9 Best Budget Subwoofers to Rock Your World (Not Your Wallet)

Best Budget Subwoofers

Attention, savvy buyers and discerning sound enthusiasts! Are you ready to elevate your audio game without breaking the bank? Look no further, for I have uncovered the holy grail of affordable audio bliss—the best budget subwoofer.

A subwoofer is an integral part of any sound system.

You cannot have an optimal home theater without a subwoofer, nor can you hope to listen to music how it is meant to be.

A subwoofer enhances the bass and allows your speaker system to emit even low-frequency sounds, so you don’t lose part of the sound design.

For example, if you are listening to a concert on your sound system, there may be musical instruments played at a lower decibel and those at a higher decibel. But a music piece will not be complete if you can only hear the higher-pitched violin, not the cello that provides the bass.

Think of it this way — is a rock band complete without a bass guitar? No, it isn’t. Similarly, your sound system is a jiving rock band, and your subwoofer provides the bass.

So which are the best subwoofers available on a budget to get your speakers jiving? Jump in and find out.

Quick List: Best Budget Subwoofers in 2024

  1. Best Overall: Cerwin-Vega Mobile VPAS10
  2. Best Budget Home Theater Subwoofer: Theater Solutions 250 Watt Subwoofer
  3. Best Budget Car Subwoofer: Rockford Fosgate P300-12 Punch Powered
  4. Best Budget Subwoofer for Music: Acoustic Audio 300 Watt Subwoofer
  5. Best Budget Powered Subwoofer: Polk Audio PSW505
  6. Best Budget Wireless Subwoofer: Klipsch R-10swi
  7. Best Budget 15-Inch Subwoofer: Rockville RBG15S
  8. Best Budget 12-Inch Subwoofer: BIC America F12
  9. Best Budget 10-Inch Subwoofer: Rockville RW10CA

Best Cheap Subwoofers Reviews

Best Overall
Cerwin vega VPAS10 10" 2Ω 550W Max / 200W RMS Powered Active Subwoofer Enclosure + Bass Knob
Best for Home Theater
Theater Solutions SUB8S 250 Watt Surround Sound HD Home Theater Slim Powered Active Subwoofer...
Best for Car
Rockford Fosgate Punch P300-12 Single 12" 300-Watt Amplified Subwoofer in Enclosure - Black
Best Wireless
Klipsch R-10SWi 10" Wireless Subwoofer - Brushed Black Vinyl
Cerwin vega VPAS10 10" 2Ω 550W Max / 200W RMS Powered Active Subwoofer Enclosure + Bass Knob
Theater Solutions SUB8S 250 Watt Surround Sound HD Home Theater Slim Powered Active Subwoofer...
Rockford Fosgate Punch P300-12 Single 12" 300-Watt Amplified Subwoofer in Enclosure - Black
Klipsch R-10SWi 10" Wireless Subwoofer - Brushed Black Vinyl
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-
-
-
Size
10-Inch
8-Inch
12-Inch
10-Inch
Best Overall
Cerwin vega VPAS10 10" 2Ω 550W Max / 200W RMS Powered Active Subwoofer Enclosure + Bass Knob
Cerwin vega VPAS10 10" 2Ω 550W Max / 200W RMS Powered Active Subwoofer Enclosure + Bass Knob
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Size
10-Inch
Best for Home Theater
Theater Solutions SUB8S 250 Watt Surround Sound HD Home Theater Slim Powered Active Subwoofer...
Theater Solutions SUB8S 250 Watt Surround Sound HD Home Theater Slim Powered Active Subwoofer...
-
Size
8-Inch
Best for Car
Rockford Fosgate Punch P300-12 Single 12" 300-Watt Amplified Subwoofer in Enclosure - Black
Rockford Fosgate Punch P300-12 Single 12" 300-Watt Amplified Subwoofer in Enclosure - Black
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Size
12-Inch
Best Wireless
Klipsch R-10SWi 10" Wireless Subwoofer - Brushed Black Vinyl
Klipsch R-10SWi 10" Wireless Subwoofer - Brushed Black Vinyl
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Size
10-Inch

Subwoofers that go well with a sound system or are excellent even on their own can be hard to come by. The good ones are, more often than not, costly, so you may have to shell out a lot of money to ensure you get the sound you want to hear.

