Whether it's for hi-fi or home cinema, you can't do without a subwoofer. Its effect and the bass it reproduces are such that you will literally find yourself immersed in the film or series you are watching. Which model should you choose from among the many available? To make it easier for you, here's our guide to the best subwoofers available.
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Our selection
"The PRX 418S is an 18-inch subwoofer. When combined with two-way speakers, it can generate 135dB of simply incredible sound."
"The Yamaha NS-SW100 subwoofer is the successor to the brilliant Yamaha NS-SW050. And we can already say that it surpasses it in everything!"
"If you're looking for the ultimate, the RCF Sub 8003-AS II should satisfy you. This subwoofer will blow your eardrums away with its 135 dB…"
"For gaming, streaming or cinema, try the 210 SUB subwoofer designed by Jamo. It will not disappoint you despite rather tedious settings."
"With 1,000 watts of power, the Bose F1 Subwoofer has all the performance of a large subwoofer in a compact package. Suitable for both indoor…"
The PRX 418S is an 18-inch subwoofer. When combined with two-way speakers, it can generate 135dB of simply incredible sound.
559 £ on ThomannIdeal for movie nights, family events, or just listening to music, the JBL PRX 418S subwoofer features an 18-inch driver and weighs 36 kg. You can use it with a single powered mixer or a full rack of amplifiers and associated signal processors. The PRX 418S produces a particularly realistic musical sound.
Note that the JBL PRX 418S has a robust Duraflex enclosure. This subwoofer is also equipped with a steel grill to protect the speaker. Its amplification power varies from 800W for a continuous amplification, 1600W for a program amplification and 3200W in peak. Its frequency response varies between 35 and 250 Hz, with a maximum SPL of 130 dB.
The Yamaha NS-SW100 subwoofer is the successor to the brilliant Yamaha NS-SW050. And we can already say that it surpasses it in everything!
143 £ on AmazonAs the worthy heir to the NS-SW050, the Yamaha NS-SW100 subwoofer is an excellent mix of efficiency, power and design. It's a must have if you have a large room. Indeed, this subwoofer is quite bulky, especially the 25 cm diameter cone woofer. Moreover, it weighs 12 kg.
As for the sound, nothing to complain about. The bass is pleasantly deep, a treat! The second generation Yamaha Active Servo technology and the Twisted Flare Port work perfectly. For the connectivity, you will have Wifi, Bluetooth and a USB port. Yamaha does not provide the RCA cable, disappointing from such a professional brand.
If you're looking for the ultimate, the RCF Sub 8003-AS II should satisfy you. This subwoofer will blow your eardrums away with its 135 dB at maximum power.
1 155 £ on ThomannThe SUB 8003 -AS II active subwoofer illustrates the know-how of the RCF brand. It is equipped with a digital amplifier with DSP processing, and benefits from a power of 2200 W and improved audio performance. We like its clean and punchy bass. Thanks to the powerful RCF woofers, this subwoofer can transfer sound to the cone with extreme precision and reliability. At first glance, the settings may be complicated for a novice, but you'll quickly get the hang of it.
The RCF SUB 8003 -AS II has a very natural sound. The digital amplifier provides a very low distortion and a superior output. Its mechanical aluminum structure stabilizes the amplifier during travel and heat dissipation. In addition, the XLR input offers switchable crossover frequencies for mixing consoles or other signal sources.
For gaming, streaming or cinema, try the 210 SUB subwoofer designed by Jamo. It will not disappoint you despite rather tedious settings.
146 £ on AmazonThe Jamo 210 SUB is our favorite. Long known for its attractive price, this subwoofer also shines with its robustness, as evidenced by its 5-year warranty. It is excellent for YouTube, gaming, serial and movie sessions. Tested with a Bose Accoustimass system, it proved to be quite comfortable. Why buy more when you can get quality at this price?
Unlike the Yamaha NS-SW100, the cables necessary for operation are provided. You are also entitled to the essential settings such as amplification, phase, mute and auto start/stop. However, you'll need to do a few tests to get the best settings.
With 1,000 watts of power, the Bose F1 Subwoofer has all the performance of a large subwoofer in a compact package. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
872 £ on ThomannBose occupies a special place in the world of audio equipment. The Bose F1 subwoofer lives up to the reputation of the American brand. This subwoofer integrates two 10-inch speakers in a housing as compact as the Sonos Sub Gen 3. The bass is impressive and has a wide range for use both inside and outside the house.
Its 1,000W of power especially allows it to compete with larger subwoofers. Note the NORM and REV polarity switch function. In fact, to correct the overlap of low frequencies between the main speaker and the subwoofer, all you have to do is reverse the polarity. Bose has also equipped its subwoofer with an F1 Model 812 expansion bracket. It allows the F12 speaker to be mounted on the Bose F1 Subwoofer.
