13 Best Subwoofers For Your Home In 2024
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The subwoofer of a speaker defines its sound quality and can take your system from average to awesome. The best home subwoofers can make a huge difference to your movie-watching or music-listening experience. A subwoofer can give you an excellent cinematic experience while watching a film or add some bass to the music you are listening to.
Picking the best subwoofer can be quite a challenge since there are several high-performance designs and models in the market. However, doing adequate research and knowing the features you should consider when buying one can help you make a more informed decision. Keep reading as we list some of the best subwoofers and tell you what to look for in a subwoofer to help you bring the right subwoofer home.
Top Picks
Types of Subwoofers
- Ported subwoofers
A ported subwoofer or a bass reflex speaker has an extra port or hole for air to escape, usually through a tube. This boosts the bass level of the subwoofer and gives a thick, rich bass sound..
- Sealed cabinet
A unit which does not have a port or passive radiator is a sealed cabinet. In this type, the bass has only one route to leave the cabinet and so what may be lost in depth is made up for with a more well-rounded sound, with fewer booms and peaks.
- Passive radiator
This kind of subwoofer replaces the port with two passive radiators that are not wired to the amp. It has a great range of frequencies through which the sound escapes the speaker in a similar way to a port. It is mostly used as car subwoofers when people want high-quality audio performance with huge bass frequencies.
- Front and down-firing subwoofers
Front and down-firing refers to the placement of the internal speakers within the unit of the subwoofer. Front-firing models usually have a speaker pointing forward and the sound will radiate to the front and sides of the unit. Down-firing subwoofers point the sound toward the front and ground, which is useful if the speakers are placed on a stand or used as bookshelf speakers.
- Bandpass subwoofers
This type is commonly used in professional live sound equipment used in large arenas. It is also used in subwoofer cabinets designed for car audio. These subwoofers have a more complex design and allow for a clean and natural bass output within the given frequency ranges. They allow you to specify the levels of bass you want through the speakers with great precision.
- Horn loaded subwoofer
Horn-loaded speakers tend to sound louder than other types. Their sound is also more directional in the higher frequency bands as the sound that would otherwise have leaked and spread in various directions is channeled through a longhorn speaker. They are typically used in large venues where sound needs to go farther and more precisely.
13 Best Home Subwoofers
1. Best Durable:Polk Audio PSW10 10” Powered Subwoofer
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
A whopping 14,519 reviews on Amazon make it obvious that users genuinely love this product.
This top-tier subwoofer has a traditional wooden look in a titanium baffle design. Its ten-inch front-firing dynamic balance polymer composite driver and uniquely configured directed port provide precise bass with added depth and bring music and movies alive. The high-roll foam surrounds provide a longer excursion and make the audio even better. It has a specially tuned and directed port for maximum bass impact, and its unique configuration keeps it stable even at high volumes.
This tried-and-tested subwoofer blends perfectly with other Polk audio speakers, and you can enjoy a rich, deep sound, even at low frequencies. A phase toggle switch for multiple subwoofers makes this compact subwoofer cohesive and complete. If you want to know more about the benefits of this product, check out a tester’s experience in this quick review video.
Pros
- Zero distortion at high volumes
- Clearly marked back panel
- Resonance-free technology
- Suitable for small- to mid-sized rooms.
- Long-lasting quality
Cons
- Bass may not be deep enough for some
- Auto power function may not be sensitive enough
"This unit is pretty durable yet lightweight. The sound quality is satisfying without overwhelming the room. Offering an immersive cinematic feel, it has been a wonderful upgrade to my sound system."
2. Best Elegant:Goldwood Acoustic Audio PSW-12 12” Down Firing Powered Subwoofer
This home theater subwoofer has standard RCA inputs, which easily connect to the dedicated subwoofer output of your home theater’s receiver. It has a signal-sensing auto on/off feature that saves on power bills. Acoustic Audio’s audiophile subwoofer, which is barely a cubic foot, features internal bracing and a 24Hz to 250Hz frequency response, which adds impact to the action of fast-paced movies and sports. The MDF bass-reflex enclosure delivers thumping bass, and its elegant black ash finish adds to the style element.
The subwoofer features a high-current 500-watt amp, which ensures that the down-firing 12″ subwoofer produces dynamic low-frequency effects. The woofer utilizes a long excursion cone for deep, accurate response and comes with a dual RCA six-foot cable, one RCA “Y” adapter, and an instruction manual. Here’s an honest review of the product.
