Barb Gonzalez

Performance
Build Quality
Ergonomics
Value

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Clear dialog without sacrificing sound effects
Natural sound
Dirac Live to configure for room
Large LED display that disappears when not in use
Minus
Surround effects are only apparent in extreme action scenes
Dirac is difficult to set up
Sound bar is very big

THE VERDICT
Klipsch’s long history of speaker design shows in the Flexus Core 300. Dialog stays intelligible without flattening music and effects, and the overall balance leans warm and easy to listen to.

Introduction

Klipsch has been around since 1946, and it’s not new to soundbars. The company introduced its first Reference-branded soundbar, the R-10B, in 2014, and later released higher-end Cinema systems, including the Cinema 1200 flagship.

Performance
Build Quality
Ergonomics
Value

AT A GLANCE
Plus

• New shape and foam-infused tips comfortable for all-day wear.
• Improved sound quality - big soundstage, clarity, and better bass.
• Live Translation in person or on calls.
• Heart rate sensor.
• Noise reduction deadens outside sounds and conversation awareness lowers the AirPods volume when it detects your voice.
• Automatically connects to Apple devices.
• Apple's Hearing Test can turn AirPods into an FDA-authorized hearing aid (for mild–moderate hearing loss)..

• Most features are only available when paired with Apple devices.
• No USB‑C cable or wireless charger in the box
• No equalizer or audio styles choices.

THE VERDICT
The Apple AirPods Pro 3 bring significant upgrades in comfort, sound quality, and noise reduction, making them not just convenient for Apple users but great performers on their own. Still priced at $249, they stand as arguably the best wireless earbuds in this price range.

Since their debut in 2016, AirPods have evolved considerably. The original AirPods Pro launched in 2019, and Apple has consistently updated them every three years. The AirPods Pro 3, however, showcase some of the most significant changes yet, from their redesigned shape and internal architecture to new features like an invisible heart rate monitor.

Performance
Build Quality
Ergonomics
Value

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Superb vocal clarity
Excellent object placement in surround sound
Music is supported in surround sound as instruments play around the room
Direct wireless connectivity
Minus
No on-screen settings or home screen
Difficult to change settings on the scrolling front LED—must use phone app.
Music is acceptable, but highs are occasionally shrill.

THE VERDICT
The home theater experience created by the HW-Q990F system is surprising—a true alternative to an AV receiver and individual speakers. The AI controls create a clear, immersive experience with excellent dialog for movies and clear vocals for music that automatically calibrates to your room. It's an excellent home theater sound choice.

The HW-Q990F is the next-generation Samsung flagship soundbar following the HW-Q990D. Like its predecessor, it comes with a front soundbar, two rear speakers, and a subwoofer. This year's model is smaller than the Q990D, yet it's designed to increase power and efficiency with dual opposing eight-inch woofers that use AI Dynamic Bass Control to optimize the lower frequencies.

Performance
Build Quality
Ergonomics
Value

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Colors pop in direct sunlight
Three-hour battery is enough to watch a movie
Comfortable leather handle makes it easy to carry
Easy to connect to a phone hotspot when on the go
Minus
Slow processor results in multiple button presses and long waits for loading
Doesn’t come with a car charger adapter
Picture can be washed out in bright rooms
Only HDTV, not 4K

THE VERDICT
The Skyworth 24P100 Companion Portable Display excels at its purpose. Inside this easy-to-carry, stable unit is a smart display that performs beautifully in the sun with rich color, good sound, and easy internet connectivity wherever you roam.

Certainly not everyone will share my enthusiasm for the Skyworth Companion Portable Display. Even if you don’t regularly camp or take long road trips—or need a display for presentations—its portability makes it easy to carry from room to room or outside to finish watching a game. It’s what the Companion was built for, and it does it well.