The best soundbar without a subwoofer should deliver clear dialogue and all the while hit the lows. But before buying your next one, know there is a problem of low quality or fake expert reviews – 91% of reviewers don’t actually test and as a result you might end up buying the wrong soundbar. That’s why we verify each of our 140+ soundbars as certified tested and shortlist the best four based on our True Score, a product rating actually based on product tests.
When selecting the best soundbars, it’s crucial to ensure that it not only enhances dialogue clarity but also delivers impressive low-frequency response, creating a well-rounded audio experience. Below is our list of the best 3 soundbars without a subwoofer. No matter what movie you watch or game you play, you’ll feel the “punch” of the onscreen action.
What To Buy? (TL;DR)
When you shop through our links, you’re backing our mission. Dive deeper to see how.
🎵 Get the Devialet Dione for unbeatable volume in large spaces.
🎮 Gamers, pick Sonos Beam Gen 2 over the HT-A9 for flawless sync.
🔊 Audiophiles, get the Sony HT-A9 for crystal-clear highs.
How Did We Rank the Best Soundbars Without Subwoofer?
We’ve redefined soundbar buying guides, setting us apart from any other site on the planet. Our unique approach combines in-house verification (when we can) with a comprehensive dataset from over 200 trusted sites, focusing on key testing metrics (2 required, 2 nice to have) and 1 specification to rank the top-rated soundbars without a subwoofer and ensure our recommendations meet your specific needs. Our commitment to unbiased reviews is powered by our ‘True Score’ system, targeting low quality and fake reviews. When you shop through our links, you’re backing our mission. Dive deeper to see how.
🛠️ Minimum Specifications
- Subwoofer Included = No
🧪 Test Criteria
- Low-End Roll-Off: A low-end roll-off of <95 Hz to ensure there is some rumble in the bass to enhance your music or movie-watching experience.
- Volume Output: The soundbar should be able to deliver a powerful and immersive sound performance, exceeding 85 decibels in volume output.
👍 “Nice To Haves”
- Latency: With a latency under 100 milliseconds, it ensures minimal delay in data transmission or audio processing.
- Total Harmonic Distortion: A total harmonic distortion (THD) below 1% at 80 decibels to guarantee high-fidelity audio reproduction without unwanted frequencies.
Latest Updates
- 04/02/2024: Published the list of best soundbars without a subwoofer based on our True Score system.
Top Best Soundbars Without Subwoofer For 2024
Prices accurate at the time of publishing
To secure a spot on our list, a soundbar without a subwoofer must meet our criteria for audio performance and quality. If it doesn’t meet these standards, it won’t be featured!
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Devialet Dione
For uncompromised volume and clarity in a premium package, the Devialet Dione excels, though gamers might seek alternatives due to high latency.
True Score
868611Experts
9225Customers
Absolutely Fresh
$1,999.00Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Fairly well-balanced sound quality
- Satisfactory voice clarity
- Strong bass
- Immersive Atmos
- Subpar surround performance
Reasons to Avoid
- No Full HDMI In and high latency
- No remote, display, and voice assistants
- No remote, display, and voice assistants
Specifications
Bluetooth Enabled Yes Depth 6.5" Dialogue Enhancement Feature Yes Equalizer Settings Basic HDMI ARC Yes Height 3.43" Number of Audio Channels 5.1.2 Subwoofer Build-in Surround Sound Supported Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD Wall Mountable Yes Weight 26.5 lbs Width 47.2" Wireless Connectivity Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Wireless Subwoofer Connectivity na Works With n/a Test Results
Low End Roll Off (Hz) 53.39 High End Roll Off (Hz) 2.15k Max Volume Test (db) 98.47 Latency (ms) 125 THD @ 80dB 0.24 All Retailers
$1,999.00Availability
In StockFree Shipping
$1,999.00Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes
$2,198.00Availability
In StockFree Shipping
No
Our Verdict
If you love to crank the volume up and money is no object, the Devialet Dione is an excellent soundbar designed to operate without a subwoofer. Its remarkable ability to fill a room with sound is evidenced by a best-in-class maximum volume of 98.5 decibels, which makes it particularly valuable if you have a larger living space.
