Finding the best studio subwoofer can make all the difference when it comes to hearing the full depth of your mix. In this guide, weโll help you choose a subwoofer that delivers tight, accurate low-end without overwhelming your studio space, so you can mix and produce with confidence.
Budget Option | Budget Option Product Image | Product Title | *GEARANK | **Sources | Check Prices |
 | 94 | 650+ |
Under $1000 | Under $1000 Product Image | Product Title | *GEARANK | **Sources | Check Prices |
 | 95 | 225+ | |||
 | 94 | 750+ | |||
 | 95 | 90+ |
Under $2000 | Under $2000 Product Image | Product Title | *GEARANK | **Sources | Check Prices |
 | 94 | 35+ | |||
 | 93 | 100+ |
*Gearank = Rating score out of 100.
**Sources = Number of gear owner and user opinions analyzed for these product Gearank Ratings.
Research Process: How Gearank Works
Are you a music producer, sound engineer, or enthusiast seeking that thumping low-end for your studio setup?
Look no further! This comprehensive guide delves into the world of studio subwoofer monitorsโthe unsung heroes responsible for delivering those chest-rumbling bass frequencies.
Why Studio Subwoofers Matter
Studio subwoofers play a pivotal role in music production, ensuring accurate monitoring across the entire frequency spectrum.
Whether mixing tracks, mastering, or simply vibing to your favorite tunes, a well-chosen subwoofer can make all the difference.
Criteria for Selecting the Top Picks
Our expert panel meticulously evaluated a range of studio subwoofers based on the following key criteria:
- Crossover Frequency: A seamless blend between the subwoofer and studio monitors is crucial. We considered subwoofers with adjustable crossover points to tailor the integration to your specific setup.
- Frequency Response: The ability to reproduce low frequencies accurately is paramount. Our top picks boast extended frequency ranges, ensuring clarity even in the deepest bass regions.
- Power Rating: From modest home studios to professional setups, weโve curated options that cater to various power requirements. Whether you need a gentle rumble or room-shaking bass, weโve got you covered.
- Speaker Size: Weโve included subwoofers in different form factors, from compact to substantial, allowing you to choose based on available space and sonic preferences.
- Positioning Flexibility: Studio layout matters, and so does subwoofer placement. Our picks offer versatile positioning optionsโcorner placement, near-field, or tucked under your deskโso you can optimize your listening environment.
Navigating the Guide
In the subsequent sections, weโll explore the best studio subwoofers across various price ranges. From budget-friendly options to high-end performers, weโve got something for every discerning ear.
So, whether youโre producing chart-topping hits or fine-tuning your podcast audio, join us on this bass-filled journey through theย top studio subwoofer monitors for 2025.
Best Budget Studio Subwoofer
PreSonus Eris Sub 8
The PreSonus Eris Sub8 is a value priced sub that lets you get the most out of your monitor setup regardless of brand. The Eris retains that fast punch without going into overhyped low end sound system territory.
At publication time this was the Highest Rated Studio Monitor Subwoofer Under $500.
Pros:
- Variable Cutoff helps synergy with different speakers
- Punchy transient response
- Compact size makes it great for smaller rooms
- Doesn’t have enough power to keep up with larger rooms
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The Presonus Eris Sub 8 is a value priced subwoofer that was designed to complement their Eris line of studio monitors.
It features a Paper-composite Low-frequency Transducer with a Rubber surround on the woofer and a front-firing port for linearity.
A class AB power section with 100 Watts of power drives a moderately sized 8″ woofer. This is quite good considering its price range.
Variable cutoff from 50Hz to 130Hz helps synergize with various types of monitors; even outside the Eris range.
This value priced sub works great with their regular monitor speakers regardless of brand. The low end is relatively neutral with a punchy transient response. I used to own a unit myself and it melds well with both my Eris E4.5 monitors and my JBL LSR305 midfields.
One thing to note is that it might not keep up with louder studio monitors, depending on the size of your studio space. Being 100W prevents it from keeping up with larger rooms and louder speakers.
If you’re looking for a linear, punchy sub for your small studio, this is the pick.
- Frequency Response: 22 Hz to 150 Hz
- Crossover Frequency: Can be adjusted between 80 Hz and 120 Hz.
- Max SPL: Not Specified
- Power Rating: 100W Peak Class AB
- Driver: 8″
- Input Connectors: 2 x 1/4″ (left/right) , 1 x Dual RCA Jacks (Stereo)
- Output Connectors: 2 x 1/4″ (left/right), 1 x Dual RCA Stereo
- Controls: Input gain, Low pass filter switch, Filter frequency, Phase switch
- Dimensions: 13.8″ x 11.8″ x 15.3″
- Weight: 22.2 lbs.
