The 10 Most Popular Subwoofers, Tested And Researched

Dan Simmons By, Dan Simmons
Updated
Most Popular Subwoofers
Most Popular Subwoofers

The Rundown

1. Best Overall: Polk Audio PSW10 10" Powered Subwoofer - Power Port Technology

Polk Audio PSW10 is a powerful 10-inch Dynamic Balance woofer and uniquely configured Direct Port that provides accurate bass with added depth. The perfect solution for your small-to-mid size room, Polk's PSW10 has a powerful sound with balanced lows and highs and is able to play the most demanding nodes effortlessly without any distortion at even high volumes. Read Review

2. Best Bang For The Buck: Klipsch R-12SW 12" 400W Subwoofer

Klipsch R-12SW 12" 400W Subwoofer is designed to produce powerful, clean bass in any room. It features a 12" copper-spun front-firing woofer and delivers 400 watts of dynamic power. Equally impressive with music and movies, the Klipsch R-12SW features a brushed black polymer veneer cabinet with satin painted plinth and low pass crossover and phase control. Read Review

3. Best Capacity: Skar Audio SDR-12 D4 12" 1200 Watt Max Power Dual 4 Ohm Car Subwoofer

Skar Audio offers high-quality car subwoofers at affordable prices. The 12" Dual 4 ohm Car Subwoofer packs a punch with 1,200 watts of peak power and 600 watts of RMS power. This dual subwoofer has an awesome sound quality and is designed for maximum performance. Read Review

4. Best Adjustable: Sound Storm Laboratories LOPRO8 Amplified Car Subwoofer

Designed to produce powerful bass without sacrificing clarity, the Sound Storm Laboratories LOPRO8 Amplified Car Subwoofer is a perfect addition to your car. It is compact, lightweight and durable enough to fit in your trunk, with an amplifier built in. With its variable low-pass filter you can choose from four different settings for a better sound quality and performance. Read Review

Subwoofers are used to enhance the low frequencies of your sound system. They’re most commonly found in home theaters and car audio systems, but they can be used in many different situations. Whether you’re playing music or watching movies, having a subwoofer is beneficial because it adds more bass without overstretching the available frequency range of your stereo or TV speakers.

The type of subwoofer you have plays an important role in whether you end up getting good performance from it. Here’s what you need to know about the most popular subwoofers and which ones will be best for your setup….

After nearly 16 hours of research, we were able to come up with many top products from prominent brands like Polk audio, Klipsch, Skar audio, Sound storm laboratories, Kicker, Proreck, Boss audio systems, Pioneer. Among them, Polk Audio PSW10 10" Powered Subwoofer - Power Port Technology seems to be the first product you can rely on. Alternatively, if you're simply looking for a good-looking option, you may go with Klipsch R-12SW 12" 400W Subwoofer.

Our article today focuses mainly on giving you guidelines and tips to be able to buy the right product that best suits your needs. Explore with us right here.

