Looking to add some excitement to movie nights or music listening sessions? The bass from your TV or laptop speakers probably leaves a lot to be desired. Weak bass plagues many built-in speakers, making action scenes sound tinny and lacking punch.

Adding a soundbar is a great way to seriously upgrade your audio. And choosing a bass-enhancing soundbar can provide that deep, heart-thumping bass that makes music and movies come alive.

In this post, we’ll cover the top soundbars that really deliver on the low end. Plus provide tips on choosing the right bass-heavy model for your needs and budget. Whether you want room-shaking home theater sound or just more oomph from dialogue and music, there’s a soundbar here to meet your bass desires.

Top 5 Bass-Enhancing Soundbars

Let’s dive into the top soundbars that really pump up the bass courtesy of built-in subs or dedicated wireless subwoofers.

Sony HT-XT1

If you want bass-heavy sound from a compact, aesthetically pleasing soundbar, look no further than the Sony HT-XT1. This slim yet powerful soundbar packs a punchy bass punch thanks to its built-in subwoofer.

The Sony HT-XT1 is an ultra-slim single-unit soundbar, meaning the subwoofer is integrated rather than a separate component. Despite its slender size, it delivers an impressive low-end presence that outperforms many bulkier soundbars. Dual passive radiators on the left and right sides allow the woofer to produce pronounced bass.

This soundbar pumps out the lows with Sony’s S-Force PRO Front Surround technology. This produces an immersive audio experience beyond the hardware’s 2.1 physical channels. For connectivity, the HT-XT1 includes HDMI ARC to easily connect with your TV remote.

Key Features:

• Sleek, single-unit design with built-in subwoofer
• Integrated dual passive radiators enhance bass
• S-Force PRO Front Surround provides immersive audio
• HDMI ARC connection

Pros:

• Compact size fits smaller spaces
• Impressive bass presence and extension for its size
• Virtual surround sound fills the room
• Supports HD audio formats

Cons:

• Can sound crowded or lack clarity at high volumes
• Lacks bass customization beyond basic EQ presets
• No Wi-Fi or smart assistant connectivity

With powerful audio technology inside a minimalist, unobtrusive form factor, the Sony HT-XT1 is a great option if you want beefed up bass without a bulky soundbar and subwoofer setup. It usually retails for around $250, delivering strong value given its audio capabilities.

Samsung HW-Q70T

If you want truly ground-shaking bass and immersive Dolby Atmos, Samsung’s HW-Q70T is one of the best soundbars you can buy. This 3.1.2 channel system combines a soundbar, wireless subwoofer, and upfiring speakers to fill your room with multi-dimensional sound.

The wireless subwoofer is the star of the show, producing seismic lows that lend an incredible sense of space and realism to movies. It works in tandem with the soundbar’s Acoustic Beam technology, which bounces audio off your walls and ceiling for a wider soundstage.

Dolby Atmos and DTS:X compatibility enables vertical height channels that make effects like raindrops or aircraft flyovers sound like they’re all around you. Alexa is also built-in for hands-free voice control.

Key Features:

• Wireless 10-inch subwoofer with force-cancelling design
• Upfiring speakers create vertical Dolby Atmos audio
• Acoustic Beam for wider surround sound
• Works with Alexa voice assistant

Pros:

• Room-filling, earth-shaking bass
• More realistic and immersive 3D audio
• Adaptive Sound mode customizes audio
• Easy to set up and control with Alexa

Cons:

• Expensive, around $700 MSRP
• Atmos effect can be subtle in some content
• Fewer input ports than some competitors

If you have the budget, the Samsung HW-Q70T is a home run. Dolby Atmos support combined with the subwoofer’s incredible low-end extension will make your movies and music come to life like never before.

Vizio SB362An-F6

You don’t need to spend a fortune to get powerful, floor-shaking bass from a soundbar. The Vizio SB362An-F6 offers thunderous bass at an affordable price point.

