Short answer: the KRK S8.4. It ranks #42 of 73 subwoofers by sound quality, rated 3.3/5, at $369; the Sonos Sub Mini ranks #47, rated 3.2/5, and costs $399, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
The case for the KRK S8.4: The 8” studio subwoofer in KRK’s fourth generation, with a glass aramid woofer, a 109W Class D amplifier and a four-position crossover for pairing with Rokit monitors. Watch for: No independent measurements yet, so its output can’t be compared directly with ranked subwoofers; the rating is estimated from KRK’s measured 12S (117.1dB in the 40 to 80Hz CEA-2010 bands).
What the Sonos Sub Mini does well: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 82.4 dB at 20 Hz and 106.4 dB through 40-80 Hz. The catch: Deep-bass output is limited relative to its midbass result, so it is not the right choice for the lowest movie effects.
Buy the KRK S8.4. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Sonos Sub Mini and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Worth knowing: the KRK S8.4 has not been measured yet. Its rating is estimated from related models, with a likely range of 2.9 to 3.6, so treat this verdict as provisional.
Want more options? Browse the full Subwoofers rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| KRK S8.4 | Sonos Sub Mini | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $369.00 | $399.00 |
| Ranked | #42 of 73 in Small Home Subwoofers (Under 30 lbs) Estimated | #47 of 73 in Small Home Subwoofers (Under 30 lbs) |
| Dimensions | 11”H x 16.1”W x 11.5”D (279 x 410 x 292 mm) | 12”H x 9.1”W x 9.1”D (305.1 x 230.1 x 230.1 mm) |
| Country | United States | United States |
| Warranty | 3 | 1 |
| Enclosure | ported | sealed |
| Drivers | 8” glass aramid composite woofer | 2x 6” (152mm) driver |
| Amplifier Power | 109W Class D | - |
| Frequency Response | 34-133Hz ±3dB (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Maximum SPL | 113dB (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Weight | 26.5 lbs (12 kg) | 14.1 lbs (6.4 kg) |
| XLR Input | Yes | - |
| AES Input | No | - |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | - | 82.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | - | 89.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | - | 97.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | - | 103.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | - | 104.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | - | 108.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | - | 109.5 dB |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | - | 106.4 dB |
| Cabinet Color | - | black, white |
| Measurement Source | - | Brent Butterworth |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More top alternatives to KRK S8.4:
- Klipsch Flexus Sub 100 vs KRK S8.4
- Sony Bravia Theater Sub 8 vs KRK S8.4
- Sonos Sub Mini vs Andover Audio SpinSub
- Sonos Sub Mini vs Definitive Technology Descend DN8
- Sonos Sub Mini vs Yamaha NS-SW100
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
KRK S8.4: $369.00 Estimated Amazon Sweetwater eBay
Same family: the KRK S10.4 (larger subwoofer, estimated 3.6/5) and the KRK S12.4 (larger subwoofer, estimated 3.9/5). See every KRK S Subwoofers generation.
Pros: The 8” studio subwoofer in KRK’s fourth generation, with a glass aramid woofer, a 109W Class D amplifier and a four-position crossover for pairing with Rokit monitors. Rated 34 to 133Hz (±3dB) and 113dB.
Cons: No independent measurements yet, so its output can’t be compared directly with ranked subwoofers; the rating is estimated from KRK’s measured 12S (117.1dB in the 40 to 80Hz CEA-2010 bands). An 8” driver gives up deep bass and output to larger subs.
Full KRK S8.4 review and specifications →
| Released | 2021 (5 years ago) |
|---|---|
| AES Input | No |
| Amplifier Power | 109W Class D |
| Country | United States |
| Dimensions | 11”H x 16.1”W x 11.5”D (279 x 410 x 292 mm) |
| Drivers | 8” glass aramid composite woofer |
| Enclosure | ported |
| Frequency Response | 34-133Hz ±3dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Maximum SPL | 113dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Warranty | 3 |
| Weight | 26.5 lbs (12 kg) |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Sonos Sub Mini: $399.00 Amazon eBay
Same family: the Sonos Sub 4 (larger subwoofer, ranked higher, estimated 3.7/5). See every Sonos Sub generation.
Pros: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 82.4 dB at 20 Hz and 106.4 dB through 40-80 Hz. The sealed enclosure with 2x 6” (152mm) driver is best suited to upper-bass support in a modest room.
Cons: Deep-bass output is limited relative to its midbass result, so it is not the right choice for the lowest movie effects. The 305.1H x 230.1W x 230.1D mm cabinet and 6.4 kg mass still need deliberate placement and calibration.
Full Sonos Sub Mini review and specifications →
| Released | Sep 2022 (4 years ago) |
|---|---|
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 106.4 dB |
| Cabinet Color | black, white |
| Country | United States |
| Dimensions | 12”H x 9.1”W x 9.1”D (305.1 x 230.1 x 230.1 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 6” (152mm) driver |
| Enclosure | sealed |
| Measurement Source | Brent Butterworth |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 82.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 89.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 97.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 103.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 104.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 108.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 109.5 dB |
| Warranty | 1 |
| Weight | 14.1 lbs (6.4 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Independently measured by Brent Butterworth; the published figures above come from this ASR subwoofer measurement thread.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons