Samsung HW-Q990F
- Real surround and overhead effects
- Deep, tight bass from the included sub
- 4K/120 passthrough for consoles
- Four boxes to place: bar, sub and two rears
Updated 18 Oct 2026
Best soundbars
The Samsung HW-Q990F is the best: a full surround system with a sub and rear speakers, now often cheaper than a Sonos Arc Ultra. For one bar and nothing else, get the Arc Ultra.
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Best single bar
Sonos Arc Ultra
- Very clear dialogue
- Deep bass with no separate sub
- Wide, high Atmos from one bar
- One HDMI port, no inputs, no DTS:X
Best value with a sub
Samsung HW-Q800F
- Deep bass from a compact sub
- Clear dialogue from a centre channel
- Remote and wall bracket in the box
- HDMI passthrough only at 4K/60
Best for smaller TVs
Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
- Small, with a surprisingly big sound
- Very clear dialogue
- Alexa and Google Assistant built in
- Atmos height is simulated, and deep bass is light
Best budget
Sonos Ray
- Much clearer TV dialogue
- Small enough for any TV stand
- Good with music over AirPlay
- Optical only: no HDMI and no Atmos
Others we looked at
Models that didn't get a "best" label, with our verdict on each.
Good with caveats
Bose Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar
Smooth, easy listening and a premium build, but reviewers split on its Atmos, and the Sonos Arc Ultra does more for the same money.
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How we reached this verdict
We compared independent expert reviews with the manufacturer's specifications, then checked it's sold at a major retailer where you live. We don't test products ourselves.
Sources: RTINGS, What Hi-Fi, What Hi-Fi, manufacturer specifications.
Updated 18 Oct 2026How we decide