Introducing the 8 Best Subwoofer For Home Theater. Are you putting together a home theater system? Don't forget to include a subwoofer. The right subwoofer rounds out your audio experience. It can add dimension, depth, and feeling to what you hear with its low-frequency tones.
You'll find designs that deliver impressive bass while also looking good enough to show off on this list of the best subwoofers for a home theater today. From small models and large units to wireless technology and simple setup, you've come to the right place to compare the best of the best.
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TOP 8 BEST SUBWOOFERS FOR HOME THEATER
Check out our list of the best home theater subwoofers. We have a variety of models with unique features to suit a wide range of budgets.
1. POLK AUDIO HTS 12 SUBWOOFER
- POWERFUL BASS FOR BIG SPACES - Elevate the largest home theater and music systems with the Signature Elite ES12 Powered Subwoofer. Featuring a 300W Class D amplifier, it delivers deep bass with rich...
- FORWARD-FIRING WOOFER - The Polk subwoofer features a 12” long-throw woofer with a mineral-filled polymer cone for impactful, clean output. Dual Power Ports minimize unruly turbulence, for deep...
- SUPERIOR SOUND CLARITY - Time-Smart Phase Control provides 360-degree phase adjustment for seamless subwoofer & main speaker blending, while the advanced 4th-order lowpass filter ensures precise...
Polk Audio is a brand that is synonymous with high-quality audio. It's been around since the 1970s, and it's a favorite at community block parties hosted by the local DJ. It's a brand known for producing low-cost, high-quality speakers. The Polk Audio HTS 12 subwoofer continues the legacy of making great sound accessible to all. In terms of value, functionality, and compatibility, it's a no-brainer.
This model is a 12-inch long-throw front-firing subwoofer. While sound purists debate whether a long throw subwoofer is possible, the main takeaway here is that it's intended to immerse the listener in sound rather than clobber them.
Key Features
- Powered 12-inch subwoofer
- 200/400W Class D amplifier
- Front-firing
- Universal compatibility Auto on/off switch
- Dynamic balance driver
- Line level/LFE inputs
- Power Port technology
Pros
- Beautiful, black washed matte finish
- Universal compatibility with most home theater systems
- Simple, easy to access back panel controls
Cons
- Auto-on function is hit or miss
- Amplifier may need replacement over time
- Not ideal for very large rooms
2. KLIPSCH R-100SW SUBWOOFER
- 10" front-firing spun-copper IMG woofer
- All-digital amplifier with 300 watts peak power
- Volume low pass crossover and phase control
In the late 1930s, Paul W. Klipsch designed his first speaker. He was selling speakers out of a tin shed in Hope, Arkansas, by 1945. Today, the family-owned business sells sound equipment all over the United States.
The Klipsch R-100SW front-firing subwoofer continues a more than 75-year tradition of thoughtful, intelligent design. For starters, it features Klipsch's signature spun copper design. Aesthetically, it may be a hit or miss depending on your preferences. Aside from appearances, the copper injection-molded graphite woofer cones deliver a clean, deep bass that you can feel.
It has a powerful digital amplifier with a continuous output of 150 watts and a peak output of 300 watts. You can customize the output to achieve the desired level of bass in your home theater. The line-level/LFE RCA inputs ensure compatibility with a wide range of home theater receivers and systems.
You can experiment with placement, but you'll find that it can deliver the bass you want regardless of where it sits. There's a reason Klipsch is the official sound provider for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. Try it out for yourself at home.
Key Features
- Powered 10-inch subwoofer
- 150/300W digital amplifier
- Front-firing
- Universal compatibility Auto on feature
- Spun copper IMG woofer cones
- Line level/LFE RCA inputs
Pros
- Enhances audio for movies
- Integrates nicely with most home theater setups
Cons
- Does not emit ultra-low frequencies
- Copper cones can be easily dented
3. MONOPRICE SUBWOOFER
- This is an 8" powered subwoofer capable of producing 60 watts (RMS) output. The subwoofer has a frequency response range of 50 to 250 Hz with a lowpass crossover filter, which can be adjusted from 50...
- The subwoofer has multiple input options, which allow it to be used with any existing stereo or 5.1 (or greater) amplifier system. For each input there is a corresponding output.
- High-level inputs accept a full-range signal from the amplifier's stereo speaker outputs. When connecting the unit as part of a 5.1 system, these would be taken off the Front Left and Front Right...