Pros
- Marked back panel
- Deep and clean bass with vibration-absorbing feet
- Easy to adjust the sensitivity
- No distortion at high volumes
- Flexible high and low inputs
- Provides great audio performance
Cons
- Auto on/off function may not be highly effective
- May not be suitable for large rooms
"Having used this subwoofer for a while, I can vouch for the richness of its bass. It also seems sturdy and has added a professional-like element to my home theatre setup. I found its loudest setting a bit too loud, but its overall functionality is commendable."
3. Best Compact Design:Sony SACS9 10” Active Subwoofer
The 9.84-inch cone diaphragm of this small subwoofer moves a larger volume of air, thereby producing a powerful low-end resonance and making the bass sound rich and deep. This makes for a great home theater experience as the subwoofer reinforces low-frequency sounds in movies and music. This subwoofer has a built-in amplifier with up to 115W power output. The vibration-producing electrical circuits are located outside the cabinet, releasing high pressure within the enclosure and producing a clear and powerful bass sound.
Vibrations are taken care of by acoustically absorbing waves generated from the rear pressure of the unit, thus producing accurate bass. This speaker has a smart black finish that blends with modern interiors, and the wood veneer retains its shape well, ensuring that the sound is not influenced by changes in temperature and humidity. Its compact design is perfect for installation in small spaces.
Pros
- Durable Mica Reinforced Cellular cone
- Speaker and line level inputs
- Built-in phase switch
- Four-driver speaker system
- Motion feedback technology prevents distortion
- Power-save mode
Cons
- Not suitable for large spaces
Polk Audio PSW10 10” Powered Subwoofer Best Durable | Goldwood Acoustic Audio PSW-12 12” Down Firing Powered Subwoofer Best Elegant | Sony SACS9 10” Active Subwoofer Best Compact Design | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 26 pounds | 32 pounds | - |
| Dimensions | 16.2 x 14 x 14.4 inches. | 14.6 x 13.4 x 13.8 inches | - |
| Color | - | Black | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 14,519 | 1,895 | 7,608 |
| Price | $229.0 | $94.88 | $148 |
4. Best Heavy Bass: JBL Stage 120 12” Subwoofer
Want to experience the thrill of a live concert in the comfort of your home? Lay your hands on the Stage subwoofer by the trusted brand JBL. This technologically superior home stereo system has a high-definition waveguide sound design with one-inch dome tweeters and eight-inch woofers. It registers signature JBL bass that delivers deep and clear sound, from high to low notes.
It is available in two different shades to match your theater decor and is ideal for watching movies or listening to music, as it provides rich and realistic audio. The adjustable crossover, phase controls, and auto turn-on/off features make this powerful subwoofer easy to connect and set up and makes it an ideal device for audio enthusiasts. And the package includes a grill, floor spikes, and power cords for added convenience.
Pros
- Produces a loud crystal-clear sound
- No distortion even at high volumes
- Easy to operate
- Clearly marked back panel
Cons
- Does not include an RCA cable
"My home theater experience greatly improved after I installed this JBL subwoofer. It offers a powerful bass and is simple to integrate with existing systems. The design is sleek but understated and suits my living room decor."
Quick tip5. Best Adjustable:Definitive Technology ProSub 800 Powered Subwoofer
This high-quality subwoofer has a balanced double surround system that improves driver excursion, resulting in higher bass output. It also has a high excursion eight-inch front mounted radiating woofer pressure coupled to an eight-inch low bass radiator. Its high-definition driver produces bass with low distortion reaching down to the lowest subsonic frequencies.
This subwoofer can be connected to any stereo or multi-channel audio system using a wide range of line-level and speaker-level input and output connections. Backed by Definitive Technology, its superior-quality cinematic and musical effects make it a favorite subwoofer for many.
Pros
- Greater radiating area
- Adjustable feet and height
- Clearly marked back panel
- Wide radiating area
- Convenient and quick to integrate
Cons
- Some may notice vibration on hard floors
- Auto shut-off feature may not work at times
"This compact speaker has been the ideal find for my small dorm room. I have it mounted on my wall, yet it offers a surround sound experience, and the accessible volume control is a neat touch. Plus, its compatibility with different devices is pretty handy."
6. Best With Bass:SVS SB-1000 Pro Sealed Subwoofer
Get a theater-like effect with the SVS Pro Sealed subwoofer. This subwoofer offers premium performance with room-shaking bass within the threshold of human hearing. To produce effortless bass, it is engineered with two ferret magnet motor assemblies. In addition, this subwoofer is built with a dual-layer voice coil design to reduce power consumption and distortion.
With the Sledge STA-325D amplifier, the subwoofer delivers effortless power. Moreover, you can control this subwoofer with Bluetooth-enabled Android and iOS operating systems.
