6 Best Subwoofers Under $500
Are you searching for the best subwoofers in the market, but only have a budget of $500 to spend? Then this is the guide for you as we will present 6 subwoofers that are within the budget range. They all offer their unique bonuses so it’s up to you to decide which subwoofer is best for you.
Also, we have done our research on each subwoofer so you won’t have to and compiled them into a short review, which gives you get an idea of what to expect. We have rated the subwoofers on a scale of 1 to 5 so you get a rough idea of their quality at a glance. Also, we have written the best attributes and negatives at the bottom in a small box so that you can quickly skim through and find a subwoofer that interests you most.
However, if you’ve never bought a subwoofer before and this is your first time then don’t worry because we have created a buying considerations section. There we go into detail on what features to look for in a subwoofer. This ranges from audio quality to the brand, so by the end you’ll be ready to buy the ideal subwoofer. Even if you don’t buy from us at least you would have gained the necessary knowledge to purchase elsewhere. We hope you have as much fun reading this buyer’s guide as we did writing.
| Budget |
|---|
 |
| Polk Audio PSW111 Subwoofer |
| 4.7/5.0 |
| Weight: 21 ounces |
| Power: 300 Watts |
| Has down-firing ports deliver better bass and easy to tune. |
| Check Amazon |
| Best Value |
|---|
 |
| ELAC S10EQ |
| 4.8/5.0 |
| Weight: 34.5 ounces |
| Power: 400 Watts |
| Has custom EQ app and stable Bluetooth connections. |
| Check Amazon |
| Top Pick |
|---|
 |
| SVS PB-1000 Subwoofer |
| 4.9/5.0 |
| Weight: 46 ounces |
| Power: 700 Watts |
| Analogs on the back can be used to customize the audio. |
| Check Amazon |
Buying factors to consider
Audio quality
Brand
Connection Method
Build quality
Subwoofers Under $500 Comparison Table
| Make and Model | Weight | Power | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| SVS PB-1000 Subwoofer | 46 ounces | 700 Watts | Check Price |
| Alpine Electronics PWE-S8-WRA Powered Subwoofer | 11 ounces | 120 Watts | Check Price |
| ELAC S10EQ Debut Series Powered Subwoofer | 34.5 ounces | 400 Watts | Check Price |
| KEF C4 Subwoofer | 27 ounces | 200 Watts | Check Price |
| Polk Audio PSW111 Subwoofer | 21 ounces | 300 Watts | Check Price |
| BIC America F12 12-Inch 475-Watt Front Firing Powered Subwoofer | 41 ounces | 475 Watts | Check Price |
1. Top Pick: SVS PB-1000 Subwoofer
Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5
The SVS PB-1000 Subwoofer uses a 10-inch driver that delivers earth shaking bass, which makes songs and movies a lot more enjoyable. The peak power of this subwoofer is 700 watts and thanks to the Sledge STA-300D DSP amplifier the speaker maintains clear quality throughout the session. The average RMS is 300 watts so even if you don’t use the full power you’ll still experience room shaking bass.
The ultra-low frequency response means that the 10-inch driver can deliver more detail in the audio, which further immerses you in the experience. You can tune the drivers yourself if you feel like the audio sounds a little off by using the filters located on the back of the woofer. There are 3 analogs for adjusting the low pass filter, phase, and volume.
The speaker design looks visually appealing as it features a dark wooden design, which goes well with most home decors. The build quality is excellent as the materials used are premium and durable as a result. Also, connecting your stereo to the subwoofer is easy as all it requires are a few RCA cables.
Before purchasing this subwoofer makes sure that your stereo can handle the power because otherwise you won’t feel the true potential. Also, the speaker is heavy so carrying it around can be a struggle.
In conclusion, the SVS PB-1000 Subwoofer is one of the best subwoofers out there that cost under $500. The 10-inch driver used is made from premium materials that help produce smoother audio at the extreme volume levels. Also, the peak power of the subwoofer is 700 watts, so the bass can get pretty loud.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Weight: 46 Pounds |
| Bluetooth: No |
| Power: 700 watts |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Premium 10-inch tuned driver |
| Analogs on the back can be used to customize the audio |
| Stylish design |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Must have a powerful stereo |
| Heavy design |
2. Alpine Electronics PWE-S8-WRA Powered Subwoofer
Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5
The Alpine Electronics PWE-S8-WRA Powered Subwoofer is one of the best budget subwoofers on the market for cars. You can easily place this subwoofer under your car seat as it comes with specified mounts that guarantee a secure fit. Setting up the speaker is straightforward as it only requires a few cables to be connected. You receive all the necessary wires so you won’t need to purchase them separately.