Best Studio Subwoofers under $1000
KRK S10.4
The KRK S10.4 is a versatile, tight sounding subwoofer that pairs well with many monitors thanks to its multiple tweakable options.
At publication time, this was the equal highest rated studio subwoofer under $1000, along with the Genelec 7040A.
Pros:
- Useful footswitch input for bypassing the sub
- Great transient response
- Great build quality and noise shielding
- Foot pedal switch sold separately
- Some units shipped without a grille
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The KRK S10.4 builds upon its predecessors with a glass aramid woofer to deliver tight bass.
A class D power amplifier gives the sub great transient handling with enough headroom to avoid low frequency distortion and smearing.
An optional footswitch control lets you bypass the sub conveniently.
A ground lift prevents errant noise from the circuitry, ensuring clean, noise-free operation.
Being able to hear your material with or without the sub at a tap of the foot is a great feature especially for low end balancing in the mix.
The low end itself is ample and tight thanks to the aramid glass woofer and class D amplification.
Take note that the unit is supposed to have a protective grille. I’ve seen forum posts about theirs not shipping with one so to ensure this, only order from reputable distributors.
The footswitch is also a godsend to those that need to switch on subs on the fly.
- Frequency Response: 27Hz-156Hz (-10dB)
- Crossover Frequency: 60โ90Hz selectable crossover
- Max SPL: 117 dB SPL @ 1m
- Power Rating: 160W Class D amplifier
- Driver: 8″ Cone Type
- Input Connectors: 2 x XLR, 2 x 1/4″, 1 x Dual RCA inputs (Stereo)
- Output Connectors: 2 x XLR, 2 x 1/4″, 1 x Dual RCA Stereo
- Controls: Volume, Crossover, Input Sensitivity, Polarity, Standby, Ground Lift
- Dimensions: 16.06″ x 14″ x 15″
- Weight: 34.5 lbs.
Yamaha HS8S
With the Yamaha HS8S versatility and clarity, this space-saving compact subwoofer should be your first option for your home or project studio.
Pros:
- Punchy low end
- Compact size perfect for small studios
- Handles a wide variety of genres
- Can feel anemic at quieter volumes
- May be too small for larger studios
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Weighing in at just 27.6 lbs, this compact subwoofer great for home studio use, with just the right balance of power and quality, while taking up very little space.
It has a 150-watt amplifier that drives a relatively small 8″ speaker and features low and high pass filter switches that let the speaker handle different types of music.
The Yamaha HS8S continues to best most of its competition with its high ratings. It has the right combination of features for different use cases from home studio recording, audio production, to large studios. From tight punchy bass frequencies to room rumbling sub frequencies, its versatility is impressive especially with the additional controls for filtering.
The low punch feels a bit weak at lower volume settings, but with moderate to loud levels, it just gels together with studio monitors, provided they’ve been tweaked to match them. Bigger mixing rooms, however, might be too much for a sub of this size.
The HS series monitors tend to have less low-frequency range than most of their competitors, so augmenting them with a matched subwoofer gets you a great, fast-resolving monitor setup.
- Frequency Response: 22 Hz to 150 Hz
- Crossover Frequency: Can be adjusted between 80 Hz and 120 Hz.
- Max SPL: Not Specified
- Power Rating: 150 Watts
- Driver: 8″ Cone Type
- Input Connectors: 2 x XLR, 2 x 1/4″
- Output Connectors: 2 x XLR
- Controls: Phase switch, Low Cut switch, Low Cut control (80-120Hz) High Cut control (80-120Hz)
- Dimensions: 13.8″ x 11.8″ x 15.3″
- Weight: 27.6 lb.
Genelec 7040A
If you’re looking for a tight sounding sub with a lot of tweakability for your small to medium size studio, the Genelec 7040A is a great pick for its transient response and translatability.
At publication time, this was the equal highest rated studio subwoofer under $1000, along with the KRK S10.4.
Pros:
- Tight and accurate response helps mix translation
- Great amount of customization
- Compact size aids positioning
- May be too small for large control rooms
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While the Genelec 7040A was designed to complement their 8000 series studio monitors, it’s tweakable enough to be used with monitors from other brands as well.
The 7040A’s Laminar Spiral Enclosure features a nautilus-esque spiral chamber for precise low frequency tuning with low turbulence.
Other features include dip switches for room compensation, automatic power management and a built-in bass management system for adaptability to different rooms.
Usually, you have to compromise your playback sound to be able to have a neutral frequency response to translate.
The tightness and punch of the Genelec 7040A achieves a great balance of excellent sound quality, playback enjoyability and translatability.
For small to medium size rooms, the woofer is enough to push air without exciting excess standing waves.
