A soundbar improves home theater sound. It’s a good first investment, even if you don’t plan to add more. At minimum, a soundbar sounds better than a TV. But finding a slim soundbar without a subwoofer can be tricky for those with limited space. So what are the best soundbars without subwoofers?
- Bose Soundbar 700
- Sonos Playbar
- Samsung 3.0 HW-M650
- VIZIO SB3820-C6
- Yamaha YAS-108
- TaoTronics TT-SK023
- MEGACRA S6520
- Sonos Beam
- ZVOX SB500
- Bose Solo 5
- RIF6 Soundbar
Choosing the right soundbar depends on your taste. But, with many options available, it can be hard to find the right one. To make it easier, I’ve picked my top 11 soundbars that don’t need an extra subwoofer.
Table of Contents
Bose Soundbar 700
Bose makes great audio gear. The Bose Soundbar 700 is one of them. It has 4 mid-range and 1 center channel speaker. Bose’s design makes it clear and slim.
Bose Soundbar 700 uses QuietPort Technology to reduce distortion and PhaseGuide to direct sound. It connects with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Alexa, Google Assistant. It has many input ports, and works with voice commands and a remote.”
Pros
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connection.
- Voice control with Alexa or Google Assistant.
- Distortion reduced with QuietPort Technology.
- PhaseGuide technology for accurate sound direction.
- Support for Dolby and DTS inputs.
- Can upgrade to a 5.1 surround sound system with other Bose products.
- Durable and long-lasting.
- Simple setup.
Cons
- No full HDMI ports.
- May have distortion in big rooms.
- Only upgrades to full surround sound with other Bose products.
Measurements:
The Bose Soundbar 700 weighs 10.5 pounds, can sit on your entertainment center or be wall-mounted with a separate kit. The dimensions are: 2.25 inches high, 38.5 inches wide, and 4.25 inches deep.
The Bottom Line
The Bose Soundbar 700 is a premium product that’s perfect for those who want to improve their home theater sound without buying a whole surround sound system.
Sonos Playbar
Sonos makes great audio gear. The Sonos Playbar is one of their older models, but it’s still a top choice. It has 9 speaker drivers with class D amplifiers. 6 drivers focus on mid-range sounds, 3 tweeters handle phased sounds.
Connects to Wi-Fi, can stream services and controlled by the Sonos App. Has 2 Ethernet ports for better connectivity. Only supports Dolby technology.
Pros
- Good balance sound that creates a surround sound environment.
- Easy control with the Sonos App.
- “Speech Enhancement” mode and self-tuning for clear sound.
- Can upgrade to a 5.1 surround sound system with other Sonos products.
- Central speaker has great dialogue.
- Simple setup.
Cons
- No full HDMI input.
- No DTS technology support.
- Does not include Bluetooth connectivity.
Measurements
The Sonos Playbar weighs 11.9 pounds and can be wall-mounted. The dimensions are: 3.35 inches high, 35.43 inches wide, and 5.51 inches deep.
The Bottom Line
The Sonos Playbar is an older but still premium model, it’s easy to use and still performs well.
Samsung 3.0 – HW-M650
The Samsung HW-M650 is the latest soundbar from Samsung, a leader in the consumer electronics industry. The HW-M650 is a 3.0-channel system that includes a 4K-capable HDMI loop-through. This allows for high-quality audio and video to be passed through the soundbar, ensuring that you get the best possible experience from your home entertainment system.
The HW-M650 has both optical and auxiliary inputs, but only one HDMI input. However, this does not mean that you are limited in terms of audio sources, as you can also stream music or video services to the soundbar thanks to the built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity.
The HW-M650 is a 9-speaker soundbar, each with its own dedicated driver. This ensures that the sound is clear and true, with distortion canceling technology in place to further enhance the overall listening experience. You can also use Samsung’s Multi-room App to stream sound from anywhere in the house, and with Alexa voice control, you have hands-free access and control of the Samsung HW-M650. To conserve power, it also auto-powers down if no signal is received for 5 minutes.
Pros
- Clear sound, including rich bass tones, thanks to Samsung’s distortion canceling technology.
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity allow streaming options, Alexa voice control, etc.
- Easy set-up, but make sure you mount it right-side up.
Cons
- No support for Dolby Atmos.
- Slightly heavier and bulkier than other soundbars.
Measurements
The Samsung HW-M650 weighs 13.67 pounds and it can be wall-mounted. It has a built-in VESA mounting system, you only need screws. The dimensions are: 3.07 inches high, 41.73 inches wide, and 5.14 inches deep.
