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Whether you're watching an explosive action movie or jamming out to your favorite songs, deep bass is an essential part of any well-rounded home theater setup. Without proper low-end playback, audio can sound thin, tiny, and just plain wimpy. To ensure you get powerful bass, you'll want a system with a separate subwoofer. That's why we've rounded up the four best soundbars with subwoofers for various needs.
Our reviewers selected each of our picks based on hands-on testing. All our recommendations provide ample low-frequency kick, but the best soundbars with subwoofers do more than just pump up the bass. They offer detailed upper frequencies, conveniences like streaming support, and advanced connectivity options. The Yamaha YAS-209 is our favorite soundbar and sub combo thanks to its accessible price point and versatile features. But if you're willing to spend more, the Samsung HW-Q990C delivers thrilling Dolby Atmos performance across 11.1.4 channels of surround sound.
From entry-level models to room-blasting spatial audio setups, these are the best soundbars with a subwoofer that you can buy.
Our top picks for the best soundbars with subwoofer
Best overall: Yamaha YAS-209 - See at Amazon
Best high-end Dolby Atmos system: Samsung HW-Q990C - See at Amazon
Best midrange Atmos model: Vizio Elevate 5.1.4 - See at Amazon
Best surround sound on a budget: Vizio V-Series 5.1 - See at Walmart
Best overall
Yamaha's YAS-209 is a convenient 2.1-channel soundbar with great sound quality, a wireless subwoofer, and a reasonable price.
- Room-filling sound
- Alexa built-in
- Sleek appearance
- Wireless subwoofer included
- No onboard display
- Doesn't support Dolby Vision passthrough
- No Atmos capabilities
Yamaha's YAS-209 is a soundbar Swiss Army knife with versatile features and excellent sound quality. Finding a decent soundbar and sub combo at this price is difficult since many brands now favor modular systems that require you to buy a subwoofer separately. Yamaha's YAS-209 bucks that trend with everything you need right in the box, making it the best soundbar for most needs.
The YAS-209's design is sleek and simple, with a rounded body wrapped in acoustic fabric. The device's 2.1-channel playback offers balanced sound across frequencies. You don't get Dolby Atmos support here, but Atmos isn't expected at this price, and the system does offer DTS Virtual:X processing for simulating surround sound.
The 209's wireless subwoofer connects automatically, and its tall frame makes it easy to fit into various setups. Best of all, the bar and sub blend well together, moving seamlessly between registers to bring clarity to the high frequencies and a formidable punch down low. This provides a serious upgrade for virtually any TV's built-in speakers, and thanks to the HDMI ARC connection, you can control the bar with most TV remotes.
You also get handy features like WiFi support for high-quality streaming, built-in Alexa voice control with an onboard microphone, and even an HDMI pass-through input, something many entry-level and mid-tier soundbars omit. The one caveat is that the extra port doesn't support Dolby Vision HDR or 120Hz signals, but it's still a handy inclusion. Other connection options include a digital optical port for older TVs and legacy devices, and Bluetooth for streaming.
You can spend a lot more on other soundbar and subwoofer combos, but you'll be hard-pressed to find a better deal for this much good stuff. Yamaha's YAS-209 is a reliable set-it-and-forget-it option with strong performance at a very accessible price.
Best high-end Dolby Atmos system
This powerful 11.1.4 soundbar system has up-firing drivers, a dedicated subwoofer, and separate rear satellite speakers. It takes up more space than smaller options, but delivers the best Dolby Atmos performance we’ve heard in a system like this.
- Class-leading Dolby Atmos and DTS:X immersion
- Quick and snappy setup
- Rugged, minimalist design
- No Chromecast or HDMI 2.1 support
- Spotify Connect quirks with iPhone
- Only minor upgrades compared to 2022 model
The Samsung HW-Q990C is more of a full-fledged home theater system than a typical soundbar. With Dolby Atmos support, it spreads audio all around your room, including from above. This multi-piece package is equipped with dual wireless satellite speakers, a primary bar with up-firing and side-firing drivers, and, of course, a powerful subwoofer.