Looking for full-circle sound for your home theater on a budget? Examine the Monoprice 60-watt subwoofer carefully. It has a simple design but a surprising amount of bass for its small size.
The 8-inch wired subwoofer has a frequency range of 50 to 150 Hz. It has an adjustable crossover filter that allows you to dial in the perfect amount of bass into the overall sound. It's a good addition to a stereo system, but it can also be used in a five-channel (5.1) home theater speaker setup.
Key Features
- Powered 8-inch subwoofer
- 60W RMS output
- Universal compatibility
- Multiple input options
Pros
- Extremely affordable
- Responsive customer service
- Compatible with most sound systems
- Good for small spaces
Cons
- Quality control could be better
- Auto-on feature not consistent
- Distorts at full blast
- Might emit a background hum
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4. SVS SB-3000 SUBWOOFER
- 325 Watts RMS and 820+ Watts Peak Power Sledge STA-325D Amplifier combines massive high current output of discrete MOSFETs with Class D efficiency. Boasting vanishingly low distortion the unique...
- High-Excursion 12-inch SVS Subwoofer Driver features dual ferrite magnet motor assembly with long-throw parabolic surround for extreme excursion that delivers massive output with finesse and accuracy...
- 50MHz Analog Devices Audio DSP renders pinpoint accurate frequency response through advanced in-room tuning and powerful controls while letting the subwoofer take control of a space with room-filling...
The SVS SB-3000 subwoofer is an excellent addition to any home theater system. However, there are a few caveats. This is a strong subwoofer. This is not suitable for small spaces. This is appropriate for medium to large rooms that have a dedicated home theater space.
It produces 800 watts of continuous power. At 2,500 watts of peak power, it delivers soul-thumping bass. It has a Sledge DSP amplifier and a 13-inch high excursion SVS driver. For its small size, all of these components produce deep bass and high output.
This is also not a cheap purchase. Nonetheless, its glossy black appearance, Bluetooth connectivity for in-app management, and detailed control panel may make it worthwhile to splurge. This is the subwoofer to consider if you want a clean, yet textured bass sound.
Key Features
- Powered 13-inch high excursion driver
- 800/2,500W Sledge STA-800D2 DSP Class D amplifier Aluminum vented cone
- Multiple DSP functions
- Universal compatibility
- Bluetooth connectivity
Pros
- Ground shaking bass for a home theater
- Excellent frequency range (18 to 270 Hz)
- Responsive customer service
- Sturdy steel mesh grill
Cons
- Price
5. YAMAHA NS-SW050 SUBWOOFER
- New twisted flare port contributes to clear and tight bass
- Advanced YST II (Yamaha Active Servo Technology II)
- 8” cone woofer
Yamaha is a well-known brand of audio equipment. The company used its expertise in acoustics and digital technology to create an affordable powered subwoofer for small to medium-sized rooms.
If you add this 8-inch Yamaha subwoofer to your home theater system, you will get well-rounded sound. It employs Advanced YST II, a proprietary technology that masterfully controls subwoofer motion and impedance. The twisted flare port also contributes to its tight, clean-sounding bass, as the design creates a smooth airflow to eliminate extra noise and distortion even at higher levels of sound.
Key Features
- Powered 8-inch subwoofer
- 100W of dynamic power
- Advanced Yamaha Active Servo Technology II (YST II)
- Twisted flare port
- Universal compatibility
Pros
- A good option on a tight budget
- Surprisingly good bass sound
- Easy setup
Cons
- Not for large home theater rooms
- No frequency control, only volume
- No built-in amplifier
6. ROCKVILLE ROCK SHAKER 10 SUBWOOFER
The Rockville Rock Shaker subwoofer is a 10-inch subwoofer that can take your home theater setup to the next level. It has a peak power output of 600 watts and a rear-firing port to maximize bass delivery. It includes a built-in class D amplifier with auto-on/off control for maximum efficiency and convenience.
There's no need to turn it on and off; it detects the sound system and adjusts accordingly. The control panel is quite robust, with volume, phase switching, and crossover frequency adjustments available. This allows you to produce just the right amount of bass for your home theater.
