail, such as the slightly rounded edges that avoid a too bulky look, is appreciated.
The subwoofer has completely changed in style. Gone is the vertical format of older models, replaced by a 25 cm cube. It is much more compact, easy to slide under a piece of furniture or next to the sofa, and remains stylish with its matte finish.
The rear speakers have not visually evolved. They are, of course, wireless—except for their power cable—and easily placed on a shelf or a piece of furniture.
Connectivity: Comprehensive and Designed for Gamers
The Samsung HW-Q995F is well-equipped in terms of connectivity. It features three HDMI 2.1 ports, including one eARC/ARC compatible for simplified connection with a TV or projector. These ports support 4K at 120 Hz, which is excellent news for gamers. If you own a PS5 or Xbox Series X, you can enjoy seamless gameplay on titles such as *Call of Duty* or *Forza Horizon 5*, with support for VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode). Add to this a Game Pro mode that automatically adjusts audio settings for optimal immersion, and you have a soundbar that appeals strongly to gamers.
An optical Toslink input is also included, handy for connecting older devices like an old set-top box or Blu-ray player.
The Q995F supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and is compatible with a host of protocols: AirPlay, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and even Roon Ready (as the previous model). This allows you to stream music directly from a smartphone or tablet.
Internal Design: 23 Drivers for Total Immersion
Under the hood, a total of 23 drivers are distributed between the bar, subwoofer, and rear speakers, making up an 11.1.4 system synonymous with sound immersion. The bar is equipped with three groups of front drivers for the left, center, and right channels. Each group includes two full-range drivers and a tweeter to refine high frequencies.
On the sides, two pairs of large tweeters (about 5 cm each) enhance lateral effects, and at the top, two similar tweeters handle vertical sound, essential for Dolby Atmos. All these components work together to create sound beams and position sounds in space, even virtually.
The cubic subwoofer incorporates two 18 cm drivers with large suspensions, clearly designed to generate acoustic pressure in the ultra-low frequency range and better fill the room with bass frequencies. They are loaded in a sealed enclosure to minimize the trailing of the deepest sounds.
The wireless rear speakers are not to be outdone: each incorporates three identical drivers—a front, a lateral, and a vertical.
In terms of amplification, the bar consumes up to 41 W, the subwoofer 48 W, and each rear speaker benefits from 19 W. On paper, this power is not huge, but should prove sufficient for living spaces up to 40 m2.
Full of Features with the SmartThings App
The HW-Q995F is packed with features, especially if you have a Samsung TV. The wireless Dolby Atmos technology is a real plus: no need for an HDMI cable to enjoy immersive sound, which reduces clutter on your TV stand. The Q-Symphony function, also compatible with Samsung TVs, allows the use of the TV’s speakers in addition to the bar for an even more immersive sound stage—a point I could not verify.
The SpaceFit Pro mode, supposed to adapt the sound to the room’s acoustics, remains puzzling. Normally, this kind of calibration emits test sounds to analyze the room, but here, nothing at all. The bar adjusts itself, but I did not notice any difference with or without this mode.
A “private rear sound” function allows you to limit the sound to the rear speakers, which can be handy for watching TV without having to crank up the volume.
The Active Voice Amplifier Pro (AVA) is effective in clarifying dialogues, although, as we will see, voices are already excellent without this mode.
Through the SmartThings app, you can also adjust bass and treble levels and even customize individual channels (central, lateral, vertical…) for a tailored vertical output. That said, the default listening mode, which converts all signals—mono, stereo, or 5.1—into an immersive format with vertical effects, already works very well.
In terms of voice assistants, the HW-Q995F is well-equipped: it integrates Alexa but also supports Bixby and Google Assistant through a smartphone. Finally, it acts as a Zigbee hub via the SmartThings app, allowing you to manage compatible connected devices (lights, sensors, etc.) directly from the bar.
Audio: Top Immersion and Surprising Musicality
Right off the bat, what strikes with the Q995F is its more soothing sound approach compared to older models in the Q900 series. Gone is the in-your-face effect that emphasized impacts at the expense of the rest: here, Samsung favors a more detailed and better spatialized rendering, with a bass that gains in transparency and credibility. There is a real intention to offer a balanced sound, capable of shining both on films and music, and it works.
