The Best Subwoofers in 2023

Sure, top-notch speakers may guarantee you a crystal clear audio but if you want to make your favorite song sound really vivid and lifelike you will need a subwoofer. However, in case you don’t have a high-grade sound system with a built-in subwoofer it doesn’t mean that you may forget about an immersive sound with deep bass. You can always choose a high-quality subwoofer on your own.

In fact, the best subwoofer is the one which is selected correctly. One wonders, therefore, how to choose a right subwoofer? The answer to this question you can find below.

The Best Subwoofers

Last update on 2023-03-20 // The links above are affiliate // Images from Amazon

How to Choose The Best Subwoofer

Type of Speakers

Before you start looking through the lists of best subwoofers on the net or walking along the rows full of various subwoofer models in the stereo store, check the type of speakers you are using. This is the rule number one as your speakers will identify the key features of your future subwoofer.

Obviously, superb floor-standing speakers (which usually cost a fortune) will require a large and powerful subwoofer. Still, if you are the owner of small bookshelf speakers there is no need to purchase a pricey item. Besides, the size of the subwoofer will be smaller too.

Room Dimensions

It may sound banal, but it’s always important to take into account the size and acoustics of the room you are going to place a subwoofer in. For example, big rooms need more power, so it’s better to buy more effective subwoofers. Small rooms, on the contrary, do not require big subwoofers.

However, it’s not only about the size of the room. Remember to take into consideration its type. Is it a room with a closed or open plan? The point is that even if the room is not big but it smoothly continues into another one, then you will need something really powerful.

Subwoofer Size

The first reason why you should take into account the size of a subwoofer is quite primitive as it’s about the space a subwoofer will take in your room. There is no sense in buying a larger subwoofer if you don’t have enough room to place it.

The next point is that subwoofer size is one of the main factors which identify the list of important features every best sub should have. Though such an idea is a bit mistaken, the size of the sub does matter. So what does it tell about? Big subwoofers are usually considered to be louder and to produce deeper bass. Well, very often these statements coincide with the reality but size isn’t the only thing that affects the subwoofer performance and you can learn more about it below.

Depth (low bass extension)

Another characteristic which shouldn’t be neglected is a low bass extension. Though it is generally considered that the bigger a subwoofer is the better bass it performs, this statement is false. If a large subwoofer driver has poor motors it will never produce precise bass. As a result, you will get inaccurate and smeared sounding.

That is why you should always pay attention to the quality of drivers. A subwoofer with small drivers (e.g. 10-inch) can easily outperform a subwoofer with the larger ones if its motor magnets are able to generate greater force and provide better control over the drive.

Sensitivity and Frequency

Remember to check SPL (i.e. sensitivity) of your subwoofer. Subs with high SPL need less power to produce high volumes than subs with low SPL level. So, if your head unit is powered enough then there is no need to get a sub with high sensitivity.

One more feature you should pay attention at is frequency. As a subwoofer is responsible for bass, you will need an item that produces only low-frequency sounds.

Speed

Your next step is to check the speed criterion. Of course, modern subwoofers are much faster than those which you could find on the market some years ago. They have improved filters and reduced moving mass in the bass engines. Still, nowadays you can find subs with quite different speed and the best thing you may do to choose the perfect one is to check your sound system again.

If your speakers are aimed at naturalness and slow speed then choose a rich warm-sounding subwoofer. But when your sound system requires real speed get ready to pay for it.

Impedance

Here’s what you should know about impedance before setting up a subwoofer. When your sub has low impedance then it’s easier for an amplifier to provide it with power. The key pitfall, in this case, is the type of the amplifier you are using as not all of them are adjusted to what your subwoofer may need.

Thus, not to get an overheated amplifier because it can’t handle very low resistance level we recommend to always check its specifications before you wire your sub to particular impedance, and that’s the next important factor you should consider. You can learn more about the best type of wiring for your subwoofer here.

Types of Enclosure

As well as all pre-cited features a type of enclosure is one of the characteristics to check before the purchase. Put simply, there are three main types of enclosures you may choose from – sealed, ported and bandpass. Now let’s have a look at each of them.

Sealed Enclosure

Sealed enclosure guarantees deep bass. Remember that small subs in sealed enclosures are able to produce much deeper bass than large subwoofers with open enclosures. This type of enclosure provides fast transient response and lower group delay than ported cabinets can offer.

The only drawback of sealed cabinets is that they have acoustical inefficiency. Consequently, there is a lower output and higher distortion. In a word, the sealed enclosure would be the best option if your sound system is not big and the chosen subwoofer can reach a necessary SPL and go as low as you need.

