9+ Best Home Theater Subwoofer Under $ 500 | Unrivaled Guide 2024

Do you want deeper sound for your Home Theater, Cinema, or HiFi stereo system? Adding a subwoofer to your speaker system is certainly the solution you are looking for. Let’s see which are the Best Home Theater Subwoofer Under $ 500 on the market for features, performance, and price ranges.

Best Home Theater Subwoofer Under $ 500

 What exactly is a subwoofer?

The purpose of a subwoofer is to create and produce the lowest tones of the dynamic range of any audio system. A quality subwoofer is capable of recreating a 20-hertz test tone. This is usually more physical (felt) than auditory. This makes the subwoofer perfect for home theater use.

A 30-hertz subwoofer, on the other hand, fits well in most environments and fits a wide range of music. Many subwoofers are powered today.

 This implies that their construction consists of a built-in amplifier and a crossover filter. The latter allows you to control the high-frequency response of the car which fits the main speakers. The way a subwoofer works is also decided by its placement, which can vary from room to room.

Best Home Theater Subwoofer Under $ 500 | Comparison Table 2024

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Best Home Theater Subwoofer Under $ 500 | 2024

1. Acoustic Audio PSW500-12 Best Home Theater Subwoofer Under $ 500

The Acoustic Audio by PSW500-12 is a powerful 12-inch home theater LFE-powered subwoofer with 500 watts of peak power. It features dedicated LFE or standard RCA inputs for easy connection to home theater receivers, a 12-inch front-firing woofer with a PVA-treated cone, and a Bass Reflex cabinet with vibration-absorbing feet.

The subwoofer includes a high-efficiency power amplifier, auto ON/OFF feature, phase control switches, and various control knobs for customizable settings. It is suitable for use in home theater and surround sound systems, requiring standard US 110V power and compatibility with home theater receivers or stereos with RCA or LFE subwoofer outputs. The package includes the subwoofer, a 9-foot dual RCA/LFE cable, an RCA Y adapter, and an instruction manual.

Product Overview:

The Acoustic Audio PSW500-12 is a powerful and versatile home theater subwoofer designed to enhance your audio experience. With its 500 Watts peak power, this subwoofer delivers deep and rich bass that brings your movies and music to life. It features a 12-inch front-firing woofer that ensures long throw and high rigidity with its PVA-treated cone. The subwoofer also has a Bass Reflex cabinet with vibration-absorbing feet, which helps reduce any unwanted resonance, and the high-quality MDF with internal bracing provides durability and longevity.

The PSW500-12 is equipped with an integrated high-efficiency power amplifier and has adjustable phase control switches, gain, and crossover control knobs. It has standard RCA inputs that easily connect to your home theater receiver’s subwoofer output. The subwoofer also has a signal-sensing auto ON/OFF feature that saves power, and the RCA Y adapter ensures compatibility with a wide range of home theater receivers.

2. Polk Audio PSW10 10" Home Theater Subwoofer Under 500

The product is a powerful subwoofer designed to enhance bass and overall audio quality in small-to-midsize rooms. With a 10-inch Dynamic Balance woofer and a directed port, it delivers accurate and deep bass for an immersive music and movie experience. The subwoofer boasts 100 Watts of dynamic power, thanks to its 50-watt RMS amp, ensuring loud and clear sound even at high volumes without distortion.

Its sophisticated engineering and resonance-free driver materials make it durable for extended use. The subwoofer is easy to integrate into existing audio systems, featuring a variable 80-160 Hz crossover and a frequency response of 40-160 Hz (-3dB). Additionally, it comes with a sleek detachable grille, speaker and line-level inputs, speaker-level outputs, and a Phase Toggle Switch for multiple subwoofers, providing a cohesive and complete audio solution.

Product Overview:

The Polk Audio PSW10 10" Powered Subwoofer is a compact yet powerful speaker designed for small to mid-sized rooms. With its 10-inch Dynamic Balance woofer and unique directed port design, it provides accurate and deep bass that enhances the overall sound of your music and movies. The subwoofer is capable of delivering up to 100 watts of dynamic power with its built-in 50-watt RMS amplifier, making it suitable for extended use.

The subwoofer is easy to integrate with existing systems and features variable 80-160 Hz crossover and 40-160 Hz frequency response. The front grille is sleek and detachable, while the back of the subwoofer has speaker and line-level inputs as well as speaker-level outputs. A Phase Toggle Switch is also included, allowing for multiple subwoofers to be used in a setup. The subwoofer is designed to blend in seamlessly with any speaker, playing demanding notes effortlessly without distortion, even at high volumes.

