|  Powered Monitor Speakers (Otherwise known as "Active Monitors") combine a powered audio amplification circuit path with one or more speakers.
Unpowered Monitor Speakers (Otherwise known as "Passive Monitors") require an additional power-amplifier to send appropriate level signals to power the speakers.
Subwoofers are generally unpowered, and are used to pump out the low end bass tones (Subwoofers are tuned to the audio wavelength range under 200 hertz)
Monitor speakers are generally less powerful/loud than Live Sound PA Speakers (Public Address Speakers), but more accurate (They have a more even response across the audio wavelength spectrum). Monitor Speakers are most commonly used in studio recording setups or on-stage, pointed back at the performers to help them monitor an approximate of what the PA (Mains) are pumping out to the crowd.
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