Regular TV’s don’t offer the same viewing experience as a movie theatre can. It’s not just because of the size of the screen and image quality, but because of that deep rumbling surround sound and bass. That spine-tingling, chest thumping and powerful sound transforms the audio experience. If you want a top-notch home theatre that replicates this type of experience, your sound system needs bass. This is where our list of the best home subwoofers comes in.
The role of a subwoofer is to provide powerful, deep bass that complements other aspects of the sound system. They are usually larger than a regular set of speakers. This is because it takes more space to create these deep sounds. Certain speakers can produce low frequencies that mimic a subwoofer, but the sound is not the same. In fact, if you already have a home theatre or audio system set up, you will instantly notice the difference of an added subwoofer.
Here is a list of the top rated and reviewed home subwoofers to help you choose the best products for your home theater.
Best Home Subwoofers | Top 7
| Our Rank | Home Subwoofer | Power (Watts) | Frequency Response | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | BIC Acoustic PL-200 | 250W | 22 - 200 Hz | $$$ |
| 2. | Polk Audio PSW505 | 300W | 28 - 125 Hz | $$ |
| 3. | Yamaha YST-SW216BL | 300W | 25 - 180 Hz | $$ |
| 4. | Klipsch Reference R-110SW | 200W | 24 - 125 Hz | $$$$ |
| 5. | BIC America F12 | 150W | 25 - 200 Hz | $$$ |
| 6. | MartinLogan Dynamo 700W | 300W | 22 - 200 Hz | $$$$$ |
| 7. | Sony SA-W2500 | 150W | 28 - 200 Hz | $ |
Best Home Theater Subwoofers | Things to Consider
Buying a subwoofer can be hard for someone who does not have a firm grasp of acoustics and electronics. But don’t worry, we have you covered!
When searching for a subwoofer for your home, you should consider the following:
Power (Or Watts): You need to determine how much power you will need for your audio system. The amount of power for a subwoofer can scare some away because of the potential to shake the room. What many don’t understand is that a subwoofer with a high power output doesn’t mean that it has to be utilized. If a subwoofer is capable of 1000 watts, it does not have to play any higher than 100 watts. You set the volume level of the subwoofer, regardless of the power rating. That said, you don’t need to spend more money for a sub with a higher power output if you have no plans to use it.
Size: Subwoofers can take up a bit of space, but they’re usually small enough to be placed in a convenient spot. Take into account the size dimensions of the subwoofer before buying it.
Wired or Wireless: Most home subwoofers are not wireless, but this option is more popular now. If this is important for you and your home theater, seek out specific wireless subwoofers like the MartinLogan Dynamo.
Cost: This is the biggest factor for most people. Yet, the prices of home subwoofers aren’t too varied. If you’re looking for a great value, check out the Polk Audio PSW505 or any other reputable product. The highest priced subwoofer doesn’t always mean it’s the best for your home theater.
Looking for a full home theater experience? Consider combining your subwoofer with one of Household Audio’s Best A/V Receivers, Best Tower Speakers and Best Bookshelf Speakers!
Take some time to evaluate which of these factors is most important to you. You can even rank them by priority. Make sure to keep that information in mind when looking through all of our suggested products below:
Our Top Picks
1. Best Overall: BIC Acoustech PL-200II
Quick Stats
- 250W RMS Power
- Dimensions: 17 1/4″ x 14 3/4″ x 19 1/2″
- Sensitivity: 110dB @30Hz
Price Comparison
| $299.00 on Amazon.com |
BIC Acoustech Quick Review
The BIC Acoustech PL-200II is one of the top rated home subwoofers on the market. It has a 4.5 star rating on Amazon because it is a powerful sub that will help to transform any home theatre. It is loud and powerful, but is also adaptable. You can adjust many aspects of the subwoofer to for your specific audio needs. This means that it can be used in large or small rooms alike. This subwoofer has a sleek finish on the front and sides of the box with a darker, piano black on top. The PL-200 also doesn’t take up too much space. Check out the dimensions below.
The BIC Acoustic PL-200II subwoofer offers fantastic sound for the price. It is a great mid- to high-end subwoofer, especially if you plan on using this subwoofer in a home theatre system. It produces deep bass without skipping a beat. It also will produce the same quality sound over the years. And if it doesn’t you have an 8 year warranty included with the purchase.
Key Features:
- Front-Firing 12″ Subwoofer with High-End BASH amp
- 1000 Watts Peak Output, 250 Watts Continuous
- Frequency Response: 22Hz – 200Hz,
- Adjustable crossover and volume controls
- Sensitivity: 110dB @ 30Hz
- Height: 17 ¼”, Width: 14 ¾”, * Depth: 19 ½ “
2. Best Value: Polk Audio PSW505
Quick Stats
- 300W RMS Power
- Automatic shut-off (15min)
- Frequency Response: 28-125 Hz
Price Comparison
| $399.00 on Amazon.com |
| $498.75 on eBay.com |
Polk Audio PSW505 Quick Review
Looking for a great value on your new subwoofer? Look no further – the Polk Audio PSW505 is Household Audio’s Best Value Subwoofer. This sub will allow you to experience music and movies in a completely new way. It provides full, deep bass and will give a home theatre the IMAX experience. The Polk PSW505 is also a great choice for listening to music. It is more than a deep, booming sound like many home subwoofers and offers a nuanced. The PSW505 offers an accurate approach to sound that is perfect for music. Be aware that this sub can get loud. Even at half-power it can shake a room. Of course, there’s no need to turn it higher than necessary, just don’t get too carried away!
The sub is wonderfully designed with quality parts, from the amplifier to the drivers. Polk subs are always built with quality in mind. The construction is solid, which is not only important for durability, but also for sound quality. It has a simple, yet classy wood and veneer finish that goes great with any furniture.
