Are you looking to take your audio experience to the next level without breaking the bank? Adding a quality subwoofer to your car or home theater system can make all the difference. Subwoofers not only provide that deep, rich bass that adds depth and clarity to your music and movies but also enhance the overall audio experience. In this article, we will explore the best subwoofer under $200, ensuring you get the perfect blend of quality and value.
Factors to Consider When Choosing best Subwoofer under $200
When searching for the best subwoofer under $200, there are a few key factors to consider:
- Power: The power of a subwoofer is measured in watts. Higher wattage generally translates to louder and impactful bass. Look for a subwoofer with a sufficient power rating to match your audio needs.
- Size: Subwoofers come in various sizes, typically ranging from 8 to 15 inches. Larger subwoofers tend to produce deeper bass, but they may require more space. Consider the available space in your car or home theater system when selecting the size of your subwoofer.
- Enclosure Type: Subwoofers can be either sealed or ported. Sealed enclosures provide tighter and more accurate bass, while ported enclosures deliver a louder and more boomy bass. Choose the enclosure type that best suits your audio preferences.
- Compatibility: Ensure that the subwoofer you choose is compatible with your existing audio system. Check if it has the necessary inputs and outputs to connect to your amplifier or receiver.
top contenders for the best subwoofer under $200
Klipsch R-100SW 10″ Best Subwoofer Under $200
Klipsch R-100SW 10″ Subwoofer! This is a popular choice for those seeking to add some serious bass rumble to their home theater or music listening experience. Let’s break down its key features, pros and cons, and even compare it to some alternatives:
Features:
- 10″ Front-Firing Spun-Copper IMG Woofer: Provides deep and impactful bass response with minimal distortion.
- 300 Watts Peak Power: Delivers ample power to fill even large rooms with sound.
- All-Digital Amplifier: Offers efficient and accurate audio reproduction.
- Volume, Low Pass Crossover, and Phase Control: Allows for precise adjustments to optimize bass performance for your room and setup.
- Line Level/LFE RCA Inputs: Compatible with a wide range of receivers and sound systems.
- Compact and Stylish Design: Blends seamlessly into most home entertainment systems.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Delivers impressive bass output for its size and price point | Some user reviews report minor boomy bass at high volume levels |
| Front-firing woofer creates a powerful and immersive sound experience | May not be as powerful as some high-end subwoofers |
| All-digital amplifier ensures clean and efficient audio reproduction | Lacks advanced features like room correction or automatic calibration |
| Adjustable controls allow for fine-tuning the bass to your preferences | Doesn’t include an XLR connection for professional setups |
| Compatible with various receivers and sound systems | |
| Compact design fits neatly into most entertainment spaces |
Alternatives to consider Best Subwoofer Under $200:
- SVS SB-2000 Pro: Higher-end subwoofer with exceptional sound quality, room correction, and XLR output, but significantly more expensive.
- REL Acoustics T/5i: Compact subwoofer with surprisingly powerful and musical bass, but also pricier than the R-100SW.
- Yamaha NS-SW100: Budget-friendly option with decent bass performance, but not as powerful or refined as the R-100SW.
Audio engine S8 Powered best Subwoofer under $200
Audioengine S8! This powered best subwoofer under $200 is another popular choice for those looking to add some punch to their sound system. Let’s delve into its details to see if it might be the right fit for you:
Features:
- 250W Peak Power: Delivers powerful bass to enhance your music and movies.
- 8-inch Custom Down-Firing Woofer: Offers smooth and accurate bass with minimal distortion.
- Anti-Resonant Steel Frame and Rubber Surround: Reduce vibrations and ensure clean, tight bass.
- Dual Audio Inputs (Stereo RCA/LFE): Compatible with a wide range of receivers and sound systems.
- Volume Control, Crossover Frequency Adjustment, and Phase Switch: Allow for fine-tuning the bass to your preferences and room acoustics.
- Auto-Sleep and Wake Functions: Conserves energy when not in use.
- Solid Hand-Finished MDF Cabinet: Provides a sleek and stylish look.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Delivers strong and clear bass performance for its size and price | Some user reviews mention audible hiss at high volume levels |
| Down-firing woofer design minimizes room placement sensitivity | May not be powerful enough for very large rooms or demanding setups |
| Adjustable controls allow for tailoring the bass to your taste and environment | Lacks advanced features like room correction or wireless connectivity |
| Compatible with various audio sources and systems | Doesn’t include an XLR input for professional applications |
| Auto-sleep feature saves energy and extends the subwoofer’s lifespan | Solid build quality and attractive design |
Sony SACS9 10-Inch Active Subwoofer, Black
Sony SACS9 10-Inch Active Subwoofer! It’s a popular choice for adding some oomph to your home theater or music experience without breaking the bank. Here’s a breakdown of its features, pros and cons:
Features:
- 10-inch Dual-Layer Mica Woofer Diaphragm: Delivers strong and detailed bass tones with minimal distortion.
