Panasonic recently introduced the SC-HTB490, a slim soundbar suitable for smaller homes or for those who have never wall-mounted a TV and need an unobtrusive soundbar.

The SC-HTB490 saves space by incorporating only two forward-radiating speaker units, but these are augmented by twin bass reflex ports for enhanced bass. It also comes with a wireless subwoofer, a potential advantage over all-in-one soundbars like the Sonos Beam.

Unlike the Beam, however, the SC-HTB490 does not support Wi-Fi streaming or built-in smart features. Still, there are HDMI ARC, optical, or USB connection options, and the subwoofer has no cables (other than power) to help you move it around to find the perfect spot. [Peak output is 320 watts, evenly distributed between the 160-watt soundbar and 160-watt subwoofer. But it is the compact design that Panasonic is most proud of. The company states that the SC-HTB490 "can be placed under most televisions, keeping the room neat and tidy." Panasonic includes appropriately sized screws so it can be easily wall-mounted. Even the best inexpensive soundbars sometimes omit these screws, forcing you to buy them yourself.

However, Panasonic has not made the subwoofer as small as physically possible, leaving room inside for "the sound to reverberate and add a truly spectacular tone that puts the viewer right in the center of the action."

Panasonic has not announced the SC-HTB490's price and availability in the U.S., but in the U.K. it is £349 (about $480, not counting tax differences). However, the Sonos Beam is £399 in the UK, so Panasonic's soundbar and subwoofer combo could undercut its all-in-one rival and current top pick for soundbar, the Yamaha YAS-209.

That said, the YAS-209 does have the advantage of Alexa smart controls and streaming from Spotify and Amazon Music. Whether or not to buy a "dumb" soundbar like the Panasonic SC-HTB490 will ultimately come down to sound quality and the convenience of its slim design.