The Best Sound Bars With Built In Subwoofers Reviews & Buying Guide
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Our Recommended The Best Sound Bars With Built In Subwoofers Is The Sony HT-ZF9 3.1 Inch Dolby Atmos/DTS X Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer!
This product may be unavailable,
Our recommended alternative to this product is Sony HT-S350 2.1. Channel soundbar
If you are tight on space but want the best audio, choosing a soundbar with a built-in subwoofer is a good way to go, this avoids you having to purchase a separate subwoofer and stops trailing wires all over your living room.
Although soundbars do not have an actual subwoofer inside (they use a smaller passive bass radiator), they can still mirror the sound of an actual woofer with a strong bass sound, giving you an exceptional sound.
Soundbars with subwoofers differ however, some have a louder sound while others use different input options or even have in-built Alexa voice control, so to help with your decision, we have rounded up the best soundbars with subwoofers and reviewed them below.
So without further chat, let's get into the reviews!
Our Favourite Soundbar With a Wireless Subwoofer -
The Sony HT-ZF9 3.1 Inch Dolby Atmos/DTS X Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer
This Sony 3.1 channel Dolby Atmos soundbar features a 3D stereo sound with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for exceptional sound.
Top specs of the soundbar are its subwoofer output and different sound modes which allows you to switch between game mode, music mode and cinema mode. The sound bar also has connectivity to Alexa plus Google Home and Chromecast.
The sound quality of this soundbar is improved with its 4K HDR and Dolby Vision pass-through, you can also connect the higher-end model through HDMI, WiFi, USB and Bluetooth.
Conclusion
To conclude, this Sony 3.1 channel Dolby Atmos soundbar is a great choice if you are looking for a model which is reliable and easy to set up.
Its slim sound bar design saves you space while producing a powerful sound and the input connections allow you to use the device with nearly anything.
Downfalls of this soundbar have to be its virtual surround which is said to be limited, the subwoofer of the soundbar is also said to cut out after a few months of usage so might have a short lifespan.
Pros
- 3.1 channels system.
- Subwoofer.
- 3D stereo system.
- Different sound modes.
- Alexa & Google Home connectivity.
- Dolby vision and 4K HDR pass through.
- HDMI/Bluetooth connection.
- Exceptional sound.
Cons
- Subwoofer is said to cut out after a few months of usage.
- Poor quality virtual surround sound.
This product may be unavailable,
Our recommended alternative to this product is Sony HT-S350 2.1. Channel soundbar
Our Runner Up! - Philips B8405/10 Soundbar with Subwoofer Wireless
The Philips soundbar with a subwoofer features a 240W max power and has a 2.1 channel system to produce crisp dialogues.
Important specs of this soundbar are its Dolby Digital Atmos sound quality which produces three-dimensional sound, the model also has Play-FI compatibility that allows you to connect it with other speakers to create a surround sound system and can connect to Google Home or Alexa too.
For the design, this Philips soundbar comes in a dark grey colour and can be placed either on a wall with its bracket or even under a TV discreetly.
Conclusion
Overall, this Philips soundbar with a subwoofer is one of the most durable soundbars with built-in subwoofers on our list.
The slim soundbar has a great range of connection ports and is perfect for a room size of around 20 square metres with its Dolby Digital sound quality.
Negatives of this Philips soundbar are its remote control which is said to be very hard to use. When connecting to Apple/Airplay it has also been said to cut the audio.
Pros
- 2.1 channel system.
- Subwoofer included.
- Connects to Google Home & Alexa.
- Play-Fi connectivity.
- Three-dimensional sound.
- Can be wall bracketed.
Cons
- Airplay can cut audio.
- A remote control is hard to use.
Play-Fi compatibility means you can sync these Play-Fi-compatible speakers, TVs, and other products to create a true immersive sound system
With 240 watts of max. output power, this Philips tv speaker system provides cinematic sound
Immersive 3d audio of Dolby Atmos
Connects to your favourite voice assistant-enabled devices
The Yamaha YAS-209 Soundbar
If you are looking for a soundbar that has exceptional sound and is easy to use, it could be worth checking out this Yamaha soundbar.