3. Theater Solutions SUB8S

The product is a slim home theater-powered subwoofer with 250 watts of peak power, designed for easy connection to home theater receivers. It features an 8-inch down-firing woofer, a high-efficiency power amplifier, and various controls for customization. The subwoofer has a compact design with a height of 4.75 inches, making it suitable for placement under or behind furniture.

The package includes essential accessories like a dual RCA cable, RCA Y adapter, stand mounts, and wall mount with hardware. Ideal for home theater and surround sound systems, it requires a standard US 110V grounded wall plug and is not LFE compatible.

Product Overview:

The Theater Solutions SUB8S 250 Watt Surround Sound HD Home Theater Slim Powered Active Subwoofer is a compact and powerful solution for enhancing your home theater experience. With its slim 4.75" height, the SUB8S can easily fit under or behind most furniture, making it a great option for those with limited space.

This subwoofer features standard RCA inputs that easily connect to your home theater receiver's dedicated subwoofer output and has a peak power of 250 watts. It is equipped with an integrated high-efficiency power amplifier and a high-efficiency low-frequency 8-inch down-firing woofer. The sub also comes with a Bass Reflex cabinet design and vibration-absorbing feet for enhanced sound quality.

4. Monoprice Subwoofer

The product is an 8-inch powered subwoofer with a 60-watt RMS output, featuring a frequency response range of 50 to 250 Hz and an adjustable lowpass crossover filter. It has gain and frequency knobs for optimal blending with stereo or surround speakers. The subwoofer offers multiple input options for use with various amplifier systems, including high-level inputs for full-range signals and right/left Line-level inputs for stereo systems.

Housed in an attractive black wood cabinet, it measures 13.75 x 11.75 x 11.75 inches. The subwoofer is designed to enhance bass output without affecting the power or impedance load on the amplifier.

Product Overview:

The Monoprice 60-Watt Powered Subwoofer is a versatile and powerful subwoofer that is ideal for use in both home theaters and studios. With an 8-inch driver and the capability to produce 60 watts (RMS) of output, this subwoofer delivers deep, rich, and powerful bass that brings music and movies to life. The subwoofer has a frequency response range of 50 to 250 Hz with a lowpass crossover filter that can be adjusted from 50 to 150 Hz. This allows you to fine-tune the subwoofer to your specific audio needs, ensuring that you get the best possible sound quality.

The subwoofer has multiple input options, making it easy to integrate into any existing stereo or 5.1 (or greater) amplifier system. It has high-level inputs that accept a full-range signal from the amplifier's stereo speaker outputs, and right/left Line Level inputs that allow you to connect the subwoofer to the left and right line level outputs on your amp.

Additionally, the subwoofer has impedance-matching circuitry, which ensures that the overall impedance load on your amplifier is not reduced. This makes it easy to add powerful bass to your existing sound system without sacrificing audio quality. The Monoprice 60-Watt Powered Subwoofer is housed in an attractive black wood cabinet that measures 13.75" x 11.75" x 11.75" (H x W x D). The driver and a 2 3/4" sound port are located on the front, covered by a black cloth speaker grill that adds an attractive touch to your setup.

5. Sony HT-S350 Wireless Subwoofer

The Sony 2.1 Channel Sound Bar System is an ultimate home theater upgrade, featuring a wireless subwoofer for optimized audio. With 320W total power output, it delivers impressive volume and clarity, while the large 6.30-inch speaker unit in the subwoofer produces a deeper, richer bass sound. The S-Force Pro technology creates a virtual surround sound experience, and you can choose from 7 sound modes, including Auto Sound, Cinema, Music, Game, News, Sports, and Standard Audio Mode.

The soundbar also includes voice enhancement to isolate and amplify voices for greater clarity. With Bluetooth streaming, you can wirelessly connect your smartphone or tablet, and the one-cable connect feature uses HDMI Arc for easy audio and control information transfer from the TV. The package includes the soundbar, subwoofer, remote control, batteries, optical cable, quick setup guide, and manual.

Product Overview:

The Sony HT-S350 Soundbar is a 2.1-channel home theater system that is designed to provide an immersive audio experience for all your favorite movies, shows, and music. With a total power output of 320W, this soundbar system delivers incredible volume and clarity that brings your content to life. The soundbar is paired with a powerful wireless subwoofer, which features a large 6.30-inch speaker unit and a 6.16-gallon volume for a deeper, richer bass sound.

