If you want full-bodied sound without wiring a separate subwoofer, a floorstanding speaker with a built-in subwoofer is one of the most practical choices. The tall cabinet houses the midrange and treble drivers, while a bass driver or subwoofer sits in the lower section to fill in the low end. The result is a single piece of furniture that can handle music, movies, or background listening. Because the bass is built in, you also avoid the extra cable runs and placement guesswork that come with a standalone sub. The trade-off is that you give up some flexibility, so it helps to know what you need before you buy. This guide covers three well-known options with very different goals, from an all-in-one Bluetooth tower to a hi-fi style two-channel pair to a modular home theater line.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Built-In Bass Design | Standout Feature | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| GOgroove Bluetooth Tower Speaker with Subwoofer Built in | Powered 30W subwoofer with two 15W drivers | Multiple inputs, FM radio, and a phone dock | Small rooms and all-in-one use |
| Fluance Reference High Performance 3-Way Floorstanding Loudspeakers with Down-Firing 8″ Subwoofers | Down-firing 8″ subwoofers with dual rear ports | Three-way design with woven fiber drivers | Two-channel music listening |
| Definitive Technology Dymension DM80 Flagship Tower Speaker | Bass drivers with bipolar arrays and 3XR options in the line | Dolby Atmos-certified, timbre-matched system design | Home theater and multi-speaker setups |
Our Picks: Best Floorstanding Speakers With Built In Subwoofers reviews
GOgroove STW Bluetooth Tower Speaker: The Compact All-in-One Choice
The GOgroove STW is the most approachable product in this group. It is a 2.1 tower speaker that combines two 15W drivers with a 30W powered subwoofer, rated at 60W RMS and 120W peak. The unit stands about 38 inches tall and measures roughly 9.9 inches deep, which makes it a good fit for a bedroom, a dorm, a home office, or a corner of a studio apartment. Instead of asking you to build a stereo setup, it gives you a single box with Bluetooth streaming, a 3.5mm AUX input, an FM digital radio, and an MP3 player mode that reads music from a USB flash drive.
The design leans practical. A dock slot lets you rest a phone or tablet on top of the tower while a side USB port charges it, which helps prevent battery drain during long listening sessions. The unibody cabinet keeps the footprint narrow, so it can sit beside a desk or TV without dominating the room. In everyday use, owners often mention that the speaker is easy to place and that the built-in sub delivers enough low-end weight for podcasts, pop, and casual movie watching. That is a useful editorial point: the bass is noticeably fuller than what you would expect from a slim, small-footprint tower, although it is not the kind of deep, room-shaking output you would get from a large dedicated subwoofer.
The main limitation is ceiling. Because the drivers and the subwoofer are modest in size and power, the sound can start to feel strained when you push the volume toward the top of the range, especially in a larger room. Many buyers in this price tier also expect a sharper level of detail in the upper frequencies, and the STW is best described as warm and convenient rather than revealing. If you are looking for a serious two-channel listening experience, you will likely want something higher on this list. If you want a single, space-saving speaker that handles a wide range of sources without fuss, the STW is a sensible pick. Its 3-year manufacturer warranty also adds some reassurance for a product in this category.
Pros:
- Compact, narrow footprint that suits small rooms and shared spaces
- Multiple inputs, including Bluetooth, AUX, USB drive playback, and FM radio
- Built-in phone dock with a USB port for charging
- Simple setup with no separate subwoofer to place or wire
Cons:
- Bass and volume headroom are limited for large rooms or demanding music
Verdict: The GOgroove STW is a practical, budget-friendly option for people who want one speaker that does many jobs in a small space. It is not built for critical listening, but it is an easy recommendation for dorms, bedrooms, and offices where convenience matters more than audiophile detail.
Fluance Reference 3-Way Floorstanding Loudspeakers: Hi-Fi Detail in a Tall Cabinet
The Fluance Reference is aimed at listeners who care about how music sounds, not just how loud a speaker gets. It uses a three-way layout, which means separate drivers handle the low, middle, and high frequencies. The bass comes from a pair of down-firing 8-inch subwoofers, which point toward the floor and use the surface beneath the speaker to help reinforce the low end. The listing describes dual rear ports for controlled bass output, and it lists a frequency range of 35Hz to 25kHz. The design keeps the footprint modest for a speaker that offers this many drivers, so it can work in a living room or a dedicated listening corner without taking over the space.
The build details are where this model tries to stand out. The midrange uses woven fiber drivers, which are chosen to damp unwanted vibration and help keep vocals and instruments sounding natural. The tweeters are silk dome neodymium units, which are known for smooth, detailed highs and a wide listening area. The cabinet is described as having rigid internal bracing to reduce unwanted resonance. In practice, these features point toward a speaker that rewards careful placement. Owners often note that the sound opens up once the speakers are positioned a few feet from the walls and angled toward the listening position. That is a common trait of ported floorstanders, and it means you should expect to spend some time adjusting placement before you judge the bass.
