The Best Soundbar With Subwoofer And Rear Speakers For 2024

Tim Powers By, Tim Powers
Updated
Polk Audio Signa S2 Ultra-Slim TV Sound Bar
Image credit: Amazon.com

The Rundown

1. Best Overall: Polk Audio Signa S2 Ultra-Slim TV Sound Bar

The Polk Audio Signa S2 Ultra-Slim TV Sound Bar is an excellent sound solution for any size room. It delivers a high-quality, immersive TV audio experience with its rich, deep bass notes and crystal clear dialogue tones. At just under 2" tall, this sound bar fits well on most surfaces and easily mounts to the wall. Read Review

2. Best For The Price: Sony HT-S350 Soundbar

The Sony HT-S350 Soundbar is a slim soundbar with a wireless subwoofer that delivers powerful, out-of-the-box sound. It features Bluetooth connectivity for easy wire-free music streaming and NFC One Touch for quick one touch pairing and the TV Remote Control App so you can operate your SoundBar from an iPhone or Android phone. Read Review

3. Best Durable: JBL Bar 2.1 - Channel Soundbar

JBL Bar 2.1 is a powerful, slim and sleek soundbar that delivers incredible sound quality, deep bass and clear dialogue from TV shows, movies, sports and more. Wireless music streaming with Bluetooth makes it easy to enjoy your favorite songs wirelessly from your smartphone or tablet. Read Review

4. Best Smart Control: Nakamichi Shockwafe Elite 7.2.4 Channel 800W Dolby Atmos/DTS:X Soundbar

Experience cinema-quality sound with the Nakamichi Shockwafe Elite 7.2.4 Channel Dolby Atmos/DTS:X Soundbar. This is a complete home theater solution that includes Dual Wireless Subwoofers, 8” in-wall speakers and an 800Watt amplifier with True 360° 7.2 channel surround sound and virtual Dolby Atmos/DTS:X immersive audio for truly cinematic listening experiences. Read Review

If you’re looking for a soundbar that has the best of both worlds, then check out this list of the best soundbars with subwoofer and rear speakers. Soundbars offer an immersive listening experience by directing sounds straight to your ears instead of letting them drown out in general room noise.

However, they don’t have the same presence or volume as a home theater system. Rear speakers are also known as satellite speakers. They operate independently from the soundbar, meaning you can place them wherever you want within your listening area. They’re generally more expensive than a soundbar but can offer better audio performance and result in a more immersive experience than just using the soundbar alone. In this article you will find detailed information about the best soundbar with subwoofer and rear speakers and their individual pros and cons.

Our team, including qualified experts in this area, conducted a survey and carried out it for a great amount of time on finding the right products for best soundbar with subwoofer and rear speakers, nearly 15 hours. And after lots of effort, we have done it well. 

