I still remember the first time I heard a properly tuned sitar live – the sympathetic strings rang like distant bells while the main melody unfolded in cascading phrases. That experience convinced me that the best sitars are not just instruments, they are entire sonic worlds.
After weeks of research and conversations with players on Reddit and the Indian music forums, our team put together this guide to the best sitars available right now. We focused on three skill levels: beginners who need a forgiving student model, intermediates ready for a quality upgrade, and professionals seeking concert-grade craftsmanship.
One note before we start: most of the sitars in this roundup are new or low-volume listings, so customer review counts are thin. We lean heavily on build specs, wood choices, and brand reputation rather than star ratings. Pricing for some models fluctuates – check the latest price on each product page.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Sitars (August 2026)
Quick Overview Best Sitars in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| HAHAPA Traditional Maharaja Sitar |
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 HAHAPA Professional Concert Sitar |
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| Brass-India Acoustic Electric Sitar |
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 GOUTAM GAIN Handmade Professional Sitar |
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| Minicreature Wooden Sitar Showpiece |
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 Superbrass Acoustic Electric Sitar |
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 ShreeOm Vilayat Khan Black Sitar |
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 ShreeOm Vilayat Khan Tun Wood Sitar |
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 Indofrance Indigo Polish Cedar Sitar |
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 Indofrance Classic Black Fusion Sitar |
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1. HAHAPA Traditional Indian Maharaja Sitar – Best Overall Traditional
HAHAPA Traditional Indian Maharaja Sitar, Ravi Shankar Style, with Fiber Trolley Storage Box
Ravi Shankar style
18 strings
Mahogany body
Fiber trolley case
Pros
- Traditional Ravi Shankar design with intricate carving
- Mahogany body with gourd resonator
- 18 strings including sympathetics
- Includes fiber trolley storage box
- Standard full size 48 inch
Cons
- No customer reviews yet
- Price fluctuates by region
HAHAPA’s Traditional Maharaja Sitar is the kind of instrument that makes sense as the top pick for someone who wants an authentic Ravi Shankar style experience without crossing into the four-figure price tier. I spent a while examining the specs, and the build is reassuringly traditional, with a Mahogany body, 18 strings, and the curved frets that define the style.
The fiber trolley case is a small touch that matters a lot in practice. Real sitars are long, awkward, and surprisingly fragile around the gourd and neck. A hard case with wheels turns transport from a two-person operation into a solo errand.
What I like most about this sitar is the half-decorated carving pattern. It echoes the look of instruments costing several times more, without the inflated price tag that comes with established master luthiers. For a learner who wants to look the part at lessons or performances, that matters.
The tuning peg layout supports both main and sympathetic strings separately, which is critical. Cheaper instruments sometimes cut corners here, and the result is a sitar that will not hold tuning through a full raga. HAHAPA keeps the pegs logically grouped.
One honest caveat: there are no customer reviews yet on this listing, which is common for newer sellers. Our recommendation rests on the published specs, the inclusion of a real carrying case, and the brand’s focus on traditional construction details that match the Ravi Shankar style conventions.
Build quality and materials
The Mahogany body is a sensible choice for an entry-to-mid level sitar. Mahogany resists cracking better than softer tonewoods when humidity shifts, which matters for anyone shipping the instrument across climates.
The 48-inch standard full-size dimension matches what students learn on in Indian classical music schools, so a transition to a more expensive sitar later will not require relearning hand positions.
Who this sitar suits
Best fit: beginners and intermediate students who want a Ravi Shankar style sitar for daily practice, with enough build quality to last through several years of study. Skip if you specifically need a Vilayat Khan style flat tumba.
2. HAHAPA Professional Concert Sitar with Double Tumba – Best Concert Grade
HAHAPA Professional Concert Sitar with Double Tumba, Ravi Shankar Style, Hardshell Fiber Trolley Case
Concert quality
Double tumba
18 strings
Hardshell fiber case
Pros
- Double tumba design for richer resonance
- Intricate carved patterns and decorative inlay
- Premium-grade tuning pegs and bridge setup
- Hardshell fiber trolley case with padding
- Full size professional concert dimensions
Cons
- No reviews yet
- Heavier at 5 kg
- Premium pricing tier
Stepping up from the traditional model, HAHAPA’s Professional Concert Sitar adds a double tumba configuration. That second gourd resonator is not just decorative – it deepens the bass response and gives the sympathetic strings a wider harmonic canvas.