Our Top Picks

  • DOUBLE THE AMPLIFIER POWER TO 100 Watts of Dynamic Power with its in-built 50-watt RMS amp. Sophisticated engineering with best in class resonance-free driver materials make this sub highly durable and FIT FOR EXTENDED USE
  • LOUDER CLEARER SOUND EVEN AT HIGH VOLUME – Enjoy a thrilling yet balanced music experience with rich, deep sound, even at low frequencies. BLENDS EASILY WITH ANY SPEAKER and plays the most demanding nodes effortlessly without any distortion
  • POWERED SUBWOOFER FOR EXTRA BASS & PUNCH – A 10-inch Dynamic Balance woofer & a uniquely configured directed port provides accurate bass with added depth that brings your music and movies alive. A perfect solution for your small-to-mid size room
  • A sleek detachable grille on the front, speaker and line-level inputs as well as speaker-level outputs on the back, and a Phase Toggle Switch for multiple subwoofers, make this sub cohesive and complete
  • EASY TO INTEGRATE WITH EXISTING SYSTEMS – Hook up this sub to the receiver and upgrade your music sound instantly. Features continuously variable 80-160 Hz crossover and 40-160 Hz (-3dB) frequency response
TOP Choice #2 Klipsch R-12SW 12" 400W Subwoofer
Our Score:
9.8
Klipsch
  • Powerful 12" copper-spun front-firing woofer
  • All-digital amplifier delivers 400 watts of dynamic power
  • Line/LFE inputs for compatibility with most receivers
  • Equally impressive with music and movies; Brushed black polymer veneer cabinet with satin painted plinth
  • Low pass crossover and phase control
  • 12-Inch Dual 4 ohm Car Subwoofer
  • Peak Power: 1, 200 Watts | RMS Power: 600 watts
  • Frequency response: 22 Hz - 300 Hz | Sensitivity: 84.7 dB
  • High Roll Foam Surround - High flux ferrite motor
  • 2.5" 4-Layer high temperature Copper voice Coil
4 Sound Storm Laboratories LOPRO8 Amplified Car Subwoofer
Our Score:
9.4
Sound Storm Laboratories
  • LOW LEVEL INPUTS: Line level inputs, also known as RCA inputs or low-level inputs, use RCA interconnect cables to link the LOPRO8 with the source unit. Most aftermarket radios have multiple pairs of RCA outputs that can connect to multiple amplifiers
  • WARRANTY: Sound Storm provides a Powerful 3 Year Platinum Online Dealer Warranty so long as the purchase is made through Amazon.com. We strongly encourage professional installation of this product to ensure proper and safe functionality
  • VARIABLE BASS BOOST: Variable Bass Boost allows you to adjust the low bass within the boost range to just the way you like it
  • VARIABLE LOW-PASS FILTER: A low-pass filter is an electronic circuit that removes all the notes below the filter's frequency setting. You will use the Low-pass filter to primarily keep high notes out of your subwoofer(s)
  • BUILT-IN AMPLIFIER: With a MOSFET power supply you get improved switching speeds, better performance with less power from the driver, lower gate-to-drain feedback capacitance, lower thermal impedance for higher switching frequencies
  • DIMENSIONS: 15” x 9.75” x 3”. If you are short on space, this is a great solution for you. The combination of amplifier and subwoofer all into one, makes this ideal for spatially challenged vehicles
  • HIGH LEVEL INPUTS: Speaker level inputs are commonly referred to as high-level inputs. It will be used to connect the LOPRO8 to your factory radio or an aftermarket radio that does not have low-level (RCA) inputs
  • 180 Watt amplifier drives the HS10; 150 Watt amp the HS8
  • Ultra-compact at just more than three inches high
  • Minimal parts and quick-connect Molex plug and harness
  • Now includes a 10-inch sub model, along with the 8-inch
  • Remote bass control included
  • Peak Power: 800 Watts | RMS Power: 500 Watts
  • High Performance Pressed Paper Cone Stitched to Premium Foam Surround
  • Frequency Response: 25 Hz - 300 Hz
  • 12-Inch Dual 2 ohm Shallow Mount Subwoofer
