Adding deep and powerful bass to your home theater setup, or your living room system, with a subwoofer can vastly improve your viewing experience. A properly integrated subwoofer will relieve the burden of reproducing sounds that could put stress on your speakers and amplifiers. Subs are good for more than just movies, they add depth and realism to music, and create visceral impact when added to a gaming audio system.
Shopping for a new subwoofer can be overwhelming at first. First, there's the sheer variety: There are dozens upon dozens of brands with many hundreds of models to choose from. Among them are a plethora of easily recognized cube-shaped subs, from sealed to ported to passive radiator designs. Beyond the cubes, there are also options for in-wall, horn loaded, DIY, and other lesser-known approaches to making deep bass such as the fan-like rotary sub.
But for most subwoofer shoppers, the standalone, self-amplified “big box on the floor” design is the go-to solution. And while you can spend thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars on subwoofer systems, most shoppers want something in a more modest price range—something that fits their budget.
A concern many shoppers have with subwoofers is that being an audio device, you’d normally want to hear and compare before buying, in practice, this is fraught with issues. Stores are not likely to have an extensive selection of subs to compare. And since with deep bass, the room is a significant factor in what you hear, not to mention the position of the sub and the listener, there’s a sizeable chance that what you hear at a store demo will not be exactly replicable in your own home. However, you can view this as a benefit. Why? Because it frees you to shop for a subwoofer online. The reason is simple: The best place to judge a sub is in your own home, and what you need from a retailer is a good return policy.
For this list, we're looking at various relatively affordable subwoofers that are available to purchase online. These models cover a wide range of capabilities, from compact sealed subs that could be a companion to a desktop or bookshelf-based 2.1 system, up to powerful ported subs that can keep up with tower speakers and home theater-worthy surround-sound systems.
There are multiple benefits to adding a good sub to your speaker system. Foremost, you get a sub to extend the bass response of your speaker system. But there are benefits beyond more, deeper bass. If you use bass management, which is standard on AV receivers, you can set a crossover point. This is the frequency where anything higher gets sent to speakers, and anything lower goes to the sub. Because bass takes more power than midrange or treble (there's more air to move) by handing bass off to a self-powered sub, you relieve your speakers and amplifier of reproducing that bass. This will often allow a system to overall reach higher output levels before they distort.
A word of advice to the sub shopper: Never be concerned with notions that a sub will add "too much bass" because one of the best features of subwoofers is their adjustability. You can tune a sub to add the exact amount of bass that you seek.
When choosing a sub, you want to consider the following factors:
Size: it's simple physics, larger subwoofers, with larger drivers, pump out more bass. However, they are harder to fit into tight spots. Another factor to consider, small subs may work well in smaller rooms, or if you don't need a lot of output. But, if you want concert or theater-like sound, or need to fill larger rooms with impactful bass sound. that will demand more output, which can be achieved with either a larger, more powerful sub, or using multiple subs.
Ported vs. Sealed: Sealed subwoofers are typically compact and can play deep, but are typically limited in terms of output at the lowest frequencies. Ported subwoofers tend to be larger, for the same driver size, but for the benefit of enhanced output down to the port tune frequency. However, they can't play deeper than the port's tuning. Still, you often get more bass per dollar out of ported designs.
Frequency Response: This is where the rubber hits the road. Some subwoofers just don't play all that deep, but that may not matter if you are using the subwoofer in a music system. For home theater, you are best off with a subwoofer that can play deep and loud.
Sealed vs. Ported Subwoofers
The subwoofers in this list fall under two categories: sealed and ported. These are the two most commonly available consumer subwoofer types, and each has benefits plus weaknesses. With a sealed sub, you get a compact cabinet and typically the ability to play deep bass notes, but at limited output levels. It is the simplest design and is well suited for systems that incorporate multiple subs.
A ported sub relies on a tuned port to amplify the output at the tuning frequency. This typically requires a larger cabinet than a sealed sub. The gains in output near the port tune frequency can be significant but come at the cost of rapidly decreasing output below the port tune. This places a practical limit on how deep a ported sub can play. But, within the range that ported subs do cover, the added bass output makes ported subs a better "decibel per dollar" value proposition—as long as you've got the space for the larger form factor.
Although you could spend thousands on a single subwoofer, for most systems, something much more modestly priced Is often more than enough. You can get a quality sealed or ported 10-inch, 12-inch, or even 15-inch subwoofer without breaking the bank, and that's what this list is here to help you do.
