10 Best Soundbars without Built-in Subwoofers 2022
By Robert Jones · 2021-07-02
Right, listen up. We're talking soundbars today, specifically the ones that *don't* come with a built-in subwoofer. I've seen plenty of reasons why going without a dedicated sub can be the smarter choice for a proper home cinema setup.
Right, listen up. We're talking soundbars today. Not just any old soundbars, mind you, but the ones that *don't* come with a built-in subwoofer. I know, I know. Some of you are probably thinking, "Robert, what's the point of that?" And fair enough, it's a question I hear a lot. But trust me, there's a method to the madness, and it's often the smarter choice for a proper home cinema setup. **Quick Verdict: A separate sub often beats an integrated one for flexibility and proper bass.** I've been tinkering with home audio for over two decades now, and I've seen countless setups. What I've learned is that sometimes, less *is* more, especially when "less" means a more refined and adaptable system. A standalone soundbar gives you control, plain and simple. It lets you craft the sound to your room, your tastes, and your budget without being shackled by a compromised all-in-one unit.  *10 Best Soundbars without Built-in Subwoofers 2022 — tested in the SpeakersMag workshop.* ## Why Ditch the Built-In Sub? Plenty of Good Reasons, Mate Let's get into why I often champion the soundbar-only approach. It's not just about being contrary, though I do enjoy a good debate. It's practical, it's sensible, and it often leads to better sound. ### Space, Glorious Space First off, space. This is a big one for most folk. Not everyone lives in a sprawling detached house with a dedicated media room, do they? Many of us are in flats, terraced houses, or just have a smaller living room where every square inch counts. Trying to shoehorn in a bulky soundbar *with* an integrated sub can be a right pain. They often end up being chunkier than you'd like, or they just don't fit neatly under your TV. A soundbar without an integrated sub tends to be slimmer, more discreet. It sits there, does its job, and doesn't make a song and dance about it. You can place it on a TV stand, mount it to the wall, and it just blends in. Neat and tidy, that's what we're after. ### The Subwoofer You Already Own Then there's the scenario where you've already got a perfectly good subwoofer. Maybe you've upgraded your main speakers over the years, but your old REL or BK subs are still chugging along beautifully. Why on earth would you want another dinky sub-driver crammed into a soundbar, especially when your existing one likely blows it out of the water? It's redundant. It's wasteful. And frankly, it's just more clutter. I've got a cracking SVS SB-1000 in my setup at home that's seen a fair few upgrades around it. No way I'm swapping that out for some integrated nonsense. Pairing a decent soundbar with a dedicated, quality subwoofer you already own is often the smartest move for your ears and your wallet. ### Control and Optimisation This is where an engineer like myself really perks up. Integrating a separate subwoofer gives you a massive amount of tweakability. You can place the sub exactly where it sounds best in your room – and believe me, sub placement makes a *huge* difference. Stick it in a corner, out in the open, near a wall... every room is different. Experimentation is key. With a separate sub, you can also adjust the crossover frequency, phase, and gain independently. This means you can truly dial it in with your soundbar, making sure the bass transitions smoothly and naturally without any obvious holes or bloatedness. Built-in subs are a compromise; they're stuck in one spot, and their acoustic integration is often fixed. You get what you're given, and that's rarely optimal. I've spent countless hours trying to get integrated subs to play nice in various rooms; it's often a losing battle. I've had a couple of soundbars running in the workshop for months now, paired with different subs. The flexibility to swap out subs – an old Q Acoustics, a new Monitor Audio – and fine-tune them individually is just invaluable for testing. You really hear how a good soundbar handles the mids and highs, and how a properly integrated sub completes the picture. ## What to Look For: My Essentials for a Sub-Less Soundbar Right, so you're convinced. You're going for a soundbar without an integrated sub. Good choice! But now, what exactly should you be looking for? It's not just about which one makes the loudest noise, is it? Here's my checklist, honed over years of listening, poking, and prodding. ### Connectivity: Don't Skimp Here This is non-negotiable. HDMI ARC or, even better, eARC, is your absolute best bet. It's for ease of use, getting proper high-resolution audio formats (especially with eARC), and generally making life simpler with modern tellies. One cable for audio and control? Yes please. Optical