When it comes to getting some serious bass, some people are wondering if they should spend some more money on some fancy subwoofers. Luckily, there are plenty of low-cost but well-quality subwoofers that fit any budget. With some caveats, check out this list for some of the best subwoofers under 500 bucks.
Top Rate Best Subwoofers Under 500
1. Klipsch R-12SW Subwoofer
Best budget subwoofer
The R-12SW has been discontinued by Amazon. However, it is still a classic example of great quality audio. This subwoofer produces incredible lows and is still the reference’s most loved and powerful subwoofer.
Klipsch, the best home theater subwoofer, is an excellent choice if you are looking for a subwoofer with a lot of power and a budget-friendly price range.
This cabinet measures 16 x 14x 18.5 inches and features the black-and copper look. It is finished with black, brushed polyester veneers that give it a subtle, sleek vibe. It would be a shame, however, to remove the grille.
It can be removed to reveal a 12-inch spun-copper woofer driver. The large, shiny cone immediately grabs attention due to its dominant presence.
When speaking about the competitive advantage of this very model, it has a front-firing slot port that has an exclusive internal flare technology to minimize port noise and ensure clean and undistorted sound.
Half of the time I couldn’t even look away.
The layout of the back panel is very clean, but it also includes a rear-firing reflex port and a complete set of subwoofer controls and connectors for easy integration into the existing surround sound system.
There are volume and low-pass knobs, a phase switch to fine-tune the sound, as well as a power switch that has automatic signal sensing. It is compatible with most receivers that have line/LFE inputs.
Its unsurpassed performance is the reason why R-12SW never seems to go out of fashion.
Its audio output is just as stunning as its design.
The driver is rigid and lightweight but powerful enough to power a built-in digital amplifier of 200 watts RMS. These two components work together to produce a low-frequency punch at all levels. It’s clear, concise, and tight.
Klipsch would say, “More boom, more effort.”
It can move insane amounts of air, sounds huge, and goes deep enough to blow your mind.
The frequency response range drops to 29 Hz. This is a decent result, but it struggled with a low “response ceiling”, of 120 Hz. It blends well with the mid-range and high-end sounds, so I don’t see this as a problem.
Pros
- Large front-firing 12-inch spun-copper Woofer
- All-digital 200-watt amp
- The back panel contains all the controls for volume, low pass, and phase
- Compatibility with most receivers
- Very competitive price
- Great value
Cons
- The updated version is now available
- The subwoofer can be a little heavy.
2. BIC America H-100II 12 inch Subwoofer
Best powered subwoofer under 500
The BIC America H-100II is undoubtedly a show-stopper. Its striking contrast of copper and black makes it an attractive centerpiece for your home entertainment system that you will be proud to show to your guests.
The single unit is powered with a 150W amplifier and a 12-inch front-firing subwoofer capable of handling a wide range of frequencies, from 24Hz up to 200Hz. You can enjoy a maximum volume and loud bass to bring life to your favorite music and movies.
The H-100II’s installation is simple, straightforward, and easy to use. This makes it ideal for people who are less familiar with car audio system. The H-100II is easy to set up and use.
You can adjust the subwoofer to suit your needs with customizable sound options. You can adjust the volume and crossover controls to get the best sound quality.
The H-100II’s high power consumption is a concern. Although it has an automatic on/off switch with an LED indicator and signal sensing that turns off the subwoofer, some users report that even in standby mode, the subwoofer consumes a lot of electricity. This subwoofer might not be right for you if you are budget-conscious or environmentally conscious.
The H100II subwoofer by BIC will appeal to those who are looking for a mid-range subwoofer that is user-friendly and has excellent sound quality over a wide frequency response range.
Pros
- A mid-range subwoofer that is attractive and has a large frequency response range.
Cons
- Even when the system is on standby, it can still consume a lot of power.
3. ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3010 – 400 Watt Powered Subwoofer
Best compact subwoofers under 500
This compact subwoofer has a Bluetooth function which is great for improving the user experience.