- 115W Maximum Power: Provides ample power for small to medium-sized rooms.
- Bass Reflex Design: Enhances low-frequency response and creates a fuller sound.
- Motion Feedback Technology: Promotes clear signal clarity and minimizes unwanted vibrations.
- Line Level and Speaker Level Inputs: Compatible with various audio sources and receivers.
- Volume Control and Phase Switch: Allow for fine-tuning the bass to your preferences and room acoustics.
- Compact and Stylish Design: Blends seamlessly into most home entertainment setups.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable price point for a 10-inch subwoofer | Some user reviews mention minor boomy bass at high volume levels |
| Dual-layer mica woofer produces clear and impactful bass | May not be powerful enough for very large rooms or demanding setups |
| Bass reflex design enhances low-end performance | Lacks advanced features like room correction or automatic calibration |
| Motion feedback technology minimizes vibrations and distortion | No wireless connectivity options available |
| Versatile connectivity options for compatibility with various sound systems | Compact design occupies minimal space |
Skar Audio EVL-12 D2 12″ Car Subwoofer
Features:
- 12-inch Dual 2-Ohm Voice Coil: Provides flexibility for wiring configurations and compatibility with various amplifiers.
- 2500 Watt Peak Power: Delivers impressive bass output to fill your car with sound.
- Competition Grade Pressed Paper Cone and High Roll Foam Surround: Offer durability and smooth, impactful bass performance.
- Advanced Air Flow Cooling System: Ensures the subwoofer stays cool and operates at peak performance even under demanding conditions.
- 3-inch High Temperature Copper Voice Coil: Handles high power input efficiently and minimizes distortion.
- Frequency Response: 25 – 250 Hz: Covers the essential bass range for most music genres.
- High Sensitivity (85.1 dB): Requires less amplifier power to achieve loud volume levels.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Delivers strong and deep bass for the price, ideal for bass enthusiasts | May not be suitable for all music genres due to its emphasis on deep bass |
| Dual voice coil offers wiring versatility and amplifier compatibility | Some user reviews report minor audio distortion at high volume levels |
| Competition-grade materials ensure durability and high performance | Requires a sturdy subwoofer box for optimal performance |
| Advanced cooling system prevents overheating and damage | Not the most compact option, so space needs to be considered in your car |
Yamaha Audio 10″ 100W Powered Subwoofer – Black
The Yamaha NS-SW100BL is a solid choice for those seeking to add some deep bass to their home theater or music experience without spending a fortune. Its compact design, decent output, and Twisted Flare Port technology make it a versatile option for small to medium-sized rooms.
Features:
- 10-inch Down-Firing Woofer: Delivers deep and impactful bass with minimal room placement sensitivity.
- 100W Dynamic Power: Provides ample power for small to medium-sized rooms.
- Twisted Flare Port: Enhances low-frequency response and reduces port noise.
- Advanced YST II (Yamaha Active Servo Technology II): Analyzes and controls the woofer movement for accurate and distortion-free bass.
- Line Level and Speaker Level Inputs: Compatible with various receivers and sound systems.
- Volume Control, Low Pass Crossover, and Phase Switch: Allow for fine-tuning the bass to your preferences and room acoustics.
- Compact and Stylish Design: Blends seamlessly into most home entertainment setups.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable price point for a decent bass experience | May not be powerful enough for very large rooms or demanding setups |
| Down-firing woofer design minimizes room placement sensitivity | Some user reviews mention minor boomy bass at high volume levels |
| Advanced YST II technology ensures accurate and distortion-free bass | Lacks advanced features like room correction or wireless connectivity |
| Versatile connectivity options for various audio sources and systems | No XLR input for professional applications |
| Adjustable controls allow for tailoring the bass to your taste and environment | Compact design occupies minimal space |
MTX Terminator 12 Inch Subwoofer Speaker
MTX Terminator 12 Inch 1200 Watt 2 Ohm Single Voice Coil Audio Dual Loaded Subwoofer Speaker under $200! This is a powerful and popular option for car audio enthusiasts who want deep bass and impressive volume levels.