Its main drawback is that it is a two-channel product, so it is best suited to music and stereo sources. If your main goal is movies with surround sound, you will need additional speakers and an amplifier or receiver that can drive them. The down-firing bass also depends on your floor type and room layout. On a hard floor, the bass can sound lively and extended, but on a thick carpet, it may sound softer and less controlled. Compared with the GOgroove, this model offers a clearly more refined sound and better midrange clarity, but it asks more of your room and your equipment. Compared with the Definitive Technology line, it is simpler and more focused on stereo listening rather than a complete home theater system.
Pros:
- Three-way design gives the midrange and highs more room to breathe
- Down-firing 8-inch subwoofers provide deep, controlled bass in a modest footprint
- Woven fiber midrange and silk dome tweeters support natural, detailed sound
- Designed for two-channel music listening with a wide sweet spot
Cons:
- Bass performance depends heavily on placement and floor surface
- Not a complete solution for surround sound or multichannel home theater
Verdict: The Fluance Reference is a strong choice for music lovers who want a true stereo pair with a built-in bass system. If you are willing to experiment with placement and you mainly listen to music, it offers more sonic depth than most speakers in this category.
Definitive Technology Dymension DM80: A Flagship Tower for Immersive Systems
The Definitive Technology Dymension DM80 is a flagship tower designed for people building a larger, more complete audio system. The listing highlights adjustable bipolar arrays, four BDSS mid/bass woofers, and the company’s wider Dymension design philosophy. The Dymension family uses built-in subwoofers, passive radiators, or the company’s 3XR Architecture to deliver low-end impact, and the line is positioned around Dolby Atmos-certified, timbre-matched components. That matters because the speakers are meant to work together, with matching center channels, height modules, and in-wall or in-ceiling options. Before you buy, check the product page for the exact bass configuration of the DM80, since the listing describes the broader series rather than spelling out every technical detail for this model.
Bipolar arrays are a major part of the appeal. Instead of projecting sound in one direction, bipolar designs spread sound energy to the sides and rear as well, which can create a wider, more enveloping soundstage. In a home theater, this helps surround effects feel less like isolated points and more like a room full of sound. The BDSS woofers are intended to deliver controlled, powerful bass across the low end, and the cabinet design appears to focus on giving the speaker a broad, full presence. In everyday use, owners of Definitive systems often appreciate how well the speakers blend with one another, which keeps dialogue and effects consistent as sound moves around the room.
The trade-off is cost of entry and complexity. A flagship tower like this makes the most sense when it is part of a larger system, and buying a single DM80 for a simple stereo setup may feel like overkill. It also needs a capable amplifier or receiver to perform at its best, and room acoustics play a big role in how the bass and spatial effects come across. Compared with the GOgroove, it is far more ambitious and better suited to a dedicated space. Compared with the Fluance Reference, it trades some stereo focus for the flexibility of a full home theater ecosystem. If you plan to build a system over time, this is the most scalable option of the three.
Pros:
- Bipolar arrays create a wide, immersive soundstage for movies and music
- Four BDSS mid/bass woofers support powerful, controlled low-end output
- Part of a timbre-matched, Dolby Atmos-certified family that scales into a full system
- Strong choice for dedicated home theater rooms with room to grow
Cons:
- Premium positioning and system-building needs make it excessive for simple setups
Verdict: The Definitive Technology DM80 is the best pick if you are building a home theater or planning a multi-speaker system that will grow over time. It rewards good equipment and proper room setup, so it is less of a plug-and-play choice and more of a long-term investment in immersive sound.
How to Choose the Right Floorstanding Speaker With a Built-In Subwoofer
Decide How You Will Use the Speaker
Your main use should drive every other decision. If you mostly want background music, podcasts, or quick Bluetooth playback from your phone, a compact all-in-one tower like the GOgroove STW can cover those needs without fuss. If you want to hear recordings the way the artist intended, with clear vocals and natural instrument tone, a two-channel design like the Fluance Reference is a better match. And if you are planning movie nights with surround sound, you should look at a system-oriented line such as the Dymension series. Being honest about how often you will listen, and to what kind of content, will prevent you from paying for features you never use.
Consider Room Size and Placement
Floorstanding speakers have a tall, narrow footprint, but they still need space to breathe. In a small bedroom or dorm, a slim tower can fill the room without overwhelming it. In a larger living room, you may need a speaker with more drivers and power to fill the space evenly. Placement matters just as much as size. Built-in bass is strongly affected by how close the speaker sits to walls and what kind of floor surface it sits on. Ported and down-firing designs often change character depending on these factors, so plan to move the speakers around a bit during setup. Leaving a few feet of space from the back wall and angling the speakers toward your listening position can make a noticeable difference.
