Best Soundbars
21 products ranked across 507 cited reviews, videos and discussions · Updated 16 Oct 2026
On the stierproducts soundbars board, Samsung HW-Q990F ranks #1 in S tier, ahead of Samsung HW-Q990H (#2, S tier) and Vizio Elevate 7.1.4 Pro (#3, S tier). The board ranks 21 soundbars from S (best) to F (avoid), last researched 16 Oct 2026, drawing on 507 cited reviews, videos and discussions. Placed in the bottom tiers as ones to avoid: Marshall Heston 120, Bose Smart Soundbar 600, Sonos Beam (Gen 2), and 3 others.
#16 1 of 6 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Marshall Heston 120
#17 1 of 7 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Bose Smart Soundbar 600
Moved down from C to D on 14 Sept 2026 #18 4 of 16 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
#19 2 of 7 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Sony HT-G700
#20 2 of 7 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Sonos Ray
#21 3 of 6 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Sony HT-S100F
What moved on this board
28 tier changes recorded between 22 Jul 2026 and 14 Sept 2026. The 5 most recent are below.
- 14 Sept 2026 Sonos Beam (Gen 2) moved down from C to D. From the ranking, not from new evidence.
- 14 Sept 2026 Sonos Arc Ultra moved down from A to B. From the ranking, not from new evidence.
- 10 Sept 2026 Hisense AX5140Q moved up from D to C. 1 more research game. 4 sources added, 2 removed.
- 10 Sept 2026 Klipsch Flexus Core 300 moved down from A to B. 2 more research games. 2 sources added, 4 removed.
- 25 Jul 2026 Marshall Heston 120 moved down from D to F. 1 more research game. 2 sources added.
Each line shows what else changed at the same publish. It is not a statement of cause.
Frequently asked questions
Samsung HW-Q990F sits at #1 in the S tier of our consolidated board, ranked across independent research runs over 507 cited reviews, videos and discussions. The most complete hardware package RTINGS has tested, on a mature, annually refreshed platform with a vast service network. Firmware attention and parts support stay current for years, making it the safest flagship on the board.
Samsung HW-Q990H ranks #2 (S tier). Yahoo Tech's "phenomenal" standout, sharing the Q990F's platform and support backbone. One generation behind the F series, so one position behind.
Our research places Marshall Heston 120, Bose Smart Soundbar 600, Sonos Beam (Gen 2), Sony HT-G700, Sonos Ray, Sony HT-S100F in the bottom tiers (D/F). Marshall Heston 120: Stylish design but subpar sound and frequent firmware stalling. Not worth the price for serious home theater.
More in Audio
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