The 5 Best Soundbars Without Subwoofers in 2023

We’ve all been disappointed when we didn’t get the full experience of the TVs we bought. Five-star TVs might be better, but all too often, they’re not enough.

If you are tired of dealing with this, let me introduce you to soundbars. Soundbars are a foolproof way to upgrade your TV’s sound and get the full experience you deserve.

But with the growing popularity of soundbars, it’s important to know which one is right for your setup. Here’s the thing: soundbars are built differently. Some are more powerful with better features than others. It’s up to you to decide which suits your needs best.

Now, not everyone has an unlimited budget when it comes to audio equipment, so you might want a more affordable option.

That is where the best soundbar without a subwoofer comes in. These soundbars pack the best features of regular soundbars without the extra expense of buying a subwoofer.

The sound quality is not greatly impacted, and it is a great way to improve your listening experience on a budget. However, with the market full of such soundbars, how do you know which is the one for you?

Today, I have made a list of 5 of the best soundbars without subwoofers you can get. Let’s get into it!

Photo
Best Overall
VIZIO, M-Series 36” Surround Sound System for TV, 2.1 Channel Home Audio Sound Bar with Built-in Subwoofers and Bluetooth – 4 M21d-H8R
Premium Pick
SAMSUNG HW-S50B/ZA 3.0ch All-in-One Soundbar w/Dolby 5.1, DTS Virtual:X, Q Symphony, Built in Center Speaker, Adaptive Sound Lite, Bluetooth Multi Connection, 2022 Black
Best Seller
Yamaha Audio SR-B20A Sound Bar with Built-in Subwoofers and Bluetooth, Black
Alexa Built-In
Sonos Arc - The Premium Smart Soundbar for TV, Movies, Music, Gaming, and More - Black …
Best Budget
Hisense HS214 2.1ch Sound Bar with Built-in Subwoofer, 108W, All-in-one Compact Design with Wireless Bluetooth, Powered by Dolby Audio, Roku TV Ready, HDMI ARC/Optical/AUX/USB, 3 EQ Modes,Black
Product
The VIZIO M-Series All-in-One 2.1 Sound Bar
SAMSUNG HW-S50B/ZA Soundbar
Yamaha Audio SR-B20A Sound Bar
Sonos Arc Premium Smart Soundbar
Hisense HS214 2.1ch Soundbar
Pros

Excellent sound quality

Impressive bass

Sleek, simple design

Immersive surround sound

Bluetooth and USB

Multi-connection Bluetooth

Dolby Digital and DTS support

Full surround sound experience

Immersive sound experience

Multiple connectivity options

Powerful bass

Budget-friendly

Different voice assistants

Easy to use

Fits your room’s design

Great surround sound

Sleek design

Deep bass

Easy to use

Multiple connectivity options

Rating
Prime Status
-
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
Best Overall
Photo
VIZIO, M-Series 36” Surround Sound System for TV, 2.1 Channel Home Audio Sound Bar with Built-in Subwoofers and Bluetooth – 4 M21d-H8R
Product
The VIZIO M-Series All-in-One 2.1 Sound Bar
Pros

Excellent sound quality

Impressive bass

Sleek, simple design

Immersive surround sound

Rating
Prime Status
-
Premium Pick
Photo
SAMSUNG HW-S50B/ZA 3.0ch All-in-One Soundbar w/Dolby 5.1, DTS Virtual:X, Q Symphony, Built in Center Speaker, Adaptive Sound Lite, Bluetooth Multi Connection, 2022 Black
Product
SAMSUNG HW-S50B/ZA Soundbar
Pros

Bluetooth and USB

Multi-connection Bluetooth

Dolby Digital and DTS support

Full surround sound experience

Rating
Prime Status
Amazon Prime
Best Seller
Photo
Yamaha Audio SR-B20A Sound Bar with Built-in Subwoofers and Bluetooth, Black
Product
Yamaha Audio SR-B20A Sound Bar
Pros

Immersive sound experience

Multiple connectivity options

Powerful bass

Budget-friendly

Rating
Prime Status
Amazon Prime
Alexa Built-In
Photo
Sonos Arc - The Premium Smart Soundbar for TV, Movies, Music, Gaming, and More - Black …
Product
Sonos Arc Premium Smart Soundbar
Pros

