Which subwoofer box should I buy?

Finding the best subwoofer box for your audio system

If you've ever felt like the audio coming from your car stereo or home theater doesn't sound right, or that the bass is lacking, you need a subwoofer box. Whatever style of music you prefer, adding a subwoofer and box to your audio system can get you the clear, rich sound you’ve always wanted.

There are four main types of subwoofer closures to choose from — sealed, ported, bandpass and free-air — each with its pros and cons.

Purpose of a subwoofer

A subwoofer’s main purpose is to deliver lower sound frequencies, around 20 to 200 hertz, to create bass-rich audio. They excel at delivering the raw feeling of the bass and sub-bass you typically hear in movies and music, such as:

Bass guitars
Explosions in movies and other sound effects
Drums
Deeper voices
Pipe organs

A standard speaker system can still let you hear the bass, but a subwoofer amplifies the audio so you feel it on a more visceral level. This is what makes them so popular.

Types of subwoofer boxes

A subwoofer box is a closure that houses the subwoofer. Many come with a box, but it might not capture the sound or give you the feeling you’re looking for.

The main box types are:

Sealed: A sealed box completely encloses the subwoofer in an airtight container. As the audio plays, the bass is tighter and has less boom, giving the listener a more precise sound. These are often small and require additional power.
Ported: These boxes incorporate a small vent, called a port, which provides a louder or richer bass sound. Ported closures are ideal for anyone who enjoys rock 'n' roll since they can deliver a deeper bass sound through the vent.
Bandpass: This type of closure takes the main features of sealed and ported boxes and combines them. The subwoofer sits inside an airtight box that faces a chamber with a vent in front of it. The soundwaves coming from the ported side are louder than those of other boxes and have a narrower frequency range for maximum slam. Some subwoofers aren’t compatible with this type.
Free-air: Although not a box, this design uses a vehicle’s trunk as the enclosure. It only works with free-air subwoofers, but it’s good for pumping up the bass without taking up much space.

Box size

Most subwoofers are around 8 to 15 inches, so make sure the box has a cutout or hole that accommodates it well. Besides being able to fit the subwoofer, the size of the closure can affect:

The quality and loudness of the bass coming through the audio system. A larger closure, for example, has more air space inside. This means it can capture a deeper bass sound better.
Where you install the subwoofer. If you have ample room in a home theater, you can use a larger box. But if you want to put it in a car with more limited space, a smaller one is better.

A sealed subwoofer is usually better for those with limited room or who only want one device. Ported subwoofers, meanwhile, are ideal for home theaters or larger areas.

Construction

Most subwoofer closures have a simple design without a lot of extra components. They’re meant to be durable and produce the best possible audio, though. Common materials include:

Medium-density fiberboard
Plywood
Medite
Aluminum
Polycarbonate
Fiberglass

Most closures are a 1/2- to 3/4-inch thick. Thicker boxes are usually more durable and less likely to break.

Dual systems

In larger setups, such as home theaters, the best audio comes from having two or more subwoofers. Some boxes can fit multiple subwoofers into a single chamber for:

More dynamic audio
Minimal distortion
Decreased output compression
More accurate, cleaner bass

If you have a smaller space or are using it in the car, go with a single subwoofer system.

Mounting

Many subwoofers have a dedicated piece that lets you position and screw it into the closure. If the box is not thick enough to be mounted, though, it could make it tricky to install.

Best subwoofer boxes and subwoofers

Bbox Dual Sealed 12-Inch Subwoofer Enclosure

This sealed box consists of medium-density fiberboard and is highly durable. It amplifies bass at a low frequency, making it perfect for low-profile subwoofers. It also has recessed side panels that are airtight to prevent rattling and enhance the audio quality.