  • Sensitivity: 86.7 dB | Fs: 35.3 Hz
  • Shallow Mount Design - Mounting Depth: 4.92"
  • Lightweight but powerful: Built-in CLass-D amplifier ensures deep and thrilling stereo sound. Two side handles make it easy to transport. Weight: 68lbs; Dimension:22”(W) x24.5”(D) x26”(H)
  • Super solid housing is made of plywood to reduces resonance for distortion-free and accurate response. Housing is also plated with special material for impact-resistance.
  • Balanced XLR combo input and stereo RCA input ensures that left and right audio signal are both collected to avoid losing channel information.Stereo RCA output and full range XLR combo output. It also comes with filtered XLR output to export audio signal between 100Hz and 20KHz.
  • Powerful 2000-Watt powered subwoofer with 18” low-frequency driver for bass reinforcement.; 400 Watts RMS/ 800 watts Program/ 2000 Watts Peak; 18 inch woofer with 60oz magnet and 3" voice coil. Great for parties, bars, weddings, meetings, speeches, churches, gymnastics, conferences, home theaters, etc.
  • Selectable phase from 0°to 180°to run multiple subwoofers. Power-on and max volume indicators, crossover 40Hz-160Hz.
  • Subwoofers Come Mounted and are Pre-Wired Internally for a 1 Ohm Final Impedance Load at the Terminals
  • Peak Power: 5,000 Watts | RMS Power: 2,500 Watts
  • Premium Vented Enclosure Made of High Strength MDF and Finished in Black Carpeting
  • Competition Grade EVL Series 12-Inch Dual 4-ohm Loaded Subwoofer Enclosure
  • Double Front Baffle (1.25") with Countersunk Subwoofer Design for Flush and Attractive Appearance
9 BOSS Audio Systems BAB8 Amplified Car Subwoofer
Our Score:
8.5
BOSS Audio Systems
  • Space Saver - The combination of amplifier and subwoofer all into one, makes this ideal for spatially challenged vehicles. With a slim design, there are a few installation options. Embrace the Bass.
  • Specs - 12 inches in Depth, 9. 3 inches in Width and 2. 9 inches in Height
  • Low Level Input - Line level inputs, also known as RCA inputs or low-level inputs, use RCA interconnect cables to link the BAB8 with the source unit. Most aftermarket radios have multiple pairs of RCA outputs that can connect to multiple amplifiers
  • Variable Low-Pass Filter - A low-pass filter is an electronic circuit that removes all the notes below the filter's frequency setting. You will use the Low-pass filter to primarily keep high notes out of your subwoofer(s)
  • - BOSS Audio Systems provides a Powerful 3 Year Platinum Online Dealer so long as the purchase is made through . We strongly encourage professional installation of this product to ensure proper and safe functionality
  • Pulse Width Modulated - This design controls the output voltage and current precisely by not only removing the output current sensing loss, but also eliminating all secondary feedback circuitry. It increases efficiency, is lighter, smaller reliable
  • Built-in Amplifier - A built-in 800 Max watt amplifier powers the subwoofer
  • High Level Input - Speaker level inputs are commonly referred to as high-level inputs. It will be used to connect the BAB8 to your factory radio or an aftermarket radio that does not have low-level (RCA) inputs
  • Variable Bass Boost - Variable Bass Boost allows you to adjust the low bass within the boost range to just the way you like it
  • What’s in the box: (1) Sub-120 Subwoofer and power cord - connection wires not included
  • Place your subwoofer in a corner for optimal performance
  • Strong, flexible, removable grille
  • Compatible with almost any AV receiver
  • Dimensions: 16” H x 14” W x 19.25” D
  • 12-inch, front-firing driver
  • Contemporary finish to integrate with any decor with ease
  • Spun copper front-firing Cerametallic woofers
  • 200 watts continuous, 400 watts dynamic power
Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

