If you are hunting for a subwoofer unit that offers the finest specs and features in a single unit with a high definition bass output, along with a reasonable price, I’ve got you covered with my top picks. To do so, I have thoroughly gone through the power outputs & frequency levels. Let’s have a look at the best powered subwoofers of 2021.
Quick Answer: Top-Rated Best Powered Subwoofers In 2021
- Best Overall: SVS PB-1000 Powered Subwoofer
- Best Compact: DT ProSub 800 Powered Subwoofer
- Best Budget: Klipsch R-10SW Powered Subwoofer
- Best Home: ELAC Debut SUB3030 Powered Subwoofer
- Best Buy: Klipsch R-120SW Powered Subwoofer
- Sonos Sub Wireless Deep Bass Subwoofer
- Polk Audio PSW505 12-Inch Powered Subwoofer
- Sunfire Dynamic SDS-10 10-Inch Subwoofer
- Polk Audio HTS 12 Home Theater Subwoofer
Best Overall: SVS PB-1000 Powered Subwoofer
Ratings: 4.6/5
The stylish and chic looking Pb-1000 subwoofer is a fantastic option you can opt for. The unit features the drivers that, combined with the amp, can generate consistent and incredible sound. This amalgam is there to make sure that you can listen to every sound clearly and precisely. The package of the unit also has a guide manual and makes it easy for you to use it.
Moreover, the cabinet of the SVS PB-1000 is fitted in such a way that avoids vibrations, especially when you have turned the volume gauge at a higher level. This technique makes sure that you don’t get any rattling and adds to enhance your listening experience, whether you are playing a game or watching a movie. The unit weighs 46 pounds, and the connectivity of it is largely accentuated due to the broader range of input options.
Furthermore, the SVS PB 1000 features a driver that is 10 inches in size and produces a deep and rich wall-shaking bass. The sound is deep and rich with deep bass, and there is no compromise on the quality of sound or the bass.
Also, even at the lower frequency bass, you can hear even the smallest details of sound and have a great listening experience. At the maximum operation, the sub provides 700 watts of power. The addition of the sledge-3000 adds so much to the power of the unit. Overall, the chic black design of the subwoofer adds excellently to the modern decor of your house and also performs flawlessly on the field at an excellent price.
Best Compact: DT ProSub 800 Powered Subwoofer
Ratings: 4.5/5
If you are looking for a unit that provides you with high power combined with an advanced electronically charged crossover, you can get your hands on this unit called the ProSub 800 by Definitive technology. The subwoofer features a high current amplifier that has an eight-inch driver, and together, they form a stunning and chic subwoofer. The subwoofer is designed by using a material having high quality and features circuit panels that are fabricated by using epoxy glass. The presence of the resistors would make sure that you get a clean, smooth, and high definition sound performance.
Moreover, the presence of low mass cones, which are sturdy and stiff, provides a long reach voice coil. This voice coil itself is made up of Aluminium, and it can handle upto 750 watts of stress. There are structures that are magnetically charged, and these are in cohesion with the voice coils. The combination of the two current reserves and two circuits also make sure that you do not get your sub overworked, reducing its life span.
Furthermore, the cabinet is made such that it is sturdy and non-resonant. The cabinets of the main body are inert and resistant to vibrations that result in producing a pure and clean sound. The frequency output ranges from 20Hz to 150Hz. The subwoofer also features the automatic on and off setting like most of the units in our list as well. The performance of the sub is stunning to produce enhanced transient response, and this allows you to adjust this sub into any home theatre system comfortably.
Also, the presence of the MOSFET technology amplifier makes it stand out, and these amplifiers are digitally coupled with the power source. All of these features, when combining in the form of pro sub 800, reap an excellent product that performs amazingly at an affordable price.
Best Budget: Klipsch R-10SW Powered Subwoofer
Ratings: 4.7/5
The R-10SW by Klipsch is a product that is already famous all over the internet and social media for its performance. When you first look at the unit, you might not expect what it is capable of, but when you hear it perform, you will be left in amazement. The subwoofer produces 150 watts of continuous power, which further accentuates to 300 watts of dynamic power.
The unit makes use of the total digital controls by the aid of a digital amplifier, which also keeps the noise at bay, even if you have any higher gains. I have used the Klipsch 15 inch subwoofer previously, and if you have used that one, you will notice that this unit is loud as the 15′ one and is capable of filling any large room having a bass of 5.1 surround sound system.
