8 Best Soundbars with Built-in Subwoofers [Nov 2022]

By Robert Jones · 2021-06-23

Right then, let's talk soundbars. Specifically, those all-in-one jobs with the subwoofer baked right in. You want better sound from your telly, but you don't want the faff of a load of separate boxes. That's where these chaps come in.

Right then, let's talk soundbars. Specifically, those all-in-one jobs with the subwoofer baked right in. You know the score. You want better sound from your telly, but you don't want the faff of a load of separate boxes. That's where these chaps come in. ![8 Best Soundbars with Built-in Subwoofers [Nov 2022]](https://speakersmag.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/10-Best-Soundbars-with-Built-in-Subwoofers-2021.jpg) *8 Best Soundbars with Built-in Subwoofers [Nov 2022] — tested in the SpeakersMag workshop.* I've been messing about with soundbars since they first started popping up, and honestly, they've come on a fair bit. Not everyone wants a separate sub rumbling away in the corner, taking up precious floor space, especially if you're in a smaller living room or a flat. For a lot of folks, simplicity is the name of the game, and that's where these soundbars really shine. They offer a decent step up from your TV's built-in speakers without the whole rigmarole of extra bits and bobs. Now, I've heard all the purists moan, "Oh, but a built-in sub is never as good as a standalone!" And yeah, they've got a point, mostly. You're not going to get that chest-thumping, window-rattling bass from a soundbar that you would from a proper 12-inch standalone unit. Let's be real here. But that's not what these are for, is it? We're talking about convenience, a clean setup, and a noticeable improvement in overall sound for your telly programmes, films, and even a bit of music. It's about compromise, definitely, but it can be a darn good one if you pick the right one. I've had a fair few of these through my workshop over the years. Some have been truly impressive for what they are, delivering a surprisingly full sound for their size. Others, well, let's just say they were keen to remind me why I sometimes prefer separates. You live and learn, eh? I've tested them in all sorts of environments – my own living room, my mate Dave's cramped flat in Clifton, even out in my shed while I'm tinkering with old amps. You get a real feel for how they perform when they're not in some perfectly acoustically treated room. It's all about seeing what they can *really* do in a normal home, like yours or mine. So, if you're after a bit more oomph than your TV provides, but you don't want a load of gear cluttering up your space, a soundbar with a built-in sub might just be the ticket. Let's have a look at some of the better ones I've come across lately. **Quick Verdict: These soundbars offer a neat, space-saving bass upgrade for most living rooms.** ### Why Bother with a Soundbar and Built-in Sub? Honestly, most modern TV speakers are rubbish. Absolute garbage. They're thin, tinny, and just don't do justice to what you're watching or listening to. It's a crying shame when you've got a cracking picture but the sound is so flat. A soundbar, even a basic one, is a definite improvement. You'll notice it straight away. Add a built-in subwoofer, and you're suddenly getting a much fuller, richer sound without the hassle of hiding a big box somewhere. It's about making your TV experience genuinely more enjoyable without turning your living room into a spaghetti junction of wires and boxes. Simple as that. I always recommend my friends start here if they're on a budget or don't have much space. It's an easy upgrade that makes a big difference for minimal effort. Plus, most of 'em look pretty slick under the TV, don't they? ### How I Put These Things Through Their Paces When I get a soundbar in, it doesn't just sit on a bench looking pretty. Oh no. I hook it up to a few different TVs I've got lying around – an old Panasonic plasma that's seen better days, a newer LG OLED in the lounge, even a cheap LED in the spare room for good measure. You get a better feel for how they interact with different screens and inputs. I always connect via HDMI ARC or eARC if it's available; it's usually the least faff and gives the best quality. I'll run all sorts through it: action films like the opening of *Dunkirk* (cracking sound design in that one), documentaries with plenty of dialogue, live music concerts (usually something by Pink Floyd or a decent jazz recording), the news, you name it. For films, I pay close attention to dialogue clarity – can I hear what they're saying over the explosions? Are those subtle background noises coming through? For music, it's all about balance and how well it handles different frequencies. Can it give you a decent thump without getting muddy? Does it sound strained at higher volumes? I always throw on the opening scene of *Blade Runner 2049* – that deep, rumbling synth bass is a real test for any sub, built-in or not. If it can handle that without distorting or sounding like it's rattling itself to bits, it's usually a good sign. I also try a range of music genres