Best Subwoofers Under $300 in 2024

The best subwoofers under $300 start to separate themselves from cheaper subwoofers. While not the most quality subwoofer, you can find more powerful and impactful bass. We’re breaking down the best budget subwoofers at this price point for multiple needs. Our top 3 picks are below, followed by a detailed review of all our recommended subwoofers.

Best Subwoofer Under $300

BIC America F12 – Best Overall

BIC America’s F12 is a 12″ active subwoofer that can reproduce the type of immersive bass people want in a home theater system. With 475 Watts of peak power, it can also achieve powerful bass more than loud enough for most users. In addition, the F12 subwoofer can produce more accurate bass than similarly priced subwoofers. It can also provide a bass boost that has depth with a frequency response of 25Hz -200Hz. That forceful and deep bass sound quality that brings blockbuster movies to life? The BIC America F12 is one of a few subwoofers in this price range that can really scratch that itch. While the F12 is great for home cinema, it also excels for music with crisp and tight bass. In addition to great sound quality, bass from the BIC Ameria F12 doesn’t come with the port noise or distortion that plagues many budget subwoofers.

Connectivity options on the BIC America F12 sub are also great. There is the typical line-level LFE for convenient connections to your AV receiver. Speaker-level connections are available. The rear panel on the F12 is where you’ll find those connections and onboard controls. Controls include a power switch to toggle the subwoofer between ON, OFF, or Automatic mode with automatic signal sensing. There is also a gain/volume dial, phase switch, and adjustable crossover frequency (40Hz to 180Hz).

The BIC America F12 has a rear-ported enclosure and a front-firing injection molded long-throw woofer. The 12-inch woofer cone is silver with a glossy finish. It definitely adds to a design that manages to be bold and somewhat refined. The wooden cabinet with a black finish is subdued enough that the F12 sub can also stand out with the speaker covered. The BIC America F12 is a particularly great performer for home theater. Not only does it have powerful and realistic bass that extends deep. The F12 has an amazing price for those who want to add some clean and thunderous bass notes to their home theater setup. And tight punchiness in low frequencies to please those building an audio system for music. It’s an all-around great subwoofer and our top pick for the best subwoofer under $300.

JBL Stage A120P – Most Powerful

You will quickly notice the two-tone woofer on the JBL Stage A120P 12-inch subwoofer. It won’t take much longer to appreciate the overall value it provides. Audio equipment from JBL has a great reputation and this sub doesn’t disappoint. The JBL Stage A120P is one of the most powerful subs on this list with 500 Watts of peak power (250W continuous). The result is a powerful bass response with enough thudding bass for most people’s home entertainment systems. Look no further if you are in search of a music and home theater experience that will make your neighbors complain.

This JBL Stage Sub also delivers more accurate sound overall than most subwoofers at this price point. It can hit the punchy bass notes many people desire for music playback without sounding too boomy. With a frequency range of 32-150 Hz, the JBL Stage A120P could reach a little lower. That’s unfortunately one of the common limitations for subwoofers in the price point. Customers will still get a punchy, powerful bass with good accuracy making it our pick for the best subwoofer under $300 for music.

Like most powered subwoofers, the JBL Stage A120P has many connectivity and control options on the rear panel. There’s a power switch to toggle the subwoofer on and off. A separate switch can toggle between the subwoofer’s On and Automatic modes. A phase control switch, low pass crossover dial (50-150Hz), and volume dial round out the control options. Line-level/LFE input for an easy connection for receivers with a sub pre-out. While we are fans of the white woofer, everyone may not like it. If you fall into that camp, the optional speaker cover turns this sub into a nondescript black box. For those who prioritize powerful sound and impactful low frequencies, the JBL Stage A120P is one of the best subwoofers under $300.