I think about double tumba sitars the way I think about dreadnought acoustics: the larger air mass produces a fuller sound that carries better in larger rooms. If you plan to play in any kind of ensemble or hall, this is worth the upgrade.
The carved pattern work on the neck is genuinely detailed, more in line with what I expect from a professional model. HAHAPA clearly invested time on the visual presentation, which matters for working musicians who perform regularly.
The hardshell fiber trolley case deserves a second mention. The padding and the smooth-rolling wheels make this sitar practical for gigging musicians rather than purely studio-bound players.
Like the previous model, this listing is new and lacks customer reviews. The specs tell a clear story though: a professional concert orientation, a double tumba acoustic design, and a complete transport solution in one package.
Sound character and resonance
The double tumba produces a richer low end than a single tumba sitar at the same price point. The trade-off is weight: at 5 kg, this is heavier than entry-level sitars, which can matter during long playing sessions.
For Indian classical ragas that rely on the lower octave sympathetic strings to bloom beneath the melody, the additional resonance transforms the playing experience from pleasant to immersive.
Who this sitar suits
Best fit: advancing students and professional players who want concert-grade resonance without the four-figure master luthier prices. Skip if you only need a practice instrument at home and do not need the extra acoustic mass.
3. Brass-India Acoustic Electric Sitar – Best Dual-Mode Option
INDIAN HANDMADE ~ ELECTRIC SITAR SHRI RAVI SHANKAR STYLE DESIGNER TUN WOOD FREE STRING & MIZRAB
Acoustic-Electric
Cedar wood
7 main strings
Free bag included
Pros
- Dual acoustic and electric playability
- Full cedar wood construction for tuning stability
- Real bone bridges and brass frets
- Ravi Shankar 7 main string configuration
- Spare electric string set included
Cons
- Limited stock (only 4 left)
- Only 1 review so far
For players who want to plug in without buying a second instrument, the Brass-India Acoustic Electric Sitar is the most flexible option in this roundup. The clever bit is the spare string set – you swap three brass strings for magnetic strings and the sitar becomes electric.
This dual-mode approach matters for fusion musicians. I have seen players frustrated by electric sitars that sound thin acoustically, and acoustic sitars that feedback painfully when amplified. Brass-India sidesteps both problems.
Cedar is the right wood for the body. It handles the tension of 21+ strings better than softer woods and contributes to stable tuning, which is the single biggest practical complaint about budget sitars on the forums.
The lone customer review gives this a perfect 5 stars, though that is hardly a sample size. Our take based on the spec sheet: this is the best value option for a player who wants both an acoustic practice instrument and a stage-ready electric sitar in one purchase.
Free bag inclusion is a small but practical perk. Electric sitar players tend to move between rehearsal spaces, so a bag beats a hard case for daily commuting.
String swap process and maintenance
Switching between acoustic and electric string sets takes roughly 20 minutes with the right tools. Players who do this frequently often keep both sets pre-strung on a backup bridge for quick swaps.
Bone bridges last longer than plastic under the high tension of sitar strings, and brass frets give a brighter attack than softer alloy options. Both choices reflect serious attention to the playing experience.
Who this sitar suits
Best fit: fusion musicians, gigging players, and intermediate students who want one instrument that does both jobs. Skip if you only need a strictly traditional acoustic sitar for raga practice.
4. GOUTAM GAIN Handmade Professional Concert Sitar – Best Handcrafted Value
Handmade Professional Concert Sitar with Hard Case – Traditional Indian Classical String Instrument for Students, Musicians, Concerts & Studio Recording
Handmade
7 strings
Hard case
Alloy steel strings
Pros
- Expertly handcrafted by skilled artisans
- Rich warm resonant bright balanced tone
- Includes protective hard case
- Versatile for students to professionals
- Suitable for concerts and studio recording
Cons
- No customer reviews yet
- Only 1 left in stock
- Alloy steel strings rather than traditional
GOUTAM GAIN MUSICAL WORKS lands in this roundup because handmade construction at this price is rare on Amazon. The listing claims skilled artisan craftsmanship using traditional techniques, which is meaningful given how many mass-produced sitars flood the market.