As with all subs this size, it might not be able to keep up with larger rooms. But this professional subwoofer will produce its best sound quality in typical studio setups. It is easily one of the best studio monitor subwoofers for home studio setups.
- Frequency Response: 30Hz-85Hz (-6dB)
- Crossover Frequency: Can be adjusted between 80 Hz and 120 Hz.
- Max SPL: 100 dB SPL @ 1m
- Power Rating: 150 Watts
- Driver: 6.5″ woofer
- Input Connectors: 2 x XLR
- Output Connectors: 2 x XLR
- Controls: DIP switch for room response adjustments, active crossover
- Dimensions: 13.8″ x 11.8″ x 15.3″
- Weight: 27.6 lb.
Best Studio Subwoofers under $2000
Focal Sub6 Red
The Focal Sub6 Red is a top-tier subwoofer that has more than enough low frequency push to satisfy even the most discerning bassheads.
At publication time, this was the best studio subwoofer under $2000.
Pros:
- Synergizes easily with different monitors
- Tight, accurate bass
- Excellent transient response
- A bit pricey for small studios
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Don’t let the number ‘6’ fool you; the Focal Sub6 Red has a 10.6″ woofer in its enclosure. This powered subwoofer ensures full and deep bass extension.
The rear firing laminar port is designed for maximum linearity. Couple this with a gorgeous wood finish and you have a top-tier subwoofer.
The Sub6 has an effect of gluing together your entire speaker system. It has a nice and consistent frequency and transient response that almost makes it “disappear” from your perception.
Even with the large diameter of the LF driver, the transient response remains excellent. There isn’t anything I would call a negative when it comes to audio quality and performance, but the price does put it out of reach for many.
Having a large woofer diameter pushes a lot of air while the well-engineered enclosure and material choice keeps resolution times fast for tighter and more accurate sound. If you’re looking for something more compact but has the same audio quality, then you may want to look at the Focal Sub One.
- Frequency Response: 30Hz – 250Hz
- Crossover Frequency: Can be adjusted between 80 Hz and 120 Hz.
- Max SPL: 116dB SPL
- Power Rating: 150 Watts
- Driver: 10.6″ W composite sandwich cone driver
- Input Connectors: 2 x XLR
- Output Connectors: 2 x XLR
- Controls: Adjustable subwoofer level. Low-pass cut-off frequency setting, Phase adjustment, Polarity adjustment, Subwoofer switch (mute), 2.1 โBypassโ (external remote control), High-pass frequency selection, Releasable high-pass
- Dimensions: 4.94″ x 13.56″ x 17.31″
- Weight: 50.7lb
Neumann KH 750
The Neumann KH 750 is an excellent and flexible choice for extending the low end in a small control room. Its attention to quality and performance is second to none, making it an ideal complement to smaller studio monitors.
Pros:
- Versatile DSP
- Premium build quality
- Fantastic low end accuracy
- Very customizable
- Expensive
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The Neumann KH 750 is a compact subwoofer that extends the low end in a small control room. It pairs seamlessly with smaller studio monitors like Neumann’s KH 120, offering unique features and flexibility.
The onboard 2.0/0.1 Bass Manager allows versatile system configurations, giving you control over your low-frequency output.
The fourth-order DSP crossovers provide precise control over frequency distribution, enabling seamless integration with your existing studio monitors.
The Neumann KH 750’s clear and precise sound quality makes it ideal for studio monitoring. Fine-tune the subwoofer’s integration with your room for optimal performance, ensuring you can adapt it to different acoustic environments.
Some users find the Neumann KH 750 relatively expensive compared to other subwoofers in its class. However, the quality justifies the cost for many.
If you’re after accurate bass reproduction, this subwoofer won’t disappoint!
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-300Hz
- Crossover Frequency: 80Hz
- Max SPL: 105 dB SPL @ 1m
- Power Rating: 256W
- Driver: 10″ Long-throw with Pressed-steel basket
- Input Connectors: 2 x XLR
- Output Connectors: 2 x XLR
- Controls: Low Cut, Input Ground Lift, Subwoofer Gain Output Level, Subwoofer Input Gain, Subwoofer Phase, Bass Management, Control Mode
- Dimensions: H 15.1″, W 13″, D 15.1″
- Weight: 43 lbs.
Things To Consider When Buying a Studio Monitor Subwoofer
What is a Studio Subwoofer
A studio subwoofer is a specialist speaker made to accurately and precisely reproduce low-frequency “bass” sounds. It is meant to complement standard studio monitor speakers to let you hear the full range of frequencies of the tracks you’re working on. They allow you to better evaluate low-end frequencies in your audio recordings, so you can make educated judgments about the mix and clarity of your track.