is okay, it'll get sound to your bar, but it's older tech and won't handle the latest surround formats. Bluetooth is handy for quickly streaming tunes from your phone, but it's definitely not what you want for your main TV audio. Make sure it's got those proper wired connections. ### Size and Placement: Measure Twice, Swear Once Sounds daft, but you'd be amazed how many people forget this. Get the tape measure out! Make sure the soundbar will physically fit under your TV, or wherever you plan to put it. You don't want it blocking the bottom of the screen, or worse, the TV's infra-red receiver for your remote. I've seen it countless times – someone buys a monster soundbar, gets it home, and then can't use their TV remote without standing on one leg and waving their arm about like a lunatic. Also, consider wall mounting if your TV is on the wall. Some soundbars come with brackets, others don't. ### Channels: The More the Merrier (Often) Are we talking 2.0 (stereo), 3.0 (stereo with a dedicated centre channel), or even 5.0? Generally, more channels mean a wider, more immersive soundstage and, crucially, better dialogue clarity. A dedicated centre channel is an absolute godsend for films and TV shows. Voices sound anchored to the screen, clear and distinct, rather than getting lost in the background noise. If you can stretch to a 3.0 bar, I'd always recommend it. Some even boast 5.0 (left, centre, right, plus two surrounds), creating a wider front stage, but remember, without rear speakers, it's still a bit of a trick. ### Future Expansion: Planning Ahead This is key for a sub-less soundbar. Does it have a dedicated subwoofer output? Most good ones do, but it's always, always worth double-checking. You don't want to buy a soundbar now, decide you want to add a proper sub down the line, and then find you're stuck with no way to connect it. Some systems even offer the option to add wireless rear speakers later for a proper surround sound experience. This modularity means your setup can grow with your needs and budget, which is a sensible approach. ### Sound Quality: Trust Your Ears (and Mine) This is the big one, isn't it? Ultimately, you want something that sounds good. Natural, clear dialogue, decent detail in the treble, and a well-balanced mid-range. Without a sub, you'll be relying on the soundbar's own drivers for all the bass, so while it won't shake the room, it should at least sound full and not thin. I'm looking for clarity and musicality. Don't expect window-rattling bass from a soundbar on its own, but it should deliver a pleasing and articulate sound that's a massive step up from your TV's built-in speakers. ## My Top Picks for Soundbars Without Integrated Subs Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. I've tested a fair few of these over the years. These are the ones that have stood out for various reasons – sound quality, connectivity, features, and overall value. Remember, prices are approximate and can vary, so always shop around. ### 1. Sonos Beam Gen 2 (£449) I've always had a soft spot for Sonos for its sheer usability, and the Beam Gen 2 is a cracker. It's compact, incredibly easy to set up, and it sounds much bigger than it looks. It boasts HDMI eARC, which is great for higher-bandwidth audio, and it supports Dolby Atmos through virtualisation. While it won't give you discrete overhead effects, it does add a real sense of height and space. * **Why I like it:** The sound is wonderfully balanced and clear, especially dialogue. The Sonos ecosystem is rock-solid for multi-room audio, and you can easily add a Sonos Sub Mini or Sub (Gen 3) later, plus Sonos One SL rears for a proper surround system. It's just so user-friendly. * **Who it's for:** Anyone who wants superb sound quality, effortless setup, multi-room capabilities, and the option to expand later. Sonos users, obviously. * **Who should skip it:** If you want a full, physical surround sound experience from the off, or if you're on a tight budget and don't want to buy into the Sonos ecosystem. #### Pros: * Excellent sound quality for its size * HDMI eARC for advanced audio formats * Super easy setup and app control * Expandable with Sonos subs and rears * Compact and discreet design #### Cons: * Virtual Dolby Atmos isn't as convincing as discrete channels * Can be pricey once you start adding other Sonos components * No other physical audio inputs apart from HDMI ### 2. Bose Smart Soundbar 600 (£499) Bose has always had its own way of doing things, and the Smart Soundbar 600 is a good example. It's another compact bar that punches above its weight, particularly with its spatial audio processing. It uses a combination of forward-firing, side-firing, and upward-firing drivers to create a surprisingly wide soundstage and a decent stab at Dolby Atmos. Dialogue is crisp, and music sounds energetic. * **Why I like it:** Its ability to create a sense of immersion from such a