With its impressive capability to deliver expansive sound, the soundbar also features the lowest total harmonic distortion (THD) on our list at 0.24. This guarantees clear and pristine audio even when the volume is turned up for intense movie sequences or high-energy music tracks. This ensures an immersive and distortion-free listening experience, allowing you to fully engage with your preferred shows, films, and music.
Another standout aspect of the Devialet Dione is its low-end frequency performance, which rolls off at 53.39 Hz. This ensures that bass-heavy content, such as certain music genres or action scenes in films, is delivered with a depth and clarity often missed in similar setups. However, it has an awful high-end roll-off of 2,152.70 when compared to the 13,279.64 of the similarly priced Sony HT A9. It also has the worst latency on our list at 125 ms, which is not ideal for gamers or content where audio and visual synchronization is crucial.
Despite its high-end frequency response and latency limitations, the Devialet Dione remains an excellent choice for those prioritizing powerful, distortion-free sound in a sleek package. While it may not be the best fit for gaming enthusiasts due to the latency issue, its exceptional performance in delivering deep, clear bass and room-filling volume makes it an ideal soundbar for music and movie lovers.
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Sonos Beam Gen 2
Ideal for gamers and movie buffs, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 excels with low latency, Dolby Atmos, and easy smart home integration.
True Score
868617Experts
906kCustomers
Absolutely Fresh
$414.95Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Impressive sound profile
- Great vocal clarity
- Helpful smart features
Reasons to Avoid
- Subpar surround sound performance
- Limited wireless connectivity
- Lacks bass power
Specifications
Depth 3.9" Dialogue Enhancement Feature Yes Equalizer Settings n/a HDMI ARC Yes Height 2.7" Number of Audio Channels 3 Subwoofer na Surround Sound Supported na Voice Assistant Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant Wall Mountable Yes Weight 6.3 lbs Width 25.6" Wireless Connectivity Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Wireless Subwoofer Connectivity na Works With Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant Test Results
Low End Roll Off (Hz) 57.39 High End Roll Off (Hz) 6.74k Max Volume Test (db) 90.1 Latency (ms) 32 THD @ 80dB 0.43 All Retailers
- $414.95
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
$476.39Availability
In StockFree Shipping
No- $484.99
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
No - $499.00
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes
Our Verdict
If you are a gamer, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 brings a blend of technical excellence and practical usability. Notably, it boasts a remarkably low latency of 32 ms, by far the best in its class, which is crucial for ensuring audio-visual synchronization, particularly important for FPS games, and enjoying fast-paced action movies. This soundbar also allows for easy integration with other Sonos products, creating a cohesive and user-friendly audio setup across the home.
Furthermore, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 shines with its support for Dolby Atmos, elevating the sound quality and delivering a more immersive, three-dimensional audio experience that enhances movies and music alike. While Atmos adds some height to your movies and music, this soundbar doesn’t get very loud, with a maximum volume of 90.1. This, combined with a total harmonic distortion (THD) of 0.43, ensures the sound remains clean and clear even at higher volumes.
While this soundbar has the highest low-end roll-off on our list, at 57.39 Hz, it isn’t much higher than the slightly cheaper LG S75Q, at 54.17 Hz. It will provide decent punch but lack low bass. Additionally, the Beam Gen 2 has a much higher high-end roll-off, at 6,736.40 Hz, compared to the LG’s 1,395.85 Hz, which ensures balanced and clear mids for accurate dialogue reproduction.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 delivers an immersive sound experience for movies, TV series, and music. Its minimal latency, support for Dolby Atmos, and seamless integration with smart home systems make it an excellent choice for users who want to improve their audio setup. Ideal for movie enthusiasts, gamers, and audiophiles, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 meets a broad spectrum of audio needs.
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Sony HT-A9
The Sony HT A9 offers a unique design and immersive sound, ideal for detailed audio in movies and music, though bass enthusiasts and gamers seeking perfect sync may find limitations.
