TV speakers can leave dialogue hard to hear or movie sound effects thin, but a separate subwoofer and surround channels add different benefits. This guide to the best soundbar with subwoofer compares all-in-one and multi-speaker systems, with attention to dialogue, immersive formats, TV compatibility, and setup needs.
Pros
- Dedicated dialogue channel
- Built-in subwoofer
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support
- Four listening modes
Cons
- Skip if you want a separately placed subwoofer
Pros
- Dolby Atmos and up-firing drivers
- Two surround speakers and subwoofer
- Extensive app-based sound adjustments
Cons
- Not compatible with DTS
- Skip it if DTS support is essential
Pros
- 3.1-channel setup with dedicated center channel
- Wireless subwoofer
- LG TV integration features
Cons
- Who should skip it: buyers needing detailed connectivity specifications
Pros
- Includes wireless rear speakers
- Includes wireless subwoofer
- No separate receiver needed for rear speakers
- One-remote control with LG TVs
Cons
- Skip if you want a single-bar setup
Pros
- Wireless subwoofer included
- Dialogue enhancement mode
- Automatic scene-based sound adjustment
- Spatial audio without separate rear speakers
Cons
- Skip it if you want dedicated rear speakers
Pros
- Wireless 10-inch subwoofer
- Dolby Atmos support
- Dialogue optimization
- Room-specific sound calibration
Cons
- Who should skip it: shoppers who do not want a separate subwoofer
The Best Soundbars by Use Case
Best All-in-One: Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus (newest model)
The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus (newest model) combines a 3.1-channel layout with built-in bass, so it avoids a separate subwoofer while adding a dedicated center channel for dialogue. Its listing specifies Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, plus HDMI eARC/ARC setup and Bluetooth audio streaming. That makes it a practical match for viewers who want a simpler single-bar installation and clearer speech, without placing extra speakers around the room. Our guide to 55-inch TVs can help when choosing a screen to pair with a compact sound system.
Reasons to buy:
- Built-in bass keeps the system to one soundbar.
- A dedicated center dialogue channel is designed to make voices clearer.
- Movie, Music, Sports, and Night modes let you tailor audio to what you watch.
Reasons to avoid:
- There is no separate subwoofer or rear speaker set for buyers seeking physically separated sound sources.
- Fire TV remote control and audio settings integration apply to select models, so check your TV before buying.
Skip it if you want a system with separate rear speakers or a standalone subwoofer.
Best for Dolby Atmos Surround: ULTIMEA 5.1.2ch Sound Bar with Dolby Atmos
The ULTIMEA 5.1.2ch Sound Bar with Dolby Atmos is the most explicit match here for a multi-speaker Atmos setup: the listing describes a 5.1.2-channel system with two rear surround speakers, up-firing drivers, and a subwoofer. HDMI eARC is specified for lossless audio transmission, and app controls include a 10-band graphic EQ and 121 preset sound settings. The additional speakers and adjustment options suit viewers who want to shape a more enveloping movie setup, provided their TV supports eARC for the stated transmission capability. Explore more audio products if you are comparing other home listening formats.
Reasons to buy:
- Two rear speakers and up-firing drivers create a more involved physical speaker layout.
- HDMI eARC supports the listed lossless 5.1.2-channel audio transmission.
- The app offers detailed EQ and surround-level adjustments.
Reasons to avoid:
- The listing says this system is not compatible with DTS.
- Rear speakers need placement behind the listening area, and the extra components make setup less minimal than an all-in-one bar.
Skip it if your TV connection or preferred movie sources depend on DTS audio, or you do not want rear speakers.
Best for LG TV Owners: LG S60T 3.1 ch. Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer
The LG S60T 3.1 ch. Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer pairs a center channel with a wireless subwoofer, targeting viewers who value speech clarity and low-frequency effects without adding rear speakers. Its listed Dolby Audio support and AI Sound Pro modes are intended to adapt playback for content such as sports, music, and action scenes. With an LG TV, WOW Orchestra can combine soundbar and TV audio, while WOW Interface allows control from one remote. Those LG-specific features make TV compatibility an important part of the decision.
Reasons to buy:
- The 3.1-channel layout includes a dedicated center channel for voices.
- The wireless subwoofer adds a separate bass component without a wired connection to the bar.
- WOW Orchestra and WOW Interface offer added integration with compatible LG TVs.
Reasons to avoid:
- The listing names Dolby Audio, not Dolby Atmos or DTS:X support.
- WOW Orchestra and one-remote features are most relevant to compatible LG TV owners.
Skip it if you need listed Dolby Atmos support or want rear surround speakers included.
Best for Physical Rear Surround: LG S40TR 4.1 ch. Home Theater Soundbar with Rear
The LG S40TR 4.1 ch. Home Theater Soundbar with Rear includes wireless rear speakers and a wireless subwoofer, making it a suitable choice for viewers who want sound sources behind them rather than relying only on virtual surround effects. It supports Dolby Digital and DTS Digital, and Clear Voice Plus is designed to improve conversation clarity. LG TV owners can also use WOW Orchestra and WOW Interface. The published listing does not specify Atmos support, so buyers focused on height effects should compare formats carefully.
Reasons to buy:
- Wireless rear speakers provide a physical surround setup without a separate receiver.
- A wireless subwoofer is included for bass effects.
- Clear Voice Plus targets dialogue intelligibility in shows and movies.
Reasons to avoid:
- The rear speakers still need suitable positions around the listening area.
- The listed formats are Dolby Digital and DTS Digital, not Dolby Atmos.
Skip it if you want a single-bar setup or specifically need Dolby Atmos height audio.
