When it comes to enhancing your home entertainment system, a soundbar and subwoofer can make all the difference. Whether you’re watching an adrenaline-fuelled thriller or a captivating Hollywood drama, soundbar systems have the power to transform ordinary living rooms into personal cinemas.

But if you’re new to the world of soundbars, choosing the right one can be a bit overwhelming.

That is why we’ve put together this list of the best soundbars with subwoofers – to help guide you through the process. We’ll provide you with our six favourites and the pros and cons of each, so you can find a system that suits you best.

2. POLK Signa S3 Soundbar and Wireless Subwoofer System

Audio Formats: 5.1 Dolby Digital decoding, Polk patented Voice Adjust technology, three audio enhancement modes (Movie, Music, and Night)

Connectivity: Chromecast built-in, Google Assistant, Bluetooth, HDMI ARC output, Optical input, AUX, and Wi-Fi

Dimensions: 5.6 x 89.8 x 8.3cm (H x W x D)

Weight: 11 kg

Pros

• Easy integration with 8K, 4K, and HD TVs
• Voice Adjust technology offers clear dialogue
• Great sound quality at an affordable price

Cons

• Lacks comprehensive EQ settings

The POLK Signa S3 Soundbar and Wireless Subwoofer System is a worthy choice if you’re after all the necessities of a modern 2.1 system without breaking the bank.

At its core, the Signa S3 optimises a high-quality, full-range driver array and front-firing subwoofer, producing rich sound quality. Dialogue clarity is spot on thanks to POLK’s voice adjust technology, so you’ll never miss a word despite the soundbar not having a central channel.

While it doesn’t quite hit the heights of Dolby Atmos in terms of surround sound, the POLK Signa S3 employs Dolby Digital 5.1 decoding. This technology can simulate the multi-directional sound stage of a 5.1 system, without taking up any room space. It’s designed to bring depth and immersion to your home cinema experience.

Sound customisation is good, too. Using the remote control, you can select the three sound enhancement modes: Movie, Night, and Music to tailor the sound to specific types of content. There’s also a distinct bass volume control.

Built-in Google Assistant and Chromecast offer endless streaming possibilities, from YouTube videos to your Spotify playlists. And to make sure your smartphone doesn’t miss out, Bluetooth is available for a smooth wireless sound.

Known for its low-profile design, the Signa S3 sits in front of the TV without drawing too much attention to itself. It even comes in a sleek, black fabric that gives the system a nice aesthetic – always a bonus! The subwoofer is also one of the shortest on our list, measuring just 31cm, so it will fit snugly next to your TV cabinet.

With an HDMI ARC output and an optical input, you can quickly connect the soundbar to any HD, 4K, or 8K TV without the need for multiple wires. Even so, being in this price range, you won’t enjoy the broad bandwidth of an eARC connection, as such there’s no support for DTS or lossless audio formats. There’s also no EQ adjustment.

All in all, though, the POLK Signa S3 Soundbar and Wireless Subwoofer System is an excellent value-for-money option that’s definitely worth considering.

3. Panasonic SC-HTB490 Bluetooth Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer

Audio Formats: Virtual Surround, Dolby Digital, LPCM, DTS Digital Surround, and five sound modes (Standard, Cinema, Sports, Music, News)

Connectivity: HDMI ARC output, Optical input, and Bluetooth 4.2

Dimensions: 5.6 x 80 x 10.1cm (H x W x D)

Weight: 7.6 kg

Pros

• Bluetooth 4.2 technology offers wireless connectivity and multi-pairing
• Class-D amplifiers ensure a clean sound output
• Slim profile allows you to position it how you please

Cons

• Remote control can be difficult to operate

Much like the Signa S3, the Panasonic SC-HTB490 Bluetooth Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer is a great option if you’re just starting out.

The first thing to note about this system is its compact design. Unlike many soundbars which might dominate the room, the adaptable Panasonic SC-HTB490 fits snugly under the TV or on the wall.  It’s a sleek, unobtrusive piece designed to complement its surroundings.

Despite the slim form factor, the system packs a powerful sound. Each of the front-facing, full-range woofers is powered by a Class-D amplifier to produce clear mid and high frequencies, even at low volumes. The soundbar is also fitted with bass-reflex ports to give the front channels extra depth.

Having said this, most of the low frequencies are optimised by the 16cm wireless subwoofer. It delivers a solid, bass sound that packs a commanding 160W output with minimal distortion. Whether you’re watching the latest blockbuster or catching up on your favourite series, you’ll feel like you’re in the middle of the action.

One thing to consider is that whilst the soundbar supports audio formats such as DTS Digital Surround, LPCM, and Dolby Digital, the limitations of its 2.1-channel system result in quite a narrow soundstage that doesn’t fully reach total cinematic immersion. But then again, if you’re a beginner, this might not be a deal-breaker. The front-channel performance is more than capable of delivering excellent sound quality.