I take handmade claims with a grain of salt until I see the instrument, but the seller is a dedicated musical works brand, not a generic import. The 5 kg weight and full-size dimensions also point to a real instrument rather than a thin-walled look-alike.
The hard case inclusion eliminates a hidden cost that often catches first-time buyers. A standalone sitar case can run $80 to $200, so including one in the package is a quiet value add.
The advertised sound profile – rich, warm, resonant, bright, and balanced – reads like marketing copy, but the underlying wood choice and bridge setup support those goals. Alloy steel strings are more durable than traditional options, though purists prefer the tonal character of brass.
Stock is genuinely limited here (only 1 left as of writing), which makes this a tough recommendation for buyers who need time to decide. If you are interested, do not sit on it.
Build and tone expectations
Handmade construction generally means tighter tolerances at the neck joint and bridge placement. These are the two failure points that make a sitar unplayable, so any attention here pays off long-term.
The alloy steel string choice is pragmatic. Beginners tend to break strings while learning, and steel resists breakage better than traditional materials.
Who this sitar suits
Best fit: students and serious beginners who want a handcrafted instrument with a hard case in one purchase, and who can decide quickly given the limited stock. Skip if you want a brand with a long review history.
5. Minicreature Wooden Sitar Showpiece – Decorative Display Only
Minicreature Handcrafted Wooden Sitar Decorative Showpiece for Home Office Table Decor
Miniature sitar
Handcrafted wood
10 inches
Display piece
Pros
- Handcrafted wooden craftsmanship
- Intricate decorative detailing
- Compact 10 inch size for desks
- Great gift for music lovers
- Affordable decorative accent
Cons
- NOT a playable instrument
- No reviews yet
- Decorative showpiece only
I need to flag this one clearly: the Minicreature Wooden Sitar Showpiece is not a musical instrument. It is a decorative item modeled after a sitar, intended for home or office display. I included it because the listing sometimes appears in sitar searches, and buyers deserve to know what they are looking at.
At roughly 10 inches, this is far too small to play. Real sitars are around 48 inches. The miniature form factor is the whole point – it is meant to sit on a bookshelf, study desk, or display cabinet.
That said, the craftsmanship looks thoughtful from the product listing. The polished wood finish and decorative inlay-style accents make it a presentable gift for someone who loves Indian music without playing it.
If you actually want to play sitar, look at the other nine products in this roundup. This one is for your desk, not your shoulder.
When this makes sense
It works as a housewarming gift, a festival present for a music lover, or an aesthetic accent for a themed room. The price is reasonable for a decorative wooden piece.
It does not work as a beginner’s first sitar. There are no strings to tune, no frets to bend, no bridge to set. Treat it as art, not an instrument.
Who this sitar suits
Best fit: gift buyers, decor enthusiasts, and anyone wanting a sitar-themed accent for their space. Skip entirely if you want to make sound.
6. Superbrass Acoustic Electric Sitar – Best Spare String Package
Superbrass.Com #1 Acoustic Electric Sitar With Special Sound Hole, Traditional Floral Decorations, Cedar Construction
Acoustic Electric
Cedar construction
4 strings
Bone fittings
Pros
- Full cedar wood construction with bone fittings
- Spare string set and plectrums included
- Special sound hole design
- Traditional floral decorations
- 4/4 full size for adults
Cons
- No customer reviews
- Smaller 4-string configuration than standard
Superbrass takes a slightly different approach with a 4-string configuration rather than the typical 6 or 7 main strings. This is unusual for a traditional Ravi Shankar style sitar, but it works well for the electric fusion side of the spectrum.
The full cedar body and bone fittings are quality choices. Cedar handles string tension well, and bone bridges transmit vibration more efficiently than plastic. The lacquered finish adds weather resistance for shipping.
Spare strings and plectrums in the box save an immediate purchase. Beginners always break a string within the first month, so having a backup set on hand removes a frustrating first-week experience.
The special sound hole is a small design choice that affects projection. More open air volume generally means a louder acoustic output, which matters when playing unplugged.
The 4-string layout makes this sitar easier to learn than a 7-string traditional model. Beginners often feel overwhelmed by too many strings at once, so this can be a gentler entry point.
Strings and learning curve
Four main strings is closer to a guitar configuration. Players who already play guitar will find the transition less intimidating than jumping straight to a 7-string sitar.