If it is a budget buy, there are several things you may need to forego to get a subwoofer that also does not break the bank. But this does not need to be the case at all times.

The following are reviews of some of the best budget subwoofers. To get the best and separate from the average, the list has been divided into a few different categories, making it easier for you to navigate. Take a look!

The Best Budget Subwoofer

1. Best Overall: Cerwin-Vega Mobile VPAS10 Review

Sale
Cerwin Vega VPAS10 10" 550W Car Audio Underseat Subwoofer with Passive Radiator Technology…
  • Compact Design: Specifically engineered to fit in the spare tire and underseat well of most vehicles, this subwoofer provides powerful bass while maximizing space
  • High-Performance Bass: Equipped with a robust subwoofer, this unit delivers crisp, deep bass that elevates your music experience to new heights
  • Custom Enclosure: The built-in, custom-designed enclosure is crafted from durable materials to ensure optimal sound quality and performance

Of all the models on this list, the VPAS10 is arguably the most compact at only 2.6 inches thick, making it small enough to fit underneath even the smallest seats in the sleekest sports cars. It is also made from a durable aluminum casing, so even though it is pretty thin, it can still hold up against any bumps you might encounter on the road.

As for the audio quality, the VPAS10 is challenging to beat. With a 10-inch woofer and a 450-watt built-in amplifier, this model produces some of the best depth and punchiest sound we’ve seen, so you’ll always feel immersed in your music.

This under-seat subwoofer has a bass boost of 0-12dB, a subsonic filter of 35Hz, and a low pass filter speaker level of 75-150Hz.

And if that wasn’t enough, the VPAS10 also excels at all the little things. It includes a thermal protection circuit so you can jam out for hours on end without worrying. Its auto-turn-on mechanism incorporates a unique, soft-delay feature to help prevent ear shock, so you’ll never be surprised when the bass suddenly drops as you turn on your car’s audio system. And my personal favorite, the VPAS10, is installed via heavy-duty Velcro strips.

If you’re anything like me, mounting and god-forbid, unmounting a piece of electronic equipment is the hardest part of setting it up. The VPAS10 is specifically designed so that even people like us, who struggle to remember what a Phillips head screwdriver looks like, can easily install it.

Pros
  • Powerful bass with high-watt amplifier.
  • Incredibly compact.
  • Extremely easy to install.
  • Great value for price.
Cons
  • Must be tuned to accommodate different musical styles.
  • Range only goes as low as 35Hz.

2. Best for Home Theater: Theater Solutions 250 Watt Subwoofer Review

Sale
Theater Solutions SUB8S 250 Watt Surround Sound HD Home Theater Slim Powered Active Subwoofer...
  • SLIM HOME THEATER POWERED SUBWOOFER - Standard RCA inputs easily connect to your home theater receivers dedicated Subwoofer Output. Save power with the added Signal Sensing Auto ON/OFF feature, slim...

The Theater Solutions 250 Watt Subwoofer is fantastic because it’s slim, powerful at 250 W, has a 24 dB per octave crossover, 8-inch firing woofer, and is fully adaptable to most audio systems.

When I first noticed the Theater Solutions 250 Watt Subwoofer, I knew I was looking at something special. This slim subwoofer was the perfect accompaniment to anchor my home theater.

How did I know? For starters, I love the standard RCA inputs. This makes it easy to connect with just about any other home theater receiver because they usually use the same type of connection.

Next, I adore this subwoofer pumping out 250 W of home theater audio bliss. I can crank up my favorite action movies to a respectable level and know that I will hear the pounding bass, the thunderous background music, the bullets zipping through the air, and the tanks and other large machinery firing off massive weapons. It feels like it’s happening right in the comfort of my living room.

Unfortunately, some customers felt that the subwoofer wasn’t loud enough, the bass wasn’t deep enough, and the cabinet was poorly constructed. These issues aren’t typical complaints from most customers, but they do pop up from time to time.

This Theater Solutions 250 Watt Subwoofer is great because it produces intense bass, is the perfect addition to any home theater system, is loud, is crystal clear, is slim and hardly noticeable, and is more than affordable.

Pros
  • Uses standard US 110 volt grounded wall plug.
Cons
  • The cabinet is made of flimsy wood.

