Best Home Audio Subwoofers in 2022

Last update: January 18, 2023

Are subwoofers worth it for home theater?

A subwoofer is a loudspeaker that is designed to reproduce low-frequency sounds, typically below around 80 Hz. Subwoofers are used in home theater systems to provide bass-heavy effects and increased immersion. While subwoofers are not essential for a home theater setup, they can definitely add to the experience. If you enjoy movies with lots of action and explosions, or if you simply want to feel like you're in the middle of the action, a subwoofer can be a great addition. Subwoofers can be expensive, so it

Can a subwoofer be too big?

Yes, a subwoofer can be too big. If the subwoofer is too big, it can overpower the other speakers in the system and produce a muddy sound. It is important to match the subwoofer to the size of the room and the other speakers in the system.

Do audiophiles use subwoofers?

There's no one answer to this question as audiophiles' setups can vary greatly. Some might use a subwoofer to supplement their main speakers, while others might forego one altogether. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what kind of sound you're trying to achieve.

Do I need 2 subwoofers in my home theater?

If you're looking for the best possible home theater experience, you might be wondering if you need two subwoofers. The short answer is that it depends on the size of your room and how much bass you want. If you have a large room or want a lot of bass, two subwoofers will give you the best results. They'll also help to even out the bass response in your room so that you don't have any dead spots. On the other hand, if you have a small room or don't need a ton of bass, one


Klipsch Reference R-10SW 10" 300w Powered Subwoofer (Black) Review:


This thing is awesome. I made a big mistake when I traded away my old Boston Acoustics XB6 subwoofer a few years ago. I purchased an Onkyo 7.1 speaker set and was using just the sub that came with it... it did okay, but bottomed out very easily. I finally decided it needed to be replaced, so I went with this Klipsch based on reviews I read here. It arrived well within the stated delivery window, and was up and running in less than 5 minutes. Let me tell you, this thing goes loud and deep. It shakes the walls! You know that scene in Game of Thrones where they blow up all of the ships? I thought it was going to wake the neighborhood! There's virtually no break-in period. It sounded great from the first minute. It's aesthetically pleasing, too. The veneer almost looks like black brushed aluminum, and the golden cone is nice to look at. And the cost is less than my old Boston that I had missed so much. Worth the buy! Go for it!Update 9/24/16: Well, after three months of normal use, the driver developed a rattle. It sounded like wires slapping the inside of the box,so I took the driver out, taped down any loose wires I saw, and plugged it back in. Still rattled. It was the driver itself. It still put out plenty of bass, but that rattle was annoying. I contacted the seller, and they basically said, sorry. Can't help. Window is closed. Contact the manufacturer.I asked if they were an authorized Klipsch dealer (because Klipsch's website says they only warranty items bought from authorized dealers) and got no answer. So I contacted Klipsch. They said nope, we won't honor the warranty because Bubba Goo Goods is not an authorized Klipsch dealer, and we can't vouch for them or their equipment. But, they did sell me a replacement woofer for $84. Three business days later, it arrived and I installed it. Rattle is fixed. Just wanted people to be warned. Amazon pricing is great, and we take advantage of the deals, but buyer beware. Amazon can be like the TJ Maxx of the internet. The prices are lower for a reason.Update 5/2/18: The replacement driver I purchased directly from Klipsch is still going strong. I haven't had another issue with the sub or any of its components since the rattle incident. I am still very pleased with this sub.



Klipsch 12" 400 Watts Wireless Subwoofer Brushed Black Vinyl (R-12SWi) Review:


I had never previously bought a Klipsch item before. I'm incredibly impressed. There were no delays at all during the wireless connection. I'm trying out wireless speakers for the first time, and Klipsch has convinced me to do so. It would be ideal to be able to install the device anywhere without worrying about wires. I used speaker wires to create a theater in my home, and it would have been a nightmare if we hadn't completely redone the space. Today's technology makes wireless an obvious choice. The sound quality is excellent, and I have it programmed into my Audyssey setup so that it blends in without the need for any additional adjustments to the "Sub." The difference from my previous "Sub" was phenomenal, and it only required a few minor adjustments to my amp settings. Money spent, in my opinion. You never know when you might hear something that you haven't before heard on some of my vinyl and CDs, which makes listening to my collection and watching movies a little more enjoyable.



