A Best Subwoofer Under $1500 is the all-important last sound device in your home theater (or stereo) setup, designed to reproduce the low tones that give your movie and gaming experiences a visceral “punch.”
Subwoofers come in all shapes and sizes, from in-wall subwoofers to portable ones that you can plug into your car, but most are designed to fit under or around the seats of your couch.
Our team regularly tests and reviews audio equipment, including subwoofers, amplifiers, speakers, headphones and more. We evaluate performance, efficiency and ease of use, scoring each device for things like power output, sound quality, ease of use, and price.
Here we list our picks for the best subwoofer under $1500, according to thorough testing and popular consumer reviews.
1. Klipsch R-12SW 12″ 400W Subwoofer
This R-Series subwoofer is outstanding. It delivers deep, clear bass that’s as articulate as it is rich. It carries great authority with music and movie soundtracks and handles action movies with precision.
The low end is punchy, and it stays intact through fast action scenes. If you run a home theater system, or you just watch movies and watch TV, this is a great subwoofer.
The sound is clear and articulate, and the subwoofer’s deep, rumbling bass makes a movie or TV show come alive. Did we mention that it’s loud?
How We Pick & Test?
- Panel Testing: We test the R-12SW with an expert listening panel, and we conceal the identities of the subs.
- Scientific Testing: We conduct CTA-2010 output measurements of all subs to obtain an objective comparison of their capabilities.
- Size Matters: Big subs tend to sound better and play louder, but they take up a lot of space. We’ve included picks of all sizes.
- Price Range: We limited our testing to subs in the $300 to $800 price range to keep the number of competitors manageable.
Features We Like:
- Copper-spun
- Front Firing
- Digital Amplifier
- Brushed Black Polymer Veneer Cabinet
- Satin Painted Plinth
- Low Pass Crossover and Phase Control
- Line/LFE inputs
2. Klipsch R-120SW Subwoofer, Black
The Klipsch R-120SW was the top pick in sub/sat boxes in 2017, and this year it’s even better. Based on its sub/sat box performance alone, it’s a clear Editors’ Choice.
But the R-120SW also earned our Best Value pick for a high-end sub that costs less than $1,000. It has a clean and powerful sound, and though it’s smaller than some subs in its class, it’s loaded with features.
The sub has a 12-inch woofer–the heftiest in our sub/sat box roundup–and it plays loud and deep. The R-120SW also boasts high-end features like a cosmetics-friendly grille, a mic and controls on rear panel, and Bluetooth.
The sub also has a surprisingly modest power–on the low volume setting, it puts out 100 watts RMS, which puts it closer to your budget sub and to the budget front-firing speakers in our sub/sat box roundup.
The R-120SW is among the best subwoofers we’ve heard. Running the impedance subwoofer from our sub/sat box shootout at our target 4 Ohm load, the R-120SW produced a smooth and tight bass response that compliments the midrange nicely.
3. Klipsch Reference R-10SW 10″ 300w Powered Subwoofer:
The Klipsch R-10SW is the most powerful subwoofer we’ve ever tested, with 300 watts of dynamic power. Its all-digital amplifier with phase control lets you adjust the sound partnered with your favorite music or movie.
Paired with the Klipsch R-SWM100 3-inch floorstanding speaker for home theater, you can experience home cinema sound in a crowded environment, thanks to wireless connectivity.
The subwoofer’s bass port allows air flow, which enhances bass performance. The active crossover network lets you adjust the subwoofer’s performance according to the size of your room.
The subwoofer’s front-firing woofer provides smooth, articulate bass response. Its low pass crossover and phase control can be used to turn the subwoofer on or off, or to adjust the crossover point.
In addition, the subwoofer has a loudness level indicator that lets you see whether you need to adjust the subwoofer’s performance.
Klipsch R-10SW features audio presets, a phase switch, and a sub low cut switch. The K-array setup wireless surround speakers let you wire the subwoofer and speakers together quickly and easily.
4. Polk Audio PSW10 10″ Powered Subwoofer:
If you’re looking for big bass in a compact design, the Polk Audio PSW10 subwoofer is a nice choice.
