2 Ohm Vs 4 Ohm Subwoofer | Suggestions For Which To Buy ?

Subwoofers are used to create the needed bass effect for more immersive sound effects in home audio systems. This ability makes subwoofers distinct and different from regular speakers.

In the market, you will find that most subwoofers come with mostly two ratings- 2 Ohm or 4 Ohm. Here Ohm stands for the impedance. It refers to the effective resistance of the circuit or electric component inside the subwoofer to the Alternate current.

In simpler words, a subwoofer needs electric resistance to produce a louder and more profound bass effect.

Many buyers have a common question- whether to buy a 2 Ohm subwoofer or a 4 Ohm subwoofer.

In simple words, 2 Ohm speakers have lower electric resistance than a 4 Ohm speaker. But, it has a tendency to consume a higher amount of electricity. That means, even if a 2 Ohm speaker produces higher solemnity, the sound quality will be less than a 4 Ohm speaker.

Let’s understand in detail and get a side-by-side analysis:

2 Ohm Subwoofer Analysis

A 2 Ohm subwoofer has the maximum power when the resistance is 2 Ohms.

Pros:

• It has lower electric resistance and produces a louder and deeper bass effect.
• Since it has less electric resistance, it can get more power through the amplifie

Cons:

• Even though it produces a louder sound, the sound quality is poor
• At high volumes, often the sound distorts

4 Ohm Subwoofer Analysis

The highest resistance present inside this subwoofer is 4 Ohm. That means this subwoofer will consume less electricity and produce a better and more unmistakable sound.

Pros:

• It consumes less power and saves electricitySwitch to block editor
• Offers clearer and sharper sound
• The sound does not distort at higher volumes
• Is more robust than 2 Ohm speakers

Cons:

• The sound is often not louder like a 2 Ohm subwoofer.

Comparison

Let’s take a look at the following table to get a comparative view of 2 and 4 Ohm subwoofers:

Similarities Between the 2 Ohm vs 4 Ohm Subwoofers

• Both subwoofers are quite a good investment and produce deep bass sound effects.
• Besides that, 4 Ohm and 2Ohm subwoofers have similar price ranges.
• You can find subwoofers in different shapes and sizes alongside other features as well.
• But, to produce proper sound effects, you need to connect both these subwoofers with an external stereo or amplifier. For 2 Ohm subwoofers, you need to connect it with a 2 Ohm stereo, while for 4 Ohm subwoofers, get a 2-4 Ohm stereo.

Differences Between The 2 Ohm vs 4 Ohm Subwoofer

• Even though the 2 Ohm subwoofer produces louder sounds, it may result in sound distortion at higher volumes. Similarly, sounds with high pitches are also prone to distortions for these subwoofers. On the contrary, the 4 Ohm subwoofer produces no distortion.
• The 4 Ohm subwoofer is not louder than its 2 Ohm counterpart. But, the sound it produces is clearer and sharper.
• A 4 Ohm subwoofer consumes less electricity and saves energy also
• One of the differences between the 4 Ohm and 2 Ohm subwoofers is their longevity. A 4 Ohm sub lasts longer and offers consistent sound effects compared to the 2 Ohm model.

Which One Should You Choose?

Well, both do have their own merits and demerits. Here are a few points that can help you to choose the right option-

• A 2 Ohm subwoofer is louder, but 2 Ohm models also are more prone to distortion.
• On the contrary, a 4 Ohm subwoofer offers a deeper bass effect. It produces a clearer sound that does not distort. But it is a little quiet compared to the 2 Ohm one.
• If you want a louder sound, get a 2 Ohm subwoofer. But if you want a clear and deeper bass effect without any sound distortion, a 4 Ohm subwoofer is your best choice.
• If you intend to save some of your electricity bills, it is better to go for the 4 Ohm models. These models do not consume much electricity. On the contrary, a 2 Ohm model needs more electricity to produce louder sounds, raising your bills in the long term.
• If you want to buy something that will last longer, it is better to use a 4 Ohm subwoofer. These models usually last longer and require less maintenance than a 2 Ohm model.
• 2 Ohm subs are a little more expensive than the 4 Ohm ones. But you can always choose according to your budget.
• Likewise, you will find different models in different shapes, sizes and even colours. So, choose anyone you like!

Which Is Better: 2 Ohms or 4 Ohms Subs?

While a 2 Ohm subwoofer is louder, a 4 Ohm woofer is clearer without distortion. But both offer good sound effects. So, in the end, the choice depends on your personal preference.

How To Test 2 Ohm vs 4 Ohm Subs

If you want to know and test the subwoofer impedance, always refer to the product box or the model of the subwoofer to know the details. Most woofers come with their impedance rating mentioned.

If no such rating is provided, look for the RMS rating, it will mention either 2 Ohm or 4 Ohm.

Besides that, you can always check out the difference by hearing those two models. If a model is louder but the sound is shaky or not clear, it is a 2 Ohm subwoofer. On the other hand, a subwoofer with richer bass effects without any shaky or distorted sound is a 4 Ohm subwoofer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Both 2 and 4 Ohm subwoofers are great and offer good bass effects. While the first one offers a louder sound, the latter is clearer. But you can always choose depending on the budget and your personal preference.