Polk Audio is a renowned maker of all things audio, from speakers for your home to your car. If you’re considering buying a Polk Audio subwoofer, there are plenty of choices. Many of their subwoofers are suitable for home theaters, with modern, sleek designs that also complement the space.
Our top pick for the best Polk Audio subwoofer is the Polk Monitor XT12 Powered Subwoofer. It’s a large 12-inch subwoofer with high-quality bass, perfect for a medium to large home theater room. It’s perfect for those who may already be using the speakers from the brand, but it can also work with other brands.
The Polk React 7-Inch Wireless Subwoofer is an advanced, compact subwoofer with seamless wireless connectivity, including Alexa compatibility. It’s for smaller spaces that may not be suitable for a large subwoofer.
If you’re looking for one with a high-watt amplifier, the Polk Audio HTS 12 Subwoofer should be your choice. Its amplifier’s wattage is 400 W.
Now, without further ado, let’s review this brand’s top five subwoofer models.
Best Polk Audio Subwoofer 2024
Polk Monitor XT12 Powered Subwoofer
The Polk Monitor XT12 Powered Subwoofer is the best model from the brand, as it produces a tremendous quality of bass at frequencies as low as 24 Hz. It’s powered by a 12-inch woofer and a 100W amplifier. As a result, the sound is distortion-free, perfect for watching movies, listening to music, or playing games in a home theater space.
The design is simple, with an MDF enclosure and grainy black finish. What makes it the best is that it’s compatible with a wide range of systems, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. With just the right input options, you can use it with different speakers to create the best surround sound system.
Specifications
| LOW-FREQUENCY | 24Hz |
| AMPLIFIER TYPE | Class A/B |
| AMPLIFIER POWER | 100W |
| WOOFER | 12-inch |
| ENCLOSURE TYPE | Bass Relfex |
| INPUTS | RCA, LFE, nickel-plated 5-way binding posts |
| HEIGHT | 16.4″ |
| WIDTH | 16.0″ |
| DEPTH | 17.9″ |
| WEIGHT | 39 lbs / 17.7 kg |
| FINISH | Black |
Key Features
- 12-inch dynamically balanced woofer
- Sturdy MDF enclosure with a removable grille that delivers distortion-free sound
- 100 W Class A/B amplifier for independent power
- Three types of inputs for increased compatibility
- Built-in volume control, variable crossover (80 to 160 Hz) and phase polarity (0/180)
- Made in the US
This subwoofer is a powerful one, featuring a 12-inch woofer and 100W amplifier. As it’s a powered subwoofer, so it doesn’t rely on the speaker’s amplifier. As a result, the sound is high-quality.
The construction of the sub is durable, built with MDF. The non-resonance cabinet doesn’t rattle even when the sub produces deep bass.
It can be paired with other Polk Audio speakers to achieve the desired surround system for home theater. However, thanks to its input options, you can also use it with other brands. Secondly, the variable crossover and phase polarity allow it to adjust the bass according to your particular system.
Furthermore, it can work with receivers with Dolby Atmos or DTS:X. The company recommends using two for a more profound surround sound system. That shouldn’t still be economical as this model is pretty reasonably priced.
Pros
- High-quality bass
- Great value for money
- Zero distortion
- Ideal for large rooms
Con
- Bulky and heavy
Polk Monitor XT12 Powered Subwoofer
The Polk Monitor XT12 features a long-throw, high excursion 12″ Dynamically Balanced Woofer, powered by a 100W Class A/B Amplifier that delivers bass as low as 24Hz, adding more impact to your music, movies, and games
Polk Audio HTS 12 Powered Subwoofer
The Polk Audio HTS 12 Powered Subwoofer offers the best sound among a wide range of the brand’s latest subwoofers. Like the Polk Monitor XT12, the HTS 12 also features a 12-inch woofer but with a 400 W amplifier. However, it’s a more polished model with a better-looking exterior.
In addition to great sound, this subwoofer can also elevate the look of the home theater or studio. It’s ideal for those who don’t just want a simple black box for a subwoofer and want something more aesthetic-focused. It has a beautiful finish and a unique base design.
