If you have a great set of speakers in your home theater or music setup but feel like it could use more bass, consider adding a subwoofer. We’ve compiled a list of subwoofers that have been vetted by our audio experts to help enhance your audio experience.
It's important to note that not all subwoofers are created equal. The best subwoofer for your needs may depend on several factors, such as the size of your room (which can affect the power and volume you require), the space available for the subwoofer (do you need a compact model or a larger one?), and its frequency capabilities (for most users, a frequency range that extends to 20 to 25Hz is ideal, though some may not require this).
With decades of experience in home audio products, we are well-versed in the world of woofers and the brands that manufacture them. As a result, we’ve put together this roundup of the best subwoofers currently available.
The best subwoofer overall
SVS SB16 Ultra
- Gorgeous design
- Incredibly deep, powerful bass
- Smooth and articulate
- Does the work of two subs
- First-class control app
- Could be large for some rooms
| Specification: | |
| Measurements | 20 inches (H) x 19.5 inches (W) x 20.1 inches (D) |
| Weight | 122 pounds |
| Woofer size | 16 inches |
| Power handling | 1,500 watts (RMS), 5,000+ watts (peak) |
| Frequency response | 16-460Hz |
The SVS SB-16 Ultra has been on our list for some time, mainly because we haven't found anything worthy to take its place. This subwoofer has become our measuring stick, which might actually be unfair to the competition — it's that good. Beneath a sleek, stylish subwoofer box, the cubic SVS SB16 houses a monstrous 16-inch Ultra driver with an 8-inch, edge-wound voice coil and a ridiculous 1,500-watt continuous Sledge amplifier with discrete MOSFET output that tops out at 5,000 watts peak power.
Additionally, a smartphone app for iOS and Android has upped the SB16 Ultra's game significantly, taking the pain out of setting up your sub by allowing you to fine-tune the speaker from your optimal listening position and create custom presets for different listening situations.
All of this is to say: No matter how you're using the SB16, it impresses. Gunshots and explosions in films register with a hefty thump to the chest, and the sub manages low-end instrumentation beautifully, allowing acoustic bass to bounce smoothly while electronic bass and kick drums shake the foundation of your home. For our money, this is the best subwoofer you can buy, period.
Honorable mention goes to the HSU ULS-15 MK 2 and the Monoprice Monolith range of subwoofers, two of the best-sounding $1,000-plus subwoofers we've checked out recently.
The best subwoofer on a budget
Fluance DB10W 10-inch Subwoofer
- Meshes well with other speakers
- Classy design
- Solid price
- Doesn't deliver the deepest bass
| Specification: | |
| Measurements | 16 inches (H) x 11.9 inches (W) x 15.7 inches (D) |
| Weight | 24.7 pounds |
| Woofer size | 10 inches |
| Power handling | 45 watts (RMS), 120 watts (peak) |
| Frequency response | 40-180Hz |
Fluance is an awesome AV company, friends. Whether you need a solid set of powered Bluetooth speakers, a full surround sound configuration, or you’re shopping for a sub (which is probably why you’re reading this article), Fluance has got you covered. In terms of the latter, we’re big fans of the Fluance DB10W 10-inch woofer.
Available in Natural Walnut and Black Ash finishes, the DB10W uses MDF material and a front-facing, precision-tuned bass port to deliver clean, distortion-free sound. That’s on top of Fluance’s next-level integrated amp, which ensures you’ll have enough power at low and high volumes.
One of our favorite DB10W features is the auto power-on function. Whenever the DB10W detects an LFE signal, it automatically powers on, and shuts down when you toggle off your AV receiver. You’ll also be able to adjust the sub’s master volume and crossover range (40Hz to 180Hz).
Fluance products are pretty understated and classy-looking too, so even if you’re adding the DB10W to a non-Fluance speaker setup, it should play nicely with whatever cones and drivers you already own.
The best subwoofer for the style conscious
Klipsch Reference Series 12
- A sleek and stylish aesthetic
- Powerful digital amplifier
- Revamped cone design means little distortion
- A bit pricey
- Klipsch-style drivers may not be for everyone
| Specification: | |
| Measurements | 16.6 inches (H) x 16 inches (W) x 20 inches (D) |
| Weight | 35 pounds |
| Woofer size | 12 inches |
| Power handling | 200 watts (RMS), 400 watts (peak) |
| Frequency response | 28-120Hz |
Klipsch is constantly reinventing its own wheel, and when you consider the fact that there aren't many problems to address in the first place, it only goes to show just how much the brand cares about looks and performance. Thus, we arrive at the Klipsch Reference Series 12 R-121SW.