The Mivoc Hype 10 G2 gives you the low bass you like and will make you rediscover the sound of some songs. In addition, it is not (too) expensive.
127 £ on AmazonThe Mivoc Hype 10 G2 surprises in more ways than one. This 120 W subwoofer is very powerful. Installed in a room of 35 m² and set to three quarters of its power, it works wonders! The descent in the bass is excellent, easily below 30 Hz. Moreover, the bass does not saturate at high volume, as it is unfortunately the case on many subwoofers, including of big brand.
The advantage of the Mivoc Hype 10 G2 is that it has its own bass amplifier. It integrates easily with any satellite via its changeable active crossover. You can also connect it from the amp via the subwoofer section. As for the High Level section of the subwoofer, it allows those who do not have an amp with a subwoofer section to connect the amp output directly to the subwoofer.
Desperately looking for an active subwoofer that can deliver? Try the Klipsch R-12 SW, it won't disappoint.
239 £ on DartyThis subwoofer has enough power to rock an entire room. In fact, the Klipsch R-12 SW has a 30 cm diameter speaker! Despite its 15 kg, it has very compact dimensions, which limits its size and makes it very discreet. Moreover, it brings a complement of power in the low frequencies to accompany well the columns hifis.
The 200 W RMS of power of this subwoofer fully immerses you in your viewing or music listening sessions. The digital amplifier works wonders on this box, with a frequency response of 29 to 120 Hz. We like the injection-molded graphite driver, which ensures deeper bass and great flexibility in subwoofer placement. On the connector side, there are 2 audio input connectors, 2 RCA and 2 speaker connectors.
Any specific needs?
The best entry-level subwoofer
Your guide :
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| TOP OF THE TOP | NOT EXPENSIVE | TOP OF THE RANGE | Inexpensive alternative | Compact | Very good bass | Excellent | |
In accordance with our commitment, this buying guide does not contain any sponsored products. |
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| OUR SELECTION |
JBL PRX 418S
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Yamaha NS-SW100
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RCF Sub 8003-AS II
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Jamo 210 SUB
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Bose F1 Subwoofer
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Mivoc Hype 10 G2
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Klipsch R-12 SW
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The PRX 418S is an 18-inch subwoofer. When combined with two-way speakers, it can generate 135dB of simply incredible sound.
|
The Yamaha NS-SW100 subwoofer is the successor to the brilliant Yamaha NS-SW050. And we can already say that it surpasses it in everything!
|
If you're looking for the ultimate, the RCF Sub 8003-AS II should satisfy you. This subwoofer will blow your eardrums away with its 135 dB at maximum power.
|
For gaming, streaming or cinema, try the 210 SUB subwoofer designed by Jamo. It will not disappoint you despite rather tedious settings.
|
With 1,000 watts of power, the Bose F1 Subwoofer has all the performance of a large subwoofer in a compact package. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
|
The Mivoc Hype 10 G2 gives you the low bass you like and will make you rediscover the sound of some songs. In addition, it is not (too) expensive.
|
Desperately looking for an active subwoofer that can deliver? Try the Klipsch R-12 SW, it won't disappoint.
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Type
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Passive subwoofer
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Active subwoofer
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Active subwoofer
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Active subwoofer
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Active subwoofer
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Active subwoofer
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Active subwoofer / Bass reflex
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Power
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800 W continuous/ 1600 W program/ 3200 W peak-to-peak
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100 W
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2200 W
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100 W
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1000 W
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120 W
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200 W / 400 W peak
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Weight
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36 Kg
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12 Kg
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45 Kg
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12 Kg
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25 Kg
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17 Kg
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15 Kg
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Loudspeaker diameter
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18 inches
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10 inches
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18 inches
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10 inches
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10 inches
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10 inches
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12 inches
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Housing
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DuraFlexT
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Plastic material
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Wood
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PU
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Lightweight, high-strength components
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PU
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Wood
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There are mainly 2 types of subwoofers, namely active subwoofers and passive subwoofers. Active subwoofers have built-in amplifiers, are easy to install and are more convenient. All you have to do is connect them to your audio source and you'll have great sound. Passive subwoofers, on the other hand, are more for outdoor use. They require an independent power amplifier to operate. They are used in concerts and can have considerable sound power.
This characteristic defines the subwoofer's ability to produce sound. This physical quantity is expressed in Watts RMS. Manufacturers may express the power in Watts only. But this approach is used for marketing. The sound power of the device is indicated in Watts RMS and you should rely only on this unit. The higher the value, the more power the subwoofer develops. It is important to choose a subwoofer that is adapted to your room and not to exaggerate on the power. A subwoofer that is too powerful installed in a small room is not recommended because the sound quality can degrade and you get a saturated sound.
