Top 10 Best Subwoofers To Buy In 2022

A subwoofer is an essential piece of equipment for every audiophile out there. It brings out an important frequency range that other speakers can not reproduce, and it creates a whole new experience of listening to music, watching movies or gaming. As a result, more and more people are looking to buy a subwoofer to add it to an existing audio system.

Choosing a subwoofer, however, is no easy thing: there are literally dozens of models out there with very different specifications that are usually hard to understand. In order to assist you with looking for a decent subwoofer, I have gathered for you the 10 best subwoofers currently on the market. There is a wide variety of models and each of them comes with its pros and cons that will help you decide the one for you. Read on!

Best Subwoofers 2021 Reviewed

1. ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3030

The ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3030 is a high-quality, 1000 Watt powered subwoofer that has originally been designed to accompany the Debut 2.0 loudspeakers. It features premium-quality components, such as a big 12-inch driver, augmented by a 12-inch passive radiator, powered by a BASH amplifier. The ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3030 has 500 watts RMS and 1000 watts peak performance, while it covers a pretty wide frequency range of 25 to 150 Hz. There are no physical controls for this subwoofer, but you can control it via a dedicated app for Android and iOs phones. The app lets you control the EQ and volume of the woofer wirelessly via Bluetooth 4.0. The build quality is solid, incorporating thick MDF cabinet walls with black ash vinyl finish that make it quite stylish. The package includes a 9′ AC power cord, 4 Spikes, 4 Hex-nuts and the essential booklet with operating instructions. Overall, the ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3030 is a bit on the pricey side, but the value that you get is worth the money. It is highly recommended to demanding audiophiles.

2. Sonos SUB

The Sonos SUB is a high-quality, wireless active subwoofer that has been made to be paired to Sonos speakers. It is quite expensive compared to other subwoofers, but it has an excellent sound performance. It has premium-quality technology packed in it, featuring two Class-D digital amplifiers, two force-cancelling speaker drivers (face-to-face) and dual acoustic ports. The Sonos SUB is pretty heavy and large, but its sleek design lets you place it either upright or laid flat. Wired connections only include an ethernet input along with a power supply. All the rest is controlled wirelessly via the Sonos controller app that lets you adjust both EQ levels and overall loudness. The Sonos SUB is pretty heavy and large, but its sleek design lets you place it either upright or laid flat. It comes in two different colour combinations: either black gloss finish with a white Sonos logo, or a white gloss finish with a black Sonos logo. The biggest downside of this woofer is that you cannot use it with equipment from other manufacturers. As a result, we strongly advise you to get it in case you already have Sonos speakers, or you are willing to purchase them.

3. SVS SB-3000

The SVS SB-3000 is a high-end active subwoofer that comes from a well-known company of bass-heavy equipment. It features 800 Watts of Sledge class-D amplification, a single driver and a front-firing direction, while the frequency response extends up to 18 Hz. A rear panel Intelligent Control Interface (ICI), and a remote app let you control it in different ways. The subwoofer has great DSP (Digital Signal Processing) that allows you to customize the subwoofer to your needs. The build quality is rigid, with a heavily braced Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) cabinet that is surprisingly compact for the output of this subwoofer. The SVS SB-3000 comes in two different black finishes to choose from (Premium Ash Black or Piano Gloss Black). The SVS’s user-friendly smartphone app lets you apply EQ (some presets are included), control the volume, change the polarity and learn from built-in tutorials. While nobody doubts the audio quality of the SVS SB-3000, it remains very expensive and thus recommended to those who are really serious about bass performance.

4. Monoprice 9723

The Monoprice 9723 is a nice choice for audiophiles on a budget. It is basically a 12’’ subwoofer with 150 Watts of power (200 Watts peak power) that comes in a friendly price. It covers a frequency range of 50 to 250 Hz and includes a low pass filter that can be adjusted to your liking. To control the subwoofer you use the built-in panel that features gain and frequency knobs. The Monoprice 9723 produces accurate and thumping bass, providing you with surprising sound quality for its price tag. One of its biggest advantages is that it works with most stereo or surround systems, a feature that makes it suitable for those who want to add a subwoofer to an existing audio system. It comes in plain black color that makes it quite discreet, but the design is very plain and not very good-looking. It comes in a normal size (17.0″ x 17.3″ x 17.5″) that will fit any interior and includes a detachable fabric grille. Overall, the Monoprice 9723 is highly recommended to those who are looking for a decent subwoofer that won’t break the bank. It is also a great option as an additional or supportive subwoofer.

5. Amazon Echo Sub

The Amazon Echo Sub comes as a companion to the popular Amazon Echo speakers. It is a 6-inch subwoofer with a power of 100 Watts that comes in a compact size which makes it perfect for small spaces. The class D amplification provides adequate volume output in the low frequencies, but on the other side, the Amazon Echo Sub lacks a little in audio clarity. It connects wirelessly and very easily to other Echo speakers through the Alexa app. It comes in a sleek, cylindrical design and wrapped in charcoal fabric. In terms of looks, it is one of the most beautiful subwoofers on this list, while also being quite small and lightweight. It has minimal design with only one power input and an action button. Unfortunately, this subwoofer only works either with Echo or Echo Plus speakers, so it is recommended buying it if you already own such speakers or if you intend to buy the whole set. Other than that, the Amazon Echo Sub is a price-friendly and compact option for audiophiles on low space and budget.

