A soundbar is one of the first things many home theater owners invest in. It is a great piece to start with whether you plan to expand on your home theater system or not. At the very least, the sound produced by a soundbar exceeds those of your television. For those with limited space or who not desire the inclusion of a subwoofer, however, finding a soundbar that does not come with a bulky subwoofer can be tedious.
So what are the best soundbars without subwoofers?
- Bose Soundbar 700
- Sonos Playbar
- VIZIO SB3820-C6
- Yamaha YAS-109
- MEGACRA S6520
- Sonos Beam
- ZVOX SB500
- Bose Solo 5
Finding the perfect soundbar for your home entertainment system depends a lot on your personal preferences. With that being said, however, there are plenty of options that can muddle your search and take up your time. To help save you time, I have listed and expanded on my favorite 8 soundbars without external subwoofers.
1. Bose Soundbar 700
Bose is known around the world for its quality audio products. The Bose Soundbar 700 (on Amazon) is no exception.
The Soundbar 700 contains four mid-range drivers, as well as a single center channel driver. Custom designed using Bose’s proprietary engineering, the low-profile transducers provide exceptional clarity without requiring a bulky outer shell. Virtually eliminating distortion through their “QuietPort Technology” and accurately direction sound through “PhaseGuide”, the Bose Soundbar 700 strives to enmesh listeners in a full range of tones and sounds.
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capable, the Bose Soundbar 700 offers a wide array of input ports and connectivity. Alexa and Google Assistant compatible, the Soundbar 700 is a 2.0 channel bar that accepts voice commands, in addition to a remote control.
Pros:
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity.
- Integrates with Amazon’s Alexa or Google Assistant for voice control services.
- Distortion is minimized through Bose’s QuietPort Technology.
- PhaseGuide Technologies help ensure sound is optimized and directionally accurate.
- A wide array of sound technologies is supported, including Dolby and DTS series inputs.
- Easily integrates with other Bose products, taking this from a 2.0 soundbar to a 5.1 full surround sound system.
- Well-built to ensure your investment lasts a long time.
- Easy to set up.
Cons:
- It does not include full HDMI ports.
- The sound may become slightly distorted in larger spaces.
- Only upgrades to a full surround sound system through compatible Bose products.
Measurements:
Weighing 10.5 pounds, the Bose Soundbar 700 can sit on your entertainment center or be wall-mounted through a separately purchased kit.
Measurements for the Bose Soundbar 700 are 2.25-inches high x 38.5-inches wide x 4.25-inches deep.
The Bottom Line:
A high-end product, the Bose Soundbar 700 is a great solution for those looking to boost their home theater audio without purchasing a full surround sound system.
2. Sonos Playbar
Sonos is another giant in the world of audio products. The Sonos Playbar (on Amazon) is one of their older models. However, it remains an industry-standard worthy of a Top 11 list.
The Sonos Playbar includes nine dedicated speaker drivers, with matching class D amplifiers. Of those, six of the drivers focus on mid-range sounds. The remaining three tweeters help with phased sounds, matching actions to audio flawlessly.
Able to connect to your Wi-Fi, the Sonos Playbar supports streaming services and can be controlled through your phone’s Sonos App. Supporting only Dolby technology, the Playbar also features two Ethernet ports for more reliable connectivity.
Pros:
- The well-balanced sound profile helps create a surround sound environment.
- Controlled easily through the Sonos App.
- “Speech Enhancement” mode and self-tuning helps ensure crystal clear sound no matter what is going on in the background.
- Can be upgraded from a 2.0 channel soundbar to a fully 5.1 surround sound system using compatible Sonos products.
- Central speaker produces exceptional dialogue.
- Easy to set up.
Cons:
- Does not include full HDMI input.
- Does not support DTS technology.
- Does not include Bluetooth connectivity.
Measurements:
The Sonos Playbar can be wall-mounted if desired, weighing in at only 11.9 pounds.