Specifications
| LOW-FREQUENCY | 22 Hz |
| AMPLIFIER TYPE | Class D |
| AMPLIFIER POWER | 400W |
| WOOFER | 12-inch, front-firing long throw |
| ENCLOSURE TYPE | Bass Reflex |
| INPUTS | 2 RCA (Stereo-line level), LFE |
| HEIGHT | 18.5″ |
| WIDTH | 17.1″ |
| DEPTH | 18.1″ |
| WEIGHT | 49.9 lbs / 22.6 kg |
| FINISH | Washed Black Walnut |
Key Features
- 12-inch, front-firing, long-throw woofer with Dynamic Balance Technology
- Power Port Technology for deeper, distortion-free bass
- LFE and stereo line level inputs that offer increased compatibility
- Smooth, textured finish of the cabinet with rounded corners
- Volume, phase, and low pass controls on the rear for easy adjustability
The HTS 12 Subwoofer has a 12-inch woofer with what the brand calls Dynamic Balance Technology. It helps produce three-dimensional bass that creates a surround sound experience in the home theater.
This is paired with their patented Power Port Technology, which is incorporated in the design with open space at the bottom. It moves air from the speaker into the listening area, creating a richer bass with zero to minimal distortion or turbulence.
You have full control of the bass with built-in controls for volume, phase, and low pass. All these controls are conveniently placed on the back of the sub so they don’t ruin the aesthetics of the cabinet. It can easily cover a medium to large room up to roughly 500 sq. ft.
It’s compatible with any home theater system, so you don’t have to worry about only having Polk Audio speakers.
Pros
- High-quality, dynamic bass
- No distortion
- Ease of control
- Beautiful look
Cons
- A bit pricey
- Too powerful for smaller spaces
Polk React 7″ Wireless Subwoofer
The Polk React 7-Inch Wireless Subwoofer is a compact, wireless subwoofer, ideal for creating a home theater space in small apartments. Although small, it produces a deep bass with its 7-inch long-throw woofer.
This one looks more like a speaker, so it will seamlessly blend with the other speakers in the system and takes up minimal space. It comes with the Bass Adjust technology that automatically adjusts bass according to the speaker when paired with Polk’s soundbar.
Although it’s part of the React System, you can use it independently, thanks to its wireless connectivity.
Specifications
| WOOFER | 7-inch long throw |
| INPUTS | 2 RCA (Stereo-line level), LFE |
| HEIGHT | 16.5″ |
| WIDTH | 8.6″ |
| DEPTH | 13.7″ |
| WEIGHT | 16.5 lbs / 7.5 kg |
| FINISH | Black |
Key Features
- 7-inch long-throw woofer with Bass Adjust EQ feature
- Connects wirelessly with sound system and Polk React Sound Bar
- Streamlined design with space-saving compact body
- Compatible with Amazon’s Alexa voice command technology
This small 7-inch subwoofer is designed to be used with the Polk React Sound Bar, which is ideal for small spaces. You can use it with other speakers. It is wirelessly connected to the system, similar to using a wireless speaker with your TV.
The highlight feature of this subwoofer is the Bass Adjust EQ that automatically adjusts the bar’s settings so that the additional bass doesn’t result in resonance or distortion. Of course, this feature works with the React series speakers, so it’s best if the sub is used with a sound bar from the same brand.
Another great thing about this small Polk Audio subwoofer is that it can work with Alexa. So you’ll be able to run it using voice commands. This is a nice, modern touch that you wouldn’t find on many subwoofers that typically have wired connections and onboard buttons.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- High-quality sound
- Auto adjusted bass
- Easy to use
Cons
- Works better with React soundbar
- Only for small spaces
Polk Monitor XT10 Home Subwoofer
The Polk Monitor XT10 Home Subwoofer is a fine subwoofer at an affordable price, making it great value for money. This has a 10-inch woofer and a 100 W amplifier, so it can easily cover a large home theater room.
This Polk Audio subwoofer is compatible with various receivers, including those enabled with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. In addition, thanks to the various controls and inputs, it can fit well into virtually any sound system. The bass is deep and clean with no distortion because of the cabinet’s build.
The all-black subwoofer stands out, making it a stylish option for uplifting the home theater.