Since the subwoofer will be installed in a room and will occupy a certain amount of space, it is important to choose the right size. There are more conspicuous and more or less bulky models, set on a stand. These models are generally placed near your television or your audio installation such as the hi-fi system. There are also smaller, more compact models that can be placed under a table for example.
Choose speakers with a large diameter. As a rule of thumb, the larger it is, the better it will be able to move air and reproduce deeper bass.
It is also necessary to take into account the diameter of the speaker. To obtain deep bass, the speaker must have a fairly large diameter. A speaker diaphragm with a diameter of 16 to 30 cm is recommended for home use. However, match the size of your speaker with the other speakers for a more natural and non-saturated sound reproduction.
To effectively connect your subwoofer to the sound source, it must have certain connectors. The RCA input is the most common. But the more connectors the model has, the more versatile it is and the more specific devices it can be used on. Most models on the market have a wired connection, but since the advent of wireless technology, there are models that can connect via Bluetooth. For active models, the cabinet must have various settings to refine the sound and adapt it to the type of sound broadcast. The presence of a remote control, as well as a programmed shutdown, are also options that should not be overlooked.
Many years ago, the subwoofer was left out of home audio installations, because of its clutter and the difficulty to adjust it properly. So difficult that the final sound obtained is unpleasant and of poor quality. So users ended up not integrating it into the home audio system.
But this time is over and thanks to the advancement of technology and growing experience, manufacturers now have powerful subwoofers or subwoofers, offering excellent sound quality. Of course, this audio equipment is still large, but less considerable than several years ago. Its real advantage is the ease of adjustment. With just a few manipulations, you can get good, deep bass.
A subwoofer is an audio equipment that is used for the production of bass sounds or low frequency sounds. As a rule, sounds with a frequency below 80 Hz. In audio, this type of sound is called "bass".
In appearance, the cabinet is a box, often in the shape of a cube, and uses wood as one of its materials of construction. A speaker designed specifically to reproduce bass sounds is housed in this structure. For a deep and powerful bass, this speaker has a fairly large diameter.
Depending on the type of cabinet, an electronic part can be fitted to the cabinet, acting as an integrated amplifier. This type of cabinet is called an " active subwoofer ". If the subwoofer has no electronics and only a speaker, it is called an " active subwoofer ".
The subwoofer's role is to ensure bass reproduction in an audio installation. To obtain a rich and pleasant sound, it is necessary to bring together the three channels that make up the sound, namely: the highs, the mids and the lows. The diffusion of the first two is ensured by the midrange speakers and the tweeters.
Without a subwoofer, the sound will be devoid of bass and will be less rich and unpleasant. Each type of sound must be well balanced to obtain the best possible sound quality, with deep bass, clear midrange and crystal clear highs.
There are mainly 2 types of subwoofers on the market, depending on the way they work: active subwoofers and passive subwoofers.
An active subwoofer is a type of loudspeaker dedicated to bass, consisting of a driver developing deep bass frequencies and also a built-in audio amplifier. It is therefore ready to use and requires no external amplifier to operate. This feature makes it very practical.
Also, this type of subwoofer is easy to install. The user can fine-tune the sound using the built-in controls on the unit. This subwoofer can be used even if your hi-fi system does not have an adequate subwoofer output.
This type of subwoofer has no built-in amplifier or electronics on the cabinet. The subwoofer is only composed of a woofer like on the classic speakers. So it needs an external amplifier to work.
The passive subwoofer is rather intended for professional use because the adjustment is more complicated compared to an active model to benefit from an optimal sound rendering. The use of this model must be done with an amplifier having a higher power than the one required by the subwoofer not to damage your audio devices.
Avoid cleaning the speaker's membrane with a damp cloth or solvent. This can cause irreversible damage to your speaker.
The active subwoofer is a piece of audio equipment that is often used in home use and also in car audio systems. It is a ready-to-use product because it does not require any other amplifier to operate. In fact, the active subwoofer consists of a woofer and an electronic part consisting of frequency filters and a built-in power amplifier. It is easier to install and adjustments are made from the control buttons on the subwoofer.
This type of subwoofer requires an external amplifier to operate. Its design is the same as a conventional speaker. It consists only of a special speaker to reproduce low tones and deep bass. The user cannot make any adjustments to the cabinet since it has no electronic parts. To reproduce a sound and to fine-tune the settings, it is therefore imperative to connect it to a power amplifier. This kind of subwoofer is more suitable for professional use in outdoor concerts.
We recommend active models because of their convenience, ease of installation and also their 2-in-1 functionality. You can find models to suit your needs on the market thanks to the variety of choices available.
If you're not sure why you should get a subwoofer, here are some reasons.