6. Klipsch R-115SW

The Klipsch R-115SW is part of the Klipsch “Reference” series that includes several high-quality subwoofers. This one is a large, active 15” subwoofer with an all-digital amplifier that delivers 800 Watts of power. In terms of sound performance, this is where this subwoofer really shines, delivering really powerful and punchy bass. It can reproduce very low frequencies thanks to its cerametallic woofer cone that has minimal distortion. The Klipsch R-115SW comes with front-firing design that lets you place it wherever you want. An optional wireless kit allows you to remove the cable completely if you want. It is compatible with most AV receivers and very easy to set up. The cabinet is made of durable MDF that adds to the overall robust build quality. It comes in black color with minimalist design and a detachable cloth grill. The rear panel controls include a knob that adjusts the crossover point, and another that adjusts gain. On the whole, the Klipsch R-115SW is perfect for bass lovers as it reproduces low frequencies very accurately and loudly, but an average user might find its price too high for a subwoofer.

7. Definitive Technology ProSub 1000

The Definitive Technology ProSub 1000 is an active subwoofer which is part of the ProSub series of entry-level subwoofers. This one comes with a 10-inch active driver and a 10-inch passive radiator, as well as an amplifier that produces up to 300 watts of continuous power. The frequency range it covers is pretty wide, from 20 to 150 Hz, and it performs really well both in music and movies or gaming situations. It delivers detailed and thumpy bass, despite its relatively small size that makes it suitable for smaller spaces.  It comes in plain black color with black vinyl finish that will fit any interior. The design is simple and minimalistic, and thanks to that, the  Definitive Technology ProSub 1000 is one of the most discreet subwoofers on the list. In terms of connectivity, it is versatile, offering an LFE input that makes it compatible with home theater receiver’s subwoofer output. On the downside, it lacks phase control as well as crossover bypass, but this is a drawback only if you actually intended to use these features. All in all, the Definitive Technology ProSub 1000 has surprising specifications for its price, which makes it a good investment for every audiophile.

8. Polk Audio PSW505

The Polk Audio PSW505 is a premium-quality 12-Inch powered subwoofer that is part of the popular PSW subwoofer series. It can produce 460 Watts of power and a frequency range of 23-160 Hz that results in clear and accurate sound at adequate volume levels. Its knobs allow you to control the volume and it incorporates a phase switch. In terms of connectivity, it features a line-level input as well as speaker-level inputs and outputs with binding post connectors. As a result, it is compatible with most existing audio systems, and it is highly recommended to those who already have a stereo or 5.1 set of speakers. The Polk Audio PSW505 is quite compact and lightweight for a subwoofer of its power, and it is made of sturdy MDF that adds to the overall build quality. A detachable cloth grille is included in the package. On the whole, the Polk Audio PSW505 will certainly satisfy with its rich bass performance, but while it is certainly great for the price, it might seem expensive to low-budget potential buyers.

9. BIC America F12

The BIC America F12 is a powered, front firing, back ported subwoofer that delivers impactful and detailed bass performance. It comes with a 12-inch injection molded woofer and a BASH designed amp that delivers 150 Watts of continuous power. It has a frequency range of 25 – 200 Hz.This subwoofer incorporates top-notch technology and high quality materials that add to the sturdy build quality. It features an adjustable crossover and the patented BIC “Venturi” vent that is made to cancel out port noise at high volumes. In terms of connection options, the BIC America can connect to  Digital Theater System sound, receivers with Dolby Pro-Logic and Dolby Digital technology. The subwoofer can work in multi-channel mode (such as 5.1) but it does not have sub-out to old two-channel AV. It comes in a classic cube-shape cabinet design in black colour. Unfortunately, the BIC America F12 is pretty large and heavy and it is not recommended for small rooms. Overall, this subwoofer is recommended to audiophiles that are looking for a powerful subwoofer that they can connect to an existing multi-channel audio system.

10. Paradigm Defiance X10

The Paradigm Defiance X10 is a high-end subwoofer that really excels in sound performance. It is part of the Defiance X series that is all about power, and this one delivers 300 Watts of continuous power. The subwoofer comes with a 10” driver that incorporates  patented ART™ surround technology. The Paradigm Defiance X10 can be fully controlled from your smartphone or tablet via a dedicated application. The app allows you to control the volume, low-pass filter, phase, deep bass and it comes with three preset listening modes. The package also includes a microphone that helps you calibrate the woofer and the Anthem Room Correction application allows for versatile placement in your room. The Paradigm Defiance X10 features an LFE input along with two RCA and speaker-level inputs, while a USB input can be used for ARC and firmware updates. The build quality is sturdy and the subwoofer is durable On the downside, this is a very expensive subwoofer for the average audiophile. However, its performance and features are excellent and it will certainly satisfy you if you can afford to buy it.

Now that we have covered ten of the best subwoofers currently on the market, how are you going to decide the right one for you? Well, this is not a hard thing to do if you consider a few factors. First and foremost, your budget will play an important role in your decision. As you have probably understood already, there are huge differences between the price tags of these woofers, so you have to be determined about how much you are willing to spend.

Audio performance is of course another key issue. Balancing between the thumpy bass you need and the budget you are willing to spend is usually the hardest thing to do. Another crucial point is compatibility. Do you want to add a subwoofer to an existing audio system, or are you planning to get a whole new set of speakers? This is very important, as some of these subwoofers only work with a certain brand of speakers. Don’t forget to check this before you buy a subwoofer.

Last but not least, size might play an important role if you are in a small room. Note the dimensions of the subwoofer you intend to buy and don’t forget to take a look at the design, too: if you are not planning to hide it somewhere underneath a table or behind the sofa, or if you don’t have space to do so, you might want a subwoofer that will be at least good-looking. Whichever of these models you decide on, a subwoofer will definitely add to your audio experience and let you re-appreciate watching movies and listening to music!