Best Soundbar without Subwoofer: 6 Top Picks

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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The need for a better audio experience has increased as television technology advances. While most televisions have built-in speakers, they often need to be improved to produce better sound quality. This is where soundbars come in. This article will look at 6 top picks for the best soundbar-without-subwoofer audio experience to help you choose the perfect one for your needs.

Our top three overall include; the Bose Solo 5. This soundbar is our best pick because it is stylish, easy to operate, and produces the best sound quality. The Bestian Soundbar is our second choice, short of first place because it does not support HDMI connection, though its overall performance is great. Sony S100F summarizes our list of the best three soundbars without subwoofers, as it has bass reflex speakers for an improved audio experience that enhances your viewing pleasure.

Let's get started!

1. Bose Solo 5 TV Soundbar Sound System

Bose Solo 5 TV Soundbar Sound System with Universal...
  • Single sound bar provides better sound quality compared to your...
  • Dialogue mode to make every word and detail stand out
  • Bluetooth connectivity to wirelessly stream music from any of...
  • One connection to your TV. Optical audio input (digital); Coaxial...
  • Universal remote controls TV, bass, Bluetooth connections and...

The Bose Solo 5 TV Soundbar is a smart and easy-to-use sound system that delivers clear and powerful audio for your viewing experience without a subwoofer. It has a universal remote control that we found easy to program to control our TV, cable/satellite box, and other devices.

The soundbar is designed to be easy to set up and use, with a single connection to your TV using either an optical cable (included) or a coaxial cable (not included). It also has Bluetooth connectivity, which allows you to stream music wirelessly from your smartphone, tablet, or other compatible devices. The solo five also can be connected to other Bose devices, and you can control it via the Bose mobile app.

Image credit: amazon.com

The Solo 5 features advanced Bose technologies that enhance the audio quality of your TV shows, movies, and music. The Dialogue mode was very convenient as it could make every word and detail of our favorite shows and movies easier to hear and understand. At the same time, the Bass module provides rich, deep bass for music and sound effects. The Bose soundbar has a total power output of 30 watts, sufficient for small to medium-sized rooms.

Overall, the Bose Solo 5 TV Soundbar is an ideal option for anyone looking to improve the audio quality of their TV viewing experience without using a subwoofer. Its compact size, easy setup, and universal remote control make it a convenient and user-friendly option for anyone.

Pros:

  • Bluetooth and HDMI-Arc connectivity.
  • Built-in amplifier.
  • Compact design.
  • Remote control.
  • Easy to use.

Cons:

  • The included Remote is larger than most other soundbar controllers.
  • Does not support DTS audio technology.

2. BESTISAN Soundbar

Sale
BESTISAN Soundbar, TV Sound Bar with Dual Bass Ports...
  • Room-filling sound: powerful speakers deliver a round, high-end...
  • Enhanced bass: 3 inches full range drivers and dual bass ports...
  • Multiple wireless and wired connections: easily connect to the...
  • 3 different equalizer modes: fine tune your sound bar with 3...
  • Multiple Setups, multiple options: sits flat below the TV screen...

The BESTISAN soundbar is a budget-friendly option for those looking to enhance the audio quality of their TV viewing experience that does not come with an external subwoofer. It features two full-range drivers and two bass reflex tubes to provide clear and powerful sound.

Image credit: amazon.com

We found the soundbar easy to set up, and it came with optical and RCA cables, allowing us to connect it to our TV and other audio devices. It also has Bluetooth connectivity, which allows one to stream music wirelessly from compatible devices.

The BESTISAN soundbar has several different audio modes, including movie, music, and news modes, designed to enhance the audio quality of different types of content. It also has a remote control, allowing you to adjust the bass, volume, and treble from the comfort of your couch.

Overall, the BESTISAN soundbar is a solid choice for those on a budget who want to improve their TV audio experience. While it may have only some of the advanced features and technologies of more expensive soundbars, it provides good value for its price point.

Pros:

  • Three modes are included.
  • Wired and wireless connectivity.
  • Adjustable sound.
  • Sleek design.
  • Affordable.

Cons:

  • High frequencies do not sound great.

3. Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar with Bass Reflex Speaker

Sale
Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar with Bass Reflex Speaker,...
  • Straight from the theater to your home: easy set-up, built-in...
  • Deep sound with Bass Reflex speaker
  • High power with a slim design that matches any room and is...
  • Voice enhancement feature is great for TV content with hushed...
  • Easy TV set up with HDMI ARC

The Sony HT-S100F is a sleek and stylish soundbar that delivers impressive audio performance without a subwoofer. It features a bass reflex speaker for rich and powerful sound and can be wall-mounted or placed on a tabletop.

Image credit: amazon.com

The soundbar was easy to set up and came with an optical cable, and has an HDMI ARC port, Optical Audio, and USB Type A, allowing you to connect it to your TV or other audio devices. It also has Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to play music from your smartphone.

