RMS stands for Root Mean Square and refers to the continuous power handling capacity of a speaker or subwoofer, or how much continuous power an amplifier can output. It is the average power that the speaker can handle over time without being damaged. RMS values are usually lower than peak watts ratings, but they represent what a unit is truly capable of handling. In other words, RMS power is the average power that a speaker can handle on a daily basis without compromising sound quality or experiencing any distortion. Peak power handling, on the other hand, refers to the maximum power level that the speaker is capable of utilizing in short bursts. For example, a speaker with a 30W RMS rating but a peak rating of 60W means that speaker can comfortably run with 30 watts of continuous power, with occasional bursts of up to 60W. When matching speakers or subwoofers to amplifiers, it is important to compare either two RMS values or two peak ratings.