Do you ever watch an action movie and feel like the explosions are just… missing something? Modern TVs are slim, which means they often lack the deep, rumbling bass that makes movies and music truly come alive. You want that theater-like sound without cluttering your living room with a separate, bulky subwoofer box. That’s where soundbars with built-in subwoofers step in to save the day.
Choosing the right one, however, can feel like a maze. Manufacturers use tricky terms, and it’s hard to know if a “built-in” system truly delivers satisfying low-end sound or just a weak thump. You worry about sacrificing sound quality for convenience. We understand that frustration!
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what to look for in soundbars that combine both main speakers and powerful bass drivers into one sleek unit. You will learn the secrets to finding powerful, clear audio without the extra wires or space hogging. Get ready to upgrade your home entertainment system simply and effectively.
Top Soundbar With Built-In Subwoofer Recommendations
- FULL, BALANCED SOUND WITH A SUBWOOFER INCLUDED: Immerse yourself in your favorite content with perfectly balanced sound and rich bass from the built-in woofer.
- ONE REMOTE. TOTAL CONTROL: Use your Samsung TV remote to control key soundbar functions, including power, volume and sound effects.
- EXPANDS YOUR LISTENING ZONE SO YOU CAN FEEL THE SOUND ALL AROUND YOU: Experience immersive sound that fills the room. Clear audio is projected in all directions so you can feel the action from every angle.
- SEAMLESSLY CONNECTS TO YOUR TV: Connects to your TV without cable clutter. Just pair and play your favorite content.
- PICK UP EVERY PIECE OF DIALOGUE: Hear voices more clearly with dialogue automatically amplified so you don't miss a word.
- Dolby Atmos immersive audio
- Single-body design with dual built-in subwoofers
- Clear Voice for enhanced dialogue clarity
- Stream your music, audiobooks and podcasts with Bluetooth
- Easy, one-cable connection to your TV with HDMI or optical
- Fire TV Soundbar Plus – Elevate your audio with an all-in-one 3.1 soundbar that’s easy to set up. Featuring built-in bass, crisp dialogue, Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X.
- Powerful sound with style – Take your entertainment to the next level with incredible sound, clarity, and depth packed into an all-in-one design.
- Crystal clear dialogue – A dedicated center dialogue channel sharpens conversations so you can catch every moment of your favorite shows.
- Sound in another dimension – Dolby Atmos features 3D sound that moves around you and clear dialogue. DTS:X delivers multi-dimensional audio for lifelike sound.
- Easy setup – Connect the included HDMI cable to your TV's HDMI eARC/ARC port and instantly enjoy audio that’s always in sync.
- Immerse Yourself in 2.1 Sound: Elevate your entertainment with this 100W(peak) sound system. The dedicated built-in subwoofer delivers bass you can feel, while the dual full-range speakers reproduce crisp highs and warm mids, ensure a balanced audio profile—from thunderous lows to precise highs—for a truly superior and immersive listening experience across all content.
- Sound Tailored to Your Content: Our advanced DSP technology creates three distinct audio profiles for the perfect listening experience. Switch to Movie Mode for captivating 3D surround sound that pulls you into the action. Music Mode enhances the deep bass for a powerful, rhythmic punch. When it's time for news or podcasts, Dialogue Mode isolates and clarifies speech, making every word easy to understand.
- Engineered for Simplicity: Unified Control & Multiple Connections: This soundbar is designed for a hassle-free experience. It features advanced Bluetooth 5.0 for robust wireless audio and a full suite of ports including ARC, OPT, AUX and USB Port. The intelligent ARC integration allows for seamless control using your TV remote, eliminating clutter and simplifying your home entertainment system with professional-grade connectivity.
- Big Sound, Discreet Profile, Minimally Designed: This 16.5 inch soundbar proves that high-performance audio doesn't require a large footprint. Its ultra-slim 2.8 inch form-factor is the result of precise engineering, enabling flexible placement in front of any TV, integrated look that complements any room aesthetic.
- Exceptional Support, Guaranteed Peace of Mind: Your satisfaction is our commitment. We stand behind our product with an 18-month warranty, round-the-clock online technical support, and a 60-day no-hassle replacement policy. Our dedicated team is always ready to provide top-tier assistance whenever you need it.