As the result, we found some top trending models on the market that many customers tend to search for. In addition, we believe that the Polk Audio Signa S2 Ultra-Slim TV Sound Bar is one of the best options available to you. We have provided you with a detailed buyer's guide and many other good choices so that you can decide which one is the best for your requirements.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Polk Audio Signa S2 Ultra-Slim TV Sound Bar
Our Score:
9.8
Polk Audio
  • EXCELLENT SOUND AND VALUE on par with any mid- to high-range sound bars available in the market. At just over 2" tall, it fits most spaces — easily wall-mount it or place in front of your TV. It won’t block your TV’s bottom edge or IR remote sensor
  • WIRELESSLY STREAM MUSIC from your favorite streaming apps like Pandora, Spotify, TuneIn, and others directly from your smartphone, tablet or other compatible device through the built-in Bluetooth technology
  • SET UP YOUR SOUND BAR IN MINUTES — With the included subwoofer, HDMI and optical cables quickly connect your TV to the sound bar. Get set up and listening in minutes
  • UPGRADE YOUR HOME THEATER EXPERIENCE – Watch your favorite shows on your 4K HD Smart TV with exceptional picture quality & crystal clear sound. With numerous connection possibilities, plug in any audio source via HDMI ARC, optical input & AUX
  • A PREMIUM ULTRA-SLIM SOUND BAR WITH INCLUDED WIRELESS SUBWOOFER – 5 powerful full-range drivers deliver BEAUTFUL RICH SOUND WITH DEEP BASS. POLK’S EXCLUSIVE VOICE ADJUST TECHNOLOGY & Dolby Digital Decoding maximizes sound clarity & reduces voice delays
TOP Choice #2 Sony HT-S350 Soundbar
Our Score:
9.6
Sony
  • In the Box: Soundbar, Subwoofer, Remote Control, Batteries, Optical Cable, Quick Setup Guide, Manual
  • Ultimate Home Theater Upgrade: Sony 2.1 Channel Sound Bar System With Wireless Subwoofer for Optimized Audio
  • One-Cable Connect: Send Audio and Control Information from the TV Using a Single Cable with HDMI Arc
  • Wirelessly Connect: Connect via Bluetooth to Send Audio to the Slim Soundbar and Sub from Anywhere
  • Powerful Subwoofer: Large 6.30 Inches Speaker Unit and 6.16 Gallon Volume for a Deeper, Richer Bass Sound
  • Voice Enhancement: Isolates Voices and Amplifies Them over the Background Noise for Greater Clarity
  • 7 Sound Modes: Choose from Auto Sound, Cinema, Music, Game, News, Sports, and Standard Audio Mode
  • Audio Comes Alive:320W total power output brings content to life with incredible volume and clarity
  • S-Force Pro: Virtual Surround Sound Technology Emulates a Theater-Style Surround Sound Experience
  • Bluetooth Streaming: Stream Your Favorite Movies, Shows, and Music from Your Smartphone or Tablet
TOP Choice #3 JBL Bar 2.1 - Channel Soundbar
Our Score:
9.5
JBL
  • JBL Surround sound makes movies come alive
  • Wireless music streaming with Bluetooth
  • Works with your TV remote control
  • Rich and deep bass from a 6.5" (165mm) wireless subwoofer
  • Enjoy JBL sound with 300W of power
  • TWO 2-WAY REAR SPEAKERS (industry’s first!) produce spacious and dynamic surround sound. Each of them (connected to sub via RCA wires) is constructed with a tweeter that reproduces high frequencies with captivating clarity, and a full-range driver that delivers surround effects with power and precision. Simply put, the surround sound performance from simulated/virtual 2.1 or other 5.1 channel surround soundbars does not come anywhere close to this.
  • Transform your living room into a premium cinema within minutes. Experience deep, room-filling bass with the industry’s only Dual Wireless Subwoofers and True 360° 7.2 channel surround sound with the Soundbar + Two Rear Surround Speakers. Discover what you have been missing from movies, music and games and step into the future of home theater. Created with the same DNA as our flagship Shockwafe Ultra 9.2.4 SSE, Winner of the best Dolby Atmos Soundbar Battle (hosted by Brian Tong, Ex Cnet host)
  • Our DUAL 8" WIRELESS SUBWOOFERS (industry's first!) produce ground-shaking rumbles that you will hear and feel from anywhere in your living room. They merge to distribute adrenaline-pumping bass effects evenly throughout the room with zero localization. Altogether, the sound bar with subwoofers unleash cinema-level volumes without a trace of distortion, replicating the perfect cinema experience. Agreed among experts, TWO subwoofers are a must for ultimate home theaters.
  • Experience a whole new level of surround performance with our exclusive Spatial Surround Elevation SSE Technology. Featuring 3 advanced audio processing engines working in harmony to enhance directionality, enlarge spaciousness and unlock extra details of any audio soundtrack. Envelop your home theater with up to 7.2.4 channels of Dolby Atmos or DTS:X moving audio that flows all around you. Unleash the full dynamics of your audio experience with 106dB of room-filling sound.