This soundbar system is equipped with advanced features, such as S-Force PRO Front Surround technology, which emulates a theater-style surround sound experience. Additionally, it has 7 sound modes to choose from, including Auto Sound, Cinema, Music, Game, News, Sports, and Standard Audio Mode, allowing you to optimize the audio for your preferred type of content. The voice enhancement feature isolates voices and amplifies them over the background noise for greater clarity, making it ideal for watching news broadcasts or dialogue-heavy films.

6. Echo Sub Best Powerful subwoofer

The Echo Sub is a powerful addition to the Echo lineup, delivering a deep bass experience with its down-firing 100W 6-inch woofer. This device can be paired with one Echo for dynamic room-filling music or two identical Echo devices for a rich left/right stereo sound. Setting up the Echo Sub is easy simply plug it in, open the Alexa app, and wirelessly connect to your Echo device(s) to control music with voice commands.

The simplicity of operation is complemented by its compatibility with the Alexa ecosystem. Whether you're enhancing your home audio setup or creating a stereo sound system, the Echo Sub provides an immersive and customizable listening experience. View on Amazon to explore more about this device.

Product Overview:

The Echo Sub is a powerful subwoofer is enhances the audio quality of your compatible Echo device. With a 6" woofer and 100W deep bass sound, it delivers dynamic music that fills the room with rich, powerful sound. You can pair the Echo Sub with one Echo device for a complete audio experience, or with two of the same Echo devices for left/right stereo sound. The setup process is straightforward; just plug in the Echo Sub, open the Alexa app, and wirelessly connect to your Echo device(s).

It's important to note that the Echo Sub must be paired with a compatible Echo device, which includes various generations of the Echo Dot, Echo, Echo Show, and Echo Plus. Stereo pairing, speaker groups, and multi-room music are supported, but Bluetooth and 3.5mm AUX inputs are not.

7. Samsung HW-A450/ZA Powered subwoofer home

The product is a Samsung soundbar with a wireless subwoofer, offering deep bass and an instant bass boost feature. It features Adaptive Sound Lite for enhanced real-time audio tracking, equalizing background music, and maintaining consistent volume. The soundbar easily connects to a TV via Bluetooth, and a Game Mode provides synchronized directional audio for an immersive gaming experience.

The system is compatible with wireless surround sound, allowing for easy setup without messy wires. The product also comes with the convenience of one remote control for both the Samsung TV and soundbar.

Product Overview:

The Samsung HW-A450 2.1ch Soundbar with Dolby Audio is a versatile and powerful sound system designed to enhance the audio experience of your TV. With a wireless subwoofer included, you can enjoy deep bass right out of the box. The soundbar features a maximum output power of 300 watts, providing an immersive and powerful audio experience.

This soundbar is equipped with many features that enhance your audio experience. The bass boost button gives your bass an instant boost, while the adaptive sound lite technology equalizes background music and provides consistent volume control.

The Bluetooth TV connection allows for easy setup, and the game mode boosts your gaming experience with perfectly synced directional audio and crosstalk cancellation. With one remote, you can easily control both your Samsung TV and soundbar with just one remote. Additionally, you can turn your soundbar into a complete surround sound system with optional rear Samsung speakers without the hassle of wires.

8. Acoustic Audio PSW-12 Best subwoofer for music

The Acoustic Audio by PSW-12 is a powerful home theater-powered subwoofer designed to enhance your audio experience. With 500 watts of peak power, a 12-inch down-firing woofer, and a Bass Reflex cabinet design, it delivers deep and impactful bass for your home theater and surround sound systems.

The subwoofer features standard RCA inputs, Signal Sensing Auto ON/OFF, and various control knobs for customizable settings. It comes with a 6-foot dual RCA cable, an RCA Y adapter, and an instruction manual. The sleek black ash finish and vibration-absorbing feet add to its aesthetic appeal. Compatible with home theater receivers, this subwoofer is a great addition to any audio setup.

Product Overview:

The Acoustic Audio PSW-12 is a 500-watt 12-inch powered subwoofer that is designed to enhance the audio experience in your home theater. The subwoofer has standard RCA inputs that allow for easy connection to your home theater receiver's dedicated subwoofer output. The PSW-12 also features a Signal Sensing Auto ON/OFF feature, which saves power when it is not in use. The integrated high-efficiency power amplifier has a frequency range of 24 - 250 Hz and an efficiency of 98dB at 8ohm, making it capable of delivering a powerful bass response.