small form factor is impressive. The sound is lively and engaging, and it integrates well into the Bose smart home ecosystem. It's also got HDMI eARC. * **Who it's for:** Those who prioritise a wide, immersive sound from a compact bar, especially in smaller rooms. Bose fans will feel right at home. * **Who should skip it:** If you prefer a more neutral sound signature, or if you're not keen on proprietary expansion options (Bose subs and rears only). #### Pros: * Impressive spatial audio and virtual Atmos for its size * Clear dialogue and energetic sound * HDMI eARC connectivity * Sleek, premium design #### Cons: * Bass can be a bit lacking without a separate sub (understandably) * Proprietary ecosystem for expansion * A bit on the expensive side for a compact bar without a sub ### 3. Yamaha SR-B20A (£229) Now, if you're looking for something that offers serious value without breaking the bank, the Yamaha SR-B20A is a strong contender. Yamaha knows a thing or two about audio, and this bar delivers a surprisingly full sound for its price. It's a 2.1-channel design, but without an external sub, you're just getting the main bar's drivers for bass. It does a decent job with simulated surround sound modes too. * **Why I like it:** It's a cracking entry-level soundbar. The sound is clear and dynamic, and it offers plenty of sound modes to tailor the audio. It's got HDMI ARC and optical inputs, covering the basics well. Good build quality for the price too. * **Who it's for:** Those on a tighter budget who still want a significant upgrade over TV speakers and plan to add their own sub later. Great for a secondary TV or a smaller room. * **Who should skip it:** If you demand cutting-edge features like eARC or virtual Atmos, or if you want a system that's easily expandable with official wireless rears. #### Pros: * Excellent value for money * Clear and dynamic sound * HDMI ARC and optical inputs * Slim and unobtrusive design #### Cons: * No eARC or advanced virtual surround features * Bass is limited without a sub (as expected) * Not part of a wider expandable ecosystem ### 4. Sony HT-A5000 (£899) Alright, for those with a bit more cash to splash, the Sony HT-A5000 is a seriously capable piece of kit. This is a 5.1.2-channel bar, meaning it has dedicated upward-firing drivers for proper Dolby Atmos and DTS:X height effects. The soundstage is enormous, and it can create a truly immersive experience, even without a sub. It features Sony's 360 Spatial Sound Mapping technology when paired with optional wireless rears, which is genuinely impressive. * **Why I like it:** The sheer scale and detail of the sound are fantastic. The discrete up-firing drivers make a real difference for Atmos. It's packed with features, including multiple HDMI inputs (one with eARC), and it's part of a very flexible modular system with optional subs and rears. * **Who it's for:** Home cinema enthusiasts who want a premium, expandable soundbar capable of genuine height effects and a massive soundstage, without having to buy the sub straight away. Those who appreciate Sony's audio processing. * **Who should skip it:** If your budget is tighter, or if you don't have space for a larger soundbar. If you're not bothered about discrete Atmos effects, some cheaper options might suffice. #### Pros: * True 5.1.2 channels with dedicated up-firing drivers for Atmos/DTS:X * Huge, immersive soundstage * Multiple HDMI inputs, including eARC * Excellent build quality and design * Highly expandable with Sony subs and rears #### Cons: * Expensive without even adding the sub * Larger footprint than compact bars * Can be overkill for smaller rooms ### 5. Denon Home Sound Bar 550 (£599) Denon has a strong reputation in AV receivers, and their Home Sound Bar 550 brings that expertise to the soundbar world. It's a compact 4.0-channel bar (with virtualised height effects for Atmos/DTS:X) that offers a balanced, detailed sound. It's part of Denon's HEOS multi-room ecosystem, which is a solid alternative to Sonos, and it supports hi-res audio streaming. * **Why I like it:** The sound is refined and articulate, perfect for music as well as films. The HEOS integration is excellent for multi-room setups, and it has Alexa built-in. It's got HDMI eARC and a dedicated sub output, so it's ready for future expansion. * **Who it's for:** Those who value sound quality for both music and movies, want multi-room capabilities (especially if they already have HEOS speakers), and appreciate a well-built, compact design. * **Who should skip it:** If you're solely focused on cinema effects and want the most impactful virtual Atmos, or if you're on a tighter budget. #### Pros: * Excellent sound quality for music and movies * HEOS multi-room integration * HDMI eARC and dedicated sub output * Compact size with premium feel #### Cons: * Virtual Atmos is good, but not as impactful as discrete up-firing drivers * Can be a bit pricier than some alternatives with similar channel counts ## Comparison Table: A Quick Glance Here's how my top picks stack up at a glance. Remember, specifications don't tell the whole story, but they give you a good starting point. | Feature | Sonos Beam Gen 2 | Bose Smart Soundbar 600 | Yamaha SR-B20A | Sony HT-A5000 | Denon Home Sound Bar 550 | | :------------------ | :------------------- | :---------------------- | :---------------- | :------------------ | :----------------------- | | **Price (approx.)