Main features of the Yamaha YAS-209 soundbar are its three dimensional sound which has DTS Virtual audio quality, it has built-in Alexa plus an app for better control of the speakers at a distance with WiFi options too.
Design-wise this Yamaha hi-res soundbar is a compact soundbar with a wireless subwoofer for portability. It has a remote control for ease of use too.
Conclusion
To conclude, this Yamaha soundbar is the perfect soundbar to choose for people who want impressive sound thanks to its clear voice audio technology and full-range speakers, making it the ideal choice for movies or games.
Downfalls of the Yamaha soundbar are its remote control which is said to be very basic, the subwoofer is also said to produce quite a low range output power.
Pros
- Three dimensional sound.
- DTS virtual audio quality.
- Portable.
- Easy adjustment of sound modes.
- Built-in Alexa.
- Remote control.
- Easy to use.
- Subwoofer wireless design.
Cons
- Basic remote control.
- Subwoofer has low range output power.
Denon DHT-S316 Soundbar With Subwoofer
This Denon smart soundbar with a subwoofer comes with 40-watt output power and cinema dimension sound quality which supports Dolby Digital & DTS-X sound formats.
In terms of the specs, this amazing soundbar has a Denon dialogue enhancer sound mode to make speech clearer without a louder sound. It can additionally be connected to many music streaming services such as Spotify or Deezer.
For connection, the model can be used with your TV remote and also comes with an HDMI and optical input to produce great 3D virtual sound. Its design is only 5.5cm tall and is wall mountable.
Conclusion
Overall, this Denon soundbar with subwoofer produces high-quality cinematic sound and is the ideal soundbar to choose if you are after a space-saving design that still produces bombastic sound.
We also like this Denon built-in subwoofers soundbar due to its many connection options, whether you want to stream music from a streaming platform or a gadget like Alexa.
Drawbacks of the sound bar by Denon are its DTS-X virtual sound which is said to have a poor performance. The sound bar is additionally reported to have a slow response remote control too.
Pros
- Connects to multiple audio devices.
- Denon dialogue mode.
- High-resolution, full-spectrum sound.
- Compact design.
- HDMI and optical input connections.
- Supports Dolby digital & DTS-X sound formats.
- Can be used with its own TV remote.
Cons
- DTS-X is said to have poor sound quality.
- Slow response remote control.
SHARP HT-SBW160 2.1 Soundbar
For people who are on a budget, this SHARP 2.1 channel smart soundbar is one of the most affordable models on our list for creating a deep bass sound with its subwoofer.
Feature-wise, the SHARP soundbar has a 360-watt output power with a wireless subwoofer to create a strong virtual sound from the full-range stereo speakers and bass ports. The built-in subwoofer model boasts aux-in connectivity too plus Bluetooth connectivity for easy streaming.
Additional features of this 2.1 channel soundbar are its pre-set equaliser for different sound bar modes plus its LED display. The impressive soundbar comes with a remote control too and uses a tabletop mounting design.
Conclusion
Overall, this SHARP sound bar is great value for money and is an excellent choice if you are looking for a compact soundbar that gives a great deep bass sound despite its small size and low price.
The subwoofer high-quality soundbar is also very easy to set up with a variety of control options.
Downfalls of this SHARP soundbar have to be its lack of WIFI connections, the model has also been said to heat and locks up sometimes during use.
Pros
- Different control options.
- High-quality, clear sound.
- Pre-set equaliser modes.
- Bass ports.
- Tabletop mounting design.
- Affordable price range.
Cons
- No WIFI connections.
- Can heat and lock-up during use.
Which Is The Best Soundbar With a Subwoofer?
To round up our reviews, our favourite soundbar with a subwoofer has to be the Sony HT-ZF9 3.1 Inch Dolby Atmos/DTS X Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer.
We rate this Sony smart soundbar as our favourite thanks to its advanced features such as its three stereo sound speakers and a large variety of sound modes which allows you to get the most out of the 3D stereo surround sound.
