A subwoofer plays an important role in any serious home multimedia system. Today, the market offers a variety of models of these devices from many brands. Among them, small subwoofers take up little space and are not inferior to conventional models.
After reading my review, you can choose a mini subwoofer that will fit perfectly into your room, especially if it is not too big. I have analyzed quite a number of models and selected the most interesting, in my opinion. So, let’s save time and get to the most exciting part!
Small subwoofers comparison table
| Name | Power, W | Driver size, inch. | Frequency response | Dimensions, inch (HxWxD) | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Klipsch R-100SW best overall | 150 | 10 | 32Hz-120Hz | 14.5×12.5×16.4 | Review |
| Yamaha NS-SW050 budget | 100 | 8 | 28Hz-200Hz | 11.5×11.5×13.4 | Review |
| SVS SB-1000 Proalso a great choice | 300 | 18 | 24Hz-260Hz | 13.5x13x14 | Review |
We don’t recommend
Definitive Technology SuperCube 2000
Cons
- Absence of crossover frequency and signal phase adjustment on the subwoofer.
- Limited setting options for adjustment.
- This model is outdated in comparison to other products on the market.
- It has to be installed on a stand.
Best Compact subwoofer reviews
Klipsch R-100SW – best overall
Bass enthusiasts who value highly resilient technology and room-filling low-frequency reproduction have always been in good hands with the US provider Klipsch. The look is typical for this manufacturer, which has been refined in detail compared to previous generations and is now quite attractive. The copper-colored cerametallic membrane not only looks good, but the material is also extremely durable and light. It can become your best compact powered subwoofer for home theater.
The R-100SW housing incorporates a speaker using the same technology as these models. It is an IMG (Injection Molded Graphite) membrane transducer composed of injected graphite and a thin layer of copper, particularly light and rigid. This bass-reflex box thus offers a leading transient regime.
Klipsch R-100SW subwoofer is powerful due to its 150 watts RMS amplifier (300 watts peak) manages to deliver up to 112 dB of sound level at 32 Hz, at a distance of one meter. Enough to guarantee thrills when watching action films, in a living room of 200 to 300 ft. The R-110SW is therefore not only suitable for use in the living room – where it can still be used well due to its reasonable dimensions – but also for a dedicated home cinema. Here it also scores in larger rooms, up to a good 250 square feet, it can be used in single woofer operation.
The R-100SW subwoofer offers a variable cutoff frequency of 40 Hz to 120 Hz, as well as an electrical phase adjustment (0 or 180). The power-up can be triggered on an incoming signal but also forced. An asset that prevents the subwoofer from waking up too late when it is on standby after the action has started.
Klipsch R-100SW wins my review because of its high quality at a low price. The company’s developments are unique and patented, which is why their products are so popular among users. It is impossible to go wrong with Klipsch. This model has a slim design, so it can easily be installed in any convenient place for you. It doesn’t need to be hidden – it’s beautiful. Also, the R-100SW is versatile for both home theater systems and music. If you’re forgetful, the power save mode will turn off the sub when unused. Its 150W RMS data and sound level of up to 112dB at 32Hz is enough to make your entire living room rumble, but it’ll be too loud in a small room.
Key specs
- Power (RMS), W: 150.
- Driver size, inch: 10.
- Frequency response: 32Hz-120Hz.
- Dimensions, inch (HxWxD): 14.5×12.5×16.4.
Pros
- This is a slim home theater subwoofer of decent quality.
- It has a power-saving idle mode that turns the subwoofer off.
- This model has RCA and LFE line-in inputs.
Cons
- It is not very loud.
Yamaha NS-SW050 – budget
For a long time, the cinema was considered the only way to experience films in an authentic atmosphere. Especially in terms of sound, you just could not get close to the powerful soundscape of the cinemas at home. However, a lot has happened, and subwoofers such as the NS-SW1000 from Yamaha are now easily bringing that great cinema feeling home – it also has excellent musical qualities.
The Yamaha NS-SW050 subwoofer has 50 watts of power to drive a high-quality 8-inch diameter speaker. It is the smallest subwoofer for home, which you will not find it difficult to move from one place to another to enjoy favorite movies in different rooms. Moreover, it is enough to effectively support a pack of compact home cinema speakers in the bass and increase listening pleasure tenfold, both for music and for movies.
The Yamaha NS-SW050 subwoofer incorporates a 50-watt amplification. The proprietary Yamaha Advanced YST II technology ensures very good control of the loudspeaker that thus offers a particularly linear response, from 28 Hz to 200 Hz. The loudspeaker of 8 inches in diameter sits in the front position in an extremely rigid cabinet. It benefits from a bass reflex load and adopts a new generation vent developed by Yamaha called Twisted Flare Port. It is a spiral tube that channels the airflow to optimize the flow for more responsive bass and limit unwanted airflow noise.
On the connection side, the Yamaha NS-SW050 subwoofer is extremely simple since it has a single LFE input (RCA mono). It can, therefore, only be associated with an amplifier or a chain equipped with a pre-amplified SUB or LFE output. The rear panel also houses the ignition button and the volume potentiometer.