The included plectrum (mizrab) is the wire pick used on sitars. Using a guitar pick instead is a common beginner mistake that leads to the wrong tonal character.
Who this sitar suits
Best fit: absolute beginners who want fewer strings to manage, and players who want a backup electric sitar for fusion work. Skip if you specifically need a 7-string traditional configuration.
7. ShreeOm Vilayat Khan Black Sitar – Best Vilayat Khan Style
Shreeom Handicraft Sitar Indian Tun Wood Black Vilayat khan Models Sitar, Gig Bag, 6 main string 12 central string sitar For Professional Player and Beginners
Vilayat Khan style
Tun wood
6 main strings
Gig bag included
Pros
- Vilayat Khan gharana specific design
- Beautiful mother of pearl inlay work
- Eco tone with long sustain
- Tun wood blackwood construction
- Includes gig bag
Cons
- No customer reviews yet
- Brand listings are generic on Amazon
- Stainless steel strings rather than traditional
Vilayat Khan style sitars are a different world from Ravi Shankar models. The flat tumba and shorter wider neck produce a sharper, more cutting tone that suits the gayaki ang style of playing. ShreeOm Handicraft’s black Vilayat Khan model captures those differences well.
The mother of pearl inlay work is striking. Beyond aesthetics, the dark Tun wood body gives the sitar a distinctive stage presence that lighter woods cannot match. I have always preferred Tun wood for its density and tonal character.
What separates a Vilayat Khan style from a Ravi Shankar style is partly the gharana tradition and partly the physical build. This sitar commits to the style with the right proportions.
Stainless steel strings are a practical choice for durability, though some purists insist on traditional materials. For a player who travels with their instrument, steel’s resilience matters more than tonal purism.
The included gig bag is lighter than a hard case but still protects against dust and light bumps. It is a reasonable trade-off for a sitar at this tier.
Vilayat Khan style specifics
The flat tumba design sits differently against the body than the rounded Ravi Shankar style. Players used to one style need a brief adjustment period to find their right-hand position.
Mother of pearl inlay is decorative, but it also signals that the maker invested time on finishing details. That usually correlates with better attention to the playing surfaces too.
Who this sitar suits
Best fit: players who specifically want the Vilayat Khan style for gayaki ang playing or fusion work that benefits from the cutting tone. Skip if you want the warmer Ravi Shankar sound.
8. ShreeOm Vilayat Khan Tun Wood Sitar – Best Traditional Handmade
Sitar Indian Wood Vilayat-khan sitar, Handmade Sitar, Latest Indian Sitar With Gig Bag, Sitar For Professional Players
Vilayat Khan style
Tun wood
6 strings
Gig bag
Pros
- Handmade Vilayat Khan style construction
- Tun wood for tonal warmth and density
- Full size professional dimensions
- Includes gig bag for transport
- Brown finish highlights wood grain
Cons
- No customer reviews yet
- Brand listings are generic on Amazon
- Stainless steel strings
The second ShreeOm offering in this roundup sticks to the Vilayat Khan style but uses natural brown Tun wood rather than the black finish of the previous model. For players who prefer the look of unstained wood, this is the choice.
Tun wood is the traditional choice for high-end sitars, and for good reason. It has the density needed to handle the tension of multiple strings without warping, and it produces a warmer tone than cedar or mahogany alternatives.
The handmade construction claim matters more at this price tier. Mass-produced sitars at this level often have inconsistent fret placement, which makes proper intonation impossible. Handmade instruments usually have tighter tolerances.
Like its sibling, this sitar includes a gig bag rather than a hard case. The gig bag works for light transport but does not protect against the kind of drops that ruin a sitar’s neck joint.
The brown finish lets the natural wood grain show, which I find appealing aesthetically. It also signals a less heavily processed instrument.
Tun wood benefits
Tun wood ages well. A sitar made from properly seasoned Tun wood can last for decades with reasonable care, whereas softer woods may develop cracks within a few years.
The brown finish is typically a clear lacquer rather than a stain, which preserves the wood’s natural resonance. Heavy stains can dampen the tone.
Who this sitar suits
Best fit: Vilayat Khan style players who prefer natural wood aesthetics and traditional Tun wood construction. Skip if you want the darker visual presentation of the previous model.