During our tests, the Q990C offered fantastic sound for TV content and music, with lively performance that auto-adjusts in real time using Samsung's Adaptive Sound feature. The system's 11.1.4-channel playback is spread effortlessly across components, moving between traditional surround sound and overhead effects with impressive fluidity. The subwoofer stands out with a side-firing eight-inch cone that digs deep into the lowest frequencies. The Q990C's sub also provides improved clarity compared to Samsung's older Q990B model.
The system is fully loaded, with 22 individual drivers and support for every major audio format, including Dolby Atmos and its primary rival, DTS:X. You also get plenty of connection options, from dual HDMI inputs to WiFi, with support for Apple AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect. We're disappointed that Google Chromecast isn't supported (an odd omission for a brand that makes Android phones), but Bluetooth is available as a backup.
System settings can be adjusted with the snazzy remote or via Samsung's SmartThings app. You also get Amazon Alexa or Bixby voice assistant control and a few Samsung-only features like Q-Symphony. That latter perk lets the bar work in concert with the onboard speakers on some of the best Samsung TVs, including top OLEDs like the S90C, S95C, and S95D.
With each iteration, the Q990 series has seen modest upgrades, and buyers should note that Samsung now sells a slightly updated version of this system called the Q990D. The new model offers one notable feature the Q990C doesn't: HDMI 2.1 pass-through. This allows the bar to output next-gen gaming features like VRR (variable refresh rate) and 4K/120Hz signals when connected to a compatible console or PC. If that's important to you, it may be worth paying more for the Q990D.
Otherwise, we think the Q990C is the better value since it's often sold for hundreds less. If you're after top-notch Dolby Atmos performance, the Samsung Q990C is the best soundbar with a subwoofer to get.
Check out our Samsung Q990C soundbar review.
Check out our guide to all the best Dolby Atmos soundbars.
Best midrange Atmos model
Vizio's Elevate delivers a true 5.1.4 Dolby Atmos experience with cool rotating speaker drivers that can beam sound forward or overhead.
- Cinematic Dolby Atmos and DTS:X immersion
- Unique rotating speakers
- Bluetooth and WiFi
- No voice assistant built-in
- Rear speakers and larger subwoofer require more space
- Sometimes aggressive sound profile
Vizio's Elevate 5.1.4 soundbar (P514a-H6 5.1.4) is one of the best value propositions in the home audio market. Despite its affordable price, it offers exhilarating Dolby Atmos immersion with separate satellite speakers and potent punch from its hefty wireless subwoofer.
The Elevate name comes from the device's front speakers which have a rotating feature. The drivers direct sound forward when fed traditional audio formats and rotate upward to fire sound off your ceiling when listening to Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio mixes. It's a unique design (or was until Vizio released a smaller M-Series version) that assures no speakers are wasted, helping the system provide detailed and enveloping sound from any source.
The Elevate is appropriately loaded for a bar of its stature, including dual HDMI inputs, Bluetooth and WiFi streaming with Chromecast support, and an increasingly rare analog input for plugging in legacy audio sources. We also appreciate its rugged construction with anodized aluminum components. Our only real complaint is the bar's wired satellite surround speakers, which must be plugged into the large subwoofer. It's also not as user-friendly as pricier systems like Samsung's Q990C, which have extra conveniences like voice assistants and auto-calibration to adjust the sound to your room.
While you've got to work a little more, the Elevate punches high above its price point, delivering cinematic sound with potent bass from its wireless subwoofer. During our tests, it could get a little fresh and forward in the upper frequencies for music, but you can configure the settings to taste, including EQ adjustments and raising or lowering the height and center channels to lock in the perfect blend for your space.
With plenty of features, clear and immersive sound, and sledgehammer bass, the Elevate 5.1.4 is easily one of the best soundbars with subwoofer pairings on the market.
Check out our Vizio Elevate soundbar review.
Best surround sound on a budget
Vizio’s baseline 5.1-channel soundbar comes with everything you need and nothing you don’t, letting even those on very tight budgets experience the thrills of surround sound.
