A subwoofer is just as useful in hi-fi as it is in home theater to energize the listening experience and plunge the listener or viewer into the heart of the action. There are many different subwoofer models available and it can be difficult to determine which one best suits your needs, your speakers and your listening room. Is it necessary to use a large subwoofer to achieve powerful bass? What are the essential characteristics of a good subwoofer? How can you avoid disturbing the whole neighborhood if you live in an apartment? In this comparative guide about the best subwoofers of 2024, we will provide all of the elements necessary to help you choose a subwoofer that is adapted to your needs and budget.
Choosing a subwoofer that is adapted to your equipment
First and foremost, the choice of a subwoofer must be made according to your amplifier or soundbar. All subwoofers have at least one line input, also referred to as “low level” (RCA stereo) and/or an LFE (Low-Frequency Effects) input. These inputs connect directly to the “SUB/LFE” output of the amplifier. This is the type of connection used by all A/V receivers. Therefore, if your amplifier is equipped with this connection you can pair it with any subwoofer.
However, not all hi-fi amplifiers are equipped with a subwoofer or Pre-out output. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t pair them with a subwoofer. All you have to do is choose a subwoofer with high-level inputs. These connect directly to the amp’s speaker outputs, alongside the speakers. Examples of subwoofers with a high-level input include the Yamaha NS-SW300 and B&W ASW608.
The diameter of the driver
The diameter of the driver is also very important when choosing a subwoofer. Subwoofers intended for home use are often equipped with a driver measuring between 6” and 15”. Generally, the bigger it is, the more the subwoofer is capable of producing very low frequencies. In other words, the larger the driver, the more you can actually feel the explosions and the energy in action scenes. This characteristic is very important, as bass is actually felt more than it is heard. For example, the Klipsch SPL-100 subwoofer can reach 32Hz with its 10” driver, whereas the Klipsch RP-1400SW subwoofer with its 14” driver can go as low as 16Hz. Therefore, if you want to make the walls shake, the Klipsch RP-1400 is more suitable.
Note: the choice of driver should be adapted to the size of your room. The larger the room, the bigger the driver needs to be for the bass to unfold correctly. Conversely, a subwoofer with a 15″ driver cannot perform properly in a small room.
While they are powerful, subwoofers equipped with large drivers are bulky and don’t always fit into living rooms very easily. Some manufacturers have managed to develop more compact subwoofers that are equipped with smaller drivers but still produce excellent results. For instance, the KEF KC 62 subwoofer features two 6.5″ drivers to reproduce lows as deep as 11Hz.
Choosing a subwoofer based on your speakers
It is a good idea to choose a subwoofer with a driver that is larger than those of the main speakers, or at least one with a driver the same size. If your main speakers don’t go very low (100Hz, for example), you need a subwoofer that is able to precisely reproduce frequencies up to 150Hz to ensure a smooth transition. This is usually the case with small diameter drivers… but not necessarily with large ones. If your main speakers already reproduce low frequencies, you need a subwoofer that goes even lower.
Which output power should you choose?
All “active” subwoofers feature their own amplifier. A powerful amplifier means more authoritative lows. However, this power is expensive, so it is better to tailor it to one’s needs. For a home theater installation, it is preferable to choose a subwoofer with an output power of at least 150 to 200 watts, such as the Elipson Prestige Facet Sub8 and Elipson Planet Sub. For hi-fi installations, a more modest output power may suffice. Naturally, this power must also take into account your listening habits and the size of the room. The larger the room or the more you enjoy listening at high volume, the more important it is to choose a high-powered subwoofer.
Sealed or bass-reflex?
Like speakers, subwoofers can have sealed and bass-reflex enclosures. Bass-reflex models are the most common. This system uses a laminar or circular air vent through which air is displaced when the cone moves. Its purpose is to support the driver to optimize the distribution of low frequencies throughout the room and extend the bass response. For this reason, bass-reflex subwoofers are the most commonly used for home theater to provide maximum impact during explosions and action scenes. The best subwoofers in this category include the Elipson Prestige Facet Sub10, the SVS PB-1000 Pro and the Yamaha NS-SW300.
A sealed enclosure is completely airtight. As a result, only the sound wave generated by the outer face of the driver is diffused. This configuration allows the driver to operate more smoothly, resulting in a better transient response with minimal delay in the diffusion of sound waves. Consequently, sealed subwoofers such as the Q Acoustics 3060S, the Rel T-Zero and the Velodyne Deep Blue 12 are more often used in hi-fi installations.
The design of the subwoofer
In addition to technical performance, design must also be taken into account when choosing the best subwoofer. As the subwoofer is often placed in the living room, it either needs to complement the furniture or be hidden away. Some manufacturers offer models with a more refined and discreet design than the usual bulky cube. Examples include the Elipson Planet Sub with its compact, cylindrical design that can be easily integrated into any living space.
Some subwoofers have an extremely flat design so that they can be placed next to an A/V cabinet. Examples of these types of subwoofers include the Q Acoustics 3060S and KEF T2. Even more compact models such as the Earthquake CP-8 can be placed directly on the TV cabinet, under the TV or under the sofa.
Where to place the subwoofer
The placement of a subwoofer is less important than that of speakers. Some manufacturers recommend placing them between the left and right speaker, while others prefer the corner of the room. However, as the reproduction of low frequencies is strictly related to the acoustics of the room, you may have to test a few different spots before finding the ideal location. Sometimes this location can be quite a distance from the amplifier. If this is the case, you can choose a wireless subwoofer to avoid running cables across the room. For example, the Sonos Sub Mini subwoofer has an external box that connects to the back of the amplifier to automatically transfer the signal. The subwoofer then only needs to be connected to the mains to work and can be placed anywhere in the listening room.
Which is the best subwoofer in 2024?
Throughout this guide we have listed the best subwoofers of 2024 according to criteria such as output power, driver diameter, enclosure type and design. However, it is impossible to name one “best subwoofer of 2024”, as it varies depending on the preferences, needs and budget of each user. For example, a home theater installation in a dedicated room won’t have the same requirements as a hi-fi system that consists of a pair of compact speakers. There is not one, but several best subwoofers in various categories. Here is a list of the main categories:
Best compact subwoofers of 2024
- Q Acoustics 3060S: 200mm driver, 150W, sealed enclosure, 35Hz low frequency response, wall mounting possible
- Elipson Planet Sub: 200mm driver, 200W, 30Hz low frequency response, cylindrical design
- KEF KC 62: 2 x 165mm drivers, 100W, 11Hz low frequency response, compact enclosure
Best hi-fi subwoofers of 2024
- Rel T-Zero: 165mm driver, 100W, 38Hz low frequency response
- REL Acoustics HT/1003: 250mm driver, 300W, 24Hz low frequency response, carbon fiber cone
- M&K Sound V12: 300mm driver, 300W, 20Hz low frequency response, RCA inputs and outputs
Best home theater subwoofers of 2024
- Elipson Prestige Facet Sub10: 260mm driver, 250W, 27Hz low frequency response
- REL Acoustics HT/1205 MKII: 300mm driver, carbon fiber cone, 500W, 22Hz low frequency response
- Klipsch SPL-120: 300mm driver, 300W, 24Hz low frequency response
- SVS SB-16 Ultra: 405mm driver, 1500W, 16Hz low frequency response, EQ, XLR and RCA connectors