- 450W max output power and punchy bass without a separate subwoofer: Get a truly immersive sound experience from your music, movies, and games with 450 watts of max output power. Feel the thrilling energy of your favorite music and movies from built-in bass ports that pack a powerful punch.
- Dolby Atmos: Hear a plane soar overhead. Feel a crowd swarming past you. Or get carried away by the energy of your go-to dance playlist. Hear extraordinary cinematic sound from all directions with the 3D audio experience of Dolby Atmos.
- MultiBeam 3.0: Wherever you're sitting, you'll be in the middle of the action. Our MultiBeam 3.0 delivers a wide, cinema-like soundstage that makes every high-speed chase or epic fight scene come alive. The sound beams perfectly fill your room, delivering truly immersive, lifelike, and realistic sound reproduction.
- PureVoice 2.0: Never miss a softly spoken line or a whispered plot twist. JBL's own PureVoice 2.0 automatically raises or optimizes the dialogue, based on both ambient sound in the scene and your soundbar's volume. So you'll always hear every word, clearly and consistently, in cinema-quality sound.
- SmartDetails: Hear all the subtleties in a film's sound mix, just like you would in the theater. From a creaking door to a faraway shout, experience every detail the way the filmmakers intended in a clear, balanced sound field, thanks to JBL's own advanced sound enhancement technology.
- Straight from the theater to your home: easy set-up, built-in tweeter, 2-ch speaker with simple Bluetooth connection
- Deep sound with Bass Reflex speaker
- High power with a slim design that matches any room and is perfect for small living spaces
- Voice enhancement feature is great for TV content with hushed dialogue, or to make conference call participants easier to hear
- Easy TV set up with HDMI ARC
- All-In-One Design: Built-in dual speakers, a 3-inch subwoofer, and side-firing bass ports delivers deeper lows and expand surround effects. The 2.1ch sounds offer you a superior audio experience and involve you in the joy of watching movies, listening to music, or playing games.
- Great Sound in Compact Size: Ultimea exclusive BassMX enhances low frequencies with adjustable bass. The compact design fits on a stand, cabinet, under the TV, or wall-mounted.
- Ultimea Smart App Control: Ultimea smart App of this tv sound bar can switch multiple EQ, adjust bands and matrix. Regular OTA updates keep your Poseidon M20 Pro soundbar optimized for a seamless, premium audio experience.
- 121 Preset EQ Matrices: The Ultimea App caters to the ultimate audio enthusiast with 121 preset equalizer matrices, tailored for four distinct sonic preferences: Bass, Pop, Classical, and Rock. Precise tuning and dynamic adjustments enable your ideal sound for a finely-tuned listening experience.
- 10-Band Equalizer Settings: Enhance your audio experience with 6 tailored EQ modes—Movie, Music, Voice, Sport, Game, and Night. For ultimate control, use the Ultimea App's "Customize" feature to fine-tune your perfect sound, matching both your personal taste and environment.
- 80W Powerful Soundbar: Transform your TV into a cinematic surround sound system. This premium sound bar features four dedicated bass units delivering deep, room-shaking lows and two horn tweeters for crystal-clear dialogue & crisp highs. Experience true surround sound for your TV—a massive upgrade over built-in speakers.
- DSP & Three Preset EQ Modes: Dial in your sound with one switch! Movie Mode: Feel deep explosions & room-filling sound; Music Mode: Rich, balanced audio; News Mode: Crystal-clear dialogue. Note: Our EQ modes are conservatively tuned to prioritize distortion-free audio and speaker protection, offering subtle refinements rather than drastic changes. Our soundbar tunes each preset for full-range audio that pulls you in—perfect for your smart TV home theater.
- Seamless Connection: The tv speaker can be connected to devices via Bluetooth 5.3/ARC（cable not included）/AUX/optical interface(For detailed connection steps, please refer to the user manual and installation guide.).In AUX connection, Need more volume?Double-click AUX boost to enhance/restore the volume.
- Hassle-Free Remote Control: Sound bar is seamlessly compatible with Fire TV remote control. Additional remote compatible with Roku TV or Roku Express can be provided as per your request, which is compatible with most Roku TV brands, but not compatible with insignia/Sharp, etc.
- Split & Surround Soundbar: Transform this versatile soundbar for smart TV pops into two tower speakers for immersive desktop sound or stays as one sleek bar. Mount it or place it free—craft your perfect surround sound system for TV in any room. Instant immersion!
