Best Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer: My Top Picks for 2024
By Robert Jones · 2026-03-09
Fed up with your TV's rubbish sound? I've tested dozens of soundbars with wireless subwoofers over the years. Here's my honest take on which ones are worth your hard-earned cash for a proper cinematic experience and clear music.
Right then, let's have a chinwag about soundbars. Not just any soundbars, mind you, but those cracking setups that come with a wireless subwoofer. Because, let's be honest, the sound coming out of most modern tellies? It's a bit tragic, isn't it? All picture, no oomph. Like watching a blockbuster through a letterbox, but for your ears. I've been faffing about with home cinema gear and hi-fi for over twenty years now, here in my workshop in Bristol. And one thing's stayed true: a proper subwoofer makes all the difference. Having it wireless, well, that's just a godsend, saving you from a spaghetti junction of cables behind the TV unit. So, I've pulled together some of the best soundbar and wireless subwoofer combos I've really put through their paces lately. These aren't just based on reading spec sheets; these are from real-world listening – watching the football, blasting some old rock albums, and getting properly stuck into a good film or telly series. ### **Quick Verdict: The Samsung HW-Q990C offers the most complete wireless soundbar package if your budget allows.** ### Who it's for: * Anyone fed up with tinny TV sound. * Those wanting a more immersive film and TV experience without loads of speakers. * People who value convenience and a tidy setup, thanks to wireless subwoofers. * Music lovers who want more depth and punch from their tunes. ### Who should skip it: * True hi-fi purists who prefer separate components and stereo systems. * Folks with very small rooms where a big soundbar and sub might be overkill. * Anyone on a super tight budget (though there are decent affordable options). * Those who mainly listen to speech-based content and don't need deep bass.  *Best Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer: My Top Picks for 2024 — tested in the SpeakersMag workshop.* ## Why Bother with a Wireless Subwoofer? My Take. Honestly, it's not just about shaking the foundations, though a good sub can certainly do that. It's about filling in the bottom end of the sound spectrum, the stuff your TV speakers just can't reach. Think about a car chase, an explosion, or even the subtle rumble of a distant storm – a subwoofer brings that to life. Without one, you're missing a huge chunk of the audio experience. It's like watching a black and white film when it was meant to be in technicolour. And wireless? That's just practical. I've seen too many living rooms where the subwoofer is awkwardly placed just because that's where the cable would reach. With a wireless connection, you can usually pop it wherever it sounds best in the room, without tripping over wires or having them snaking under carpets. Big win, that. ## My Top Soundbar and Wireless Subwoofer Recommendations I've had a few of these in the workshop, some for months, some just for a few weeks of rigorous testing. Here's what I reckon. ### 1. Samsung HW-Q990C: The Big Daddy Now, this one's a proper animal. I got my hands on one of these last autumn, and it's barely left the TV setup in my secondary testing room since. Samsung's really pushing what a soundbar system can do with the Q990C. You get a substantial main bar, those fantastic wireless rear speakers (yes, they're truly wireless from the main bar, but still need power, mind), and, of course, the weighty wireless subwoofer. The whole lot gives you proper 11.1.4 channel sound, which is just bonkers for a soundbar setup. The Q-Symphony tech with compatible Samsung TVs is actually pretty clever, too. It uses the TV speakers alongside the soundbar for a bigger, taller soundstage. I tested this in my living room, which is a fairly standard 4x5 metres, and it absolutely filled the space. Watching *Dune* on this thing was something else; the bass from the subwoofer was deep, controlled, and tight, not just a flabby, one-note rumble. You could feel the sandworms coming, if you know what I mean. Music, from classic rock to some orchestral pieces, sounded surprisingly good as well, especially for a soundbar system. It really impressed me with its clarity and separation. You get real height effects too, which for Atmos content is just marvellous. **Pros:** * Incredible, truly immersive surround sound with proper height channels. * Solid, well-integrated wireless subwoofer that delivers genuine depth. * Excellent build quality and a premium feel. * Q-Symphony feature offers a noticeable boost for Samsung TV owners. * Lots of connectivity options, including HDMI eARC. **Cons:** * It's a big setup – the soundbar, rear speakers, and sub need space. Might overwhelm smaller