Best for a Large Subwoofer: JBL Bar 500MK2-5.1 Channel soundbar System
The JBL Bar 500MK2-5.1 Channel soundbar System combines a 5.1-channel soundbar system with a 10-inch wireless subwoofer, Dolby Atmos, and MultiBeam 3.0. Its listing also specifies PureVoice 2.0 for dialogue and room calibration that adjusts surround effects to the space. Music listeners get support for AirPlay, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and Roon Ready, making this the most broadly specified streaming option in the group. It is a feature-rich choice, but the listing does not identify physical rear speakers, so do not assume it uses the same layout as the ULTIMEA or LG S40TR.
Reasons to buy:
- The 10-inch wireless subwoofer is the largest stated subwoofer driver in this selection.
- Dolby Atmos, MultiBeam 3.0, and room calibration support an immersive sound approach.
- Multiple listed streaming services and standards provide options for music playback.
Reasons to avoid:
- The feature list does not specify separate rear speakers, unlike the ULTIMEA and LG S40TR systems.
- Its many streaming and app features may be unnecessary if you only need TV audio.
Skip it if you want rear speakers included or prefer a simpler system focused on TV dialogue.
Also Considered
The Samsung B-Series Soundbar HW-B750F 5.1 ch could suit Samsung TV owners who want a wireless subwoofer, side-firing channels, and DTS Virtual:X, but it missed the main list because the other picks have more clearly differentiated layouts or formats for the use cases above.
How to Choose the Best Soundbar with Subwoofer
Decide whether you want an all-in-one bar or separate speakers
An all-in-one bar keeps the system compact, while separate rear speakers can place surround sound behind the listener. The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus (newest model) uses built-in bass and does not list rear speakers. ULTIMEA and LG S40TR list rear speakers, which add more components and placement decisions. Check the product description for exactly which speakers are included, then consider whether your room has suitable space around the seating area.
Match audio formats to your movies and TV
Dolby Atmos support matters if you want compatible content to use height effects, but channel counts and physical speaker layouts also affect how the system is arranged. The ULTIMEA listing specifies a 5.1.2 layout and says it does not support DTS. JBL and Amazon list Atmos support, while the LG S40TR lists Dolby Digital and DTS Digital. Check the formats supported by your TV and sources, and confirm whether HDMI eARC is needed for the audio path you intend to use.
Prioritize dialogue if voices get lost
A center channel can help give speech a dedicated place in the mix. Amazon and LG S60T specify 3.1-channel designs with center channels, while JBL lists PureVoice 2.0 and LG S40TR lists Clear Voice Plus. These features indicate a focus on dialogue, not a guaranteed result in every room or with every program. Look for a dialogue mode or center channel if you watch quiet dramas, sports, or late-night TV, and check whether the TV’s own audio settings affect the connection.
Check TV connections and brand-specific controls
HDMI eARC or ARC can carry sound from a TV to a soundbar, but confirm which port your TV has and use the matching connection. Amazon describes setup through an HDMI eARC/ARC port, while ULTIMEA specifies HDMI eARC for its stated lossless audio transmission. LG’s WOW Orchestra and WOW Interface are features to consider with compatible LG TVs; Amazon’s Fire TV controls apply to select models. Before buying, compare the exact TV model with the soundbar’s supported connection and control features.
Consider bass, room size, and music use
A separate subwoofer takes more room than bass built into a bar, but gives you a dedicated component for low-frequency sound. The JBL listing specifies a 10-inch wireless subwoofer, while the LG and ULTIMEA listings also include separate subwoofers without providing a driver size here. If floor space is tight, the Amazon all-in-one design avoids a separate subwoofer. For music, check supported streaming options: JBL lists several services and casting standards, while Amazon specifies Bluetooth streaming from a phone or tablet.
How We Compared
This comparison uses the published product listings, including channel layouts, stated audio formats, connection details, dialogue features, app controls, and included speaker types. Customer feedback data was supplied as ratings without written review detail, so it does not support conclusions about recurring owner experiences. Recommendations therefore focus on the features each listing names and on the room, TV, and listening needs those features may suit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every soundbar with a subwoofer include a separate subwoofer?
No. The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus (newest model) lists built-in bass rather than a separate subwoofer. The LG S60T, LG S40TR, ULTIMEA, Samsung, and JBL listings specify separate subwoofers. Check the item description and included components if you specifically want a standalone unit.
Do I need HDMI eARC for Dolby Atmos?
Not every Atmos setup uses the same connection path, so check both your TV and soundbar specifications. ULTIMEA specifically calls for HDMI eARC for its stated lossless 5.1.2-channel transmission. The Amazon bar lists HDMI eARC/ARC setup, but ARC and eARC do not have identical bandwidth. Confirm the TV port and the audio formats your sources send.
Are virtual surround effects the same as rear speakers?
No. Systems such as the Samsung use DTS Virtual:X to create a virtual surround effect without rear speakers, according to the listing. ULTIMEA and LG S40TR include rear speakers, placing additional physical speakers behind the listening area. Choose based on whether you prefer fewer components or a setup with speakers around the room.
Can I use an LG soundbar with a non-LG TV?
The published product details do not state that either LG soundbar only works with LG TVs. However, WOW Orchestra and WOW Interface are described as LG TV integration features. Check the soundbar’s connection options and your TV’s available ports, and treat the named WOW features as model-dependent rather than universal.
Which option suits a small room or simple setup?
The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus (newest model) has the simplest listed speaker arrangement because bass is built into its single bar. A system with rear speakers, such as ULTIMEA or LG S40TR, needs more placement space. Product dimensions are not included in the published details, so check the manufacturer’s listing for bar and speaker measurements before ordering.
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