Moreover, the cone featured by the Reference R-10SW is copper spun front-firing, and it is capable of amplifying the sound high as compared to the traditional and inexpensive drivers. Also, this subwoofer has both the line as well as the LFE inputs making sure that your unit is completely compatible with your audio receivers at your home and also with any new one that you are going to purchase.
Furthermore, the sound quality and power produced by this subwoofer are second to none. However, the frequency response might be a bit limited. If your whole audio setup lacks any additional high-end subwoofer, you can lose the deeper bass about 32Hz.
On the other hand, the low pass crossover and the low phase control add to aid the gap between the bass and the mid-frequency speakers. You should also expect some gaps at the upper ends of the unit at around 120Hz. Overall, it’s one of the best budget-friendly powered subwoofers.
Best Home: ELAC Debut SUB3030 Powered Subwoofer
Ratings: 4.9/5
The Debut 2.0 sub3030 by ELAC is a unit that forms a fantastic option that is all you need irrespective of the dimensions of the room you are using it in. The brand has many well-known units in the market, but this one by the brand forms the best option so far. When it comes to the sound produced by the unit I can say that it is not really deep or powerful, but the sound produced is more precisely described as richer as well as more detailed, and this is the reason that the unit blasts its way among the top ranks.
Moreover, another feature of the Debut 2.0 sub3030 that makes it much dandier is the lack of physical controls. Instead of the physical control, you can download an iOS or Android application which lets you access the wide range of functionality that you need. It also boasts to include software that would help you to do the fine-tuning of the sound, which is just according to your environment.
Furthermore, at 500 watts and 1000 peaks, the subwoofer offers enough grunt and bass, the combination of which results in producing a robust and muscular sound. The sound produced by the subwoofer proves to be excellent if you are playing a video game or even if you are watching a movie. The unit has a 12-inch driver, and the speaker is front firing. Additionally, the sub also has an auto EQ, so the task of dialing for the unit becomes really chic and daunting.
Talking about the only downside of the speaker is that it lacks any guidance for the setup, manually or even through the application. On the whole, this Debut 2.0 sub3030 is a highly recommended subwoofer whose performance lies second to none and also serves you the ease of production by the unique volume adjustment via your phone.
Best Buy: Klipsch R-120SW Powered Subwoofer
Ratings: 4.8/5
The subwoofer called the Klipsch R-120SW is a unit that is designed to have an all-digital amplifier. This amplifier offers you higher efficiency to deliver adequate power, which is true to the source and helps to generate crisp and clean regeneration of the sound. This means that you wholly get optimum output and detailed power obtained from the subwoofer.
Moreover, the R-120SW subwoofer also features a low pass crossover phase and gain control, which in turn makes sure all the beats at the lower frequency mixes with the additional speakers nicely. It also offers you with a perfect level of the bass for your environment and just like you need it to be.
Furthermore, the R-120SW subwoofer boasts of having a 400-watt amplifier that is fully digital and also has an IMG, which is powered. Besides, it is made up by the use of spun copper, and it is front firing. The amalgamation of all these features results in producing a bass output that adds profound depth to your overall listening experience. So if you are using this subwoofer whether to listen to the music or to get amazing audiovisuals for a movie, you would be amazed to listen to every beat drop.
Additionally, the speakers of this sub are light in weight, and yet they are also sturdy enough to generate the lower frequency response effectively. These lower frequency responses produced by this subwoofer are smooth, and these are devoid of any of the distortions or cone breaks, and all this adds up to make sure that you get the cleanest bass.
Also, speaking of the build of the unit, the cabinet is made such that the vibrations are kept at a minimum. The use constructs the cabinet if reinforced MDF, and this makes sure that the listener gets a sound without any distortions, with higher accuracy. At the bottom line, the unit provides you with a great bass quality, and excellent design at an affordable price.
Sonos Sub Wireless Deep Bass Subwoofer
Ratings: 4.8/5
The sub by Sonos is a great sounding subwoofer that you can have in your house. Considering the tech talk first indicates that you originally need to have a Sonos component to be plugged into the network of your home. However, this does not hold true now as you can connect all of them directly to your wifi.
Moreover, there are many of the devices manufactured by the company, and you can connect all the components to the SUB, and this provides you a wireless access point. Additionally, if you want to pair the unit with other applications, you can hit the Play/Volume button on the speaker and press the same combination in the other units or speakers. You can also pair two different units through the bridge, by hitting the pair button on the other unit. The unit also features a bright LED light that can also be turned on and off via the Sonos application on your phone.