3. Best for Car: Rockford Fosgate P300-12 Punch Powered Review

Rockford Fosgate Punch P300-12 Single 12" 300-Watt Amplified Subwoofer in Enclosure - Black
  • The Punch P300-12 is a self-contained all-in-one solution featuring a Punch 12” subwoofer in a custom sealed enclosure and is powered by a mighty 300 Watt amplifier

With a 12-inch subwoofer, the P300-12 Punch has the deepest sound of any model on this list. It responds incredibly well to changes in pitch and can drive home the low notes in your music. If you want to feel the bass in your bones, this is the perfect option for you. With a 300-watt built-in amplifier, the P300-12 Punch can accommodate both volume and depth, so you never need to choose between the two.

This subwoofer also contains thermal and overvoltage protection circuits, so you will feel protected even when boosting the bass as far as it can go. Plus, with equilibrium controls for sound balance and an easy-access remote control, you can fully customize your sound, even if that means lowering the bass just a little when you’re giving other people rides or taking your nephew to school.

Pros
  • Powerful bass and great built-in amplifier.
  • Thermal and overvoltage protection circuits.
  • Advanced controls for sound balance and fine-tuning.
Cons
  • Price is quite high.
  • Large, thick design may be difficult to accommodate in smaller cars.

4. Best for Music: Acoustic Audio 300 Watt Subwoofer Review

Acoustic Audio PSW-8 300 Watt 8-Inch Down Firing Powered Subwoofer (Black)
  • Acoustic Audio PSW-8 Specialty Series home theater powered subwoofer, 300 watts peak power, frequency response is 26Hz-250Hz, efficiency is 97dB, 8ohm impedance
  • Built in digital drive high efficiency amplifier, 8” down firing long throw subwoofer, high rigidity PVA treated cone, adjustable independent gain control

The Acoustic Audio 300-Watt Subwoofer is top-notch audio equipment with varying sizes, powerful sound quality, a phase control switch, and an advanced RFL bass reflex design.

In my quest to find the Best Budget Subwoofer for Music, I’m glad I eventually stumbled upon the Acoustic Audio 300 Watt Subwoofer. This fantastic audio technology is recommended for music players, which is exactly what I was hoping for.

Not only that, it comes in many different sizes. There’s 6.5-inch, 8-inch, 10-inch, 12-inch, and 15-inch. So, there’s the perfect size for everyone. Choose the ideal size based on the room size and other factors that come into play when choosing a subwoofer of this type.

Most importantly, I love that it’s 300 W, which means I can crank the audio up very loudly and appreciate my music at the highest decibels. I love turning up the music when I work out, listening to loud music while taking a shower, and I like it blasting it in the background when I’m playing my favorite sports video games.

To keep things fair and balanced, I’d like to point out a few previous customer problems. One gentleman said his subwoofer made a loud, annoying humming sound. It was distracting too. This is a defective device that needs to be replaced. Another customer complained that it doesn’t deliver a low-frequency response range of 30 Hz. This may be true, but most people don’t seem to mind.

You’ll love the Acoustic Audio 300 Watt Subwoofer because of its pounding bass, clear and loud audio, multiple mounting options, easy-to-access speaker level inputs, speaker level outputs, line inputs, and much more.

Pros
  • 300 watts peak power, black ash cabinet.
Cons
  • Subwoofer makes a loud humming noise.

5. Best Powered: Polk Audio PSW505 Review

Polk Audio PSW505 12" Powered Subwoofer - Deep Bass Impact & Distortion-Free Sound, Up to 460 Watts,...
  • HEART-THUMPING MUSIC WITH DEEP, POWERFUL BASS – Polk's 12-inch Dynamic Balance Woofer sounds better because it is built better. Make your movies, music & sports experience thrilling

The Polk Audio PSW505 12-inch powered subwoofer is a dynamic balance woofer with excellent sound and superior build quality. It has a power of 460 watts and can deliver high-performance sound without any disturbance.

The PSW505 can reproduce sound accurate, whether a deep bass sound or a musical string quartet. It can easily be integrated with existing sound systems and features a continuously variable 60 – 120 Hz crossover and 25-125 Hz frequency response. It blends in easily with most speakers but works best when paired with a Polk’s Signature Series speaker.

The front grille is detachable, and in the back, you’ll find a magnetically-shielded LFE input to avoid noisy signals. The sub can be integrated easily with existing systems and has a Phase Toggle Switch for running multiple subwoofers.