Its compact size makes it ideal for a kitchen or bedroom, and it’s plenty powerful to play even the most demanding nodes effortlessly.
The sound quality is good and clear, and its soundstage is nicely deep, but if you’re looking for bass-heavy music you can listen to all day, we’d recommend going with a bigger unit.
It looks luscious in black, and despite its compact size, you can easily mount it on the floor.
Features We Like:
- 2-year Warranty
- Up to 160 Hz (-3dB) frequency response
- 100 Watts Dynamic Power
- 50 Watts RMS, 100 Watts Max
- 80-160 Hz (-3dB) Continuously Variable Crossover
- 40-160 Hz (-3dB) Frequency Response
- 1′ High-Performance Voice Coil
- Rigid MDF Enclosure
- 1.5″ Voice Coil
- 3″ (75mm) and 4″ (100mm) Tweeters
- 2″ (50mm) and 4″ (100mm) Woofers
- 1.5″ (38mm) x 2′ High-Performance Voice Coil
- 6 Ohms
- 50 Watts RMS, 100 Watts Max
- 80-160 Hz
How We Pick & Test?
- Room tuning: We calibrated the subwoofer at our listening room, which is one-third the size of an audio lab. We set each subwoofer’s EQ and crossover controls to match the room’s curve.
- Comparison: We measured each subwoofer’s output (measured in watts), frequency response (measured in Hz), and sensitivity (measured in decibels per watt).
- Subjective listening: We listened to each subwoofer in A/B comparisons with each of the speakers we picked.
- Reader feedback: We conducted a reader poll and also took reader comments into consideration to come up with our criteria.
5. Klipsch R-100SW 10″ Subwoofer:
The Klipsch R-100SW is a serious subwoofer capable of tremendous output and with none of the distortions or rattling that’s sometimes associated with big subwoofers.
It does this with great care by using an all-digital amplifier with 300 watts of peak power, large magnet motor structure, 14 5″ x 12 5″ x 16 4″ dimensions, and a generously powered 14-inch polypropylene woofer.
You also get phase control and a low-pass crossover for fine-tuning the sonic experience. The R-100SW does an excellent job of driving a wide range of speakers, including some of our top picks for full-range speakers, such as Definitive Technology’s
How We Pick & Test?
- Responsive controls: We wanted controls that respond well and are easy to interact with, so we test subwoofers with expert listening panels.
- Easy setup: We wanted setup to be as painless as possible, so we put the subwoofers together on a flat black surface to measure their angles.
- Audio performance: We tested the subwoofers’ performance in three different locations: a basement, an attached garage, and a large living room.
- Size matters: We weighed the subwoofers to determine whether they were too heavy, then we measured their dimensions to determine their optimal placement.
Features We Like:
- Deep bass response, 150 watts continuous power output, 300 watts peak power output
- Front-firing 10″ spun-copper woofer
- Frequency response: 32Hz – 120Hz – 3dB
- Ported rear-firing passive radiator-Built-in passive radiator
- Built-in high-pass filter
- Built-in low-pass filter
- Built-in phase switch
- Built-in crossover
- Dimensions: 14 5″ x 12 5″ x 16 4″
6. Klipsch 12″ 400 Watts Wireless Subwoofer:
The Klipsch R-12SWi wireless subwoofer is an ultracompact 12″ sub powered by a dual 2.4GHz digital amplifier. The sub features Klipsch’s proprietary Tractrix Horn, aluminum cone and rigid composite chassis, along with an 8Hz – 200Hz frequency response.
The sub’s enclosure is constructed from 18mm MDF and wrapped in black vinyl. A hinged, removable grille provides both aesthetic enhancement and protection.
A front-mounted USB-A input lets you connect a USB flash drive or external hard drive directly to the sub for instant playback.
The system is also compatible with Bluetooth devices. The sub’s signal is transmitted wirelessly from a transmitter to the receiver via a 2.4 GHz signal.
The receiver operates on a 110-240 volt AC power supply, and includes a 12V car power adapter and 6′ cable for installation in vehicles. The receiver also features a digital volume control and remote control.