This 36-inch soundbar pumps out up to 100 decibels of room-filling surround sound. The wireless subwoofer provides chest-thumping bass that takes action movies and music to the next level.

Even with the budget-friendly price, Vizio didn’t skimp on drivers – this bar has two 3-inch full-range drivers for the front left and right, two 1-inch tweeters for the highs, and two 3-inch mid-range drivers for punchy audio.

Bluetooth connectivity makes it easy to stream audio from your mobile devices. The SB362An-F6 also includes a remote and wall mount hardware for placement flexibility.

Key Features:

• 100 dB sound pressure level
• Integrated wireless subwoofer
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Includes remote control and wall mount

Pros:

• Deep, thunderous bass for the price
• Wide, room-filling audio
• Easy setup with single soundbar unit
• Great value compared to premium models

Cons:

• Lacks Wi-Fi and smart features
• Dialogue and highs could be more crisp

If you want to add serious bass without breaking the bank, the Vizio SB362An-F6 is virtually impossible to beat. With powerful audio and deep lows that belie its modest price point, it’s ideal for smaller spaces like apartments or bedrooms.

Sonos Arc

For bass and overall audio quality, it’s tough to top the Sonos Arc. This premium soundbar delivers breathtakingly deep bass, razor-sharp mids/highs, and immersive Dolby Atmos sound for home theater bliss.

Inside the sleek, understated exterior, the Sonos Arc houses 11 high-performance drivers including two force-cancelling woofers for chest-pounding bass. Two tweeters create crisp, pinpoint highs while eight elliptical mid-woofers ensure you hear every detail.

The Sonos Arc analyzes your room’s layout using built-in Sonos Trueplay tuning. It then custom balances the audio so you get optimized sound wherever you place it. For connectivity, HDMI eARC makes setup seamless while AirPlay 2 and Alexa/Google Assistant provide wireless control.

Key Features:

• 11 high-performance drivers including dual woofers
• Dolby Atmos enabled
• Sonos Trueplay room-correction
• HDMI eARC, AirPlay 2, and voice assistant support

Pros:

• Deep, cinema-level bass
• Crystal clear and detailed audio
• Expansive, 3D soundstage
• Music sounds superb too
• Elegant design suits any decor

Cons:

• Very expensive, around $900 MSRP
• No DTS:X support
• Full surround requires adding Sonos speakers

The Sonos Arc delivers breathtaking, cinema-quality audio from an elegant single unit. If you want jaw-dropping bass coupled with Dolby Atmos immersion, it doesn’t get better than this luxury soundbar. Just be prepared to pay for the premium performance.

Polk Audio MagniFi Max SR

Movie buffs needing full surround sound should check out the Polk Audio MagniFi Max SR. It takes home theater to the next level with heart-pounding bass and 5.1 surround channels.

This system includes a soundbar, wireless subwoofer, and two wireless satellite speakers you place behind you. The 10-inch sub provides seismic lows that add serious dramatic impact. You can even boost the bass further via Polk’s mobile app.

Having true surround speakers creates a highly realistic and immersive experience compared to more basic soundbars. It also supports 4K HDMI passthrough including Dolby Vision HDR. Alexa and Google Assistant are built-in for hands-free control.

Key Features:

• 5.1 surround with dedicated center, sub, and rear speakers
• Wireless 10-inch subwoofer
• Works with Alexa and Google Assistant
• 4K/Dolby Vision passthrough

Pros:

• Window-rattling, ultra-deep bass
• True lifelike surround soundstage
• Lots of connectivity like HDMI and Bluetooth
• Easy setup with wireless rears

Cons:

• Bulky system requires ample space
• App needs more customization options
• No Dolby Atmos or DTS:X

If you have the room for a full surround system, the Polk MagniFi Max SR rewards you with shuddering bass and an incredibly lifelike soundscape. Action movie fans will feel like they’re right in the thick of the excitement.