  • All units sold since Aug '19 can receive Dolby Atmos surround via TV’s eARC when streaming with TV’s smart apps like Netflix (Note: not all TVs can output Atmos. Refer to your TV brand’s audio output specs). Enjoy advanced connectivity with Dolby Vision, 4K UHD pass-thru and High Dynamic Range (HDR). Connect up to 6 devices via 1 HDMI ARC, 3 HDMI, 1 Optical and 1 Coaxial inputs. The 52-key backlit remote allows seamless control of sources, DSP modes, individual channel and room size optimization
5 Klipsch Cinema 400 Sound Bar
Our Score:
9.1
Klipsch
  • 400W peak power
  • 40” 2.1 Soundbar with 8” wireless subwoofer
  • 5.1 decoding for virtualized surround sound
  • Class-leading 8” Subwoofer
  • HDMI-ARC: Single-cable, single-remote control
  • Optimized for 4K HDR content with Dolby Audio 5.1 Bring out the best audio performance from your 4K HDR content with Dolby Audio 5.1 when connected through HDMI.
  • Loud and Clear: The 96dB sound pressure level and 50Hz – 20kHz frequency range deliver dynamic and accurate Sound.
  • 5” Wireless Subwoofer Place the wireless subwoofer anywhere in the room to add deep booming bass.
  • Voice Assistant Input Use our voice to control your Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant devices through the sound bar with a dedicated 3.5 Aux or Persistent Bluetooth connection.
  • DTS Virtual:X: Enhances any content with room-filling, floor-to-ceiling virtualized 3D sound.
  • 7.1.4 CHANNELS: 17 built-in speakers, including four that fire upward and two that fire from the side, surround you in multidimensional cinematic audio that rivals even the very best movie theater experience
  • Product Dimensions: 48.26" W x 3.26" H x 5.35" D | Spk (sub woofer) Net Dimension: 8.07" W x 15.86" H x 15.86" D
  • 4K PASS-THROUGH WITH HDR10: Built-in 4K pass-through for connecting to UHD 4K and HDR10 sources for a seamless audio experience that matches your video
  • REAR WIRELESS SPEAKER KIT INCLUDED: Upward firing rear speakers add another element of surround sound to your movies, making every moment more cinematic
  • ADAPTIVE SOUND: Adaptive Sound technology analyzes the sound signal and delivers optimized sound and clear voices even on low volumes.Frequency Response (amp):34Hz~17kHz
  • DOLBY ATMOS AND DTS:X TECHNOLOGIES: With Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, sounds move independently around you from all directions, even above, just like in real life
  • Includes: Remote Control, Battery, Wall Mount Kit and HDMI cable
  • BIGGER, MORE DYNAMIC SOUND - Packed inside this slim and sleek sound bar 7 powerful drivers and tweeters produce exceptionally clear sound, more superior than any traditional sound bar
  • EXPERIENCE TRUE 5.1 WIRELESS SURROUND SOUND WITH POLK'S PATENTED SDA AUDIO TECHNOLOGY that creates an expansive surround stage & detailed stereo image delivering a room-filling listening experience, the same as what you would get in a concert or theater
  • WIRELESSLY STREAM MUSIC with GOOGLE CHROMECAST from your smartphone, tablet or other compatible Android devices for a multi room system. You can now cast your favorite music tracks to your sound bar and enjoy unlimited playback using services like Pandora, Spotify and others. Connect to a host of smart devices, TV, speakers and enjoy high quality sound instantly
  • ENDLESS CONNECTION OPTIONS - 3 HDMI Inputs (HDCP 2.2 compliant), 1 HDMI-ARC output, an Optical port for Blu-Ray players & set-top box, an Aux Analog input (3.5mm) for any non-digital device, plus Bluetooth, USB and Internet connectivity
  • Polk's exclusive Voice Adjust Technology even lets you INDEPENDENTLY CONTROL VOICE LEVELS maximizing sound clarity and minimizing voice delays and muzzled sounds. Equipped with INDEPENDENT MODES FOR MOVIES, MUSIC, AND SPORTS, it delivers balanced sound clarity so that hear every word, making your movie, sports and music experience exquisite
  • INCLUDES PLUG AND PLAY WIRELESS SUBWOOFER & TWO WIRELESS SPEAKERS, which are instantly recognized by the sound bar the moment you power them on. The sub supports an 8” downward firing driver and the wall mountable speakers each have a 3" full range driver
  • Wireless connection: this Surround sound Kit is designed to Link wirelessly to the sound system for the ultimate in performance and simplicity
  • Wall mountable: for even greater design flexibility, these speakers can also be unobtrusively wall-mounted, especially handy when there’s no Table or shelf nearby
  • Surround sound expansion: the Spk8 add-on rear channel speakers (sound bar sold separately) can turn a living room into a home Theater
10 VIZIO 5.1.4 Premium Sound Bar
Our Score:
8.2
VIZIO
  • Stream music and more with Chromecast, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
  • Experience cinematic surround sound with four up-firing speakers and rear surround speakers
  • Wireless subwoofer with 10” driver delivers room-shaking bass
  • A five-channel sound bar with dedicated center channel delivers crystal clear dialogue
  • Premium Home Theater Sound System with Dolby Atmos. Go inside the action with breakthrough sound
Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