Pros
- Comes with an adjustable volume controller
- Includes multiple DSP functions
- Has a custom preset
- Features three-band parametric EQ
Cons
- Sound produced may be slightly lower than expected
- Smartphone app may not be user-friendly
"This subwoofer delivers clean, articulate bass that adds to our movie-watching experience. The app is pretty user-friendly, letting me fine-tune settings easily. Also, this device's compact design and quality finish blend nicely with my home setup."
7. Best Distortion-Free:Sonos Sub The Wireless Subwoofer For Deep Bass
Say ‘no’ to distortion with the Sonos Sub wireless subwoofer. This subwoofer features force-canceling drivers to remove unwanted buzz. This low-frequency subwoofer is engineered to hear even low-pitch voices precisely with pulse-pounding bass, making it an excellent choice for audio enthusiasts. As the subwoofer concentrates on lows, the paired speakers automatically focus on mid and high-range bass for a complete package. This mini subwoofer is compatible with all Sonos speakers.
In addition, it includes Trueplay software that fine-tunes the subwoofer as per the room’s acoustics. The simple setup design ensures mess-free installation. It is available in black and white.
Pros
- Comes with a slim design
- Stands upright, or you can lay it on the side
- Easy setup with the Sonos control app
- Glossy finish with an iconic design
Cons
- May not work as expected for large rooms
- Changing the Wifi network may be challenging for some
"I'm pleasantly surprised by how this subwoofer has improved my listening and viewing experience. The ease of wireless setup is a bonus, and its power is remarkable; it can shake the room! Overall, it is a worthwhile product for my studio."
8. Best With Responsive Control:Kanto SUB6 6” Powered Subwoofer
SUB6 is a sealed box, front-firing subwoofer that offers 200W of powerful bass extension and a perfect balance to your favorite soundtracks. Its precise low pass filter makes it a perfect match for any Kanto speaker. This high-end woofer has a six-inch paper cone driver that produces true sub-bass with depth. It takes into account the fact that every space is different, and its precise dials for volume and cut-off frequency offer exact, responsive control that lets you shape your bass to fit the unique character of your room.
A grille protects the six-inch paper cone driver from dust and impact while allowing sound to travel with minimum distortion. The added features of phase switch adjustment and full L/R line level input round up this compact subwoofer.
Pros
- Acoustically engineered MDF enclosure
- Cuts off undesired resonance
- Solid rubber feet
- Power-saving auto turn-off function
- Clearly marked back panel
- Easy to integrate with existing systems
Cons
- Auto on/off switch mechanism may be quite loud
"This subwoofer's compact build and low-frequency performance have been perfect for my needs. While its complicated manual made it tricky to set it up, it was still doable. It has also blended well with my smaller speakers, and its bass feels fantastic while watching movies."
Point to consider9. Best Compatible:Elac SUB1010 Powered Subwoofer
Nothing makes recorded sound more real than a rich, deep, and authoritative bass, and the rich, powerful bottom octaves are an important feature when it comes to music and action movie soundtracks and in reproducing the full spectrum of instruments and sound effects. This modern subwoofer has a bass reflex enclosure and a class AB amplifier. The amplifier power is 60 Watts RMS and 120 Watts at its peak. Its frequency response is 38Hz-200Hz, and the crossover frequency ranges from 40Hz-200Hz. This ten-inch subwoofer also features a low-throw dynamic woofer with L/R/LFE/speaker-level inputs.
Pros
- Compact design
- Easy to connect and integrate
- Delivers clear sound with rich bass
- Produces balancing sound
- Sturdy and well built
Cons
- May produce a slight noise on high volume
- May not deliver powerful bass in large spaces
"This compact subwoofer delivers a clean sound and satisfactory bass without being overly boomy. I found the higher frequency range a tad prominent, though it is versatile enough to support near-field listening. I also appreciate that it fills larger rooms easily."
10. Best Fire-Resistant:Rockville Rock Shaker Home Theater Subwoofer
The rigorously tested rear-firing port delivers a good bass response and disburses the sound equally throughout the room. The woofer is of top quality with foam surrounding and paper cone and features a 1.5-inch four-layer voice coil and Y30 grade magnet. This subwoofer has RCA inputs and outputs as well as high-level speaker inputs and outputs to support any setup.
The rear-firing port delivers good bass response and disburses the sound equally throughout the room. The woofer is of top quality with foam surrounding and paper cone and features a 1.5-inch four-layer voice coil and Y30 grade magnet. This subwoofer has RCA inputs and outputs as well as high-level speaker inputs and outputs to support any setup.
