Subwoofers are an essential gadget for every audiophile in the room, and they bring out the frequency like no other speaker. And the streaming experience it creates in your living room or bedroom is unlike any other experience in the world. Thus it does not come off as a surprise that more and more people are now interested in buying a subwoofer. That‘s why it was imperative to create this list of best subwoofers one can buy in 2020, with a buying guide to go along with it that would make your decision 100 times easier.
We do realise that choosing a subwoofer is a difficult feat, after all, you are making a considerable investment, and it should give you some returns. Which is why we have created this guide for you, this blog will help you identify the best subwoofer in different categories and then a buying guide at the end of the blog will help you solidify any decision you end up making.
So have fun reading and if you find this guide helpful, then share it with your friends and family.
Contents
Top 10 Best Subwoofer in 2020
#1 ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3030 1000 Watt Powered Subwoofer – Best Overall Subwoofer
The imposing debut line of 2.0 Subwoofer is the best one available in the market currently. This out of the world subwoofer is the only speaker you’ll ever need in life, whatever be the size of your room then. This 1000 Watt powered subwoofer is a premium in quality, and it comes with a big 12-inch driver which is augmented by a passive radiator of 12-inch size and a BASH amplifier. So whether you are watching movies or playing games, you will end being on the satisfying side of the spectrum.
This debut subwoofer has RMS of 500 Watts and peak performance of 1000 Watts and covers a wide frequency range of 25 to 150 Hz. It does not come with a physical control system; instead, it is controlled by an app that comes for both iOS and Android phones.
Now the sound delivered by the subwoofer is not as amazing as the sound delivered by SB-3000, but the richness and details of its sound bring it on the top of the list again and again.
Using the app, you can control the EQ and the volume of this subwoofer wirelessly using Bluetooth 4.0. It has a reliable build quality with a vinyl finish that gives it a quality finish.
The box included a 9’ AC power cord, 4 Hexnuts, 4 spikes, obviously an essential booklet with all the operating instructions.
If you are looking for a kickass subwoofer for your home theatre, then ELAC 2.0 is the one you should go for, it satisfies even at this price point.
Pros
- Robust build quality
- High-quality components
- Great frequency range
- A dedicated app to control it
Cons
- Relatively expensive
- Those who like loud music won’t like it.
#2 BIC America F12 – Second Best Subwoofer
Since ’70s BIC America has been rocking the subwoofer market with their innovations, but the BIC F12 is one of the most talked-about subwoofers in the market. F12 lives up to the name BIC America has created in the past few decades.
BIC America F12 looks like a very simple rectangular black box; it measures 17*14.75*17.25 inches and weighs 42.7 pounds. Its enclosure has been constructed using the MDF board that has a black laminate over it. Its bottom is stabilised using four rubber feet and stops the drifting when the shaking starts. The bottom part of the subwoofer has a port and a panel for the amplifier, and the speaker is located on the front part of the woofer.
There is nothing fancy about F12 but its minimalism makes it attractive. The setting up process of this subwoofer is as easy as any other woofer in the market. Plug in the power cable, then connect the receiver to the sub input, select the receiver type and then turn on the power.
At this price point, the sound quality of this subwoofer exceeds all our expectations. Its consistent volume, impactful and powerful bass and the frequency separation is louder than what you would expect. Even at low frequency, the bass is comparatively more precise than other woofers of this range.
Now if you are watching movies with DTS HD Audio or Dolby Atmos, then its heavy bass will perform just as good as any other costly woofer. You feel every note that is emanated out of this speaker, not just the big ones but lows too.
Just find the right position and clear away any disappointment you might have.
F12 has a price tag of $450, but then it would sell for $220, but every dollar that you spend is worth it. Not only does the company has an excellent reputation, but the parts of this woofer comes with a warranty of 5 years.
BIC America F12 is not only powerful, but it also stands out when compared with the competition when it comes to articulation and clarity.
Finally, all I would say is, this subwoofer is cheaper than the most, but it does not sound cheap at all. Its bass response is so bright and articulate with both audio and video applications that even at high volume, the output is always so bright.