We love the fact that Klipsch went back to the drawing board to create an all-new woofer design. The sub's front-firing 12-inch cone is composed of what the company calls thermoform crystalline polymer, delivering a resounding low-end experience with minimal distortion, and with a much lighter chassis. There's also the onboard digital amplifier, the heart and lungs of the 121SW, supplying up to 400 watts of unequaled power with pinpoint accuracy.
If you're looking for a rock-solid woofer from a name that ensures reliability, the Klipsch Reference Series 12 R-121SW is certainly the way to go.
The best compact subwoofer
KEF KC62 Subwoofer
- Can deliver up to 1,000 watts
- Incredibly small footprint
- Excellent sound quality
- Plenty of EQ options
- Very expensive
| Specification: | |
| Measurements | 9.7 inches (H) x 19.8 inches (W) x 10.1 inches (D) |
| Weight | 30.9 pounds |
| Woofer size | 6.5 inches |
| Power handling | 1000 watts (RMS) |
| Frequency response | 11-200Hz |
KEF is one of those speaker brands that is always coming up with new ways to blow our minds, and the KC62 Subwoofer (available in black and white finishes) is a jaw-dropping sub that's no bigger than a basketball. And the craziest part? This basketball can deliver up to 1,000 watts of smooth, thumping low-end. We're not kidding.
That's on top of two 6.5-inch Uni-Core force-canceling drivers, an assortment of EQ options to truly dial in the sound, and a cabinet tailor-made to reduce unwanted distortion and vibrations. Yes, it's more expensive than a majority of the woofers you'll find in this roundup, but KEF is simply one of the best speaker brands money can buy, and just look at it, for Pete's sake.
How can something so small be so powerful? Thank KEF for that.
Best budget compact subwoofer
Kanto Sub8 Powered Subwoofer
- Up to 300 watts peak power
- Classy design
- 40Hz to 120Hz crossover adjuster
- Includes phase switch
- May sound muddy when paired with certain speakers
| Specification: | |
| Measurements | 11 inches (H) x 11 inches (W) x 11.9 inches (D) |
| Weight | 17.2 pounds |
| Woofer size | 8 inches |
| Power handling | 150 watts (RMS), 300 watts (peak) |
| Frequency response | 35-175Hz |
Brands like Kanto are tremendous at delivering the types of speakers that scream “boutique” without smacking you with specialist pricing. In the case of the all-powerful Kanto Sub8, the company has designed a woofer that can be easily integrated with pretty much any speaker brand out there.
Available in Matte Black or Matte White finishes, the Sub8 uses medium-density fiberboard housing to keep vibrations and distortion to a minimum. Rubber feet, a metal grille, and a final layer composed of vinyl are paired with Kanto’s sturdy cabinetry, making for a sub that can respond to audio information in a fast and detailed manner. And at just about 11 inches (both in width and height), the Sub8 is easy enough to tuck away, although the its appearance is one we wouldn’t pass up seeing on a daily basis.
Delivering up to 300 watts of peak power, the Sub8 also includes a high-pass filter (adjustable from 40Hz to 120Hz) and a phase switch, ensuring you’ll be able to match this formidable woofer with any Kanto or non-Kanto surround setup.
Best subwoofer for hi-fi music
Bowers & Wilkins ASW610 10-inch subwoofer
- Bold and articulate bass and excellent reach
- Small enough to work with most systems
- Plenty of manual controls
- Expensive
| Specification: | |
| Measurements | 12.2 inches (H) x 12.2 inches (W) x 13.6 inches (D) |
| Weight | 27.6 pounds |
| Woofer size | 10 inches |
| Power handling | 200 watts (RMS) |
| Frequency response | 27-140Hz |
When you’re buying any Bowers & Wilkins product, you’re investing in the kind of meticulous engineering that probably drives product developers insane, but man, oh man, the results! The Bowers & Wilkins ASW610 is a perfect example of a subwoofer that’s been lab-tested to deliver unbelievable (but not overwhelming) low-end performance for all your favorite movies, shows, music, and games.
With its 10-inch front-firing woofer and 200-watt max amplification (Class D, of course), the ASW610 meshes nicely with many speaker brands, but if you happen to own, or are thinking of buying, any Bowers bookshelf or floor-standers to join the sub, you’ll be in for quite the treat. Should you be working with another brand for your fronts and rears, the ASW610 features a range of knobs and switches to dial in the optimal sound, including a three-position bass extension switch, a bass EQ switch, and a phase switch. We’re also big fans of this woofer’s classy look and tough-as-nails enclosure that cuts down on distortion and vibrations.
