Best Subwoofers For Home Theater **AND** Music.

**Everyone** wants better bass, whether they realize it or not. For music and home theater, true, deep bass subwoofers are VITAL for genuine audio quality. These are the best subwoofers for both.

Even people who dismiss it, and say it’s not important, are quickly “converted”, once they hear the difference.

Truly, the difficult thing is to separate what you imagine it will be, from what it will actually be. People have their expectations of deep bass from what they have experienced. But the end result is always better than expected, and what’s always been missing.

It’s undeniably better than what most people are used to. From blockbuster movies to Diana Krall, nearly everything sounds better when you can actually hear **ALL** of the bass.

If you don’t know exactly what I’m talking about, you’re probably missing a LOT.

Traditional, run of the mill subwoofers basically filter out real depth, which is not good. 

This isn’t about loudness, almost ANY typical, basic, run of the mill sub can be loud. This goes beyond the concept of loudness.

It’s about the Depth of Presentation, or truly **SOUNDING DEEP**.

This is really hard to convey. It’s only when you hear it that you’ll feel that sense of satisfaction we all want.

Your local theater rarely dips below 40 hertz with any meaningful impact. These subwoofers effortlessly drop to 14 hertz in-room, which is lower than what you can hear. And it’s strong, clean output.

Audibly bottomless.

Most subwoofers, more than 90% of ALL 10″-18″ subs (regardless of wattage, rated frequency response, and price), are TOO SHALLOW SOUNDING, both in extension and in “Depth of Presentation”.

“Depth of Presentation” is important, because your hearing fades as the frequencies get deeper.

You might assume that’s why you can’t hear the deep stuff, but it’s actually the “typical subwoofer” that is to blame. It’s definitely audible, but most subs just don’t produce *enough* of it, relative to everything else.

Good bass is not about what your neighbors can hear (like that guy next to you at the stoplight), it’s about what YOU can hear.

Subwoofer Size

If you have an extra-large room (greater than 600 sq ft), you may need to look at the bigger subs, while those with large rooms and smaller have no such limitations on this particular list, so long as you go dual.

That is key, because the negative effects of a single subwoofer are amplified in a smaller room. It’s counter intuitive, but measurable and proven out in several small rooms.

You can always turn a sub down, and it should always be integrated or volume matched to your main speakers, regardless of room size.

Big subs like these DO NOT mean overpowering “boom boom”, they mean “articulate” bottomless sound reproduction, which will include blowing your mind with movies like Jurassic Park and Hacksaw Ridge, and shows like my personal favorite, Cosmos.

Articulate Bass

If the source material is bass heavy, these subs will respond appropriately, while still remaining balanced, and not intrusive at all with regular content, when properly set up. 

With ANY subwoofer on my list, THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS OVERKILL.

NOT because I’m an unsophisticated listener who just wants everything LOUD, LOUD, LOUD!!

I’m most concerned with quality. I have to be.

I have an unfortunate hearing sensitivity due to Post Concussion Syndrome, so I genuinely can’t tolerate anything that’s offensive.

The Theater in the Motorhome

I’ve packed a crazy amount of bass, up to dual PB-4000’s, into my portable home theater, a 40 foot diesel pusher motorhome. A Rexhall Rose Air, chosen for it’s stout construction.

The craziest part, aside from the obvious absurdity of the project, is that it sounded better in the motorhome than any of the theaters in the houses I’ve lived in! No kidding!

It’s ALL about how you set it up, so everything sounds like it was designed to work together. From the smallest to the biggest, they will all sound “proper” once you dial them in, which I show you how to do on my YouTube channel.

These subs should all do as they’re told, no more, no less. They should be thrilling, NOT intrusive. You can run them too loud of course, but integrated properly, they are true to the content.

The subwoofers

These subwoofers are known for great bass, a DRASTIC departure from more commonly known names that tend to inflate their numbers, but totally lose composure and authority at lower levels.

All of these should play with real authority to 20 Hertz, not just make “measurable noise” at that depth.

It’s my opinion that a subwoofer is not a **quality subwoofer* if it can’t play the entire humanly audible bass spectrum, down to 20 hertz, with clear, low distortion authority. Impeccable manners are a must, and more rare than you might imagine.