The transmitter can be powered with 110-240v AC or 12VDC and includes an AC wall plug. For portability, the transmitter is also compatible with the included 12v car power adapter.
The fully digital amplifier uses 24-bit digital signal processing, sub-balanc, and phase control for low-distortion performance.
7. Yamaha 8″ 100W Powered Subwoofer:
The Yamaha NS-SW050BL is a 100W speaker, which may be too small for some applications but delivers enough bass for many living rooms.
The woofer offers great mids and highs. It’s less boomy than many of the 10″ speakers we tested, but still has a satisfying amount of bass.
Aside from that, the NS-SW050BL’s performance is average, as the sub’s tonal balance is a little flatter than we’d like. If you’re interested in a higher-power model, check out our review of the Yamaha NS-SW150BL.
Features We Like:
- We recommend having 1-3 feet clearance behind the subwoofer, and at least 1 foot of clearance on either side.
- A 2-ohm load is required for proper operation.
- Installation: Indoor, wall-mount (mounts not included)
- Dimensions: 14.2″ x 14.2″ x 15.1″
- Weight: 11.8 lbs
- Panel: MDF
- Bass Response: 20-25 Hz
- Frequency Response: 40- 200 Hz
- Impedance: 8 Ohms
How We Pick & Test?
- Panel testing: We test subwoofers with an expert listening panel, and we conceal the identities of the subwoofers to eliminate bias.
- Scientific testing: We conduct CTA-2010 output measurements of all subwoofers to obtain an objective comparison of their capabilities.
- Size matters: Big subwoofers tend to sound better and play louder, but they take up a lot of space. We’ve included picks of all sizes.
- Price range: We limited our testing to subwoofers in the $1500 price range to keep the number of competitors manageable.
8. SVS SB-1000 Pro Sealed Subwoofer:
The SVS SB1000 Pro subwoofer is a bargain if you’re looking for a versatile and powerful sub that will deliver deep, tight bass in just about any room.
It packs a lot of power into a rather compact cabinet, and it produces deep, tight bass with surprising finesse and features a large control app that lets you fine-tune its performance.
The matching subwoofer amplifier is also powerful and efficient, and it supports a variety of inputs so you can integrate it easily into an existing system.
The SVS SB1000 Pro’s sealed cabinet design and rigid internal bracing make it resistant to vibration, and the remote and app give you the ability to fine-tune its performance, and the subwoofer has a sleek, modern appearance that works equally well in a contemporary space as in a traditional home theater.
However, the subwoofer isn’t as loud as we’d like, and its bass doesn’t extend quite as far down as it should do for its size and price.
It also doesn’t have enough inputs, and while the app makes setting up simple, it’s not as intuitive to use as we’d like.
9. Monoprice 60-Watt Powered Subwoofer:
The Monoprice 60-Watt Powered Subwoofer delivers a clean, deep bass response, thanks to a large, front-facing 8-inch driver.
The onboard crossover does a good job of separating the bass from the mids, which are extremely clear.
The subwoofer might be best used as a rear-sub woofer in a 5.1-channel setup, but it’s capable of driving the fronts or rears, depending on your choice of speaker. The subwoofer also features two auto on/off modes.
One turns on the subwoofer when you turn it on, and the other turns it on and off with the front receiver.
It does a good job of balancing the subwoofer with the other speakers, so you won’t hear any thump or thump-bumping.
How We Pick & Test?
- Inputs: We look for subwoofers with enough inputs, so you can easily connect an amplifier or receiver.
- Outputs: We test subwoofers for the types of speakers it can drive, from 2.5-inch to 6.5-inch, and for low ohms: 200 ohms or higher.
- Sound quality: We listen for accuracy and detail, and we check bass response and power.
- Auto power on: We look for subwoofers with an auto-power-on feature, so you don’t have to remember to turn it on.