Ported and Bandpass Enclosure

A ported type of enclosure won’t provide you with such deep bass as sealed cabinets do. Still, it has its own advantages you should be aware of. Ported cabinets deliver louder sound and would be a perfect match in case they are tuned low enough. Besides, ported enclosure is a great choice for a big studio.

Bandpass enclosure is quite similar to ported as its bass isn’t very deep too. In fact, this is a very old type of enclosure which is usually used for home sub/satellite speakers and car audio systems. You can learn more about the difference between bandpass, sealed and ported enclosures here.

Passive and Powered Subwoofers

All subwoofers can be divided into two types: passive and powered. If passive subs need an external amplifier to work then powered subs are equipped with an internal amplifier and you’ll have just to plug it into the mains. In fact, powered subwoofers are more frequently used. As to the passive subwoofers, they require a good guide to be set up correctly.

Front-firing and Down-firing Subwoofers

Front-firing subs have their drivers on the front of the body while down-firing subs – on the bottom. This difference doesn’t affect the performance and is more important for the comfort of use. Sure, if your subwoofer is placed somewhere underneath your PC or TV set then the front-firing type is a better choice.

Wireless and Wired Subwoofers

Here’s another classification of subwoofers. All subs can be divided into wired and wireless. The main plus of wireless subwoofers is the absence of set up. Just plug such subwoofer in and voilà – it works! As to the drawbacks (unfortunately, they do exist) wireless subwoofers do not provide such great sound as wired subs can deliver. Of course, it’s not a universal truth but this rule usually works. So, if you have a 7.1 speaker system then it’s better to look for a wired subwoofer.

Wattage

The range of the wattage is responsible for the loudness of the sub. Consequently, the more watts a subwoofer has the louder it is. Note that subwoofers with higher watts (up to 4,000W) are more expensive than those with low wattage.

One more point to pay attention at when you are checking the wattage of the sub is RMS, i.e. continuous wattage. RMS is responsible for the volume and the general power, and if a sub has RMS of up to 1,000W then the item must be quite qualitative. As to the peak wattage, it’s not as crucial as RMS. This specification will tell you about how loud the sub can go.

To make your life easier and to save you from a long-lasting search of the perfect subwoofer, we have compiled the list of the best subs to choose from.

11 Best Subwoofers

Klipsch R-120SW Subwoofer

For Awe-Inspiring Low Notes

The bass is an important part of the audio experience, whether it’s a movie, your favorite song, or a professional job. And this is where the Klipsch R-120SW makes an entrance!

Equipped with a 400-Watt, all-digital, amplifier that powers a spun-copper Injection Molded Graphite (IMG) woofer, the device delivers clean, deep bass response that enhances any home theater or audio system.

The woofer cone is light but also durable, which means the low-frequency response is high, without any breakup or distortions that could taint the sound. This way, you can live those explosions or deep notes, without getting any interference from the equipment.

To help with this, the reinforced MDF cabinet retains most vibrations and improves sonic accuracy for a perfect performance. Moreover, the low pass crossover and phase control establish the ideal level of bass that’s adapted to the room size. The subwoofer is also wired to fit most available home speakers, so you can combine it as you want.

Pros:

• Clean & crisp bass
• True-to-source accuracy in reproduction
• Stylish design
• Can be combined with a wide range of speakers
• Powerful sound

Cons:

• Not for professional use
• It doesn’t get as low as expected

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BIC AMERICA F12

A Budget-friendly Sub With Professional Features

Fitted with a front-firing 12-inch molded woofer, this 475-watt peak powered subwoofer also features a BASH designed Amp and comes with a Venturi vent (patented by BIC) that eliminates port noise. If we add the sturdy build and advanced technologies, it’s easy to understand why so many people are in awe with this sub!

Furthermore, it allows options for adjustable crossover and volume while also featuring automatic signal sensing. All these, allow users to reach a wide range frequency response (25Hz – 200Hz) with gut-wrenching low notes and fantastic clear treble (90dB sensitivity).

Lastly, the impressive sound quality is supported by gold-plated terminals, magnetic shielding, and inputs for both Dolby Pro Logic and Dolby Digital/DTS.

Pros:

• Impressive sound clarity and richness
• Bass is truly thunderous & deep
• The design is simple & elegant
• The port design is close to perfection
• Flawless crossover design

Cons:

• It is rather big
• Not for quiet neighborhoods
• Its performance is influenced by the location and positioning

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Yamaha 8″ 100W Powered Subwoofer (NS-SW050BL)

Rich Bass & Impressive Design

If you’re looking for a subwoofer to add oomph to your home theater speakers, this Yamaha design may be just right. It is small in size, it features a stylish and modern look, and it fits most types of speakers.