Features:
- 12-inch Single Voice Coil: Provides flexibility for wiring configurations and compatibility with various amplifiers.
- 1200 Watt Peak Power: Delivers significant bass output to fill your car with sound.
- Dual Loaded Enclosure: Enhances bass response and improves efficiency.
- Polypropylene Cone and Rubber Surround: Offer durability and smooth, impactful bass performance.
- Large 2-inch Aluminum Voice Coil: Handles high power input efficiently and minimizes distortion.
- Frequency Response: 37 – 150 Hz: Covers the essential bass range for most music genres.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Delivers strong and deep bass for the price, ideal for bass enthusiasts | May not be suitable for all music genres due to its emphasis on deep bass |
| Single voice coil simplifies wiring and amplifier compatibility | High peak power rating requires a powerful amplifier to reach full potential |
| Dual loaded enclosure design boosts bass output and efficiency | 2 Ohm impedance might not be compatible with all car audio systems |
| Durable materials ensure long-lasting performance | Large size requires sufficient space in your car trunk or cabin |
| Large voice coil handles high power effectively | Some user reviews report minor audio distortion at high volume levels |
Polk Audio PSW10 10″ Powered Subwoofer
The Polk Audio PSW10 is a solid choice for those seeking to add some deep bass to their home theater or music experience without spending a fortune. Its compact design, decent output, and Power Port technology make it a versatile option for small to medium-sized rooms.
Features:
- 10″ Dynamic Balance composite cone driver: Delivers deep and smooth bass response with minimal distortion.
- 30-Hz to 160-Hz frequency response: Covers the essential bass range for most music and movies.
- 50 Watts RMS/100 Watts dynamic power: Provides ample power for small to medium-sized rooms.
- Power Port technology: Enhances low-frequency extension and minimizes port noise.
- Line-level and speaker-level inputs: Compatible with various receivers and sound systems.
- Continuously variable low-pass crossover: Allows you to tailor the bass to your liking and room acoustics.
- Volume control: Adjusts the subwoofer’s overall output level.
- Compact and stylish design: Blends seamlessly into most home entertainment setups.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable price point for a decent bass experience | May not be powerful enough for very large rooms or demanding setups |
| Delivers clear and impactful bass for its size | Some user reviews mention minor boomy bass at high volume levels |
| Power Port technology improves low-end performance and reduces port noise | Lacks advanced features like room correction or wireless connectivity |
| Versatile connectivity options for various audio sources and systems | No XLR input for professional applications |
| Adjustable controls allow for fine-tuning the bass to your preferences | Compact design occupies minimal space |
BESTISAN 6.5’’ Subwoofer, Powered Home Audio
The BESTISAN 6.5″ Powered Home Audio Subwoofer is a decent option for budget-minded users who want to add some extra bass to their audio system in a small to medium-sized room.
General Overview:
- Compact design: Measuring just 11.8 x 11.8 x 12.6 inches, this subwoofer is a great choice for smaller spaces.
- 6.5-inch down-firing woofer: Delivers deep bass impact for music and movies.
- 50 Watts RMS power: Suitable for small to medium-sized rooms (up to 200 square feet).
- Frequency response: 40Hz-250Hz, covering the essential bass range for most audio content.
- RCA and 3.5mm auxiliary inputs: Connects to a variety of audio sources.
- Adjustable volume and low-frequency bandwidth controls: Tailor the bass to your liking and room acoustics.
- Phase switch: Optimizes bass response for your specific setup.
Comparison to Other Subwoofers:
BESTISAN 6.5″ compares to some popular competitors in its price range:
| Subwoofer | Price | Power | Features | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BESTISAN 6.5″ | $80 | 50W RMS | RCA, 3.5mm aux, volume & low-freq control | Compact, affordable, easy setup | Limited power, boomy bass, basic features |
| Micca MBSP10 | $130 | 80W RMS | RCA, XLR, volume & low-freq control, auto on/off | More power, XLR input, auto on/off | Larger size, pricier |
| Klipsch R-100SW | $150 | 100W RMS | RCA, volume & low-freq control | Powerful, front-firing woofer | Lacks advanced features, boomy bass at high volumes |
| Yamaha NS-SW100BL | $70 | 50W RMS | RCA, volume control | Budget-friendly, compact | Limited features, basic controls |
Pros:
- Affordable: Budget-friendly option for adding bass to your audio system.
- Compact: Fits easily into smaller spaces.