Features We Like:
- Powered Subwoofer System
- 60 Watts RMS Power
- Auto On / Off Function
- Built In Crossover
- Line Level Inputs & Outputs
- Built In Speaker Protection Circuitry
- Built In Volume Control
- Mounting Bracket Included
- Easy To Use Controls
- Low Profile Cabinet
- High Quality Components
- Easy To Install
- Compatible With Any 5.1 / 7.1 / 9.1 / 11.1 Systems, Or Any Stereo System
- Combines The Bass Signals From Two SPEAKERS
- Output For Up to Two Speakers
10. Klipsch Synergy Black Label Sub-120 12” Front-Firing Subwoofer:
In the audio-and-video-equipment world, Klipsch is king. For decades, the company has put out some of the best audio gear on the market, and its new Black Label line of receivers and speakers continues that tradition. The company has spent years developing and fine-tuning these speakers (and subwoofers), and with its latest offerings, it has, according to most audio experts, achieved something remarkable. The Klipsch Synergy Sub 120 is the company s most powerful subwoofer yet, and it produces some serious bass.
How We Pick & Test?
- Panel testing: We test subwoofers with an expert listening panel, and we conceal the identities of the subs to eliminate bias.
- Scientific testing: We conduct CTA-2010 output measurements of all subs to obtain an objective comparison of their capabilities.
- Size matters: Big subs tend to sound better and play louder, but they take up a lot of space. We’ve included picks of all sizes.
- Price range: We limited our testing to subs in the $250 to $400 price range to keep the number of competitors manageable.
Features We Like:
- Strong and Flexible Cerametallic Woofer
- Front Firing Driver
- Removable Grille
- Great for Gaming and Movies
- Compatible with Most AV Receivers
- Contemporary Finish
- Removable Grille
What are subwoofers, and how do they work?
Subwoofers are audio components that can enhance your listening experience. They produce very low frequencies in a range that the human ear can hear.
Subwoofers are different from regular speakers in their production mechanism – speakers produce sound through a vibrating diaphragm, while subwoofers produce sound by “vibrating the air itself”.
Subwoofers, therefore, have a very large cone or curved enclosure made of thicker plastic than speakers.
When an electrical signal is sent to a subwoofer’s amplifier, the amplifier boosts the power the signal and sends the boosted signal to the subwoofer’s cone.
The cone’s movement then causes the air surrounding the cone to move in the same direction. The movement of the air produces a sound wave with the same frequency (pitch) as the electrical signal sent to the amplifier.
Since subwoofers produce very low frequencies, they need to be powered by lower voltages than regular speakers. They also require larger amplifiers than speakers because of their low power output.
How to choose the Best Subwoofer Under $1500 for your speaker?
Having a giant subwoofer is an awesome feeling but you need to know a thing or two about choosing one.
The most important question you need to ask yourself is, “What kind of music do you listen to?” Are you into hip hop, dubstep, RnB, or EDM? If you are into any of these music genres, then maybe a subwoofer is a good solution for you.
Next you need to decide on the size of the speaker. The subwoofers are available in all sizes. If you are just upgrading your sound system or getting your first one, then 10 inch subwoofer will be perfect for you. But if you have small space, then 8 inch will be good choice.
What are the most common types of Best Subwoofer Under $1500?
When it comes to choosing a subwoofer, there are several different options to consider. Two of the most common types of subwoofers are the compact and ported subwoofers.
Compact subwoofers are among the most popular. These subwoofers are a better bet for smaller rooms and are less costly than larger ported models.
Ported subwoofers are larger and use a tube port for directing air out of the back of the subwoofer. Ported subwoofers can produce deeper bass than compact models but are bulkier and more expensive than compact models.
The other type of subwoofer to consider is a bandpass subwoofer. Bandpass subwoofers use an electronic crossover to electronically divide an audio signal into low and high frequency components.
Bandpass subwoofers can provide greater dispersion but are typically not as efficient as ported subwoofers.
Conclusion:
Sound quality is important for many listeners of subwoofers. Those looking for more bass cannot usually get enough from just an amplifier and speakers. But the cost of a truly high-quality subwoofer can tip many people off.
Luckily, there are subwoofers on the market that cost less than $1500, but offer premium quality. We have put together a list of the best subwoofers under $1500 that will blow you away.