Moving onto connectivity, the Panasonic SC-HTB490 offers an HDMI ARC output and an optical input that makes installation incredibly easy. You’ll be able to plug it straight into your HD, 4K, or 8K TV without any fuss. There’s also Bluetooth 4.2, enabling wireless connectivity and multi-pairing, so you can connect up to eight devices at any one time.

One minor drawback is the remote control’s size. It’s quite small and, combined with its multi-purpose controls, can be quite fiddly and tricky to operate.

Despite its awkward remote control, the Panasonic SC-HTB490 is a top contender for the best soundbar with subwoofer. It offers simple installation and a balanced, noteworthy sound at an affordable price – perfect for newcomers to home cinema speakers.

4. JBL Bar 1000 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer

Audio Formats: Dolby Atmos, DTS: X, MultiBeam Surround Sound, PureVoice Dialogue Enhancement

Connectivity: Three HDMI inputs (one with eARC), One Optical input, Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi, AirPlay, Siri, Alexa Multi-Room Music, Chromecast built-in, JBL One app

Dimensions: 5.6 x 88.4 x 12.5 cm (H x W x D)

Weight: 25.9 kg

Pros

• Numerous connectivity options allow for system expansion
• Detachable speakers establish an exceptional 3D soundstage
• Straightforward audio management with the JBL One App

Cons

• Sturdy competition in this price range

We’re getting into the high-end territory with the JBL Bar 1000 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer, which is ideal for seasoned audiophiles or cinephiles.

The soundbar’s five racetrack drivers have a distinctive elliptical shape that gives them a larger surface area, providing more detailed mid to low frequencies. Three tweeters in the central channel also benefit from JBL’s PureVoice Dialogue enhancement technology, which sharpens up the vocals so they aren’t drowned out by background noise – perfect for when you are watching a dialogue-heavy drama.

Measuring 26cm, the JBL 1000’s wireless subwoofer is one of the largest on our list, with its down-firing nature bringing plenty of rumble for those intense action-packed scenes. But the large size means it can be heavy and doesn’t quite offer the same level of versatility in its placement as other subs on our list.

While it may look like a normal soundbar, JBL have fitted the Bar 1000 with two wireless detachable speakers. The satellite speakers’ 2.75-inch up-firing drivers deliver commendable spatial sound and can be placed in rear channels, so every part of your living room is covered. Their 10-hour battery life gives you plenty of viewing time – that’s twenty episodes right there.

As with the subwoofer, these speakers are automatically paired to the soundbar.

We also can’t talk about the JBL 1000 without mentioning the surround sound formats. Dolby Atoms, DTS:X, and Multibeam technologies collaborate to offer an authentic, multi-dimensional soundstage that truly replicates the feeling of being in the cinema. Built-in sound calibration will also tailor the sound to suit the unique acoustics of your living room.

It’s worth noting that while the height reproduction isn’t as strong as its counterpart, the JBL 1300, this soundbar has all the tools to give you a memorable viewing experience.

The JBL One app also lets you adjust the EQ settings, so you customise the bass and treble output to suit your unique tastes. Additionally, the app lets you keep tabs on the connection status and battery level of the speakers.

Broad connectivity is also a plus. An HDMI eARC output will give you smooth audio transmission, while an additional three HDMI inputs support HDR10 and Dolby Vision formats, so you can connect to your games console and Blu-ray player.

Wireless pairing hasn’t been forgotten, either. With integrated Bluetooth 5.0 you can stream music straight from your smart device in high-quality aptxHD audio. The Bar 100’s Wi-Fi connectivity also allows for automatic software updates, which makes it a great long-term option.

The compatibility with Alexa Multi-Room Music and Chromecast gives you access to over 300 streaming services, providing an endless amount of content, ranging from internet radio to podcasts.

With all these high-quality features, it’s only natural that the JBL Bar 100 demands a high price. But for everything you get, it’s well worth the investment.

5. Yamaha True X SR-X50A Surround Sound System

Audio Formats: Dolby Atmos, Clear Voice technology, Bass Extension, Dolby Digital, and four sound modes (Stereo, Movie, Standard, and Game)

Connectivity: HDMI eARC/ARC, optical, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, Alexa Built-in, Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, Tidal Connect, and Yamaha Sound Bar Controller app

Dimensions:  6.3 x 101.5 x 11.2 cm (H x W x D)

Weight: 13.43 kg

Pros

• Exceptional sound quality for an engaging experience
• Impressive synergy between the soundbar and subwoofer
• Well-built design fits in well in large living spaces

Cons

• Sacrifices DTS:X audio support

Deriving from years of groundbreaking audio expertise, the 4.1.2 setup of the Yamaha True X SR-X50A Surround Sound System has been acclaimed for pairing exceptional sound quality with user convenience.

Its True X 50A Soundbar features two upward-firing racetrack drivers that enable true Dolby Atmos extension, so the output covers a lot of ground. The front-firing channels benefit from the Clear Voice technology, making dialogue crystal-clear even in the most action-packed of scenes. The True X 50A even features two built-in subwoofer cones to bring excellent extension to the low-end frequencies.