True Score
80825Experts
84492Customers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $502$1,999.99$1,498.00Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Good sound quality
- Impressive surround sound
- Good vocal clarity
- Great surround sound performance
- Smart Features/Connectivity
Reasons to Avoid
- Low bass levels
- Average max volume levels
Specifications
Bluetooth Enabled Yes Depth 5.78" Dialogue Enhancement Feature Yes Energy Star Certified No HDMI ARC Yes Height 12.3" Number of Audio Channels 12 Subwoofer Optional (sold separately) Surround Sound Supported Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus Voice Assistant Amazon Alexa Wall Mountable Yes Weight 30.86 lbs Width 6.29" Wireless Connectivity Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Wireless Subwoofer Connectivity Yes Works With Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant Test Results
Low End Roll Off (Hz) 92.43 High End Roll Off (Hz) 13.28k Max Volume Test (db) 86.4 Latency (ms) 74 THD @ 80dB 0.41 All Retailers
- $1,498.00$2,000Save $502
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes - $1,498.00$1,863Save $365
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
No - $1,498.00$1,998Save $500
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
- $1,499.99$2,000Save $500
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes
Our Verdict
If you prefer discrete designs, the Sony HT A9 offers a distinctive auditory experience that challenges conventions with a unique setup of a small control box and four speakers you can place around the room for an immersive soundstage. With its notable high-end roll-off reaching an impressive 13,279.64 Hz, this system excels in delivering crisp and clear high-frequency sounds, a crucial aspect for enjoying detailed soundtracks and nuanced audio elements in movies and music. Although its low-end roll-off of 92 Hz will leave bass heads desiring more rumble.
For gaming enthusiasts, the Sony HT A9’s latency of 74 ms is typically fine for most gaming scenarios, but in fast-paced genres such as first-person shooters, where exact sync between sound and visuals is key, this slight delay might be discernible. The HT A9 comes with Dolby Atmos support and an equalizer, allowing you to adjust the audio to your preferences. However, it’s worth noting that the equalizer operates on preset settings, which might not satisfy audiophiles or those looking for in-depth sound customization.
Its max volume is the worst on our list but commendable at 86.6 dB, which is enough to fill a medium-sized room. Coupled with a low total harmonic distortion (THD) at 0.47 at 80 dB, ensures a balanced sound output that preserves audio fidelity even at higher volumes. This makes it well-suited for a wide range of applications, from enhancing the clarity of dialogues in TV shows to enriching the depth of soundtracks in movies.
The Sony HT A9 provides a robust alternative for those seeking a soundbar that doesn’t take up much space. Its excellence in high-frequency reproduction, combined with a commendable number of audio channels and customizable audio settings, makes it versatile for various entertainment formats.
Did you know 91% of soundbar reviewers are
untrustworthy?
Our research found 10 of 122 soundbar reviewers as of April 2024 can be trusted. To do this, we give every soundbar review site a Trust Score, which measures how trustworthy the site and their testing claims are. We then leverage AI & a machine learning model to combine and calculate the Trust Score with data from experts and consumers to deliver the True Score, the web’s most accurate product quality rating.
391,328Soundbar Reviews Analyzed
151
Total Products Analyzed
Our Approach to Evaluating Soundbars Without a Subwoofer
We’ve redefined soundbar buying guides, setting us apart from any other site on the planet. Our unique approach uses a comprehensive dataset from trusted sites, focusing on key testing metrics like volume output, total harmonic distortion, latency, and low end roll off.
We aggregate and analyze data to ensure our recommendations align with specific needs. Particularly concerning soundbars without a subwoofer, this entails selecting models that offer exceptional audio quality for watching movies, TV shows or playing video games. Explore our data-driven approach for accurate and dependable soundbar recommendations.
Which Criteria Matters for Testing the Best Soundbars Without a Subwoofer?
