Best Active Subwoofers of 2026

Jerry Franklin Avatar
Jerry Franklin
Last Updated: Jan 13, 2026

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Active subwoofers are a type of speaker that is designed to reproduce low-frequency sound, such as bass and drums. Unlike passive subwoofers, active subwoofers have an internal amplifier, which means they don't require an external amplifier to function. This makes them a convenient choice for those who want to add some extra thump to their sound system without having to invest in additional equipment. Active subwoofers are available in a range of sizes and power ratings, so it's important to choose one that is appropriate for the size of the room and the type of music being played.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Edifier T5 Powered Subwoofer Cover #TOP 1
Edifier T5 Powered Subwoofer
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Edifier T5s 8" Powered Subwoofer Cover #TOP 2
Edifier T5s 8" Powered Subwoofer
ftb score rating icon 9.7
SVS 3000 Micro Subwoofer Cover #TOP 3
SVS 3000 Micro Subwoofer
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 8 Active Subwoofers

Edifier T5 Powered Subwoofer

Black
T5 Subwoofer
Edifier T5 Powered Subwoofer Cover
Edifier T5 Powered Subwoofer - 70w RMS Active Woofer with 8 inch Driver and Low Pass Filter

The Edifier T5 Powered Subwoofer features an 8" speaker driver that delivers powerful sound with highly accurate, distortion-free bass, and a low pass filter with a frequency response down to 38Hz to supplement your speakers' great high and mid-range with bass you can really feel. It also comes with a thick MDF wooden enclosure, which offers reduced acoustic resonance for better audio quality. The auto standby feature helps you save on electricity by ensuring the woofer is not unnecessarily using up power when it's not being used.

What We Like
Economical and well-made
Function-rich features
Deep, rich bass
Easy installation and adjustments
Compact design
#TOP 2

Edifier T5s 8" Powered Subwoofer

CAUSAM-T5S-BLACK
Black
Edifier T5s 8" Powered Subwoofer Cover
Edifier T5s Powered Active Subwoofer with 70W RMS, 8" Long-Throw Woofer, Deep Bass (35Hz) Speaker, Built-in Amp, Low Distortion, Phase Selector & Energy-Efficient for Home & Studio Audio, Black

The Edifier T5s Subwoofer delivers deep, powerful bass with its 8-inch long-throw woofer and 70W RMS output, making it perfect for enhancing your home audio or theater experience. You can easily fine-tune the sound by adjusting the low-pass filter and phase selector, ensuring it blends smoothly with your existing speakers. Its slim, compact design fits comfortably in any room without taking up much space, while the sturdy MDF cabinet reduces unwanted vibrations for clear, tight bass. Plus, the smart auto-standby feature helps save energy by powering down after 15 minutes of inactivity, providing both convenience and efficiency.

What We Like
Powerful 8-inch bass
Adjustable low-pass filter
Compact, space-saving design
Energy-saving auto-standby
#TOP 3

SVS 3000 Micro Subwoofer

SVS
3000MICROPIANOBLK
Piano Gloss Black
8-Inch
SVS 3000 Micro Subwoofer Cover
SVS 3000 Micro Sealed Subwoofer with Fully Active Dual 8" Drivers (Piano Gloss Black)

The SVS 3000 Micro Subwoofer features dual 8-inch drivers with NBR surrounds and copper voice coil winding, generating room-filling sound pressure levels with speed and accuracy. The overhung motor configuration provides precise woofer control at all drive levels, while the proprietary ferrite motor system offers high-flux-density magnetic fields to minimize power compression and distortion. The FEA optimized powder-coated frames provide maximum rigidity, thermal conductivity, and mechanical damping.

What We Like
Precise woofer control at all drive levels
Generates room-filling sound pressure levels with speed and accuracy
Minimizes power compression and distortion
Provides maximum rigidity, thermal conductivity, and mechanical damping
#TOP 4

Yamaha 8" 100W Powered Subwoofer

NS-SW050BL
Black
8 Inch (Pack of 1)
Yamaha 8" 100W Powered Subwoofer Cover
YAMAHA 8" 100W Powered Subwoofer - Black (NS-SW050BL)

The Yamaha 8" 100W Powered Subwoofer in black adds a stylish touch to any room while delivering clear and tight bass with its new twisted flare port and Advanced YST II. Its 8" cone woofer and dynamic power of 100W (5 ohms) provide an immersive audio experience for music, movies, and games.