Specifications
| LOW-FREQUENCY | 24 Hz |
| AMPLIFIER TYPE | Class D |
| AMPLIFIER POWER | 100W |
| WOOFER | 10-inch |
| ENCLOSURE TYPE | Bass Reflex |
| INPUTS | Stereo-line level, LFE RCA |
| HEIGHT | 15.7″ |
| WIDTH | 11.9″ |
| DEPTH | 16.6″ |
| WEIGHT | 27.2 lbs / 12.3 kg |
| FINISH | Black |
Key Features
- 10-inch dynamically balanced woofer with ultra low-frequency response
- 100 W peak amplifier for maximum bass impact without relying on speakers
- Compatible with Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro 3D
- Volume, variable crossover, and phase polarity controls for adjusting bass to your liking
- Flexibility in inputs for increased compatibility with different home audio systems
The Polk Audio XT10 Home Subwoofer is just a slightly smaller version of the XT12, powered by a dynamically balanced 10-inch woofer. However, its design is quite different from the XT 12, as it doesn’t have a grille. It has a rectangular cabinet with permanent feet.
As a powered subwoofer, it can produce deep bass with a frequency response as low as 24 Hz. It can work seamlessly with many speakers and receivers, so you don’t necessarily need Polk Audio speakers. Furthermore, you can fine-tune the bass with the onboard controls on the rear, such as phase polarity and variable crossover.
It has stereo line level and LFE RCA input options, allowing you to incorporate it into different sound systems. In terms of price, it’s more on the affordable side, especially when compared with premium brands.
Polk Audio subwoofers have no distortion, and this model is no different.
Pros
- Deep, powerful bass
- High compatibility
- Two input options
- Allows easy fine-tuning
Con
- Not ideal for spaces larger than 400 sq. ft
Polk Audio HTS 10 Powered Subwoofer
The Polk Audio HTS 10 Powered Subwoofer is best for medium-sized home theaters. It comprises a 10-inch front-firing woofer and 200 W amplifier. It’s the 10-inch version of the HTS 12, so you’ll find the same features but at a lower price as this is smaller.
But don’t let the difference of two inches lead you to believe that this can’t produce a powerful, ground-shaking bass. The low-frequency response of this sub is comparable with that of premium subwoofers.
Specifications
| LOW-FREQUENCY | 22 Hz |
| AMPLIFIER TYPE | Class D |
| AMPLIFIER POWER | 200W |
| WOOFER | 10-inch, front-firing long throw |
| ENCLOSURE TYPE | Bass Reflex |
| INPUTS | 2 RCA (Stereo-line level), LFE |
| HEIGHT | 18.5″ |
| WIDTH | 17.1″ |
| DEPTH | 18.1″ |
| WEIGHT | 37.7 lbs / 17.1 kg |
| FINISH | Washed Black Walnut |
Key Features
- 10-inch, front-firing, long-throw woofer for deep, room-filling bass
- Power Port Technology for less turbulence and far-reaching impact
- 200 W peak power Class D amplifier
- Phase toggle (0 to 180 degree) and low pass filter for increased control and tuning
- Smooth finish on the cabinet
The HTS 10’s woofer features the Dynamic Balance Technology, which is ideal for creating a surround sound home theater system. It fills the room with its Power Port Technology, which utilizes a patented design in the construction of the subwoofer. Air passes through the bottom, reducing turbulence in the sub.
With two types of inputs, this Polk Audio subwoofer ensures universal compatibility. No matter what speakers and receivers you use in your home audio system, this subwoofer will find its place in between them. You can further fine-tune the bass with the control, strategically placed on the back to keep its look clean.
Pros
- High-quality, deep bass
- Good for medium-sized rooms
- No resonance or distortion
- Aesthetically-pleasing design
Con
- Pricey
Final Thoughts
Polk Audio is a trusted choice as it’s been in the business for a long time. If you’ve decided to go with a Polk Audio subwoofer, our top recommendation is the Polk Monitor XT12 Powered Subwoofer. It’s a big, powerful sub with a minimalistic look that will work seamlessly with any audio system. The bass is impressive, and you can adjust it to your taste or requirements as per the space.
Polk Monitor XT12 Powered Subwoofer
The Polk Monitor XT12 features a long-throw, high excursion 12″ Dynamically Balanced Woofer, powered by a 100W Class A/B Amplifier that delivers bass as low as 24Hz, adding more impact to your music, movies, and games
We suggest using the Polk React 7” Subwoofer, preferably with the soundbar, for small spaces like bedrooms or compact living rooms in apartments. It can help turn your TV into a theater-like experience.
Polk Audio subwoofers don’t have premium prices, but if you find them expensive, go with the budget-friendly Polk XT10. It’s good for those who want to create a home theatre on a small budget.