Due to its accurate and deep bass response, the subwoofer makes movies, music, and games livelier. Moreover, the new Twisted Flare Port delivers a clear and tight bass by ensuring a smooth and continuous airflow.

On the other hand, the advanced YST II (Yamaha Active Servo Technology II) dynamically compensates for the negative effects of speaker impedance which improves motion control.

Overall, this 8” cone Yamaha subwoofer is the perfect addition to most home theater audio systems and can be the life of the party!

Pros:

• Elegant design
• Fits most speakers
• Rich bass response
• Powerful sound
• 28–200 Hz frequency response
• New technologies for better sound quality

Cons:

• Not loud enough for large rooms
• Doesn’t come with cables

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Elac SUB1010-BK

Add Some Deep, Authoritative Bass To The Audio Experience

The SUB1010-BK sub from Elac comes with a class AB amplifier and bass reflex enclosure type. As a result, it can generate up to 120 watts peak/ 60 watts RMS amplifier power and has a 38hz-200hz frequency response.

Furthermore, the sub also sports a 20” long-throw dynamic woofer that can produce a thunderous bass without any distortions. This makes the subwoofer perfect for both parties that raise the roof and cinematic movie experiences.

In addition, the subwoofer is easy to install and control, while also maintaining a low profile.

Pros:

• Simple and durable design
• Powerful & deep bass
• It creates an immersive experience
• Minimum distortions only

Cons:

• It is big and can be difficult to integrate with small spaces
• It will shake your neighbors (at full power)

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Audioengine S8 8-inch Powered Subwoofer

Stylish 8-inch subwoofer

This stylish subwoofer is equipped with 8-inch subwoofer and dual line-level inputs (both RCA and mini-jack). It also comes with low-frequency effect (LFE) and auto-sleep power saving mode.

Audioengine S8 8-inch Powered Subwoofer has a nice but at the same time robust front-ported MDF cabinet. Having a small size this subwoofer would be a perfect match for bookshelf speakers. What is more, it’s a wireless sub, so you will forget about tangled cords.

Pros:

• clean sound
• separate volume control
• compact size
• high-quality build
• stylish design
• easy setup

Cons:

• rattles when reaching the lowest bass range
• not very energy efficient

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Polk Audio AM1055-C Powered Subwoofer

The Perfect Sub for that Extra Punch

Fitted with a 10-inch dynamic balance woofer, this sub has the role of enhancing the low end in your music, movies, and video games. This is due to the woofer, but also the configured directed port that brings some well-positioned added depth.

As a result, you can turn that volume knob to the maximum and the sound will remain clear and punchy (even at low frequencies). Furthermore, the sub is easy to combine with a wide range of speakers, which increases its versatility and usability. Just hook it up to the receiver, and you get an instantly updated sound system that goes at 80-160 Hz crossover and 40-160 Hz (-3dB) frequency response.

We also have to give a shout out to the PSW enclosure, which is designed for perfect sound quality at all volumes. The materials used for the cabinetry are durable and help create a resonance-free experience.

In addition, the detachable front grille provides an air of style and elegance. The sub supports two RCA ports, and two pairs of input spring terminals. As such, it’s not too fussy about the type of devices that can be connected to it.

Pros:

• Traditional wooden look
• Titanium frame for better durability
• Enclosure created for perfect sound quality
• Easy to understand interface
• Incredibly clear and powerful sound

Cons:

• It is huge and a bit heavy
• It is designed as a budget option

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Sonos Sub (Gen 3)

Hear And Feel The Difference

If you’re looking for a low-cost upgrade to your current sound system, this modern-looking subwoofer may be the right answer.

First, it is easy on the eye, due to the sculptural shape and high glossy finish. Also, it integrates nicely with other modern-looking speakers, home theater systems, and even soundbars.

Second, the shiny cover protects two force-canceling drivers that provide the pure bass experience, without any bass or rattle. This is true for any volume level as the sub can take care of the lowest frequencies. Also, the midrange and highs are clear and rich in detail.

The good news is that you can connect it with almost anything (using Arc or Beam). This way, you can upgrade your movie viewing experience, but also your video gaming experience, and music listening experience.

Furthermore, you can use it to connect several Sonos speakers (wirelessly) and have the entire house enjoy the benefit of a high-quality subwoofer. It is a very versatile product, with lots of features and cool benefits!