- Excellent surround sound for the money
- Impressive blend between the subwoofer and bar
- Rear speakers and subwoofer use handy compact design
- No WiFi or smart assistants
- No Dolby Atmos
- No spare HDMI ports
Though it lacks Dolby Atmos capabilities, Vizio's 5.1-channel V-Series (V51-H6) offers fantastic surround sound value at a budget-friendly price. For well under $300, you get immersive audio performance, Bluetooth streaming, and easy-to-adjust settings wrapped in a slick, matte-black package with wired satellite speakers and a wireless subwoofer.
The V51-H6 soundbar provides clear dialogue for TV and movies, as well as solid sound quality for streaming music. The adorably pint-sized subwoofer isn't nearly as potent as what you'll find with pricier offerings, but it drives home some good thump, serving as the foundation for the soundbar's cinematic skills. It also does a great job blending with the smaller speakers inside the bar for good balance and true immersion with multi-channel sources.
The V-Series V51-H6's design has an old-school vibe, starting with the wired surround speakers, which must be plugged into the subwoofer. This limits placement options to some degree, but the included cables are long enough for most setups, and you don't need to track down power outlets as you would for most wireless speakers.
A Casio-style digital face on the remote and small LEDs on the bar make it easy to adjust settings like EQ and center-channel volume, while the HDMI ARC connection lets you use your TV remote to control power and volume.
The bar does skimp on advanced features like WiFi and digital assistants, and there aren't any spare HDMI inputs or support for 3D sound formats. But we've yet to come across any soundbars that come close to delivering what the V-Series offers at this price point. If you're looking to dip your toes into surround sound at a serious bargain, this is the best soundbar with a subwoofer for your needs.
Check out our guide to all of the best budget soundbars.
How we test soundbars with subwoofers
To find the best soundbars with subwoofers, our experts tested multiple models for hours on end with various sources. Sound quality is our top priority, with a particular emphasis on potent and foundational bass. We also consider other factors, including supported audio formats, how easy each soundbar is to set up, and whether they provide advanced features like WiFi streaming, smart assistants, and multiple HDMI inputs.
We assess each soundbar's design, considering its aesthetic qualities and how well it fits into the average TV room. We then spend multiple days with each bar we evaluate, putting them through various tests with familiar material, from movies and TV shows to specific music playlists. We use various sound sources, from streaming services to physical media, with both compressed and lossless audio tracks via apps like Amazon Music. We also use each bar for regular daily listening, striving to get a feel for how it is to own it from a buyer's perspective.
When testing sound quality, we look at many elements, from dynamics and dialogue clarity to tonal balance across the treble, midrange, and bass registers. To find the best soundbar with subwoofer pairings, we take an especially close look at low-frequency performance, with an ear toward smooth, accurate, and musical bass with good balance and fluidity between the subwoofer and soundbar. Any obvious difference between the tonal color of the subwoofer and the bar is grounds for dismissal.
Finally, we test parameters like WiFi and Bluetooth reliability, navigation of connected apps and settings, and the responsiveness and accuracy of smart assistants, where applicable.
For more details on our review methodology, visit our page detailing how we test tech gear.
What to look for in a soundbar with a subwoofer
Once you've established that you want a soundbar with a subwoofer, there are a few primary factors we recommend focusing on as you hone your search. First, you'll want to check for good connectivity options. Most modern soundbars have HDMI ARC or eARC, which makes it simple to connect to an HDMI ARC-compatible TV and use its remote to control power and volume.
All of the best TVs sold today have this feature, but if your TV doesn't have HDMI ARC or eARC (it should be labeled in the inputs cubby), you can often use an optical connection as an alternative. However, HDMI ARC is required to play Dolby Atmos. Check out our guide to the best HDMI cables for top recommendations to use with soundbars and TVs.
Virtually every modern soundbar includes Bluetooth support, but higher-quality systems also have WiFi for over-the-air updates and better streaming quality. Features like AirPlay 2 for iPhones, Chromecast for Android devices, and Spotify Connect are also relatively standard, making it easy to play songs from the best music streaming services. The more options your bar supports, the better.
