Soundbar Subwoofer Outputs: One or Two Subwoofers?

What a subwoofer output names on a listing

A soundbar with a separate subwoofer has a way to send audio to that subwoofer. On a listing, this is named as a 'subwoofer output', 'sub out', or described in the bullet list as 'wireless subwoofer included' or 'works with a separate subwoofer'. A bar with a built-in subwoofer has no subwoofer output because the subwoofer is part of the bar itself. When a listing names no subwoofer output and no separate subwoofer, the bar either has a built-in subwoofer or the listing omitted the detail.

The subwoofer output can be a physical port, usually an RCA connector on the back of the bar, or a wireless pairing connection. Wireless pairing uses a radio link between the bar and the subwoofer. Some bars pair over Bluetooth; the Bluetooth technology overview describes Bluetooth Classic as the radio used for wireless audio streaming. Many bars use a proprietary wireless link instead, and the listing names the connection in general terms.

• Subwoofer output: a port or wireless connection that sends audio to a separate subwoofer
• Built-in subwoofer: the subwoofer is inside the bar, so there is no output
• Wireless subwoofer: the subwoofer pairs with the bar without a cable

One subwoofer output versus two

Most soundbars with a separate subwoofer have one subwoofer output. One output supports one subwoofer. Some models, usually near the top of a maker's lineup, support two subwoofers. On a listing, this appears as 'dual subwoofer output', '2 subwoofer outputs', or 'supports 2 subwoofers' in the bullet list. A title that names a 'dual sub' gives you the same information in fewer words.

A title that names one subwoofer in the bundle tells you the bar ships with one subwoofer. That bar may still support a second subwoofer, but the detail lives on the maker's page, not in the listing. When the listing states a channel layout such as 5.1, the '1' names one subwoofer channel; a layout with a second subwoofer is named with an extra number, for example 5.2. See channel numbers explained for how layouts read.

The maker's page is the place to confirm the number of subwoofer outputs. A maker like Samsung groups its soundbars into series, and the series page or the model page states which models include a subwoofer and which accept a second one. Sonos offers more than one subwoofer model in its lineup, and the page for each soundbar states which subwoofers pair with it.

How a second subwoofer connects

A second subwoofer connects the same way the first one does. On a bar with two subwoofer outputs, you have two physical ports for wired subwoofers. On a bar with wireless pairing, you pair a second subwoofer through the same pairing process, often controlled from the maker's app or by a button on the bar.

The listing may name a 'dual subwoofer' feature, but the pairing steps are described in the maker's manual and on the maker's page. The catalogue has no data on how pairing works for a specific model. For help with pairing problems, see wireless subwoofer pairing.

Checking whether your soundbar supports a second subwoofer

To check whether a soundbar supports a second subwoofer, read the listing's bullet list for words like 'dual sub', '2 subwoofers', or 'second subwoofer output'. Then open the maker's page for the model and look for the same wording. When the catalogue does not state the number of subwoofer outputs, treat it as 'not stated by the seller' and check the maker's page.

Some maker pages name the subwoofer models that pair with a bar. Denon sells a separate subwoofer that pairs with its soundbars, and Sonos offers multiple subwoofer models in its lineup. The maker's page tells you which subwoofer works with which bar and whether the bar accepts one or two.

Deciding whether to add a second subwoofer

Whether to add a second subwoofer is a shopping decision about your room and your furniture, not a sound claim. A second subwoofer goes in a different part of the room, which may matter when the room is open plan or when furniture blocks one corner. You measure your own floor space and decide where a second sub fits. Polk Audio's site includes placement articles for this kind of question.

A second subwoofer is an extra purchase. The listing tells you whether the subwoofer is included in the bundle or sold separately. If the bar does not state support for two subwoofers, the maker's page is the only place to confirm; do not assume a bar with one output accepts a second. The best soundbar guide compares bars on stated details, including whether a subwoofer is included.

For placement guidance, see subwoofer placement. For the difference between a built-in and a separate subwoofer, see built-in versus separate. For cleaning and care, see subwoofer cleaning.

What the catalogue cannot say about subwoofer outputs

The catalogue lists stated details: whether a subwoofer is built in or separate, how many subwoofers a listing names, and whether the title or bullet list mentions a second subwoofer. The catalogue has no data on how a subwoofer output sounds, how much power it delivers, or how a second subwoofer changes the result in a room. Those questions belong on the maker's page and in the maker's manual.

A listing that names no subwoofer output may still be a bar with a built-in subwoofer, or the seller may have left the detail out. For a shopping comparison between a built-in and a separate subwoofer, see built-in versus separate.

What to pick for your situation

Questions

Can any soundbar connect two subwoofers?

No. A soundbar connects two subwoofers only when the listing or the maker's page states that it has two subwoofer outputs or supports a second subwoofer. Most bars have one output.

What does 'subwoofer output' mean on a listing?

It means the bar has a port or a wireless connection for a separate subwoofer. A bar with a built-in subwoofer has no output.

How do I know if a soundbar supports a second subwoofer?

Read the listing's bullet list for 'dual sub' or '2 subwoofer outputs', then check the maker's page for the same detail. A missing detail means the listing did not state it.

Should I buy a second subwoofer?

It depends on your room and furniture. A second subwoofer goes in a different part of the room. The maker's page tells you which subwoofer pairs with your bar and whether the bar accepts two.

Do wireless subwoofers use Bluetooth?

Some do. The Bluetooth technology overview describes Bluetooth Classic as the radio used for wireless audio streaming. Many soundbars use a proprietary wireless link instead; the listing names the connection.