Since I’ve not listened to every single sub out there, the only subs I can personally vouch for on this list are labeled “VERIFIED”. 

Some subwoofers I shy away from, often due to performance. Some are customer service concerns, like shipping policies that are painful if you aren’t happy.

If you’re asking prospective customers to take a leap of faith, buying a product they’ve never heard, return policies matter.

No subs over $3,500 will make the list for the sake of value and relative sanity. These are subs I would buy and be happy to have in my living room.

Going dual. Please keep them matched.

Going dual is SUPER important, and I would make it a STRONG priority, instead of getting the largest sub possible.

If you are going this far, you might as well do it right! You will need a pretty big room to strain any of these if you listen at “normal person” levels. Louder than you might expect, with plenty of oomph, but not ear damaging, headache inducing, foundation crumbling loud.

Enjoyable.

If you want serious power, more authority, and super convincing realism (a truly believable thunderstorm in your room), go with the higher end models, like dual PB-3000’s or PB-17 Ultras.

I would consider it a mistake to buy one of these to use **as a single**.

Splitting your budget for other subs on this list is a MUCH better choice.

**Dual PB-3000’s** would yield MUCH better results than a **single PB-17 Ultra**.

Please go dual! Seriously, it’s everything!!

Most of my audience, would be thrilled with ANY of the following. There isn’t a dog in the bunch, and even the smallest will challenge structural integrity when pushed, that I can absolutely verify!

This will be an evolving list that will change as I listen to more offerings. Generally, ported offerings produce greater output and depth of presentation, and therefore better value over a sealed sub, but that’s just my opinion.

Many prefer sealed, and I can respect that. See my Ported vs Sealed write-up for more on that.

I also find ported subs MUCH more comfortable to listen to, and I highly recommend them over sealed for sensitive ears, like those prone to headaches, sensitive ears in general, autism spectrum, Post Concussion Syndrome, Traumatic Brain Injury, and pets.

**Update: Sealed subwoofers can be tolerated if you stagger the timing. By setting 1 subwoofer at 4 feet more than room correction value, and the other at 6 feet more than room correction value. Still, out of the box, ported subs have a deeper sound and I still prefer them.

I have Post Concussion Syndrome, which causes light and sound sensitivity.

A canary in the coal mine, poor sound will bother me before it bothers most people. It’s something I prefer NOT to experience, I don’t recommend it. It’s like a horrific hangover. 

This sound sensitivity is why I don’t review sealed subs anymore, but I do respect their positive qualities.

If I was going to go with sealed, I would start with the SB-3000’s.

Even the most finicky audiophiles would have a hard time picking these subs apart in any “meaningful” way.

SVS 

Subwoofer101 is the world’s first SVS affiliate. I asked SVS to start an affiliate program 10 years ago, so I could have a way to support my content.

I’m financially “blue collar”, and because of my health, producing content is not easy.

SVS has easily been the most supportive of my message about deep bass, which makes sense. They produce what most people “in the know” would consider the gold standard of subwoofers.

Their customer service is also legendary. They’ll help you troubleshoot products they don’t even make, like your Blu Ray player. For free.

The knowledge at your disposal is incredible, often surpassing other manufacturer’s own customer support.

Rather than producing “man cave only” subwoofers, they produce subs that look nice in multi use, living/family rooms as well. While producing the deepest sounding subs on this list. MEASURABLY.

All subs on the list are “deep sounding”, otherwise they wouldn’t be there. So far, SVS subs consistently have the deepest sound and depth of presentation, regardless of size or price.

To be clear, they are NOT a “sponsor”, they do NOT pay me for content, and they definitely don’t tell me what to say. This website existed before I ever reached out.

I’m free to promote ANY company or product I want, including every competitor. I give my audience the same advice I give close friends and family.

Affiliate commissions are how I keep going, no matter what product it is, with zero added cost to you. Everything helps, I am a 1 person show.

Ordering Factory Direct through these links ensures full Bill of Rights, including 1 year trade-up, and other benefits that might not be included from dealers (like 45 day return period, trade up, etc…).

PB-1000 Black Friday Special (President’s Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, etc…) (Click here to order Factory Direct)

($) The PB-1000 Original is the first subwoofer I ever heard from SVS. The difference in the depth compared to 12″ and 15″ subs I’ve heard before was shocking and satisfying.