Furthermore, the Sonos app is also available for Android, iOS, Windows, Mac/windows laptops, tablets to control the speakers. The application also allows you to use the unit with ease and comfort. The feature of grouping in the speaker’s aids to play the same music on the speakers that have been paired by grouping. Moreover, this allows you to have 32 different groups, and you can also control each speaker individually via the app. This option in the list has features that are quite unique and are also amazing. You can also set up to play the music at specific times of the day, time, and volume. You can also set up an alarm on the unit as well.
Additionally, the quality of sound produced by the unit is just incredible. The volume, bass, and treble can be controlled with the help of the Sonos app. The volume is quite loud and great, even at 5 percent, and setting the volume at 100 percent can be heard in your entire house. If you talk about the downside, the only black mark at Sonos, which can limit its usefulness, is that you buy the entire equipment from the same manufacturer and can not use it other than the Sonos equipment.
Polk Audio PSW505 12-Inch Powered Subwoofer
Ratings: 4.1/5
This unit, called the PSW505 by Polk audio, is one the best subwoofers you can get for the value of your money. One of the most important features that add so much to pull this unit up in the list is its power output. There are so many subwoofers under a budget of 500$ that provide a 50 watt, but this beauty here offers you to have 300 watts of continuous sound power and, on the other hand, offers 460 watts of dynamic power. By getting multiple units, you can also make a setup of the subs to provide you with a 7.1 sound surround system enabling you to use them in multiple rooms or a large hall as well.
Moreover, the crossover system featured by the unit is adjustable. It has a lower pass that aids in minimizing the noise and also helps to improve the sound blend-ability with the other speakers in your sound system. Moreover, the unit produces booming sound that is superb while you are watching movies and also serves great responsiveness, which adds up to offer cleaner and crisp sound quality, and this is also really good for playback music as well.
Furthermore, talking about the downside of the unit. The downside is that the range of the frequency may be a bit limited for the bucks you pay for it. The range of the frequency lies between 23Hz to 169Hz, and you might also lose some of the transition frequencies in the middle of the bass and the mid-frequency. Moreover, the built design is rear-ported, so it is also susceptible that you may hear some noise, which can become quite noticeable at the higher gains.
Overall, the Polk Audio PSW505 forms a unit that is quite inexpensive and offers excellent quality, which provides you the satisfaction that you would last on it for a good long duration. You will not be disappointed by your purchase if you will go for the Polk Audio PSW505 subwoofer.
Sunfire Dynamic SDS-10 10-Inch Subwoofer
Ratings: 4.6/5
The Sunfire has been manufacturing the subwoofers and speakers for the last 15 years. This model by Sunfire is called the SDS-10 subwoofer, which belongs to the new DS series, and it is a small black colored 10-inch subwoofer. The unit features the active front-firing and also a down-firing passive radiator. The sub from the Ds series is designed to deliver 600 watts of cool running dependable Sunfire bass that is encased in a small cabinet.
The size of the cabinet of this subwoofer is uniquely small and it also looks really cute. Now the high power of any unit is of no use if it does not own any fidelity so the unit has been incorporated by the proprietary FFD technology. This technology is designed to serve many purposes, which include delivering a high-performance output and lower distortion for both movies as well as music.
Moreover, the subwoofer also features a dual driver from the Sunfire SDS-10. The unit boasts of having active front-firing with a down-firing passive radiator, even adding a 250 watts RMS, which provides high efficiency and is a class D digital amplifier. Considering the location of the placement of the driver and the compact design, it is recommended to be used in front, back, or any side of the room, thus opening up so many possibilities of the use in any of the places that you want.
The cute little subwoofer by Sunfire weighs only 27 pounds, which also makes it easy to move around. Overall, the model does really well under a price tag of 400 dollars and would not disappoint you in terms of performance.
Polk Audio HTS 12 Home Theater Subwoofer
Ratings: 4.6/5
Here I have another model called the HTS 12 subwoofer by Polk Audio, the frequency response of which lies between 28Hz to 120Hz. The sub is a 12-inch front-firing unit with a long throw optimized driver. The design of the port is kept to be front-firing and is engineered by using the patented design that makes sure to reduce the noise produced by the port drastically.
The inputs of the unit include stereo line-level and LFE inputs. The powered unit can also be paired with other speakers to make a whole home theatre by using some other devices. The front side of the sub has a rich looking and chic and also has a detachable grille. The RMS rating lies at 200, but the peak rests at 400W.
Moreover, the volume control, phase toggling, and the low pass filter for adjusting the optimum bass level from zero to eighty are all present at a close reach and located the rear side of the subwoofer. Furthermore, the bass produced by the subwoofer is not only clean but powerful as well.