This allows you to wirelessly connect your subwoofer to both Android and iOS devices. You can now control the sub directly from your smartphone.
You can do this by downloading the app. You can control multiple subwoofers by simply downloading the app to your smartphone.
This high-quality sub can provide 200 watts of continuous power. It can reach 400 watts if it is being used to its maximum potential.
The power of this amplifier has been combined with a BASH amplifier. The amp is reliable and can be used for many years.
This small subwoofer has impressed many people. It produces powerful bass, even though it is small.
It can fill large rooms with excellent quality bass sounds, according to users.
The subwoofer can be added to any sound system you already have. This subwoofer can be used in conjunction with the Dolby Atmos system to give you a new experience of sound.
This subwoofer is only 10 inches in length, making it a wise option for those who don’t need much space. This sub can be easily placed in a corner or right next to your TV.
Its all-black color and square design look great. It can be used as a part of your living space and not stand out too much.
Pros
- Bluetooth allows
- Compact size
- Amazing low-frequency sounds
Cons
- Some people have problems with the firmware upgrade
4. Audioengine S8
Best subwoofers under 500
This Audioengine S8 was made specifically for home theaters. The speakers are made from high-quality rubber materials.
This makes it very precise and ensures that you get the best sound possible. With 250 watts, an 8-inch down-firing sub, and a professional enclosure, this powered subwoofer is perfect for producing solid bass at home or in the office without taking up too much space.
This allows you to hear the sound immediately as it travels towards you and fills the room. This can create a cinematic experience that is truly amazing.
You can still avoid annoying distortion sounds even if you crank the volume up to a high level.
You can connect the rest of the sound system to the subwoofer easily by using the many inputs at the back.
We like the small size of this product. Its 8″ size allows you to easily set it up and take it out of your way, saving space.
You can also get it in black or white. You can choose the color that best suits your modern space.
We loved the fact that this subwoofer offers a variety of inputs and buttons on its rear.
This gives you complete control over the sub. Many people worry about being able to control the subwoofer’s sound and other features.
This one has a switch to phasing, an off button, volume control, and crossover control.
Crossover control is particularly useful when you want to connect the subwoofer with the rest of the sound system. This allows you to balance the high frequencies with those coming from other speakers.
Pros
- Installation is simple
- Great controls available
- Modern design
Cons
- The use of speakers may require some adjustments
- Sometimes, can be susceptible to overheating
5. Alpine Electronics PWE-S8
The subwoofer is just 8 inches in size. This smaller subwoofer is a good choice if you are looking for something you can tuck away. This subwoofer allows you to reduce space and improve your surround sound system.
The enclosure is made from high-quality cast aluminum material. This subwoofer will last a lifetime and is extremely strong.
This Alpine PWE-S8 is a great addition to any room thanks to its all-black design. Modern living rooms will appreciate the sleek, rounded design of this sub.
This sub can deliver 120 watts of continuous power. We loved it. This sub is quite compact, which is impressive considering how powerful it is.
The sub can produce some amazing bass response, even though it is only 120 watts. It can achieve extremely low frequencies between 32 and 150Hz.
This sub has minimal distortion. This is due to the cabinet and enclosure of high quality that is completely free from vibration.
This subwoofer has a variety of controls that people have enjoyed. These controls include crossover, phase, gain, and phase.
The remote makes it easy to change the settings. The sub’s remote control is a favorite feature of users.
Crossover control is a great example of this. You can combine lower frequencies with other sounds from your sound system.
Pros
- Compact design
- Crossover controls available
- Loud bass sounds
Cons
- Some people would prefer mounting brackets included.
6. Rockford Fosgate P3-1X12 Enclosure Sub
Best car subwoofer under $500
The P3-1X12 is powerful and durable. It can handle 600W of power when used with an amp. The durable design features a tough MDF outer, which protects it from damage. It also has a dual 12-inch voice coil and produces the best bass and clarity.
