Subwoofer Vs Soundbar- Which Offers Better Sound?

When upgrading your home audio system or TV audio, you’ve probably come across subwoofers and sound bars. The two may confuse you about the option that offers better sound quality. Essentially, you can add a soundbar or subwoofer to your TV or home audio system for improved sound quality. But which one is better for your listening needs? In this guide, we’ll discuss subwoofer vs soundbar in detail to help you choose.

What is a Subwoofer?

A subwoofer is a type of loudspeaker that’s specially designed to reproduce low-frequency sound. Low-frequency sound is commonly known as bass. Most standard speakers are incapable of reproducing bass. For instance, a TV or receiver can send out low frequencies but regular speakers won’t reproduce them accurately. Adding a subwoofer will allow you to enjoy bass.

If your home theater lacks a subwoofer, then you’re missing a complete sound setup. Thus, it’s a worthy addition to your home audio setup. Today, most subwoofers are integrated with modern technologies such as wireless connectivity for a simpler and neater setup. While traditional subwoofers are bulky, modern subwoofers are often compact and don’t create an eyesore in the living area.

You can also check our comprehensive subwoofers guide.         

What is a Soundbar?

Soundbars are increasingly becoming more popular in the recent past. In fact, some audiophiles are finding it quite challenging to choose between soundbars and home theater speakers. Originally, soundbars were designed to improve the sound quality of TVs. Most TVs come with low-quality speakers. By pairing a soundbar with your TV, you’ll get improved sound quality. That’s why soundbars have become very popular.

Basically, a soundbar is a speaker system that comprises several speakers built in a long, rectangular enclosure known as a bar. A soundbar can be placed beneath the TV or stand next to the TV. It can also be mounted above the TV. A basic soundbar comprises 2 to 5 or more speakers. The most common soundbar configurations are 2.0 soundbars, 2.1 soundbars, 3.0 soundbars, 3.1 soundbars, and 5.1 soundbars.

Advanced soundbars are equipped with technology that allows for wireless and smart connectivity. Also, you can find sound bars that are compatible with surround sound technologies such as Dolby Atmos. That way, you can use soundbars for surround sound in a home theater setup.

You can also check our comprehensive soundbar guide.   

Subwoofer vs Soundbar- Their Differences Explained

If it’s your first time to set up a home audio system, or you’ve worked with sound bars and subwoofers before, then you may find it hard to choose between a subwoofer and soundbar. Also, some audiophiles assume that soundbars and subwoofers are similar. However, subwoofers and soundbars are different in several ways.

Here’re the detailed differences between subwoofers and soundbars.

1. Frequency Range

One of the key differences between a soundbar and a subwoofer is the frequency range that each device reproduces. Essentially, sound comprises a wide frequency spectrum. The frequency spectrum of sound is categorized into smaller categories including high-frequency, mid-range frequency, and low-frequency sound.

Subwoofer Frequency Range

To start with, a subwoofer is designed to reproduce low-frequency sound. Basically, it reproduces sound within the frequency range of 20 to 200 Hz. Thus, a subwoofer produces heart-pounding bass. Bass includes low or deep voice, sound effects such as explosions, and sounds from musical instruments such as bass guitars and kick drums.

By adding a subwoofer to your sound system, you’ll hear thumping sound effects from movies and video games and heart-pounding bass from music. For instance, regular TV speakers or standard surround speakers in a home theater setup cannot deliver bass. Thus, a bass lover will miss out on the bass details in music or movies without a subwoofer.

Soundbar Frequency Range

On the other hand, soundbars are designed to reproduce dialogue in an audio signal. The specific frequency range supported by a soundbar depends on the model. When listening to music or watching a movie, you definitely want to hear dialogue. A soundbar is designed to deliver accurate dialogue with minimum distortion. That means you can still listen to music or watch movies with a soundbar alone. However, you may not enjoy music or movies with a subwoofer alone as you’ll need to hear dialogue.

2. Number of Channels

Another key difference between sound bars and subwoofers is the number of channels in each device. To start with, subwoofers are designed as single-channel loudspeakers. Subwoofers receive a single audio channel and output low-frequency sound. That’s why a subwoofer is only limited to a narrow frequency range as it can only reproduce low-frequencies.