Polk Audio PSW10 10" Powered Subwoofer - Featuring High Current Amp and Low-Pass Filter | Up to 100 Watts | Big Bass at A Great Value | Easy Integration Home Theater Systems Review:


I bought two of these because my Definitive Technologies Pro Sub 1000 died after 8 years. I solely based the purchase on the reviews/price point. My receiver has two outputs for subwoofers so I decided to get two when I only had the one DT. I have to say I was initially a bit underwhelmed. I was expecting a lot more bass, especially via two subs, but that was not the case. It just didn't have the same effect as my DT. Now the DT cost close to $500, and BOTH of these cost under 200 so what did I expect, right? After fooling with the output of both my receiver and the speakers, I did finally get a somewhat decent sound that I can live with. I have to keep the volumn totally turned up on the subs to achieve the results I like. I only had to have the DT at half. I do not play music on my system, strictly TV, or movies so I have no review of that sound quality. Overall, not bad, but I'm glad add I got two.*** Additional review after two days: OK, I will now rate these as 5 star after I figured out that it was operator error/mistake in my receiver setup that caused the lack of bass from these speakers. I found out that I did not have the output to the subwoofer turned up from minimal. Once I cranked it up, Voila, more bass! Excellent. Now I can turn down the master volume on the speaker to just bit above 1/2. I was also having an issue with the auto shutoff feature not working. It would go into sleep mode but then would not wake up on a signal return. Well, that again was caused by me not having a high enough output to the subwoofer on my receiver. Another issue solved, now it works great. Very happy now.....great purchase.



Yamaha 10" 100W Powered Subwoofer - Black (NS-SW100BL) Review:


Had a Yamaha YST-SW45 8" sub which was good, but just wasn't reaching well below 30-35 Hz... Combined with towers that were handling down to 50 Hz it just wasn't enough. I did like how Yamaha subs sound, so went looking for a decent but not overly expensive one that reached to at least 25 Hz.Yamaha has 3 lower end 10" subs, this is the middle of the road one. It's essentially a hybrid of the low YST-SW216 and the higher end NS-SW300. It has more or less the specs of the 216 with the twisted port of the 300.What it doesn't have is the speaker level inputs with built-in adjustable crossover (for amps/receivers that don't have a subwoofer output and built in crossover). However, if you don't need it, it's just an extra cost; fortunately my Pioneer receiver has a sub out, crossover, and extended subwoofer signal, built in, so I didn't need the speaker inputs. It also doesn't have a standby feature, although I never used it on the SW45 as it wasn't sensitive enough- you really needed a loud bass signal to take it out of standby.Easy hookup- just a power cord, power button, RCA subwoofer input and a volume.I plugged it in, set the crossover at 50 Hz with the extended subwoofer signal on the receiver, set the volume to the mid point, and cranked some tunes. The deep lows sounded pretty good, but somehow the midbass from 40-100 were really weak... so I adjusted the crossover to 80 Hz and turned the volume up to 3/4 on the sub, and the 40-100 Hz came back, but then below 40 Hz were really blown out... Then I remembered the phase setting- the old SW was angled off to the side and I had switched to out-of-phase for better sound, but because of the port location on this sub, I had it straight firing, and it turned out the extended midbass signals were cancelling. When I switched the phase back to in-phase, moved the crossover back to 50 Hz but left the extended bass signal, and rolled back to half volume, everything evened out nicely.To me, so long as your receiver/amp has the capabilities, this sub is a good choice for easy set up and sounds good for both movies and music playback.



