Best Soundbar without Subwoofer of 2023, Finest Options for Superior Audio Experience

Advancements in speaker technology have given rise to the creation of compact and space-efficient soundbars, revolutionizing the landscape of built-in audio systems.

Soundbars serve as a more streamlined alternative to traditional speakers, providing a practical solution to the bulkiness and expense associated with external speaker setups. Positioned conveniently near the audio source, these devices elevate sound quality and deliver outstanding audio performance without the necessity for a separate subwoofer. This makes them an ideal choice for individuals seeking speaker solutions that optimize space without the addition of extra components.

When evaluating the top soundbars without a subwoofer, it becomes crucial to pay attention to key features such as frequency response, surround sound capabilities, types of soundbars, and connectivity options. The audio peripheral market consistently introduces upgraded soundbar models to cater to the ever-evolving needs of consumers.

Now, let’s delve into the market’s top-rated products, offering detailed descriptions and reviews to assist you in making a well-informed purchasing decision.

For every listener, sound quality holds paramount importance, and the shift toward more compact devices has resulted in a downsizing of built-in audio systems. In light of this, soundbars have emerged as a pragmatic substitute for cumbersome and costly external speakers.

1. Bose 838309-1100

Bose, a renowned figure in the audio system industry with a rich legacy spanning over 60 years, has consistently fused innovation and expertise to produce top-tier audio solutions. Their commitment to excellence has garnered them a dedicated following among both music industry professionals and everyday consumers.

One standout offering from Bose is the Bose TV Speaker, a wireless soundbar leveraging the capabilities of Bluetooth technology. Its design incorporates two speakers strategically angled to create an immersive surround sound experience during music playback. Operated through a user-friendly remote controller, this soundbar includes a dialogue mode, enhancing speech clarity for more distinct spoken sections. The remote also features a dedicated bass button, allowing users to intensify the depth of sound and achieve a robust bass signature.

Measuring just over 4 inches in width, 23 inches in length, and 2.2 inches in height, this soundbar boasts a compact form that seamlessly integrates beneath your television or alongside other electronic devices.

The package includes an optical audio cable for a straightforward TV connection. As a Bose product, it is compatible with other Bose soundbars using standard 3.5mm cables, establishing a versatile audio network. The soundbar is further equipped with a notification LED that provides various Bluetooth-related information, enhancing overall user-friendliness.

2. JBL JBLBAR50MBBLKAM

JBL, synonymous with top-quality audio systems and operating as a sub-brand under the esteemed audio giant Harman, has built a reputation for delivering high-caliber products that resonate with audiophiles and discerning consumers alike.

The JBL 5.0 Soundbar is a standout offering, featuring a 5-channel design with a total of five main speakers distributed along its length. Harnessing the power of Virtual Dolby Atmos technology, this soundbar excels in creating an immersive 3-D surround sound experience. Four passive radiators are integrated, enhancing the depth and richness of audio resonance. JBL’s innovative multibeam technology further elevates the bass performance, delivering a robust bass signature without the need for an external subwoofer.

A notable feature is its 4K pass-through support, ensuring the lossless transmission of audio data. With Bluetooth connectivity, the soundbar facilitates seamless wireless music streaming from tablets or smartphones. Additionally, the built-in Chromecast feature allows for remote video streaming. Offering compatibility with voice commands from services like Alexa, the soundbar can be conveniently controlled from a distance. Moreover, it accommodates standard television remote control, adding an extra layer of convenience for users.

3. Bose ‎863350-1100

Bose, renowned for its expansive product range, introduces the Bose Smart Soundbar 900, a cutting-edge addition to their lineup that exemplifies innovation and performance.

The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 distinguishes itself as a formidable option in the audio landscape. It features a pair of up-firing dipole speakers discreetly placed at both ends of its frame. These speakers are meticulously designed to generate sound waves that elegantly fill every corner of the room, creating an immersive acoustic experience. The soundbar’s speaker arrangement is intelligently crafted to actively amplify sound waves.

Beyond its powerful performance, this soundbar boasts a sleek and contemporary design that seamlessly integrates into smart home setups. It offers versatile connectivity options, including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, facilitating music streaming through popular apps like Spotify.

In terms of device connections, the soundbar simplifies the process with a single connection choice. It can be linked to devices using either an HDMI eARC cable or an optical audio cable. For user-friendly control, the Bose music app provides seamless support.

Additionally, it comes equipped with built-in Alexa and Google Assistant, responding to voice commands from users. To enhance this functionality, the soundbar is equipped with a noise-canceling microphone that efficiently captures commands from every direction.

4. Sonos ARCG1US1BLK

Sonos, a relatively recent entrant in the audio system market, has swiftly carved out a reputable niche for itself. With a diverse array of intelligent audio solutions designed to seamlessly integrate with the latest technologies, Sonos stands as a pioneer in the realm of wireless audio devices.