1. Top Choice: SVS SB-1000 Pro 12" Sealed Subwoofer
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With this sealed sub, you get tight bass in a package that'll fit into your room and blend with your decor. But that's only half the story. It'll also deliver excellent quality bass that you'll both hear and feel. It's an excellent option for multi-subwoofer surround-sound systems, or to pair up with compact stand mount speakers, like the SVS Prime Bookshelf, for a 2.1 full-range listening experience.
The SVS SB-1000 Pro features a 12” front-firing driver and is powered by an SVS Sledge STA-325D and can output up to 820-watts of power (325 W RMS). Internally, the SB-1000 Pro uses a unique vented pole piece and efficient high-power voice coil to keep it cool without affecting performance or adding noise.
SVS is famously customer focused and offers a 45 day risk-free in-home trial, along with free shipping and free returns. This allows you to determine if this is the right subwoofer for you, more so than any in-store demo could possibly achieve. You also get 60-day price protection, a lowest price guarantee when you buy from the company's site, a five year unconditional warranty, and even a one-year trade up policy that lets you get full credit for your purchase if you decide to upgrade to a high-performance model. The company's Customer Bill of Rights spells out all the ways you get superior treatment.
Key Features
2. SVS PB-1000 Pro 12" Ported Subwoofer
![Grey Audio equipment Font Gadget Electronic instrument]()
This ported subwoofer from SVS features the same 12 inch driver and 325 W RMS amplifier as the sealed SB-1000 Pro, but it sports a ported design that plays deep. This is thanks to the larger cabinet and the oversized tuned port found on this premium yet affordable subwoofer. This sub is a great choice for a surround-sound speaker system build around the Prime Satellite speakers and a Prime Center.
The SVS PB-1000 Pro's uses a vented pole piece and efficient high-power voice coil to keep it cool without affecting performance or adding noise. The SVS PB-1000 Pro is powered by an SVS Sledge STA-325D amp to get the most out of the driver, and can output up to 820-watts of power (325 W RMS). The ported design ensures plenty of output down low.
Like the SB-1000 Pro, you get the benefit of SVS customer service including the free in-home trial, price protection, trade-up policy, 5-year warranty and more. It's all outlined in the company's Customer Bill of Rights that you can check out here.
Key Features
3. Polk HTS 12
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This stylish ported sub from Polk offers impressive sound at an attractive price. It features a unique down-firing port design that reduces turbulence (thus avoiding the distortion artifact known as "chuffing" while also increasing placement options. The integrated port to even provides the subwoofer with a consistent aesthetic, with rounded edges on both the top and the bottom of the cabinet.
The Polk HTS 12 subwoofer features a front-firing long-throw 12” driver and, much like the Polk HTS 10, is accompanied by Polk’s patented Power Port Technology for deeper bass response and reduced port noise. The Polk HTS 12 features built-in controls for volume, a low-pass filter, and phase (0/180°) for optimum bass levels. The subwoofer employs a 200-watt Class D amplifier (400 W peak) and can be connected to LFE (unfiltered / low pass disabled) or stereo line level RCA inputs. The Polk HTS 12 subwoofer comes with a removable speaker grille. Warranty is 3 years for the electronics and 5 years for the driver.
Key Features
4. BIC Acoustech PL-200 II
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BIC's Acoustech PL-200 is a budget sub that makes the most of its 12" driver and dual-ported cabinet design. It's a very popular subwoofer on Amazon, garnering over 1000 reviews that are overwhelmingly positive for a 12" ported sub at this price point.
The BIC Acoustech PL-200 II features a front-firing 12” long-throw driver with dual flared front ports for smoother and deeper bass, and is powered by a 250-watt RMS BASH amplifier. The Bic Acoustech PL-200 II features an adjustable crossover, volume control, auto on/off with LED indicator and automatic signal sensing.
Key Features
5. Klipsch R-12SW
![Output device Public address system Audio equipment Loudspeaker Car subwoofer]()
Klipsch is a well-known name in the speaker business and has been around for many decades. The company also produces a full range of subwoofer models, and one of the most popular and best reviewed is this wireless, 12" ported offering. The R-12SW looks good and sounds good, is very budget-friendly considering its capability.
The Klipsch R-12SW features a 12" copper-spun IMG (injection molded graphite) front-firing woofer, powered by a 200-watt (RMS) all-digital amplifier. The subwoofer gives you control over its low-pass crossover and phase control, which allows you to blend the subwoofer’s low-frequencies with other speakers, and offers both line and LFE inputs. It also has a removable grill. The Klipsch R-12SW is compatible with the Klipsch Wireless Subwoofer Kit, though that is sold separately.