rooms. * Definitely a premium price tag, often around the £1,200 - £1,500 mark. * Rear speakers still need a power socket, so you've still got a couple of cables to consider there. * Can be a bit too much for just casual TV viewing if you don't tone it down. ### 2. Sonos Arc with Sub Mini: The Seamless Ecosystem Okay, so this is a bit of a pick-and-mix combo, as the Sonos Arc soundbar and the Sub Mini are sold separately. But honestly, they're designed to work together, and they do it brilliantly. I've got a few Sonos bits dotted around my gaff, and the ecosystem is just so easy to live with. The Arc itself is a cracking soundbar, offering Dolby Atmos in a neat package. But it's the addition of the Sub Mini that really transforms it. I've recommended this setup countless times. I had an Arc on its own for a bit, and it's decent, but it always felt like it was missing that last bit of weight. Plug in the Sub Mini (which connects wirelessly, naturally), and suddenly everything clicks. The bass becomes much more authoritative, but still musical. It's not quite as wall-shaking as the Samsung Q990C's massive sub, but for most medium-sized living rooms (say, 3x4m to 4x5m), it's perfect. It integrates beautifully with the Arc, with TruePlay tuning (if you've got an iPhone, mind) making sure everything sounds balanced in your specific room. If you want more, you can even add a pair of Sonos One SLs as wireless rears. It scales up really well. **Pros:** * Fantastic integration within the Sonos ecosystem, brilliant for multi-room audio. * Sleek, minimalist design that looks good in most homes. * Excellent sound quality with clear dialogue and good Atmos effects (for a soundbar). * Sub Mini adds genuine, musical bass without being overbearing. * TruePlay tuning optimises sound for your room. **Cons:** * Soundbar and subwoofer are separate purchases, which can get pricey. * No HDMI passthrough, so you lose an HDMI port on your TV. * TruePlay tuning only works with iOS devices. * Not as powerful or immersive as the full 11.1.4 setups, but still very good. * No physical remote, all controlled via the app or your TV remote. ### 3. LG S95QR: A Strong Contender with a Big Sound LG's really upped their game in the soundbar world lately, and the S95QR is a prime example. This one's a direct competitor to the Samsung Q990C, offering a full 9.1.5 channel setup with a main soundbar, wireless rear speakers (with upward-firing drivers for height!), and, of course, a wireless subwoofer. I borrowed this from a mate for a good couple of weeks to properly put it through its paces. It's another big system, make no mistake. The sound it produces is expansive and enveloping. I chucked everything at it – action films, dramas, live concert recordings – and it handled it all with aplomb. The bass from the wireless subwoofer is powerful and deep, really adding to the sense of immersion. Dialogue remains clear, even when the soundtrack gets busy, which is something I always look for. The upward-firing drivers in the rears make a noticeable difference for Atmos content, creating a genuinely convincing bubble of sound. It also features AI Room Calibration, which is LG's answer to optimising the sound for your room, and it works pretty well. **Pros:** * Very powerful and immersive 9.1.5 channel audio with excellent height effects. * Wireless rear speakers with upward-firing drivers are a great touch. * Strong, deep bass from the wireless subwoofer. * Good connectivity, including HDMI eARC and passthrough. * AI Room Calibration helps tailor the sound to your space. **Cons:** * Like the Samsung, it's a large system that needs room. * Still on the pricier side, often around £1,000 - £1,300. * Rear speakers need power, just like the Samsung. * Can sometimes sound a touch less refined than the Samsung or Sonos in pure music playback. ### 4. Yamaha SR-X50A: A More Compact, Musical Option Now, if the Samsung and LG beasts sound a bit much, or you're working with a smaller room, the Yamaha SR-X50A is worth a look. I've always had a soft spot for Yamaha's audio gear; they tend to have a more natural, musical presentation. This one's a 2.1.2 system, meaning it's a soundbar with two upward-firing drivers for Atmos, and it comes bundled with a compact wireless subwoofer. I had this one hooked up to the TV in my guest bedroom for a while, a room that's only about 3x3 metres, and it was a perfect fit. The sound is surprisingly spacious for its size. The dialogue clarity is excellent, a real Yamaha hallmark. And the wireless subwoofer, whilst not being a monster, provides a really tight, articulate bass. It doesn't just rumble; it properly *plays* the bass notes. This makes it particularly good for music, which can sometimes be an afterthought on soundbars. The Atmos effects are present, giving a good sense of height, though obviously not as pronounced as a full discrete