What to Look For in a best soundbar with subwoofer and rear speakers?

The best soundbar with subwoofer and rear speakers is based upon a number of factors. Studying a product differs depending on the product type. So, we're on here to help, counsel, and provide solutions to these problems.

Please keep in mind the following points for selecting best soundbar with subwoofer and rear speakers:

Number Of Channels And Speakers

A soundbar with just 2.1 channels may be enough to enhance the audio quality of your TV. A 5.1 and 7.1 models might offer better sound quality when you watch TV/movies or listen to audio. Dolby Atmos is available on 5.1.2 and 7.1.2 models. This technology allows for a richer experience. It involves placing speakers higher than the roof, to create sound from above.

Wi-Fi And Bluetooth

Bluetooth is an important soundbar feature that allows you stream music from compatible phones, tablets and computers to your soundbar. Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to stream music from your Spotify account or access cloud music libraries.

Size

To ensure that the unit will not block the screen, or interfere with the remote control or display of your TV's remote, check its dimensions. You should also check that the design of the unit matches your TV.

Subwoofer

In large rooms, a soundbar with an external subwoofer (or dedicated soundbar) can be more effective than one without it. A subwoofer that is well made will enhance low-end sound quality and add a cinematic vibe to your system. A sub that is poorly designed can cause a drop in sound quality. A soundbase is a great option if you need bass, but aren't able to fit an external sub. They include an integrated subwoofer.

Additional Features

You might also want these features in your soundbar:
There are special sound modes for various audio types, such as watching movies, listening to music, or gaming. You can adjust the treble and bass settings depending on what you are watching/listening too.
Compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa for voice-controlled music.
Front-panel displays that display important information, such as volume levels. Make sure to check if this display is able to be switched off when it's not in use so that it does not become distracting.

Ease Of Set-up And Use

It is easy to hook up the soundbar with your TV or other device and get started using it immediately. This can be gauged by looking at the manual or reading some user reviews.

Connectivity

Soundbars typically only require one cable to connect with your TV. HDMI is the best choice. Make sure that your soundbar is equipped with all necessary ports for connecting to Blu-ray players and USB storage. You should check if your soundbar has a pass-through function that transmits 4K HDR video from your 4K HDR TV.

Wired/wireless Speakers

Some soundbars allow for wired and wireless connection to other speakers. Some soundbars only support a subwoofer. However, a few models offer "surround sound" connectivity, which allows you to connect other speakers to the rear of the room to replicate 5.1. You can purchase these speakers separately or as a bundle at an extra cost.

FAQs

Can A Sound Bar Be Used As A Center Speaker?

There are some that can and others that can't, but it's not something we recommend. Although a passive soundbar could technically be used to provide center channel speakers, this is not what it was designed for. This is like asking a pitcher to play both catch and second base instead of the only position that he excels at.

Are Soundbars Really Worth It?

They are well worth the investment when compared to how loud your TV sounds. A soundbar costs only $100 and can make your TV viewing experience 10x better. A soundbar can make it easier to understand speech by allowing TV speakers to face down.

Can You Use A Soundbar To Play Music?

A soundbar can make music play through your TV much more enjoyable. Bluetooth is a feature that many soundbars offer, so you won't have to turn on the TV to hear your music. A soundbar that has a wireless subwoofer will work best to reproduce deep bass and dynamics.

Where Do I Place My Soundbar?

The soundbars can be placed directly in front of your TV using a stand, or any other type of furniture. They are usually less than 2 inches high so they won't interfere with the infrared remote port of your TV or block it. Some soundbars are also wall-mountable and include brackets. There are third-party kits that can be used to mount soundbars on the wall.

Can You Add Speakers To A Sound Bar?

There are both yes and no. Some sound bars have additional speakers that can be added to the system, which brings you closer to home theatre sound. If the soundbar is multi-room compatible, then wireless rear speakers can be added. This is a good option for those who have or want to install a multi-room sound system in their home.

Can You Use Any Soundbar With Any TV?

There are very few exceptions to this rule. However, you can still use your soundbar with any TV. It is helpful sometimes to match soundbar and TV brands. New soundbars often use HDMI ARC to transmit the audio from the TV's speakers through the soundbar. If both of your devices have this port, you are good. An optical connection is available on some older soundbars, and almost all TVs have them.

Can You Add A Subwoofer To A Sound Bar?

Wireless sound bars often come with a subwoofer. You can also add your own wireless subwoofer to the sound bars that do not have one. If you desire an immersive experience, you'll want it.

Will A Soundbar Improve Sound Quality?

Modern TVs have very tiny speakers which bounce sound off of your TV. As a result, they can be distant and harsh. A soundbar can be added to most TVs to improve their sound quality, particularly when it comes down to reproducing spoken words. It will also allow you to listen to music.

As we are product consulting experts with a wide range of experience, we determine correct information. Apart from that, we keep the best soundbar with subwoofer and rear speakers current. You may rest confident that the data is accurate and up to date.

Besides best soundbar with subwoofer and rear speakers, we can advise you with anything. Please do not hesitate to contact us whenever you need guidance.


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About Tim Powers

Tim Powers

Tim Powers is an audio equipment & home theater gadget reviewer and the editor of TheAudioInsights.com. He has been involved in the home theater hobby since the late 1990s when he purchased his first AV receiver. Tim is also a writer, with articles appearing in various online and print publications.