While the 10″ driver starts to taper off a little sooner at the lowest audible depth than the PB-2000 original, you’re getting a deep bass subwoofer for less than $1,000 per pair. Not typical.

These subs have been produced for small production runs for BLACK FRIDAY and holiday specials ONLY!!

Get them while you can, and go dual!! If you miss the Black Friday sale, watch the SVS Outlet. Gently used products that have the same Bill of Rights and warranty as new. (Free shipping, free returns, and 1 year trade up!)

PB-2000 BLACK FRIDAY SPECIAL (President’s Day, Memorial Day, Labor day, etc)  (Click here to order Factory Direct)

($) The PB-2000 Original is a 12″ Ported subwoofer. The predecessor to the PB-2000 Pro (my personal favorite for so long, for their performance, price, and size). These subs have been produced for small production runs for BLACK FRIDAY and holiday specials ONLY!!

If you miss the Black Friday sale, watch the SVS Outlet, gently used products that have the same Bill of Rights and warranty as new. (Including free shipping, free returns, and 1 year trade up!)

PB-1000 Pro (Smartest Buy in Bass) (Click Here To Order Factory Direct)

($) The PB-1000 Pro is a 12” Ported Subwoofer. Verified!!– Highly recommended for duals under $1,500, the most compact and affordable ported subwoofer on this list!! Isolation highly recommended for wood sub-floors. “Smartest Buy in Bass” due to economics, performance, and the 1 year trade-up. Get started with quality dual subs, and trade up if you feel the need! Free shipping, free returns. 

PB-2000 Pro (Click Here To Order Factory Direct)

($$) VERIFIED!!! The PB-2000 Pro is a 12″ Ported subwoofer, 550 watts RMS, 1500+ peak! My favorite sub for value, size, and 100% full range bass performance down to 14 hertz measured in my room. Bottomless.

These are the subs I decided to go with in the motorhome theater project. I wanted shocking performance, explosiveness, composure, and of course, depth. These deliver everything I look for, including being attainable.

The PB-3000 and PB-17 Ultra are both more explosive, but if you can’t swing those, or if you’re thinking about a single, split your budget for dual PB-2000 Pro’s. Matched duals are vital for amazing bass, and these definitely get it handled!

Isolation highly recommended for wood sub-floors. My “Go-To” subwoofer to recommend.

PB-3000 (Click Here To Order Factory Direct)

($$$) VERIFIED!!! The PB-3000 is a 13″ Ported subwoofer, 800 watts RMS, 2,500 watts peak, with SVS App control! 

My favorite *PREMIUM* subwoofer for the value, size, and 100% full range bass performance, and INCREDIBLE IMPACT!

Isolation highly recommended for wood sub-floors.

It’s only about an inch bigger on all sides than the PB-2000, yet it’s performance is much closer to the PB-4000 in terms of raw impact and explosiveness!!

Aside from the outstanding PB-17 Ultra, this has been THE MOST SURPRISING SUBWOOFER I’VE REVIEWED YET!! The Split-Wind voice coil isn’t just cool sounding tech, it makes this sub SOUND BIGGER AND MORE POWERFUL than it is. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!!!

PB-4000 (on clearance) (Click Here To Order Factory Direct)

($$$$) VERIFIED!!! The PB-4000 is a 13.5 inch Variable Ported subwoofer. 1,200 watts RMS, 4,200 watts peak. True 13 hertz performance in room, remote control, comprehensive smart phone app. Ultra low distortion, ultra high output. 

Isolation HIGHLY recommended for wood sub-floors. Measure before ordering, very large, very heavy (153.2 pounds!), truck freight shipped on a pallet. Realism, impact, and explosiveness are off the charts!

My only hesitance to recommend the PB-4000 is that the PB-3000 is so close that I couldn’t tell the difference if my eyes were closed! The PB-3000 is noticeably smaller, lighter, and less expensive.

The PB-4000 offers the piano finish, a front display, and a storied legacy from it’s predecessor, the PB-13 Ultra.

Like the PB-3000, it’s performance is only bested by the PB-16 Ultra. If it were me, I’d either go smaller and less expensive (Dual PB-3000’s), or step up and get Dual PB-16 Ultras.

