10 Best Subwoofers For A Home Theater

Building your home entertainment system? Don’t forget subwoofers. 

The right subwoofer completes your sound system. With its low-frequency tones, it can add dimension, depth, and feeling to what you hear.

In this list of the best subwoofers for your theater today, you’ll find designs that deliver impressive bass that also look good enough to show off.

From compact models and hefty units to wireless tech and easy setup, you’re in the right place to find the best subwoofers with excellent sound quality.

Top Subwoofers for a Home Theater

Check out our list of the top subwoofers for a home theater system. We have a mix of models with standout features for a variety of budgets.

1. Polk Audio HTS 12 Subwoofer

Polk Audio is a name synonymous with great audio quality. It’s been around since the ‘70s — a staple at community block parties run by the local DJ. It’s a brand known for creating affordable, high-quality speakers and subwoofers.

The legacy of making great sound accessible for all continues in the Polk Audio HTS 12 subwoofer. It’s a shoe-in in terms of value, functionality, and compatibility.

This model is a 12-inch front-firing, long-throw subwoofer. And while sound purists opine on whether a long throw sub is possible, the main takeaway here is that it’s designed to immerse the listener in sound instead of clobbering them.

It has a built-in 200-watt amplifier so you can hear the kick drums better. Polk Audio’s power port technology minimizes distortion to provide a full-bodied experience of low tones and bass. All controls are in one convenient spot for ease of use and simplicity.

It’s a big, chunky unit with seamless curved edges that delivers rich, bumping sound. It has a modern flair that can blend in well with any decor. It sets itself apart from other speakers because its designed to be seen and heard. 

Key Features

• Powered 12-inch subwoofer
• 200/400W Class D amplifier
• Front-firing
• Universal compatibility Auto on/off switch
• Dynamic balance driver
• Line level/LFE inputs
• Power Port technology

2. Klipsch R-101SW Subwoofer

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Paul W. Klipsch created his first speaker design in the late ‘30s. By 1945, he was selling his speakers out of a tin shed in Hope, Arkansas. Today, the family-owned company sells sound equipment all across the US.

The Klipsch R-101SW front-firing subwoofer carries on a more than 75-year tradition of intelligent, thoughtful design.

For starters, it bears the trademark spun copper design Klipsch is known for. Depending on what you like, it may be a hit or miss, aesthetically. Looks aside, the spun-copper thermoformed crystalline polymer woofer cones provide a clean, deep bass you can feel.

The power output on the digital amplifier has a continuous output of 150 watts, maxing at 300 watts at its peak. You can adjust the output to craft the desired level of bass experience in your theater.

The line-level/LFE RCA inputs ensure wide compatibility with home theater receivers and systems. You can play around with the placement, but you’ll find that it can deliver the bass you want no matter where it sits. 

There’s a reason Klipsch delivers the official sound at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. Experience it for yourself at home.

Key Features

• Powered 10-inch subwoofer
• 150/300W digital amplifier
• Front-firing
• Universal compatibility Auto on feature
• Spun-copper thermoformed crystalline polymer woofers
• Line level/LFE RCA inputs

3. Monoprice Subwoofer

Looking for full-circle sound on a budget for your theater? Take a long look at the Monoprice 60-watt subwoofer. It has a basic design, but surprisingly powerful bass for its small size.

The 8-inch wired subwoofer puts out a range of 50 to 150 Hz of frequency response. It has an adjustable crossover filter for you to create just the right blend of bass into the overall sound.

It’s a good addition to a stereo system but can also integrate into a five-channel (5.1) home theater speaker configuration. 

Key Features

• Powered 8-inch subwoofer
• 60W RMS output
• Universal compatibility
• Multiple input options 

4. SVS SB-2000  Subwoofer

The SVS SB-2000 subwoofer is a high-end addition to any setup that is better than the SVS SB 1000 Pro. A few caveats, though.

