Best Subwoofer 2023 • 7 Subwoofer Reviews

What is a Subwoofer and how does it work?

A subwoofer, overwise simply known as a “sub”, is a loudspeaker whose function is to add bass to any equipment that emits sound. Through our product test we discovered that subwoofers cover low-frequency sounds that normal speakers are unable to reach. The low-frequency sounds typically range between 20 Hz and 80 Hz. There are some subwoofers that have different frequency ranges, but generally speaking, the goal of a sub is to emit low-frequency / bass.

In our opinion there are many factors that you should take into account when purchasing a subwoofer. You should consider the quality of the materials, the subwoofer technology, the power, the frequency range, and whether the subwoofer is active or passive. We will explain each of these aspects throughout the guide so that you can purchase the best possible subwoofer for your home or business.

Finally, it is also important to know the size of the room in which you install the subwoofer. This is often a determining factor.

What are the types of product category X?

The first thing you must know about subwoofers is that there are two main types: active and passive. In our opinion the best subwoofers are the active ones. The reason is that active subwoofers have their own amplification system and can be plugged directly into the power supply in comparison to the passive ones. Active subwoofers are also by far the most common type of subwoofer on the market and have the most variety for you to choose from.

There are several ways to connect an active subwoofer to a soundbar, TV or home theatre system. One of the most recent innovations is wireless subwoofers. Here the subwoofer uses WiFi or Bluetooth to connect to the sound source in comparison to the older one which connect via cable. Our test showed that these types of subs are very easy to set up and can easily be moved from one location to another.

Passive subwoofers, in comparison, do not have their own amplification system and must be used in conjunction with an external amplifier. These subwoofers are not connected directly to the sound source, but rather via an amplifier using AV (Audio / Video) cables. In the past, passive subwoofers were common, but since the expansion of soundbars and stand-alone LCD televisions, in our opinion the need for an amplifier makes passive subwoofers more expensive and an inferior product.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Subwoofers

Now that you know what a subwoofer is, it’s time to find out what subwoofers can do for you and why it is worth buying one. If you enjoy crisp, well-defined bass that significantly improves the experience of watching movies or listening to music, then you’ll probably be tempted to buy one straight away.

Advantages

Disadvantages

Shopping Criteria for Subwoofers

To find and buy a subwoofer that best suits your needs, there are a number of shopping criteria that can be followed to guarantee that you make a successful purchase. We have listed the five most important criteria:

• Budget
• Use
• Type
• Power
• Frequency Range

Budget

One aspect that you should be very clear about and an aspect that is easy to define in our opinion is how much you are willing to pay for a subwoofer. Our test shows that the price of subwoofers varies significantly, but as a result, there is a huge range of options with varying quality. It is important that you take into account the quality/price ratio in order to purchase the best product that meets your expectations and that you are happy paying for.

Use

Your intended use of a subwoofer is key to making a successful choice. The size of the subwoofer for a small bedroom will definitely be smaller in comparison to the one you buy for a large classroom or a lecture hall. Our product test displays that the square footage of a room is an important factor.

If you are looking for a subwoofer to enhance and provide bass to an existing sound system, you could probably opt for a cheaper option with good performance. In comparison to that, our test proves that if you want to turn your living room into a home theatre with a sound quality that rivals a cinema, you will have to look at higher quality subwoofers that are usually more expensive.

Type

The decision you have to make is between active or passive. In our opinion the choice shouldn’t be that difficult. The product test confirmed that active subwoofers have a number of advantages that are leaving passive subwoofers behind. From a convenience and feature perspective, active subwoofers are the best. What’s more, these are also the most common and most recommended by sound experts.

Power

Through our product test we discovered that the power of a subwoofer is an aspect that you cannot forget. A subwoofer that offers between 150 and 200 W would be sufficient for a room that is approximately 215 square feet. With this as a guide, you will be able to choose a subwoofer that has the right amount of power for the size of the room.

The power of a subwoofer is complemented by the technology and the quality of the materials used in the construction of the product. Our test points out that it is often not necessary to buy the most powerful subwoofer if you can find one that is well-made and produces sound in an efficient way.

Frequency Range

When it comes to the subwoofer frequency range, we are talking about the range of low frequencies that the sub can support. Subwoofers are designed to cover the first two musical octaves, that is, ranges between 20 and 80 Hz. The product test shows that this is a sound range that normal speakers do not reach. Ensure that the subwoofer you buy can support frequencies within this range.

Related links and sources

https://www.klipsch.com/blog/what-are-subwoofers-and-why-do-you-need-one

https://www.soundonsound.com/sound-advice/all-you-wanted-know-about-subwoofers

https://versus.com/en/news/what-is-a-subwoofer

https://veddan.com/blog/what-is-a-subwoofer/

FAQ

How else can subwoofers be classified?

It is possible to classify subwoofers in a way other than active or passive. The physical structure of a subwoofer is a way to categorize subwoofers. The most frequent structure used for subwoofers is called Bass Reflex. Another common design for subwoofers is known as the Sealed Box design. There are a few other types of subwoofers, such as the cylindrical design, passive radiator design, and bandpass box design, but the two most common designs are Bass Reflex and Sealed Box. Below, we have prepared a table to explain the key advantages and disadvantages of the two main types of subwoofer designs. Bass Reflex - Advantages: It is the most common subwoofer design used. It has an external air outlet. As it is the most common, the choice is more extensive. This design requires less power to produce good bass but it still provides high-quality bass at low frequencies. - Disadvantages: The internal woofer is prone to breaking and the quality reduces at high volume. Sealed box - Advantages: No opening and completely sealed. The sound tends to be more even and does not distort at normal volume. - Disadvantages: The sound quality depends on the quality of the seal and the main focus is on sound quality and bass levels are not as strong. Also trapped air inside the box can create distortion at high volume.

Where should a subwoofer be placed?

You already know that you must take into account the dimensions of the room when choosing a subwoofer. Once you have chosen the subwoofer, you have to figure out where to place it in order to hear the best possible sound. The location in the room and the support that the subwoofer is placed on are two equally important aspects to consider. When sound is emitted at low frequencies, it is crucial that you take into account the support that the sub is placed on. If the support below the subwoofer is flimsy or poorly secured, it is highly likely that it will create a rattling sound, which will be very annoying. When it comes to the location in the room for your subwoofer, you can carry out various tests to find the best possible spot. Some people claim that by placing the subwoofer in the corner of a room you get more bass. This all depends on the amount of vibration created, the size of the room and other irregularities. As a suggestion, try to align the subwoofer as close as possible to the main speakers. If it is possible, place the sub in the middle between the two speakers. Once you’ve found a spot that you think will work well, try playing with the subwoofer’s controls and settings until you find the sound you like best.