The Polk Audio PSW505 has been chosen as the best-powered subwoofer for this line-up because it delivers what any powered subwoofer should deliver and more. Besides, it also does not come at too high a price and gives you an affordable option. The following are some of the pros and cons of the product:

Pros
  • The 12-inch subwoofer sounds better than most because it has a better design and build.
  • It can recreate various sounds accurately and to absolute perfection, be it the bass of an orchestra or the melody of a softer string instrument.
  • It can blend beautifully with most bookshelf speakers (though its best partner would be a Polk’s Signature Series speaker).
  • Thanks to the Phase Toggle Switch, it is versatile and allows you to run multiple subwoofers alongside.
  • The LFE-input shield is magnetically loaded and avoids noisy signals.
Cons
  • A few customers have complained that the subwoofer shorted out after a couple of uses.
  • There have been reports of constant buzzing noises that spoil the listening experience.
  • Some customers found that the auto-off feature performs less efficiently than advertised.

6. Best Wireless: Klipsch R-10SWI Review

Klipsch R-10SWi 10" Wireless Subwoofer - Brushed Black Vinyl
  • 10" front-firing, spun copper imp woofer
  • 2.4Ghz wireless hi-fi pre-paired transmitter
  • All-digital amplifier

The Klipsch R-10SWI is a 10-inch, front-firing wireless subwoofer with an all-digital amplifier. Klipsch’s unique spun copper IMG woofer offers an incredible sound.

It has a low pass crossover, phase control, and a strong, flexible, and fully removable front grille. The woofer is light and portable while also being durable and highly rigid.

The 2.4 GHz wireless Hi-Fi transmitter is pre-paired, so you need not worry about establishing a connection. It can offer an incredibly low-frequency response with as little cone breakup and distortion as possible.

A wireless subwoofer also makes carrying the perfect sound system easy wherever you go. Whether in your garage for band practice or in the backyard for a party. The wireless quality of the subwoofer also makes it more portable. But it is a valuable product only if the wireless receptors are also vital. The sound should not be interrupted simply because it is not connected through a wire.

The Klipsch R-10SWI has been selected as the best wireless subwoofer for this list because it does everything that a wireless subwoofer should do and comes at an affordable price. The following are some of the pros and cons of the product:

Pros
  • The wireless high-fidelity connectivity allows for incredible sound anywhere in the room.
  • The IMG or injection molded graphite woofers are incredibly light and portable.
  • They provide a low-frequency response with minimal distortion and cone breakup.
  • The built-in all-digital amplifier ensures accurate reproduction of the sound.
  • The low pass crossover and phase control allow the subwoofer to blend its low-frequency notes with other Klipsch speakers.
Cons
  • Some customers complained that the wireless receiver fails to maintain a good connection.
  • The parts are not of excellent quality, some users complained. The wireless adapter male pin is flimsy.
  • The sound is often thumping instead of a clear low-frequency.

7. Best 15-Inch: Rockville RBG15S Review

Rockville RBG15S 1600w Active Powered PA Subwoofer w/DSP + Limiter Pro/DJ, 15 inch, Black
  • Rockville RBG15S 15 inch 1600 Watt Active Powered PA Subwoofer; 400 Watts RMS - 800 Watts Program - 1600 Watts Peak Power; 15 inch Woofer with 70oz Magnet and 3 inch Voice Coil
  • Frequency Response: 40HZ-2000HZ; Adjustable Crossover Control: 45HZ-500HZ; Maximum SPL on 1w - 1m: 120dB Peak - 115dB Continuous; DSP

The Rockville RBG15S active-powered PA subwoofer is a 1600-watt, robust device with incredible sound. It offers 400-watt RMS, 800-watt program, and 1600-watt peak power.

The 15-inch woofer comes with a 100oz magnet and four-inch voice coils. It has a frequency response of 29Hz – 150Hz and three voice coils. The DSP digital signal processor has a boost, so an extended low-frequency control exists.

The LED indicators for the power-on button and the signal-input button are helpful and make it easier to operate the subwoofer. You can also adjust the levels, exercise phase control, and use the crossover low pass feature. There are also built-in pole mount sockets and carrying handles for easier portability. The dimensions of the woofer are 23.25″ x 20.75″ x 19.75”, and it has a seven-layer Birch plywood baffle construction (5/8 inches).