The audio quality with the subwoofer is phenomenal as it provides detailed lows that make bass boosted beats enhanced. The frequency response is 25 Hz – 152 Hz, which means the drivers can play more notes and play audio in better detail. Also, the RMS is 120 watts, therefore you get consistent loud bass that doesn’t distort the louder you go.
In addition, you can tune the subwoofer’s drivers by turning the knob, which is important because if you do it incorrectly the audio will sound off. The subwoofer is compatible with most aftermarket head units and stock car radios, so you won’t need to upgrade the system in your car after purchasing the subwoofer.
Setting up the subwoofer can be difficult if you’ve never done it before, so we recommend taking it to a car electrician who can do it for you. This comes at an added cost so you’ll need to make sure you have the budget for this service.
In conclusion, the Alpine Electronics PWE-S8-WRA Powered Subwoofer is a great choice if you want to upgrade your car system. The frequency response of 25 Hz – 152 Hz means that the subwoofer can add more detail to the lows, which makes bass boosted songs more enjoyable. Also, the average RMS is 120 watts so the audio can get pretty loud and no distortion can be heard.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Weight: 11 Pounds |
| Bluetooth: No |
| Power: 120 watts |
| The Pros |
|---|
| 25 Hz – 152 Hz frequency response |
| Comes with cables |
| Easy to tune |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Will take up your whole budget |
| Not easy to setup the subwoofer if you’ve never done it before |
3. Best Value: ELAC S10EQ Debut Series Powered Subwoofer
Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5
The Elac brand is a trustworthy company that you can rely on to receive well-built products and the ELAC S10EQ Debut Series Powered Subwoofer is no different. It can deliver thunderous bass as it has a maximum power of 400 watts, which is enough to make your house shake with lows. Also, due to the well-designed drivers no distortion can be heard when playing at full volume, which is ideal for bass enthusiasts.
The premium drivers can be tuned by using the EQ application, which is a huge advantage as this means you can adjust the audio to your preferences. No longer do you have to struggle with analog controls that are not 100% accurate as the app shows every statistic in detail. You can adjust the bass and treble with a click of a button and regulate how much of the frequency response will be used.
You can connect to the subwoofer wirelessly as it contains Bluetooth technology, which has an ultra-wide connection range. The speaker contains a BASH amplifier inside so you won’t need to purchase one separately to gain the full experience of the woofer. Also, this subwoofer is part of a speaker set, so you can purchase this product and keep on adding to the setup.
This subwoofer isn’t worth it as a lone speaker as the bass is so overpowering you may not be able to hear the vocals. Also, make sure when in Bluetooth mode that there are no objects in between both devices because otherwise the audio quality won’t be as smooth.
In summary, the ELAC S10EQ Debut Series Powered Subwoofer is a brilliant choice because it comes with its own EQ app. You can tune the drivers to your preferences or use the automatic EQ to do it for you. The speaker power is 400 watts, which is enough to make the floor shake with vibrant bass. Also, the woofer has a built-in BASH amplifier so you won’t need to connect to a stereo to receive smooth audio.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Weight: 34.5 Pounds |
| Bluetooth: Yes |
| Power: 400 watts |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Built-in BASH amplifier |
| Custome EQ app |
| Stable Bluetooth connections |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Bass can overpower the vocals |
| Must keep subwoofer and Bluetooth device near each other for clearer audio |
4. KEF C4 Subwoofer
Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5
The KEF C4 Subwoofer is an excellent choice for people who feel like they need more power in their audio. The speaker drivers have a total output of 200 watts, which is more than enough for most home setups. Also, the audio can get extremely loud with no distortion as the sensitivity is 108 dB.
The wide frequency response of 29 Hz – 140 Hz means that it can add more detail to the lows, which makes action films and bass boosted songs more enjoyable. The 8-inch driver is tuned perfectly and you can adjust the audio yourself when connected to a stereo. Also, the subwoofer has a built-in amplifier, which helps deliver smoother audio as it controls the power output.
The subwoofer build is great has it features a bass-reflex design, which helps distribute lows equally. The speaker style is full black so it doesn’t catch your eye when watching movies. Also, the connection method of the subwoofer is RCA phono sockets, which allows clear audio when connecting to your stereo.
