Top Soundbars with Dedicated Subwoofers for Rich, Powerful Bass

Updated 2026-04-26T16:00:49.308Z

Powerful bass is a crucial component of any high-quality sound system. Without it, movies and TV shows can sound too thin and deflated, lacking weight and depth. Many soundbars use integrated woofers to provide low-frequency audio, but this method has limitations. That's why we've rounded up the best soundbars with full-fledged subwoofers. These models feature separate subwoofer units to deliver dedicated bass, offering a bigger, fuller sound.

After reviewing various models, we recommend the Samsung HW-Q990F as the best soundbar with a subwoofer for most needs. This powerful multi-piece system offers Dolby Atmos surround sound and tight, commanding bass via its eight-inch subwoofer. If you're looking for a more affordable and compact option, we also recommend the Yamaha YAS-209. This 2.1-channel system stands out thanks to its reasonable price and balanced low-end performance.

Of course, the best soundbars with subwoofers do more than just pump up the bass. Our picks also offer clean upper frequencies, a rich midrange, and helpful features like wireless streaming.

Top picks for the best soundbars with a subwoofer

Best overall: Samsung HW-Q990F - See at Amazon

Best midrange: Yamaha YAS-209 - See at Amazon

Best surround sound: Sony Bravia Theater System 6 - See at Amazon

Best entry-level: Vizio SV210M - See at Walmart

Best overall

The Q990F is Samsung's latest flagship soundbar system. It includes everything you need for a complete 11.1.4-channel Dolby Atmos surround sound experience with powerful audio and plenty of wireless music streaming options.

More than just a typical soundbar, the Samsung HW-Q990F is like a full-fledged home theater system. This multi-piece package comes with a primary soundbar with up-firing and side-firing drivers, two wireless rear speakers, and, of course, a powerful subwoofer. And thanks to the system's Dolby Atmos support, it spreads audio all around your room, including above your head.

During our review, the Q990F wowed us with immersive and dynamic performance for movies, TV shows, and music. The system delivers 11.1.4 channels of audio and 756W of total power, resulting in a dome of wide, enveloping sound. While watching films like "Dune II," the Q990F's surround effects engulfed us from the rear, while Atmos height effects added a vertical dimension to the experience. Clarity was sharp, and the system's bass offered plenty of rumble.

That rumble comes courtesy of the Q990F's eight-inch wireless subwoofer, and its build has been tweaked compared to older models in the Q990 series. This new version is notably more compact, making it easier to place in your room, and it now uses a sealed rather than ported design to reduce rattle. Despite its smaller stature, the new subwoofer packs a guttural punch. We never needed to adjust the EQ settings from the default levels to achieve a substantial low-end kick, but you can likely squeeze out even more oomph from the woofer if so desired.

The system supports all major audio formats, including Dolby Atmos and its primary rival, DTS:X. You also get numerous connection options, including dual HDMI inputs, as well as WiFi, with support for Apple AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and Spotify Connect. Unlike the older Q990C's ports, the Q990F's HDMI inputs are version 2.1, supporting 4K/120Hz signals with devices such as the PS5, Xbox Series X, or PC. We don't love that these ports are placed at the bottom of the bar, which makes them a bit tricky to access, but they're still a nice inclusion for gamers.

System settings can be adjusted with an included remote or via Samsung's SmartThings app. However, we recommend opting for the app, as the bar's built-in LED display screen for text is so small that it requires scrolling to display information, which isn't ideal. You also get Amazon Alexa voice control and a few Samsung-exclusive features, such as Q-Symphony. That latter perk enables the bar to work in concert with the built-in speakers on some of the best Samsung TVs, including top OLEDs like the S90F and S95F.

Check out our Samsung Q990F soundbar review.

Check out our guides to all the best soundbars and best Dolby Atmos soundbars.

Best midrange

Yamaha's YAS-209 is a convenient 2.1-channel soundbar with great sound quality, a wireless subwoofer, and a reasonable price.

With versatile features and excellent sound quality, Yamaha's YAS-209 is an ideal midrange audio system. The package includes a stereo soundbar unit and a wireless subwoofer for dedicated bass.