Pros
- High-quality MDF wood enclosure
- Delivers clear sound
- Rich and deep bass
- Clearly marked back panel
- Long-lasting quality
- Detachable foam grill
Cons
- Power cord may be shorter than expected
- May produce a humming sound at high volume
"I'm pretty delighted with this subwoofer's performance. It significantly enhances sound quality for both movies and music. Moreover, the adjustability is decent, and the ability to deliver deep bass at a low crossover point is commendable."
Quick tip11. Best High-Performance:Klipsch R-100SW 10″ Subwoofer
The Klipsch R-100SW subwoofer has a spun-copper IMG woofer for minimal distortion, low frequency, and clean bass. This subwoofer is built with an all-digital amplifier with 300W power to deliver maximum output. When these subwoofers are combined with other speakers, they offer a customized bass per the room size.
This subwoofer is compatible with most home theaters. It is engineered with a front-firing driver to provide deep bass. With the reinforced MDF cabinet design, the subwoofer resists resonance, and the new internal bracing ensures reduced vibration.
Pros
- Lightweight model
- Comes with scratch-resistant cabinet design
- Auto power on
- Durable construction
Cons
- May be highly sensitive at low volumes
- Edges may be sharper than expected
"Despite a break-in period, this subwoofer delivers a precise and powerful audio performance. It creates a rich soundstage without overpowering. I am also happy that it offers me the flexibility to place it anywhere in the room."
12. Best Long-Lasting:Monoprice 60-Watt Powered Subwoofer
This eight-inch powered subwoofer is capable of producing 60W (RMS) output. The subwoofer has a frequency response range of 50 to 250 Hz with a low pass crossover filter, which can be adjusted from 50 to 150 Hz. Its gain and frequency knobs allow you to adjust the crossover filter and the power output for the optimum bass output with your stereo or surround speakers. The subwoofer has several input options and can be used with any existing stereo or 5.1 amplifier system.
It has its own power and includes impedance matching circuitry, which prevents the reduction of power output to the front speakers and doesn’t affect the overall impedance load on the amplifier, making it ideal for audio enthusiasts. Additionally, the subwoofer has two right/left line level inputs. It is housed in an elegant black wood cabinet. The driver and two 3/4-Inch sound ports are located in the front and are covered by a black cloth speaker grill.
Pros
- Easy to integrate with existing systems
- Clearly marked back panel
- Auto-on feature
- Delivers clear bass and quality sound
- Occupies minimum space
Cons
- May produce a humming sound at high volume
"Despite being budget-friendly, this woofer�s performance has been better than that of premium ones. Its audio output has a substantial depth, which makes the experience more immersive. It causes a slight humming noise, but it's too low and far between to become an issue."
13. Best Versatile:Audioengine S8 250W Powered Subwoofer
Enhance the bass of your home theaters with the Audioengine S8-powered subwoofer. This subwoofer is compatible with all Audioengine speakers and other great sounding speakers with a different line level. The sub delivers low, smooth, and tight bass. It features heavy-duty rubber speakers built with an anti-resonant steel frame for low-frequency bass and to minimize resonance.
The subwoofer features a class D amplifier for a great performance. Its rear panel features volume control, crossover control, a phase switch, an LED power indicator, a USB port, and more. You can play music from any device or smartphone app to hear clear sound. In addition, the subwoofer comes with elastomer isolation feet which minimize the vibration.
Pros
- Includes dual line-level inputs
- Has an auto-sleep power-saving mode
- Distortion-free at high volumes
- Compatible with video consoles, computers, notebooks, and more
Cons
- Port noise may be a bit louder than usual
- Auto-shut off function may not be turned off
"I integrated this subwoofer into my existing setup, and the boost in sound quality is remarkable. Although the controls' positioning could have been better for easy access, its robust bass and sound clarity make up for it. I love how it enhances each genre, letting me enjoy the intensity of each song."
How To Choose The Right Subwoofers For Home?
- Upgradable
If you have a wired subwoofer with a single RCA connector, chances are you can upgrade your subwoofer. This could be part of an HTIB, a real 5.1 system, or even a soundbar with a wired subwoofer. Wireless subwoofers that come with sound bars or HTIBs generally can’t be upgraded, as they are proprietary. In conclusion, it is recommended you buy an upgradable subwoofer instead of a stereotypical subwoofer.
- Watts
Subwoofers involve a very important aspect— power. The watt rating gives you a rough idea as to how loud a subwoofer might be able to play, but it doesn’t have to be louder just because it has a higher wattage. In fact, a 1,000-watt subwoofer may tunefully sound better at a normal room volume than a 100-watt subwoofer. Thanks to digital amplification, 300, 500, and higher wattage subwoofers are quite affordable. Wattage by itself is not a complete judge of a subwoofer’s performance. They are just one aspect of it and there are other factors to be considered as well.