The Yamaha NS-SW050 is not only the best budget option in my review but also a subwoofer for small rooms. You should immediately consider this to avoid disappointment. The model has an 8-inch speaker and 50W power; even at full volume, it sounds weak. However, Yamaha is a reliable global brand characterized by quality, even when it comes to cheap equipment. So, regarding sound quality, you can rest assured you’ll hear the details of a song played by a bass guitar or drums without the risk of blending into a single pileup.
Key specs
- Power (RMS), W: 100.
- Driver size, inch: 8.
- Frequency response: 28Hz-200Hz.
- Dimensions, inch (HxWxD): 11.5×11.5×13.4.
Pros
- It is suitable for a small and medium-size room.
- Wonderful bass and sound quality.
- Reliable world-known brand.
Cons
- Very feeble sound even at full volume.
SVS SB-1000 Pro – also a great choice
The SVS SB-1000 PRO subwoofer features a 12″ driver and 325W RMS amplifier. With an enclosure size of 13″, it offers leading performance with frequency response down to 20Hz. Specialist in subwoofers, SVS offers a complete range, covering all uses, from living room hi-fi to home cinema large format in a dedicated room. The SVS SB-1000 PRO’s unique size is definitely an achievement, but you’ll have to pay a high price for it.
This model features the innovations needed for high performance in a small package. The cone, suspension, voice coil, and motor have been improved, so the SVS SB-1000 Pro has very accurate dispersion. The Sledge STA-325D amplifier from the flagship series is simply superb. The high power is provided by the 50 MHz Analog Devices Audio DSP amplifier, which has fine-tuned the frequency response specifically for the SB-1000 Pro. The result is the best small subwoofer for music.
The SVS SB-1000 PRO subwoofer amplifier delivers up to 820W peak and shows no signs of weakening, even under extreme use. The strong MDF enclosure ensures that no unnecessary noise is kept out or absorbed, keeping the woofer steady inside and providing anti-vibration. Resonance is also kept in check by the screw-in isoelastomer feet and the reinforced internal bracing of the cabinet.
The back panel is studded with buttons and connectors for your convenience. There are level controls, a low-pass filter, a phase control (you can match the sub’s output timing to the main speakers or additional subwoofers), and an RCA Audio Interconnect input. For those who like to collect obsolete equipment, there’s a USB port (the SVS SoundPath audio adapter can be powered through it) and stereo speaker-level inputs for use with legacy receivers.
Another great feature of the SB-1000 PRO is that you can control it from a smartphone app. SVS for subwoofers not only allows you to adjust the volume but also provides access to DSP functions. You can even program multiple presets for yourself and other family members or different movie and music genres. Convenient is not the word. It’s definitely a step into the future.
With the only “drawback” in my review – high relative to other models’ cost, SVS SB-1000 PRO has advantages that are beyond competition in this rating. First, it is a unique design, where the 12″ woofer is placed in a 13″ cabinet. At the same time, there is no extra kick from the enclosure. You have a desirable compact design and the power of a beast that will suit even a movie full of battle scenes, explosions, or racing. In music, it’s clear as an arrow and hits your ears and heart the way bass should. All of this is made possible by SVS’s constant innovation. This particular model uses an amplifier from the flagship series, so you reach 20 Hz with ease. And the cherry on the cake is full control and customization from your smartphone.
Key specs
- Power (RMS), W: 300.
- Driver size, inch: 12.
- Frequency response: 24Hz-260Hz.
- Dimensions, inch (HxWxD): 13.5x13x14.
Pros
- You receive clear, accurate, and detailed sounds.
- Nice compatibility with various devices.
- You will not spend a lot of time to install it.
Cons
- It is not suitable for large rooms.
Jamo S 810 SUB
Part of the Jamo Studio 8 speaker range, the S 810 SUB subwoofer shares its aesthetic codes and adopts a slender line to facilitate its integration, its flat box allowing it to be placed on the wall or to slide it under a sofa.
The Jamo S 810 SUB subwoofer embeds a class D amplification whose high efficiency compensates for the power that may seem modest. Admittedly, it only displays 75 watts on paper (150 peak watts), but with proof of the facts, they are very real and well used. The 10 inches Polyfibre diaphragm speaker, which benefits from a bass reflex load volume with a ground-oriented vent, is therefore supplied very efficiently. Listening to these results in a dynamic and powerful bass (110 dB sound pressure), which is easily deployed in a listening room of 250 ft or more.
The frequency range covered by the Jamo S 810 SUB subwoofer ranges from 36Hz to 180Hz, the cutoff frequency being continuously adjustable from 40 to 160 Hz. A volume potentiometer is also present. The connection to the amplifier is made only at a low level, materialized by a Line/LFE input (RCA x2). The power switch has an auto position to trigger the subwoofer when an audio signal is received, with auto standby occurring after a few minutes without receiving a signal.