It stands $100 less than the competition, yet recommendable to even the most discerning of the listeners.
Pros
- Powerful bass performance
- Noise-cancelling
- Adjustable crossover and volume
- Very affordable and valuable
- Phase switch available
- Robust build quality
Cons
- Large and heavy, not build for smaller spaces
- May vibrate at very high volumes
- Can get a little hot
#3 MonoPrice 9723 – Best Budget Subwoofer
For Audiophiles on a budget, MonoPrice 9723 is perfect. You can find decent subwoofers at around $250, but you’ll be surprised to know that you can get an excellent deal at an even less price. You might think anything below $250 just can’t be good enough, but Moonprice breaks all the prejudices.
This 60-watt powered subwoofer sells for $57, and it would not disappoint you at all. The black wooden cabinet that this speaker is measured 13.75*11.75*11.75 inches and a black cloth grille cover 2.75-inch sound port located on the front portion of the woofer. At the rear is the stereo RCA, crossover setting and volume controls & speaker-level inputs. The woofer covers the frequency range between 50 and 250 Hz and its low pass filter can be adjusted according to your preferences.
The sound output never disappoints; it is dynamic and lively. The blend between speakers and sub was easy to achieve. Whether you are watching movies or listening to movies, the bass definition is good, but power is pretty basic.
One of the most amazing advantages that it offers is the fact that it can work with most surround and stereo systems seamlessly, making it easier to add this woofer to an already existing audio system.
Another feature that makes this subwoofer irresistible is the fact that it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so go ahead, give this awesomeness a try.
Pros
- Compatible with any stereo or 5.1 system
- Amazing audio quality at the right price
- Completely worth the price
Cons
- Not so good looking, but then again, you don’t have to marry it
#4 SVS SB-3000 Subwoofer – Best High-End Subwoofer
Recently SVS introduced a compact subwoofer and called it SB-3000. This new sub is cheaper, lighter and a few cubic inches smaller than SVS SvB13-Ultra. Also, its frequency response extends lower than 20 Hz at 18 Hz, but the amplifier of SB-3000 is a lot less potent than that of SVS SvB13-Ultra.
SB-3000 has a medium-density fiberboard which measures 15.2*17.8*15.6, surprisingly petite for a subwoofer of this much power. Not only that, but this subwoofer weighs just 54 pounds, making it easier to manage it as well. Plus, since it is a single-driver sealed box with front-firing, it’s much more versatile than any other down-firing sub.
It has a typical subwoofer appearance, nothing big here but it does come in two colours – piano gloss black and premium ash black. Now the grill is something else; it is a massive gauged sheet which has gentle curves and appears to be coated by heavy-duty ultra-flat black covering which is known for its rigidness.
Due to its small size, you can fit it anywhere in the room and make it blend with the environment. Get ready to be blown away by its performance, but the claims of the company are right, it is the best subwoofer of its size.
Pros
- SVS app gives much control to the user
- Subs are not super heavy
- Surprising dynamic range
- Flat response from 20 Hz to 200 Hz
- Bulletproof protection from overdriving damage
Cons
- The sub could use a few more finish options
#5 Sonos SUB – Best Wireless Subwoofer
Sonos SUB was launched by Sonos back in 2012, then it was designed to fit in a room of any size and promised an instant boost in the performance of many of the Sonos’ speakers. However, since 2012 a lot has changed in the portfolio, like the addition of Playbar, Playbase and Beam and that’s where SUB comes in.
It comes in a big and bulky box, so you are advised in advance to keep little children away from this monstrosity. However, the design takes your apprehensions away.
It weighs 16 kg and measures 389*402*158 mm, and is available in two designs – black gloss and white gloss.
This square box is very minimal in design, with a hole with rounded corners in the centre, a Sonos logo on the front part and a small single pairing button on the side. On the bottom of the sub is a hidden power port and a cable, and there are no other imperfections on the box.
Setting up the Sonos is one of the most natural things in the world, you need a Wi-Fi connection, a power socket, and it should be Trueplay compatible, and you are good to go.