By focusing on these criteria (2 required, 2 nice to have), anyone can quickly and easily compare these soundbars and how they’ll perform. This helps you make an informed decision and purchase a soundbar that will sound great.
| CRITERIA | RANGE | REQUIRED | DEFINITION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low-End Roll-Off | < 95 Hz | Yes | The point at which bass begins to sharply fall below the target response point on a frequency response graph, making harder to hear. |
| Max Volume | > 85 dB | Yes | The maximum volume that a soundbar reaches when it’s output it turned up to 100%. |
| Latency | < 100 ms | No (nice to have) | The time it takes for a soundbar to process audio signal from a source and output it through the speakers. |
| Total Harmonic Distortion | < 1 | No (nice to have) | The amount of distortion introduced by the soundbar when it processes an audio signal at a given volume (typically 80, 85 or maximum dB output.) |
Our Trusted Data Sources
(Publication category Score is 80%+)
We looked at 120+ soundbar reviewers and while 10 are trustworthy (60%+ Trust Score), we only use data from the testers that are “very trusted” which means a Trust Score above 70%. The three we have listed below are our most trusted for soundbars.
Interested in a comprehensive analysis of our data sources? We’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find a detailed list of every soundbar review website we’ve identified, organized by their respective Trust Scores from highest to lowest. But we didn’t stop there. We’ve meticulously reviewed each publication and verified the data by checking whether the authors have bio links to MuckRack or LinkedIn. We’re committed to not only checking the facts but ensuring their veracity.
Best Soundbars Without Subwoofer Test Data & Results
1. Low end roll off test result
Low end roll off
< 95 Hz
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: The point at which bass begins to sharply decline and becomes rapidly inaudible.
Units of Measurement: Hz (Hertz)
Tools to Measure: Oscilloscope
Why It’s Important:
If bass takes longer to start rolling off, it’ll generally be more present in the audible parts of the audio spectrum put out by a soundbar, giving sound “punch” and “depth.”
When it comes to getting the most bass you can out of your soundbar, low-end roll off is a great indicator of just how deep the bass on it can get. If a soundbar doesn’t have a roll off that starts deep enough into the bass part of the audio spectrum, then it’ll result in quiet or even absent bass, which removes most of the punch and impact of not only music, but also movies and video games. the longer it takes bass to roll off, the better.
When it comes to most soundbars for most use cases, we recommend a roll off that doesn’t start until at least 95 Hz, but it only gets better the further you go down. It’s worth noting that the roll off will only get so low, so don’t expect to find soundbars hitting the teens for roll off, but it isn’t uncommon for very bass-forward options to hit 30 Hz before roll off starts. By aiming for at least 95 Hz, you have a much better chance of getting the deep, rumbling bass you’re looking for out of your music, movies or games.
Low end roll off (in Hz; lower is better)
2. max volume test result
Maximum volume is the easiest aspect of a soundbar to understad: it’s just how loud the soundbar itself will actually get. What’s less clear is why a soundbar getting loud is so important. While higher max volumes give you the ability the fill rooms with sound or use a soundbar as makeshift party speakers, they’re also responsible for helping ensure that audio stays clear when listening at normal listening levels.
This is commonly referred to as “headroom”, and having enough headroom on a soundbar means that the soundbar is able to play back sounds at a high enough level (and with good enough clarity) that the volume level you’ll normally listen to music, movies or games with will sound perfectly clear and distortion free. We recommend your soundbar have no less than 85 dB of maximum volume and the higher you go, the better your soundbar is at filling larger and larger rooms.
max volume
>85 dB
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: The maximum volume that a soundbar is able to hit when the output is turned all the way up.
Units of Measurement: dB (Decibels)
Tools to Measure: Sound level or decibel meter
Why It’s Important:
Max volume is how you ensure you’ve got enough volume to fill large rooms and helps ensure clarity at normal listening levels.
Max Volume (in dB; higher is better)
3. latency test result
latency
< 100 ms
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: Time it takes for the soundbar to process and produce the sound it receives from the source
Units of Measurement: milliseconds (ms)
Tools to Measure: Software
Why It’s Important:
Long delays create mismatches between audio and video, which breaks immersion and frustrates gamers.