On the other hand, a soundbar comprises at least 2 channels. The total number of channels ranges from 2 to 7 channels at most. For instance, a 2.0 channel soundbar features a left channel speaker and a right channel speaker. A 3.0 channel soundbar features left, center, and right channel speakers. The multiple number of channels in a soundbar allows it to reproduce a wider frequency range than a subwoofer.

3. Size and Weight

Generally, subwoofers are larger and heavier than soundbars. A subwoofer needs to move a lot of air to reproduce low frequencies. Thus, it needs to have a large cone and a huge, powerful magnet. Also, a powered (active) subwoofer has a built-in amplifier that adds to its size and weight.

On the other hand, soundbars are extremely compact. Just like their name suggests, they comprise several small speakers housed in a lengthy bar. In fact, some soundbars are very lightweight such that they can be mounted above or beneath the TV. On the contrary, a subwoofer would need to be placed on a solid surface such as the floor due to its weight.

Final Thoughts on Subwoofer Vs Soundbar

Soundbars and subwoofers differ in several ways including their supported frequency range, number of channels, intended purpose, placement options, and size. Overall, a soundbar is specially designed to reproduce a wide frequency range whereas a subwoofer is specially designed to only reproduce low-frequency sound. Essentially, a subwoofer is best used alongside other speakers whereas a soundbar can be used either on its own or as a part of a surround sound audio system.

Frequently Asked Questions on Subwoofer vs Soundbar

Is soundbar with subwoofer better?

It all depends on your sound needs. If you want full-range sound with both mid-range and bass, then a soundbar with subwoofer is better. However, if you only want basic audio listening, a soundbar without a subwoofer can suffice.

What is the difference between subwoofer vs soundbar?

A soundbar produces a wide frequency sound range, has multiple channels, and is compact and lightweight. On the other hand, a subwoofer produces bass and comprises a single channel input. Also, a subwoofer is heavier than a soundbar.

Subwoofer or speaker- which is better?

The best answer to this question depends on your sound needs. For instance, if you want to add bass to your sound system, consider adding a subwoofer. On the other hand, if you want a sound system that offers a basic sound experience without deep bass, then consider adding regular speakers. If you want a complete sound experience, combine speakers with a subwoofer.

Speaker or soundbar- which is better?

It all depends on your preferences. Regardless, a soundbar is easier to install than speakers. Also, a soundbar is more compact than regular speakers. However, speakers offer better sound within a specific frequency range than soundbars. For instance, a mid-range speaker can deliver more accurate mid-range sound than a soundbar. Also, a low-frequency speaker can deliver more accurate bass than a soundbar.

Can I use a subwoofer without a soundbar?

Using a subwoofer without a soundbar will only give you bass. Thus, you won’t hear dialogue in movies and music. It’s advisable to use a subwoofer alongside a soundbar.

Where to place subwoofer with soundbar

When using a subwoofer alongside a soundbar, you can place the soundbar beneath or above the TV. On the other hand, place the subwoofer next to the TV, either to the right or left. You can also place a subwoofer behind your listening position.

Soundbar vs home theatre- which is better?

A soundbar can offer surround sound like a home theater. However, a soundbar is easier to install and often more affordable than a home theater sound system. On the other side, a home theater system is more expensive, more challenging to install, but allows for a more customized sound setup. Overall, a home theater system offers better surround sound than a soundbar.

Soundbar vs bookshelf speakers

When comparing soundbar vs bookshelf speakers, it’s worth noting that soundbars are easier to set up than bookshelf speakers. Also, the cost of bookshelf speakers can add up if you want high-quality from them as you’ll need to add an amp, subwoofer, and center channel speaker. With a soundbar, you can get high-quality sound by just adding a subwoofer. Thus, a soundbar is generally more affordable than bookshelf speakers for a setup that offers similar sound quality.

Can you connect any subwoofer to a soundbar?

It’s not possible to connect any standalone subwoofer to most brands of soundbars. However, you can connect a soundbar sold together with a subwoofer. If you want to connect any subwoofer to a soundbar, you can do so by connecting them to a receiver. If you need to use a subwoofer alongside a soundbar, it’s advisable to ensure they are compatible or simply buy a soundbar with subwoofer package.

 

Also read:

How to Pick a Good Subwoofer: Expert Guide

How to Install a Subwoofer in Your Home Theater

How are Sound Bars Connected to TV – Complete Guide