Additionally, the size of the unit proves to be great, considering the money you pay for it. Overall, the subwoofer is an incredible option to opt for considering the cost and the looks of it. The rounded and sleek corners give the sub a chic appearance with a music experience you would live for, due to the deep rumbling bass produced by the 200 watt built-in amplifier. The Polk Audio HTS 12 would leave you beyond amazed and incredibly pleased to own this one. Overall, it’s one of the best home subwoofer.
Bic Acoustech PL-200 II Subwoofer
Ratings: 4.6/5
The BIC is a company that manufactures a wide range of subwoofers that are available at different prices and feature different specifications. This model by BIC is an upgraded and improved version in the line. It offers you greater placement flexibility as well as an accentuated performance in terms of the bass production. The design of this BIC Acoustech PL-200 ll subwoofer has a sleek and elegant outlook.
Moreover, the front-firing port element adds more flexibility of placement so that you can build it into the cabinet or place inside. Additionally, the model also features modifiable volume control, automatic power on/off setting with a light indicator, and an adjustable crossover. The inputs of the subwoofer are all gold plated and also boast of having Dolby Pro Logic and Dolby digital inputs. The range of frequency response ranges between 21Hz to 100Hz.
Furthermore, if you have the BIC Acoustic, then you are now able to take all your house parties and movie nights to an entirely new level. The unit at the maximum peak can provide you 1000 watts of power, which is delivered by the audiophile BASH amplifier.
Besides, the modern design and the heavy-duty subwoofer is 12 inches, and this amalgamation provides you an in-depth, clean, and vast quantities of bass both for movies and games as well. This is also able to push through large depths of air to produce richer bass. The model features front ports that are flared dually, and this provides you with smooth and even flow of sound particles and hence also adds to accentuate the frequencies. This allows the unit to generate an enhanced response that lies flat at 20 Hz.
Additionally, the wider flares of the design help to prevent the excessive port noise. Also, it enhances the cabinet bracing to limit any unwanted vibrations, all this adding up to produce a sound that is more clear and cleaner as well. Overall, getting your hand on the BIC Acoustic would make you happy with your purchase.
Acoustic Audio PSW-12 500 Watt Subwoofer
Ratings: 4.1/5
This Acoustic audio PSW 12 by Goldwood offers features and specifications that are altogether bound to impress all your social circles. The subwoofer produces a smooth, deep, and powerful bass that would amaze you. The line from which this subwoofer belongs is well known for all its excellent installments. The unit is powered and features a power peak at 500 watts to generate a deep, smooth as well as powerful bass. The built-in digital drive has a high performance, and the cone of the is made up of PVA. It is highly rigid, which aids in generating a sound response that can be transferred clearly in your entire house without any adulteration or resonance.
Moreover, the subwoofer also has a gain control that is adjustable, and you can set in according to your desired will. Besides, the unit also features a series of output and inputs as well for both speakers and low levels.
Furthermore, the Goldwood acoustic audio PSW 12 is capable of controlling the low pass frequency crossovers as well. It also has the feature that enables it to get turned off and on automatically and the phase control toggle as well.
Also, the rear side of the subwoofer has a bass port as well that is slotted. The color of the main body of the subwoofer is constructed by using a back ash MDF case that has a high density and is sturdy to the whole unit. The design has been made further stolid by using the RFL bass-reflex design. The overall design also adds to the flexibility and ease of use.
Lastly, due to the design, it can also be used in the ceiling or wall home theater setup. The frequency response range covers from 24Hz to 250Hz. Overall, it is recommended and forms a great unit that is available at a great price and packed with amazing features.
Cerwin-Vega XLS-12S Front Firing Subwoofer
Ratings: 4.1/5
The Cerwin Vega XLS-12S forms the cutest looking subwoofer on our list. This subwoofer has a chic and stylish satin black colored wooden finish that is manufactured by using the strong MDF wood. The front of the unit has a grille that is black in color and circled by a red-colored ring to complete the whole look. Also, the amplifier is solid and produces a nice punchy bass, which is free from distortions even at the high volume level.
Moreover, this is a small unit as compared to the others on our list, and it weighs 48 pounds. The subwoofer is powered by the fantastic Cerwin Vega frame, which is 12 inches in size and has a cast frame high excursion encasing the woofer inside.
Furthermore, the subwoofer produces an output of 250 watts, and this is enough for a small to medium sized living room or a small dormitory. However, if your pocket allows you to spend an extra hundred dollars, then you can get yourself the Cerwin Vega XLS-15S, which is a massive 15-inch woofer inside it.