Pros:

• Modern and glossy design
• Handles low end very well
• No vibrations or rattle
• Can be integrated with other Sonos speakers
• The sound is absolutely brilliant

Cons:

• A bit on the expensive side
• The glossy finish retains fingerprints
• It is rather heavy

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Definitive Technology Descend DN8

A Subwoofer that Has the Punch

Definitive Technology Descend DN8 is a compact and practical subwoofer, with excellent build quality, and more importantly, great performance. This is a minimalistic-looking device, with built-in controls, dedicated to true audiophiles. Its bass is punchy, while the vocals and highs bring a great level of dynamics, offering an excellent audio experience.

In other words, this compact subwoofer brings exactly what the best subwoofer should: simplicity of use, loud digitally tuned 500W bass, and great audio, as well as a good frequency response of 35 Hz to 200 Hz. In addition, this subwoofer also comes with LFE and RCA inputs, and features 8″ drivers, with Ultra Low Bass Radiators and 3XR Architecture, which are the key reasons for its amazing performance.

All in all, Definitive Technology Descend DN8 brings pretty much for the price and presents one of the better subwoofer options out there.

Pros:

• Straightforward setup
• Minimalistic looking
• Punchy bass
• Very good performance
• Compact

Cons:

• No remote, or app controls
• No wireless connectivity

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Bose Bass Module 700

Feel the Thunder

The Bose 700 wireless subwoofer features an elegant and compact look that fits a wide range of interior design settings, even in small rooms. Besides being compact and stylish, the module also comes with a glass-top finish that delivers an impressive visual effect.

But the real beauty doesn’t lay at the surface! Under the beautiful finish, the Bose subwoofer is engineered with a powerful driver that creates a dynamic range of rich, low notes. Furthermore, due to quiet port technology, there is no distortion at high volumes.

As such, with this tiny subwoofer added to your home theater system, you will get to enjoy movies, games, and music to their full potential. Just connect it with your Bose Soundbar 700 and enjoy the true cinema-like sound quality!

The module supports 30 feet of range and can also be paired with other Bose products like the Bose Soundbar 500 and Sound Touch 300 soundbar. Overall, it is a wonderful addition for anyone who wants to enjoy the perfect cinematic experience in the comfort of their home.

Pros:

• Elegant design
• Compact in size
• Compatible with several Bose soundbars
• A powerful driver and large port
• Delivers rich low notes

Cons:

• A bit expensive
• The software is a bit buggy
• Some difficulties with setup

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Monoprice 60-Watt Powered Subwoofer

An Affordable Home Subwoofer

If you are seeking an affordable, yet decent-performing subwoofer that does a solid job, Monoprice 60-Watt Powered Subwoofer is the device for you. Of course, have in mind that this isn’t some high-end machine that will blow you away, but a solid, good-value-for-the-money device that offers more than a decent performance for the home subwoofer.

To be exact, this device comes with 8” drivers and produces up to 60W of output power. In other words, its sound isn’t mind-blowing; however, it should be enough for most home configurations.

Monoprice 60-Watt Powered Subwoofer comes with built-in commands and a set of right/left Line Level inputs. It supports stereo, 5.1, and higher audio setups, and has a frequency response range of 50 Hz up to 250 Hz.

Unfortunately, its price means certain limitations, and that, in the first place, involves the existence of a hum during audio reproduction. However, that is one of its rare downsides; therefore, if you are after an affordable, yet solid home subwoofer, this one is more than a decent choice.

Pros:

• Very good audio
• Easy setup
• Solid build quality
• Very good value for the price
• Reasonably priced

Cons:

• It produces a bit of hum

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Yamaha NS-SW050BL

Everything You Need from an Affordable Subwoofer

Yamaha NS-SW050BL is an attractive-looking and solid-performing device, with an attractive price that makes it an ideal budget-friendly subwoofer option. This is a well-made device, fitted with a couple of neat features, such as the Twisted flare port (clears the bass), as well as the Advanced YST II (offers higher volumes), creating an excellent audio performance.

In other words, its bass is responsive and rich, while the low end is tight, consistent, and clean, as it should be the case with one of the best subwoofers out there.

Yamaha NS-SW050BL creates 100W of output power and features 8” cone woofers. Its frequency response is between 28 Hz and 200 Hz, while the compact size makes it suitable for any type of configuration.

All in all, Yamaha NS-SW050BL offers excellent value for the money and presents one of the better home subwoofer options available.

Pros:

• Compact
• Stylish-looking
• Affordable
• Very good audio performance
• Advanced YST II
• Twisted flare port

Cons:

• No tuneable crossover

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Summary

If you know what a perfect bass is then you will look only for the best subwoofer. Check all the necessary specifications mentioned above before your purchase and choose what you really need.