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

By Robert Jones · 2021-06-23

In this article, I aim at reviewing the 8 best soundbars with

Right then, let's talk soundbars. Specifically, those all-in-one jobs with the subwoofer baked right in. I've been messing about with these things since they first started popping up, and honestly, they’ve come a long way. Not everyone wants a separate sub rumbling away in the corner, taking up space, especially in a smaller living room or a flat. For a lot of folks, simplicity is key, and that's where these soundbars shine. They offer a decent step up from your TV's built-in speakers without the faff of extra boxes and cables. 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. But that's not what these are for, is it? We're talking about convenience here, a clean setup, and a noticeable improvement in overall sound for movies, TV shows, and even a bit of music. It's about compromise, but a good compromise if you ask me. 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. Others, well, let's just say they were keen to remind me why I prefer separates. I've tested them in all sorts of environments – my own living room, my mate Dave's cramped flat, 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. 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 be just the ticket. Let's have a look at some of the better ones I've come across lately. --- ### Why Bother with a Soundbar and Built-in Sub? Honestly, most TV speakers are rubbish. They're thin, tinny, and just don't do justice to what you're watching or listening to. A soundbar, even a basic one, is a definite improvement. Add a built-in subwoofer, and you're getting a much fuller sound without the hassle. It's about making your TV experience 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. ### How I Test These Things When I get a soundbar in, it doesn't just sit on a bench. I hook it up to a few different TVs I've got lying around – an old plasma, a newer OLED, even a cheap LED in the spare room. I'll run all sorts through it: action films, documentaries, live music concerts, the news, you name it. I always throw on the opening scene of