- Driver size
Generally speaking, subwoofers are boxes inside which is a fairly large driver (and usually the amp that powers it). For best performance, a driver should have some space in the cabinet behind it. So ideally, a 12-inch driver will have a bigger sized box, while an 8-inch driver would have a smaller box. The driver has to work hard to produce the long bass waves in volumes you can hear. One way to do this is with a bigger driver, 12 inches being the most common size, but you can get 15-inch models as well. Some models have multiple drivers.
This does not mean that 2 6-inch drivers are equivalent to a 12-inch driver, but they’ll definitely perform better than a single 6-inch driver. The other way to produce bass waves is with lots and lots of power. As the driver and cabinet size go down, the power needs to go up to compensate for that. So, an 8-inch subwoofer in a small box can sound similar to a 12-inch subwoofer in a big box if it has significantly more power.
- Location
Placing the subwoofer against the wall will add a little bit to the volume, as will putting it in the corner. Either place isn’t strictly the most accurate bass response but it will get you more volume if that’s what you’re looking for. Multiple subs placed in different locations interact with the room differently because of where they are placed.
- EQ
Certain subwoofers have room EQ processing, which plays test tones through your speakers and subwoofer and generates an equalizer setting specific to your room. These can do a lot, like helping to minimize over-accentuated notes.
- Size of room
In a small room, a small subwoofer (minimum 100W, 10-inch subwoofer or a 12-inch one) will work just fine. In larger rooms, you will need a bigger subwoofer. If your room has open walls, you’ll need even more power or a larger sub as the bass sound will need to fill the entire space. If you have the space and the budget, multiple subwoofers are a good option, as they often perform better than a single subwoofer. Placement is crucial, and the right position can greatly enhance the bass sound quality.
- Good bass vs. more bass
Most people equate subwoofers with volume which is at the expense of quality. A quality subwoofer, placed correctly in a room, can produce a deep realistic bass. The idea of any good speaker system is to accurately recreate all the frequencies in the audio spectrum equally. So, the best subwoofers don’t make a booming sound, but just have a stronger bass than is possible with small speakers.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can’t I crank up the bass on my regular speakers?
A normal speaker cannot produce low frequency sound waves and hence, cannot be used as a subwoofer. A subwoofer’s unique purpose is to produce low frequency tuneful sounds and a normal speaker cannot replace it. You can use a woofer to achieve low bass tones, but even this does not compare to a subwoofer.
2. How long do home subwoofers last?
A good-quality home subwoofer will last you a decade or two depending on the build quality. Maintenance, usage, and how you handle them also determine the durability of your subwoofer.
3. Do I need a subwoofer?
You might need a subwoofer if you are planning to set up a home theater as they can help improve the sound quality of your existing home theater system.
4. Where is the best place to put my subwoofer?
You can place your subwoofer in the middle of your sound system or the front of the room for the best sound blending.
5. What size subwoofer is best?
Subwoofers for home use are available in different sizes, ranging from eight inches to 15 inches. You can choose a size considering the size of your room, sound preference, and affordability.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Wedetso Chirhah is our in-house product writer and editor with experience in reviewing electronic appliances. He relies on in-depth surveys and analyses to choose the most reliable with amazing features and reviews. Here, he brings you a collection of the best subwoofers for your sound system from trusted brands that will surely enhance your listening and movie-viewing experiences. To help make your selection process easier, Wedetso also shares a detailed buying guide.
Bring the concert or movie-theater experience home by investing in the best subwoofers. These speakers produce lower frequencies within music, the bass and sub-bass, amplified through the woofer. Not only can you hear the bass with a subwoofer, but you can also feel it, making movie nights a lot more fun and exciting. There are various best-selling subwoofers, such as ported subwoofers, sealed cabinet units, passive radiators, and more, depending on the sound they produce and where they are generally present. Regardless of which subwoofer you choose, ensure it is upgradable, has a high watt rating, with a large driver size. Besides, don’t forget to gauge the room’s size and place it in a suitable location for enhanced sound.
Infographic: What Are The Advantages Of Using Subwoofers?
Subwoofers unleash deep, thunderous lows that resonate within, enhancing your audio experience with unmatched bass power. Understanding the potential of these compact yet explosive audio devices can help you better appreciate their purpose and necessity better. Explore the infographic below to discover how subwoofers complete a home theater system.
Illustration: The Bridal Box Design Team
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