The has been selected as the best budget 15-inch subwoofer as it offers the great performance of a large subwoofer but does not leave too big a hole in your pocket! The following are the pros and cons of the Rockville:

Pros
  • The construction is extremely stylish and durable — a custom metal grill and a durable black carpet with black metal corners for a longer life.
  • The aluminum former voice coils have a copper winding which ensures the coils do not overheat and can give a lasting performance.
  • The Balancer XLR thru, TRS input, and output jacks allow the subwoofer to establish parallel connections to your portable PA system.
  • There is an auto turn-on fan that cools the unit, with heat sensitive variable speed.
  • The LED indicators for power on and signal input make it a user-friendly subwoofer.
Cons
  • The woofer is a powerful 15” device, which means it is extremely heavy to carry around. The built-in carrying handles can only help so much.
  • Some customers complained that it is a good purchase for a mid-range bass but is not very loud.
  • A small group of customers has reported that the amp is not built with great-quality materials and is assembled poorly.
  • The subwoofer may not be as durable as advertised.

8. Best 12-Inch: BIC America F12 Review

BIC America F12 12-Inch 475-Watt Front Firing Powered Subwoofer
  • Powered subwoofer with 12-inch injection molded long throw woofer; BASH designed amp
  • Patented BIC "Venturi" vent eliminates port noise

The BIC America F12 12-inch subwoofer is a 475-watt front-firing powered with a BASH-designed amp. The patented BIC “Venturi Port” eliminates port noise and gives you a great listening experience.

A five-year warranty backs the device, and has Dolby Pro Logic and Dolby Digital/DTS inputs. It has an adjustable volume control, can sense signals automatically, and has flexible crossover features.

The BIC has been picked as the best 12-Inch subwoofer for this budget line-up because it packs in a punch in its 12-inch driver size and is affordable compared to more expensive competitors offering the same features. The following are the features, pros, and cons of the subwoofer:

Pros
  • It has a wide frequency response range of 25Hz – 200Hz.
  • The patented Venturi Port sets it apart from other subwoofers, as you can enjoy a noise-free experience when listening to more demanding music.
  • This injection molded long throw woofer allows you to use it even at a lower frequency without any distortion.
  • The magnetic shielding also helps to get a great sound out and makes the subwoofer more durable.
  • The product comes from a long legacy of BIC America products that offer an output capability of up to 116dB (akin to listening to a rock band live!).
Cons
  • Several customers complained that the fuse blew within a few months of use.
  • The subwoofer has been known to make a humming sound when plugged into speakers.
  • It is suitable for small or medium rooms but perhaps not for larger ones.
  • A few customers complained about the durability and how it is not what was promised by the manufacturer.

9. Best 10-Inch: Rockville RW10CA Review

Rockville RW10CA 10" 800 Watt Slim Low Profile Active Powered Car Subwoofer Sub, Black
  • Rockville RW10CA 800 Watt 10" Slim Car Subwoofer.Waterproof : No

Rockville is a well-respected brand name in the world of car audio. The manufacturer is known for producing professional quality audio equipment built to last and includes circuit protections for added longevity. The protection circuits on the RW10CA will give you the confidence to play your music as loud as you like.

The Rockville RW10CA wins our award for best budget option because it produces a crisp, distortion-free sound at around half the cost of other under-seat subwoofers. It includes a built-in power amplifier to help achieve that punchy, booming sound you’ll appreciate the next time you’re head-banging to Motley Crue before a big sales pitch.

Weighing only 5.6 pounds and measuring 2.7 inches in height, the RW10CA is incredibly slim and can fit under nearly any seat, from sports cars to hybrid vehicles.

It is also straightforward to install. The RW10CA has an installation kit with all the necessary audio cables and equipment. So, even if you’re not the most tech-savvy, you can hook this car subwoofer up to your speaker system quickly andcustomize the audio to match how you like your music to sound.

With auto-turn-on technology, the RW10CA is an excellent subwoofer for anyone who values convenience at a budget-friendly price. After the initial installation, you can forget about this subwoofer entirely and just enjoy listening to your music as loud and dynamic as you like.

Pros
  • Very affordable.
  • Extremely slim design and able to fit under most car seats.
  • Easy installation with minimal cable hook ups.
Cons
  • Doesn’t have the deepest bass.
  • Build quality is not the best.