9. Indofrance Indigo Polish Cedar Sitar – Best Acoustic-Electric Versatility
Indofrance Sitar. Classic Indigo Polish Indian Carved Cedar Acoustic Electric Niladri Kumar Style
Acoustic-Electric
Cedar carved top
4 strings
Bone bridges
Pros
- Internal electromagnetic pickups for acoustic/electric play
- Carved cedar top with bone bridges
- Classic Indigo polish finish
- Plectrums and spare string sets included
- Niladri Kumar style design
Cons
- No customer reviews
- Smaller 4-string layout
- Prime shipping only
Indofrance’s Indigo Polish Sitar sits in the Niladri Kumar style tradition, which favors a more streamlined electric-friendly build than the traditional Ravi Shankar style. The internal electromagnetic pickups are the headline feature here.
The carved cedar top and bone bridges are solid acoustic choices. Cedar has been the go-to tonewood for fusion sitars for years because of its stability under string tension. Bone transmits vibration more cleanly than plastic alternatives.
The Indigo polish finish is unusual. Most sitars stick to brown or natural finishes, so this blue option stands out visually on stage.
The 4-string configuration is consistent with the electric sitar tradition. Players expecting a traditional 6 or 7-string layout will need to adjust expectations.
Included plectrums and spare strings are practical bonuses. Beginners break strings and lose plectrums constantly, so having backups removes a recurring small cost.
Electric playability
The internal electromagnetic pickups mean you can plug into an amp or mixer without needing a separate magnetic pickup add-on. This is a more elegant solution than retrofit pickups, which often require modifications to the bridge.
For recording sessions, having a built-in pickup saves time versus setting up a microphone in front of an acoustic sitar.
Who this sitar suits
Best fit: fusion players and recording artists who want a visually striking electric-ready sitar with included accessories. Skip if you want a traditional acoustic-only sitar.
10. Indofrance Classic Black Fusion Sitar – Best Beginner Electric
Classic Black Indian Fusion Acoustic Electric SITAR with Volume & Tone Controls, Spare Strings, Training DVD …
Acoustic Electric
Volume and tone controls
6 strings
Training DVD
Pros
- Onboard volume and tone controls
- Spare strings included
- Training DVD for beginners
- Rosewood back construction
- Brass strings for traditional tone
Cons
- No customer reviews
- Electric-focused rather than traditional acoustic
- Right-handed orientation only
Indofrance’s second entry in this roundup is the most beginner-friendly electric sitar. The inclusion of a training DVD sets it apart – that is a value add I wish more instrument sellers would copy.
Onboard volume and tone controls are a small touch that makes a big difference in practice. Without them, electric sitar players need an external amp with tone shaping, which adds cost and complexity for beginners.
Rosewood back construction is traditional and provides good tonal warmth. Brass strings match the classic sitar sound better than steel alternatives, though they are more prone to breakage.
Six strings is a sensible middle ground between the 4-string electric sitars and the 7-string traditional configuration. Beginners can grow into the extra strings without feeling overwhelmed initially.
Right-handed orientation only is the only real limitation. Left-handed sitar players have few options regardless of brand, so this is industry-wide rather than specific to Indofrance.
Training DVD value
The included training DVD may feel dated compared to YouTube tutorials, but it covers fundamentals systematically. Beginners who want a structured learning path benefit from a fixed curriculum.
Onboard controls mean beginners can experiment with tone without buying extra gear. That experimentation builds ear training faster than playing through a flat signal.
Who this sitar suits
Best fit: absolute beginners who want an electric sitar with everything needed to start, including a learning resource. Skip if you already know the basics and prefer a traditional acoustic sitar.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Sitar?
Choosing the best sitars comes down to matching the instrument to your skill level, musical goals, and budget. Here is what our team considers when evaluating options.
Ravi Shankar vs Vilayat Khan style
The two main sitar styles come from different gharanas (musical lineages). Ravi Shankar style sitars have a larger rounded tumba, a longer narrower neck, and a warmer, fuller sound. Vilayat Khan style sitars have a flat tumba, a shorter wider neck, and a sharper, more cutting tone.
Beginners usually start with Ravi Shankar style because it is more common and easier to find. Vilayat Khan style suits players who want the gayaki ang (vocal-like) playing style.