- Easy to set up: Simple controls and connections.
- Decent bass performance: Delivers enough punch for most listening applications.
- Versatile: Connects to a variety of audio sources.
Cons:
- Limited power: May not be suitable for very large rooms or high volume levels.
- Down-firing woofer: Bass can be boomy depending on placement.
- Lacks advanced features: No wireless connectivity, room correction, or auto on/off.
- Some user reviews: Mention minor distortion at high volumes and build quality concerns.
Mono price 60-Watt Powered Subwoofer – 8 Inch
Features and Functionality:
- Connectivity: RCA and speaker-level inputs, allowing you to connect to a variety of receivers and sound systems.
- Control Knobs: Volume control adjusts the overall output level, while the low-pass crossover filter lets you tailor the bass frequency range to your liking and room acoustics.
- Auto-On Function: Automatically powers on the subwoofer when it detects an audio signal and turns off after a period of inactivity, saving energy.
- Durable Design: Black MDF cabinet with a protective grille resists wear and tear.
Performance Characteristics:
- 8-inch Down-Firing Driver: Delivers deep and impactful bass that enhances music, movies, and games.
- 60 Watts RMS Power: Suitable for small to medium-sized rooms (up to 200 square feet).
- Frequency Response: 50Hz-250Hz, covers the essential bass range for most audio content.
- Sound Quality: User reviews generally praise the Monoprice for its clear and articulate sound, though some mention minor distortion at high volumes.
Comparison to Other Subwoofers:
Here’s how the Monoprice 60-Watt Powered best Subwoofer under $200 fares against some popular competitors in its price range:
| Feature | Monoprice | BESTISAN 6.5″ | Micca MBSP10 | Klipsch R-100SW |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Driver size | 8-inch | 6.5-inch | 10-inch | 8-inch |
| Power output | 60W RMS | 50W RMS | 80W RMS | 100W RMS |
| Frequency response | 50Hz-250Hz | 40Hz-250Hz | 30Hz-120Hz | 32Hz-120Hz |
| Connectivity | RCA, speaker-level | RCA, 3.5mm aux | RCA, XLR | RCA |
| Features | Auto-on, volume control, low-pass filter | Volume control, phase switch | Auto-on, volume control, low-pass filter | Volume control, low-pass filter |
| Pros | Deep bass, clear sound, affordable, auto-on | Compact, budget-friendly, versatile connections | More power, XLR input, auto-on | Powerful, front-firing woofer |
| Cons | Minor distortion at high volumes, no advanced features | Down-firing woofer may be boomy, basic features | Larger size, pricier | Lacks advanced features, boomy bass at high volumes |
Acoustic Audio PSW-10 Powered Subwoofer (Black)
The Acoustic Audio PSW-10 is a good choice for those seeking a powerful and versatile subwoofer for their home theater or music setup. Its 10-inch woofer, 400 watts of peak power, and wide frequency response deliver impressive bass performance.
Features:
- 10-inch down-firing woofer: Delivers deep and impactful bass for movies and music.
- 400 Watts peak power: Suitable for medium to large rooms (up to 300 square feet).
- Frequency response: 25Hz-250Hz, covering a wide range of bass frequencies.
- High efficiency amplifier: Minimizes power consumption and maximizes output.
- Multiple input options: RCA and speaker-level inputs for compatibility with various receivers and sound systems.
- Adjustable controls: Volume, gain, and low-pass crossover filter allow you to tailor the bass to your liking and room acoustics.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Powerful bass: Delivers enough punch for even the most demanding movies and music | May be too powerful for small rooms: Can lead to boomy bass if not positioned or controlled properly |
| Wide frequency response: Covers a broad range of bass frequencies for a well-rounded sound | Limited advanced features: Lacks room correction or wireless connectivity |
| Versatile connectivity: Compatible with various audio systems | Some user reviews: Mention minor distortion at high volumes and build quality concerns |
| Adjustable controls: Fine-tune the bass to your preferences and room acoustics |
Conclusion: Best Subwoofer Under $200
When it comes to enhancing your audio experience, a subwoofer can make all the difference. The best subwoofer under $200 offer a perfect blend of quality and value, delivering powerful and impactful bass without breaking the bank. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your car’s audio system or enhance your home theater setup, there is a subwoofer that suits your needs.
Consider factors such as power, size, and compatibility when choosing the right subwoofer for you. With the options mentioned in this article, you can elevate your audio experience without compromising on your budget. Happy listening!
