Best Soundbar and Subwoofer Combo 2024

The first one on our list is the Vizio Elevate M512E-K6. This soundbar with a wireless subwoofer distinguishes itself with rotating drivers at each end that elevate when Dolby Atmos and DTS:X content is played. 

The design of the soundbar, with its rounded edges and fabric-wrapped construction, adds a touch of style to any entertainment setup. The subwoofer and satellites maintain a cohesive design, contributing to a visually appealing package. The overall build quality is commendable, with the soundbar, sub, and satellites constructed from durable materials.

In terms of performance, the Vizio M Series Elevate offers a compelling audio experience suitable for mixed usage. Its 5.1.2 configuration, complete with a discrete center channel, contributes to a balanced sound out-of-the-box. Clear and accurate reproduction of voices and lead instruments, detailed TV show dialogue, and immersive sound for movies make it a versatile choice for various types of content. The soundbar supports Dolby Atmos, adding a layer of depth and height to the audio experience. Additionally, the presence of bass and treble adjustments allows users to tailor the sound profile to their preferences.

Connectivity options include HDMI and optical inputs, accommodating both modern and older TV models. The inclusion of HDMI ARC/eARC support ensures compatibility with various audio formats, making it suitable for streaming platforms and Blu-ray enthusiasts alike. The soundbar also offers convenient features such as bass adjustment, treble adjustment, and EQ presets for further customization.

In summary, the Vizio Elevate M512E-K6 Soundbar delivers a compelling audio performance with its unique design, balanced sound profile, and versatile features, making it a solid choice for users seeking an immersive home entertainment experience.

The second one on our list is the Sony HT-S400. The HT-S400 Soundbar offers a remarkable audio experience that belies its affordable nature. The front surround sound speaker, equipped with S-Force PRO Front Surround and Dolby Digital, delivers impressive audio quality, making it suitable for various purposes, including film, television, music, and gaming.

The thoughtful design includes an OLED display on the soundbar, providing information on input mode, volume, Bluetooth connection, and bass levels. The sleek black design of both the soundbar and subwoofer contributes to a premium aesthetic, with the subwoofer rear panel crafted from recycled plastics, demonstrating an eco-friendly approach. The soundbar’s flat back allows for easy wall mounting, providing flexibility in setup options.

One of the standout features of the HT-S400 is its wireless subwoofer, which adds depth to the audio experience without the hassle of cables. The soundbar supports Bluetooth A2DP, HDMI ARC, and optical cable connections, allowing seamless integration with Sony TVs. 

In terms of features, the HT-S400 offers Voice mode, enhancing spoken dialogue in movies and series. Night mode reduces bass for quieter viewing during nighttime hours. The Sound Field feature transforms standard stereo audio into surround sound, utilizing Sony’s virtual surround sound technology, S-Force PRO.

When it comes to audio performance, the HT-S400 impresses with its ability to deliver clear and immersive sound across various content genres. Whether watching action films, engaging in gaming, or listening to music, the soundbar excels in providing a satisfying audio experience. While lacking Dolby Atmos support, the device compensates with its audio clarity, making it suitable for those in small apartments seeking a cinematic experience without the need for multiple speakers.

In conclusion, the Sony HT-S400 Soundbar stands out for its phenomenal audio performance, thoughtful design, and wireless subwoofer, making it a compelling choice for users seeking an affordable yet high-quality audio solution.

The next one on our list is Samsung HW-Q990C. The HW-Q990C soundbar offers a top-tier Dolby Atmos experience, solidifying its position as a flagship model. 

The design maintains the sleek and distinctive look of its predecessor, with the main soundbar featuring a unique angled shape to accommodate side-firing speakers. The subwoofer, though substantial, adds a sophisticated touch with its protruding lens. The overall setup, comprising four separate components, contributes to a more imposing presence in the living room compared to single-bar solutions, but it remains manageable.

Boasting an impressive 11.1.4 channel setup and 656 watts of power spread across four components, including the main soundbar, a hefty subwoofer, and two rear speakers, the Q990C excels in delivering a truly immersive surround sound experience. The inclusion of up-firing drivers ensures a complete Dolby Atmos and DTS:X experience, enveloping the listener in a hemisphere of sound.