Affordable soundbar-and-subwoofer combos like this are rare, as many brands now favor modular systems that require you to buy a separate subwoofer. Yamaha's YAS-209 bucks that trend with everything you need right in the box.

The YAS-209's design is sleek and simple, with a rounded body wrapped in acoustic fabric. The device's 2.1-channel playback delivers balanced sound across the frequency range. You don't get Dolby Atmos support, but Atmos isn't expected at this tier, and the system does offer DTS Virtual:X processing to simulate surround sound.

The 209's wireless subwoofer connects automatically, and its tall frame makes it easy to fit into various spaces. The bar and sub blend well together, moving seamlessly between registers to bring clarity to the high frequencies and a formidable punch to the low frequencies. This provides a serious upgrade for virtually any TV's built-in speakers, and thanks to the HDMI ARC connection, you can control the bar with most TV remotes.

You also get features like WiFi support for high-quality streaming, built-in Alexa voice control with an integrated microphone, and even an HDMI pass-through input, which is often omitted by many entry-level and mid-tier soundbars. The one caveat is that the extra port doesn't support Dolby Vision HDR or 120Hz signals, but it's still a handy inclusion. Other connection options include a digital optical port for older TVs and Bluetooth for streaming.

You can spend a lot more on other soundbar and subwoofer combos, but you'll be hard-pressed to find a better deal for this much good stuff. Yamaha's YAS-209 is a reliable, set-it-and-forget-it option with strong performance at an accessible price.

Check out our complete guide to all of the best budget soundbars.

Best surround sound

This home theater bundle features a full 5.1-channel surround sound system in one convenient package, including a soundbar, subwoofer, and two rear speakers. It doesn't feature up-firing drivers for overhead sound, but still delivers great ear-level performance at an affordable price.

Sony's Bravia Theater System 6 is a great pick for buyers who want a compact surround-sound setup with a subwoofer. This 5.1-channel package includes a soundbar with integrated left, center, and right channels, a dedicated subwoofer, and two compact rear satellite speakers.

That multi-piece design gives the System 6 a significant advantage over simpler soundbar-and-subwoofer combos. Dialogue sounds clean, and the rear speakers help effects move around the room with a clear sense of directionality. The included subwoofer is also satisfyingly robust, adding the kind of low-end impact that action movies need.

However, this is still a traditional surround sound system rather than a high-end Dolby Atmos setup like the Samsung Q990F. Though the System 6 can decode Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio, it doesn't have up-firing drivers to create convincing overhead effects. Sony uses processing to simulate height, but the experience is still best thought of as ear-level surround sound rather than a true dome of audio.

The soundbar connects to the subwoofer with a cable, while the rear speakers plug into a small connection box that syncs wirelessly with the rest of the system. TV connections are handled through the subwoofer, which has HDMI, optical, and AUX ports, and you can control everything with Sony's Bravia Connect app or the included remote.

That said, the design has a few quirks. Having the HDMI port on the subwoofer rather than the soundbar can make cable routing less convenient, especially if you want to place the sub on the floor away from your TV. Likewise, the rear speakers aren't fully wireless, as they need to be wired to the included box.

Still, the Sony Bravia Theater System 6 is a strong option for anyone who wants a simple, space-saving 5.1-channel system with dedicated bass. It's essentially a modern home-theater-in-a-box, offering more immersive surround effects than a stand-alone soundbar while remaining easier to manage than a traditional speaker setup.

Check out our guide to the best surround sound systems.

Best entry-level

This affordable 2.1-channel soundbar package from Vizio is a solid entry-level option. Though its Dolby Atmos performance is severely limited, the soundbar comes with a wireless subwoofer and offers decent sound quality for the money.

Vizio's SV210M is a quintessential entry-level soundbar system. It's cheap but gets the job done with basic stereo playback and a wireless subwoofer. Performance is limited compared to pricier models, but for around $170, there's little to complain about.

