5 budget-friendly subwoofers that punch above their weight

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Whether you like music with pulsating bass or movies with scenes meant to rock a room, owning a subwoofer can help ensure your home audio setup hits those deeper frequencies. In addition to bringing greater dynamic range to your audio, they are also useful for reducing the strain on your main speakers so that they don’t have to work so hard to produce sounds at the lower end of the spectrum.

Either way, there are plenty of mistakes people can make when purchasing a subwoofer, so we wanted to take a look at some of the best budget options that punch above their weight. Looking at what users around the web have to say as well as expert reviews, we look at subwoofers that offer a variety of input options to work with different setups, provide their own audio controls, or even just fit into a small space. Users may recognize some of the brands on this list, while others may discover new ones to explore.

If you’re looking to add some dynamism to a room, a budget subwoofer can be a solid option without breaking the bank. Of course, when deciding which subwoofer to purchase, be sure to consider which subwoofer size is best suited for your home audio system, as there are several factors to consider depending on your needs. Just be sure to do some additional research on your own audio system to see what it supports, if necessary.

Holding a 4.3-star rating with 2,023 reviews, customers give the Monoprice 60-watt 8-inch subwoofer $119.99 credit for its performance and value. This 8-inch subwoofer has a frequency response between 50 and 250 Hz and a low-pass filter to remove treble, which users can adjust between 50 and 150 Hz. Frequency and gain options allow users to make adjustments, but there are also additional options that can make this one suitable for a variety of audio setups.

The cool thing about this subwoofer is that it generates its own power and has impedance matching circuitry. This means that a user’s front speakers will not see a reduction in their output power, nor will the subwoofer affect the impedance loading of an amplifier. The Monoprice also offers multiple RCA input options, meaning it can work with stereo or even 5.1 (or higher) surround sound setups, and each input includes a corresponding output. For those using a stereo system without a subwoofer output, the Monoprice also includes left/right line-level inputs for making connections.

While this Amazon’s Choice item receives praise for its EQ controls and punchy bass, some customers report issues with the device’s overall durability, with at least one user claiming it was broken after 13 months of controlled use. On the other hand, many have found it a good choice for those working on a limited budget. Just remember how to get the best sound from a subwoofer.

Despite only 93 customer reviews on Amazon (and a 4.7-star rating), the $239.98 Dayton Audio Classic CS1200 made our list as a New York Times recommended subwoofer for its bass delivery and price. Although we’re looking at the 12-inch model, be aware that there’s also an 8-inch option that’s a bit cheaper. What’s interesting about the CS1200 is its replaceable grille for those with an eye for interior design, and Dayton Audio boasts that the unit can be paired with any speaker.

Featuring a Class D amplifier that delivers 200W of power, the woofer features a reinforced poly cone driver to support its frequency response, while the cabinet construction is designed to reduce resonance and deliver more accurate low frequencies. The CS1200 also includes stereo RCA inputs, low frequency effects (LFE), and speaker level inputs, as well as an auto-on feature that promises easy connectivity. There are also crossover (frequency filter) and level controls for additional audio adjustments.

Based on what Amazon customers say, users like the subwoofer’s easy setup and connectivity options. For what it’s worth, we also gave Dayton Audio credit for some bookshelf speakers that can be a solid, inexpensive gadget for audiophiles. Appreciating the overall build quality and value of the subwoofer, at least one user warned that it might require gain adjustment depending on your room and the audio being played in it. Still, the different speaker size options are worth considering for those with limited space.

We can tell you who Klipsch owns and where its speakers are made, but we’re looking at the Klipsch R-12SW, available on Amazon for $279. This fully digital amplifier has a frequency response between 29 and 120 Hz, and the 12-inch subwoofer is made of spun copper and delivers up to 400 W of power. In addition to being an Amazon’s Choice item, this subwoofer also holds a 4.8-star rating with 5,745 reviews.

Housed in a contemporary design, this subwoofer features a front-firing driver as well as injection molded graphite (IMG) woofers that feature minimal distortion and cone breakup. Connection options include RCA LFE jacks and line-level inputs (supporting up to 5.1 channels of audio), while the subwoofer also includes volume, phase and low-pass options. The device also includes an auto power feature that turns it on when it detects a signal or turns it off after 15-20 minutes without a signal.

Customers like the power the R-12SW provides at its price, with one user saying it delivers deep bass that isn’t “too punchy.” Praising its easy connectability and independent power supply, several users note that it can produce enough bass to shake a house. However, to address the negatives, several users note that the device is quite large (18 inches tall, 20.5 inches wide). Still, it can be a solution for those who consider volume alongside price.

Available on Amazon for $249, the Polk Audio PSW10 holds a 4.7-star rating with 15,416 reviews. With a frequency response of 40 to 160 Hz and a continuously variable crossover of 80 to 160 Hz, this 10-inch subwoofer promises to deliver 100 W of Class D power through a 50 W RMS amp. Additionally, something unique about this subwoofer is that it includes a phase toggle switch to support multiple bass drivers, and for what it’s worth, we also found Polk Audio to have one of the best soundbar and subwoofer combos on Amazon.

In terms of bass reproduction, users can expect a response as low as 35Hz, thanks to the subwoofer’s front port, which, as Polk Audio promises, is tuned for low frequencies. Speaker-level or RCA connections are available as an option, and it also supports 5.1 audio channels with 8 ohm impedance. Claiming to be suitable for small to medium sized rooms, it also promises longevity thanks to its use of resonance-free speaker materials.

It’s also worth noting that this subwoofer includes a 5-year warranty on the speakers and a 3-year warranty on the amplifier directly from the manufacturer. Praising the PSW10 for its sound quality and deep bass, Amazon customers also give it high marks for overall subwoofer value. Users also praised the device’s easy setup, although some were also surprised by the speaker’s size. Still, 94% of Amazon customers rate this one 4 stars or higher, and it might be more appealing to those looking for big sound in a small space.

For those interested in audio for their home and office, it’s worth mentioning that Edifier also makes a pair of speakers that can be a good alternative to your monitor’s built-in speakers. Nonetheless, we end this list with Amazon’s Choice Edifier T5 for $199.99. It promises frequencies as low as 35 Hz thanks to its 8-inch long-throw woofer, as well as 70 W RMS output powered by a Class D amplifier. Another special feature of this one is that it does not require an external receiver.

Working with a variety of Edifier speaker systems, this one is also compatible with desktop and bookshelf speakers with subwoofer output options or RCA ports. Users can also fine-tune its audio with its adjustable low-pass filter (30 to 160 Hz) and phase selector (0 to 180 degrees). The T5 also features a slim design, with a cabinet width of 6.69 inches and a height of 16.14 inches. Additional features of this model also include an auto sleep function as well as DSP setting.

With 393 reviews and a 4.6-star rating, customers love the Edifier T5 for its overall performance and build quality, and one customer appreciated the addition of the subwoofer to their desktop setup. Users also like this one for its easy setup, although some report connectivity issues with some Edifier models. Regardless, customers find the price worth it, and it may be worth considering for those who need to consider the area in which they are trying to immerse themselves in sound.

Since this list is aimed at those working on a limited budget, we’ve done our best to put together a list of subwoofers available for $300 or less that consistently have positive customer reviews. In addition to looking at Amazon reviews, we’ve also scoured the web to see what customers have to say about many of these devices (including Reddit users), and we typically select products that maintain a 4-star rating on Amazon based on hundreds, if not thousands, of reviews. We also award bonus points for Amazon’s Choice items or other notable distinctions.