Samsung HW-QS90H Review: An Immersive Soundbar That Needs No Subwoofer

Pros and cons

Almost discreet, a bit too simple

Not there to be admired, the Samsung HW-QS90H is a soundbar we could describe as neither ugly nor elegant. A product with a very neutral black finish, it does without fabric to rely solely on grills. The idea of a stylistic flair is not altogether abandoned, since the maker adds grooves on the top face, a characteristic element of its recent models. Likewise, the base is slightly slimmer, hence this sensation of a tiny elevation.

This lack of a strong design stance reflects one of the bar’s features: versatility. The Samsung HW-QS90H is indeed designed to be placed in the ordinary way, flat, but it can also be wall-mounted (mounting kit included), or oriented vertically. In this second scenario, the internal gyroscope detects orientation and swaps the operation of the front and side speakers.

As for construction, nothing to complain about. The soundbar is well put together, even if it doesn’t use premium materials; its density (weight 6.7 kg) is reassuring.

However, perhaps due to space constraints, Samsung’s approach is relatively spartite. The connectivity is limited to an HDMI eARC interface, one optical input, and above all a single HDMI input, unfortunately capped at 4K/60 Hz. There is also still a Wi‑Fi chip and a Bluetooth chip. Thus no Ethernet input, no RCA/jack, and especially no bass output.

Connected and fairly rich

The HW-QS90H could have stayed a very simple soundbar; Samsung thankfully gives it networking compatibility, plus support via the SmartThings app.

Thanks to its Wi‑Fi chip, it supports AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, and Tidal Connect. A big plus, even though the HW-QS90H is not a peak of musicality. Among other small conveniences, thanks to the presence of microphones it supports Alexa.

Even without a subwoofer and rear speakers, we can only salute the number of audio adjustments offered, so much so that a new user may feel a bit overwhelmed: vertical, front, side effects, equalization, bass knob, sound modes, etc…

Echoing somewhat what exists on its televisions, the HW-QS90H’s remote is among the most complete, as it does not limit itself to basic functions. The sound modes, adjustable settings, and navigation—these aspects are not neglected.

The trend moves toward pared-down integrated interfaces, and Samsung participates in this with the HW-QS90H being quite sparse, relying on the bare minimum of buttons and a simple trio of LEDs on the front. It feels soulless and rather unclear. The brand compensates with voice prompts, but this help is fairly poorly calibrated, sometimes too loud, sometimes drowned out by other sounds.

Powerful yet well-rounded immersion

Not as intricate as the HW-Q990H, the Samsung HW-QS90H’s audio architecture nonetheless relies on an impressive 13-speaker ensemble, distributed across 4 woofers (two push-pull pairs) and 9 full-range drivers. These full-range drivers are positioned so that the vertical arrangement mirrors the horizontal one: 2 front speakers; 2 vertical speakers (that swap with the front ones); 1 front mid-throw transducer oriented at 45° to serve as a raised center channel; 2 side speakers (angled 45° upward); 2 speakers oriented at 45° (on both axes). These 45°-oriented drivers, somewhat unusual, allow easier switching between orientations, but also blur the line between horizontal and vertical transducers, everything relying on algorithmic handling.

The whole is accompanied by various processors, such as SpaceFit Sound Pro (a room calibration) and AI Adaptive Sound (mode that adapts to the content). Samsung’s Q-Symphony technology, which creates synergy with its TVs, is obviously integrated.

The fact is that, more than anything else, it is its handling of the low end that makes the Samsung bar stand out. The desire to skip a subwoofer yields a product with an impressively extended bass (reaching down to 40 Hz) and, above all, a very high level—perhaps even too high. By default, in a not-so-large living room, you’ll need to reduce the bass control by a few steps to avoid rumble and vibrations in the room. The QS90H obviously cannot match the control and nuance of a good subwoofer, but this is one of the rare all-in-one solutions, along with the Arc Ultra, capable of pulling off the illusion. Sonos delivers a slightly cleaner sound in this register, a bit more controlled, even if its extension isn’t superior. Of course, high-end creations like the Devialet Dione or the Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Max remain above.

For the rest, Samsung opts for an effective signature, relatively balanced while being quite technical. There is no aggressiveness in the highs nor any harshness in the voices; the bar does not shout its presence, and the full-range drivers it uses are of good quality. Is it enough for musical listening? Not completely. The sound is pleasant, but the Samsung HW-QS90H is more about sensation than nuance. The round, powerful, punchy yet not tiring character hits the mark for spectacular films.

In terms of immersion, things are also fairly convincing, though a few snags remain. Compatible with Atmos, DTS:X, and even Eclipsa (a technology developed by Samsung and Google), the HW-QS90H pours out a wide and precise scene on the sides, with Surround effects generally well-marked, even if non-existent at the rear (no satellite).

The Atmos dimension is well present, managing to reproduce ambient sounds and even movements with fair effectiveness. No surprise that the models with Samsung’s satellites perform better or much better, but this all-in-one still edges out the Sonos Arc Ultra in this regard. The real Achilles’ heel of the HW-QS90H is undoubtedly its voice management. Using a tilted speaker hinders the precision of this channel, which easily gets lost in the mix.

Who is the Samsung HW-QS90H really for?

Given its all-in-one nature but with no glaring faults, the HW-QS90H targets:

• Anyone who dislikes modular systems (sub + satellites)
• Fans of very powerful bass
• Users with recent Samsung TVs that support Q-Symphony