The soundbar is 30 inches wide, making it the most compact option in this guide. Although you should have no problem placing the bar on most media consoles, if you have a recent Vizio TV, you can take advantage of the brand's QuickFit design, which lets you attach it to the bottom of certain models without tools.

The SV210M offers left and right audio channels from the soundbar itself, along with a separate low-frequency channel that's handled by the subwoofer. Again, this is an entry-level system, so expectations need to be kept in check. But given its price, you still get a decent upgrade over most TV speakers, with deeper bass and better stereo separation.

However, though the soundbar technically supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X playback, this feature is more or less wasted on a bar with these specs. The SV210M doesn't have up-firing audio drivers, so it can't produce overhead audio effects. Likewise, its basic two-channel speaker array can't convincingly simulate surround sound. So, while the bar processes spatial audio formats, it's not able to really take advantage of their benefits. This kind of limitation is expected for a soundbar in this price range, but it's worth noting.

Setup is simplified with an HDMI eARC connection that works with all modern TVs, allowing you to control the soundbar with most TV remotes. That said, the bar doesn't come with its own dedicated remote, and it lacks video passthrough ports and a digital optical port. Optical is only useful if you own an old TV that doesn't support HDMI, and you can get an adapter if needed. On the plus side, Bluetooth 5.2 is supported, so you can wirelessly stream music from your phone or computer.

There are less expensive stand-alone soundbars, but the Vizio SV210M is one of the most affordable soundbars with a subwoofer. If you're looking for an audio upgrade with dedicated bass on a budget, this is the model to beat.

How we test soundbars with subwoofers

To find the best soundbars with subwoofers, our experts relied on a combination of hands-on testing and research. We've been reviewing home audio devices for over a decade and used that extensive experience to inform our picks.

Sound quality is our top priority, with a particular emphasis on potent and foundational bass. We also consider other factors, including supported audio formats, ease of setup, and whether they offer advanced features such as WiFi streaming, smart assistants, and multiple HDMI inputs.

We assess each soundbar's design, considering its aesthetic qualities and how well it fits into the average TV room. We then spend multiple days with each bar we review, putting them through various tests with familiar material, from movies and TV shows to specific music playlists. We use different sound sources, from streaming services to physical media, with compressed and lossless audio tracks via apps like Amazon Music. We also use each bar for regular daily listening, striving to get a feel for what it is like to own it from a buyer's perspective.

When testing sound quality, we examine several key elements, including dynamics, dialogue clarity, and tonal balance across the treble, midrange, and bass registers. To find the best soundbar with subwoofer pairings, we look closely at low-frequency performance, with an ear toward smooth, accurate, and musical bass with good balance and fluidity between the subwoofer and soundbar. Any obvious difference between the tonal color of the subwoofer and the bar is grounds for dismissal.

Finally, we test parameters such as WiFi and Bluetooth reliability, navigation within connected apps and settings, and the responsiveness and accuracy of smart assistants, where applicable.

For more info on our review methodology, visit our page detailing how we test tech gear.

What to look for in a soundbar with a subwoofer

Once you've determined that you want a soundbar with a subwoofer, there are a few key factors we recommend focusing on as you refine your search. First, you'll want to check the connectivity options. Most modern soundbars support HDMI ARC or eARC, making it easy to connect to an HDMI ARC-compatible TV and use its remote to control power and volume. 

All of the best TVs sold today have this feature, but if you have an older TV that doesn't have HDMI ARC or eARC (it should be labeled in the inputs cubby), you can often use an optical connection as an alternative. However, HDMI ARC is required to play Dolby Atmos. Check out our guide to the best HDMI cables for top recommendations to use with soundbars and TVs.

Virtually every modern soundbar includes Bluetooth, but higher-quality systems also support WiFi for over-the-air updates and better streaming quality. Features like AirPlay 2 for iPhones, Chromecast for Android devices, and Spotify Connect are also relatively standard, making it easy to play songs from the best music streaming services. The more options your bar supports, the better.

Soundbars may also offer built-in voice assistants, such as Alexa or Google Assistant. If you're interested in using your soundbar as a smart home hub or controller, you'll want to ensure the bar has built-in microphones for voice commands.