This is a powerful subwoofer. It is not for small spaces. This is for medium to large rooms with a dedicated home entertainment space.

It delivers continuous power at 500 watts. At peak power, it delivers soul thumping bass at 1,100 watts. It features a 12-inch high excursion SVS driver and a Sledge DSP amplifier. You’ll hear the bass guitars or double bass in your favorite songs perfectly.

All of these components produce deep bass and high output for its compact size. 

Like the SVS SB 1000 Pro, this is one of the best sealed subwoofers.

This is also not a budget buy. Yet, its glossy black look and detailed control panel might make it worth the splurge.

If you are looking for a clean, yet textured bass sound, this is the subwoofer to check out.

Key Features

• Powered 12-inch high excursion driver
• 500/1,100W Sledge STA-500D
• Multiple DSP functions
• Universal compatibility
• Superior to the SVS SB 1000 Pro
• Sealed subwoofer

5. Yamaha NS-SW050 Subwoofer

Yamaha is a trusted name in audio equipment. The brand has poured its knowledge of acoustics and digital tech to produce an affordable powered subwoofer for small to medium-sized rooms.

If you choose to add this 8-inch Yamaha subwoofer to your setup, you’ll get the benefit of well-rounded sound. It uses Advanced YST II, a proprietary technology that controls subwoofer motion and handles impedance beautifully.

The twisted flare port also contributes to its tight, clean-sounding bass, as the design creates a smooth airflow to defeat extra noise and distortion, even at higher levels of sound. It’s one of the best ported subwoofers.

This compact unit isn’t flashy, but it does the work. It has universal compatibility with most home theater sound systems and is simple to use.

Better yet, given the price, this is a contender for the best budget subwoofer.

Key Features

• Powered 8-inch subwoofer
• 100W of dynamic power
• Advanced Yamaha Active Servo Technology II (YST II)
• Twisted flare port
• Universal compatibility

6. Rockville Rock Shaker 10 Subwoofer

The 10-inch Rockville Rock Shaker subwoofer can take your home entertainment setup to the next level. It has a peak power performance of 600 watts with a rear-firing port designed to maximize bass delivery.

It has a built-in class D amplifier with an auto-on/off control for max efficiency and ease of use. No need to turn it on and off, it senses the sound system and falls in line.

The control panel is pretty robust, offering volume, phase switching, and crossover frequency adjustment. This makes it possible to create just the right amount of bass for your entertainment setup.

The subwoofer enclosure is made of MDF wood, which is an engineered recycled wood that is highly durable. It doesn’t detract from the sound like particleboard construction can. 

The enclosure is designed with air space that strengthens the quality of the thump and overall sound output. It also has a detachable foam grill, allowing for two different looks.

For the money, it is one of the best subwoofer options out there to provide balanced sound while you watch your favorite movies.

Key Features

• Powered 10-inch subwoofer
• 300/600W RMS
• Class D amplifier
• Multiple inputs/outputs for universal compatibility
• 4-layer voice coil
• Y30 grade magnet

7. BIC Acoustech PL-300 Subwoofer

Quick Facts:

Powered 12-inch subwoofer | 1400W RMS | Front-firing | Universal compatibility

Poly-injected | High power magnet | amplifier | Adjustable controls

The BIC Acoustech PL-300 subwoofer has a high-end look and dynamic output at a fair price. It’s a 12-inch front-firing, long-throw subwoofer with an ultra low-frequency response and high power output.

It employs an amplifier capable of producing up to 1400 watts of dynamic outpeak at its highest level. This benefits entertainment setups as it smoothly delivers deep, even bass through dual flared ports.

The wider ports of this improved design from the original (BIC Acoustech PL-200) eliminate noise. The cabinets are engineered to reduce vibration for a tight, clean sound.

The back panel allows for nuanced settings and compatibility with most sound systems. The front grill can be removed to expose the gold plating if you want a different look.