What to Look For in a most popular subwoofers?

You may know that shopping is one of the essential activities in a human being’s life. Selecting the best product will affect your daily life. However, which factors can make this purchase effective? If you are looking for most popular subwoofers for your demands, you will waste your time with incorrect data. But it would be best if you weren’t so nervous about that. We have a group of experts to research most popular subwoofers, and they’ve given reliable information.

There are lots of essential things you should keep in mind. On the other, just some of them are most focused. Here are the critical factors related to buying most popular subwoofers you may want:

Subwoofer Size & Number

If manufacturers don't want to disclose the maximum sound pressure, most can refer to the third parameter.
The Frequency Response element explains that subwoofers must have sufficient power to produce high frequencies and push air around enough to be heard by the ear. The maximum sound pressure that a subwoofer can achieve is directly related to its size and quantity. The unit's configuration is the best way to determine the subwoofer's strength.

Subwoofer Box Material

Subwoofer boxes are currently made from plastic or wood. Some high-end models will also use metal. Wood speakers used to be considered superior to plastic speakers at first, though this is not the case anymore. Some well-made speakers are better than those made from rough wood. When choosing speakers, it is important to weigh the components. A large wooden speaker will perform poorly if it is too light.

Frequency Response

This is the "dive" index for the subwoofer's low frequency. This parameter indicates how low the subwoofer's output can reach. Subwoofers capable of reaching this frequency can typically be heard by humans at 20 Hz. However, subwoofers with the ability to achieve such low frequencies are more costly.
Don't worry too much about the frequency limit. It is generally acceptable to use a subwoofer at 160-200Hz. Why? Why? Because the frequency above 120Hz is where most of the midrange woofers are. This indicator can't be altered and is established when the subwoofer has been designed, manufactured and shipped to the factory.
If you are able to find a subwoofer that has a dive of around 20Hz for a reasonable price, it is difficult for consumers.
Some entry-level subwoofers with low-end features have a dive of 40Hz or less. The frequency that is too low can cause serious distortion. It is a sign that there are not enough dives. The foundation may not be reliable and all parameters will become meaningless.

Wired Or Wireless

A rising number of subwoofers powered by Bluetooth are capable of wireless connectivity. Wireless connectivity eliminates the requirement for long cables between subwoofers and receivers.

A wireless subwoofer is usually equipped with a transmitter that plugs into any receiver's subwoofer outputs.
Low-frequency audio signals are transmitted by the transmitter to the wireless subwoofer from the receiver connected to home theater. The wireless receiver integrated into the subwoofer powers the amplifier, which produces the low-frequency sound.

Diaphragm Material

Material refers to what is used in the manufacture of the diaphragm. The tweeter's diaphragm materials are plastic, metal, and silk. There are many diaphragm materials for the woofer, including paper, polyethylene, wool, and aluminum-magnesium alloy cones.
They have different prices and properties. It is difficult to determine who is better or worse. Choose paper or wool pots if you enjoy orchestral music. Polyethylene cones are best for metal music. Paper cones and wool cones shouldn't be used in humid environments. They absorb moisture easily and can change the sound quality.

Sealed Vs Ported Subwoofer

When searching for the best subwoofer guide, this is one of the most crucial questions. There are two types of subwoofers depending on whether or not the interior of the cabinet connects with the exterior. The sealed subwoofer is, like its name, a closed cabinet. Low-frequency output occurs because of the compression within the box. This subwoofer has a simple structure and a better transient response. It also provides clear, crisp hearing. Low-frequency speakers have a lower cutoff frequency than others. You will need to use a bigger cabinet, and a higher-calibre speaker if you wish to achieve a lower frequency of low-frequency diving. The speakers are also more sensitive and efficient than any other type of speaker.
The hole is accessed by the ported subwoofer, which leads the radiation wave through it. The port is generally circular in shape and has one. Some subwoofers can have multiple ports, which allows users to adjust their output energy and enhance the listening experience. A subwoofer port may even have a bar design to allow for greater integration and aesthetics.

Active Vs Passive Subwoofer

There are two types of subwoofers: passive and active. The active subwoofer is currently the most common in home theatres. Subwoofers require a lot power. Many receivers don't have sufficient driving power. Independent passive subwoofers can be found in professional audio more frequently. This is a rare feature in consumer audio. An active subwoofer has a built in power amplifier module. The active subwoofer is currently the most popular home theatre component.

Maximum SPL

A subwoofer's quality cannot be determined by a single parameter. What makes a subwoofer so capable of producing a sufficient sound pressure level to be considered excellent? Let's first examine the hearing curve of the human ear.
The curve shown in the figure illustrates that different frequencies and sensitivity levels are found within the human ear. Human hearing is identical to this up-and-down curve, which indicates a variable sound pressure level.
The sound of 80dB at 1000Hz is almost identical to 120dB when you listen at 20Hz. This difference amounts to 40dB. The threshold for hearing is 80dB at 20Hz. However, the sound itself is extremely faint and barely audible.
This is why subwoofer parameters must include the maximum sound pressure level. The human ear cannot sense low frequencies and needs to hear a higher sound pressure to feel slight differences. Mix it up if the voice of your subwoofer is too low.

