Polk Audio PSW10 vs SVS SB-1000

Last updated: September 19, 2026

Short answer: the SVS SB-1000. It ranks #1 of 48 subwoofers by sound quality, rated 3.9/5, at $500. The Polk Audio PSW10 ranks #17, rated 3.4/5, at $249, $251 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.

Polk Audio PSW10 vs SVS SB-1000

The case for the Polk Audio PSW10: 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.

Worth knowing: the Polk Audio PSW10 is discontinued, though it still ranks #17 of 48 subwoofers by sound quality, so a used unit beats most of what is still sold new.

Buy the SVS SB-1000. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $251 you would save on the Polk Audio PSW10 does not close the gap.

Want more options? Browse the full Subwoofers rankings.

Buy the Polk Audio PSW10 at Amazon ($249.00) →

Specifications Side By Side

Polk Audio PSW10 SVS SB-1000
Price$249.00 Discontinued$500 Discontinued
Ranked#17 of 48 in Small Home Subwoofers (Under 30 lbs)#1 of 48 in Small Home Subwoofers (Under 30 lbs)
Enclosureported, frontsealed
Output SPL at 31.5 Hz96.1 dB107.4 dB
Output SPL at 40 Hz104.7 dB111.9 dB
Output SPL at 50 Hz109.7 dB118.1 dB
Output SPL at 63 Hz113.8 dB118.6 dB
Output SPL at 80 Hz113.1 dB116.5 dB
Output SPL at 100 Hz112.2 dB-
Output SPL at 125 Hz110.7 dB-
CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz)110.3 dB116.3 dB
Dimensions14.4"H x 14"W x 16.1"D (365.0 x 355.6 x 409.4 mm)13.5"H x 13"W x 14"D (342.9 x 330.2 x 355.6 mm)
Weight26 lbs (11.8 kg)26.9 lbs (12.2 kg)
Warranty5/35
Cabinet Colorblackblack, white
CountryUnited StatesUnited States
Measurement SourceErinsAudioCornerBrent Butterworth
Drivers10" (254mm) driver12" (305mm) driver
DiscontinuedYesYes
Output SPL at 20 Hz-95.5 dB
Output SPL at 25 Hz-103.1 dB
Output SPL at 16 Hz-91.5 dB
Buy the Polk Audio PSW10 at Amazon ($249.00) →

More worthwhile head-to-heads for SVS SB-1000:

Prices on this page were last checked September 23, 2026 at 11:24 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

Polk Audio PSW10: $249.00 Discontinued Amazon eBay

Polk Audio PSW10 ranking card

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 $249 entry-level positioning. Discontinued.

Full Polk Audio PSW10 review and specifications →

CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz)110.3 dB
Cabinet Colorblack
CountryUnited States
Dimensions14.4"H x 14"W x 16.1"D (365.0 x 355.6 x 409.4 mm)
DiscontinuedYes
Drivers10" (254mm) driver
Enclosureported, front
Measurement SourceErinsAudioCorner
Output SPL at 31.5 Hz96.1 dB
Output SPL at 40 Hz104.7 dB
Output SPL at 50 Hz109.7 dB
Output SPL at 63 Hz113.8 dB
Output SPL at 80 Hz113.1 dB
Output SPL at 100 Hz112.2 dB
Output SPL at 125 Hz110.7 dB
Warranty5/3
Weight26 lbs (11.8 kg)
Check current price at Amazon ($249.00) →Search eBay for Polk Audio PSW10 →

SVS SB-1000: $500 Discontinued eBay

SVS SB-1000 ranking card

Pros: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 95.5 dB at 20 Hz and 116.3 dB through 40-80 Hz. The sealed enclosure with 12” (305mm) driver delivers substantial upper-bass output for movie effects and music.

Cons: Deep-bass output is more limited than the strong 40-80 Hz result suggests, so it is not the right choice when the lowest movie effects are the priority. The 342.9H x 330.2W x 355.6D mm cabinet and 12.2 kg mass still require deliberate placement and calibration. Discontinued.

Notes: Discontinued 2021-02-25 when SB-1000 PRO was released.

Full SVS SB-1000 review and specifications →

CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz)116.3 dB
Cabinet Colorblack, white
CountryUnited States
Dimensions13.5"H x 13"W x 14"D (342.9 x 330.2 x 355.6 mm)
DiscontinuedYes
Drivers12" (305mm) driver
Enclosuresealed
Measurement SourceBrent Butterworth
Output SPL at 16 Hz91.5 dB
Output SPL at 20 Hz95.5 dB
Output SPL at 25 Hz103.1 dB
Output SPL at 31.5 Hz107.4 dB
Output SPL at 40 Hz111.9 dB
Output SPL at 50 Hz118.1 dB
Output SPL at 63 Hz118.6 dB
Output SPL at 80 Hz116.5 dB
Warranty5
Weight26.9 lbs (12.2 kg)
Search eBay for SVS SB-1000 →