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Soundbars are great for dialogue, but most can’t produce deep bass. Adding a subwoofer is the obvious fix, but it isn’t always simple: many soundbars only work with their own brand’s sub. Here are your options, from easiest to most DIY.
- Does it have a Sub Out (RCA or 3.5 mm)? Then any powered sub will work.
- Does the maker sell a matching wireless sub? That’s usually the best route.
- Neither? Your options are limited; consider upgrading the soundbar or moving to a receiver-based system.
Option 1: the matching wireless sub (easiest)
Sonos, Bose, Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio, Yamaha and others make subs that pair wirelessly with their soundbars. Setup is usually a button press or a few taps in an app, and the soundbar handles crossover and timing automatically.
- Sonos: Sub 4 or Sub Mini. See best sub for Sonos.
- Bose: Bass Module 500 or 700. See our review.
- Other brands: check your soundbar’s manual or the maker’s website for compatible subwoofer models.
Option 2: a soundbar with a subwoofer output
Some soundbars (more often from Yamaha, Polk, Denon and a few others) have a dedicated sub output. Connect it to any powered sub’s LFE input with an RCA cable. This opens up much better-value subs like the Klipsch R-100SW or BIC F12.
Option 3: no sub output
If your soundbar has no sub output and no matching sub, a few workarounds exist, like taking the TV’s analogue line or headphone output to a separate sub. They usually disappoint: the TV and soundbar process audio separately, so bass and the rest of the sound can be out of time, and you’ll be adjusting two volume controls. If bass matters, the better long-term answer is a soundbar that supports a sub, or a compact AV receiver with bookshelf speakers and a sub.
Setting the sub level for soundbar use
- Start with the sub at its middle setting and run any room calibration the soundbar offers.
- Use dialogue-heavy TV to check the sub isn’t making voices boomy.
- Many soundbars have a night mode. Use it rather than turning the sub off.
Placement matters too. See where to place a subwoofer with a soundbar.
No soundbar? See how to connect a subwoofer to a TV without a receiver.