PB16-Ultra (retired) (Click Here To Order Factory Direct)

($$$$) VERIFIED!!! The PB-16  is a 16 inch Variable Ported subwoofer. New SVS Flagship, 1,500 watts RMS, 5,000 peak! That’s 1.5 kilowatt RMS, 5 kilowatt peak, with an **8″ voice coil**! Talk about ultra low distortion, and incredible explosiveness!!

For those who want the best of the best, it’s my favorite “money no object” subwoofer, and **the best bass I’ve heard to date**. Still in 2023!!

Isolation HIGHLY recommended for wood sub-floors. Measure before ordering, very large, VERY heavy (175 pounds!), truck freight shipped on a pallet, yet still with free shipping and FREE RETURNS! 

Realism, impact, and explosiveness are the best I’ve heard so far, and a great spleen massage while still 100% comfortable. TRULY INCREDIBLE!!

PB-17 Ultra R Evolution (Click Here to Order Factory Direct)

(Verified!!)$$$$ Easily the best subwoofer I’ve heard so far. The PB-16 was hard to beat, but the 17 did it. Surprisingly, what stood out to me was the music performance. I think it’s a no-brainer that this sub is phenomenal for theater and movies, but the music performance surprised me.

Typically it’s the theater performance that you notice as you go up in wattage within the SVS line. But the music is just phenomenal. It’s a common belief that sealed subwoofers are better for music. I disagree.

I went back and forth between sealed and ported modes, running room correction, setting the port tuning on the app, etc… I even adjusted the PEQ’s to mimic ported response for a deeper sound. Out of the box, ported SVS subs have a deeper sound than their sealed, and this was evident.

As a viewer put it, the sealed sounds more “restricted”, where the ported is simply effortless. The PB-17 is the most true to content subwoofer for music I’ve ever heard. You can spend DOUBLE or more and get bass that doesn’t emulate real life like the PB-17 Ultra.

If you’re looking for the best possible subwoofer for music or movies, I don’t think you can do better than this SVS flagship. You can get bigger, more expensive, more this or more that. But if it’s truly ZERO compromise quality you want, a pair of these are what I can easily recommend. Just keep in mind you can run more gain than you might expect.

PC-2000 Pro (Click Here To Order Factory Direct) 

($$) Verified! 12″ Ported Cylinder sub, comes with the Soundpath Subwoofer Isolation System, same internals as the PB-2000 Pro. Down firing subwoofers are OK for concrete, but might not be ideal for wood sub-floors. The Isolation System helps for wood floors (comes stock, no need to order more isolation).

PC-4000 (Click Here To Order Factory Direct)

($$$$) (Not Verified, but same guts as the PB-4000, which is totally Verified!!!) 13.5 inch Variable Ported. 1,200 watts RMS, 4200 watts peak.

Ultra low distortion, ultra high output. Isolation included! Down firing subwoofers are OK for concrete, but may not be ideal for wood sub-floors.

Measure before ordering, very tall (47 Inches). Realism, impact, and explosiveness are incredible!

Monoprice

I’ve been a Monoprice affiliate much longer than SVS, long before their Monolith subs came out, but I was never able to get any response to my inquiries to review their subs, despite several attempts since these subs first came out.

At their customer service line recommendation, I bought a pair of Monolith 15’s, listened during the 30 day return period, and sent them back. 

Shipping is free, but return shipping is the customer’s responsibility, and it will vary, depending on how far you are from their facility in California.

For TWO Monolith 15 subwoofers (266 pounds total, on a pallet) the return freight was over $300 for less than 500 miles.

Return freight for 2 Monolith 15’s could exceed $800 on the East Coast, something to be aware of.

The smaller subs would certainly be cheaper to return. It’s the customer’s responsibility to shop and arrange the freight shipment. 

That said, the Monolith 15’s have the depth of presentation and explosiveness that I look for.

They did a great job with the Monolith 15 THX subwoofer, and I would love to hear more, but I hesitate to fully recommend due to shipping and lack of communication with me (ZERO returned inquiries).    

Monolith 12 (Click here to order Factory Direct)

($$) (NOT VERIFIED) The Monolith 12 is a 500 watt 12″ variable ported subwoofer. Based on previous experience, it would likely not make this list in “THX Mode”, but it MIGHT belong in “Extended Mode” like the 15.