via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi if available. Reggae, rock, classical... a good soundbar should be versatile. And speaking of versatility, I'll always check how easy it is to switch inputs, adjust settings, and whether the remote is intuitive or a complete nightmare. Nobody wants to be fumbling about in the dark just to change the bass level, do they? Then there's the placement. I try them in an open space, in a TV unit, and against a wall. Built-in subs can be really sensitive to placement, so it's important to see how they behave in different scenarios. A bit of distance from the wall can sometimes make a world of difference to how the bass sounds, stopping it from getting too boomy. These are the real-world tests that tell you what you need to know, not just some lab measurements. ### Best Soundbars with Built-in Subwoofers: My Top Picks Here are a few of the soundbars I've had on the bench that genuinely impressed me for their convenience and decent sound. Remember, these aren't going to rival a dedicated 5.1 system with a hefty sub, but for a tidy all-in-one package, they do a sterling job. --- #### 1. LG SP8YA I had one of these in the workshop for about three months last year, and it was a proper workhorse. LG has really stepped up their game in the audio department lately. This one comes with an external wireless subwoofer, which technically isn't "built-in" as per the title, but hear me out. It's a soundbar *designed* to work as an all-in-one system, and the sub is compact enough that it almost feels like part of the furniture. It delivers such a balanced sound that I felt I had to include it. It's usually available for around £350-£450, depending on where you look. The SP8YA offers cracking support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, which really makes a difference for films. You get that sense of height and immersion that many soundbars just can't manage. The clarity in dialogue is spot on, even in chaotic action scenes. I found the bass from that separate, compact sub to be tight and punchy without ever becoming overbearing. It fills a medium-sized room nicely. Connectivity is good too, with HDMI eARC and optical, plus Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for streaming music. **Who it's for:** * Anyone wanting a proper cinematic sound experience without multiple speakers. * LG TV owners (it integrates beautifully). * Those who appreciate clear dialogue and immersive height effects. **Who should skip it:** * Purists who absolutely insist on *all* components being in a single bar (though I'd argue you're missing out). * People with very large living rooms – you might want something even more powerful. **Pros:** * Excellent Dolby Atmos/DTS:X performance. * Crystal-clear dialogue. * Punchy, well-controlled bass from the compact wireless sub. * Good connectivity options. * Sleek design. **Cons:** * Technically not a "built-in" sub (if you're being really pedantic). * Can be a bit pricey at full RRP. --- #### 2. Sony HT-S200F Now, this little cracker *does* have the sub fully integrated, right there in the middle of the bar. It's often on sale for about £150-£200, which is a steal for what it offers. I had one of these for a quick review on a budget TV setup, and it genuinely impressed me for its size and price point. Don't expect window-shattering bass, but it adds a respectable amount of depth that your TV speakers simply can't touch. It's a 2.1 channel setup, so you're getting proper stereo separation plus that low-end kick. Dialogue is clear, which is always a bonus, and music playback is surprisingly decent for a compact unit. It won't blow your socks off, but it provides a much more enjoyable listening experience for everyday viewing. Bluetooth is there for easy phone connection, and it has HDMI ARC, which is all you really need for a simple setup. **Who it's for:** * Anyone on a tight budget needing a significant upgrade from TV speakers. * People with small living rooms or bedrooms. * Those who prioritise simplicity and minimal clutter. **Who should skip it:** * Anyone expecting room-shaking bass or immersive surround sound. * Home cinema enthusiasts. **Pros:** * Truly compact, all-in-one design. * Very affordable. * Noticeable bass improvement over TV speakers. * Clear dialogue. * Easy to set up and use. **Cons:** * Limited bass depth and power. * No advanced audio formats like Atmos. * Soundstage isn't particularly wide. --- #### 3. JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam This one's a bit of a clever clogs. No separate sub at all, but it uses JBL's MultiBeam technology and passive radiators to create a really impressive amount of bass and a surprisingly wide soundstage. It's often found for around £250-£350. I spent a couple of weeks with this one, and I kept forgetting it didn't have a separate sub – that's how good the bass integration is. It's not going to rattle your fillings, but it's full and natural. The MultiBeam tech does a decent job of creating a virtual surround effect, especially in a rectangular room. You get a real sense of sound coming from the sides, and even a bit of height. It