Large amounts of latency create problems when trying to sync up audio and video. While you’ve got a bit of wiggle room with how much of a delay can exist between the audio that comes out of your soundbar and the images on your TV, it’s not a ton. If there’s too much latency the mismatch starts to become obvious, and people start looking like they stopped talking while dialogue is still playing. This is especially concerning for gamers, who rely on audio and video to sync up well enough that the footprints you hear around the corner are accurately getting closer.
It’s for these reasons we recommend a latency less than 100 ms. For most content, this is a low enough delay that any mismatch is going to be largely unnoticed. If you’re a highly competitive gamer and don’t want to do calibration out of the box to line up the A/V, the lowest latency you can find is going to work best. For music and moves, though, 100 ms or less will work great.
Latency (in milliseconds; lower is better)
4. total harmonic distortion test result
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) measures the fidelity of soundbars by indicating the percentage of unwanted harmonics added to the original audio. A THD under 1 ensures minimal distortion, critical for preserving audio quality across music, movies and games. This low distortion level enhances clarity, maintains detail, and ensures a high-fidelity listening experience, crucial for understanding dialogues, appreciating music nuances, and immersing in game sounds.
We believe soundbars should have less than 1% THD because this helps confirm their ability to accurately reproduce a wide range of audio without perceptible distortion. We say “perceptible” because it’s impossible to remove all distortion, but you can reduce it to the point it’s impossible to notice. Low THD also helps improve your comfort by preventing fatigue during extended use, making it an essential for anyone that marathons movies, games or music.
harmonic distortion
< 1
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: The amount of distortion that exists in an audio signal when it is played back at a target volume.
Units of Measurement: None or %
Tools to Measure: Audio Analyzer
Why It’s Important:
High levels of distortion ruin audio quality. Keeping distortion low helps keep music accurate and high-fidelity.
Total Harmonic Distortion (lower is better)
Best Soundbars Without Subwoofer: Mistakes To Avoid
- Disregarding Connectivity Options: Ensure the soundbar has the connectivity options you need. Whether it’s HDMI ARC, optical, or Bluetooth, make sure it’s compatible with your TV and other devices. Also, check for features like Wi-Fi connectivity for streaming music and updates. When considering the best gaming soundbar, prioritizing HDMI ARC compatibility ensures seamless audio transmission from your gaming console to the soundbar.
- Neglecting Size and Placement: Consider the size of your TV and the space available for the soundbar. Opt for a soundbar that complements your TV size without overpowering it. For smaller setups, the best small soundbar can provide excellent audio quality without taking up too much space. Additionally, pay attention to the placement options – wall-mounted, tabletop, or shelf-mounted – to ensure it fits seamlessly into your setup. Proper soundbar placement is crucial for optimal audio performance, so consider the acoustics of your room and the layout when deciding where to position your soundbar.
- Underestimating Power Output: Don’t overlook the power output of the soundbar. While subwoofers typically handle low-frequency sounds, the soundbar should still deliver sufficient power for clear and dynamic audio. Look for models with adequate wattage and consider the size of your room to ensure optimal sound projection. For those who prioritize clear conversations in movies and TV shows, finding the best soundbar for dialogue is essential as they are designed to enhance vocal clarity, making every word stand out even in complex soundtracks.
- Believing Soundbars Can Replicate Deep Lows Like a Subwoofer: A common misconception is that high-quality soundbars can reach the deep, rich bass frequencies that a subwoofer is specifically designed to handle. Even the best soundbars without a subwoofer are limited in their ability to reproduce the depth and quality of bass that a subwoofer can. So, if you love bass, a top soundbar with a subwoofer can significantly enhance the low-frequency response, providing a more immersive audio experience.
The Best Soundbars Without Subwoofer Tests Compared
Product |
True Score
|
Low End Roll Off
|
High End Roll Off
|
Max Volume Test
|
Latency
|
THD @ 80dB
| |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 86 |
|
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|  $1,999.00 |
| 86 |
|
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| $414.95 |
80 |
|
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|
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| $1,498.00 $2,000 $502 |