Overall, it’s a great subwoofer that can deliver room-shaking bass with an elegant footprint.

8. Theater Solutions SUB8S Subwoofer

Quick Facts:

Powered 4.75-inch subwoofer | 250W peak power | Down firing | Universal compatibility

Auto on/off feature | Built-in digital drive amplifier | Wall mounting kit included

The Theater Solutions SUB8S easily connects to most discrete sound systems. It has a frequency response range of 35 to 150 Hz with phase, gain, and crossover controls.

At just 4.75 inches high, it can fit under or behind furniture if you prefer bass delivered in stealth mode. It also comes with mounting hardware if you prefer to install it on a wall.

The enclosure is made from durable MDF wood with internal bracing to control vibrations that could muddle the sound.

This is a good fit for receivers that offer dual or single RCA or raw wire outputs. It is a simple setup process. For convenience, an RCA Y adapter is included.

The main thing to remember is this is a down-firing subwoofer. It requires a bit of placement magic to deliver the goods. For example, thick carpet underneath will absorb its powerful bass. 

Overall, if you have limited space and are on a budget, this is one of the best high-powered subwoofers.

9. Fluance DB10W Subwoofer

Fluance is a Canada-based home audio brand catering to audio enthusiasts of all levels. The Fluance DB10W subwoofer has a clean design and a plug-and-play setup with most audio systems.

This is a good subwoofer that gives you power over the volume and crossover frequency. These settings help you adjust the subwoofer to produce the best overall sound for your home entertainment setup. 

Additionally, you can adjust the phasing to get the most balanced sound profile and make sure your speakers and subwoofer sound are in sync and not competing with each other during playback.

The enclosure is made from MDF wood, a durable choice that also leads to better sound quality and reduces distortion. 

Coupled with an energy-efficient amplifier, the front-firing long-throw driver produces good playback of low and ultra-low frequencies.

This isn’t a ground-shaking subwoofer, but it can easily be added to a multi-channel system to improve the overall sound experience with ample bass output.

Key Features

• Powered 10-inch subwoofer
• 45/120W amplifier
• Front-firing
• Universal compatibility 
• Auto-on feature
• Reflex vented port
• Line level/LFE RCA inputs

10. Sonos Sub (Gen 3) Wireless Subwoofer

If you have a Sonos Arc or Beam, the Sonos Sub will bring out the best in the sound profile.

When it comes to ranking as a best subwoofer, this is one of the few wireless subwoofers we’ve seen that holds its own in the bass department. It produces quality sound.

Despite its sleek futuristic look, this award-winning subwoofer delivers an impressive range of frequencies. It fills in all of the sound details that are missing.

More than that, it uses force-canceling drivers to produce powerful bass that is rattle and distortion-free. 

The Sonos Sub connects wirelessly to a Sonos system over WiFi. You can even add a pair of Sonos One SL surrounds for a complete surround sound system experience at home.

However, if you are looking for wired subwoofers, this product is not for you.

Key Features

• Wireless subwoofer
• Compatible with Sonos Arc or Beam

Summary

Adding subwoofers to your home theater this year means taking your sound profile to a new level.

If you already like what you’re hearing with a soundbar or multi-channel speaker system, you’ll love what you hear with the right subwoofer.

There are lots of subwoofers to choose from on the market. They come in different sizes with various control options, designs, and tech features.

Choosing between different subwoofers may feel difficult at first, especially for the home theater newbie. Just consider a few basic facts to get the best sound. Room size, subwoofer placement, and having a basic understanding of bass direction will go a long way.

Also, check your home theater receiver to verify an existing subwoofer connection for easy setup. Some require speaker wire to connect to high-level outputs.

Finally, some subwoofers need time to “break-in.” Look for options that allow for an in-home trial or a lengthy return period to give it a test period before you commit fully. 

When you choose wisely, all you need to focus on is grabbing your universal remote, cutting on your wall-mounted TV, and letting the sound take you on a journey.