Key Features
6. Monoprice 12" 150 Watt Subwoofer
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As you might’ve guessed from its name, the Monoprice 12in features a 12” front-firing driver and is capable of producing 150 watts RMS. This subwoofer has been around for years and remains a price-performance champion at the entry-level.
The Monoprice 12" allows you to adjust gain, frequency, crossover filter, and power output, while allowing you to connect to it via high-level inputs or right/left line level inputs. As most of the subwoofers on this list, the Monoprice 12" features an auto on/off capability.
Key Features
7. Polk HTS 10
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The smaller of Polk's HTS series subs, this 10" model offers good looks and great sound, within the limitations of a 10" design. The down-firing port makes for easy placement (no worries about blocking it) and is designed to minimize turbulance.
The Polk HTS 10 subwoofer features a front-firing long-throw 10” driver accompanied by Polk’s patented Power Port Technology for deeper bass response and reduced port noise. The Polk HTS 10 features built-in controls for volume, a low-pass filter, and phase (0/180°) for optimum bass levels. The subwoofer employs a 200-watt Class D amplifier, and can be connected to LFE (unfiltered / low pass disabled) or stereo line level RCA inputs. The Polk HTS 10 subwoofer comes with a removable speaker grille.
Key Features
8. Dayton Audio SUB-1500
![]()
This subwoofer is unapologetic about leveraging physics to bring you maximum bass for a bottom-dollar price tag. You won't find a lot of 15" subwoofers for under $250, but this Dayton delivers, and since this model has been around, there's plenty of anecdotal feedback to support the notion that this is a "dB per dollar" champion.
The Dayton Audio SUB-1500 features a 15” driver and downward-firing flared port design. The 1500 employs a 150 watt amplifier, unlike the 1000’s 100-watt amplifier, and features low and high level inputs, high-level passthrough outputs, a phase reversal switch, separately adjustable subwoofer level control, an auto on-off switch (activated by an input signal), and a variable 12dB electronic low-pass filter.
Key Features
Last edited by @Erik Wesley on February 27, 2023.
Shopping for a new subwoofer can be overwhelming at first. First, there's the sheer variety: There are dozens upon dozens of brands with many hundreds of models to choose from. Among them are a plethora of easily recognized cube-shaped subs, from sealed to ported to passive radiator designs. Beyond the cubes, there are also options for in-wall, horn loaded, DIY, and other lesser-known approaches to making deep bass such as the fan-like rotary sub.
But for most subwoofer shoppers, the standalone, self-amplified “big box on the floor” design is the go-to solution. And while you can spend thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars on subwoofer systems, most shoppers want something in a more modest price range—something that fits their budget.
A concern many shoppers have with subwoofers is that being an audio device, you’d normally want to hear and compare before buying, in practice, this is fraught with issues. Stores are not likely to have an extensive selection of subs to compare. And since with deep bass, the room is a significant factor in what you hear, not to mention the position of the sub and the listener, there’s a sizeable chance that what you hear at a store demo will not be exactly replicable in your own home. However, you can view this as a benefit. Why? Because it frees you to shop for a subwoofer online. The reason is simple: The best place to judge a sub is in your own home, and what you need from a retailer is a good return policy.
For this list, we're looking at various relatively affordable subwoofers that are available to purchase online. These models cover a wide range of capabilities, from compact sealed subs that could be a companion to a desktop or bookshelf-based 2.1 system, up to powerful ported subs that can keep up with tower speakers and home theater-worthy surround-sound systems.
There are multiple benefits to adding a good sub to your speaker system. Foremost, you get a sub to extend the bass response of your speaker system. But there are benefits beyond more, deeper bass. If you use bass management, which is standard on AV receivers, you can set a crossover point. This is the frequency where anything higher gets sent to speakers, and anything lower goes to the sub. Because bass takes more power than midrange or treble (there's more air to move) by handing bass off to a self-powered sub, you relieve your speakers and amplifier of reproducing that bass. This will often allow a system to overall reach higher output levels before they distort.
A word of advice to the sub shopper: Never be concerned with notions that a sub will add "too much bass" because one of the best features of subwoofers is their adjustability. You can tune a sub to add the exact amount of bass that you seek.
When choosing a sub, you want to consider the following factors:
Size: it's simple physics, larger subwoofers, with larger drivers, pump out more bass. However, they are harder to fit into tight spots. Another factor to consider, small subs may work well in smaller rooms, or if you don't need a lot of output. But, if you want concert or theater-like sound, or need to fill larger rooms with impactful bass sound. that will demand more output, which can be achieved with either a larger, more powerful sub, or using multiple subs.