In addition to its impressive performance, the PSW-12 is also designed for easy integration into your home theater system. The subwoofer has a long-throw 12-inch down-firing woofer with a high-rigidity PVA-treated cone, a bottom-slotted port, and a Bass Reflex cabinet design with vibration-absorbing feet. The cabinet is made from high-quality MDF and has added internal bracing, which helps to reduce resonance and produce a clean, distortion-free bass.

9. Powered Subwoofer home theatre

The 6.5" powered subwoofer from Bestisan promises to enhance your audio experience by delivering extra bass and punch. With a continuously variable 60-250Hz crossover and a 40-250Hz frequency response, this subwoofer is designed to provide a wide range of deep, powerful tones. The enclosure is meticulously crafted to achieve the perfect air space, ensuring optimal sound quality and a satisfying punch to complement your audio setup.

For seamless compatibility with most receivers and bookshelf speakers, the subwoofer features both LFE and line inputs. Connecting is a breeze – simply use a subwoofer cable between the subwoofer out port on your receiver or bookshelf speakers and the LFE input RCA port on the sub. This flexibility makes it a versatile choice for different audio setups, whether you're building a home theater system or upgrading your studio equipment.

Product Overview:

The BESTISAN Powered Subwoofer, model SW65D, is a 6.5" active home audio subwoofer designed for adding extra bass and punch to your audio setup. The subwoofer features a continuously variable 60-250hz crossover and 40-250hz frequency response for maximum sound quality and punch. It has LFE and line inputs for compatibility with most receivers and bookshelf speakers, allowing you to easily connect it to your existing setup. The subwoofer can also be connected to a laptop or soundbar with a stereo RCA to 3.5mm audio cable.

The 6.5 inch side-firing woofer features a long throw with a high rigidity PVA treated cone, side slotted port, and a bass reflex cabinet design with vibration-absorbing feet. The high-quality MDF cabinet is finished in black ash and has added internal bracing for enhanced durability. BESTISAN offers lifetime technical support and is committed to providing 100% customer satisfaction. Note that products with electrical plugs are designed for use in the US and may require an adapter or converter for use in other countries.

How to choose the best active subwoofer for a home Under 500 USD

Choosing theBest Home Theater Subwoofer Under $ 500for your home doesn't have to be superficial.

The sound emitted by the sub is a low, dark, grave sound: if distorted and not of the quality it risks covering all other sounds, making you unnecessarily vibrate furniture, glass, and in all probability even the speaker grille.

Therefore devote some time carefully to what will be the evaluation and analysis of the chosen parameters.

Here are some pointers.

Sound system:

Before buying theBest Home Theater Subwoofer Under $ 500, analyze your audio system. Is it suited to your expectations and needs?

Can it support (and handle) the subwoofer? And does the sub you're choosing have the right inputs to connect to the system you already have?

If you have a quality system, target a sub of the same level.

Equally, if your audio system is cheap, opt for an entry-level woofer, perhaps following our instructions provided above.

A cheap sub may not give you a bad yield, but a lot depends on your system.

Positioning:

How much space do you have to place the subwoofer?

The diver places himself on the ground, near the walls of an environment, but his performance may vary depending on the positioning and the surface of the room.

Basically, the principle is that the larger the sub is dimensional, the better it performs, because a greater amount of air passes through which will make you perceive a more full-bodied sound.

Placing a 20 cm cube for a 30 square meter room makes no sense: you would have a disappointing yield and you would have spent your money badly.

Think about where you would like to place your audio accessory and think accordingly based on the space available.

Fundamental advice: never place the subwoofer on a shelf or shelf.

Always place it on the ground, preferably next to a linear wall to improve the sound diffusion of the waves, which would be penalized by the corners.

We have written an article that gives more in-depth information on this topic, if you want to know where you can place both the Subwoofer and the Soundbar you can read our Guide by clicking here.

Power:

Power is not everything, even if the opposite is often thought. Having a lot of it without having control makes no sense, just as it must be commensurate with the spaces available.

It is useless to have a 200 Watt sub in a bedroom and it is also useless to have a 50 Watt sub for a reception hall.

Speaker diameter:

Is critical. One of the main guiding parameters of the choice. The diameter measurement is generally expressed in inches and cm. The former range from 4 to 34 overall.

A good home sub should be at least 10 inches for a medium-sized environment. The larger the diameter of the diffuser cone, the more air it can handle and the better the sound comes out.