Measurements for the Sonos Playbar are 3.35-inches high x 35.43-inches wide x 5.51-inches deep.
The Bottom Line
An older but high-end model, the Sonos Playbar still packs plenty of punch with little user effort required.
3. VIZIO SB3820-C6
VIZIO is another well-known brand when it comes to consumer electronics. The SB3820-C6 has a range of connectivity options, including USB, 3.5mm, stereo RCA, coaxial and digital optical ports. With 100 dB of room-filling sound, the VIZIO SB3820-C6 (on Amazon) supports Dolby Digital, DTS Studio Sound, DTS TruVolume, and DTS TruSurround frequencies. Thanks to VIZIO’s deep bass technology, the SB3820-C6 produces sound with less than 1% total harmonic distortion.
With built-in Bluetooth connectivity, the VIZIO SB3820-C6 supports streaming services. As a 2.0 channel soundbar, the VIZIO SB3820-C6 can be paired with other audio components as part of a full home theater surround sound system if desired.
Pros:
- Compact, minimalist design.
- An affordably priced option that offers quality sound.
- Includes two 2.75-inch full-range drivers.
Cons:
- Control is limited.
Measurements:
The VIZIO SB3820-C6 weighs in at a mere 5.75 pounds and can be wall-mounted or set on an entertainment center.
Measurements for the VIZIO SB3820-C6 are 3-inches high x 38-inches wide x 3-inches deep.
The Bottom Line
The VIZIO SB3820-C6 offers a range of quality sound and features that will fit any budget.
4. Yamaha YAS-109
Yamaha does not design soundbars based on style. They build them to functional exceptionally and the Yamaha YAS-109 (on Amazon) is no exception.
Like all of the soundbars on this list, the YAS-109 does not come with an external subwoofer. However, it does include two built-in mini subwoofers that help accentuate those deep, rich tones. Additionally, it includes speakers to give listeners the full range of audio tones to enjoy.
Supporting Bluetooth connectivity, the YAS-109 also includes built Alexa voice control. With HDMI, digital optical and inputs the YAS-109 offers a range of options. It also supports DTS Visual, which is the DTS version of 3D surround sound.
Pros:
- Allows for Bluetooth connectivity.
- Offers a full range of sound that is impressive from a soundbar.
- Supports HDMI.
Cons:
- Yamaha has not yet created a mobile app for control and easy integration of the YAS-109.
- Design does not focus on stylish-ness.
Measurements:
The Yamaha YAS-109 weighs in at 13.67 pounds.
Measurements for the Yamaha YAS-109 are 3.07-inches high x 41.73-inches wide x 5.14-inches deep.
The Bottom Line
If aesthetics matter less than stellar sound, the Yamaha YAS-109 is a great investment for your home theater system.
5. MEGACRA S6520
The MEGACRA S6520 (on Amazon) is an inexpensive solution that provides quality sound. While this device will not compete with the high-end products, like those from Bose and SONOS, the S6520 is great for those on a budget.
The casing, which is made entirely from plastic, contains two 3-inch full-range drivers and two 1-inch tweeters to deliver crisp tones. To help ensure the best quality sound is produced, the S6520 comes with three equalizer modes: movie, music, and news. These modes, as well as the volume, are easily controlled via an included remote control. Connections include optical, RCA, Auxiliary, WiFi and
Bluetooth.
Measurements:
The S6520 comes with a built-in mount and weighs in at 6.9 pounds.
Measurements for the MEGACRA S6520 are 4.1-inches high x 28-inches wide x 4.0-inches deep.
Pros:
- The design includes a built-in wall mount and a template for exceptionally easy mounting.
- Connectivity can be done through wires or wirelessly.
- Decent sound quality for such an inexpensive unit.
- Bluetooth connectivity means you can stream music from your phone through your S6520.
Cons:
- This soundbar does not support Dolby Digital sound.
- The shape is irregular, which may be unfavorable for those looking for a sleek, modern casing.