Ported vs. Sealed: Sealed subwoofers are typically compact and can play deep, but are typically limited in terms of output at the lowest frequencies. Ported subwoofers tend to be larger, for the same driver size, but for the benefit of enhanced output down to the port tune frequency. However, they can't play deeper than the port's tuning. Still, you often get more bass per dollar out of ported designs.
Frequency Response: This is where the rubber hits the road. Some subwoofers just don't play all that deep, but that may not matter if you are using the subwoofer in a music system. For home theater, you are best off with a subwoofer that can play deep and loud.
Sealed vs. Ported Subwoofers
The subwoofers in this list fall under two categories: sealed and ported. These are the two most commonly available consumer subwoofer types, and each has benefits plus weaknesses. With a sealed sub, you get a compact cabinet and typically the ability to play deep bass notes, but at limited output levels. It is the simplest design and is well suited for systems that incorporate multiple subs.
A ported sub relies on a tuned port to amplify the output at the tuning frequency. This typically requires a larger cabinet than a sealed sub. The gains in output near the port tune frequency can be significant but come at the cost of rapidly decreasing output below the port tune. This places a practical limit on how deep a ported sub can play. But, within the range that ported subs do cover, the added bass output makes ported subs a better "decibel per dollar" value proposition—as long as you've got the space for the larger form factor.
Although you could spend thousands on a single subwoofer, for most systems, something much more modestly priced Is often more than enough. You can get a quality sealed or ported 10-inch, 12-inch, or even 15-inch subwoofer without breaking the bank, and that's what this list is here to help you do.
1. Top Choice: SVS SB-1000 Pro 12" Sealed Subwoofer
The SVS SB-1000 Pro features a 12” front-firing driver and is powered by an SVS Sledge STA-325D and can output up to 820-watts of power (325 W RMS). Internally, the SB-1000 Pro uses a unique vented pole piece and efficient high-power voice coil to keep it cool without affecting performance or adding noise.
SVS is famously customer focused and offers a 45 day risk-free in-home trial, along with free shipping and free returns. This allows you to determine if this is the right subwoofer for you, more so than any in-store demo could possibly achieve. You also get 60-day price protection, a lowest price guarantee when you buy from the company's site, a five year unconditional warranty, and even a one-year trade up policy that lets you get full credit for your purchase if you decide to upgrade to a high-performance model. The company's Customer Bill of Rights spells out all the ways you get superior treatment.
Key Features
- 12" Driver
- 325 Watt RMS Amp
- Variable Low-Pass Filter
- 20 Hz to 270 Hz Frequency Response
- Compact
2. SVS PB-1000 Pro 12" Ported Subwoofer
This ported subwoofer from SVS features the same 12 inch driver and 325 W RMS amplifier as the sealed SB-1000 Pro, but it sports a ported design that plays deep. This is thanks to the larger cabinet and the oversized tuned port found on this premium yet affordable subwoofer. This sub is a great choice for a surround-sound speaker system build around the Prime Satellite speakers and a Prime Center.
The SVS PB-1000 Pro's uses a vented pole piece and efficient high-power voice coil to keep it cool without affecting performance or adding noise. The SVS PB-1000 Pro is powered by an SVS Sledge STA-325D amp to get the most out of the driver, and can output up to 820-watts of power (325 W RMS). The ported design ensures plenty of output down low.
Like the SB-1000 Pro, you get the benefit of SVS customer service including the free in-home trial, price protection, trade-up policy, 5-year warranty and more. It's all outlined in the company's Customer Bill of Rights that you can check out here.
Key Features
- 12" Driver
- 325 Watt RMS Amp
- Variable Low-Pass Filter
- 17-260 Hz +/-3 dB response
3. Polk HTS 12
This stylish ported sub from Polk offers impressive sound at an attractive price. It features a unique down-firing port design that reduces turbulence (thus avoiding the distortion artifact known as "chuffing" while also increasing placement options. The integrated port to even provides the subwoofer with a consistent aesthetic, with rounded edges on both the top and the bottom of the cabinet.
The Polk HTS 12 subwoofer features a front-firing long-throw 12” driver and, much like the Polk HTS 10, is accompanied by Polk’s patented Power Port Technology for deeper bass response and reduced port noise. The Polk HTS 12 features built-in controls for volume, a low-pass filter, and phase (0/180°) for optimum bass levels. The subwoofer employs a 200-watt Class D amplifier (400 W peak) and can be connected to LFE (unfiltered / low pass disabled) or stereo line level RCA inputs. The Polk HTS 12 subwoofer comes with a removable speaker grille. Warranty is 3 years for the electronics and 5 years for the driver.