How to Choose a Good Budget Subwoofer

ProductSizePower HandlingOur Pick For
Cerwin-Vega Mobile VPAS1010-InchRMS: 200W, Max: 550WBest Overall
Theater Solutions SUB8S8-InchMax: 250WBest for Home Theater
Rockford Fosgate P300-12 Punch Powered12-InchMax: 300WBest for Car Audio
Acoustic Audio 300W8-InchMax: 300WBest for Music
Polk Audio PSW50512-InchRMS: 300W, Max: 460WBest Powered
Klipsch R-10SWi10-InchRMS: 150W, Max: 300WBest Wireless
Rockville RBG15S15-InchRMS: 400W, Max: 1600WBest 15-Inch
BIC America F1212-InchRMS: 150W, Max: 475WBest 12-Inch
Rockville RW10CA10-InchMax: 800WBest 10-Inch
Size & Power Comparisons

Choosing a subwoofer can be tricky, especially if you are on a budget. There are a few factors you would need to consider before settling on a subwoofer that suits your needs.

The most significant consideration is to get value for the money you spend. Whether or not you are on a budget, nobody likes to spend more than they require. Even if you have surplus cash, you would expect to get what you paid for and nothing less.

The following is a brief buying guide for when you step out to buy a budget subwoofer.

Purpose

The first factor is to consider why you want to buy a subwoofer. What is the purpose of purchasing the subwoofer, and what impact do you expect it to have on your film-viewing or music-listening experience?

Different types of subs are suitable for different situations. If you are an avid movie watcher, you should look for a subwoofer that can be integrated with a home theater system and enhances your movie-watching experience. So when you watch a film like ‘Baby Driver’ or even classics like ‘Jurassic Park’ which rely on incredible sound design, you can enjoy them to the fullest.

If you are looking for a subwoofer, you can carry with you on trips or take from one place to another quickly, a wireless device might be a better option. Wireless subwoofers also tend to be lighter than their traditional counterparts, making them more portable.

The subwoofers reviewed above have all been selected from their specific categories, so you can better understand how to determine your purchase’s purpose. This narrows down the options in the market, and you do not need to roam around like a headless chicken.

Knowing the purpose of your purchase even before you set out into the market allows you to make an informed choice and ensures you are not tricked or taken for a ride. It means fewer regrets about your purchase, and there is no room for guilt if you are on a budget. You have one shot at buying the subwoofer that is perfect for you!

Brand

The brand of a subwoofer matters a lot. While it is not a rule that a branded subwoofer can also not offer poor quality, some names are stalwarts in the business. If you can afford it and are within your budget, you should try as much as possible to go with a brand specializing in making products like these.

Some of the veritable names you can choose are Polk Audio, Rockford Fosgate, Cerwin-Vega Mobile, Rockville, Klipsch, Micca, etc.

These names have been in the business for a long time and have stood the test of time and quality. These brands also release different ranges that specialize in various aspects. So you will indeed have plenty of options, which are also in a varied price range.

It is important to stress that a known brand is not always correct. There have been enough and more instances of a brand making it big and taking its success for granted. Customers often become disappointed after using a known brand as the expectations are much higher.

The key is to do thorough research before you take a final call. Even if you are considering a subwoofer not manufactured by a known brand, if it comes highly recommended, dig further and ask questions. If you are happy with what you have found, then there is no problem in going for a subwoofer that does not come from an established brand.

Warranty

The warranty arrangements for different brands and products are other. Even if the brand has specific warranty terms, the seller you buy from may have additional terms. With some products, you may qualify for a specific warranty term if you buy from Amazon.com; with others, you may be eligible if you buy directly from the manufacturer.

On average, a five-year warranty is what is standard when it comes to a subwoofer. For electronic goods (which are expensive even when they are cheap), it is essential to have a longer window for getting things fixed for free or at a subsidized rate in case something goes wrong.

Five years is a long enough time to figure out whether the product is for you. If something goes wrong in the middle, you are well within your rights to ask for a replacement. If the product starts giving trouble after five years, it may still cause less inconvenience than if it stopped working two days after you purchased it and had no means to fix it.

But having a reasonable warranty period will make no difference if the customer service is not helpful. Ask around or look through online forums to see what people say about the company’s customer care.

