How to add a subwoofer to your soundbar for better bass

If your soundbar sounds thin during action movies or music lacks punch, adding a subwoofer is the single biggest upgrade you can make. Most soundbars — even good ones — have small drivers that cannot reproduce deep bass below 80-100Hz. A dedicated subwoofer fills in that low end and transforms your home theater experience.

Quick answer

• Check if your soundbar supports an external subwoofer — Look for a wireless pairing option or a subwoofer output port on the back
• Wireless subwoofers are easiest — Most modern soundbars pair wirelessly with compatible subs
• Brand-matched subs work best — Samsung soundbars pair with Samsung subs, Sonos with Sonos, etc.
• Placement matters — Corner placement gives the most bass, but side wall placement sounds more balanced

Does your soundbar support a subwoofer?

Before buying a subwoofer, check what your soundbar can work with:

Wireless pairing (most common)

• Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio, Sonos, JBL, and Bose soundbars can pair wirelessly with compatible subwoofers
• The subwoofer must be from the same brand or specifically listed as compatible
• Check your soundbar's manual or settings menu for "Add Subwoofer" or "Wireless Subwoofer"

Wired subwoofer output

• Some soundbars have a "Sub Out" or "LFE Out" port on the back panel
• This lets you connect any powered subwoofer with an RCA or 3.5mm input
• This is the most flexible option since you are not locked to one brand

No subwoofer support

• Budget soundbars under $100 often have no subwoofer output and no wireless pairing
• If your soundbar does not support a sub, upgrading to a soundbar that includes one is the most practical path

How to connect a wireless subwoofer

1. Unbox and place the subwoofer Place the subwoofer near a power outlet within 15-30 feet of the soundbar. Start with a corner position for maximum bass impact.

2. Power on the subwoofer Plug in the subwoofer and turn it on. Most wireless subs enter pairing mode automatically when first powered on.

3. Put the soundbar in pairing mode On Samsung: hold the "ID SET" button on the sub. On LG: Settings → Sound → Wireless Subwoofer → Pairing. On Sonos: open the Sonos app → System → Add Product.

4. Wait for the connection Pairing usually takes 10-30 seconds. The subwoofer LED will change from blinking to solid when connected.

5. Test with bass-heavy content Play an action movie scene or bass-heavy music. You should feel the subwoofer adding low-end impact.

6. Adjust the subwoofer level Use the soundbar remote or app to adjust subwoofer volume independently. Start at 50% and adjust to taste.

How to connect a wired subwoofer

1. Locate the sub output on your soundbar Look for a port labeled "Sub Out," "LFE," or "Subwoofer" on the back panel. It is usually a 3.5mm or RCA jack.

2. Connect the cable Run an RCA cable (or 3.5mm-to-RCA adapter) from the soundbar's sub output to the subwoofer's "Line In" or "LFE In" input.

3. Set the subwoofer crossover Set the subwoofer's crossover frequency to 80-100Hz. This tells the subwoofer to only play frequencies below this point, blending smoothly with the soundbar.

4. Adjust volume and phase Set subwoofer volume to 50% initially. If bass sounds hollow or thin, try flipping the phase switch (0° to 180°) on the back of the subwoofer.

5. Test and fine-tune Play content and adjust placement, volume, and crossover until the bass blends naturally with the soundbar without booming or rattling.

Subwoofer placement tips

• Corner placement gives the loudest bass but can sound boomy. Good for large rooms
• Along a side wall gives balanced bass with less boominess. Best for most rooms
• Behind the couch works well for movies — you feel the bass more than you hear it
• Avoid placing near windows — glass rattles at high bass volumes
• Keep at least 6 inches from walls for cleaner sound if the subwoofer has a rear-firing port

If your soundbar doesn't support a subwoofer

If your current soundbar has no sub output and no wireless pairing, your best option is to upgrade to a soundbar package that includes a subwoofer. Many 2.1 and 3.1 soundbar systems include a wireless subwoofer in the box for significantly better bass than any standalone soundbar.

FAQ

Can I use any subwoofer with any soundbar? Only if your soundbar has a wired sub output (RCA or 3.5mm). Wireless subwoofers must be compatible with your specific soundbar brand and model. Samsung wireless subs do not pair with LG soundbars, for example.

Will adding a subwoofer make my neighbors complain? Subwoofers produce bass frequencies that travel through walls more easily than higher frequencies. In apartments, keep the subwoofer volume moderate, place it away from shared walls, and consider using an isolation pad underneath.

How big of a subwoofer do I need? For most living rooms, an 8-inch or 10-inch subwoofer is plenty. Larger rooms may benefit from a 12-inch sub. The wireless subwoofers included with soundbar packages are typically 6-8 inches and work well for their intended pairing.

Do I need to run speaker wire to the subwoofer? No, if using a wireless subwoofer. Wireless subs only need a power outlet. Wired subwoofers connect via a single RCA cable, not speaker wire — they are "powered" subs with their own built-in amplifier.