At the pinnacle of Sonos’s offerings is the Sonos Arc Soundbar. Aptly named “Arc” for the expansive mesh enveloping its speakers, it facilitates the emission of wide-ranging sound waves. Boasting an impressive ensemble of 11 primary speakers, each meticulously tuned for optimal performance, this soundbar produces a rich, deep bass signature that eliminates the need for an external subwoofer. Fueled by Dolby Atmos technology, the soundbar excels at creating a flawless 3-D surround sound experience. Furthermore, it supports Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling seamless music streaming without the hassle of cumbersome wires.

In terms of connections, the soundbar offers HDMI interface compatibility for straightforward device linkage. When additional audio firepower is desired, it can be wirelessly paired with other external speakers from the Sonos brand. Control options are convenient, including a dedicated remote controller for managing soundbar volume and settings. In the absence of the remote, a dedicated app steps in, allowing users to remotely control the soundbar for a hassle-free experience.

5. Yamaha YSP-5600

Yamaha, a highly respected name in the realm of musical instrument manufacturing, has leveraged its profound understanding of audio reproduction to create top-tier audio peripherals tailored for a diverse consumer base.

The Yamaha YSP-5600 Soundbar stands out with its impressive 7.1.2 channel configuration. A total of 44 beam drivers are strategically distributed along the length of the soundbar, complemented by precisely placed woofers at both ends. Additionally, the soundbar features 12 up-firing speakers at each extremity, working seamlessly with Dolby Atmos technology to deliver a remarkably clear and immersive surround sound experience.

A notable feature is Yamaha’s MusicCast technology, simplifying the connection with external speakers through a user-friendly app. This app also enables wireless music streaming, enhancing overall convenience.

In the absence of the app, the soundbar supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for music streaming. For linking with other devices, it offers dedicated ports for HDMI and optical cables, ensuring versatile connectivity options. The incorporation of 4K passthrough technology ensures the lossless transmission of sound data, further elevating its audio performance.

A Guide to Choosing the Best Soundbar Without a Subwoofer

Soundbars have gained significant popularity in recent times due to their compact design. They seamlessly blend with modern devices while delivering exceptional performance comparable to larger speaker setups. This guide aims to elucidate the key factors to consider when selecting a soundbar without a subwoofer to facilitate your decision-making process.

1. Frequency Response

Accurate sound reproduction is paramount for any speaker. Frequency response is the key factor responsible for this precision, as it matches the sound’s frequency range to human hearing. In the context of soundbars without subwoofers, the typical frequency response range falls between 20Hz to 20KHz. However, when a subwoofer is absent, this range narrows to 20Hz to 40Hz. Beyond these values, the frequency spectrum begins to affect decibel levels, primarily encompassing sub-bass and upper-bass frequencies.

2. Types of Soundbars

Soundbars come in different configurations in terms of amplification. Passive soundbars lack an internal amplifier, while active soundbars come equipped with built-in amplifiers. Active soundbars are generally preferred due to several advantages. They eliminate the need for external amplifiers and do not necessitate the tuning of internal amplifiers. Active soundbars do not require an additional power connection for their built-in amplifiers, reducing the overall installation costs. Conversely, passive soundbars offer greater flexibility in sound system customization, allowing for more precise sound quality tuning.

3. Surround Sound Capability

The soundbar’s ability to produce surround sound depends on the number of speakers it incorporates. A single speaker is insufficient for surround sound, while two speakers offer limited stereo sound. A minimum of three speakers is required to create an effective surround sound effect. Various soundbars are labeled with numbers that indicate their surround sound capabilities. For example, a 2.0 system consists of two speakers without a subwoofer, while a 3.1 sound system includes three speakers and one subwoofer. The three speakers serve as the left, center, and right channels.

The most popular configurations begin with the 5-series sound system. A 5.1 sound system comprises six channels: five speakers and one subwoofer. These speakers are positioned in the front left, center, front right, rear left, and rear right positions. This arrangement synchronizes to deliver a compelling surround sound experience. Enhanced versions, such as 7.1, 9.1, and 10.1, cater to higher-budget applications. These setups are designed to work seamlessly with technologies like Dolby Atmos for perfect synchronization.

4. Connectivity

Effective audio connectivity is paramount for soundbars to process sound signals. Various connectivity options have been developed to accommodate different needs. HDMI inputs allow you to connect soundbars to televisions and are also compatible with DVD or Blu-ray players, ensuring high-quality sound data transmission.

For wireless connectivity, both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth play significant roles. Bluetooth is employed for seamless audio file transfers from smartphones or computers, delivering a lag-free experience. Wi-Fi connectivity, on the other hand, is invaluable for streaming applications and can be used with smart TVs, DTH (Direct-to-Home) connections, and computers.

5. Control

Soundbar control typically offers two options: remote control and physical control buttons on the soundbar’s body. Physical control buttons often serve as a backup control method. Remote control is the preferred choice, as it provides the most comfortable means of managing the soundbar. Soundbars are typically accompanied by remotes featuring various functions, including volume adjustments and settings. Voice commands, an advanced feature popular in smart homes, can also be used for remote soundbar control. Voice control systems like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant allow users to execute various actions on the soundbar effortlessly.