HOME » Soundbar Tips » Soundbar with built-in subwoofer Vs Separate (Which Sounds Better?)

Soundbar Tips

Soundbar with built-in subwoofer Vs Separate (Which Sounds Better?)

Ayaan Khan

SaveSavedRemoved 0

A soundbar is very convenient and swift to install sound solutions. That’s why a lot of entertainment in-home lovers are coming to it or searching about it. But there are two types of soundbars now. Soundbar with built-in subwoofer and separate. Which sounds good?

At A Glance: The soundbar with a built-in subwoofer sounds good, but for the best sound and bass management, the soundbar with a separate subwoofer will sound the best.

Keep reading as we will be discussing many more aspects of this. Don’t forget to read the stats of the poll at the bottom of the article to know what others are choosing.

Builtin Subwoofer Vs Separate Subwoofer Soundbar

Let’s compare both of these soundbars with each other and see which one stands out. After reading this, you will be able to choose a type of it that will better suit you.

Built-in Subwoofer Soundbar

Here, the subwoofer is fitted on one side of the soundbar. This arrangement gives you good sound but keeps you in limitations. What are those limitations? Well, read the pros and cons to know more.

Pros

1. It can be installed quicker
2. It doesn’t require a large space to be kept in
3. It doesn’t require thinking about bass optimization
4. It uses less power as compared to a separate subwoofer soundbar
5. Fewer wires and less wire management
6. Cool aesthetics that level up the TV and room design

Cons

1. No bass management and optimization. Why one thing in both pros & cons? Cause here the angle is different. I said no bass optimization is pro because for those who are lazy and don’t want to keep up with the bass optimization hustle. Here it is a con because bass lovers want better bass all the time. If you can’t provide bass optimization for them, then it is a con. 
2. The bass is not robust and deeper here. Cause the built-in subwoofer is always small, and a small subwoofer can’t provide you with deeper bass

Read this review guide, for the best soundbar under $300. I have reviewed the top 7 both built-in and with a separate subwoofer.

Recommendation

I will recommend this built-in subwoofer soundbar below. It is the best in this category and it is sometimes tagged as Amazon’s choice. I have reviewed it in the above under $300 review article.

Separate Subwoofer Soundbar

Here you get a subwoofer with your soundbar. You get all the required speaker drivers built-in in the soundbar and a separate bigger subwoofer. Let’s know what are its pros and cons.

Pros

1. You get bass management and optimization here. You can move the subwoofer around, and it is very important. The subwoofer should be mobile to hunt down the best point for it.
2. The bass is deeper and more robust. Because the bigger the driver the deeper will be the bass.
3. Better punch to boost video content realism. Bass gives a realistic touch to video content. That’s why a better bass punch gives a better realism punch.
4. You get tighter & deeper dialogues that feel real.

Cons

1. A separate subwoofer comes with wires. You need to take care of those extra wires too.
2. The separate subwoofer needs space and should not make the room design worse.
3. The bass doesn’t hit well in all places of the room. You have to keep moving it to get the place for it. So, it is a hustle to look for.
4. The separate bass soundbar will use more power than a soundbar with a built-in subwoofer.

Read this guide to know how much should spend on the soundbar. I have presented the best options and alternatives in this guide.

Recommendation

I will recommend this subwoofer with a separate subwoofer below. It has two separate speakers as well that you can place behind you to give you entry level 5.1 surround sound feel. It is tagged as Amazon’s choice from time to time.

Final Verdict & FB Poll

I conducted this poll in a Facebook group.

I was shocked that 13% voted for the built-in subwoofer soundbar. That’s why I reach out to them to know their opinion. The final verdict is crafter after my experience with the soundbars and taking interviews from this poll participants.

• If you want better dialogue clarity and better overall sound than the TV speakers then the builtin-subwoofer soundbar will sound good for you
• But if you want all of the above along with robust bass then a soundbar with a separate subwoofer will sound and work better for you.

I will recommend the below soundbar on Amazon by Vizio. It will boost your watching & listening experience.

Read this guide to know cheap vs expensive. Which soundbar is better? I have compared them with ratings.

Did you get something out of this soundbar guide? Hold On We Have Something Exciting To Share.

FAQs

Helpful Resources For The FAQs To Read More

1. Read this guide to know which size of soundbar to get for your size of room. I have discussed the channels and the actual size of the soundbar vs the room. You will know which is the best size for you. (Resource for the first answer)
2. This was my opinion, read more about it from the DefenitiveTechnology Forum. (Resource for the fourth answer)
3. This was my opinion, read more about it from Crutchfield’s blog. (Resource for the fifth answer)
4. Read this guide, speaker vs soundbar? I have given ratings and compared them both. (Resource for the sixth answer)

Watch To Learn Where To Place The Subwoofer With Your Soundbar