The Bottom Line
The MEGACRA S6520 offers an affordable solution to sub-par television audio.
6. Sonos Beam
The Sonos Beam (on Amazon) is smaller than the Playbar. With five dedicated drivers, the Beam has a lot to offer. An upgrade to the Playbar, the Sonos Beam includes HDMI ARC connectivity, making it a more modern soundbar. (This is perhaps the most important upgrade to the Playbar and reflects Sonos’ ability to listen to their fan base.)
The Sonos Beam includes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology that allow you to integrate your system with the Sonos App and utilize Alexa voice controls. If you are looking to expand from a soundbar to a full home theater surround sound system, the Beam integrates easily with other Sonos home theater products. As with other Sonos products, Dolby Atmos is not supported with the Beam.
Unlike many other products on this list, the Sonos Beam allows you to connect directly to your Ethernet. While Wi-Fi is often preferred because it reduces cabling, connecting directly to your Ethernet provides a much more stable connection in many areas.
Pros:
- Includes HDMI ARC, Ethernet, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
- Sound is exceptional.
- Has a lot to offer in a compact, sleek design.
- Vocal Enhancement mode helps to optimize dialogue outputs.
Cons:
- Dolby Atmos is not supported.
- Without HDMI ARC, set up can be more complicated.
Measurements:
The Sonos Beam weighs 6.35 pounds and can be wall mounted if desired.
Measurements for the Sonos Beam are 2.7-inches high x 25.6-inches wide x 3.9-inches deep.
The Bottom Line
The Sonos Beam offers a wealth of convenient features and produces exceptional sound.
7. ZVOX SB500
The ZVOX SB500 (on Amazon) may not be produced by a well-known brand. However, ZVOX has been producing quality audio equipment for years and continues to impress audiophiles all over.
The ZVOX SB500 includes two built-in subwoofers, making deep tones clearly audible. Paired with class D digital amplifiers and two full-range speakers, the SB500 provides a well-rounded sound overall. Thanks to the AccuVoice feature, dialogue enhancement is automatic.
As with several other models, however, the SB500 does not include HDMI inputs. (ZVOX also offers a model that is geared towards those with hearing aids. Check out the AccuVoice 200 if this is an option you may need to consider.)
Pros:
- Bass is powerful and dynamic with the SB500.
- The entire sound portfolio is impressive, from the highest highs to the deepest lows.
Cons:
- No HDMI connectivity.
- The SB500 is bulkier and heavier than most of the other soundbars on this list.
Measurements:
While this soundbar can be mounted, a kit is not included with purchase. The SB500 weighs in at 12.6 pounds.
Measurements for the ZVOX SB500 are 5.7-inches high x 43.9-inches wide x 3.3-inches deep.
The Bottom Line
The ZVOX SB500 is a quality speaker that easily competes with several of the larger name brands without charging the same amount.
8. Bose Solo 5
If you are a fan of Bose audio equipment, the Bose Solo 5 (on Amazon) offers an affordable solution without sacrificing quality sound.
A 2.0-channel soundbar, the Solo 5 packs a punch in a compact, sleek design. While the bass is better than your televisions, it is not as well-rounded as that of the mid-and high-range sounds are. (For movies, audiobooks, and other such dialogue-centric formats, this is ideal.)
As with the Soundbar 700, the Solo 5 is easily connected to other Bose devices and controlled through the Bose mobile app. However, a universal remote is included with the purchase that allows you to integrate control of your source media as well as the Solo 5 from one device.
Pros:
- Included universal remote allows you to control all of your equipment with one controller, not just the soundbar.
Cons:
- Remote is larger than most other soundbar controllers.
- Does not support DTS audio technology.
Measurements:
Weighing 3.7 pounds, the Bose Solo 5 is wall mountable with the purchase of a kit.
Measurements for the Solo 5 are 2.6-inches high x 21.7-inches wide x 3.2-inches deep.
The Bottom Line
If you like Bose products but want a more compact model, the Solo 5 is a great investment.