Additionally, the frequency ranges between 28Hz to 150Hz, which would provide you with excellent bass and would add more to the sparkle of the subwoofer’s performance. As the unit is front-firing so you also would have to make sure that you have enough space around where you place the sub. The dimensions of the unit cover 20.5 inches of depth and a height of 18.2 inches, so you better manage a lot of real estate space. Overall, the Cerwin vega forms an excellent powered unit to get under 500$ and would not disappoint you.
BIC America F12 12-Inch Subwoofer
Ratings: 4.5/5
Among the various products manufactured by BIC, here we have the model called the BIC America F12. If you are a video game lover, then you can put your hands on this unit to level up your gaming at an entirely new stage. It produces a sound that is humongous and so true to life. The sub is capable of hauling out every note caused by each pluck of string into a beat. The subwoofer has adjustable crossover and volume control with an automatic on and offsetting.
Moreover, in this subwoofer you also get many RCA inputs as well as speaker levels. The RCA inputs also include in it the Dolby pro logic input and the Dolby digital input. Additionally, the frequency response produced by the subwoofer ranges between 25Hz to 200Hz, and the sensitivity of the unit lies at 90dB. The BIC America F12 has magnetic shielding, and its dimensions cover 15’W x 17′ H x 18 1/4′ D.
Furthermore, the subwoofer by its wide range of features and specifications enables you for many new entertainment possibilities for your movie nights and house parties. The design is powered, and its front-firing boasts a size of 12 inches. The output capacity of the subwoofer lies at 115dB, and this provides you with a crisp and highly defined sound.
The addition of the signature BIC venturi helps to limit the distortion and any port noise, and the BASH amplifier helps to provide the maximum peak at 465 watts. Overall, the BIC America forms a unit that you can get at an affordable price with a great design and bass production.
PIONEER 400W Powered Subwoofer
Ratings: 4.0/5
This model, called the SW-10 by Pioneer, is a design that can also be called the bass machine at an affordable price, in plain words. This model is an upgraded version of the older sibling called the Pioneer SW-8MK2 subwoofer, which is a fine unit. The manufacturers have moved a step forward in upgrading and improving the features now, offering more durability aided by better quality by releasing the SW-10.
Moreover, the subwoofer has an internal amplifier having a power of 200W, which allows you to adjust the bass, at the high volume and this also works to limit the harmonic distortions, and keep them less than 1 percent. This, in turn, makes sure that you can enjoy all the music and movies with limited sound distortions. Moreover, if you want to get the best results out of this unit, you are suggested to connect it with the SP-BS22-LR bookshelf speaker by Pioneer, and you can enjoy all the thumping and the booming sounds.
Furthermore, speaking of the design of the unit, this subwoofer design aids in the overall performance of this unit. The subwoofer provides you with a maximum power output of 400 watts, and this is just enough to fill your room nicely and sufficiently. The design of the subwoofer is down-firing and is 10 inches, and the sound produced by it is loud enough to shake your floors with the aid of the deep bass.
Additionally, this subwoofer offers the features that all add up and form the pros, with only a slight downside that it weighs 30 pounds. At this weight, it is difficult to move it, but this also adds up to the pros in the way that the unit does not move around on its own due to its vibrations. Also, the sub overall forms a great option for the people who watch movies at the weekend or are bound with their Xbox or PlayStations. The only thing about this subwoofer that might bother you a bit is that it may add unneeded bass sometimes. Other than that it is a unit that delivers high performance at a reasonable price and supports your speakers.
THE BUYING GUIDE
THE CONE SIZE
The quality of sound produced by any subwoofer depends largely on the size of the cone of the unit. A cone is that component of the subwoofer, which moves in the reaction of the input audio signal and pushes the air to generate the actual sound. Moreover, the bass signals have long wavelengths, and these longer wavelengths push more air to procure more sound even at lower frequencies.
THE SOUND QUALITY
The main and vital purpose of the subwoofer is to create a bass that brings your desired listening experience. If you have invested in the pair that is not able to fulfill this significant task, then you have not made the right decision. So to avoid this significant drawback, you should search for a device that produces a precise and crisp bass in your home theatre and provide the wanted sound quality.
THE POWER OUTPUT
When it comes to performance, the most critical aspect is the volume production of it. In fact, more power does not mean that you would get a louder volume. The subwoofer wherein you have control over the volume gauge, and the power output is the measure that defines the maximum level of volume you would get with the unit.
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