The Sony S100F soundbar has several audio modes, including voice and night modes, designed to enhance dialogue and reduce loud sounds. It also has a remote control, allowing you to modify the volume, bass, and treble from the convenience of your couch.

Overall, the Sony S100F 2.0ch soundbar is a solid choice for those who want a straightforward option for improving their TV audio experience. It has some of the advanced features and technologies of more expensive soundbars since the Sony brand is known for producing quality audio products.

Pros:

  • Bass reflex included.
  • Super affordable.
  • Wall-mountable.
  • Sounds great.

Cons:

  • Not the prettiest

4. VIZIO SB3820-C6 38-Inch 2.0 Channel Sound Bar

VIZIO SB3820-C6 38-Inch 2.0 Channel Sound Bar
  • 100 dB of room filling, crystal clear sound with less than 1...
  • Deep Bass Modules provides added bass without the need for an...
  • Built in Bluetooth lets you lose the wires and listen to your...
  • Stylish and compact the perfect complement to any small to medium...
  • Premium audio with Dolby Digital, DTS Studio SoundTM, DTS Tru...

The Vizio SB2920-C6 is the best surround sound system has two full-range drivers and two full-range stereo speakers for clear and powerful sound and can be wall-mounted or placed on a tabletop. The VIZIO SB3820-C6 is compatible with Dolby Digital sound. It is also compatible with DTS Studio Sound, DTS TruVolume, and DTS TruSurround frequencies.

Image credit: amazon.com

The soundbar was easy to set up and came with RCA and 3.5mm cables, allowing you to connect it to your TV or other audio devices. It also has Bluetooth connectivity, USB, 3.5mm, stereo RCA, coaxial, and digital optical ports, enabling you to play music easily.

The VIZIO SB3820-C6 soundbar has several different audio modes, including movie, music, and TV modes, designed to enhance the audio quality of different types of content. It also has a remote control, allowing you to adjust the volume, bass, and treble.

Overall, the VIZIO SB3820-C6 38-inch 2.0 channel soundbar is an excellent option for those on a budget who want to improve their TV audio experience. While it may not have all the advanced features and technologies of more expensive soundbars, it provides good value for its price point and is a reliable and easy-to-use option.

Pros:

  • Dolby Digital + Dolby Atmos.
  • Amazing sound in general.
  • Good-looking.
  • No distortion.
  • Perfect bass.
  • Easy to use.

Cons:

  • No HDMI.
  • Missing voice control.

5. Sonos Playbar

Sale
Sonos Playbar - The Mountable Sound Bar for TV, Movies,...
  • The mountable soundbar for TV, movies, music, and more
  • Enjoy crisp dialogue and impressive bass from wall to wall with...
  • Whether you mount it on the wall or place it below your TV on a...
  • Playbar was specially tuned by Oscar-winning sound engineers to...
  • Easily connect Sonos speakers in different rooms over WiFi to...

 The Sonos Playbar is a premium soundbar designed for the ultimate home theater experience, whether or not you can get sound from your projector. It features nine amplified speakers, including six mid-range and three tweeters, for powerful, immersive sound. The Playbar also has a built-in nine-class amplifier, which delivers a total output of 125 watts.

Image credit: amazon.com

The soundbar was easy to set up and control using the Sonos app, enabling us to play music from your smartphone. It also has Dolby technology, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi, allowing us to connect to our home network and stream music from popular music services such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon. You can add voice control by combining it with an Alexa device.

The Sonos Playbar is designed to work seamlessly with other Sonos speakers, allowing you to create a multi-room audio system throughout your home. It also has advanced audio technologies, including Trueplay, which automatically adjusts the sound to fit the acoustics of your room, and Speech Enhancement, which enhances dialogue for more precise and more natural-sounding conversations.

Overall, the Sonos Playbar is a top-of-the-line soundbar for those who want the ultimate home theater experience, as it helps to create a surround sound environment. While it is more expensive than many other soundbars on the market, it delivers exceptional audio quality and advanced features that make it well worth the investment.

Pros:

  • Excellent sound quality without a subwoofer.
  • Supports Dolby Atmos and DTS: X.
  • Has a remote control.
  • It can easily be mounted.

Cons:

  • Expensive.
  • No HDMI input.

6. YAMAHA YAS-109 Sound Bar with Built-In Subwoofers

Sale
YAMAHA YAS-109 Sound Bar with Built-In Subwoofers,...
  • Easy setup with HDMI or Optical connections
  • Built in subwoofers for deep bass in 1 slim sound bar
  • Clear voice for enhanced dialogue clarity. Output power: 120W
  • Alexa built in for voice control of your sound bar, playing...
  • With Alexa, playing music is as simple as asking for a song,...

 The Yamaha YAS-109 soundbar is a great option for those looking for an affordable yet powerful soundbar with built-in subwoofers and Bluetooth connectivity to get sound from your projector. The soundbar features two built-in subwoofers, which deliver deep and powerful bass and can be wall-mounted or placed on a tabletop.