One standout feature is the SpaceFit Sound Pro auto-calibration system, a notable improvement over the previous model, ensuring optimal performance by calibrating the subwoofer and speakers simultaneously.

Audio performance is a highlight, particularly for movie enthusiasts. The Q990C excels in creating a full and detailed surround sound stage, with precise placement of effects and impressive handling of transition sounds. The robust bass from the subwoofer complements the system’s overall dynamic range. 

Setup and usability receive praise for stable wireless connections and various control options, including a well-organized remote, voice control via Amazon Alexa, and the SmartThings app. However, the absence of 4K@120 Hertz HDMI pass-through might be a drawback for gamers with premium devices. The absence of Chromecast and HDMI 2.1 support may disappoint some users, and there are occasional quirks with Spotify Connect when using an iPhone.

Overall, despite these minor drawbacks, the Samsung HW-Q990C is a compelling choice for those seeking a premium Dolby Atmos experience. 

The fourth one on our list is LG S95QR. The S95QR is a formidable addition to the world of soundbars, boasting a recent firmware update that marks the most extensive upgrade in soundbar history.  

The design of the S95QR is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functionally efficient. The main soundbar, subwoofer, and rear speakers are well-crafted, featuring a high-quality finish and attractive shaping. The inclusion of an LED display on the front edge and touch-sensitive control buttons on the top edge adds to the user-friendly design.

One of the standout features of the S95QR is its impressive 9.1.5-channel sound system, comprising five front channels, four rear channels, five up-firing channels, and a dedicated subwoofer. This intricate speaker arrangement delivers a truly immersive Dolby Atmos experience, creating a surround soundstage that extends from the front to the rear and even upwards to the ceiling. The addition of three top-edge drivers on the main soundbar, a unique feature, enhances the vertical sound projection, making dialogue and placement effects feel as if they’re originating from the screen above.

The soundbar supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X playback, with a substantial power output of 810W, ensuring a cinematic audio experience.

In terms of connectivity, the S95QR offers impressive options, including HDMI loop-through supporting Dolby Vision HDR, eARC functionality, and wireless connectivity with LG’s WOWCAST system for lossless Dolby Atmos transmission. The soundbar’s compatibility with various audio formats, including MQA, further enhances its versatility.

While there may be minor imperfections, such as occasional prominence of dialogue and a slightly distant soundstage, the overall performance of the LG S95QR solidifies its position as an outstanding soundbar, especially for those seeking a captivating and epic sound experience.

Last but not least, the Sony HT-G700 is on our list as well. The Sony HT-G700 is a 3.1-channel soundbar offering a sleek and premium design that aligns with other Sony soundbars. 

The soundbar is constructed from high-quality plastic with a large metal grille, providing both durability and an appealing aesthetic. The wireless subwoofer, larger than its predecessor, complements the system with a front-firing port for optimal placement against a wall. 

Featuring a 3.1 channel configuration, the HT-G700 is equipped with HDMI ARC and Full HDMI In ports, supporting various audio formats. Notably, it can play Dolby Atmos content, although it downscales it into stereo. Despite its somewhat boomy sound profile, the soundbar provides flexibility through seven EQ presets, allowing users to customize their audio experience based on content preferences.

In terms of performance, the Sony HT-G700 excels in rendering dialogue and TV shows. The soundbar’s ability to achieve high volumes makes it suitable for larger rooms, and it includes a dialogue enhancement feature for improved voice clarity. Additionally, users can enjoy wireless streaming via Bluetooth, expanding the soundbar’s versatility for podcasts or audiobooks. 

In terms of connectivity, the soundbar offers multiple inputs, including HDMI ARC, Full HDMI In, and optical, supporting various audio formats. The presence of a dedicated center speaker enhances the clarity and accuracy of dialogue in movies.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. The HT-G700 lacks a room correction feature, potentially impacting audio quality based on room acoustics.

In short, while the Sony HT-G700 has its strengths and weaknesses, its sleek design, diverse connectivity options, and customizable EQ presets make it a solid choice for users looking to elevate their home audio experience.