Different voice assistants

Easy to use

Fits your room’s design

Great surround sound

Rating
Prime Status
Amazon Prime
Best Budget
Photo
Hisense HS214 2.1ch Sound Bar with Built-in Subwoofer, 108W, All-in-one Compact Design with Wireless Bluetooth, Powered by Dolby Audio, Roku TV Ready, HDMI ARC/Optical/AUX/USB, 3 EQ Modes,Black
Product
Hisense HS214 2.1ch Soundbar
Pros

Sleek design

Deep bass

Easy to use

Multiple connectivity options

Rating
Prime Status
Amazon Prime

 

The 5 Best Soundbars Without Subwoofers

Here is a list of the 5 best soundbars without a subwoofer in 2023 that will take your listening experience to the next level, all without breaking the bank:

 

1. Best Overall – The VIZIO M-Series All-in-One 2.1 Home Theatre Sound Bar

1. The VIZIO M-Series All-in-One 2.1 Home Theatre Sound Bar

If you are looking for the perfect audio system for your home theater, look no further than the VIZIO M-Series All-in-One 2.1 Home Theater Sound Bar.

This sleek and stylish sound bar is packed with incredible features that are a must-have for any home theater.

From the moment you unbox the sound bar, the quality of craftsmanship is immediately apparent.

Each element of the design has been thought through, from the strikingly angular shape and charcoal finish to the dual 3″ built-in subwoofers and separate tweeters. It truly is an aesthetically pleasing piece of equipment.

Setting up the VIZIO M-Series soundbar is a breeze, thanks to the HDMI connectivity and audio cables included. You can also control the soundbar from afar with the dedicated remote.

As if that’s not enough, the soundbar also has 4K HDR content enhanced with Dolby Audio, providing you with the highest-fidelity sound quality.

Additionally, you can take advantage of the DTS Virtual:X to create an incredibly immersive experience with room-filling, floor-to-ceiling virtual 3D sound.

Are you looking for more effectiveness when using your devices? VIZIO has you covered. You can use the all-new Voice Assistant Input to take your audio experience to a new level.

Simply connect your phone or any compatible Bluetooth device to the soundbar, and you’ll have access to all your favorite voice assistants for a truly personalized experience.

The VIZIO M-Series All-in-One 2.1 Home Theater Sound Bar is a must-have for any home theater. It provides an incredible experience with its powerful performance, hassle-free setup, stunning exterior, and voice assistant input.

Upgrade your audio system and take advantage of all these features today!

Pros
  • Excellent sound quality
  • Impressive bass
  • Sleek, simple design
  • Immersive surround sound
Cons
  • Bluetooth is problematic

 


 

2. Premium Pick – SAMSUNG HW-S50B/ZA 3.0ch All-in-One Soundbar

2. Premium Pick - SAMSUNG HW-S50B/ZA 3.0ch All-in-One Soundbar

When it comes to making your home entertainment center sound the best it can, the Samsung HW-S50B/ZA 3.0ch all-in-one soundbar is the perfect solution.

Creating an immersive listening experience is made possible by the 2 built-in woofers and tweeters. They work together to provide a rich sound that will fill any room.

Samsung doesn’t hold back with its soundbars, and the HW-S50B/ZA soundbar is proof. With the Dolby Digital 5.1 technology and DTS Virtual:X, you are sure to be pulled into the action and fully enjoy your movies, shows, and games.

The adaptive Sound Lite feature offers enhanced voice clarity, so you won’t miss a word of dialogue no matter what is going on.

Music lovers will enjoy the Music Mode feature for a studio-quality sound that lets you hear every bass and treble.

You can also switch and play songs from two different devices with the Bluetooth multi-connection feature.

What’s even better, the soundbar is easy to set up and handle on its own and also works great when paired with a Samsung TV.

Whether you’re looking for a surround sound system to watch movies, blast music, or play games, the Samsung all-in-one soundbar is your best bet!

Pros
  • Bluetooth and USB
  • Multi-connection Bluetooth
  • Dolby Digital and DTS support
  • Full surround sound experience
Cons
  • Weak bass

 


 

3. Best Seller – Yamaha Audio SR-B20A Sound Bar

3. Best Seller - Yamaha Audio SR-B20A Sound Bar

Joining our list of the best soundbars without a subwoofer is the Yamaha Audio SR-B20A Soundbar. This slim design offers a powerful audio experience.