As a runner up, we would also suggest checking out the Philips B8405/10 Soundbar with Subwoofer Wireless Soundbar, this Philips model is a versatile soundbar if you have trouble hearing dialogue from your TV and has great sound clarity due to its specific voice modes, making it a perfect choice for movies.
The only reason we didn't place this soundbar as our top model is due to its very basic remote control and low range subwoofer.
What To Look For In The Best Sound Bar With Subwoofer (Our Buying Guide)
Now we have reviewed and found the best sound bar models on our list we can get into learning more about how these channel sound bars work and how to pick the best models with the top sound clarity.
In our best buying guide below we will cover the benefits of choosing a soundbar with a subwoofer down below, the top features to watch out for in your soundbar with a subwoofer, how to set your soundbar in the best possible way as well as how sound bars with a subwoofer match up to sound bases when it comes to playing depth.
Why Should You Choose a Soundbar With a Subwoofer?
There are many different types of versatile soundbar models available, some with built-in subwoofers and some without, this begs the question, why choose a soundbar with a subwoofer?
Well, spending a little more on built-in subwoofers can take basic soundbars to the next level and maximise your audio performance.
If you are unsure about whether or not these soundbars with built-in subwoofers are for you or not we have listed their benefits below.
- It gives a theatre effect - Using a subwoofer in conjunction with your advanced soundbar will give you your cinema sound bar quality within the comfort of your own home and produces a bombastic sound.
- Most are wireless - The majority of soundbars with a subwoofer have a wireless design, this keeps them space-saving and modern while preventing trailing wires from being all over your living room.
- Does not distort - Having a subwoofer with your soundbar stops dialogue quality and audio from distorting even when audio is played at the highest volume at low frequencies.
- Perfect for low notes - Amplifying low notes in movies or music can be hard with a standard soundbar, subwoofers allow you to project these notes without any distortion and improve audio performance.
- Blends well - The best sound bars with built-in subwoofers blend well within your TV set-up and can be hidden under seats or even wall-mounted for a discreet look.
- Projects audio in your room - If you have a larger room and more space to cover with audio then a hi-res soundbar with a subwoofer will allow you to reach further distances without sacrificing sound quality.
Top Features To Consider In Your Soundbar With a Subwoofer
When choosing your soundbar with a subwoofer, you should ensure you have all the high-quality features you need in your model for it to produce the best sound.
We have listed the essential specs and features to consider in your soundbar with a subwoofer below.
- Channels - Soundbars come with a different amount of channels, some have a two-channel system while others have a three-channel system, soundbars that have a three-channel system are preferred as they produce three-dimensional audio.
- Passive Vs Active - Active soundbars have an all in one soundbar system while passive soundbars separate amplifier and receiver. Although passive soundbars can give a better sound quality active ones are preferred as they are much more compact and slightly easier to use.
- Size - Consider the size of your bassiest soundbar and subwoofer. When choosing your sound bar you will want to make sure that it matches your TV, for example, if you have a 42-inch TV then a sound bar with a size of 39-45-inches would be a perfect match.
- Connectivity - Connectivity is one of the most important specs on your elegant soundbar, your sound bar and subwoofer should be able to be connected via Bluetooth, HMDI, WiFi and even to Google Home and Amazon Alexa. Some models might be able to be connected to streaming media players too such as Spotify.
- Ease of use - Your soundbar should be easy to use and simple to set up with your audio and TV, some models will come with their remote control while others might allow you to connect soundbar to your own remote, either way, controls should be simple and clear.
- Subwoofer - The subwoofer of your soundbar is important, some will be wireless while others might be wired or in-built. Make sure your model is portable and easy to move around depending on where you want the subwoofer to be.
- Dolby Atmos/ DTS-X - Dolby Atmos and DTS-X formats produce very high-quality audio and are desired on an advanced soundbar, you will often find this more on a higher-end, compact soundbar which is why they are more expensive.
- Design - The design of branded soundbars should be compact and not stand out too much, the idea of it is to be able to fit neatly underneath your TV, check if your bar has an LCD too for controls without a remote.
How To Set Up Your Sound Bar & Subwoofer
If it's your first time buying a hi-res soundbar and a subwoofer then you should know how to set one up properly for the best sound.