Crossover Frequency and Integration
The frequencies below the crossover are the ones that go to the subwoofer. To get the best results, the crossover frequency control should be set where your main monitors start to roll off. Most studio subwoofers come with switchable crossover frequencies, which makes integration and matching with your main monitors easier. This feature makes it easier to combine a professional studio subwoofer with most studio monitors without issue.
Frequency Response
This specification pertains to the frequencies that the subwoofer can handle. For casual listening, you’ll often want the lowest possible volume (via bass port), but for music production and studio monitoring, too much bass is not ideal. This is why a slightly higher frequency response is preferred for better clarity, allowing you to really hear your recordings and make correct adjustments. Compared to studio monitors, which require flat frequency response, subwoofer monitors are more bass-focused.
Power Rating
Power rating dictates the overall loudness or volume of the unit. If you want to avoid tiring your ears while monitoring, or you prefer not to bother your neighborhood, you’ll want one that has just the right volume to get the job done. You also want to avoid going for maximum power levels, as you may damage your studio subwoofer.
Having a larger sub operating at a sub-optimal level also prevents it from reproducing the low frequencies accurately. Note that most setups don’t have dedicated amps for monitors, so they require an active subwoofer. Unlike passive subwoofers, an active subwoofer can produce sound waves via its built-in amp without the need for an external amplifier.
Speaker Size
In live sound reinforcement, the bigger the loudspeakers are, the better the subwoofer can handle deeper frequencies. However, this is not necessarily needed for studio monitoring; while some prefer bigger speakers for the extra low-end thump, others go for smaller speakers with their added warmth and clarity.
Like Power Rating, operating at the most optimal level is the key to better clarity. Smaller rooms would be better with smaller subwoofers, while larger, treated studios will benefit from larger subs with improved bass response. This is the reason big subs like the SVS SB-1000, Mackie MRS10, or the JBL LSR310s are better for bigger studios.
Positioning
Low frequencies are omnidirectional, meaning they are not as position-dependent as midrange and high frequencies. However, you still have to consider where you’ll be putting them in your studio. The usual placement is on the floor, right around the center of your two main monitors, but there are no hard rules since studio rooms vary widely.
It is best to try the speaker in different positions until you find one with the smoothest and cleanest sound. If you get floor vibration and reflections, you can gain greater stability by using a low-to-the-ground best studio monitor stand, perfect for subwoofers.
The goal is not to over-emphasize the bass but to make it clearer and easier to listen to so you can make correct adjustments as you mix and work on your tracks. Also, consider putting some distance between your speakers and your other gear, including your computer, main audio interface, instrument amplifiers, and more. It’s hard to expect clarity if your speaker is near a noisy fan or a possible source of interference. Make sure you have the necessary speaker cable type (usually XLR cables) and the right length to achieve optimal positioning.
Best Studio Subwoofers Selection Methodology
The first edition was published in 2017.
To come up with our initial best studio subwoofer selection, we looked into all the studio subwoofers available from major online retailers in the USA that were priced under $2,000. We selected the 25 most promising models, which represented big brands like Adam Audio, Presonus, Focal, Yamaha, KRK, Genelec, and more. We then did further analysis – you can see them in our Music Gear Database.
For this edition, we gathered the most recent relevant ratings and reviews and ended up analyzing over 4,900 sources. We fed these into the Gearank Algorithm, which gave us rating scores out of 100, which we then used to select the highest-rated options to recommend in this guide. For further details about our methods, see How Gearank Works.
About the Author and Contributors
Here are the key people and sources involved in this guide’s production – click on linked names for information about their music industry backgrounds.
Lead Author & Researcher
Contributors
Alexander Briones: Supplemental Writing
Jerry Borillo: Product Research.
Jason Horton: Editing and Illustrating.
Media / Image Credit
Main/Top Image: By Gearank.com using photographs of the Focal Sub6 Red and Yamaha HS8S.
The individual product images were sourced from websites, promotional materials, or supporting documentation provided by their respective manufacturers.
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Comments:
7 responses
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The following subs came off our recommended list when we published the November 2022 Edition:
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Publication of our October 2021 Edition resulted in the following subwoofers coming off the recommended list above:
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Our November 2020 update resulted in the ADAM Audio Sub8 coming off the recommended list above.
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As a result of our November 2019 update the following subs came off our recommended list above but you can still read our analysis of them:
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The following subwoofer was removed from our recommendations above when we updated this guide in February 2018: Behringer Nekkst K10S.
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Today we removed the Mackie MR10Smk3 from the recommendations above due to a lack of availability. You can still read our Mackie MR10Smk3 Meta Review.
Studio Gear Guides
Disclosure
Author & Contributors
Raphael Pulgar
I've been an audio engineer for 20 years specializing in rock and metal recordings. I also play guitar and produce original music for my band and other content creators.
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