Compact, very pretty, and well finished, the Jamo S 810 SUB subwoofer will effectively complement a Jamo Studio 8 home cinema speaker pack or any other compact home cinema speaker pack thanks to its efficient amplifier/speaker combination.
The compact, very nice-looking Jamo S 810 SUB subwoofer will effectively complement the Jamo Studio 8 home theater speaker set or any other compact home theater speaker set. It is a good alternative to the budget model Yamaha NS-SW050, as it is more powerful than its competitor. But at the same time, it is inferior to the latter in terms of frequency characteristics. Given the reputation of the brand and customer reviews, which I tend to believe, I’m not very confident in its durability, so I advise it to those who like to take risks and buy speakers that are attractive in terms of parameters but not time-tested. For audiophiles, unpretentious to frequencies, wanting more power. Jamo S 810 SUB is also for the patient because crossover control is difficult to adjust.
Key specs
- Power (RMS), W: 75.
- Driver size, inch: 10.
- Frequency response: 36Hz-180Hz.
- Dimensions, inch (HxWxD): 19.9×15.9×8.9.
Pros
- Simple installation and settings adjustments.
- Due to its small size, you will not have difficulties to place it in the room.
- Nice sound at low frequencies.
Cons
- It is difficult to adjust the crossover control.
SVS 3000 Micro
And finally, I prepared a very interesting “gizmo” for you. SVS 3000 Micro subwoofer has a pair of 8″ drivers, powered by the proprietary Sledge STA-800D2 amplifier and controlled by Analog Devices Audio DSP chip (50 MHz). The drivers withstand extremely high loads and feature extra-long cone strokes. They are made of aluminum, guaranteeing rigidity and inertia, even during active driving. Grandiose four-layer vented coils and massive ferrite magnets complete the architecture of this unit. Separately, the dual driver configuration solves the problem of uncompensated vibrations, and the amplifier operates in Class D and achieves 800 watts of long-term power, and in peaks, can deliver more than 2,500 watts (at currents up to 25 A).
The system control, including clipping limitation, cutoff frequency adjustment, etc., is implemented on the Analog Devices DSP processor. It is also responsible for a very convenient system of controlling the device via the panel on the case, as well as for the settings via a smartphone. Yes, SVS has its own app. By the way, on the patch panel, you will also find a USB port through which you can connect SVS SoundPath Wireless Audio Adapter to the subwoofer.
The undoubted pride of the SVS 3000 Micro subwoofer is its cabinet made according to the Rigidly Braced Sealed Cabinet Design scheme. Of course, it is not a slim home theater subwoofer. But it is this design that allows achieving the most accurate and textured bass.
Another feature of the SVS 3000 Micro subwoofer is a three-band parametric equalizer, which allows you to remove bass mods in acoustically unprepared rooms quickly. And a set of presets allows you to switch the unit to different modes of operation, from movies to music.
Installation of SVS 3000 Micro does not cause any problems at all – the device weighs ten kilograms, it can be easily carried by one person, and the system of settings gives you an opportunity to integrate the device into any system without any problems.
I included SVS 3000 Micro in the home theater system based on a Yamaha RX-A6A receiver and Klipsch THX Ultra2 speaker set and was stunned by the bass quality, which this ” baby” was able to deliver. Both the air combat from “Top Gun” and the battles in “Venom” were simply top-notch!
The nicest thing, however, is that amidst its thunderous action, the SVS 3000 Micro was surprisingly delicate in the details. It always expanded the room parameters on movie tracks, and in complex sound scenes, it did not mix all together into mush.
This subwoofer showed itself just as well in the transition to the musical material – “Dark Side of the Moon” by Pink Floyd got the proper foundation, and “Vicious Delicious” by Infected Mushroom got the punch and drive.
In the small case of the SVS 3000 Micro subwoofer, there is a powerful digital amplifier whose speakers produce the bass notes from 23 Hz. For such a “baby,” this is a really stunning performance. The results of my tests only confirmed its impressive capabilities. This model will finally allow joining the truly deep bottom notes even to those audiophiles who previously could not fit a large-sized device in their interior.
Nevertheless, with the SB-1000 PRO in my review, the expediency of such an expensive sub becomes an open question. The subwoofers are very similar in terms of their internal components, connection, and control capabilities. The only frank advantage of the SVS 3000 Micro is its even smaller size, with practically the same indicators. If you are a fan of unique designs and you have nowhere to throw a few hundred extra bucks – I can understand you. For the rest of us, the SB-1000 PRO is just as good, in my opinion. Especially since I don’t believe an 8″ speaker is ready to last long, delivering 800W of peak power. But maybe I’m too old-fashioned.
Key specs
- Power (RMS), W: 800.
- Driver size, inch: 8.
- Frequency response: 23Hz-240Hz.
- Dimensions, inch (HxWxD): 10.9×11.7×10.7.
Pros
- High-quality components.
- Very powerful.
- User-friendly control system.
- Rigidly Braced Sealed Cabinet Design.
- Three-band parametric equalizer and the set of presets.
Cons
- Haven’t found any.