With a soundbar subwoofer combo, you'll find 2.1-channel configurations at the lower end, and advanced systems with Dolby Atmos multi-channel configurations, such as 5.1.2, at the higher end. The first number in the series represents the ear-level channels in the soundbar, the middle number represents the subwoofer (bass) channel, and the last number defines how many height or up-firing channels the bar supports (if any) for Dolby Atmos.

Speaking of Dolby Atmos, you'll pay a premium to get a soundbar that supports it or its primary rival, DTS:X. Sometimes called 3D, spatial, or object-based audio, these advanced formats include traditional surround sound channels on the horizontal plane and height channels to add a vertical element, creating a deeper sense of immersion. Check out our Dolby Atmos guide for more details. 

Meet the experts behind this guide:

Ryan Waniata, contributing reporter: Ryan is a former contributor to Business Insider's Reviews team and now writes for Wired, bringing a balance of audio engineering expertise and years of consumer tech reporting to everything he tests. When evaluating soundbars with subwoofers, he looks beyond the spec sheet to see how they actually perform in real living rooms, with real movies, shows, and music. Drawing on trained ears and technical know-how, he focuses on how well each system balances clarity, bass depth, and overall immersion.

Steven Cohen, senior tech editor: Steven leads tech coverage for Business Insider's Reviews team and has spent more than a decade reviewing home entertainment gear, including countless soundbars and subwoofer combos. He's the kind of person who dives into the details — comparing bass performance, dialogue clarity, and how well different models handle formats like Dolby Atmos. Working closely with a team of reviewers, he regularly tests new soundbar systems and revisits long-standing favorites to keep recommendations up to date. The result is a guide shaped by extensive experience, careful evaluation, and a focus on finding options that genuinely deliver strong performance for the price.

Learn more about the Reviews team at Business Insider.

Soundbar with subwoofer FAQs

Why should I get a soundbar with a subwoofer?

The simple answer is physics. Though advanced acoustics and digital processing can deliver solid bass, they're no match for bigger speaker drivers. The larger drivers inside dedicated subwoofers can physically move more air, which helps recreate the low-frequency waveforms that eventually reach our ears with authenticity and accuracy. A subwoofer is all but necessary if you're looking for powerful explosions, floor-rattling thunder, and rich, low musical performance.

Can I add a subwoofer to a soundbar later?

Some soundbars offer the option to add a subwoofer or surround speakers later. These are called modular systems, allowing you to buy extra components later.

Some soundbars, including options from Klipsch and Sennheiser, even feature a standard subwoofer output, allowing you to connect a traditional subwoofer from any brand. Others, like the Sonos Arc Ultra and Bose Smart Soundbar, require the purchase of a specific subwoofer made by the same company. Check out our guides to the best Bose soundbars and best Sonos soundbars for subwoofer recommendations specific to those brands.

On the downside, many brands charge a major premium for soundbar models that use modular designs. If you're on a budget and bass is a key factor, we recommend purchasing a soundbar and subwoofer combo from the start to get the best value.

What size soundbar and subwoofer should I get?

Size is always an important factor when purchasing a soundbar. The first thing to consider is whether your entertainment console is long enough to support your soundbar of choice. Typical soundbars range from 36 to 46 inches or longer, especially for high-performance bars with many drivers, such as those that support Dolby Atmos. Check out our guide to the best TV stands for wide console recommendations. 

You'll also want to ensure your soundbar won't block your TV screen, especially if your TV sits on a stand rather than a wall mount. Most soundbars are designed to sit at a height of three inches or less, but it's best to take some measurements to avoid any issues. 

For the soundbars on this list, you'll also want to ensure you have space for your subwoofer. Subwoofers can range from tall and slender to short and stout, so take some measurements to ensure you have good placement options. Most setups work well with the subwoofer placed on the ground to the left or right of the TV console, but it's best to have some room to experiment.

Finally, if you want a soundbar with separate surround (satellite) speakers, ensure you have stands or shelves that allow you to properly place the speakers slightly behind and to the sides of the main listening position. Dolby offers some helpful speaker configuration guides for this purpose. You'll also want to ensure you have power outlets within reach for wireless surround speakers, or long enough cables to comfortably plug in wired options.