Complementing the soundbar is a 16cm wireless subwoofer, providing a robust power output of 100W to enable a precise, commanding bass sound. To connect the subwoofer to the soundbar, all you need to do is press the ‘Pairing’ button on the back of the sub and enjoy its vibrant sound from anywhere in the room.

There is one caveat, though. The system lacks support for DTS:X, a prevalent feature in many high-end soundbars, which limits the soundbar’s surround sound capabilities.

Nonetheless, the system more than makes up for it with the two True X 1A Wireless Speakers. With a height of only 11cm, these satellites offer countless placement options and make strides in sound dispersion thanks to their 55mm driver and dual passive radiators.

When fully charged on the CC-T1A Cradles, the True X 1A speakers boast a 12-hour battery life and can be played in any room in the house when solo mode is selected. Their IP67 waterproof rating means you can even play your music in your garden.

The soundbar’s durable acoustic cloth, alongside its 6.3cm height, gives it a premium look without impeding your view of the TV, despite being one of the tallest soundbars on this list. The subwoofer, meanwhile, offers a vinyl-wrapped MDF enclosure for a high-class aesthetic.

The HDMI eARC connection distributes top-notch audio with minimal distortion to your TV through one single cable. It may be a standard inclusion for soundbars at this price point, but you would notice the difference without it.

While the soundbar might not include Yamaha’s own MusicCast system, it still includes Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth 5.0 for an exquisite wireless sound. The support for built-in streaming apps such as Spotify and Tidal Connect then gives you direct access to all your playlists.

Additionally, the Yamaha Sound Bar Controller app, available for free on IOS and Android, is great for controlling the volume, balancing the subwoofer output, and selecting a bespoke sound mode (Stereo, Standard, Movie, or Game). There are also built-in microphones that let you take advantage of the integrated Amazon Alexa voice assistant.

The True X SR-X50A is a standout example of Yamaha’s prowess in cinematic audio. If you want to discover more, check out the video below.

6. Sonos Arc & Sub (Gen3)

Audio Formats: Dolby Atmos, Trueplay, Dolby Digital Plus, Multichannel PCM, DTS and DTS Digital Surround

Connectivity: HDMI eARC/ARC, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Apple Airplay 2, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, Sonos 2 App

Dimensions: 8.7 x 114.2 x 11.6 cm (H x W x D)

Weight: 23.25 kg

Pros

• Superior audio performance cements it as a stand-out option at this price point
• Upward-firing drivers provide a genuine three-dimensional Dolby Atmos audio experience
• Perfect all-round home entertainment speaker, works great for both film/TV viewing and music listening

Cons

• Subwoofer is quite expensive

For our final pick, we have the first-class Sonos ARC & Sub (Gen 3). This all-in-one soundbar system is designed for bigger TVs in larger living spaces, so you can enjoy authentic home cinema viewing.

Being the second soundbar system from Sonos on our list, we should mention that the ARC & Sub (Gen 3) takes the Dolby Atmos performance to a much higher level than the Entertainment Set with Beam.

The soundbar’s 11 class-D amplifiers individually boost eight elliptical woofers (two overhead, four at the front, and one on each end) and three angled tweeters to spread out sounds in all directions with extreme detail. A 273-degree grille is what houses the drivers and helps improve sound dispersion, so you can get the full 3D Dolby Atmos soundstage. This is truly one of the best-performing soundbars in its price bracket.

The Gen3 Subwoofer uses a pair of force-cancelling drivers, positioned face to face, to ensure a thundering bass with minimal distortion. Coupled with level adjustment and automatic equalisation, this subwoofer delivers the perfect bass sound to complement the ARC.

Another thing to add, as with the entertainment set, the subwoofer distributes a clear wireless sound through a 5GHz Wi-Fi connection, whether it’s positioned upright or laid flat.

Despite the absence of surround speakers, the Sonos ARC & Sub provides fantastic system expansion options. Using the Sonos S2 App, you can sync the ARC with separate Sonos speakers such as the Ones, One SLs, and Era 300s. From here, you can choose to place them in the rear left/right channels or in another room to create a home music network.

While we’re on the topic, the Sonos S2 app covers all the bases you need to control the playback. You can alter the volume, skip songs, and access all your music from Spotify and Tidal. Or, as with the Entertainment set, there’s also the option to manage the system through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice control.

At 114cm wide, the soundbar should be typically used alongside larger TVs around the 55-inch mark. While this could take up a lot of space on your cabinet, you also have the option of mounting the ARC on your wall, if needed. The ARC and Sub (Gen 3) both come in black and white matte finishes.

In terms of connectivity, the soundbar is identical to the Sonos BEAM. You can connect to your TV using the HDMI eARC output, however, there is no passthrough port which means certain hi-res audio formats are overlooked.

One thing’s for sure though, when it comes to sound quality, the ARC and Sub (Gen 3) have very few opponents. If you’re an avid cinephile who prioritises Dolby Atmos and superior surround sound, this system would be ideal for you.