The built-in subwoofers bring deep bass with no need for additional speakers, while the clear voice feature makes dialogue crystal clear.

For movie lovers, the DTS Virtual:X virtual 3D surround sound creates an immersive sound experience.

The Bluetooth streaming capabilities bring added convenience, as you can easily switch between two devices without having to unplug any cables.

Setting up the soundbar is super easy with HDMI or optical; the instructions are simple and straightforward.

If you want something to improve your listening experience, you won’t be disappointed with the Yamaha Audio SR-B20A soundbar.

Bass heads will also enjoy the soundbar’s deep and powerful bass that will improve your listening experience. Get it today and move your media experience to the next level.

Pros
  • Immersive sound experience
  • Multiple connectivity options
  • Powerful bass
  • Budget-friendly
Cons
  • Single HDMI ARC Port

 


 

4. Alexa Built-In – Sonos Arc Premium Smart Soundbar

4. Alexa Built-In - Sonos Arc

If you’re looking for a revolutionary cinematic audio experience for your living room, the Sonos Arc soundbar is the answer! It is the premium smart soundbar for TV, movies, music, gaming, and more.

As an Alexa Built-In soundbar, it combines spectacular performance with intelligence and ease of use, allowing you to use your voice to get the most out of the soundbar.

This top-of-the-line soundbar features an impressive design that produces a mesmerizing 3D experience. The soundbar uses Dolby Atmos and Trueplay technology to optimize sound output to fit your living room’s acoustics.

The Sonos Arc is incredibly versatile and can be set up in front of your TV or mounted for a seamless theater-like sound system.

It also easily integrates with other Sonos products, allowing you to control your entire home’s system with just a few words.

Best of all, the Sonos Arc is compatible with not just Alexa but also Google Assistant and Siri, giving you the freedom to use your preferred voice assistant.

The Sonos Arc is a real game-changer for the smart soundbar industry, fusing excellent audio performance with user-friendliness. The Sonos Arc is truly an audio enthusiast’s dream come true.

Pros
  • Different voice assistants
  • Easy to use
  • Fits your room’s design
  • Great surround sound
Cons
  • A bit pricey

 


 

5. Best Budget –  Hisense HS214 2.1ch Soundbar with Built-in Subwoofer

5. Best Budget -  Hisense HS214 2.1ch Soundbar with Built-in Subwoofer

The Hisense HS214 2.1 Channel Soundbar is a whole new world of sound! This soundbar packs a remarkably powerful punch of audio with its built-in subwoofer and preset EQ modes.

No more external components are needed; the soundbar comes with all cables and a wall mounting kit included. Now you can enjoy your favorite movies, music, and news with powerful sound at an unbeatable price.

The Hisense HS214 2.1ch Soundbar is great for both higher and lower-frequency sounds. It is especially good with audio falling on the lower-end frequencies, making it an excellent choice for TVs 32 inches or larger.

Also, with remote control and Roku TV Ready, your soundbar will stay in perfect sync with both sound and picture.

The soundbar also offers wireless connectivity to your devices so you can enjoy your favorite tunes without interruption.

No more worrying about your soundbar being an eyesore in your living room. Its modern design is worth mentioning as it makes sure the soundbar fits well with your decor.

Pros
  • Sleek design
  • Deep bass
  • Easy to use
  • Multiple connectivity options
Cons
  • No surround sound

 


 

Things to Consider When Buying  Soundbars Without Subwoofer

There are several aspects you should consider before buying a soundbar to make sure it satisfies all of your needs. Here are the top features to take into account when purchasing a soundbar without a subwoofer:

 

Sound Quality

If you’re searching for new speakers, sound quality should be the first feature you look into. Take the time to listen to different models to find out if they meet your expectations and satisfy your bass preferences.

To get the most accurate idea of how your speakers will sound, it’s best to listen to live music with them. You can also check out reviews written by audio experts to help you make your decision.

 

Power Consumption

Power consumption is another critical factor to consider when buying a soundbar without a subwoofer. If you want to up your audio game without skyrocketing your electricity bill, remember that some high-watt audio systems consume more energy than needed.