Understand How the Built-In Bass Works
Not all built-in bass systems are the same. Some towers use a powered subwoofer with its own amplifier, while others use bass drivers that rely on the main amplifier and cabinet design. Down-firing subwoofers direct sound toward the floor, which can improve the bass blend in some rooms. Passive radiators and ported cabinets are other common approaches that shape low-frequency output. The right choice depends on whether you want maximum punch, controlled and accurate bass, or a compact design that works well in tight spaces. When reading product details, look for clues about how the bass is produced, and pay attention to frequency range and driver size, since these give you a realistic picture of what the speaker can and cannot reproduce.
Check Your Connections and Source Devices
Think about how you will feed music into the speaker. Bluetooth is convenient for phones and tablets, but it can limit audio quality compared with a wired connection, and it adds a small amount of setup when switching devices. A 3.5mm AUX input is useful for turntables, laptops, or older players. If you want to play music without a phone, a USB drive or FM radio can be handy. For a two-channel stereo system or a home theater, you will also need to confirm that your amplifier or receiver has the right outputs and power to drive the speakers properly. Checking these details before you buy saves frustration later.
Think About Long-Term Expansion
Some buyers start with one speaker and later want to build a surround setup. If that is a possibility for you, consider whether the speaker belongs to a family with matching center channels, surround speakers, or height modules. Timbre-matched speaker lines help keep sound consistent across the room, which makes movies and music feel more cohesive. If you expect to stay with a single speaker for the long run, you can focus more on the features you use daily. Either way, choosing a product that fits your future plans can save you from replacing equipment sooner than you expected.
Balance Budget With Real-World Performance
More money does not always mean a better fit. A speaker that costs less may be perfectly satisfying in a small room used mainly for casual listening, while a premium system may be wasted in a space where it cannot be properly placed or driven. Focus on the total cost of your setup, including amplifiers, cables, and any additional speakers you may need. Warranty coverage is also worth noting. The GOgroove STW lists a 3-year manufacturer warranty, which can offer peace of mind for a budget-conscious buyer. In the end, the best speaker is the one that matches your room, your listening habits, and the equipment you already own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do floorstanding speakers with built-in subwoofers really need a separate subwoofer?
In most cases, no. The built-in bass system is designed to handle the low end without an extra box. A separate subwoofer can still help in a large room or for home theater use where you want deeper, more powerful bass for movies, but many people find that a well-designed tower is enough for everyday listening.
Are these speakers good for watching movies?
They can be, depending on the model and your setup. The GOgroove STW works well for casual TV watching in a small room. The Definitive Technology Dymension line is the strongest option for immersive movie sound, especially when combined with other speakers. The Fluance Reference is better suited to music, and it will need additional speakers for a complete surround experience.
How important is speaker placement?
Placement matters a great deal. Bass output is strongly influenced by distance from walls, floor type, and room shape. Speakers that sit too close to a wall can sound boomy, while those placed in open space may sound thinner. Spend time experimenting with positioning, and listen from your usual seat before deciding on the final location.
Can I connect a phone or turntable to these speakers?
The GOgroove STW supports Bluetooth and a 3.5mm AUX input, which makes it easy to connect a phone or a device with an audio output. For a turntable, you will generally need a phono preamp or a receiver with a phono input before connecting to the speaker’s line-level input. The Fluance Reference is designed for stereo use, so it can pair well with a traditional two-channel amplifier. Always confirm the connection options on the product page before buying.
Do I need a powerful amplifier for these speakers?
The GOgroove STW is a self-contained unit and does not require a separate amplifier. The Fluance Reference and Definitive Technology DM80 are passive or system-oriented speakers, so they need a suitable amplifier or receiver to perform well. Matching the amplifier’s power output to the speaker’s requirements helps prevent distortion and protects your equipment over time.
Which option is best for a small apartment?
For a small apartment, the GOgroove STW is the most practical choice. Its narrow height and modest depth make it easy to place near a TV or desk, and its built-in Bluetooth and FM radio features cover everyday needs without extra equipment. It will not deliver audiophile-level detail, but it is well suited to compact living spaces.
Is a higher price always better for built-in bass speakers?
Not necessarily. A higher-priced model usually offers more refined sound, better build quality, and greater expandability, but those benefits only matter if your room and equipment can support them. For casual listening in a small room, a simpler speaker can deliver excellent value. Focus on matching the speaker to your space and listening habits instead of chasing the most expensive option.
Final Recommendation
For most people who want a simple, space-saving speaker with built-in bass and a range of convenient inputs, the GOgroove Bluetooth Tower Speaker is the easiest recommendation. It is ideal for dorms, bedrooms, and offices where versatility matters more than critical listening. If your priority is accurate, detailed stereo music in a dedicated listening space, the Fluance Reference 3-Way Floorstanding Loudspeakers offer a more refined experience, provided you spend time on placement. For anyone building a home theater or planning a multi-speaker system that will grow over time, the Definitive Technology Dymension DM80 is the strongest long-term option, although it requires a larger budget and a well-matched system to reach its full potential. Choose the speaker that fits your room, your listening habits, and your plans for the future, and you will get a result you are happy with.