Key Features
- 12" Driver
- 200 Watt RMS Amp
- Variable Low-Pass Filter
- 4.5 Star Avg. Review Avg. on Amazon
- 28 Hz to 120 Hz (+/-3 dB) Frequency Response
4. BIC Acoustech PL-200 II
BIC's Acoustech PL-200 is a budget sub that makes the most of its 12" driver and dual-ported cabinet design. It's a very popular subwoofer on Amazon, garnering over 1000 reviews that are overwhelmingly positive for a 12" ported sub at this price point.
The BIC Acoustech PL-200 II features a front-firing 12” long-throw driver with dual flared front ports for smoother and deeper bass, and is powered by a 250-watt RMS BASH amplifier. The Bic Acoustech PL-200 II features an adjustable crossover, volume control, auto on/off with LED indicator and automatic signal sensing.
Key Features
- 12" Driver
- 250 Watt RMS Amp
- Variable Low-Pass Filter
- 22 Hz to 200 Hz Frequency Response
- 110 dB at 30 Hz
5. Klipsch R-12SW
Klipsch is a well-known name in the speaker business and has been around for many decades. The company also produces a full range of subwoofer models, and one of the most popular and best reviewed is this wireless, 12" ported offering. The R-12SW looks good and sounds good, is very budget-friendly considering its capability.
The Klipsch R-12SW features a 12" copper-spun IMG (injection molded graphite) front-firing woofer, powered by a 200-watt (RMS) all-digital amplifier. The subwoofer gives you control over its low-pass crossover and phase control, which allows you to blend the subwoofer’s low-frequencies with other speakers, and offers both line and LFE inputs. It also has a removable grill. The Klipsch R-12SW is compatible with the Klipsch Wireless Subwoofer Kit, though that is sold separately.
Key Features
- 12" Driver
- 200 W RMS amp
- Variable Low-Pass Filter
- 29 Hz to 120 Hz (+/-3 dB) Frequency Response
6. Monoprice 12" 150 Watt Subwoofer
As you might’ve guessed from its name, the Monoprice 12in features a 12” front-firing driver and is capable of producing 150 watts RMS. This subwoofer has been around for years and remains a price-performance champion at the entry-level.
The Monoprice 12" allows you to adjust gain, frequency, crossover filter, and power output, while allowing you to connect to it via high-level inputs or right/left line level inputs. As most of the subwoofers on this list, the Monoprice 12" features an auto on/off capability.
Key Features
- 12" Driver
- 150 Watt RMS Amp
- Variable Low-Pass Filter
- 4 Star Avg. Review on Amazon
- Hi-Level Input and Output
- Extremely Low Price
7. Polk HTS 10
The Polk HTS 10 subwoofer features a front-firing long-throw 10” driver accompanied by Polk’s patented Power Port Technology for deeper bass response and reduced port noise. The Polk HTS 10 features built-in controls for volume, a low-pass filter, and phase (0/180°) for optimum bass levels. The subwoofer employs a 200-watt Class D amplifier, and can be connected to LFE (unfiltered / low pass disabled) or stereo line level RCA inputs. The Polk HTS 10 subwoofer comes with a removable speaker grille.
Key Features
- 10" Driver
- 100 Watt RMS Amp
- Variable Low-Pass Filter
- 4.5 Star Avg. Review Avg. on Amazon
- 30 Hz to 120 Hz (+/-3 dB) Frequency Response
8. Dayton Audio SUB-1500
This subwoofer is unapologetic about leveraging physics to bring you maximum bass for a bottom-dollar price tag. You won't find a lot of 15" subwoofers for under $250, but this Dayton delivers, and since this model has been around, there's plenty of anecdotal feedback to support the notion that this is a "dB per dollar" champion.
The Dayton Audio SUB-1500 features a 15” driver and downward-firing flared port design. The 1500 employs a 150 watt amplifier, unlike the 1000’s 100-watt amplifier, and features low and high level inputs, high-level passthrough outputs, a phase reversal switch, separately adjustable subwoofer level control, an auto on-off switch (activated by an input signal), and a variable 12dB electronic low-pass filter.
Key Features
- 15" Driver
- 150 Watt Amp
- Variable Low-Pass Filter
- 23 Hz to 140 Hz Frequency Response
Last edited by @Erik Wesley on February 27, 2023.
