Joybuy Insights

Soundbar with subwoofer: a buying guide for TV, films and gaming

Slim TVs often leave little room for larger speakers. The result can be thin-sounding voices, limited bass and a soundstage that quickly loses its sense of space when you’re watching films or playing games. A soundbar with a subwoofer can help address these shortcomings, provided its connections, room size and speaker setup suit the way you plan to use it.

Before you buy, watch out for three common marketing traps:

  • A high wattage rating isn’t the only measure of quality. Maximum output tells you little about speech clarity, distortion or how well the sound is tuned to your room.
  • Dolby Atmos doesn’t automatically mean genuine surround sound. A Dolby Atmos soundbar with upward-firing speakers needs compatible content and a suitable ceiling. Virtual effects work differently from additional rear speakers.
  • “Wireless” often refers only to the audio connection. A wireless subwoofer still needs a mains socket. Surround speakers may also need power or connection cables.

Check these technical details before you buy

1. Connections: HDMI ARC or HDMI eARC

For a soundbar for your TV, HDMI ARC is usually the most convenient connection. With compatible devices, you can adjust the volume using your TV remote. HDMI eARC offers greater bandwidth and is particularly useful for uncompressed multichannel formats and Dolby Atmos.

If you want to connect a games console, Blu-ray player or streaming receiver directly, check for an HDMI input or HDMI passthrough too. Optical inputs are a useful alternative for older TVs, but they don’t support every modern multichannel format.

2. Channel count and speaker placement

The 2.1 designation usually means two main channels and a subwoofer. A 3.1 soundbar adds a centre channel, which is especially useful for dialogue in the middle of the soundstage. A 5.1 soundbar or 7.1 soundbar adds more surround channels, either through separate speakers or virtual signal processing.

A Dolby Atmos soundbar with a specification such as 5.1.2 uses additional upward-firing speakers. The final number refers to the height channels. For the best effect, your ceiling shouldn’t be unusually sloped or very high.

3. Subwoofer, room and placement

A subwoofer extends the bass range, but it needs space and a mains socket. Wireless connectivity reduces the audio cabling between the soundbar and subwoofer, but not the power cable. A compact subwoofer may be enough for a small room; in a larger living room, the cabinet size and stated frequency range are useful points of comparison.

The soundbar shouldn’t block your TV and should ideally sit centrally in front of the screen. If you’re wall-mounting it, check the dimensions, bracket and position of the speaker openings. A very low unit or an obstructed top panel can affect upward-firing Atmos speakers.

Our picks for different needs

Ideal for: budget-conscious first-time buyers
Edge X-Boost 2.1 Soundbar with Subwoofer

Edge X-Boost 2.1 Soundbar with Subwoofer, 100W, HDMI ARC and Bluetooth, Black

Why this product suits this profile: This 2.1 system is designed for anyone looking to improve their TV sound without a complicated set-up. HDMI ARC, Bluetooth, an optical input, RCA, AUX and USB cover a range of common audio sources.

How this product avoids the trap

There’s more to the specification than a high power rating: it clearly lists a separate subwoofer, adjustable bass and treble, and several inputs.

Key benefits and strengths

100 W, HDMI ARC with cable included, Bluetooth and a long subwoofer cable for flexible placement.

Ideal for: buyers looking for premium sound
TCL A65K Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer

TCL A65K Soundbar with Sound by B&O, 3.1.2 Dolby Atmos, Wireless Subwoofer and HDMI eARC

Why this product suits this profile: The 3.1.2 set-up combines a centre channel with upward-firing speakers. HDMI eARC, DTS:X, Bluetooth 5.3 and a wireless subwoofer make it a versatile choice for a home cinema set-up.

How this product avoids the trap

The channel layout and connections are clearly stated, making it easier to check whether your TV supports eARC and whether your room is suitable for Atmos.

Key benefits and strengths

3.1.2 channels, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, 460 W maximum power and a 50 mm-thin cabinet, according to the product specifications.

Ideal for: specific uses and frequent use
ULTIMEA Aura S5T 7.1 Dolby Atmos Soundbar

ULTIMEA Aura S5T 7.1ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar with four Surround Speakers

Why this product suits this profile: For film nights, gaming and larger seating areas, this system includes a soundbar, four surround speakers and a 5.25-inch subwoofer. You can adjust the equaliser in the app.

How this product avoids the trap

The four separate speakers provide more than just a virtual effect. Be sure to plan for the space they’ll take up and the cables you’ll need.

Key benefits and strengths

7.1-channel set-up, 420 W peak power, HDMI eARC, app control and six EQ bands, according to the manufacturer.

Ideal for: flexible living room set-ups
Samsung Q-Series HW-QS710GF Soundbar

Samsung Q-Series HW-QS710GF 3.1.2 Channel Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer

Why this product suits this profile: This model combines 3.1.2 channels with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, AirPlay 2, Chromecast compatibility and optional rear speakers. Q-Symphony is available with compatible Samsung TVs.

How this product avoids the trap

Alongside HDMI ARC, it has an optical input, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. This makes it easier to connect several sources without confusing the channel count with the subwoofer’s power output.

Key benefits and strengths

Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, SpaceFit Sound Pro, 4K 60 Hz passthrough and a 6.5-inch wireless subwoofer, according to the product details.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and fully comply with the safety regulations in force in the EU.

Frequently asked questions about soundbars with subwoofers

Is a soundbar with a subwoofer worth it in a small room?

Yes, as long as you can position the subwoofer appropriately. In a small room, you should be able to adjust the bass level to prevent it from becoming boomy. A compact 2.1 system may be more practical than a large surround sound system with several speakers.

What do you need for Dolby Atmos with a TV?

You’ll need a compatible TV or playback device, suitable content and a connection that can carry the relevant audio format. HDMI eARC offers more bandwidth than an optical connection. Ceiling height, distance from the walls and the soundbar’s position can also affect the result.

How long does a soundbar with a subwoofer last?

There’s no reliable way to guarantee a specific lifespan. It depends on factors including how long it’s used, volume levels, ventilation and power supply. Keeping the soundbar well ventilated in a dry environment and using the supplied power adapters can help it run reliably. Before buying, also check the manufacturer’s information on spare parts, firmware and warranty.