We have made a short guide below on how to set up your sound bar.
How To Connect Your Sound Bar To Your TV
- Step one - Set your sound output - First of all you need to set the right audio outputs on your TV, to do this go to your TV menu and choose the output as your speakers.
- Step two - Check the HDMI connection - Now check the HDMI connection if using, this will likely be under your manufacturer's name.
- Step three - Enable CEC mode - Enabling CEC mode on your TV will allow you to adjust the sound bar volume coming from the speaker via the TV's remote.
- Step four - Adjust the sound and subwoofer - Now set the sound settings of your soundbar according to your room, this might sound different depending on where you are, you should also adjust the subwoofer volume, as they are often quite overpowered, to begin with.
- Step five - Experiment with the settings - Typically, soundbars have a lot of different modes, from a clear dialogue mode to cinema modes, it might take a bit of experimenting to see what works best.
Tips For Setting Up Your Sound Bar
Your soundbar should always be on a flat surface directly in front of your TV, there are some tips and tricks however for setting up your sound bar in the best way which we have listed below.
- Consider the subwoofer - If your subwoofer is wireless it should still be placed no more than 10 metres away from the sound bar. Also, consider how close the device is to the wall and if it is within a TV cabinet as this can cause a lot of vibrations.
- Keep it centre - Make sure your soundbar is centred to your TV and that it has even space left and right to disperse sound in the best way possible.
- Check the soundbar height and distance - Soundbars often sound best when they are wall-mounted within an ft of your ears, you should also consider how far away it is from where you are, bars that have surround sound can have you seated further away.
- Think of furnishings - Carpets and curtains can help improve the sound quality from your sound bar and walls left and right can reflect sounds.
Sound Bars With Subwoofer Vs Sound Base - Which Device Is Better?
If you are after a best-sounding soundbar with a subwoofer then you might have come across a sound base too, a sound base and sound bar can both look very similar but differ in their design, with a sound base having their subwoofer inside rather than external like a soundbar.
We will compare both devices down below.
Sound Bases
A sound base is a compact loudspeaker which a TV is designed to sit on top of, due to their larger design than a soundbar this gives them more room to pack a bass as well as speakers and do not need any external set-ups for power.
Drawbacks of sound bases in comparison to sound bars are that you cannot mount them as they have to be placed underneath your TV. They are often more expensive too and can often have a front-heavy sound as they have fewer upward speakers.
Advantages
- Compact loudspeaker.
- Has a bass inside.
- Does not need external speakers.
Disadvantages
- Few upward speakers.
- Front heavy sound.
- Can't be mounted.
Sound Bar
Sound bars are longer and slimmer than sound bases, they provide sound quality similar to traditional surround sound systems and can even be used with external speakers to produce a more thrilling sound. These bars are much better than sound bases when it comes to connectivity as they can be used with options such as Amazon Alexa or Google Home.
The small and slim design of soundbars however means that the speakers are more compact, this often means that you will need external speakers such as a subwoofer which can take up more room, there are also some pretty cheap low-quality budget soundbars which can pack poor quality features.
Advantages
- Great connectivity options.
- Slimmer.
- Surround sound system.
Disadvantages
- Some have cheap designs.
- Needs external speakers.
Conclusion - Which Type Of Sound Device Should I Choose?
Overall, if you want an all in one design with a bass inside the speaker then a sound base might be the better choice, however, for people on a budget and who want a more cinematic sound, choosing a channel sound bar might be the better choice as it has a 3D surround sound system for brilliant sound and is often much more affordable.
- Play-Fi compatibility means you can sync these Play-Fi-compatible speakers, TVs and other products to create a true immersive sound system. The latest firmware update enables even faster discovery of speakers, and improves Wi-Fi connection and stability. Download the update in the Philips Sound app.
- With 240 w of max. output power, this philips tv speaker system provides cinematic sound. 2.1 channels make soundtracks richer, effects more thunderous and dialogue clearer.
