Do you need a soundbar subwoofer?

Before you decide

• Decision to record: Decide from desired bass, room placement, neighbours and listening level rather than package size alone.
• Comparison to make: A separate subwoofer can extend deep effects and relieve the bar, but needs floor space, mains power and a workable wireless or cable path. Built-in bass is tidier but physically limited.
• Trade-off to accept: Room boundaries can exaggerate a narrow bass range, while flats and late-night use may make strong low frequencies unwelcome. Level control and night mode can be more useful than maximum output.
• Evidence to verify: Listen at real volume with dialogue and music, test possible subwoofer positions and confirm whether it can be added later.