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Soundbars with Built-In Subwoofers
Upgrading your TV’s sound doesn’t need a tangle of wires and bulky boxes. Soundbars with built-in subwoofers offer a fantastic all-in-one solution. They deliver richer bass and clearer dialogue than your TV speakers alone. Choosing the right one is simple when you know what to look for.
Key Features to Look For
These features make a big difference in your listening experience.
- **Power Output (Watts):** More watts usually mean louder, clearer sound without distortion. For small to medium rooms, 100W to 300W is often enough.
- **Sound Modes:** Good soundbars offer presets like Movie, Music, and News. These modes tweak the sound for the best effect.
- **Connectivity:** Check the ports. HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) is the best for easy TV hookup. Bluetooth lets you stream music easily from your phone.
- **Virtual Surround Sound:** Technologies like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X simulate sound coming from all directions, even without extra speakers.
Materials Matter for Longevity
The materials used affect how long your soundbar lasts and how it looks.
- **Enclosure:** Look for solid wood (MDF) or high-density plastic. Wood generally offers better sound resonance than thin plastic.
- **Grille:** Metal grilles protect the drivers (speakers) better than cloth grilles. Metal is tougher and easier to clean.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Sound Quality
What makes one soundbar sound better than another?
Improving Quality:
- **Driver Size:** Larger drivers can move more air, resulting in deeper bass, even without a separate subwoofer box.
- **Processing Power:** Better internal processors handle complex audio formats smoothly. This reduces muddiness when the action gets loud.
Reducing Quality:
- **Portability Focus:** Very thin, small soundbars often sacrifice bass quality because they lack the physical space for effective built-in woofers.
- **Cheap Components:** Low-quality internal wiring or cheap plastic casings can cause rattling at higher volumes.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use the soundbar guides your choice.
- **For Movie Lovers:** Prioritize models supporting advanced formats like Dolby Atmos. Deep, punchy bass is crucial here.
- **For Music Streamers:** Ensure excellent Bluetooth connectivity and a “Music” sound mode that emphasizes clarity across the mid and high ranges.
- **Setup Simplicity:** Most modern soundbars use a simple plug-and-play setup. If setup seems difficult, it probably is. Check reviews for ease of connection to your TV.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Built-In Subwoofer Soundbars
Q: What is the main difference between a soundbar with a built-in subwoofer and one with a separate one?
A: A separate subwoofer sits on the floor and handles only the lowest bass notes. A built-in unit combines all speakers into one bar. The built-in version saves space but sometimes cannot hit the absolute lowest bass frequencies as deeply.
Q: Do soundbars with built-in subs actually produce good bass?
A: Yes, many modern models produce surprisingly good bass for their size, especially for casual viewing. They use specialized, larger drivers or passive radiators to push more air.
Q: What does “2.1 Channel” mean in soundbar terms?
A: It means two main channels (left and right stereo speakers) plus one low-frequency channel (the built-in subwoofer). It signals a step up from basic 2.0 systems.
Q: Is HDMI ARC connection necessary?
A: It is highly recommended. HDMI ARC allows your TV remote to control the soundbar’s volume, simplifying your setup greatly.
Q: How do I connect a soundbar if my TV doesn’t have HDMI ARC?
A: You can usually use an optical cable (digital audio) or sometimes an auxiliary (AUX) cable. The optical cable usually provides better quality than the old analog AUX connection.
Q: Will a built-in subwoofer soundbar work well for a very large living room?
A: For very large rooms (over 400 square feet), a soundbar with a separate, dedicated subwoofer usually performs better. The small drivers in a single bar might struggle to fill a huge space with impactful sound.
Q: Should I look for Dolby Atmos support?
A: If you watch modern streaming content or Blu-rays, yes. Atmos creates a three-dimensional sound experience, making sounds seem to come from above you.
Q: How important is the soundbar’s length relative to my TV size?
A: While not critical for sound quality, aesthetics matter. Try to choose a soundbar that is roughly the same width as your TV screen for a balanced look.
Q: Can I use the soundbar to play music from my phone?
A: Almost all modern soundbars include Bluetooth connectivity. This lets you wirelessly stream music directly from your smartphone or tablet.
Q: Do I need to upgrade the firmware on my new soundbar?
A: Many soundbars update automatically over Wi-Fi. If updates are available, you should install them. Updates often fix bugs and sometimes improve sound performance.