The best subwoofers for soundbars
Here's the fact every soundbar owner runs into eventually: you cannot add just any subwoofer to a soundbar. Soundbars have no subwoofer output, so they only pair with their own brand's wireless module — and only if the specific model supports one. The choice isn't “which sub is best”, it's “which sub matches my bar”.
Below are the modules worth buying in each major ecosystem, and honest advice for the two common dead ends: a soundbar that supports nothing, and the temptation to buy a bar-plus-sub bundle instead.
Best for Sony soundbars
Sony SA-SW5
7.1″ passive-radiator · 300 W RMS · down to ~28 Hz · ~$700
For HT-A5000/A7000/A9 owners this is transformative — the full-size module that gives Sony's spatial processing an actual foundation. The SA-SW3 below is the value alternative.
Value pick for Sony soundbars
Sony SA-SW3
6.3″ ported · 200 W RMS · down to ~40 Hz · ~$400
Most of the SW5's benefit in smaller rooms, at a much friendlier price. If you sit closer than 3 metres or share walls, this is arguably the smarter buy.
Best for Samsung soundbars
Samsung SWA-W510
6.5″ passive-radiator · 200 W RMS · down to ~42 Hz · ~$300
The straightforward answer for Q-series bars sold without a sub: auto-pairs, adds the missing octave, done. Check your model's compatibility list before ordering.
Best for Bose soundbars
Bose Bass Module 700
10″ ported · 300 W RMS · down to ~30 Hz · ~$849
The premium partner for the Smart Soundbar 700/900 — proper depth with Bose's trademark ease of setup. The Bass Module 500 covers smaller rooms for less.
Soundbar bass, honestly
Compatibility comes first, always
Search “[your soundbar model] compatible subwoofer” on the manufacturer's own site before reading any review. If your model isn't listed, no module will pair with it.
If your bar can't take a sub, upgrade the bar
There's no adapter or workaround for an incompatible soundbar. The money is better spent moving to a bar-plus-sub bundle — or to a budget receiver and speakers, which outperform soundbars at the same total price.
Bundles are usually the better first purchase
If you don't own the soundbar yet, buy the version bundled with its sub — bundles are discounted and guarantee compatibility. Adding the module later almost always costs more.
Placement rules still apply
Wireless pairing doesn't exempt the sub from acoustics. Corners boost output, mid-wall smooths it; the placement guide applies to a Samsung cube exactly as it does to an SVS.
Frequently asked questions
Can I connect any subwoofer to my soundbar?
No. Soundbars lack a subwoofer output and pair only with their own brand's matching wireless module, where supported. A conventional powered subwoofer cannot be added to a soundbar system.
How do I know which subwoofer works with my soundbar?
Check the manufacturer's product page or manual for your exact model number — it lists the compatible module (e.g. Samsung SWA-W510 for specific Q-series bars, Sony SA-SW3/SW5 for HT-A bars). Compatibility is per-model, not per-brand.
Is a soundbar with a subwoofer better than speakers?
For simplicity, yes; for sound per dollar, no. A soundbar-plus-sub bundle is tidy and TV-friendly, but at the same total price an entry receiver, bookshelf speakers, and a budget sub sound clearly better — at the cost of boxes and cables.