Sonos works seamlessly with any Sonos speakers or any other amplified component and makes a great addition to any of your other home cinema devices. You can control the sub using its mobile app; in fact, you can manage its EQ levels at the press of a single button.
Pros
- Stylish and clever design
- Top-notch technology
- Control it wirelessly using your phone
- Comes in two different colours
Cons
- Only works with a few compatible speakers
- Very big
- Might be too loud sometimes
- Expensive
#6 Amazon Echo Sub – Best Smart-Home Compatible Subwoofer
When Amazon released a bunch of new audio gear, this augmented Echo Sub speaker was included in that lineup. At 130USD, this sub sits between Echo Plus and Echo in terms of price.
This sub looks like a pillbox covered with a matte plastic top, measuring 8*8.3 inches. The subwoofer is down-firing and sealed, and a 100-watt amp pushes this 6-inch woofer. You can let Alexa handle the crossover, but it also depends on the device that you are pairing it with.
Currently, the Sub is only compatible with Echo and Echo Plus, but according to the e-commerce giant, it will soon be compatible with most other Echo products too.
The initiating setup is on the back, and it requires only one input – internet, and then a single button to finalise the setup. The setup is designed to be as simple as possible, you might find it unusual at first, but then you will come around.
Once it starts working, it does not disappoint; it adds the bass to your output like it promised it would. However, the amount of bass that you actually need depends very much on the kind of music you would play using the Sub. Also, there are no EQ or volume controls, neither on the app or via Alexa but you do have a vague ‘turn down the bass’ command.
The Sub works a lot better than you expect it to. The Echo Sub, however, does not work as a speaker for home theatre, but it is designed strictly for music.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Improves the bass of the output
- Attractive
- Lack of fiddly controls
- More comfortable and better for newbies
Cons
- With a specific genre of music, the bass can be overwhelming
- Not possible to adjust the volume of the crossover of the subwoofer individually
- Absence of a line-in makes it a bit rigid
#7 BIC Acoustech PL-200 Subwoofer – Best Home Theater Subwoofer
With Acoustech PL-2000, BIC America has surprised the industry once again with its dynamic peak power of 1000 watts and robust sound quality.
This PL-200 subwoofer sure looks like any other subwoofer in this price range, but do not judge a book by its cover, comrade! Measuring 17.25*14.87*19.5 and weighing 45 pounds, this sub is massive and vast.
It is made using MDF, but instead of going with a black laminate like other budget subs, this one has a rubber lacquer on its surface. The shiny black strip at the top and the bottom of the woofer looks suspiciously like piano keys, making it cute.
Another thing that sets it apart from the woofers of the same price range is the fact that it has not one, but two ports and both of them are front-facing so as to minimise the noise and extra turbulence.
It surely looks better than other subs in the same price range, and the dual porting is like a cherry on the cake. It is quite inexpensive, according to all the features that it is offering.
Its setting up process is pretty easy and quick too, especially its dual ports make the placement of this sub very easy as compared to the other ones.
The sound quality of this sub is pretty neat for a sub of this price range when pushed, many subs to give up, but not PL-200. In fact, pushing it makes the sound clearer and articulate.
It is an excellent buy if you have the room!
Pros
- Massive 1000 watts of peak power
- High specs for an affordable price
- Dual front-facing ports
- Gold-plated terminals
- Sturdy construction and looks good
Cons
- Overwhelms smaller spaces
- Extensive cabinets
- Rattles at high volume
- No magnetic shielding
#8 Klipsch R-115SW – Best Bass Response Subwoofer
The Klipsch Reference series contains a lot of high-quality subwoofers, but this one is a large, 15’’ inch active subwoofer that has a digital amplifier with 800 Watts of power.
When we talk about sound performance, there is no competition with Klipsch R-115SW in this price range. It delivers punchy and powerful bass since it has a cerametallic woofer; therefore, it can reproduce even the lowest frequencies with minimal distortion. Its front-firing design makes it easier for you to keep it wherever you like.
R-115SW comes with a wireless kit that allows you to make the entire system wireless at your beck and call. Another beautiful thing about this woofer is that it is compatible with most AV receivers and on the top of it, the setup isn’t much of a hassle either.