Go for mid-range speakers, as this will make sure no excess energy is being wasted. Always make sure to double-check the power consumption before making any purchases.

 

Where to Place It

Before getting a soundbar, you should find the best place to install it. Placement is important, so it is ideal to place the soundbar beneath or above the TV at the same width or lower than it.

Additionally, there should be enough space between other pieces of furniture to avoid the feeling of a small, crowded room. You can either put the soundbar on a tabletop or permanently mount it to the wall.

Recommended: The 10 Best External Speakers for TV in 2023.

 

Price

Before investing in a Soundbar, it is important to take into account your budget. If the soundbar you want is out of your price range, it’s best to wait and save up for it.

Make sure to do your research and check many models before deciding which one will fit your needs and budget.

 

Connections

Connecting your soundbar to your TV is easy if both have the same connection type, usually optical or HDMI. There are other methods to connect to other devices, such as through HDMI or Bluetooth for receiving audio from mobile devices.

Make sure your devices support the connections before using them.

 

Bluetooth

Before buying a soundbar, be sure to check if it supports Bluetooth. This feature lets you stream music from your mobile devices to your TV when connected to the soundbar.

If the soundbar you are looking to buy does not have Bluetooth, you can opt for an adapter to give it this feature.

 

Size

Getting a soundbar that is proportionate to your TV is important for it to blend with your decor. It won’t look good if it’s too small or too big.

With the right size soundbar, it will perfectly complement the appearance of your TV.

 

FAQs

 

Is A Soundbar Without A Subwoofer Any Good?

Yes, soundbars without subwoofers are good. Subwoofers are known for their audio quality and the different audio ranges you can experience from them.

Soundbars are also great at creating an impressive listening experience; some use subwoofers to improve that experience. However, you don’t need to have a subwoofer to enjoy your soundbar.

Good quality soundbars, like the ones we mentioned above, have incredible audio quality and do not need a subwoofer. They are also more affordable than those with subwoofers.

You can create an immersive sound quality without using a subwoofer. The choice of getting a soundbar with or without a subwoofer depends on you. You can test both to determine whether a subwoofer is necessary for your listening needs.

 

When Not To Use A Subwoofer?

If you’re mostly tuning into types of music like classical or ambient, then you won’t need a subwoofer. However, if you prefer listening to more bass-heavy tracks such as hip-hop or metal, then a subwoofer can make a massive difference in the overall listening experience.

It will add an extra layer of depth to all the genres that feature prominent sub-bass. So depending on the genres you are playing, the need for a subwoofer may vary drastically.

 

Can You Have A Home Theater Without A Subwoofer?

Yes, you can create a home theater without a subwoofer, but it might not be as powerful as you would like. A home theater without a subwoofer will not be enough to achieve a balanced and complete audio experience.

That is because the low and sub-low frequencies, which are essential to produce a complete sound, will be missing.

A subwoofer is a must-have for any sound system to achieve an authentic three-dimensional sound with full richness and power.

Without one, the sound would be of lower quality, as low-end notes would be missing, and highs could become distorted.

Recommended: How to Pair UE Boom Speaker – Step-by-Step Guide.

 

What is The Difference Between a Soundbar and A Home Theater?

The difference between a soundbar and a home theater is their portability. Home theaters have several speakers, each requiring cables to be installed around a room.

This makes them difficult to move, whereas soundbars are much more portable and can be easily connected to different devices.

 

Conclusion

When deciding to upgrade your home theater experience, there is no doubt that a soundbar is the way to go. A quality soundbar gives you an exceptional experience without breaking the bank.

However, if you are looking for something special, then considering the best soundbars without a subwoofer, like the ones in this article, is the way to go.

Choosing the best soundbar for your needs is important, and there are plenty to choose from.

Whether it be the VIZIO M-Series All-in-One 2.1 Home Theatre Sound Bar, the Sonos Arc, or the Hisense HS214 2.1ch, these options will allow you to take your home theater experience to the highest level.

Make sure you choose the soundbar that fits all your needs, and you will enjoy many hours of an extraordinary home cinema or club experience.

 

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Is a musician and journalist with over 13 years of experience writing for some of the music world's biggest brands. Ray loves getting nerdy about everything from guitar gear and synths, to microphones and music production hardware.

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