10 Best Soundbars without Built-in Subwoofers 2022
By Robert Jones · 2021-07-02
The latest TV models are smart and slim. This design looks attractive
Right, let's talk soundbars. Specifically, soundbars that don't come with their own dedicated subwoofer. Now, I know what some of you are thinking – "Robert, why on earth would I want a soundbar without a sub?" And it's a fair question, really. But there are plenty of good reasons, and I've seen them firsthand in my years messing about with home cinema gear. ### Why No Sub? Good Question! First off, space. Not everyone has a cavernous living room, do they? Some of us are dealing with smaller flats or bedrooms, and trying to squeeze in a big sub can be a nightmare. A soundbar on its own is often a much neater solution. Plus, if you've already got a decent subwoofer you're happy with – maybe one you've upgraded to over the years – then you don't want another one cluttering things up. Redundancy, that's what it is. Then there's the control aspect. Integrating a separate subwoofer often gives you a lot more tweakability. You can place it where it sounds best, adjust the crossover frequency, and really dial it in with your soundbar. Built-in subs can be a bit of a compromise, tucked away in the main unit, and sometimes they just don't hit the mark. I've been running a couple of these setups in my workshop for a while – a nice soundbar handling the mids and highs, paired with a cracking 10-inch sub I picked up second-hand. The flexibility is just brilliant for testing. You can really hear the difference when you can swap out subs to see what works best. ### What To Look For When you're choosing a soundbar without a built-in sub, there are a few things I always tell people to keep in mind. It's not just about how loud it goes, is it? * **Connectivity:** This is key. HDMI ARC or eARC is your best bet for ease of use and getting decent audio. Optical is fine, but HDMI just makes life simpler, especially with modern TVs. Bluetooth is handy for music, but you want those wired connections for your main TV sound. * **Size:** Sounds obvious, but make sure it physically fits under your TV or where you plan to put it. Measure twice, buy once, as they say. I've seen too many people get caught out by a soundbar that either blocks the IR receiver on their TV or just looks daft hanging off the edge of their stand. * **Channels:** Are we talking 2.0, 3.0, or even 5.0? More channels generally mean a wider soundstage and better dialogue clarity. A dedicated centre channel makes a massive difference to voices in films, believe me. I always recommend 3.0 if you can stretch to it. * **Future Expansion:** Does it have an output for a separate subwoofer? Most do, but it's always worth double-checking. You don't want to buy a soundbar now, decide you want a sub later, and find you can't connect one. Some even let you add wireless rears, which is a nice touch for proper surround sound down the line. * **Sound Quality (obviously!):** This is where my ears come in. You want something that sounds natural, with clear dialogue and a decent amount of detail. Don't expect window-rattling bass from a soundbar on its own – that's what the separate sub is for – but it should still have a balanced sound. I always try to listen to a variety of content: speech, music, and a good action film just to see how it handles dynamics. ### My Picks for Soundbars Without Built-in Subs I've had my hands on quite a few of these over the years, and some really stand out. These are the ones I'd genuinely recommend to a mate down the pub. #### 1. Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Yeah, I know, everyone bangs on about Sonos. But there's a reason for it. The Beam Gen 2 is a cracking piece of kit. It's compact, looks smart, and the sound it puts out for its size is genuinely impressive. Dialogue is crystal clear, and it creates a surprisingly wide soundstage with its virtual Atmos processing. It's not going to replace a full 5.1 system, but for day-to-day TV watching and a bit of music, it's fantastic. And yes, you can easily add a Sonos Sub Mini or Sub (Gen 3) later, which is exactly why it's on this list. **Pros:** * Excellent dialogue clarity * Compact and stylish * Brilliant integration with the Sonos ecosystem * Virtual Dolby Atmos is surprisingly effective **Cons:** * Pricey, especially if you add the sub later * Can be a bit light on proper bass without a sub **Robert's Take:** "I've got one of these in the kitchen, and it's perfect for background music while I'm cooking. For TV, you'll definitely want to budget for that Sub Mini. Makes a world of difference." #### 2. Bose Smart Soundbar 600 Bose, another big name. The Soundbar 600 is right up there with the Sonos Beam for a compact, smart soundbar that punches above its weight. It's got a nice, balanced sound signature – typical Bose, really – with good clarity. It also does a decent job with spatial audio thanks to its up-firing transducers. Hooking it up is a doddle, and the app is pretty straightforward. **Pros:** * Punchy sound for its size * Good spatial audio effects * Sleek design * Easy to set up and use **Cons:** * Can be a bit expensive * Bass, as expected, won't shake the room on its own **Robert's Take:** "Tested this in the office for a few weeks. Liked it. If you're a Bose fan and want something that just works and sounds good, it's a solid choice. The bass module 500 or 700 are good companions." #### 3. Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Mini Sennheiser, now they know a thing or two about sound. The Ambeo Soundbar Mini is their smaller offering, but don't let the name fool you. This thing is packed with tech and puts out a sound that's far bigger than its physical size suggests. It uses Ambeo virtualisation for a really immersive experience, and the sound quality is top-notch. It's a serious bit of kit for those who value audio fidelity. **Pros:** * Exceptional sound quality * Incredibly immersive virtual surround * Premium build and design * Can fill a surprisingly large room **Cons:** * Considerably more expensive than the others * Still needs a separate sub for proper cinema-level bass **Robert's Take:** "Right, this is for the discerning listener. If you've got a bit more cash and want the best sound you can get from a compact bar, this is it. Paired it with one of my test subs, and it was glorious." #### 4. Polk Audio Signa S4 Polk Audio has always been good value, and the Signa S4 is no exception. This one actually *does* come with a wireless subwoofer, but you can get versions or just choose not to connect it if you're upgrading later. It offers a clear, dynamic sound and supports Dolby Atmos. It's a great option if you're looking for something that just sounds good without breaking the bank and keeps the option for that sub open. **Pros:** * Excellent value for money * Clear dialogue and good dynamics * Dolby Atmos support * Easy to set up **Cons: ** * A bit chunkier than some of the others * Not as