While we wish the ASW610 had the same five-year warranty that Polk provides, we’ll have to make do with two years of manufacturer coverage for this Bowers sub. Dimensionally, the ASW610 is 13.5 inches tall, 12.2 inches wide, and 15.5 inches from front to back, and weighs right around 28 pounds.
Best subwoofer for small-to-medium-sized rooms
Cambridge Audio Minx X301
- Bold and impressive low-end delivery
- Relatively small footprint
- Solid build quality
- Not as loud as a larger woofer
| Specification: | |
| Measurements | 10.5 inches (H) x 12.4 inches (W) x 11 inches (D) |
| Weight | 16.5 pounds |
| Woofer size | 8 inches |
| Power handling | 300 watts (RMS) |
| Frequency response | 31-200Hz |
Mini subwoofers can be just as jaw-dropping as their bigger cousins, and the Cambridge Audio Minx X301 is one of the best small woofers on the market in 2025. At just 12.4 inches wide, 10.5 inches tall, 11-inches from front to back, and weighing only 16.5 pounds, it’s easy to position the X301 in pretty much any room of the average home.
And while its eight-inch front-firing woofer may not look like it can bring a ton of rumble, the X301 can deliver up to 300 watts at peak power (RMS amplification) and supports a frequency response range of 31Hz to 200Hz.
Underneath, an eight-inch passive radiator helps to fill out mid-bass tones. For those integrating the X301 into an existing speaker system, you’ll have both phase control and manual crossover controls to work with on the back of the sub, along with the standard LFE and RCA connections. But, our favorite feature of the X301 is a bit more behind-the-scenes. Cambridge’s engineers developed a unique DSP exclusively for the Minx, one that allows the X301 to deliver room-filling sound from such a small chassis.
Available in black and white, the Minx X301 sells for less than $600, too, making it one of the more affordable sub options on our list. Oh, and one more thing: If you register your X301 through Cambridge Audio, you’ll add one more year to your two-year warranty (which equals three!).
A solid mid-range subwoofer
Polk Signature Series ES10
- Punchy bass with minimal distortion
- Great build quality
- Relatively affordable
- Not the best for larger rooms
| Specification: | |
| Measurements | 17.2 inches (H) x 13 inches (W) x 16.5 inches (D) |
| Weight | 39 pounds |
| Woofer size | 10 inches |
| Power handling | 200 watts (RMS) |
| Frequency response | 28-250Hz |
Polk’s Signature Elite ES10 is the kind of subwoofer that plays nicely with all sorts of speakers. From bookshelf speakers and floor-standing to in-wall and in-ceiling, the ES10 delivers bold but articulate performance while being small enough to stick just about anywhere (as long as there’s an AC outlet to plug into). The 10-inch front-facing woofer and twin Power Ports do an admirable job at throwing bass into most small and medium-sized spaces and can even hold its own when it comes to some larger environments too.
We’re also glad to see that Polk went with an FEA-reinforced enclosure, ensuring the ES10 brings minimal distortion to the table. Delivering up to 200 watts of Class D amplification at full power, the ES10 includes a dedicated master volume knob, along with a low-pass filter and 360-degree phase controls for fine-tuning the woofer to best match the speakers you already own or are thinking of purchasing. You’ll also be able to wire up with the ES10 via LFE or stereo RCA.
Measuring 17.2 inches tall, 13 inches wide, and 16. inches from front to back, and weighing just about 40 pounds, the Polk Signature Elite ES10 even comes with a five-year parts and labor warranty for the speaker and three years for the built-in amp.
Frequently Asked Questions
They can be. Larger woofers can produce more accurate, room-filling bass with a bigger "shake" factor than smaller models. But that's only one consideration. A poorly constructed large subwoofer may rattle too much, for example, while smaller models with plenty of power can still do a great job.
It's a really, really good idea. Home theater systems are generally designed with a subwoofer in mind. So are the latest movie audio standards.
You can, although it isn't common in home setups. Just make sure that your receiver can handle two subwoofer connections. Some people prefer using two smaller woofers that they can strategically place in their theater to get the best multi-directional bass.
The terms are frequently used interchangeably. Traditionally, a "woofer" can refer to a driver that has a higher frequency response than a subwoofer, less dedicated to pure bass sound, and more likely to be part of a speaker than a standalone unit.
If you've already made your choice, check our subwoofer setup guide to get everything put together correctly and our calibration guide to help maximize performance in any listening space.
