Do you want to enhance the audio output of your gadgets?
If yes, a subwoofer can help you achieve that. It reproduces low pitch frequencies which even a normal woofer can’t reproduce. With a subwoofer, you can get an excellent audio output over the entire audio frequency range starting from the lower frequencies.
When you purchase a subwoofer, the question which arises is, should you get a wired subwoofer or a wireless one?
The only way out is to compare the wired vs wireless subwoofer to determine which one is better. Our post below will do exactly that. We will not only highlight the differences but also help you understand which one suits your needs better. The comparison is on various parameters so that you can get a holistic view of wired and wireless subwoofers.
1. Signal to noise ratio:
The signal-to-noise ratio refers to the quantum of the signal compared to noise. Every subwoofer produces some noise. However, you need to find out if a subwoofer has a high signal-to-noise ratio. A higher signal-to-noise ratio is an indicator of excellent audio output.
In most cases, the introduction of noise into the signal results during transmission.
The wired connection can certainly provide a better signal-to-noise ratio. It is less susceptible to any interference due to its closed transmission line. Even though Wi-Fi or infrared transmissions are pretty reliable but they are not as insulated as wires from any interference. Therefore, the signal quality of a wired subwoofer is better.
2. Versatility:
The wired subwoofer has its own limitations. You need to ensure that the wires can reach the spot where you’re installing it. If the wires are not available in that spot, you would first have to install them. That might require drilling or using clips to install the wires. The wiring certainly limits the spots to installing a wired subwoofer.
A wireless subwoofer on the other hand is easy to install. As long as you place it in the infrared or the Wi-Fi range, you can use it easily. Moreover, the range of these connectivity mechanisms is expandable. It means that a wireless subwoofer is much more versatile than a wired one. You can install it indoors and outdoors. On the basis of versatility, a wireless subwoofer certainly scores over a wired one.
3. Reliability:
What would you do if your Wi-Fi network goes down?
In that case, the wireless subwoofer would be of no use. You would have to switch over to a hotspot or wait for the Internet services to resume. If you want to use the wireless subwoofer during this time, it is not easy. While your Wi-Fi network might go down occasionally but you cannot say 100% that it would never go down. This fact makes reliability an important differentiating factor between both options.
A wired subwoofer on the other hand faces no such problems. The wires are highly reliable. You can use it 24/7 without having to worry about its connectivity, speed, and range. The wired subwoofer is certainly a more reliable option.
A wired subwoofer on the other hand faces no such problems. The wires are highly reliable. You can use it 24/7 without having to worry about its connectivity, speed, and range. The wired subwoofer is certainly a more reliable option.
4. Installation mechanism:
No points for guessing which subwoofer wins this round.
Wireless subwoofers are much easier to install. There is no need to drill or install the wires to the spot where you’re installing them. It ensures that installation is more economical and time-saving. You simply need to place the wireless subwoofer wherever you want. Once you pair it with the infrared or the Wi-Fi network, it is good to go. The wired ones however require you to first install the wires. It might take some time and is comparatively costly.
The easy installation mechanism of the wireless subwoofer helps it outscore the wired one.
You may also read: Review and Buying Guide of Best in Wall Subwoofer
5. Cost:
Another stark difference between the wired and wireless subwoofers is their cost.
Needless to say, the wireless subwoofer is costlier than a wired one. The difference starts at $ 100 and can go all the way up to thousands of dollars. If you’re on a strict budget, a wired subwoofer is a better choice. Even with the cost of installation, a wired subwoofer would be more affordable for you.
On the other hand, if you need convenience and do not mind spending extra, you should go with the wireless subwoofer.
One thing that you need to keep in mind is that the audio response of a wired and wireless subwoofer is the same. These differ on the points highlighted above. It is necessary to choose one which suits your requirements. We aim to provide a holistic view of these subwoofers and their differences to help you make a buying decision.
Michael Evanchuk is a San Francisco-based sound engineer with 20 years’ experience installing, troubleshooting, and repairing commercial, automotive, and household sound equipment. Evanchuk owns an auto stereo center, where he offers highly competitive car audio installation and repair services. He has written dozens of articles on different sound engineering topics, all of which have been published in leading journals, blogs, and websites.
