Short answer: the Polk Audio PSW10. It ranks #3 of 42 subwoofers at $249; the Onkyo SKW-204 ranks #6 and costs $299, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The case for the Polk Audio PSW10: 10-inch Dynamic Balance polymer composite driver with 100W Peak Class D amp. Set against that: Budget-tier construction, ported room dependency, lower 110.3 dB output, and $250 entry-level positioning.
One note: the Onkyo SKW-204 is discontinued, but it still ranks #6 of 42 subwoofers, ahead of most of what is still sold new, so it is worth considering used.
Buy the Onkyo SKW-204 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
| Onkyo SKW-204 | Polk Audio PSW10 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 Discontinued | $249.00 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #6 of 42 in Small Powered Home Subwoofers (Under 30 lbs) | #3 of 42 in Small Powered Home Subwoofers (Under 30 lbs) |
| Enclosure | ported, front | ported, front |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 71.3 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 84.1 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 97.3 dB | 96.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 102.7 dB | 104.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 108.0 dB | 109.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 113.6 dB | 113.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 115.4 dB | 113.1 dB |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 109.9 dB | 110.3 dB |
| Dimensions | 18.62"H x 10.81"W x 16.87"D (472.9 x 274.6 x 428.5 mm) | 14.37"H x 14.0"W x 16.12"D (365.0 x 355.6 x 409.4 mm) |
| Weight | 26 lbs / 11.8 kg | 26 lbs / 11.8 kg |
| Cabinet Color | black | black |
| Country | Japan | United States |
| Measurement Source | Brent Butterworth | ErinsAudioCorner |
| Discontinued | Yes | Yes |
| Drivers | 10" (254mm) driver | 10" (254mm) driver |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | - | 112.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | - | 110.7 dB |
| Warranty | - | 5/3 |
The Two Speakers In Full
Onkyo SKW-204: $299 Discontinued
Cons: Discontinued.
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 109.9 dB |
|---|---|
| Cabinet Color | black |
| Country | Japan |
| Dimensions | 18.62"H x 10.81"W x 16.87"D (472.9 x 274.6 x 428.5 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 10" (254mm) driver |
| Enclosure | ported, front |
| Measurement Source | Brent Butterworth |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 71.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 84.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 97.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 102.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 108.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 113.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 115.4 dB |
| Weight | 26 lbs / 11.8 kg |
- Buy Used
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- 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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- See all 9 comparisons
- 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.