Adjustments and Inputs:

A good subwoofer gives you the ability to vary the intensity of the bass. This way you can modify the acoustics according to your musical preferences. The performance improves as you adjust the bass intensity to the type of audio you are listening to.

Entrances:

A look at the entrances you should give. Don't take a device that has metered inputs, but try to be versatile. Some contemplate the possibility of connecting different systems.

Frequent questions :

Let's try to answer with precision some of the most common questions regarding subwoofers, thus also trying to provide an orientation to the choice.

1) What is the difference between active and passive subwoofers?

You are immediately faced with a big difference that you must consider when choosing, also based on your type of audio system.

Active subwoofer: it is a sub that incorporates an amplifier. In this way, you will get a more full-bodied sound, at a relatively lower cost than the passive solution.

Passive subwoofer: the subwoofer has no internal amplification, but transmits a sound already amplified by an external device connected to it.

The acoustic quality is on average better, but the costs are rising considerably to the point that all the major producers are focusing on the first solution, which, thanks to modern technology, minimizes the sound gap.

2) Does the positioning of the subwoofer matter?

No, the positioning of the subwoofer is decisive for its sound performance.

Although it is not subject to the strict rules of the placement of normal audio speakers (for example of a 5.1 Home Theater), it still has some peculiarities that you must respect.

It is true that it gives you a few more possibilities that also compensate for the eye from an aesthetic point of view, but you have to give priority to the sound.

The sub must be placed on the floor, near walls, or in any case under the TV centrally, trying to avoid corners, unless there is a specific indication.

This is because the waves emitted could bounce off the double wall of the corner of the room and mix with the others, creating confusion and making you perceive a sound that is a little mixed and not very clear.

In extreme cases, it could also be positioned behind the listener, even if the ideal is centrally in front or immediately moved.

The low frequencies are not all audible to the human ear and therefore leave a little more positioning elasticity.

3) Why should you buy a subwoofer?

Buying a subwoofer allows the sound to be fuller and fuller as this type of equipment emphasizes the low frequencies of the audio.

This implies the possibility of having more real and enveloping acoustics. Try listening to your favorite song by adjusting the equalization of your audio system (even in the car), minimizing or completely removing the bass.

What do you think? It seems that something is missing as if it were incomplete work. In fact, the low sounds are also present in small compact stereos just to validate the music and sounds.

To identify the ideal system, it is useful to observe the indications of DVDs, films, or Home Theater systems.

When you see written for example 2.1 or 5.1, just that number 1 is indicative of the channel designed for low frequencies.

This means that there is a predisposition to let the bass come out not from the normal speakers, but from a way capable of enhancing them, precisely the subwoofer.

4) How important is the brand when choosing a subwoofer?

One would have to answer that the brand is one of the aspects that more than others know how to help the choice, more than anything else in terms of reliability, experience, and technology.

The secret is not to channel the low frequencies by directing them towards a bass-reflex cone, but the key aspect is how they come out.

Low frequencies tend to vibrate objects (even people) and if the structure that incorporates the entire system is not more than adequate, unnecessary vibrations and possible breakages are felt over time.

The brand identifies a guarantee of reliability, or so it should be. However, another important thing must be specified.

There are brands that are not known in Italy, but that boast great experience in the audio and subwoofer sector.

Before buying, it is good to spend a few minutes on the internet to find information about apparently unknown brands, but which perhaps offer quality products or at an attractive price.

Jamo, Denon, Klipsch, Canton, are just some examples of excellent brands not very visible in Italy, but worthy of consideration.

5) How much does a subwoofer cost?

It depends on the brand, the size, the components used in the construction and in the project. Lastly, also from the power, even if it is not a fundamental parameter to determine the investment.

An entry-level sub that has a build quality, however, of a decent level, can cost around 150-200 dollars.

A more interesting product that can offer much more in terms of quality and reliability can reach 350-420 dollars (and you would buy an excellent product), while going up the range, again for domestic installations, it is also necessary to foresee 1,000 dollars for absolutely top of the range products.

On average, we can say that for a typical home application, spending from 300 to 400 dollars would already be a way to get hold of a valuable product, not only economic but also acoustic and aesthetic.

To provide some indication of a product that we have not reviewed before, but which certainly deserves mention for the value for money, especially in the mid-range of the sector, is the JBL Arena Series, perfectly fitting with some models in the indicated range and of sure reliability. structural and acoustic.