The subwoofer doesn’t come with long cables so you may have to purchase them separately, which is an extra cost. Also, the speaker weight is 27 lb so moving your setup around can be difficult.
In summary, the KEF C4 Subwoofer is a brilliant choice since it comes with powerful drivers that have a sensitivity of 108 dB. The wide frequency response of 29 Hz – 140 Hz means you will hear more detail in the lows. Also, setting up the speaker is easy as all you need is a few cables that connect to your stereo.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Weight: 27 Pounds |
| Bluetooth: No |
| Power: 200 watts |
| The Pros |
|---|
| 29 Hz – 140 Hz frequency response |
| 108 dB sensitivity |
| Stylish design |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Subwoofer comes with short cables |
| Heavy design |
5. Best Budget: Polk Audio PSW111 Subwoofer
Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5
The Polk Audio PSW111 Subwoofer uses a single 8-inch woofer driver with compression circuitry design that limits distortion. This means you can play music as loud as you want with no decrease in audio quality. The total speaker power is 300 watts at peak power and the average RMS is 150 watts.
The unique driver materials and speaker geometry help the subwoofer deliver crispier lows that makes audio sound great. Due to the premium materials used the subwoofer feels high quality and long lasting, so don’t have to worry about the drivers wearing down over time. Also, underneath the speaker are 4 legs that hold the subwoofer up and prevents it from scratching your floors.
Moreover, the specially-tuned downward-firing ports produce maximum bass that makes the floor shake, which gives a unique feeling with this subwoofer. On the subwoofer are low pass and volume analogs that you can use to control the audio.
However, if you’ve never tuned a subwoofer before then make sure to check out some videos because otherwise the audio will sound off. Also, the speaker features a basic black design that doesn’t look unique.
In summary, the Polk Audio PSW111 Subwoofer is an excellent choice as it won’t take up your whole budget and provides soothing bass. The peak power of 300 watts will provide room shaking bass unlike anything you’ve experienced before. Also, you can tune the subwoofer yourself using analogs on the back, which can be used to adjust the low pass and volume.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Weight: 21 Pounds |
| Bluetooth: No |
| Power: 300 watts |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Down-firing ports deliver better bass |
| Made from premium materials |
| Easy to tune |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Audio can sound off if tuned incorrectly |
| Basic design |
6. BIC America F12 12-Inch 475-Watt Front Firing Powered Subwoofer
Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5
The BIC America F12 Front Firing Powered Subwoofer features a stylish black design with a visible silver woofer at the front. The speaker quality is premium as it features long-lasting materials, which feel nice and smooth when touching. The well-built driver means that it will last a lot longer compared to other subwoofers on the market. Furthermore, the 5 year warranty means you have peace of mind.
The subwoofer uses a 12-inch driver that produces ultra-loud lows that makes the floor vibrate. The power of the woofer is 475 watts so you get an idea of how loud this subwoofer can get. Adding the subwoofer to your speaker set up is worthwhile because it does a great job of boosting the bass.
The subwoofer has a built-in BASH amplifier that lets the driver produce smooth bass with little distortion. At the back of the speaker you’ll find an interface where you can adjust the crossover, volume control, and automatic signal sensing.
With this subwoofer you’ll need to purchase cables as there are none in the box, which will be an extra cost. Also, the subwoofer is heavy so make sure you have a place where to put it before making the order.
In conclusion, the BIC America F12 12-Inch 475-Watt Front Firing Powered Subwoofer is an excellent choice because of the highly tuned driver. The peak power is 475 watts, which is enough to make your floor vibrate with bass. The audio can get extremely loud as the sensitivity is 90 dB and no distortion can be heard as the BASH amplifier soothes out the lows.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Weight: 41 Pounds |
| Bluetooth: No |
| Power: 475 watts |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Built-in BASH amplifier |
| 90 dB sensitivity |
| 12-inch driver delivers excellent lows |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Doesn’t come with cables |
| Extremely heavy |
Contents
- Buying factors to consider
- Audio quality
- Brand
- Connection Method
- Build quality
- Subwoofers Under $500 Comparison Table
- 1. Top Pick: SVS PB-1000 Subwoofer
- 2. Alpine Electronics PWE-S8-WRA Powered Subwoofer
- 3. Best Value: ELAC S10EQ Debut Series Powered Subwoofer
- 4. KEF C4 Subwoofer
- 5. Best Budget: Polk Audio PSW111 Subwoofer
- 6. BIC America F12 12-Inch 475-Watt Front Firing Powered Subwoofer