What is an HDMI ARC connection?

An HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) connection allows audio signals to be sent to and from connected devices. HDMI Arc ports are found on many of the best smart TVs, soundbars, and AV receivers.

Standard HDMI ARC connections can transmit stereo audio and compressed surround-sound formats, such as Dolby Digital, DTS, and lossy Dolby Atmos, via the Dolby Digital Plus format.

Many newer components feature an HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) connection, an updated version of HDMI ARC that supports higher-bandwidth audio for improved sound quality. Though specific format support varies by device, HDMI eARC connections can transmit lossless Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD MA, and DTS:X tracks.

Most TVs and soundbars with HDMI ARC and eARC connections also support CEC (Consumer Electronics Control). This handy function lets you use your TV's remote to control power and volume on a connected soundbar.

Steven Cohen

Senior Tech Editor

I'm a Senior Tech Editor for Business Insider’s Reviews team. I'm responsible for overseeing buying guides and reviews for all of the latest TV, video, audio, and wearable products. I work with a team of experienced freelancers to establish testing methodologies, test products, and select the best of the best for our buying guides. My areas of expertiseMy primary expertise is in home entertainment products, with a focus on all things home theater, including TVs, soundbars, speakers, headphones, and streaming devices. I also have a background in film criticism, having reviewed over 400 movies and TV shows. I studied filmmaking and use my knowledge of video and audio production to inform my testing parameters when reviewing home entertainment devices.  ExperienceI joined Business Insider as a tech editor for the Reviews team in 2019. I became a senior tech editor in 2022.Before joining Business Insider, I was High-Def Digest's Gear Editor. My work has appeared on Ben's Bargains, Steve's Digicams, Big Picture Big Sound, and Consequence. Why you can trust meI'm not only passionate about TVs and tech, but also an expert in display quality. In 2019, I was one of a select number of journalists invited to get a hands-on first look at LG's debut 8K OLED TV. I was also among the earliest journalists to demo Dolby Atmos and DTS:X technologies for home theaters in 2014 and 2015, respectively.In 2018, I served as a judge for the annual TV Shootout, the premier display competition that crowns the best TVs of the year. I also attend yearly industry launches and reviewer workshops for new TVs and audio products from top brands, like LG, Samsung, Sony, and Sonos.I know that it’s easy to get overwhelmed by tech jargon and premium prices on high-end gear, which is why I'm passionate about recommending quality options for all price ranges and explaining which features are really worth the money. EducationI hold a bachelor of fine arts degree from the University of Central Florida, where I majored in film production.Outside of workI live in Orlando, Florida, with my girlfriend, dog, and cats. When I'm not covering tech products, I love to explore the theme parks of Orlando and watch movies on my dream home theater setup, complete with the biggest TV and Dolby Atmos speaker system I could fit in my living room.Say hi to Steven at scohen@businessinsider.com or find him on LinkedIn. 

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Ryan Waniata

Former Freelance Writer

Ryan is a former tech freelancer with Business Insider and current editor for Wired. Since transitioning from audio engineering in Nashville in 2012, his portfolio has spanned the gamut, from entertainment op-eds and trends pieces to gadget how-tos and reviews on TVs, audio gear, smart home devices, and more. The author of hundreds of articles, his work can be seen on Business Insider, Reviewed, How to Geek, Digital Trends, and others.While writing and editing are his primary gigs, he's also a seasoned video host and podcaster, having shot and written dozens of videos. In 2016 he created the entertainment podcast, Between the Streams, which ran for 150 episodes. Since becoming a product reviewer, he's been on a constant quest to find the perfect product (which he has yet to do). He feels a deep responsibility to find readers and viewers of his work the absolute best tech for their money, whatever the budget.When he's not writing, editing, or evaluating the latest gadget, Ryan can be found singing and playing guitar or adventuring in the lush green forests and sandy beaches of the Pacific Northwest.

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Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@businessinsider.com.