This port technology power’s design is intelligent. It features a high flow, which eliminates unwanted sounds, facilitates signal flow to speakers, and produces a beautiful sound. The enclosure is small enough that it can be installed in your car to provide excellent, pumping bass.
The P3-1X12 has superior sound quality partly because of its high output sound pressure level, which allows for accurate reproduction of low frequencies. The durable and intelligent design elements ensure that the P3-1X12 produces a smooth, clear audio experience.
The P3-1X12 looks great with its sleek black design. Many users report that it is better than a pair of 10-inch subwoofers from leading brands. The P3-1X12 is a fine value considering its price and the quality of construction.
The Rockford Fosgate model has a 1-year warranty. This is a small complaint considering its price range. The P3-1X12 is well-designed and will last for years without any problems.
The P3-1X12 by Rockford Fosgate, a high-quality and durable mid-range option for car enthusiasts who are passionate about great bass-sounding cars, is the right choice.
Pros
- This subwoofer is a superior choice for audiophiles and car enthusiasts.
Cons
- Limited warranty period
7. Polk Audio HTS
Best powered subwoofer under 500
Many users have commented on how pleased they were to find it so easy to control the subwoofer. This can be a concern for anyone installing subwoofers for the first time.
You have the option to adjust the volume, low pass filter, and phasing. You can be confident that you have complete control over the sound you hear.
You can also use an automatic on/off function. This will help you save energy. The Polk Audio subwoofer can also be used in conjunction with other devices.
You can choose from a variety of low pass, unfiltered, and stereo line-level inputs RCA. This subwoofer can be connected to any home theater system.
This Polk Audio subwoofer could be a great addition to your home theater system.
You can listen to big bass sounds at high volumes with the larger option, which is available in 12″. This will enhance your movie-watching experience.
They also fitted the sub with a dynamic balance driver. You can hear the bass sound coming directly to you thanks to its front-firing feature.
The dynamic balance driver can also produce low-frequency sounds that are clear and easy to understand. This dynamic balance driver produces less distortion, which allows for a better listening experience.
Power Port Technology: The subwoofer’s port has a great down-firing system. It can transport air around itself, and the sound will travel to wherever you are sitting.
This is achieved while keeping the turbulence to a minimum. It makes noise almost non-existent thanks to the port noise.
Pros
- Clear bass
- There are many controls
- Universal compatibility
- Great modern design
Cons
- The auto-on feature doesn’t always work well
8. Bose Bass Module 500 Subwoofer
Best subwoofer under 500
Some may be content to watch movies with regular speakers. However, we all know how important it is to have a subwoofer that produces the booming bass that brings you into the movie. The Bass Module 500 is a great addition to your Bose entertainment system. It will give you the best bass and great sound quality.
The Bose Bass Module subwoofer was designed to be easy-to-use and excels at it. It can be used with Soundtouch and Bose Soundbar models. The wireless subwoofer makes it easy to install. It is also compact and comes in a cube of 10 inches. This makes it easy to integrate into existing entertainment systems without affecting the aesthetics or dominating the space.
The high-quality Subwoofer is also a great value for money. It comes in a mid-range range for a premium speaker with amazing sound quality and depth. It won’t shake your entire house but it will give you the added power to enjoy movies and music.
The device has one major flaw. It can only be used with other Bose products. If you are looking for a subwoofer below $500 and Bose Bass Module is your preferred brand, this is your best option.
Pros
- Bose Entertainment System: A quality addition.
Cons
- Bose products are not eligible for the unit.
9. SVS PB-1000 Subwoofer
Best subwoofers under 500
This subwoofer’s driver is 10 inches in total. It has a high excursion feature that we also liked.
You can get the wall-shaking, deep bass you’ve been looking for. We were impressed by how loud and deep the sub sounds while maintaining a high-quality sound.
The driver allows you to hear the small details and low-frequency bass.
This could be a great option if you are looking for a subwoofer that can be integrated into your home theater system.
SVS PB-1000 subwoofer can produce 300 watts when it is working at a higher rate. It can produce over 700 watts when working at its full potential.
It’s quite powerful. A Sledge STA-3000 DSP amplifier was also installed.
The amp is extremely effective in helping the driver to produce a consistent sound. This is also one of the options that allow the subwoofer enables you to hear very accurate sound.
It shouldn’t matter if you are concerned about distortion with this subwoofer.
Because the cabinet inside the sub was designed in a specific way, it is able to withstand vibrations. It is, therefore, able to resist vibration even with the volume up.
Any vibrational or rattling sounds should be kept to a minimum. This is a good way for movie-watching to be more enjoyable and immersive.
Pros
- Vibration-free & Distortion-free
- 700 watts are available
- High-quality driver
Cons
- Some people expected it to be louder
- It is larger than most people would prefer
10. Polk Audio PSW505
Best subwoofer for performance
If you ask anyone who has used the Polk Audio subwoofer, they will tell you it is the best subwoofer money can buy. Many customers report purchasing multiple subwoofers to either set up dual subwoofers to create a 7.1 surround sound system, or to use in multiple rooms.
Polk Audio PSW505‘s power output is one of its most distinguishing features. This subwoofer can produce 300 watts of continuous sound power and 460 watts of dynamic power, which is more than the 50-watt models. Users report that the gain is rarely increased to over 60%. This allows for plenty of volumes and still operates in the sweet spot of the subwoofer.
This good subwoofer is expensive and has a limited frequency range of 23-160Hz. You lose the transition frequencies between your speakers and your bass. Users also note that the rear port design can cause noise at high gain.
The Polk Audio subwoofer comes with a low pass crossover filter system that can be adjusted to reduce noise and enhance the integration with other speakers in your system. The subwoofer can be used to produce booming sound effects when watching movies. However, it is also able to deliver good quality music playing back.
Polk Audio offers a five-year warranty on subwoofers that are less expensive, and it is one of the longest. This gives you peace of mind knowing that the subwoofer will last as long as your entire sound system.
Pros
- Power output: 460 watts
- It is easy to integrate
- Accurate bass sounds
Cons
- The Amp could be stronger
- The auto on/off feature is not working well
11. Cerwin-Vega XLS-12S
Best Front Firing Powered Subwoofers
This powered subwoofer is front-firing, which we like. This allows you to listen to music and watch movies with the sound traveling directly to you.
The subwoofer will enhance your movie-watching and music-listening experience. We recommend placing this subwoofer in front of your main area where you will be sitting, as it has a front-firing function.
The sound won’t reach you if you place the subwoofer in a corner.
The powered subwoofer can pick up low-frequency sounds as low as 38Hz. You can be confident that the sub will allow you to hear lower bass sounds at high volumes.
Do you need affordable home theater subwoofers?
You will need to look for a sub with good crossover capabilities. This subwoofer allows you to adjust the crossover level, which we were happy to see.
This allows you to control the bass and make sure it is balanced with other sounds coming from your speakers. You can enjoy a more clear listening experience and the bass will never feel overwhelming.
When it is being run continuously, the 250-watt peak power supply powers it.
The enclosure’s black ash design looks great. This enclosure makes the subwoofer look stylish and can be easily integrated into modern living spaces.
This subwoofer is also available in 12″. It looks great and gives you a powerful sound.
Pros
- Sleek design
- Crossover controls available
Cons
- The Amp could be stronger
Buying Guide
You might be interested in subwoofers and want to know more about the factors you should consider.
You should check out the buyer’s guide section. We have included additional information about the features you should be aware of and watch out for.
There are many things to take into consideration and it can quickly become overwhelming, especially if there isn’t a clear direction.
This buyer’s guide will help you gain an understanding of subwoofers and make it easier for you to choose one. If you have a larger budget, you can consider a subwoofer for $1000 to get better and more classy results.