This subwoofer is on this list tentatively, pending an actual hands on, dual sub review. I can’t say that it will deliver the kind bass that I look for, but I suspect it might, and earn a permanent spot on this list.

Monolith 15 (Click Here To Order Factory Direct)

($$$) (VERIFIED!) The Monolith 15 is a 15″ driver, variable ported subwoofer with 1,000 watts.

It would not make this list in “THX Mode”, but it does belong in “Extended Mode”, with all ports open.

This sub has heavy relative infrasonic bass (under 20 hertz, inaudible), which might be uncomfortable to some people, but can mitigated by THX Mode.

However, THX Mode does reduce the explosiveness of the sub. Overall, it’s great performing subwoofer and a solid buy, based on it’s depth of presentation and explosiveness.   

Outlaw 

While Outlaw is not a direct affiliate for Subwoofer101, you can order them on Amazon:

Ultra X-13 (Click Here To Order On Amazon)

($$$$) Verified. 13″ Variable Ported, down firing Outlaw Flagship, THX Certified. In THX mode, this subwoofer would not make the list, it sounded far too shallow in my opinion.

Other EQ settings were more acceptable, though not as deep sounding as other subs on this list. So far, it’s the shallowest sounding subwoofer on this list, and anything shallower would not qualify.

It’s ability to be hidden is an excellent feature, however. Down firing subwoofers are OK for concrete, but may not be ideal for wood sub-floors.

Isolation HIGHLY recommended for wood sub-floors. Excellent for hiding subwoofers as end tables, so long as the beautiful top is protected from scratching.

HSU

VTF-2

($$) (Not Verified) 12” Variable Ported

VTF-3

($$$) (Not Verified) 15” Variable Ported

VTF-15

($$$) 15” Variable Ported. Verified, MK-1 version. High (max) output, though not as deep “sounding” as other subs on the list.

Shipping policy is painful, especially if you return it. A reasonable option if you are in the Los Angeles, California area, and can pick up and return in person.

I bought this subwoofer myself, before starting the website and channel, but haven’t been able to get support to hear duals, which is unfortunate. The MK-2 should be better, but I wouldn’t know. 

Rythmik

No returned communication, but a notable mention. I cannot recommend them fully without hearing a set.

Klipsch RP Reference Premier Subwoofers

Normally, Klipsch most Subs were a great example of what was typical. Shallow sounding, and the type of sub to be avoided. Not picking on them, that’s what’s normal in the industry.

I’d hoped I’d add brands that I never thought would catch up, and it appears Klipsch might be. I’ve tried reaching out, without much luck. Hopefully that changes!

While I can’t recommend them fully, I do see some earmarks of a solid subwoofer. How it compares to others on this list? I can only fully recommend what I have heard in my room, but they are going in the right direction.

Klipsch RP-16

Klipsch RP-12

$= less than $500 delivered or $1,000 for dual

$$= more than $500 delivered or $1,000 for dual

$$$= more than $800 delivered or $1,600 for dual

$$$$= more than $1,400 delivered or $2,800 for dual

*Pricing changes happen regularly.

Ported = With ports, not sealed.

Variable Ported = Ported, with inserts to change the tuning.

Each brand has it’s own flavor.

The least expensive subs that I fully recommend will perform with outstanding depth, clean, and unobtrusive bass. Movie theater quality bass, and impact (EASILY deeper than most theaters) that will impress and satisfy when called upon.

By no means is the most economical sub to be avoided. See my 1 big sub vs 2 small subs comparison for more on that.

Dividing your bass budget to include 2 matched subs is the ONLY way to go, and any **VERIFIED** sub on this list in a dual configuration should put a Cheshire grin on your face.

Fortunately, most offer in home review periods. Some require you pay for shipping, others do not.

International SVS orders can go through Amazon (click here), if it’s available.

In the USA and Canada, it’s best to go Factory Direct (click here) through my links to ensure full Bill of Rights, including 1 year trade-up. 

Eventually, I would like every listed maker to be a Subwoofer 101 affiliate and become a portal for all quality subwoofers. SVS and Monoprice so far…

Hopefully this will simplify your search for great bass!