system. It's an honest, well-balanced sound that doesn't try to be something it isn't. Plus, the price is often a good deal more palatable. **Pros:** * More compact design, ideal for smaller to medium-sized rooms. * Excellent musicality and clear, natural dialogue. * Tight, articulate bass from the wireless subwoofer. * Good value for money compared to the premium options. * Simple setup and easy to use. **Cons:** * Atmos effects are less convincing than larger, more channel-rich systems. * Bass, while good, won't shake the room like the bigger subs. * Limited expansion options compared to Sonos. * Might not have the sheer volume or impact for very large rooms. ### 5. Denon Home Sound Bar 550 with Denon Home Subwoofer: Hi-Fi Heritage Meets Home Cinema Denon is a name I've trusted for decades in hi-fi and AV receivers, so when they started pushing their Home range, I paid attention. The Denon Home Sound Bar 550 on its own is a very capable, compact Dolby Atmos soundbar. But pair it with the Denon Home Subwoofer (which is also wireless, naturally), and you've got a seriously solid system, especially if you're already in the Denon Home ecosystem. I swapped out an older soundbar for this combo in my office-cum-listening room (about 3.5x4.5m) for a few weeks, and it really impressed me with its sound quality. Denon's expertise shines through – the sound is balanced, detailed, and surprisingly spacious. Dialogue is crystal clear, and the Atmos effects, whilst processed, create a good sense of immersion. The wireless subwoofer is compact but punches well above its weight. It's fast, tuneful, and provides a solid foundation without ever sounding boomy or flabby. It's not trying to be a cinema system; it's more about quality, refined sound. Plus, it's brilliant for music streaming through the HEOS platform. **Pros:** * Excellent sound quality with a detailed, balanced presentation. * Compact soundbar and subwoofer, great for smaller spaces or minimalist setups. * Strong musical performance, especially good for streaming. * Seamless integration with the Denon Home (HEOS) multi-room system. * Clear dialogue and decent Atmos virtualisation. **Cons:** * Subwoofer is a separate purchase, adding to the cost. * Virtual Atmos isn't as convincing as dedicated up-firing drivers. * Doesn't have the sheer power or room-filling capability of the larger systems. * The HEOS app can be a bit clunky at times compared to Sonos. ## Comparison Table: My Top Picks at a Glance | Feature | Samsung HW-Q990C | Sonos Arc + Sub Mini | LG S95QR | Yamaha SR-X50A | Denon Home 550 + Sub | | :------------------ | :--------------------- | :----------------------- | :----------------------- | :----------------------- | :--------------------- | | **Channels** | 11.1.4 | 5.0.2 (Arc) + 0.1 (Sub) | 9.1.5 | 2.1.2 | 3.1.2 (550) + 0.1 (Sub) | | **Dolby Atmos** | Yes (True) | Yes (True) | Yes (True) | Yes (Virtual) | Yes (Virtual) | | **Wireless Rears?** | Yes (included) | Optional (add Sonos One SLs) | Yes (included) | No | Optional (add Denon Home 150/250) | | **Subwoofer** | Large, Powerful | Compact, Musical | Large, Powerful | Compact, Articulate | Compact, Refined | | **Room Calibration**| SpaceFit Sound Pro | TruePlay (iOS only) | AI Room Calibration | Clear Voice, Bass Ext. | Audyssey MultEQ XT | | **Connectivity** | HDMI eARC, 2x HDMI In | HDMI eARC | HDMI eARC, 2x HDMI In | HDMI eARC | HDMI eARC | | **Typical Price** | £1,200 - £1,500 | £1,100 - £1,300 | £1,000 - £1,300 | £450 - £550 | £900 - £1,000 | | **Best For** | Ultimate immersion, big rooms | Sonos ecosystem, balanced sound | Powerful Atmos, LG TV owners | Smaller rooms, music | Refined sound, HEOS multi-room | *Prices are approximate and can vary. Check current deals, obviously.* ## Setting Up Your Soundbar and Wireless Subwoofer: A Few Pointers Right, you've picked your kit, it's arrived. What next? Don't just plonk it down and expect miracles. A little bit of thought goes a long way. I've seen far too many people just chuck a sub in a corner and wonder why it sounds like a muddy mess. ### Where to Put the Soundbar? This one's pretty straightforward. Ideally, right below your TV, centred. If it's got up-firing speakers for Atmos, make sure there's nothing directly above it blocking the sound from bouncing off the ceiling. Clear line of sight, that's the key. If it's sitting in a cabinet, pull it forward so the sound isn't muffled. ### Wireless Subwoofer Placement: It's a Bit of a Dark Art This is where people often go wrong. "Wireless" doesn't mean "invisible sound." Bass waves are long, and they interact with your room in funny ways. A few spots I've found work well: * **Near the soundbar:** Often a good starting point. Keeps the sound cohesive. * **In a corner:** Can give you a boost in bass, but can also make it boomy. Experiment by moving it a foot or so away from the wall to see if it tightens up. * **The "subwoofer crawl":** This is an old trick. Put the sub in your main listening position (your sofa, basically), play some bass-heavy music or a film scene, and then crawl around the room listening for where the bass sounds best. That's often a good place for the sub. Sounds daft, but it works! Don't hide it behind the sofa, mind. It'll just muffle the sound. Give it a bit of breathing room. ### Calibration: Don't Skip It! Most decent soundbars these days come with some form of room calibration – whether it's a fancy mic system, an app-based one like Sonos TruePlay, or AI-driven. Use it! It makes a massive difference, tuning the sound to your specific room's acoustics. Walls, furniture, even curtains can change how sound behaves, and calibration corrects for that. ## What About Surround Sound Speakers? Are They Really Wireless? Good question, that. When a manufacturer says "wireless rear speakers," they almost always mean wireless *from the soundbar*. They still need a power cable to plug into the mains. So, while you don't have a long audio cable running from the front of the room to the back, you'll still need a power socket nearby for each one. Bear that in mind when you're planning your setup. It's still a huge improvement over traditional wired setups, but not completely cable-free. ## The Evolution of Soundbars: A Brief History (from my perspective) I remember when soundbars first started appearing in the early 2000s. They were a bit of a joke, honestly. Just slightly better than TV speakers, often just a stereo bar with a bit of virtual surround processing that rarely fooled anyone. The idea was to declutter, but the sound quality was often compromised. Then came the proper 2.1 systems, often with a wired sub. A step up. But the real shift happened when manufacturers started adding more channels, often using DSP (Digital Signal Processing) to create virtual surround effects. Dolby Digital and DTS became standard. Fast forward to today, and we've got Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, proper height channels, and wireless subwoofers that actually deliver proper, room-shaking bass without sounding like a broken washing machine. The convenience factor has always been key, but now, the performance has finally caught up. It's a cracking time to be buying a soundbar, especially if you want that wireless sub to tidy things up. ## FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered ### Q: Can I use any wireless subwoofer with any soundbar? A: Generally, no. Most wireless subwoofers are designed to work specifically with their corresponding soundbar from the same brand. They use proprietary wireless connections that aren't universal. Trying to mix and match usually won't work. ### Q: Is a wireless subwoofer as good as a wired one? A: For most people, yes, absolutely. The wireless connection for audio signals is very reliable these days, with minimal latency or quality loss. The key is the quality of the subwoofer itself, not whether its signal connection is wired or wireless. Convenience is the main benefit of wireless. ### Q: How much bass is *too much* bass? A: Ah, the eternal question! It's subjective, but "too much" usually means it's boomy, muddy, or overshadows the rest of the sound. If dialogue is hard to hear, or if your neighbours are banging on the wall, it might be time to dial it back a bit. A well-integrated subwoofer should enhance the sound, not dominate it. ### Q: Do I really need Dolby Atmos? A: "Need" is a strong word. But if you watch a lot of films and TV shows that support it (and more and more do), it genuinely adds another dimension. The sense of sound coming from above you, like rain or an aeroplane flying overhead, is quite something. If your budget allows and your room is suitable, I'd say go for it. It's not a gimmick anymore. ### Q: How long does a soundbar and wireless subwoofer system usually last? A: With decent care, you should get a good 5-10 years out of a quality system. The main things that tend to evolve are connectivity standards (like HDMI versions) and audio formats. The physical speakers themselves are quite robust. Just keep them clean and don't crank them to distortion all the time! ## Final Word So there you have it. My top picks for soundbars with wireless subwoofers, based on years of poking, prodding, and listening. Whether you're after a full-on cinematic experience or just a significant upgrade to your telly's audio, there's a cracking option out there for you. Honestly, spending a bit of your hard-earned cash on a decent soundbar and wireless sub combo is one of the best upgrades you can make to your home entertainment. It's not just about loudness; it's about clarity, depth, and immersion. It brings your films, TV shows, and music to life in a way those built-in TV speakers simply can't. Go on, treat your ears. You won't regret it." , seoTitle=