Klipsch Reference R-112SW Subwoofer, Black Review:


This submarine was ordered to replace an outdated Infinity submarine, possibly dating from 2002. It had always performed admirably. It was typically quite musical and only succumbed to port chuffing and other undesirable noises at the very outside edge of the volume/bass matrix it was expected to duplicate. However, it didn't reproduce the very lowest transients (Like Hans Zimmer falling asleep and stepping on all the organ pedals at once during Interstellar). However, since I was receiving a new set of speakers (far more expensive and upmarket), I didn't want to skimp on the sub and let it degrade the quality of the system.Here is a summary.1) The box the sub arrived in was almost immaculate. There were no dents, gouges, or other signs that it had been carried over a gravel logging trail for several miles by a pickup vehicle.2) Although this sub is somewhat enormous, I wouldn't call it a monster. It didn't appear to be excessively hefty or take up much more space than the 10" Infinity it replaced.3) The finishing and fit are quite good. no glaring flaws. I have a thing for drivers who are copper in hue. (Klipsch will frequently refer to it as copper, but it's actually anodized aluminum with a ceramic element.) The newer generation of ceramic drivers have a much darker color than the earlier models. This driver clearly has a larger red component than my other RB-600s, which are much more burnished gold than copper in color.4) If you've dealt with subs in the past, the setup is unimportant. Gain, crossover, phase, and on/off weren't any harder or easier than they should have been.5) The Infinity, which was reportedly -3 at 34 Hz, hits unquestionably considerably lower than this. No reason exists for me to disbelieve Klipsch's assertion that 24 Hz is a -3db point. It effortlessly penetrates the bass hits on my bass tester disks while playing them in a room.6) To elaborate on what I mentioned before, this subwoofer produces a TON of bass from a comparatively negligible amount of woofer movement. With only a slight degree of peak-to-peak oscillation, it was completely shaking my timbers at just about the maximum comfortable volume level for my space. There were no port sounds at all.7) A word regarding the port: I don't believe the images adequately convey the size of this sub's slot port. It's quite large. It goes all the way across the front of the enclosure, allowing you to reach your arm well up to the wrist. Before it would have created a sound, I believe it would have to be pumping air like a hair dryer.8) Nothing in this is sloppy or loose. This subwoofer ought to be able to maintain up with the majority of primary speakers if the phase is set properly. If you're experiencing booming or choppy sound, it can be a positioning issue rather than a problem with the subwoofer itself.I was really torn between buying this sub and the SVS S2000. Both were reasonably priced, with the SVS being sealed, smaller, and—in my opinion—less attractive. Being something of a Klipsch aficionado and having already purchased two subs from that manufacturer (both excellent), I chose this one. No remorse. A great sub is the R-112SW. It doesn't interfere with music and only adds the essential intricacies of bass basic tones without degrading the overall sound. On film, it mocks the monstrous LFE effects and replicates them with a tangible, kinetic slam.The one thing I wish I hadn't done was sit on my hands and miss the sales that were happening a few months ago. I still think it's a good deal even at Klipsch's MSRP. Initially, I had been disappointed that I couldn't fit the larger brother of this unit in my room, but I now believe it would have been excessive for it. I could desire for no more bass than this device can produce, and it does so effortlessly.



AuraSound AST-2B-4 Pro Bass Shaker Tactile Transducer Review:


WOW!! Incredible Product! I have 5.1 surround sound and was generally satisfied with it when connected to a 50" screen, etc. One of these nasty guys was added, and DANG! adore it My RCA pre-out from the receiver was split using the Mediabridge ULTRA Series RCA Y-Adapter (12 Inches) - 1-Male to 2-Female for Digital Audio or Subwoofer (Part# CYA-1M2F-P). I then connected an RCA line from the splitter to the ONEU Audio Amplifier, Separated Subwoofer Volume Controlled Stereo Amplifier 2 x 45-Watt and 1x68W Sub Output, I made a 50 foot cable from the AV rack to the couch using basic AmazonBasics 14-Gauge Speaker Wire - 100 Feet from this point. (Aside: I mention the cable information so you don't have to spend money on oxygen-free cable, twisted speaker wire, or other "Gimmicks. The cable in question serves its purpose.) I adore the tactile transducer and shaker. Whether it comes from your AV receiver, a different amp, or a crossover control unit, you do need some form of crossover control in place. My Yamaha app had it built in and shunts off all signals below hertz to the sub line out, but the amp I ordered already has it. If you simply connect a TV line out, for example, to an amp for this device, I discovered that you can hear every single noise. You should have crossover control because of this. I adore this item! I turned over the Lazy Boy, put my 14 gauge wire (which the binding posts readily accommodated), and four wood screws, and it immediately worked! I adore it! I might purchase a second one for the same couch in the future, but for $50, I'm really content. I've made up my mind, and even my spouse seems to agree with me. (Implied an Indiana Jones explosion clip.) The real test will be on Friday night when Hacksaw Ridge is screened.