** | £449 | £499 | £229 | £899 | £599 | | **Channels** | Virtual 5.0.2 | Virtual 5.0.2 | 2.1 (bar only) | 5.1.2 | Virtual 4.0.2 | | **Atmos Support** | Virtualised | Virtualised | No | Dedicated up-firing | Virtualised | | **HDMI** | 1x eARC | 1x eARC | 1x ARC | 1x eARC + 1x In | 1x eARC | | **Sub Out?** | Via Sonos ecosystem | Via Bose ecosystem | Yes | Via Sony ecosystem | Yes | | **Multi-room** | Sonos | Bose Smart Home | No | Sony/Google Cast | HEOS | | **Size (approx.)** | 651 x 69 x 100mm | 694 x 56 x 104mm | 910 x 53 x 131mm | 1210 x 67 x 140mm | 650 x 75 x 120mm | ## FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered ### Q: Can I use any subwoofer with these soundbars? A: Not always, mate. For soundbars that are part of a proprietary ecosystem (like Sonos, Bose, Sony), you'll usually need to use their own brand of wireless subwoofer for seamless integration. If the soundbar has a physical "Sub Out" port (RCA connection), then yes, you can generally connect any active subwoofer you like. Always check the specific model's capabilities. ### Q: Do I really need Dolby Atmos? A: "Need" is a strong word, isn't it? For some, it's a bit of a gimmick, for others, it's a proper game-changer. It adds a sense of height and immersion, making films feel more encompassing. If you watch a lot of Atmos-enabled content (Netflix, Disney+, Blu-rays), and you want that extra dimension, then it's worth considering. But if you're just after clear dialogue and a generally better sound than your TV, a good 2.0 or 3.0 bar will still blow your TV speakers out of the water. ### Q: How important is HDMI eARC over ARC? A: Very important if you want the best possible audio quality and flexibility. Standard HDMI ARC can carry compressed 5.1 surround sound, but eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) has much higher bandwidth. This means it can handle uncompressed, high-bitrate audio formats like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, including those with Dolby Atmos or DTS:X metadata. If your TV and soundbar both support eARC, it's definitely the way to go for the best home cinema experience. It makes a real difference to the clarity and detail. ### Q: Where's the best place to put my subwoofer? A: Ah, the million-dollar question! It's tricky, because every room is different. Generally, corners can give you a big boost in bass, but sometimes it can be too boomy or uneven. A good starting point is usually along the front wall, near the soundbar. The "subwoofer crawl" method is a classic: place the sub in your main listening position, then crawl around the room on your hands and knees. Wherever the bass sounds best to you, that's probably a good spot to place the sub. It sounds daft, but it really works. ### Q: Can these soundbars replace a full surround sound system? A: Look, let's be realistic. A soundbar, even a really good one, is generally a compromise compared to a properly set up, discrete 5.1 or 7.1 speaker system. You just can't beat physical speakers placed around the room for genuine surround effects. However, for most people, the convenience, aesthetics, and significantly improved sound over TV speakers make soundbars a brilliant solution. Some of the more advanced bars with wireless rears can get surprisingly close to a full system, but it's rarely a true like-for-like replacement. ## Final Word: Get the Sound You Deserve So there you have it. Soundbars without built-in subwoofers aren't just for folks with limited space or an existing sub; they're for anyone who wants a more flexible, potentially higher-quality, and certainly more customisable audio setup. By separating the soundbar from the bass unit, you gain control over placement, integration, and ultimately, the overall sound experience. You're not locked into a single, often compromised, solution. Whether you go for a compact powerhouse like the Sonos Beam Gen 2, or a feature-packed beast like the Sony HT-A5000, remember the fundamentals: connectivity, room size, and your own listening preferences. Don't be afraid to experiment, especially with adding a separate subwoofer down the line. It's about getting the best sound for *your* room, *your* ears, and *your* budget. And honestly, for most people, a good soundbar paired with a well-chosen external sub will deliver an audio experience that'll make you wonder how you ever lived without it. Give it a try; your ears will thank you.