The Bottom Line
If you want a soundbar with good sound and a well-know brand, the Samsung 3.0 HW-M650 is a good choice.
VIZIO SB3820-C6
VIZIO is a well-known brand of consumer electronics. The SB3820-C6 is a soundbar that has many connectivity options like USB, 3.5mm, stereo RCA, coaxial and digital optical. It delivers 100 dB of sound, supports Dolby Digital, DTS Studio Sound, DTS TruVolume, and DTS TruSurround frequencies. Thanks to VIZIO’s deep bass technology, it produces sound with less than 1% total harmonic distortion.
It has built-in Bluetooth, supports streaming services. It’s a 2.0 channel soundbar, can be paired with other audio components to make a full home theater surround sound system.
Pros
- A compact and minimalist design.
- Affordable and offers good sound.
- Includes two 2.75-inch full-range drivers.
Cons
- Control is limited.
Measurements
The VIZIO SB3820-C6 weighs 5.75 pounds and it can be wall-mounted or set on an entertainment center. The dimensions are: 3 inches high, 38 inches wide, and 3 inches deep.
The Bottom Line
The VIZIO SB3820-C6 offers good sound and features at an affordable price.
Yamaha YAS-108
The Yamaha YAS-108 soundbar is designed to function exceptionally, like all Yamaha soundbars. It does not come with an external subwoofer, but it has two built-in mini subwoofers that enhance deep tones. Additionally, it includes two speakers and two tweeters to provide listeners with a full range of audio tones.
The YAS-108 supports Bluetooth connectivity and 4K technology, it has HDMI, digital optical and stereo inputs, and an HDMI ARC output, which offers a range of options. The soundbar also supports DTS Visual, which is the DTS version of 3D surround sound. It’s a perfect option for those who are looking for a full surround sound experience without the need of an external subwoofer.
Pros
- Dual Bluetooth connectivity.
- Offers full range of sound.
- Supports HDMI and 4K pass through.
Cons
- No mobile app for control and easy integration.
- Design is not stylish.
Measurements
The Yamaha YAS-108 has built-in mounting hooks and weighs 7.1 pounds. Its dimensions are: 2.125 inches high, 35 inches wide and 5.125 inches deep.
The Bottom Line
If sound quality is more important than design, the Yamaha YAS-108 is a great investment for your home theater system.
TaoTronics TT-SK023
The TaoTronics TT-SK023 is a less known brand that delivers good sound. It has Bluetooth, standard audio cable, RCA and optical input options. It does not have HDMI ports though.
The TaoTronics TT-SK023 includes three different equalizer modes (movie, game, music) to boost sound quality. Setup is easy with the included remote control. Ideal for smaller spaces because it may have distortion and reverberation at very high volumes in larger spaces.
Pros
- Movie, game and music equalizer modes to enhance sound.
- Bluetooth technology that allows streaming music or videos from your phone.
Cons
- HDMI not supported.
- Sound may be harsh at loud volumes.
Measurements
The TaoTronics TT-SK023 is a lightweight device that weighs 3.9 pounds and comes with a wall-mount kit, making it easy to install on a wall. The device has a compact design with measurements of 2.4 inches high, 31.5 inches wide, and 2.4 inches deep.
The Bottom Line
TT-SK023 is budget-friendly option, even though it’s not from a popular brand. Perfect for small spaces.
MEGACRA S6520
S6520 from MEGACRA (on Amazon) is budget-friendly with good sound quality. Not as high-end as Bose or SONOS, but great for budget. Plastic casing houses 2 3-inch drivers and 2 1-inch tweeters for clear sound.
Comes with 3 equalizer modes: movie, music, and news. Volume and modes easily controlled with included remote. Connections: optical, RCA, Auxiliary, WiFi, and Bluetooth.
Pros
- S6520 has built-in wall mount and template for easy installation.
- Connect via wires or wireless.
- Inexpensive with decent sound quality.
- Stream music from phone with Bluetooth connectivity.
Cons
- S6520 doesn’t support Dolby Digital sound.
- Irregular shape, not suitable for those who prefer sleek and modern design.
Measurements
S6520 includes built-in mount and weighs 6.9 pounds. Measures 4.1 inches high, 28 inches wide, 4 inches deep.
The Bottom Line
MEGACRA S6520 is budget-friendly option to improve TV audio.
Sonos Beam
The Sonos Beam is a newer and smaller version of the Playbar, and it comes with five dedicated drivers that provide high-quality audio. It can be found on Amazon and it’s an upgrade to the Playbar in terms of connectivity. The most important upgrade is the inclusion of HDMI ARC, which makes it more modern.