What We Like
Rich and clear sound
Compact size, space-saving
Easy setup process
Good value for price
Flexible placement options
#TOP 5

BESTISAN Powered Subwoofer

SW65D
Black-1
4.21 Kg
BESTISAN Powered Subwoofer Cover
Powered Subwoofer, Bestisan 6.5" Active Home Audio Subwoofer in Compact Design for Receiver,Deep Bass in Black

The BESTISAN Powered Subwoofer features a 6.5" woofer with a continuously variable 60-250hz crossover and 40-250hz frequency response, delivering extra bass and punch to your sound system. It offers LFE and line inputs for compatibility with most receivers and bookshelf speakers, and can be connected to a laptop and soundbar. The side-firing woofer has a high rigidity PVA treated cone and a bass reflex cabinet design with vibration absorbing feet. Additionally, the subwoofer comes with a lifetime technical support guarantee from Bestisan.

What We Like
Compact design
Compatible with most receivers and bookshelf speakers
Can be connected to a laptop and soundbar
High-quality sound with extra bass and punch
Lifetime technical support guarantee
#TOP 6

Audioengine S8 8-Inch Powered Subwoofer

S8-BLK
Black
Wired
Audioengine S8 8-Inch Powered Subwoofer Cover
Audioengine S8 Powered Subwoofer - 8 Inch Subwoofer, 250W Down Firing Speakers for PC, Home Theaters, Movie Lovers & Studios, Wireless Ready with Sleep Mode

The Audioengine S8 Subwoofer delivers powerful 250-watt sound, making it perfect for home theaters and movie fans who want rich, immersive audio. Its compact design lets you place it easily in any room, and if you want to cut the cords, you can add a wireless kit for more freedom. The subwoofer also includes a smart sleep mode that saves energy by turning off automatically when not in use, so you don’t have to worry about wasting power. Plus, its down-firing speaker design produces deep bass that fills your space with resonant, high-quality sound, enhancing your overall listening experience.

What We Like
Powerful 250W output
Compact and easy placement
Energy-saving sleep mode
Deep, resonant bass
#TOP 7

Audioengine S6 6-Inch Powered Subwoofer

S6-BLK
Black
10 Inch
Audioengine S6 6-Inch Powered Subwoofer Cover
Audioengine S6 Powered Subwoofer - Mini 6 Inch 210 Watt Front-Firing TV Speaker for Music and Movie Lovers

The Audioengine S6 Subwoofer is a compact yet powerful addition to your home theater setup. Its 6-inch driver delivers strong, front-firing bass, giving you an immersive sound experience whether you're watching movies or listening to music. With 210 watts of power, it ensures deep, rich bass that enhances every audio detail. The slim design allows it to fit easily into your living space without taking up much room, making it perfect for modern homes. Plus, as an active subwoofer, it offers clear and seamless sound, so you get a smooth and enjoyable audio performance every time.

What We Like
Compact, space-saving design
Powerful 210 Watt output
Deep, rich bass quality
Active, seamless audio

Yamaha 10" 100W Powered Subwoofer

NS-SW100BL
Black
Yamaha 10" 100W Powered Subwoofer Cover
Yamaha Audio 10" 100W Powered Subwoofer - Black (NS-SW100BL)

The Yamaha 10" 100W Powered Subwoofer is an excellent choice for those who want clear and tight bass. It features a new twisted flare port and Advanced YST II (Yamaha Active Servo Technology II) that delivers superior sound quality. With a 10” cone woofer, this subwoofer is perfect for enhancing your music listening experience. Plus, its stylish design makes it a great addition to any room in your home.

What We Like
Excellent sound quality
Great build and design
Deep, impactful bass
Affordable price point
Compact size, powerful output
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is an active subwoofer better?

However despite all the advantages of passive subwoofers, however, active subwoofers still tend to be the more popular choice. They produce a deeper, more impactful sound, and don't require the purchase or use of any extra components or parts.

2. What is the difference between an active and powered subwoofer?

Active subwoofers, also known as powered subwoofers, include their own power source, such as a built-in amplifier. Active subwoofers are easy to set up and are best used in a single subwoofer configuration. Because of this, placement is more important with active subwoofers.

Editor's Notes

During our active subwoofer research, we found 24 active subwoofer products and shortlisted 8 quality products. We collected and analyzed 34,516 customer reviews through our big data system to write the active subwoofers list. We found that most customers choose active subwoofers with an average price of $244.09.

The active subwoofers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of active subwoofers, including Edifier, SVS, Yamaha, BESTISAN, Audioengine. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 323 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Jerry Franklin Avatar

Jerry Franklin's persistent curiosity and research inspire a love of writing how technical things work and help him build a wealth of knowledge in computer equipment and other electronic tools. He has always enjoyed great pleasure in taking all things apart and researching how to put them together again since his childhood.