Guides · 9 April 2026

Do you need a subwoofer? Wireless vs built-in

A subwoofer is the speaker that handles the lowest frequencies. Soundbars deal with it in different ways: some have subwoofers built into the bar, some come with a separate wireless subwoofer in the box, and some can add one later. This guide explains what the speaker setup says about the subwoofer, the three approaches, and Dolby's placement advice. It does not judge how any of them sound.

What the ".1" means

Every soundbar in the comparison table has a Speaker Setup such as 2.1, 5.1.2 or 9.1.4. Dolby explains the notation in its Dolby Atmos home theater installation guidelines: in a 5.1.4 setup, the ".1" indicates the subwoofer. A setup with a 0 in that place, such as 5.0.2, has no subwoofer channel.

The same guidelines say that Dolby Atmos generates a single Low-Frequency Effects (LFE) signal, while manufacturers may decide to support more than one subwoofer output. That is why a few systems in the table list two, such as the Nakamichi Shockwafe Wireless 11.2.6.

The notation does not say where the subwoofer is. It can be inside the bar or in a separate box. For the full notation, see Soundbar channel numbers explained.

Option 1: subwoofers built into the bar

Some soundbars put the subwoofers in the bar itself. Sony describes the Sony HT-X8500 as a 2.1-channel soundbar with dual built-in subwoofers within the bar, and says no external subwoofer is required. Yamaha describes the Yamaha SR-B20A as a sound bar with built-in subwoofers: dual built-in subwoofers combined with dual bass reflex ports.

Both list 2.1 as their speaker setup in the table, and both show "no" in the Has wireless subwoofer column. The setup alone does not say whether the subwoofer is inside the bar, so check the manufacturer's description. See all 2.1 soundbars.

Option 2: a wireless subwoofer in the box

Many soundbar systems ship with a separate subwoofer that connects without a cable to the bar. In the table, What's in the box for the Samsung Q990B and the LG S95QR include a subwoofer, and both have Has wireless subwoofer set to yes.

A separate box can be placed apart from the bar, and that is where Dolby's placement advice below applies.

Option 3: a subwoofer as an add-on

Other soundbars accept a subwoofer sold separately. The Sonos Arc is listed as 5.0.2, so it has no subwoofer channel of its own, and its Is Extendable entries list the Sonos Sub, Sub 4 and Sub Mini.

Sonos describes how its Sub 4 works with a soundbar:

It pairs with Sonos Arc Ultra, Arc or Beam, and it also lists Ray as a compatible product.
It takes over the lowest frequencies, so the paired soundbar or speakers can deliver the high and mid frequencies.
It connects to the system over WiFi, so you can place it where it fits in the room.
Two subwoofers can be paired with Arc Ultra.

Soundbars that already list a ".1" can take an add-on too: the Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Max (5.1.4) lists the AMBEO Sub, and the Sony HT-A7000 (7.1.2) lists the SA-SW3 and SA-SW5.

The Has wireless subwoofer column covers both options 2 and 3: it says whether a soundbar works with a wireless subwoofer, included or sold separately. See all soundbars with a wireless subwoofer, or soundbars that are extendable with extra speakers.

Where to put a separate subwoofer

Dolby's soundbar setup guide has general tips for subwoofer placement with a soundbar:

Face it towards the listening position.
Place it typically in the front half of the viewing or listening space, close to the soundbar: to the left or right of the soundbar and TV, or underneath them.
Corner placement can be practical but may cause issues.

Dolby also lists things to avoid. Having the soundbar and subwoofer far apart can cause frequency issues depending on the room. The distance from the wall can affect low-frequency response, both positively and negatively. Placing the subwoofer inside cabinetry or other furniture can cause poor response or rattle and distortion, and placing it behind the listening position is typically not recommended.

Dolby's summary: the most common place is near the soundbar and TV, often to its left or right. Start there, then move the subwoofer around the room until it sounds best in your space.

How to choose

Whether you need a subwoofer depends on your room and your preferences, which no spec sheet can settle. The specs can tell you which design a soundbar uses:

Built-in: everything is in one bar, with nothing else to place. Look for a ".1" in the setup and the manufacturer's description of the bar.
Wireless, in the box: a separate subwoofer comes with the bar. Check What's in the box.
Add-on: start with the bar and add a subwoofer later. Check the Is Extendable column for the compatible models.

To narrow the table down, combine the Wireless subwoofer filter with a speaker setup, for example 5.1.2 soundbars with a wireless subwoofer.