The Beam includes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology, which allow you to control it through the Sonos App and utilize Alexa voice commands. It also allows for easy integration with other Sonos home theater products, making it easy to expand from a soundbar to a full home theater surround sound system. However, it’s important to note that the Beam does not support Dolby Atmos.
Unlike many other products on the market, the Sonos Beam allows for a direct Ethernet connection. While Wi-Fi is often preferred for its convenience and ease of use, connecting directly to Ethernet provides a more stable connection in many areas. This feature makes the Beam a great option for those who live in areas with spotty Wi-Fi coverage.
Pros
- Sonos Beam has HDMI ARC, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connectivity.
- Exceptional sound quality.
- Compact and sleek design with a lot of features.
- Vocal Enhancement mode optimizes dialogue output.
Cons
- Beam does not support Dolby Atmos.
- Without HDMI ARC, setup may be more complex.
Measurements
Sonos Beam weighs 6.35 pounds and can be wall-mounted. Measures 2.7 inches high, 25.6 inches wide, 3.9 inches deep.
The Bottom Line
Sonos Beam offers many convenient features and exceptional sound quality.
ZVOX SB500
The ZVOX SB500 is a high-quality soundbar that can be found on Amazon. Although it may not be produced by a well-known brand, ZVOX has been producing quality audio equipment for years and continues to impress audiophiles all over the world.
The SB500 includes two built-in subwoofers, which makes deep tones clearly audible. Paired with class D digital amplifiers and three full-range speakers, the SB500 provides a well-rounded sound overall. The AccuVoice feature, which is exclusive to ZVOX soundbars, automatically enhances dialogue to make it more clear and easy to understand.
The SB500 is also Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capable, which allows for easy integration of streaming sources, as well as source media from hardwired devices. However, it should be noted that the SB500 does not include HDMI inputs. For those who may need to consider this option, ZVOX also offers a model that is geared towards those with hearing aids, called the AccuVoice 200.
Pros
- SB500 has powerful and dynamic bass.
- Overall sound portfolio is impressive, covering high and low frequencies.
Cons
- No HDMI connectivity.
- It is bulkier and heavier than most of the other soundbars on this list.
Measurements
The TaoTronics TT-SK023 does not come with a mount kit, but it can be wall-mounted. It weighs 12.6 pounds. The dimensions are: 5.7 inches high, 43.9 inches wide and 3.3 inches deep.
The Bottom Line
The ZVOX SB500 is a quality speaker that can compete with big brands at a lower price point.
Bose Solo 5
The Bose Solo 5 is a budget-friendly option from Bose that offers good sound quality. It’s a 2.0 channel soundbar with a compact design. The bass is not as strong as the mid- and high-range sounds. It’s ideal for movies, audiobooks and dialogue-centric formats.
The Solo 5 can be connected to other Bose devices and controlled through the Bose mobile app. A universal remote is included for controlling the Solo 5 and source media from one device.
Pros
- The included universal remote allows you to control all your equipment with one controller, not just the Bose Solo 5 soundbar.
Cons
- The remote is larger than most other soundbar controllers.
- It does not support DTS audio technology.
Measurements
The Bose Solo 5 weighs 3.7 pounds and can be wall-mounted with a separate kit. The dimensions are: 2.6 inches high, 21.7 inches wide, and 3.2 inches deep.
The Bottom Line
If you prefer Bose products but want a more compact option, the Solo 5 is a good choice.
RIF6 Soundbar
The RIF6 Soundbar is a great addition to any home theater system. It comes with a variety of input options including HDMI ARC, auxiliary, RCA, and optical ports. The built-in subwoofers provide a well-rounded sound that hits all the highs and lows as needed. It’s also easy to connect to your phone or laptop through Bluetooth and Wi-Fi and use it with streaming services. The RIF6 comes with an included remote control and several modes that help enhance your desired audio experience. Additionally, the RIF6 Soundbar has built-in wall mount brackets, making it easier to install and save you from needing additional hardware.
Pros
- Easily install anywhere with built-in mounting brackets.
- Enhance your sound with built-in subwoofers.
Cons
- Bass is good, but not as great as others on the list.
- Sound may get fuzzy at high volume.
Measurements
Mount it on the wall with the built-in mounts, RIF6 Soundbar weighs only 5.85lbs. Measures 2.75 inches high, 29.06 inches wide and 3.07 inches deep.
The Bottom Line
RIF6 Soundbar offers great value for money, with enhanced sound and extra features for a better listening experience.
2 Comments