The Best Subwoofers
Whether you want to add immersion to the cinematic experience or boost the bass for your favorite musical anthems, a subwoofer can enhance almost any audio environment. Most standard home audio speakers are equipped with smaller drivers, meaning they struggle to powerfully reproduce the punch and rumble of low-frequency signals. Subwoofers can be easily integrated into a variety of audio playback systems to fill out your low-end, whether you're driving signal through an amp or building a surround home theater setup.
What to Look For
As we scoured the market for the best, we had three guiding questions: How powerful is this subwoofer? How large is the driver, and how low is the frequency response as a result? Are there dedicated controls for phase and low pass so that you can tweak your sound to avoid dips in level? The Klipsch R-12SW was our favorite overall, providing premium design features at a fantastic value. This muscular 12-inch driver can deliver an astounding 400w of power, so you won’t have any trouble cranking up the volume in larger spaces. But for a more compact option that packs a punch, check out the Yamaha SW050BL, which brings state-of-the-art audio engineering without breaking the bank. Read on below to discover the rest of our top picks.
Klipsch R-12SW 400W Subwoofer
Pumping powerhouse
Crank up the low end with this thumping option from Klipsch. This sleek chassis design with an iconic satin-painted plinth brings 400 watts of dulcet low-end power. A 12-inch copper-spun IMG driver elicits a dynamic response while minimizing distortion and cone break up. With an option for 180° phase inversion, you can be sure to combat any muddiness in your low-mids when combining this sub with beefy reference speakers.
Pros:
- A front-firing driver provides maximal sound coverage no matter where you place this subwoofer in a room.
- This large driver offers a deep frequency response, producing signals as low as 25Hz with clarity.
- A front grille included in the package can be mounted for extra protection to the speaker cone.
Cons:
- This option could be excessively powerful for smaller home setups.
Polk Audio PSW10 Subwoofer
The Goldilocks zone
Finding the right balance of low-end power for small to medium rooms can be a delicate art, but the Polk Audio PSW10 is up to the task. With a 10-inch Dynamic Balance cone, your bass frequencies will be reproduced with clarity whether subtle or thunderous. The enclosures in the PSW are carefully tuned to reduce distortion and eliminate disruptive resonances and standing waves. With dual stereo inputs for line-level analog RCA and spring terminals for speaker-level connection, you won’t be caught short when hooking this sub up to any sound system.
Pros:
- If powering down your audiovisual setup takes longer than you’d like, the auto power-off feature will save you precious time and energy.
- Thanks to the RCA connection option, this sub can be easily integrated into setups using audio interfaces instead of amps. It’s also a great choice if your amp doesn’t have a dedicated subwoofer channel.
- Despite the compromise on frequency range when choosing a 10-inch driver over larger options, we found that the reproduction of percussive bass attacks was generally punchier.
Cons:
- There aren’t any input or output cables included with this subwoofer.
Yamaha NS-SW050BL Subwoofer
State of the art bass
Yamaha has gained a reputation over the years for manufacturing top-of-the-line gear in the mid-tier price range, and this fantastic subwoofer is no exception. The NS-SW050 allows you to experience Yamaha’s innovative engineering at a fraction of the price of their premium hardware. Features like the New Twisted Flare Port and the Advanced Yamaha Active Servo Technology II combine to produce an incredibly tight and responsive bass driver. With a sleek and compact all-black design, this speaker is a subtle and unobtrusive addition to any studio or home theater.
Pros:
- Thanks to a compact 8-inch driver, this subwoofer maintains a clear and punchy performance even at low volumes. It’s a great choice for smaller spaces.
- Despite compact dimensions, standing just over 11 inches tall, this sub is hefty and sturdy on the ground. A solid weight of 18.7 pounds prevents any rattling or other vibrations.
- Don’t be fooled by the smaller driver on this subwoofer. We found that it could compete in volume with larger 10 and 12-inch options.
Cons:
- The front grille can’t be removed, which might be a disappointment if you like to watch your driver at work.
Sony SACS9 10-Inch Active Subwoofer
Cinematic boom
One of the most common places to find a subwoofer is as part of a home theater audio system. Dolby 5.1 and 7.1 can powerfully expand your cinematic experience, and this option from Sony is designed for seamless integration into surround audio systems. This 10-inch driver packs a serious punch, with a maximum input power of 115 watts. Motion feedback technology analyses incoming signals and smooths variation, reducing distortion and harmonic artifacts. With manual controls for cutoff adjustment, level, and phase, you can easily tune this speaker to find an ideal balance for any space.
Pros:
- A reduced baffle design makes this unit compact, meaning it can fit easily into tight spaces.
- The Mica Reinforced Cellular cone minimizes distortion when compared with typical paper cones.
- If you’re looking to build a Dolby surround setup from scratch, this sub is matched with the fantastic SSC range of Sony speakers.
Cons:
- While punchy and dynamic, we found that this subwoofer could be a little quieter than its competitors.
Monoprice 60-Watt Powered Subwoofer
Way down low
Getting a low-end punch in your home doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. This budget option from Monoprice allows you to experience the enhancing effects of sub-bass with a punchy 8-inch cone and 60 watts of power. Multiple input options have you covered for 5.1 stereo setups, making this a great option for both cinematic and musical applications.
Pros:
- Manual frequency response and volume controls on the rear side make it easy to adjust levels to your taste.
- With relatively low power and modest frequency response, this could be a great option if you don’t want to upset the neighbors.
- If you’re building a home theater setup from scratch, this great price could leave you cash to spare for other speakers.
Cons:
- With a frequency response of 50 to 250Hz, this subwoofer will struggle to reproduce super low bass tones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I position my sub for a home theater setup?
An ideal sub-response will cover a space evenly, allowing you to feel full bass tones without perceiving directionality. Each space presents a unique acoustic challenge for bass frequencies, so there’s no hard-and-fast rule for placement. There are a few steps you can try to test for an ideal position. Firstly, place the sub at your listening position and drive it with a bass signal. Move around the room to locate any noticeable dips in volume, which should be avoided as placement positions, and mark a potential placement spot where you hear a clear and direct signal. The signal you receive at your listening position when the sub is placed at this position should be the same.
What is the lowest frequency my subwoofer can play?
Subwoofers vary in their frequency response, and this is primarily a result of driver size. Larger drivers can reach down to the limits of human perception, with some of the largest options tickling this 20Hz threshold. Smaller drivers may experience a significant dip in amplitude at higher frequencies. Frequency response will be detailed by the manufacturer, so be sure to research before you buy to ensure you get all the bass you need.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.