The measured frequency response curve confirms this impression. We observe a nice control over the entire spectrum, without excessive and unbalancing peaks in the high frequencies. The subwoofer works centered around 40 Hz, with level still at 30 Hz—which corresponds to a very deep bass. It is capable of following the bar at full power and maintaining the overall balance, which is clearly an asset. That said, there is a limit to note.
With its 48 W power supply, the subwoofer remains modest for a home cinema system. For comparison, larger subwoofers often have power supplies of at least 100 W, often 300 W, or even more for those that really shake the walls. So don’t expect incredible acoustic pressure. But by placing the subwoofer intelligently—about 30 cm from a corner of the room, as recommended in the manual—you can boost its efficiency.
Overall, the curve favors a sense of balance, with good stability in the lower midrange ideal for voices, then a controlled decline in the midrange and highs, with a small presence peak at the very end of the spectrum. Translation, the midrange is soft, the highs are also soft, and at high volume the Samsung HW-Q995F does not hurt the ears.
The Samsung HW-Q995F reaches a maximum of 91 dB at 1 m, which is not exceptional but is amply sufficient for a large living space of 30 to 40 m². At this level, the sound space is well filled, whether for a movie or a musical evening.
Sound Stage: Frontal, Vertical, and Surround
Let’s move on to the sound atmosphere, and here, the HW-Q995F excels. The front stage is precise, thanks to the three groups of front drivers. Side effects, managed by side tweeters, are well marked, expand the front stage, and one feels a nice openness on movies like *Dune: Part Two*, where the sounds of sandstorms seem to come from everywhere. The surround speakers make all the difference compared to the Q710F: they add thickness to the sound close to and behind the listener. In *The Last of Us*, the crackling footsteps of the infected behind you are almost startling.
The vertical dimension, essential for Dolby Atmos, is also present. The height effect is sometimes stunning. In a scene from *Top Gun: Maverick*, planes flying over the room are adequately rendered. Again, the sound does not come from the ceiling as in a movie theater, but it is convincing.
Well-Cared-For Voices
Voices are unquestionably a strong point of the HW-Q995F. Even without activating the AVA mode, dialogues are clear, warm, with an embodiment rarely found on a soundbar. Despite all the options offered to improve dialogues, I was content in my living room with the default settings, and the rendering was already very good.
Viewing and Listening Impressions
In terms of cinema, the HW-Q995F is in its element. In *Mad Max: Fury Road*, desert chases are a treat: the roars of the engines rumble with intensity, explosions crackle with nice dynamics, and the screams of the characters are perfectly placed in space. In *Interstellar*, the space ambiance is enhanced by the sound details—the dull hum of the spaceship’s engines, the echoes in space—and the rear spatialization gives a striking depth to the scene. We also tested with a lighter series, *The Bear*, and the dialogues pass perfectly, with a warmth that makes the exchanges in the kitchen even more immersive.
On acoustic tracks like *Fast Car* by Tracy Chapman, the details of the instruments (guitar, light percussion) are well rendered, and Tracy’s voice is full of nuances. With more dynamic titles like *Uptown Funk* by Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars, the bar performs well: the basses are punchy without being invasive, and the highs are soft and precise. It’s not yet at the level of a true hi-fi system, but for a soundbar, it’s a big step forward compared to older models.
Price and Availability
The Samsung HW-Q995F is priced at around 1,500 euros, which clearly places it in the premium segment of soundbars. It’s an investment, but given the performance, versatility, and features, this bar deserves attention.
Similar Posts
- Marshall Heston 120 Review: Iconic Style Meets Immersive Sound in This Soundbar!
- Hisense PL2 Review: Top Sharpness and Contrast, But Colors Could Improve
- Sonos Sale Alert: Discounts on Speakers, Soundbars, Subwoofers & Headphones!
- Sony Bravia 3 Review: Unbelievable Value for an LED TV – Find Out Why!
- Sonos and Ikea End Speaker Collaboration: What’s Next for Tech and Furniture Giants?
Maya Singh is a senior editor covering tablets and hybrid devices. Her work explores how these tools reshape digital productivity and learning. She also contributes to feature editorials on emerging tech.