How to Choose the Right Bass-Enhancing Soundbar

Now that you know some top bass-blasting options, let’s discuss what to consider when shopping for your perfect match. Focus on these key factors:

Where Will You Use It?

First, think about where you’ll be placing your soundbar and how you’ll be connecting it.

Room Size

Ideally, choose a soundbar suited for the size of the room where you’ll use it. Larger spaces with tall ceilings call for soundbars with bigger woofers or more powerful wireless subwoofers to fill the room with sound.

Compact soundbars like the Sony HT-XT1 are better for modest spaces like apartments or bedrooms. Oversized subs in small rooms risk muddled, boomy bass.

Also consider nearby surfaces. Placing a soundbar in front of a wall amplifies bass, while corners really boost the lows. Avoid putting it right in a corner though, which can muddy the sound.

TV Setup

Make sure the soundbar will work with your TV’s connections. Modern TVs with HDMI ARC or eARC make setup seamless. Soundbars without HDMI rely on optical which limits higher resolution audio formats.

Also consider wall mounting if appropriate. Soundbars like the Vizio SB362An-F6 come with hardware for mounting above or below the TV.

Key Features and Specifications

Next, look at the soundbar’s technical specs to ensure powerful bass and sound.

Woofers and Drivers

In general, the more and larger woofers, the stronger the bass. For deep lows, a good soundbar needs at least two 2.5-3 inch mid-woofers. Models like the Sonos Arc have as many as 11 total drivers covering all frequencies.

For serious bass extension, a wireless active subwoofer with at least a 10 inch woofer is ideal. Passive radiators allow smaller subs to enhance bass through auxillary vibration.

Amplifier Power

Adequate power ensures full, distortion-free sound. Look for at least 100 watts RMS for the main soundbar unit and 200+ watts for the subwoofer. Some soundbars like the Samsung Q70T exceed 400 watts total power.

Sound Modes

Sound modes optimize the audio settings for different content like movies or music:

• Movie/Cinema mode widens surround effects for a spacious cinematic feel.
• Music mode enables stereo channel processing focused on musical clarity.
• Night mode compresses the dynamic range so you hear everything even at low volumes.
• Dialogue mode boosts midrange frequencies for crisp, clear vocal reproduction.

Surround Sound

If immersive audio is a priority, choose a model with dedicated 3.1 (left/right/center) or 5.1 (adds rear) surround channels. Soundbars that support Dolby Atmos have specialized height speakers that create vertical 3D audio.

Connectivity

Connectivity determines how you’ll control your soundbar and send audio to it. Look for:

• HDMI to connect to your TV audio. HDMI ARC or preferably eARC enables using your TV remote to control volume and settings.
• Bluetooth to conveniently stream music from any Bluetooth-enabled device like your phone.
• Wi-Fi for smart features like voice assistant access and wireless music streaming platforms.
• Voice assistant integration like Alexa allows hands-free voice control. Just ask your soundbar to change the volume, switch inputs, etc.

What Content Will You Watch?

Think about what you’ll use your soundbar for, as certain features cater to different content:

Movies/TV

Deep bass and surround channels make action movies and dramatic shows truly immersive. Consider Dolby Atmos and DTS:X processing for ultra-realistic 3D effects.

Music

Soundbars with dedicated music modes and capable subwoofers excel for bass-heavy tunes. Multi-driver systems like the Sonos Arc deliver refined music reproduction too.

Gaming

Low latency passthrough for 4K/120fps signals optimizes soundbars for gaming, like the Polk MagniFi Max SR. The deep bass makes in-game effects really hit home.

Dialogue

Clear vocal reproduction requires soundbars with exceptional mid-range drivers. Modes to boost dialogue frequencies also help.

What’s Your Budget?

Finally, consider how much you want to spend:

Under $200

Stick to basic 2.0 and 2.1 channel soundbars from brands like Vizio or Yamaha. Focus on music enjoyment more than full surround effects.

$200 – $500

The most popular price zone, with polished bass and simulated 3D audio from major brands like Samsung, Sony, LG and others. Less support for newest formats.