BIC America F12 12-Inch 475-Watt Front Firing Powered Subwoofer Review:


This arrived to me last night. I connected it by using an SMSL SA50 as the speaker level input and a set of Micca MB42c speakers as the speaker output. This subwoofer still hasn't found a permanent home or received enough use to break it in. I'll use concrete examples to illustrate my experience because audio is a subjective medium.I will answer that it IS large and powerful because it is still very fresh to me. The bass is difficult to contain and will more than fill the room. You may have trouble using this sub woofer to its best potential if you have nearby neighbors or those who require silence. It won't matter in an apartment. Your neighbors' quality of life will suffer as a result. You will be despised for your annoying bass. When forced to hear anything while on the other side of a wall, the most amazing things you have ever heard might suddenly turn into the things you despise the most.This subwoofer is fantastic if you have distant neighbors with windows of opportunity. I don't use "loud volume." I enjoy loud, clear noises that fill the space. This subwoofer produces a mild sound leakage that is audible from the curb at low volumes. I think I could hear rumbles from 20 to 30 feet away. I feel like I should be watchful to maintain harmony with my kind neighbors even if it shouldn't be enough to bother anyone.This sub woofer is all you want it to be, even if it *probably* has more bass than a home theater need. It's audible. It has depth. It's cramped. It is strong. It is set up to "tuck in" exactly where my soundbar substitute left off and pick up all that rich information. Unless you manage to bring it under control, it's absurd. I adore it so far. If necessary, I am willing to make amends with my neighbors and apologize.Yes, that is how it is.



ELAC S8 Debut 100 Watt 8" Powered Subwoofer by Andrew Jones (DS81-BK) Review:


This is an excellent low-cost sub. I purchased it to complement my Vanatoo Transparent Zeros, which are gorgeous, so I could add my stolen Yamaha HS10W back to my monitoring set-up. It sounds great, but when compared to the HS10W in an A/B test, it came off as slightly sloppy. Since I'm listening to music, I want a bass that is accurate and tight. That extra "boom" when things explode might really be what you want if you're playing this in a home theater setup.Despite my reservations, I ultimately decided to buy a KRK 10S (see picture for all 3 competitors next to each other) after perusing a number of positive reviews, and I haven't looked back since. The KRK has a *really* nice sound. I prefer it even more than my HS10W. (high praise indeed). Of course, it costs almost three times as much as the Debut.Will the S8 Debut thus be useful to you? Probably. There is always a moment of diminishing returns in the world of speakers. The price to performance ratio of the Debut S8 is rather appealing. If you're listening to music and have additional money, a more expensive subwoofer might give you somewhat more detailed/tight bass, but you'll end up paying 2-3 times as much for a 0.2-0.3x improvement in quality.



Monoprice 60-Watt Powered Subwoofer - 8 Inch With Auto-On Function, For Studio And Home Theater Review:


Before, the cost was a little higher. Based on positive customer evaluations and after watching a few YouTube videos about this specific subwoofer, they decided to purchase it. A Polk Audio PSW10 subwoofer is another item I own. I have no genuine knowledge of audio. According to certain people referred to as "Audiophiles," listening with two or more distinct subwoofers is not a good idea. They were accurate. After an hour of tuning, moving, and adjusting, I was able to obtain a powerful bass with kicks and thumps. Polk's subwoofer is not necessary for this sub to produce the booming bass that my upstairs neighbor complained about hearing and feeling. When I knew he was at work, I utilized it. Excellent on both music and movies, I'm quite happy with this subwoofer. If you want good bass but are on a tight budget, buy it now while the price is still reasonable. You won't feel low frequencies very well. It continues to kick.