Key Features:
- 300 Watts of Continuous power
- An automatic on/off circuit which will turn off a subwoofer when no signal is present for 15 minutes.
- Venting and baffle that lessens noise distortion
- Low pass crossover which allows for blending with speakers
3. Runner Up, Best Value: Yamaha YST-SW216BL
Quick Stats
- 300W RMS Power
- 13.4″ x 15.2″ x 13.4″
- Frequency Response: 28-180 Hz
Price Comparison
Yamaha YST-SW216BL Quick Review
The Yamaha YST-SW216BL is another great choice for those looking for an affordable, but reputable home subwoofer. The subwoofer uses Yamaha’s patented Active Servo Technology (Advanced YST). This is a system which allows the speaker and amp to work together to ensure the highest levels of sound and performance. It’s a good for music lovers, especially pop or hip-hop music as it provides that deep bass with a kick. But it’s even better for home theaters as it has a crisp sound which really emphasizes special effects with high fidelity. It’s also has a lower power output at just 100 watts.
Key Features:
- High 100W dynamic power
- Front-firing active woofer
- 25-180Hz low frequency response
- Front-Firing Active Subwoofer
- High-Density MDF Cabinet
4. Best Design: Klipsch Reference R-110SW
Quick Stats
- 200W RMS Power
- 14-5/8″W x 16-3/8″H x 18-5/16″D
- Frequency Response: 27-125 Hz
Price Comparison
| $275.99 on eBay.com |
| $349.00 on Amazon.com |
Klipsch Reference 110SW Quick Review:
The Klipsch Reference 110SW is another excellent choice on our list of best home theater subwoofers. It’s a high performing subwoofer that provides authentic, clear bass for any listening experience. It has a refine sound, not a muddy thumping sound like many lower-end subs. This Klipsch sub is especially loved by music enthusiasts. Those who will enjoy the nuances of the instrumental music. It will feel like you’re front row at a live concert!
The 10” model is more than enough to shake a room, so no need to go overboard. If you do like your music loud though you will not have to worry about any distortion.
Key Features:
- 10″ spun-copper Cerametallic woofer
- 450 watts digital amplifier
- Front-firing slot port with exclusive internal flare technology.
- (Optional) Klipsch WA-2 Wireless
5. Best For Home Theaters: BIC America F12
Quick Stats
- 150W RMS Power
- 17″H x 14 3/4″W x 17 1/4″D
- Frequency Response: 25-200 Hz
Price Comparison
| $221.95 on Amazon.com |
| $227.56 on eBay.com |
BIC America F12 Quick Review
The BIC America F12 is a fantastic product. It is one of the most popular home subwoofers on Amazon, with over 1000 reviews and a 4.7 star rating! The reason it gets so much praise is because it offers tremendous quality for a great price. The F12 is great for a home theater. The lows add a powerful vibe to any movieand gaming experience. Considering it’s a 12″ subwoofer, the F12 is on the larger side. So make sure you have a place to set it up as well as speakers that can keep up with it. Also, room placement is critical for this sub to optimize the sound quality.
Key Features:
- BASH designed amp
- Patented “Venturi” vent which eliminates port noise
- Adjustable volume control, adjustable crossover, automatic signal sensing
- Frequency Response: 25Hz – 200Hz
- 12-inch injection molded long throw woofer
- 21 x 19 x 22 inches (HxWxD)
- Weight: 42.70 pounds each
- Backed by 5 year parts and labor warranty
6. Best Splurge: MartinLogan Dynamo 700W
Quick Stats
- 300W RMS Power
- 11-11/16″W x 12-9/16″H x 12-7/8″D
- Frequency Response: 35-120 Hz
Price Comparison
| $271.00 on eBay.com |
| $399.98 on Amazon.com |
MartinLogan Dynamo 700W Quick Review
Looking for a great wireless subwoofer? The MartinLogan Dynamo is Household Audio’s Best Wireless Home Subwoofer. This sub delivers tight, deep bass for music or movies. The sound quality is crisp, and it offers a lot of power too. So if you’re considering two subs, you’ll only need one with the Dynamo.
Not only is the wireless aspect of the MartinLogan Dynamo convenient, but it offers a sleek look. Especially since it does not having wires snaking around corners. The wireless setup is also hassle-free. And after the initial setup, synching requires just the click of a button. This subwoofer is on the higher end of the price spectrum, but really will make for the perfect home theatre.
Key Features:
- 10-inch poly cone woofer
- 300 watt (600 peak) amplifier
- Sealed cabinet
- SWT-2 Wireless connection
7. Best Budget: Sony SA-W2500
Quick Stats
- 150W RMS Power
- 16.38″L x 11.44″W x 13.75″H
- Frequency Response: 28-200 Hz
Price Comparison
| $75.99 on eBay.com |
| on Amazon.com |
Sony SA-W2500 Quick Review
The Sony SA-W2500 subwoofer will allow you to enjoy high quality bass without putting a dent in your wallet. It offers 100 amplified watts of awesome, full-bodied bass. This subwoofer makes music sound terrific and will enhance any movie-watching experience.
The SA-W2500 features a 10” Mica reinforced woofer that provides really crisp lows for bass that is never distorted. It’s an easy to setup sub that will connect to nearly any audio system. It also has line-level inputs which allow you to connect it to other speakers and setups.
Key Features:
- 100-watt amplified subwoofer
- 10″ woofer
- Motion Feedback technology
- Frequency response of 28-200Hz
- Width: 11-7/8” x Height: 13-3/4″ x Length: 16-3/8″
- Automatic shut off
- 1 year warranty and a 60-day money-back guarantee