Key Features
- Powered 10-inch subwoofer
- 300/600W RMS
- Class D amplifier
- Multiple inputs/outputs for universal compatibility
- 4-layer voice coil
- Y30 grade magnet
Pros
- Affordable
- Compatible with a variety of home theater system receivers
- Sturdy build
Cons
- Controls could use an upgrade
7. BIC ACOUSTECH PL-200 II SUBWOOFER
- Built-in BASH amp
- output: 1,000 watts peak/250 watts RMS
- 12-in. front-firing, long-throw, heavy-duty poly-injected woofer with high-power magnet and long excursion surround
The BIC Acoustech PL-200 II subwoofer has a high-end appearance and dynamic output for a reasonable price. It's a 12-inch front-firing, long-throw subwoofer with a very low-frequency response and a lot of power.
It makes use of a BASH amplifier capable of producing up to 1000 watts of dynamic outpeak power at its peak. This is advantageous for home theater setups because it delivers deep, even bass through dual flared ports. The improved design from the original (BIC Acoustech PL-200) has wider ports that eliminate noise.
The cabinets are designed to reduce vibration and produce a tight, clean sound. The back panel allows for fine-tuned settings and compatibility with the majority of sound systems. If you prefer a different look, the front grill can be removed to reveal the gold plating.
Pros
- High-end sophisticated look
- Good price for the value
- Delivers low frequencies well
Cons
- Large footprint
- Not for small spaces
8. THEATER SOLUTIONS SUB8S SUBWOOFER
- COMPACT YET POWERFUL SOUND: This 10" UltraSlim Subwoofer offers 600W peak power and 150W RMS, delivering deep bass and distortion-free sound. Despite its slim 5.7" profile with feet, it fills any room...
- VERSATILE PLACEMENT OPTIONS: The Slim Shaker can be placed downfiring under furniture, upfiring with just 4.9" clearance, or side-firing vertically near walls. The removable feet and EVA foam help...
- EASY WALL MOUNTING: Designed for wall mounting, this subwoofer comes with sturdy brackets and a real-size template for easy installation. Securely mount it to wall studs and enjoy flexible placement...
The Theater Solutions SUB8S connects to the majority of discrete home theater sound systems with ease. It has a frequency response range of 35 to 150 Hz and controls for phase, gain, and crossover.
With a height of only 4.75 inches, it can be hidden under or behind furniture if you prefer your bass to be delivered quietly. It also includes mounting hardware if you want to hang it on the wall. The enclosure is made of tough MDF wood with internal bracing to keep vibrations from muffling the sound.
This is an excellent match for home theater receivers with dual or single RCA or raw wire outputs. It is a simple process to get started. An RCA Y adapter is included for your convenience.
Pros
- Slim footprint
- Easy setup with most home theater receivers
- Auto on/off feature saves energy
- Comes with mounting hardware
Cons
- Not compatible with LFE
- Not for large home theaters
- Auto on/off switch doesn’t always function consistently
HOW DO YOU CHOOSE THE RIGHT SIZE SUBWOOFER?
One of the first things to consider is the size of the sub. In general, the larger the surface area of the woofer, the deeper it will play — this is indicated by the frequency response of the sub, which is measured in hertz.
It may be tempting to choose the largest sub available. However, bigger is not always better. To create an immersive listening experience, your subwoofer should blend in seamlessly with your other speakers.
If your system consists of compact satellite or bookshelf speakers, an 8″ or 10″ subwoofer will complement them nicely. A 12″ subwoofer, on the other hand, is a better sonic match if you have large floor-standing speakers and a large center channel.
CONCLUSION
Adding a subwoofer to your home theater this year means elevating your sound profile to new heights. If you like what you hear from a soundbar or multi-channel speaker system, you'll love what you hear from the right subwoofer.
On the market, there are numerous subwoofers to choose from. They are available in a variety of sizes and with a variety of control options, designs, and technological features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which size subwoofer is best for home?
If your system consists of compact satellite or bookshelf speakers, an 8″ or 10″ subwoofer will complement them nicely. A 12″ subwoofer, on the other hand, is a better sonic match if you have large floor-standing speakers and a large center channel.
What size subwoofer should I get?
A large sub with a lot of power is the safest bet. If you want the best sound, multiple subs in different locations in a room (or even just in the corners) almost always sound better and more realistic than a single sub at “4”.
Do 10″ subs sound better than 12″ subs?
The only correct answer is that the 12′′ is larger. It is a myth that 10″ subs are “tighter” than 12″ subs. In real-world applications, smaller subwoofers tend to be slightly more accurate, while larger subwoofers tend to be slightly louder.
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