Echo Sub - Powerful subwoofer for your Echo - requires compatible Echo device Review:


The sound quality is very good. The major flaw is that once the subwoofer is paired to form a speaker set.... that speaker set cannot be part of a multi room music system.... so it effectively makes the speaker set ( speaker and subwoofer) a one room system. That totally defeats the purpose of having music in the whole house....and defeats the option to add the much needed bass to the Echo speakers. I understand the reasoning... but it hampers the expansive sound quality. Hope the developers address this shortcoming.Update: I have contacted echo customer service numerous times and they have confirmed my suspicions.... the sub cannot be part of a group. They have agreed this is not possible... if you see in the photo.... it is unreachable. Customer service confirmed it and for the time being it can only be paired in a 2:1 or 1:1 system..... NOT in a whole home everywhere group. The biggest audio drawback to the Echo’s is lack of bass response.... so I have a to make a choice ..... whole home music (Yes) or bass in only one room (No) ..... really believe this is a very serious drawback. In a perfect world I live in a three story home..... would love to have the bass element on every floor..... if the sub could be part of a group I would have to buy TWO MORE..... Amazon could sell TWO MORE!!! GO FIGURE!!! ..... Please fix this severe drawback!!Update to the Update! I completely gave up thinking I could get the sub to connect to my existing everywhere group.... Prayers Answered!! I checked this morning and the sub proudly displayed itself as available. I selected it and it gladly joined the group!! Sounds fantastic. I am one Happy Camper!! Way to go Amazon!! Thank you for being so responsive..... perhaps when you do a backdoor fix..... don’t be so quiet about it!! I am very pleased!! Changed my original rating for the great customer service and additional features!!!


Do I need an active or passive subwoofer?

There's a lot of debate among audio enthusiasts about whether active or passive subwoofers are better. So, which is right for you? Active subwoofers have their own built-in amplifiers, which gives you more control over the sound. Passive subwoofers don't have their own amplifiers, so they rely on the receiver or amplifier to power them. Active subwoofers are usually more expensive, but they offer more flexibility in terms of placement and sound quality. Passive subwoofers are less expensive and easier to set up,

Does a home stereo need a subwoofer?

A home stereo does not need a subwoofer, but many people believe that a subwoofer can improve the sound quality of a home stereo system. A subwoofer is a speaker that reproduces low-frequency sounds. Low-frequency sounds are below the range of human hearing, so a subwoofer is not necessary for a home stereo system to reproduce sound accurately. However, some people believe that a subwoofer can add depth and fullness to the sound of a home stereo system.

How many watts is a good subwoofer?

A good subwoofer typically has between 200 and 500 watts of power. The size of the subwoofer, the type of car, and the listening preferences all play a role in determining the ideal wattage for a subwoofer.

How much should I spend on a subwoofer?

If you're looking for a quality subwoofer, you should expect to spend at least $200. However, if you're willing to sacrifice some sound quality, you can find a decent subwoofer for as little as $100. Keep in mind that the size of your room and the type of music you listen to will also affect how much you should spend on a subwoofer.

Is it better to have 1 or 2 subwoofers?

If you're looking for sheer power and volume, two subwoofers are going to be the better option. More subwoofers means more surface area to move air and produce bass. However, one subwoofer can often provide enough bass for most people. It really depends on your personal preferences and how much power you need.

Is it worth adding a subwoofer?

A subwoofer is an extra speaker that reproduces low frequencies. It can dramatically improve the sound of your music, making it fuller and more realistic. If you enjoy music, then a subwoofer is definitely worth adding to your system. It will make a big difference in the quality of the sound, and you will be able to enjoy your music even more.