Short answer: the Polk Audio PSW10 for the higher ranking, the Monoprice SW-12 for the lower price. The Polk Audio PSW10 ranks #3 of 42 subwoofers at $249. The Monoprice SW-12 ranks #32 at $230, $19 cheaper.
What the Monoprice SW-12 gets right: 12-inch ported with 400W RMS (600W peak) on a budget at just $230. Hits hard with clean tight transient response. The catch: Entry-level build quality, ported enclosure room interaction, and lower 112.3 dB output capability.
On the Polk Audio PSW10 side: 10-inch Dynamic Balance polymer composite driver with 100W Peak Class D amp. The catch: Budget-tier construction, ported room dependency, lower 110.3 dB output, and $250 entry-level positioning.
One note: the Polk Audio PSW10 is discontinued, but it still ranks #3 of 42 subwoofers, ahead of most of what is still sold new, so it is worth considering used.
Buy the Monoprice SW-12 if the price matters more than the ranking. Buy the Polk Audio PSW10 if the ranking matters more than the price.
Specifications Side By Side
| Monoprice SW-12 | Polk Audio PSW10 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $230 | $249.00 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #32 of 137 in Medium Powered Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) | #3 of 42 in Small Powered Home Subwoofers (Under 30 lbs) |
| Enclosure | ported, bottom | ported, front |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 84.6 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 96.7 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 105.1 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 109.2 dB | 96.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 113.0 dB | 104.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 113.7 dB | 109.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 116.9 dB | 113.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 117.0 dB | 113.1 dB |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 115.2 dB | 110.3 dB |
| Dimensions | 14.9"H x 18.3"W x 19.1"D (378.5 x 464.8 x 485.1 mm) | 14.37"H x 14.0"W x 16.12"D (365.0 x 355.6 x 409.4 mm) |
| Weight | 50.7 lbs / 23.0 kg | 26 lbs / 11.8 kg |
| Warranty | 1 | 5/3 |
| Cabinet Color | black | black |
| Country | United States | United States |
| Measurement Source | Brent Butterworth | ErinsAudioCorner |
| Frequency Response | 35-150Hz, -10dB | - |
| Power Output (Watts) | 400W RMS / 600W peak | - |
| Drivers | 12" (305mm) driver | 10" (254mm) driver |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | - | 112.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | - | 110.7 dB |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
The Two Speakers In Full
Monoprice SW-12: $230 Amazon
Pros: 12-inch ported with 400W RMS (600W peak) on a budget at just $230. Hits hard with clean tight transient response. Variable crossover and volume controls for setup flexibility. Speaker-level and line-level inputs for easy integration.
Cons: Entry-level build quality, ported enclosure room interaction, and lower 112.3 dB output capability.
Notes: Product # 41498
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 115.2 dB |
|---|---|
| Cabinet Color | black |
| Country | United States |
| Dimensions | 14.9"H x 18.3"W x 19.1"D (378.5 x 464.8 x 485.1 mm) |
| Drivers | 12" (305mm) driver |
| Enclosure | ported, bottom |
| Frequency Response | 35-150Hz, -10dB |
| Measurement Source | Brent Butterworth |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 84.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 96.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 105.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 109.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 113.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 113.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 116.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 117.0 dB |
| Power Output (Watts) | 400W RMS / 600W peak |
| Warranty | 1 |
| Weight | 50.7 lbs / 23.0 kg |
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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- Links
Polk Audio PSW10: $249.00 Discontinued Amazon
Pros: 10-inch Dynamic Balance polymer composite driver with 100W Peak Class D amp. Deep bass capabilities are impressive with exceptional definition/control per CNet. Reduces distortion (uncommon at this price). Good hard clean bass performs well at higher volumes. Easy setup and affordable price consistently highlighted by thousands of buyers. Polk Power Port channels airflow cleanly for tighter bass without port noise. Best for average/small rooms and apartments.
Cons: Budget-tier construction, ported room dependency, lower 110.3 dB output, and $250 entry-level positioning. Discontinued.
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 110.3 dB |
|---|---|
| Cabinet Color | black |
| Country | United States |
| Dimensions | 14.37"H x 14.0"W x 16.12"D (365.0 x 355.6 x 409.4 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 10" (254mm) driver |
| Enclosure | ported, front |
| Measurement Source | ErinsAudioCorner |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 96.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 104.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 109.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 113.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 113.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | 112.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | 110.7 dB |
| Warranty | 5/3 |
| Weight | 26 lbs / 11.8 kg |
- Buy Used
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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- Links
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Product prices and availability were last checked August 9, 2026 at 6:57 AM UTC 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.