Wattage

The numbers can be pretty confusing when you are out buying a subwoofer. The resonant frequency will be of a certain number; the wattage will be of a specific figure. But there is no need to get confused! The wattage simply signifies how loud a woofer might be able to get. It is just a rough guide indicating the woofer’s range, but it does not mean that it is how loud it will always be.

You can choose the volume you want to play it at and adjust it accordingly in tandem with the speaker system. But a 1000-watt sub may have better sound quality even at a regular volume than a 100-watt sub — this is the main difference.

While 100 watts may sound like a lot, it is not such a high wattage for subs. Some subs of higher wattage, like 300 to 500, are readily available in the market and do not cost much money.

Watt ratings on their own, however, are a limited judge of whether a subwoofer will provide you with the sound you require. This is just one of the most accessible guides to judging a subwoofer.

Front Firing vs Bottom Firing

The main difference between front-firing and bottom-firing subwoofers is the driver’s direction. Like a traditional speaker, a front-firing woofer gives out sound from the front and throws it directly at the listener. As opposed to this, a bottom-firing subwoofer pushes the sound down into the floor. Klipsch has clearly highlighted the differences in its article, Down-firing VS Front-firing Subs: A Subwoofer Comparison Guide.

The point of a subwoofer is to provide a deep bass sound so that even when the speaker is at a low frequency, the sound design can be heard the way it was meant to be. For this reason, no matter where you place the subwoofer in the room, its effects can be felt from anywhere as the low-frequency sound is too soft to hear, but you can feel it in the thumping of your chest — that is, the sound of the bass. For this reason, a subwoofer does not necessarily have to be front-facing, as the listener is not required to get the low-frequency sound directly.

A bottom-firing subwoofer may even have some advantages. When the sound is pushed down, it has a resonating surface in the floor, making the bass sound even more profound. This is the thumping sound you feel in your chest when you hear compelling music, like a concert or an action film. Standing waves are also less likely to form with a bottom-firing subwoofer. So if you had to pick between the two, a bottom-firing woofer might do a better job for a home theater.

Durability

Just because you spend less on the subwoofer does not mean you cannot expect a quality product. Durability is extremely important, so the parts and components that go into making the product should be of exceptional quality, even if the price is subsidized. You should not be stuck with screws falling off or cheap plastic giving way simply because you made a budget buy.

If you are on a tight budget, you will get what you pay for. But that does not justify being exploited.

The subwoofers with polypropylene cones and rubber surround offer excellent durability and better sound. Some of the subwoofers mentioned above are also set in a cast iron frame, making them more resilient and allowing them to endure a lot of wear and tear.

In several of the cons of the products mentioned above, a consistent complaint has been about durability. It is one of the biggest letdowns if a product that offers decent performance does not stay true to its promise of durability.

Budget

Since we are discussing buying budget subwoofers, determining the price is essential. Subwoofers can be expensive if you are not looking in the right places and ensure what you want. But before venturing into the market and looking at the price, you must decide on your budget first.

Sure, you deserve the best sound an electronic device can offer, but at what cost?

If you go for a more expensive subwoofer, the manufacturers should be able to justify the cost with more features. But purchasing a more expensive device for better performance is not important. There are plenty of budget options that you can sift through and find something you like.

Final Thoughts

The subwoofers reviewed and listed above are some of the best in their respective categories. Sure, they may not be the absolute best in the market. But for the price they are listed at, they do more than justice to the promises they make. Each subwoofer reviewed above has some unique features that are commendable considering the price it is being sold at. But along with the pros, there are also a fair few cons.

All the cons have also been listed in the interest of full disclosure. You are provided a complete picture of what to expect and whether you want to purchase the product. There is a fair share of cons; most complain of poor durability or disappointing performances.

As is evident from the buying guide, it is essential to know the purpose of the subwoofer before you buy it. So if you want a subwoofer for your home theater or a subwoofer for your car, you should know beforehand so you know what you are looking for when you venture out into the market.

Entering the market as a confused customer is never a good idea, as it is the perfect opportunity for you to be talked into buying something you do not need. This is especially important for those looking to buy a budget product.

Since you have limited cash, arriving at a safe decision is wise. So carry out due research, know what you want, and narrow your options down when looking for a budget subwoofer.

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