The 10 best subwoofers to buy in the UK
The best subwoofer adds a new element to music, producing the deeper sounds that standard speakers can’t reach, making them popular in home theatre and car audio systems. However, choosing a subwoofer is a daunting prospect, with all kinds of specs and technical terms you need to familiarise yourself with.
To make the process easier, check out this handy subwoofer buying guide. It has all the information you need to find the best subwoofers for any situation.
What are subwoofers?
A subwoofer is a type of speaker that produces low pitched audio frequencies below 30Hz. As a result, the speaker provides exceptional quality bass when listening to music and other audio, making it a popular option for home theatre systems and in-car audio systems.
Why should you buy a good subwoofer?
The best subwoofers can reproduce sound frequencies below 30Hz, which is notably lower than most standard speakers, which tend to stop at around 50Hz. This means they produce incredibly quality and clarity for bass tones in music, so everything you listen to with a subwoofer sounds far better than without.
How to choose the right subwoofer in 2024?
Finding a good subwoofer can be challenging, so here are a few things to consider:
- Size: The driver inside a subwoofer is responsible for producing the sound, so the size of this impacts the level and quality of sound produced. Most standard subwoofers are 12”, producing fantastic sound for a reasonable price. 8” subwoofers are available, taking up less space while also being more affordable, although the sound may not be as good compared to 12” models. Plus, some are 15” and above, producing exceptional bass but also taking up a lot of space and costing significantly more.
- Power: Most subwoofers have an external amplifier to power the speaker, so it’s worth checking the power rating to determine a subwoofer’s quality. Mostly measured in RMS wattage, 100-150 watts are a good starting point, and anything up to 500 watts will produce fantastic sound quality, although the higher you go the more it costs!
- Frequency Range: Humans can hear sound frequencies to around 20Hz while our bodies can feel the sound even lower at about 10Hz. Subwoofers should have a frequency range starting at around 30Hz, and the lower this gets to 20Hz the better the bass is going to sound. Modern subwoofers tend to reach around 25Hz, which is fine for most people, while some can reach below 20Hz but they will cost a serious amount of cash so are probably overkill for most buyers.
What is the best kind of subwoofer in the UK?
Here are the most popular types of subwoofers available to buy:
- Passive Subwoofers: This type of subwoofer has an external amplifier that powers the driver. It’s not the most common type and does require more complex setup to the rest of a speaker system, as a subwoofer requires more power than standard speakers, making it difficult to connect to speaker terminals.
- Powered Subwoofers: This most widely available type of subwoofer, powered types feature an internal amplifier that powers the driver, making it much easier to connect to the rest of the sound system. They also allow you to make more adjustments, as most come with individual settings.
Top 10 list of subwoofers in the UK (2024)
The bestseller list compares brands and their subwoofers. Which subwoofer is the best?
- Robust build quality - Made for durability and superior performance to ensure lasting…
- Auto Standby Mode - Save power with an automatic standby feature that ensures that…
- THICK MDF WOOD ENCLOSURE We use high quality dense fiberboard materials that provide…
- Stylish addition to any room
- 20 cm (8”) cone woofer
- Advanced YST II (Yamaha Active Servo Technology II)
- DIMENSIONS (W x D x H): 330mm x 340mm x 360mm
- REFLEX-PORTED CABINET: Minimises distortion and enhances bass impact, providing clean…
- FORWARD-FIRING DESIGN: Projects sound directly to your listening position, ensuring…
- What’s in the box: 1 x 3060s Active Subwoofer, 4 x Spikes, Mains Cable, 1 x…
- Enclosure Type: infinite baffle, Bass Driver: 200mm (8 in), Frequency Response (+3…
- Other than the main functions, all of the controls and connections are hidden behind…
- SUSTAINABLE DESIGN: Light, flexible grille for minimal impact on performance whilst…
- SUPERB INTEGRATION: Integrate the subwoofer with Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 speakers…
- PERFECT FOR: Transform your home cinema, gaming or HiFi music experience by adding…
- Cut-off frequency 45-150Hz
- Connectivity by Speaker level input terminals, RCA line level in
- Auto off function conserves energy
- Subtle design and premium finish – available in gloss black and gloss whit…
- Digital Signal Processors – Real-time EQ and Crossover Control means tight…
- Efficient Design – ‘Auto-On’ mode helps reduce power consumpti…
- DIMENSIONS (W x D x H): 330mm x 340mm x 360mm
- REFLEX-PORTED CABINET: Minimizes distortion and enhances bass impact, providing clean…
- FORWARD-FIRING DESIGN: Projects sound directly to your listening position, ensuring…
- DIMENSION W x D x H: 330mm x 340mm x 360mm
- REFLEX-PORTED CABINET: Minimizes distortion and enhances bass impact, providing clean…
- FORWARD-FIRING DESIGN: Projects sound directly to your listening position, ensuring…
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