REL Acoustics PL-1 Slim Wireless Powered Subwoofer - Gloss White

What You Need to Know

What is the Planar PL-1, and what does it do?

A subwoofer is a speaker built for the lowest sounds—the deep bass you feel as much as hear. Most subwoofers are big boxes that sit on the floor and take up real space. The REL Planar PL-1 takes a different path. It's only 5.7 inches deep, so it can hang flat on a wall or sit close to one, almost like a framed panel instead of a bulky cube.

The PL-1 is the smaller of REL's two new Planar subwoofers (the larger one is the PL-2). It's a powered subwoofer, which means the amplifier is built right inside—you don't need a separate amp to run it. Inside the slim cabinet are two front-firing 6.5-inch active drivers (the cones that move to make sound) paired with a 10-inch passive radiator on the back. A passive radiator has no motor of its own; it's a tuned cone that the active drivers push through the air inside the cabinet, adding deeper, fuller bass than a thin box would normally manage.

REL has been a respected name in subwoofers for years, known for bass that's fast and tuneful rather than just loud. The Planar PL-1 brings that REL approach into a shape that fits modern rooms.

Why does it matter? How does it improve your listening?

The big idea is real bass without the big box. The PL-1 is designed to work close to the wall behind it. REL calls this boundary effect coupling—the wall reinforces the low frequencies, so a slim cabinet can fill a room with bass it normally couldn't on its own.

You also get flexible placement. Hang it on the wall with the included bracket, set it near a wall, or add the optional Planar Cart to roll it around and find the best spot. That matters because where a subwoofer sits has a big effect on how the bass sounds.

It's wireless, too. The PL-1 includes REL's AirShip Direct system, which sends the bass signal through the air instead of a long cable across your room. It comes paired from the factory—no app, no setup software. Keep in mind it still needs a power cord, so it isn't completely cable-free, but it removes the signal cable that usually has to snake across the floor.

REL says the PL-1's dual active drivers and passive radiator reach down to 31 Hz, which is deep, room-filling bass for music and movies alike. It can also be used in multiples (a line array) for bigger rooms.

What are reviewers saying?

The Planar series is brand new—it began shipping in 2026—so full lab reviews are still coming. Here's the verified early coverage:

We'll add full professional reviews here as they publish.

Is the Planar PL-1 right for you?

You want deep bass but don't have floor space for a big subwoofer box.

You like a clean, modern room and want your sub to hang on the wall or sit flat against it.

You want to skip the long signal cable and connect your subwoofer wirelessly.

You're adding bass to a two-channel music system, a home theater, or a setup built around in-wall or in-ceiling speakers.

You rent or rearrange often and want placement options—wall, near-wall, or rolling cart.

How does it connect to your system?

The PL-1 gives you the connection types REL is known for, so it works with almost any system:

High-Level input (Neutrik Speakon) — This is REL's signature connection. It takes a signal from your amplifier's speaker terminals, so the subwoofer "hears" the same sound as your main speakers for a natural blend. The Speakon is the locking plug REL uses for this.

Low-Level input (RCA) — A standard line-level connection for preamps and processors that have a dedicated output.

LFE input (RCA) — The connection for the ".1" low-frequency channel from a home theater receiver or processor, for movie bass and effects.

AirShip Direct wireless — Included and pre-paired, so you can send the signal wirelessly instead of running a cable.

Keep in mind the PL-1 still needs a power outlet nearby, and if you're not wall-mounting it, REL's optional Planar Cart is the recommended way to stand it on the floor. If you'd like help choosing inputs or planning placement, give us a call at 800-942-0220.

What's in the Box

• REL Planar PL-1 subwoofer
• AirShip Direct wireless transmitter (pre-paired)
• On-wall mounting bracket
• Power cable
• Grille (cloth and/or premium wood options are available; confirm which is included vs. sold separately with REL before publishing)

Professional Reviews

The Planar PL-1 is a recent release. We've limited this section to verified launch coverage and will add full professional reviews as they publish.

Pairs Well With

Building your system? Here are some great companions.

• The REL Planar Cart — If you're not wall-mounting, REL's optional cart is the recommended way to stand the PL-1 on the floor and roll it to the best spot. Browse our REL Acoustics lineup.
• A replacement or upgrade grille — The PL-1 offers interchangeable cloth and premium wood grilles to match your room. We carry them in finishes for your sub.
• Floorstanding or bookshelf speakers — A subwoofer blends best with the right main speakers. Browse our speakers.
• Speaker and subwoofer cables — For high-level or LFE connections if you're not going wireless. See our cables.

Features & Specifications

Ultra-Slim Cabinet for Wall or Near-Wall Placement

At just 5.7 inches deep, the PL-1 hangs on the wall with the included bracket or sits close to one. It brings real bass to rooms where a traditional subwoofer box would dominate the floor.

Dual Active Drivers Plus a Passive Radiator

Two front-firing 6.5-inch long-throw FibreAlloy active drivers do the work, and a rear-firing 10-inch FibreAlloy passive radiator adds depth. The passive radiator has no motor—it's a tuned cone moved by air pressure inside the cabinet—so you get fuller, deeper bass from a shallow box.

Boundary Effect Coupling

The PL-1 is designed to work with the wall behind it. The wall reinforces the low frequencies, which is how such a slim cabinet can fill a room with bass.

300-Watt Pure Class D Amplifier

The built-in 300-watt Class D amplifier powers the drivers efficiently and runs cool. Class D is a modern amplifier design that delivers strong output without a lot of heat or bulk.

AirShip Direct Wireless Included

REL's AirShip Direct wireless system comes in the box and arrives pre-paired from the factory. It sends the bass signal through the air—no long signal cable across the room, no app, no setup software. (A power cord is still needed.)

REL High-Level, Low-Level, and LFE Inputs

A High-Level Neutrik Speakon input lets the sub take its signal from your amplifier's speaker terminals for a natural blend with your main speakers. Low-Level RCA and LFE RCA inputs cover preamps, processors, and home-theater receivers.

Flexible, Line-Array Capable

Use one PL-1, or use several together in a line array for bigger or more even bass across a larger room.

Two Lacquer Finishes

Choose Piano Black Lacquer or Gloss White Lacquer, each with five coats for a deep, furniture-grade shine. Interchangeable cloth and wood grilles let you fine-tune the look.

Quick-Reference Specifications

Why Audio Advisor?

Want to learn more about subwoofers and how to get great bass in your room? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.