$500 – $1000

Higher-end models with true 3.1 or 5.1 surround and Dolby Atmos start in this range. Improved build quality and materials. More wireless connectivity and smart options.

$1000+

Luxury territory occupied by brands like Sonos, Bang & Olufsen, Sennheiser. Cutting edge 3D audio, exotic materials like fabric and aluminum. Often integrate with wider ecosystems.

Consider paying more if you have a large open space or want the latest surround formats. But start lower if simply improving TV speakers in a smaller bedroom, for example.

FAQ

Let’s wrap up with answers to some frequently asked questions about bass-enhancing soundbars:

Q: Why buy a soundbar with a wireless subwoofer vs. built-in subwoofer?

A: A wireless sub is better for several reasons:

1. Allows a larger 8-10 inch subwoofer for more powerful bass.
2. Provides deeper bass extension below what a built-in sub can offer.
3. Gives more placement flexibility like corner loading to amplify bass.
4. Allows the soundbar to focus just on mids/highs.
5. Creates a more immersive 2.1 surround effect.

Q: What connectivity options do I need?

A: Ideally, look for:

• HDMI ARC or preferably eARC to connect to your TV with the best quality audio and control integration.
• Bluetooth to wirelessly stream music from any Bluetooth-enabled device.
• Optical input as a backup to HDMI if needed for older TVs.
• Wi-Fi enables wireless streaming platforms and smart voice control.

Q: Is it better to get a 3.1 vs. 5.1 surround soundbar?

A: It depends on your needs:

• 3.1 soundbars with left/right channels plus a center speaker provide a decent surround effect from the single bar. Ideal for smaller rooms.
• 5.1 bars with dedicated surrounds create a more true-to-life surround experience. Better for dedicated home theaters.
• But 5.1 systems take up more space and cost more. Overkill for many casual viewers.

Q: What sound modes should I look for?

A: The most useful modes include:

• Movie/Cinema mode widens the sound for an immersive cinematic feel.
• Music mode enables optimized stereo processing.
• Night mode compresses the dynamic range so you hear everything even at low volumes.
• Dialogue mode boosts vocal frequencies for clearer dialogue and announcers.
• Gaming mode decreases audio latency, usually under 15ms, providing a competitive edge.

Q: Do I need Dolby Atmos or DTS:X?

A: Dolby Atmos and DTS:X provide more immersive 3D audio by adding height and overhead channels. This can make movie effects much more realistic.

However, Atmos and DTS:X require specific home theater speaker configurations. If you don’t plan on expanding beyond a single soundbar, these advanced formats likely won’t improve much over basic surround sound.

Conclusion

Whether you want the phenomenal bass and Dolby Atmos of the Sonos Arc or just improved audio from the Vizio SB362An-F6 on a budget, adding a bass-enhancing soundbar can take your entertainment experience to the next level.

Choosing the right model comes down to your room size, intended use, content you’ll watch, and budget. There’s no universally “best” bass soundbar for everyone.

In general though, wireless subwoofers and larger woofers provide the most powerful bass impact. Even basic soundbars offer a massive boost over anemic TV speakers. Placement near walls strengthens bass further.

For connectivity, HDMI ARC or eARC makes integration seamless, while Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enable wireless streaming. Consider advanced surround formats like Dolby Atmos a nice bonus rather than necessity.

Setup is easy, especially with a single-unit soundbar and wireless sub. But avoid cramming into tight spaces or corners, which can muddle the sound.

With booming audio effects, thumping beats, and crisp dialogue, a quality bass-heavy soundbar brings your entertainment to life. Movies become immersive experiences, music gets your head nodding along, and games engage all your senses.

The next time you want to feel the beat as much as hear it, turn to one of these top-rated bass-boosting soundbars. Your ears will thank you!

Have questions about choosing the perfect bass-blasting soundbar? Ask in the comments! I’m happy to provide buying tips tailored to your needs and room.