Soundbars may also offer built-in voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant. If you're interested in using your soundbar as a smart home hub or controller, you'll want to ensure the bar has built-in microphones for voice commands.
With a soundbar subwoofer combo, you'll be looking at a 2.1-channel configuration at the low end, while advanced systems with Dolby Atmos will generally offer multi-channel configurations like 5.1.2. The first number in the series represents the ear-level channels in the soundbar, the middle number represents the subwoofer (bass) channel, and the last number defines how many height or up-firing channels the bar supports (if any) for Dolby Atmos.
Speaking of Dolby Atmos, you'll pay a premium to get a soundbar that supports it or its primary rival DTS:X. Sometimes called 3D, spatial, or object-based audio, these advanced formats include traditional surround sound channels on the horizontal plane, as well as height channels to add a vertical element that creates a deeper sense of immersion. Check out our Dolby Atmos guide for more details.
FAQs
Why should I get a soundbar with a subwoofer?
The simple answer is physics. When it comes to producing authoritative bass, advanced acoustics and digital processing are no match for bigger speaker drivers. The larger drivers inside dedicated subwoofers can physically move more air, which helps recreate the low-frequency waveforms that eventually make their way to our ears with authenticity and accuracy. If you're looking for powerful explosions, floor-rattling thunder, and rich, low musical performance, a subwoofer is all but necessary.
Can I add a subwoofer to a soundbar later?
Some soundbars offer the option to add a subwoofer or surround sound speakers after the fact. These are referred to as "modular" systems, allowing you to buy extra components later.
Some soundbars, including options from Klipsch and Sennheiser, even have a standard subwoofer output, letting you connect a traditional subwoofer from any brand. Others, like the Sonos Arc and Bose Smart Soundbar, require the purchase of a specific subwoofer made by the same company. Check out our guide to the best Bose soundbars for subwoofer recommendations specific to that brand.
On the downside, many brands charge a major premium for soundbar models that use modular designs. If bass is an important factor for you, we recommend buying a soundbar and subwoofer combo from the start to get the best value.
What size soundbar and subwoofer should I get?
Size is always an important factor when purchasing a soundbar. The first thing to consider is whether your entertainment console is long enough to support your soundbar of choice. Many soundbars range from 36 to 46 inches or longer, especially for high-performance bars with many drivers, such as those that support Dolby Atmos. Check out our guide to the best TV stands for wide console recommendations.
You'll also want to ensure your soundbar won't block your TV screen, especially if your TV sits on a stand rather than being mounted on a wall. Most soundbars are designed to sit around three inches tall or less, but you'll want to do some measurements so you don't run into an issue.
For the soundbars on this list, you'll also want to make sure you've got space for your subwoofer. Subwoofers can range from tall and skinny to short and stout, so again, do some measurements to ensure you've got good placement options. Most setups work well with the subwoofer placed on the ground to the left or right of the TV console, but it's best to have some room to experiment.
Finally, if you want a soundbar with separate surround sound (or satellite) speakers, make sure you've got stands or shelves that will allow you to properly place the speakers slightly behind and to the sides of the main listening position. Dolby offers some helpful speaker configuration guides for this purpose. You'll also want to make sure you've got power outlets in reach for wireless surround speakers or long enough cables to plug in wired options comfortably.
What is an HDMI ARC connection?
An HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) connection can send audio signals to and from connected devices. HDMI Arc ports are found on many of the best smart TVs, soundbars, and AV receivers.
Standard HDMI ARC connections can transmit stereo audio signals and compressed surround sound formats like Dolby Digital and DTS. Dolby Atmos is also supported using the Dolby Digital Plus format.
Some newer components feature an HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) connection, an updated version of HDMI ARC that can support higher-bandwidth audio for better sound quality. Though specific format support varies by device, HDMI eARC connections can transmit lossless Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD MA, and DTS:X tracks.
Most TVs and soundbars with HDMI ARC and eARC connections also support a related feature known as CEC (Consumer Electronics Control). This handy function lets you use your TV's remote to control power and volume on a connected soundbar.
Visit our guide to the best HDMI cables for top picks that you can use with HDMI ARC devices.
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Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at [email protected].