Deep bass
A subwoofer is essential to achieve deep bass in a proper installation. Indeed, this type of speaker is capable of reproducing sounds below 80 Hz. It is specifically designed for this task.
Ease of installation
Active subwoofers, which are very common on the market, are easy to install. You don't need to be a sound professional to install it. Just connect it to the sound source and you're done.
Sound quality
The subwoofer is very important in an audio installation. Without it, the sound produced is less rich. It greatly improves the quality of a sound environment. When used in home cinema, it will put you right in the middle of the action and allow you to be more immersed in the action. In music, it will offer you quality bass that is well balanced with the highs and mids.
Sound power
The subwoofer is an audio speaker capable of developing great sound power, without deteriorating the audio quality. It is quite capable of covering your home without saturation or clipping. Sound lovers are power hungry and with today's subwoofers, they are practically served.
Varied connectivity
With the advent of wireless air, subwoofers are no less affected. You can find models that work with wireless technology, in addition to the classic wired connection. For the latter, the connections can be varied for more compatibility and possibility.
In our opinion, the best brands of subwoofers in 2022 are :
Yamaha is a Japanese brand with a worldwide reputation in the field of audiovisual and musical instruments. These subwoofers have an exceptional sound quality. Its products are reliable, efficient and reflect the Japanese technology.
JBL is one of the leading brands of speakers and subwoofers. Its products have a chic and ergonomic design, but also great power. The brand has half a century of experience and is constantly innovating in the field of high quality sound.
Auna is a Spanish brand of audio equipment. It is known worldwide for its high-performance equipment, providing extraordinary sound quality. It focuses its efforts on designing products with an excellent quality-price ratio. These subwoofer models are very reliable and designed to last.
Ibiza is a brand that makes subwoofers suitable for parties. Its products are easy to use with an excellent price-quality ratio, but also a listening experience worthy of a high-end product. You can find Ibiza subwoofer models with up to 2,000W of power, proof that the brand develops ultra powerful and reliable products.
Skytec is a brand that develops power amplifiers, speakers and subwoofers. The latter are of exemplary quality both in terms of aesthetics and performance. They are easy to use, very practical and can have a phenomenal sound power of 1200 W.
The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).
However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.
Keep it far enough away.
Avoid placing your subwoofer a few feet away from the main listening position to keep it from being too loud in relation to the rest of your system.
Align it with the front speakers.
Try to keep the subwoofer in the same plane as the front speakers.
Use 2 subwoofers.
Using two subwoofers will create flatter bass throughout the room. The bass will be distributed between the two subwoofers. This evens out the bass distribution.
Adjust the bass level.
Adjust the volume or level until the bass level blends with the other speakers. The best way to do this is to use music with a constant bass signal and adjust the knob until the subwoofer output is at a similar volume to your other speakers.
Boost the low bass.
Each room boundary (wall, floor, or ceiling) that is within a foot or two of your subwoofer will increase the subwoofer's output by four times. So if you need to increase the power of your bass, you can simply place it in a corner of your room.
The best subwoofer depends on your needs and your budget. Read our buying guide for the best products available.
The design of a subwoofer is different from one model to another. This makes it difficult to determine with certainty the ideal location for a subwoofer. However, placing it in a corner of the room is a good solution. The bass will be reflected on the wall and this action will amplify its resonance. It is particularly effective if you plan to obtain a quality sound with considerable acoustic power. It also allows you to have a good sound in any location in the room. For wireless models, you must first ensure that the connection is made without problem with such a distance between the source and the speaker.
Many users wonder about the correct phase setting on the subwoofer. The setting can be set to 0 or 180. The value indicates the direction of bass dispersion in relation to the audio setup. If the speaker and subwoofer are aligned, then the phase should be set to 0. If they are not aligned, then the phase is reversed and the setting should be set to 180. This setting allows the equipment to be in phase.
The subwoofer should be connected to the LFE output. If your hi-fi amplifier does not have an LFE output, this is not a problem. You can connect it to the pre-amplified output of your hi-fi amplifier. So, use RCA cables and connect the left and right PRE OUT of the amplifier with the RCA inputs of the subwoofer. Newer home theater amplifiers have 2 outputs so that they can be connected to multiple subwoofers. However, if your amplifier has only one output and you plan to use multiple subwoofers, you can use a Y-type RCA plug to have a dual output.
To increase the life of your subwoofer and to prevent malfunctions, it is necessary to clean and maintain these units on a regular basis. To clean the speakers, specifically their diaphragms, use a soft cloth (without any hairs or fibers that stick easily to a surface) and gently wipe their surfaces to get rid of dust. For air vents and other air ducts, you can use a vacuum cleaner equipped with a textile brush and set to the softest possible suction mode.
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