Image credit: amazon.com

The soundbar was easy to set up and came with HDMI inputs, optical cables, and stereo ports for input, allowing us to connect it to your TV or other audio devices. It also has Bluetooth technology, allowing you to stream music wirelessly from your smartphone.

The Yamaha YAS-109 soundbar has several different audio modes, including movie, music, and TV modes, designed to enhance the audio quality of different types of content. It also has Clear Voice technology, enhancing dialogue for more explicit and natural-sounding conversations, making it ideal for watching TV shows and movies.

The soundbar also has a remote control that adjusts the volume, bass, and treble. Additionally, the YAS-109 can be controlled using the Yamaha Home Theater Controller app, Alexa Voice Control, which allows you to adjust settings and play music from your smartphone or tablet.

Overall, the Yamaha YAS-109 soundbar is an excellent option for those who want an affordable but powerful soundbar with built-in subwoofers and Bluetooth connectivity. While it may not have all the advanced features and technologies of more expensive soundbars, it provides good value for its price point and delivers high-quality audio.

Pros:

  • It provides a full range of sound that is quite impressive from a soundbar.
  • It allows for a dual Bluetooth connection.
  • Supports HDMI and 4K pass-through.

Cons:

  • The brand does not offer free prime shipping.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Soundbar without a Subwoofer

When looking to purchase a soundbar without a subwoofer, there are several factors to consider that can affect the overall audio quality and your listening experience. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:

1. Sound Quality

The sound quality produced by the soundbar is the most important factor. You want a soundbar that delivers clear and balanced sound without distortion. Look for soundbars with multiple drivers or speakers to produce a wider range of sound frequencies.

2. Connectivity

Consider the different connectivity options available for the soundbar.

Connecting A Soundbar to Your TV

Image credit: ultimea.com

Look for soundbars with HDMI, optical, or Bluetooth connectivity. HDMI connectivity provides the highest quality sound, while optical and Bluetooth are more convenient and versatile.

3. Size

The soundbar size is important, especially if you have limited space. Consider the size of your TV and the space available in your room. You want to find a soundbar that fits perfectly with your TV and doesn’t take up too much space.

4. Brand

Consider the soundbar’s brand reputation and customer reviews. Look for brands with a good reputation for producing high-quality soundbars and excellent customer service.

5. Price

Soundbars without subwoofers are generally more affordable than those with subwoofers. Consider your budget and look for soundbars that provide the best value for your money.

6. Features

Some soundbars have additional features, such as built-in voice assistants, EQ presets, and Wi-Fi connectivity.

A Soundbar with multiple features

Image credit: tcl.com

Consider whether these features are important to you and will enhance your listening experience.

7. Room Acoustics

The acoustics of your room can affect the overall sound quality of your soundbar. If you have a large room, you may need a larger soundbar or one with more powerful drivers to fill the space with sound.

8. Sound Modes

Some soundbars have different sound modes that optimize the sound quality for different types of content, such as movies, music, and sports. Consider whether you will use the soundbar for different types of content and whether it has the appropriate sound modes to enhance your listening experience.

A soundbar with various sound modes

Image credit: news.samsung.com

Considering these factors, you can find a soundbar without a subwoofer that provides high-quality audio and meets your needs and preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions that you may have when buying soundbars without subwoofers:

1. Do soundbars without subwoofers provide good bass?

Soundbars with subwoofers generally provide a different bass level than those with subwoofers. However, some soundbars have special technology, such as virtual surround sound quality or enhanced bass drivers, to provide a fuller sound without a separate subwoofer.

2. Can I connect my soundbar without a subwoofer to my TV?

Soundbars without subwoofers can be connected to your TV using HDMI, optical, or Bluetooth. Some soundbars also have additional connectivity options, such as Wi-Fi or Ethernet.

3. Do I need a soundbar with a subwoofer for a better sound experience?

A soundbar with a subwoofer can provide a more immersive and powerful sound experience, especially for movies and music with heavy bass. However, a soundbar without a subwoofer can still provide good sound quality and is a more affordable option.

4. How do I know if a soundbar without a subwoofer is compatible with my TV?

Soundbars without subwoofers are compatible with most TVs. However, checking your TVs and the soundbar’s connectivity options is important to ensure compatibility. Most soundbars come with HDMI and optical connectivity options compatible with most TVs. Here is a list of the best soundbar for Samsung tv.

5. Can I add a subwoofer to a soundbar without a subwoofer?

Some soundbars without subwoofers can be paired with a separate subwoofer to enhance the bass and overall sound quality. However, not all soundbars are compatible with external subwoofers, so it’s important to check the specifications of your soundbar before purchasing a separate subwoofer.

6. What is the ideal size for a soundbar without a subwoofer?

The ideal size for a soundbar without a subwoofer depends on the size of your TV and the space available in your room. Generally, a soundbar the same size as your TV or slightly smaller is ideal for most rooms. However, if you have a large room, you may need a larger soundbar to provide adequate sound coverage.

Considering these frequently asked questions, you can make an informed decision when buying a soundbar without a subwoofer that meets your needs and preferences.

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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