Frequency Response
Frequency response is a measure of the frequency range that a subwoofer can handle. It is measured in Hertz (Hz). Your subwoofer is the only speaker that can play bass frequencies. It is therefore important to have a broad frequency response. BIC America F12 and BIC Acoustech PL-200 II have the broadest frequency response (22-25 to 200 Hz), while subwoofers with greater power tend to have narrower frequency ranges.
Power
A subwoofer with more power doesn’t necessarily produce louder sounds.
A sub that is more powerful will likely produce louder bass. However, the wattage of the subwoofer is more important than the sub’s power.
Subs below $500 can usually be used between 100 to 400 watts.
These subs can produce better sound quality than the cheaper options with 50 watts.
Subwoofers that refer to two different wattages are usually two different things.
The sub’s ability to produce sound and wattage at a constant rate is one of them. It is usually lower than the sub’s maximum output, which might be the other number you might see.
A subwoofer’s maximum wattage is what gives it a higher value. This does not refer to the subwoofer’s consistent power. It is its peak power.
Cone
A subwoofer’s cone is an important component. This involves the transfer of sound’s response to an input audio signal.
The air is then pushed out, and it travels around the room towards you to make a sound. Subs require more effort because lower frequencies sound takes longer to push out.
The cone must be capable of pushing out lots of air to allow you to hear deeper bass sounds.
However, a larger cone might not always produce a better sound. It could cause more distortion and vibration depending on how it is designed. You’ll get deeper, more rumbling bass sounds from a subwoofer with a better cone.
Size
When shopping for a subwoofer, the first thing to think about is its size. This is for two reasons.
The subwoofer’s size not only determines its ability to move air more efficiently but also plays an important role in the placement of the subwoofer inside your home.
It’s a fact that subwoofers produce deeper audio than they have ever produced. You may have heard this before. The subwoofer’s frequency response, measured in Hertz, will indicate this aspect of the subwoofer’s performance.
It’s tempting to buy the largest subwoofer for less than $500 and call it quits. It’s more complicated than that, and larger doesn’t always equal better.
Instead, you should be able to focus on what you need, size-wise. This will allow you to integrate your surround sound system with the space available.
If you have small satellites, bookshelf speakers, or a subwoofer in your bedroom, then 8-inch or 10-inch drivers will be sufficient.
A 12-inch woofer is a better choice if you are pairing your subwoofer with large floor-standing speakers and need it to fill large spaces with deep bass.
Extra Features
Subwoofers can be equipped with audio technologies that enhance the sound quality beyond what their technical specifications would indicate. BIC America F12 includes the patented Venturi vent (patented by BIC), which reduces noise from ports and improves audio quality.
Although these technologies can vary widely between manufacturers, it is worth keeping an eye out for them. They can improve sound quality and not alter the fundamentals of the subwoofer.
FAQs
What size sub should I get?
The best subwoofer for you will be one that fits in your vehicle, one that you can properly power, and one that fits your budget. If size, power, space, and budget aren’t issues, go with the 12-inch subwoofers. If 12s won’t work, go with 10-inch subwoofers. If 10-inch subwoofers won’t work, go with 8-inch subwoofers.
Read more: What size subwoofer do I need?
How can you get deep bass?
To create deep bass you will need a low pass filter. This will remove the higher frequencies from the bass notes and shape the sound with the filter and amplifier envelopes. We then removed the higher frequencies using the low-pass filter cutoff. Next, we played with the filter resonance in order to add depth and color.
Is Bass Boost bad for subs?
Either leave your bass boost on and turn your gain down until the distortion goes away OR turn your bass boost back down. … Whatever you do, don’t turn your bass boost up without adjusting your gain. Bass boost can be very damaging to your subwoofers if not used properly.
Conclusion
The best subwoofers under 500 are all sound systems that produce high-quality bass. They give you perfect sound quality while still managing to stay affordable, which is what makes them perfect for all listeners. We hope that from this post you can choose the best budget-friendly product with wonderful quality.
Last update on 2023-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