- Discover this soundbar with subwoofer an immersive 3d audio of dolby atmos. thanks to the dts play-fi compatibility the soundbar can create a true surround-sound setup.
- This smart soundbar connects to your favourite voice assistant-enabled devices. ask alexa-enabled devices, or any speaker that works with the google assistant, to play music through the soundbar.
- With its slanted design, this tv soundbar with wireless subwoofer can be placed flexibly – whether on the wall with the included wall brackets, on a table or discreetly under the tv.
FAQs About The Best Sound Bars With Subwoofers
How much do sound bars with subwoofers cost?
Most soundbar brands in technology cost between £300-£500 depending on the control buttons, channels and connectivity features, the more expensive your soundbar is, the better sound clarity it will have.
Are subwoofers important?
Subwoofers are important as they highlight low bass notes in music and make movies plus music sound more cinematic. An average soundbar with just normal stereo speakers cannot do this which is why they are often cheaper as this gives basic audio quality.
How many channels should high-end soundbars have?
For a hi-res soundbar, you should aim to have at least three channels on your sound bar as this will project sound into all spaces of your room.
Can I play a sound bar with a streaming media player?
Yes, most smart soundbar models allow you to connect them to streaming media players such as Spotify or iTunes, you can even hook them up to Amazon Prime.
What is a 2-channel sound bar?
A two-channel sound bar will only have speakers left and right, without one in the middle, this means 2-channel soundbar models will not be able to produce three-dimensional music. A 2-channel soundbar with a subwoofer will have a set-up of 2.1.
How much do sound bases cost?
Sound bases are slightly more expensive than soundbars with built-in subwoofers, due to the loud sounds they produce and bigger size, they can cost around £400-£500 for a high-quality model.
Are subwoofers inside of a sound bar?
Due to the all-in-one compact design, soundbars cannot house subwoofers inside of them, they use passive bass radiators inside of them instead to create a bass sound so do not house proper subwoofers.
How do wireless subwoofers work?
Wireless subwoofers have built-in receivers plus which work with the transmitters of sound bars to play audio wirelessly.
Are soundbars compatible with Amazon Alexa?
A high-quality smart soundbar can connect to Amazon Alexa, Amazon Music, Amazon echo and other streaming services such as Google Home with the Bluetooth-enabled device options.
Our #1 Sound Bar With a Subwoofer For The Best Audio
Our number one incredible soundbar with the best sound quality and connections to digital media devices is the Sony HT-ZF9 3.1 Inch Dolby Atmos/DTS X Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer thanks to its elegant soundbar design, great smart soundbar connections plus high sound clarity.
We also suggested checking out the Philips B8405/10 Soundbar with Subwoofer Wireless Soundbar, due to its 3D stereo surround sound and innovative technology that helps to improve dialogue in audio.
- Immerse yourself in 3 Dimensional sound with Dolby Atmos and DTS: X
- Sony's unique Vertical Surround Engine delivers all around sound from 3 front speakers only
- Wireless music listening: Access to over 100 music streaming apps with Chromecast Built-in and Spotify connect, and playback throughout your home with Wireless Multi-room
- High-Resolution Audio listening. Works with both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa
- Picture perfect sound thanks to 4K HDR and Dolby Vision pass-through
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Contents
- 1 The Best Sound Bars With Built In Subwoofers Reviews & Buying Guide
- 1.1 Our Favourite Soundbar With a Wireless Subwoofer -
- 1.2 The Sony HT-ZF9 3.1 Inch Dolby Atmos/DTS X Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer
- 1.3 Which Is The Best Soundbar With a Subwoofer?
- 1.4 What To Look For In The Best Sound Bar With Subwoofer (Our Buying Guide)
- 1.5 Why Should You Choose a Soundbar With a Subwoofer?
- 1.6 Top Features To Consider In Your Soundbar With a Subwoofer
- 1.7 How To Set Up Your Sound Bar & Subwoofer
- 1.8 Sound Bars With Subwoofer Vs Sound Base - Which Device Is Better?
- 1.9 FAQs About The Best Sound Bars With Subwoofers
- 1.10 Our #1 Sound Bar With a Subwoofer For The Best Audio