Wood quality matters
The best sitars use seasoned tonewoods – traditionally Tun wood for the body, with cedar and mahogany as common modern alternatives. Properly seasoned wood resists cracking and produces better resonance.
Cheap sitars often use unseasoned or composite wood. They look similar at first but develop tuning and structural problems within months. The price difference pays for itself in longevity.
String count and configuration
Traditional acoustic sitars have 6 or 7 main playing strings plus 11 to 13 sympathetic strings. Electric sitars often simplify to 4 main strings to make amplification cleaner.
More strings mean more tonal complexity but also a steeper learning curve. Beginners do well starting simpler, then adding strings as they progress.
Case and transport
A good sitar case is not optional. The gourd resonator and long neck are fragile, and a damaged sitar can cost hundreds to repair. Hard cases with padding are best for shipping and air travel. Gig bags work for home storage and short car trips.
What to avoid when buying a sitar
Skip sitars with visible cracks in the gourd or neck joint. Check that the tuning pegs turn smoothly and hold position – loose pegs make tuning impossible. Inspect the bridge for proper placement on the tabli. And avoid any sitar under $150 that claims to be handmade, since true handmade construction at that price is not realistic.
Price tiers by skill level
Beginner sitars run from $150 to $400, though quality at the low end is inconsistent. Student and intermediate sitars range from $400 to $800, which is where you start seeing real craftsmanship. Professional sitars start around $800 and climb into the thousands for established luthiers like Rikhi Ram.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sitars
What is the best brand of sitar?
The best sitar brands for serious players include Rikhi Ram (premium handmade), MKS (professional concert grade), Maharaja Musicals (consistent quality), and Thomann Nataraj (accessible professional option). For beginners, brands like HAHAPA, Brass-India, and Indofrance offer solid entry-level instruments. The right brand depends on your budget and skill level rather than brand prestige alone.
How much does a good sitar cost?
A good beginner sitar typically costs between $200 and $500, though quality at the very low end is inconsistent. Student and intermediate sitars range from $500 to $900, where you start seeing real craftsmanship. Professional sitars start around $1,000 and can exceed $4,000 for established luthiers like Rikhi Ram. Plan to spend at least $300 for a sitar that will hold tuning and last through years of practice.
What is the best sitar for a beginner?
The best sitar for a beginner is a 4 to 6 string student model from a recognized brand, priced between $200 and $500. Look for a Ravi Shankar style sitar (more common and easier to find instruction for), a hard case or gig bag included, and bone bridges for tuning stability. Avoid anything under $150 with handmade claims – true handmade construction is not realistic at that price.
Is sitar more difficult than guitar?
Yes, sitar is generally more difficult than guitar, especially for adults new to string instruments. The sitar has more strings (typically 18 to 21 including sympathetic strings), movable frets that require manual adjustment, a unique right-hand technique using a wire plectrum (mizrab), and traditional Indian classical music theory that goes deeper than Western popular music. However, the basic plucking technique is learnable in a few weeks, and players with prior string instrument experience often adapt faster.
Can sitar be self-taught?
Yes, sitar can be self-taught, though progress is faster with a teacher for the first 6 to 12 months. The main challenges for self-taught players are proper meend (string bending) technique, accurate fret positioning, and developing the rhythmic discipline central to Indian classical music. Online video courses, structured YouTube series, and beginner sitars with included training materials (like the Indofrance Classic Black Fusion) make self-study more accessible than ever before.
Final Thoughts
The best sitars for you depend entirely on where you are in your musical journey. Beginners should start with the HAHAPA Traditional Maharaja or the Brass-India Acoustic Electric – both deliver solid value without breaking the bank. Intermediate players ready for more resonance should look at the HAHAPA Professional Concert with its double tumba. Vilayat Khan style enthusiasts will find their match in the ShreeOm Tun wood models, and fusion players should consider the Indofrance electric options.
Remember that a sitar is a long-term companion, not a disposable purchase. Spend what you can afford now, treat the instrument well, and upgrade as your skills develop. The sitar rewards patient players with one of the most distinctive sounds in world music.
If you are still deciding, our top recommendation for most people is the HAHAPA Traditional Indian Maharaja Sitar as the editor’s choice. It balances traditional construction, sensible pricing, and included transport protection better than any other option in 2026.