FAQs

How Much Bass Is Enough?

Your viewing habits will determine the power you require from your subwoofer. A larger subwoofer with greater power will be needed if you watch a lot of action films and listen to music. In this case, a 12-inch sub is ideal.
If you watch sports or comedy, however, the subwoofers can be used in a smaller room. A smaller subwoofer is sufficient for a large room.

Are Bigger Subwoofers Better?

You can. They can be. Larger woofers produce more precise, space-filling bass and a greater "shake factor" than smaller models. This is just one aspect. For example, a large, poorly built subwoofer can rattle excessively, while smaller, more powerful models may still be able to do an excellent job.

Is There A Difference Between A Woofer And A Subwoofer?

These terms are often interchangeable. A "woofer" is a term that refers to a driver with a greater frequency response than a Subwoofer. It's less focused on pure bass and will be more common to be part of speakers than an individual unit.

What Is A Crossover?

A crossover is an electronic circuit which routes frequencies to the subwoofer at a particular point. The crossover routes all frequencies higher than that point to the subwoofer, main and center speakers, as well as surround.
Most subwoofers, as well as AV receivers, have variable crossover frequencies that allow you to adjust the sweet spot. Others are set at around 100 Hz.

Where Is The Ideal Subwoofer Placement?

You have greater freedom than normal speakers which can be very directional. Your subwoofer will also fit more easily. My guide to placing home cinema speakers in the right place is a great starting point.
Subwoofers can be difficult to place in rooms. They must be near a power outlet, as powered speakers. They will also have to be connected to an AV receiver, which distributes the signal to the other speakers in the setup.
These are just some of the factors you should keep in mind when placing your subwoofer. You'll need to experiment with subwoofer positions, and listen to the sound each produces from different locations in your home.

Are Wireless Subwoofers Worth It?

It's not ideal to connect a sub to an AV receiver. You may need to conceal a part of the cable, or find a shorter one to place in the right spot. Let's be honest, it's not fun to crawl on your knees and lay cables. !
There are many subwoofers that work wirelessly. However, they must still be connected to an electrical socket. This is how it works: instead of plugging in a cable to your AV receiver you attach a transmitter.
Without the need for an audio cable, the transmitter box sends the signal directly to the sub. Some manufacturers include the accessory with their subs, others make it available as an option.
You don't have to worry about it not being wireless, as you can purchase a universal wireless kits that will transform most subs into wireless units.

Does My Speaker System Need A Subwoofer?

This is a great idea. A subwoofer is a key component of home theater systems. The latest standards in movie audio are also applicable.

Can I Use Two Subwoofers At Once?

Although it's not common for home installations, you can. Make sure your receiver is capable of handling two subwoofer connections. To get multi-directional bass, some people like to use two smaller woofers.

Overall, the statistics we described here are not all of them. Instead, we always freshen it up continually as the data is updated and available. It would be best to remember things we mentioned above, including brand’s value, product’s value, product’s highlights, important specs, customer ratings & reviews. 

Our readers, you guys, are always respected and treated with top priority so that you are supposed to receive the most up-to-date information on our site. You should feel free to contact us for support with the product’s problems. Thanks for reading, and we wish you a happy shopping.


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About Dan Simmons

Dan Simmons

Dan Simmons is a writer who loves home theater and HiFi audio. As the editor of TheAudioInsights, he has helped countless people enjoy the best possible sound quality in their homes. He is an audiophile who takes great pleasure in helping others find the perfect audio equipment for their needs. When he's not writing or editing, Dan enjoys listening to music and spending time with his family.