Its cabinet is constructed using MDF which is durable and gives the woofer a robust build which is essential in the case of a subwoofer. Its design is pretty minimal with black colour and a cloth grill which is detachable.
There are controls of this sub on the rear panel that includes a knob to adjust the crossover point and another knob that adjusts the gain.
Overall, Klipsch R-115SW is perfect if you want the output with strong and powerful bass; however, if you prefer your bass average, then you can find it pretty overpriced.
Pros
- Powerful bass
- Accurate sound performance
- Compatible with most AV receivers
- Sturdy build quality
Cons
- Very large
- Expensive
#9 Samsung Sound+ SWA-W700 – Best Design Subwoofer
Samsung’s SWA-W700 isn’t the cheapest product in the market, but if you have already brought high-end Samsung products home, then this should be a breeze for you.
Now when it comes to looks, brands don’t mainly experiment, but Samsung’s SWA-W700 has a particularly distinct and unique design. They can blend in with the existing decor and are very neat to the eyes while being minimal.
The woofer looks like a simple black cube, super elegant and straightforward. There is only one button on the entire box, and that too is on the backside of the box. There are no power buttons to hassle with, granted they are not a hassle in the first place, still. The units power up on its own when you want it to and then it starts looking for a soundbar to pair with. The box is extensive and covers up most of the space in the room, but no it is not precisely obnoxious.
The setup and pairing are pretty easy, but we are saying this concerning a Samsung TV. It is evident that a Samsung bar and a woofer will pair up with a Samsung TV easier than a non-Samsung TV.
So this is not a Dolby Atmos system, but its sound quality is still amazing and powerful. Overall, Samsung, like always, delivers a lot more than an average customer would want.
Pros
- Simple, intuitive control
- A bright, detailed upper register
- Impressive bass from a singular unit
- Upgradeable design
- Expansive soundstage
Cons
- Occasional balance issues in the soundstage
- Limited surround sound decoding
- Expensive
#10 Klipsch Sub-12HG – Best Value Subwoofer
And Klipsch is back in the list, with a well, pretty loud bang. This is a sub which can not be easily hidden, and why would you want to hide it?
This sub measures 18*15*20 inches and weighs 40 pounds, but despite the weight, the fiberboard box of medium density still felt hollow and even resonated on tapping. This down-firing sub is matched using an amp of 650 watts of power. It as adjustable feet that are super-helpful in eliminating the rocking motions at high volume.
There are two elements to its design that are unusual with a product of Klipsch range – one, the driver is not spun out of copper, and two, the driver is down-facing. This is actually a good thing because there are a few advantages of the driver being down-faced.
The back panel of the sub has various connectivity options, making it an ideal choice – stereo speaker-level outputs and inputs and a stereo RCA line-level input. The sub allows you to adjust the crossover between 40 to 120 Hz of the frequency range. It also has an LED light on the front label which glows blue when the amplifier is on and red when the amplifier is on standby mode.
Most people usually don’t expect much from subwoofers owing to the fact that they are but an extension of the existing sound system. However, the Klipsch Sub-12HG has established itself as a must-have for every audiophile out there.
Combine this piece of perfection with tower or bookshelf speakers and the resulting sound output would be the best of the best. In this price range, this subwoofer created by Klipsch is ultimate perfection.
Pros
- Adjustable crossover
- Tight, accurate sound at low frequency
- Solid build quality
- Good value for every dollar that you will spend
- Five-year warranty
Cons
- The legs look fragile
- The size is a bit too long
- Sounds little flabby over frequency of 80 Hz
- Dones not have the typical Klipsch design and look
Best Subwoofer Buying Guide
Which subwoofer should you buy? And how should you come to that conclusion? Well, we will tell you the key factors that you should consider while shopping for the subwoofer and the features and specs that you should focus more on.
How to decide the right size?
One of the first factors that you would naturally consider is the size of the subwoofer that you want to bring home. Generally, the larger the surface area the woofer covers, the better and more profound it will play. Why? The answer lies somewhere in the frequency response of the sub.