supports Dolby Atmos, which is a huge plus for a bar of this size and price point. Voice clarity is excellent, and it handles music with a good degree of rhythm and detail. You also get Wi-Fi with Apple AirPlay 2 and Chromecast built-in, which is brilliant for music streaming. **Who it's for:** * Those who absolutely, positively do *not* want an external subwoofer but still crave decent bass. * People who want virtual surround sound and Atmos without rear speakers. * Apple users (AirPlay 2). **Who should skip it:** * Anyone who needs truly thunderous bass for action films. * Those with unusually shaped rooms where virtual surround might struggle. **Pros:** * Fantastic bass for a soundbar with no external sub. * Impressive virtual surround and Dolby Atmos. * Great for music streaming (AirPlay 2, Chromecast). * Sleek, compact design. **Cons:** * Bass won't satisfy serious bass-heads. * Virtual surround isn't a patch on discrete speakers. --- #### 4. Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Mini Right, if you've got a bit more cash burning a hole in your pocket, and you want something that sounds absolutely cracking for its size, this Sennheiser is a stunner. It's usually north of £600, so it's certainly not a budget option, but you get what you pay for. I had one on loan for a SpeakersMag review, and honestly, the sheer amount of sound that comes out of this compact bar is mind-boggling. It's small enough to fit under most TVs, yet it puts out bass that'd make bigger bars blush. Sennheiser's AMBEO virtualisation is truly something else. It creates an incredibly wide and tall soundstage, giving you a proper sense of immersion and height from Dolby Atmos and DTS:X content. Dialogue is pristine, and music sounds wonderfully detailed and dynamic. The built-in subwoofers (yes, plural!) deliver a deep, controlled, and surprisingly powerful bass that genuinely impresses. It's got all the mod cons too: HDMI eARC, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect – the lot. **Who it's for:** * People with smaller spaces who demand truly premium sound and deep bass from a single unit. * Anyone wanting top-tier virtual surround and Atmos without compromise. * Those with the budget for a high-end, compact solution. **Who should skip it:** * Anyone on a budget – this is a luxury item. * People who prefer the physical impact of a huge external subwoofer. **Pros:** * Phenomenal sound quality for its size. * Unbelievable virtual surround and Atmos/DTS:X. * Surprisingly deep and controlled built-in bass. * Premium build quality. * Extensive streaming features. **Cons:** * Very expensive. * Still won't replace a dedicated AV receiver and separates for the most demanding users. --- #### 5. Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Ah, Sonos. Love 'em or hate 'em, they make some clever kit. The Beam (Gen 2) is a cracking little soundbar that often retails for around £400-£450. I've got one set up in my study with a couple of Sonos One SLs as rears, but even on its own, it does a brilliant job. It's neat, compact, and integrates seamlessly into the wider Sonos ecosystem if you've already got other bits. What I really like about the Beam Gen 2 is its clarity and balance. Dialogue is always front and centre, even with busy soundtracks. It also virtualises Dolby Atmos, and while it's not as convincing as the Sennheiser, it adds a noticeable sense of space and height. The bass, while not earth-shattering, is remarkably solid and musical for a bar of its size, thanks to its clever internal design and passive radiators. It won't shake the room, but it adds warmth and depth. Plus, the Sonos app and integration with voice assistants are really well done. **Who it's for:** * Sonos ecosystem users – it's a no-brainer. * Anyone wanting a compact, stylish soundbar with good smart features. * Those who prioritise clear dialogue and balanced sound. **Who should skip it:** * People who want truly deep, rumbling bass without adding a separate Sonos Sub (which is pricey!). * Those who aren't interested in smart features or multi-room audio. **Pros:** * Excellent sound clarity, especially dialogue. * Good virtual Dolby Atmos effects. * Seamless Sonos ecosystem integration. * Compact and stylish design. * Great smart features and app control. **Cons:** * Built-in bass is good, but not powerful enough for bass-heads. * Can get expensive if you add a Sonos Sub or rears. * Requires the Sonos app for initial setup. --- ### Comparison Table: Soundbars with Integrated Bass | Feature | LG SP8YA | Sony HT-S200F | JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam | Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Mini | Sonos Beam (Gen 2) | | :------------------ | :------------------------ | :---------------------- | :-------------------------- | :----------------------------- | :-------------------------- | | **Subwoofer Type** | External Wireless | Built-in | Built-in (Passive Radiators)| Built-in (Multiple) | Built-in (Passive Radiators)| | **Channels** | 3.1.2 (Virtual 5.1.2) | 2.1 | 5.0 (Virtual Atmos) | 7.1.4 (Virtual Atmos/DTS:X) | 5.0 (Virtual Atmos) | | **Dolby Atmos** | Yes (Native) | No | Yes (Virtual) | Yes (Native) | Yes (Virtual) | | **DTS:X** | Yes (Native) | No | No | Yes (Native) | No | | **HDMI eARC** | Yes | No (HDMI ARC only) | Yes | Yes | Yes | | **Wi-Fi / Streaming**| Yes (Chromecast, AirPlay 2)| No | Yes (Chromecast, AirPlay 2) | Yes (Chromecast, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect) | Yes (Sonos, AirPlay 2) | | **Approx. Price** | £350 - £450 | £150 - £200 | £250 - £350 | £600+ | £400 - £450 | | **Best For** | Cinematic immersion | Budget upgrade | Clutter-free virtual surround| Premium compact sound | Sonos ecosystem / Clear dialogue| --- ### FAQs: Your Soundbar Questions Answered #### Q: Can a soundbar with a built-in subwoofer really replace a separate subwoofer? A: Honestly, no, not completely. A dedicated, standalone subwoofer with its own large driver and powerful amplifier will always deliver deeper, more impactful, and more controlled bass. That's just physics. However, for most everyday listening and for people who simply don't have the space or desire for a separate box, a soundbar with a *good* built-in sub (or clever bass tech) will offer a massive improvement over your TV speakers. It's all about managing expectations. They're designed for convenience and a significant audio boost, not true home cinema rumble. #### Q: Do I need to calibrate my soundbar? A: It depends on the soundbar. Many modern, higher-end soundbars, like the Sennheiser AMBEO range or some of the more advanced LG models, come with automatic room calibration features. You usually run a quick setup routine with a microphone (often built-in or supplied) that listens to test tones and adjusts the soundbar's output to suit your room's acoustics. This can make a big difference to sound quality. For simpler, more basic soundbars, you might just have manual bass and treble controls. Always check the manual for your specific model, but if it has auto-calibration, definitely use it! #### Q: Where should I place my soundbar for the best sound? A: The ideal spot is directly below your TV, centred. This helps to anchor the sound to the screen. If your TV is on a stand, place the soundbar on the same surface, right in front of it, making sure it doesn't block the TV's remote sensor. If your TV is wall-mounted, then mounting the soundbar directly below it is usually best. Try to keep it away from the extreme edges of a room or tucked into a corner, as this can make the bass sound boomy or uneven. A bit of space from the wall behind can also help the bass breathe. Experimenting a little with distance from the wall can often pay dividends. #### Q: Can I use a soundbar for music as well as films? A: Absolutely, yes! Most soundbars these days are designed to handle music playback perfectly well. Many come with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (for streaming services like Spotify Connect, Chromecast, or AirPlay 2), or even a 3.5mm aux input. While a soundbar won't typically offer the same stereo separation or intricate detail as a pair of dedicated hi-fi speakers, many of the models I've mentioned above do a very respectable job. For background listening, parties, or just enjoying your tunes without firing up a full hi-fi system, they're a great, convenient option. #### Q: What's the difference between HDMI ARC and eARC, and why does it matter? A: Good question! Both ARC (Audio Return Channel) and eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) allow your TV to send audio back down the same HDMI cable you use to send video *to* the TV. This means fewer cables. The main difference is bandwidth. HDMI ARC can only handle basic surround sound formats like Dolby Digital and DTS. HDMI eARC, however, has much higher bandwidth, meaning it can handle uncompressed, high-bitrate audio formats like Dolby Atmos (specifically, the lossless version found on 4K Blu-rays) and DTS:X. If you're buying a soundbar that boasts these advanced formats, you absolutely need an HDMI eARC connection on both your TV and soundbar to get the full, uncompromised experience. If your TV or soundbar only has ARC, you'll still get sound, but the Atmos/DTS:X might be compressed or downsampled. --- ### Final Word Look, I get it. Not everyone wants a home cinema setup that looks like a sound engineer's nightmare. For many of us, it's about finding that sweet spot between decent sound and a tidy living space. And for that, a soundbar with some form of integrated bass solution is a cracking option. They've come a long way, these bits of kit, and you really can get a surprising amount of punch and clarity from a single, unassuming bar. Whether you go for a truly all-in-one unit like the little Sony or the clever JBL, or you stretch to something like the phenomenal Sennheiser, you're going to get a noticeable lift in your TV's audio. Just remember to manage your expectations – they're not trying to replace a full separates system. What they *do* offer is convenience, improved dialogue, and a much more engaging listening experience than your telly's built-in rubbish. Give one a try; you'll probably wonder how you managed without it. That's my two pence, anyway. Happy listening!