Sometimes when you have the money, the idea of buying the most massive available subwoofer sounds so tempting. However, take my word of caution; bigger is not always the best for you. What you need to make sure is that your sub can blend seamlessly with other speakers like record players and gadgets to give you a seamless listening and watching experience.
So, if you already own a compact satellite or a pair of bookshelf speakers, then an 8-inch or a 10-inch subwoofer will pair perfectly with them. However, if you have huge, floor-standing speakers, then you might need to go for a subwoofer of 12’’ size.
And if your living room is spacious and open, the buying a more massive subwoofer makes sense since the air will get more room to move, eventually producing more bass. However, if you are buying a subwoofer for your bedroom, then you might not want to overwhelm your comfort zone, and so it is better to just go with a small size subwoofer.
How much bass is too much?
Well, this is one personal question; it depends on what you like to stream on TV. If you are into spaceship action movies, you might want a bass that shakes the room with thunder. In that case, you should go for a 12” woofer; it will suit your bass taste perfectly.
However, you are really into kids movies or comedy shows then you don’t need a bass too high, so however big your room is, a smaller woofer will work just fine for you.
How much power should your subwoofer have?
If you get a powered subwoofer for yourself, then you will get a built-in amplification, which is the best thing because then you don’t have to make an extra purchase.
But how much power do you actually need then? Again, there is no cut and dry answer for this either, but generally, the higher the wattage of the amplifier, the more impactful is the bass.
So, I would advise you to go for as much power as you can afford, but make sure you don’t overspend for this little thing.
Also, do pay attention to the spec called RMS rating, the continuous power of your woofer. There is also a peak power rating on many good subs, check that rating too. Because these two ratings might sound fancy and all, but they don’t factor much into the real-life performance at all.
Which sub is better, ported or sealed?
There are commonly two kinds of enclosures for subwoofers – ported and sealed.
Ported boxes help to reinforce low bass sound output because of its built-in air vent, the sealed box, on the other hand, don’t let the air move in or out which gives them quick and accurate.
However, ported boxes are more prominent as compared to the sealed boxes.
So if you prefer jazz, classical or any other acoustical genre, then you should go for sealed boxes, and if you are more of hard rock, EDM or hip-hop person then ported boxes would be your thing.
Should you consider a wireless subwoofer?
Dealing with the long cables is everyone’s highlight of the day, right? If it is not yours, then consider buying a wireless sub. Many good subs can receive signals wirelessly too. Also, there are wireless subs that transform your subs into wireless subs. However, the sub would still need a power outlet.
That’s it, we have reached at the end of this list of subwoofers that you should buy in 2020 and a buying guide showing you how to come at a decision which is best for you.
Best Subwoofer FAQ’s
What brand of subwoofer is the best?
1. MTX subwoofer.
2. Alpine Subwoofer.
3. Kicker Subwoofer.
4. Rockford Fosgate Subwoofer.
5. JL Subwoofer.
What is the most powerful subwoofer?
How to make a subwoofer out of a speaker?
How to increase bass in a subwoofer box?
1. Distortion should be removed
2. Then open the low pass filter and flatten the signal
3. Adjust the gain and low pass filter of subwoofer
4. Adjust the bass boost and subsonic filter of the subwoofer
5. Match the level of subwoofer and the volume of the receiver
What subwoofer has the deepest bass?
1. JL Audio 10TW3-D4
2. Rockford Fosgate P300-12
3. Orion HCCA12
4. JL Audio 12W7AE-3
5. MTX Audio Terminator TNE212D Dual
What speaker brand has the best bass?
1. Eminence Legend BP102
2. Edifier R1280T
3. BUGANI Bluetooth Speakers
4. Polk Audio PSW10
5. Sony GTKXB7BC
What hits harder 10s or 12s?
What is the most powerful 12 inch subwoofer?
1. CT Sounds Strato
2. Rockford Fosgate P300-12
3. Pioneer TS-W126M
4. Sundown Audio SA-12 D2 REV.3
5. JL Audio 12W0V3-4
What hits harder 1ohm or 4ohm?
If you liked the article, then share it with your friends and family and share the awesomeness with them too!