Klipsch R-100SW – Best Compact Subwoofer

When building a home theater system, sacrifices are often made. One common obstacle is limited space. The Klipsch R-100SW is one of the best options if you’re in search of a compact subwoofer. It has slim dimensions (12.5″ W x 16.4″ D x 14.5″ H) and is relatively lightweight for a 10″ subwoofer at roughly 24 pounds. People typically expect much less powerful bass in a small subwoofer. I’m happy to report that it’s not an issue with the Klipsch R-100SW. Its all-digital amplifier has 300 Watts of peak power and pushes out more powerful bass than larger competitors. This Klipsch sub slams with punchy bass impressive for a 10″ sub.

Along with a small footprint and an impactful bass boost, the Klipsch R-100SW delivers good low-frequency production for its price. That means no unwanted, muddy bass and minimal distortion. All this makes it an awesome subwoofer to pair with your other speakers. Convenient controls like an adjustable low pass crossover and LFE/RCA inputs also mean it’ll play nice. Whether you want a 2.1 setup or a larger home theater audio system, it’s a solid fit. While the frequency range (32Hz to 120Hz) is just okay, that’s mostly only an issue for the lowest sub-frequencies. These frequencies are really only prominent in some home theater soundtracks. The Klipsch R-100SW has an enticing price point and power to make it one of the best compact subwoofers available.

Dayton Audio SUB-1500 – Best 15″ Subwoofer

For those who want a powered subwoofer with the most impactful bass, $300 can be a difficult budget. The Dayton Audio Sub-1500 is one of the few options. Two of the limitations of a powered subwoofer are power and woofer size. Both can help a sub to hit harder and deeper. The 15-inch subwoofer on the Dayton Audio Sub-1500 allows for an impressive advertised frequency response (23Hz-140Hz). While the larger woofer helps to move more air for a loud and deep bass response, it’s still held back by having only 150 Watts of power. With that power, it still has the output capability for those who need extreme listening levels for a larger space.

The result is a subwoofer great for those in search of a home theater sound experience with boomy and impactful bass. Don’t expect it to hit below 30Hz with the same force and accuracy as more expensive 15-inch subwoofers. It also won’t have bass that’s punchy or tight as some prefer making it less optimal for music.

The Dayton Audio Sub-1500 is ideal for those who want an entry-level active subwoofer for a large home theater. It has decent sound quality, can get loud, and is likely too big for a smaller space. The weight and dimensions of the Sub-1500 (19.8″ H x 19.3″ W x 19.8″) make placement options limited. The usual crossover and gain/volume controls are available on the rear. In addition to RCA LFE input, speaker-level inputs and outputs are also available. While the Dayton Audio Sub-1500 isn’t perfect, there’s still good value for those who want a 15-inch home theater subwoofer with deep and thunderous bass.

Jamo C 912 – Best Budget 12″ Subwoofer

The Jamo C 912 is a powered subwoofer that is capable of clean and forceful bass. It carries a built-in 300 Watt amplifier (75W RMS) and an extremely competitive price. I loved the balanced sound reproduction in our Jamo C912 review. While capable of punchy bass and detailed bass, it also has couch-shaking power. This makes it an extremely versatile performer for a subwoofer under $300. The Jamo C 912 is a good sub no matter the type of home entertainment system you’re building.

On the design and features front, the Jamo C 912 also has some standout features. It’s a high-quality subwoofer that looks the part. There’s an attractive wood grain finish and great looking grey woofer. It also comes with an optional woven tweed cover that’s much nicer than competitors. This should reassure buyers there will be no future subwoofer issues due to shoddy build quality. The Jamo C 912 has a fairly elegant design even if it isn’t one of the most compact subs at 17.9″ (H) x 14″ (W) x 18.9″ (D) and 42 pounds. Part of the larger footprint is the front-firing bass reflex port which does open up placement options a little. While bass-reflex reports are key to avoiding port noise, they can make the bass sound boomy when placed along walls. This isn’t an issue with the Jamo C 912 and neither is connectivity.

In addition to the usual RCE/LFE connections, the Jamo C 912 has a WA-2 port for optional wireless connectivity. A variable crossover filter (40Hz-200Hz), volume control, phase control, and power switch are also available on the rear panel of the ported enclosure. The Jamo C 912 is an all-around value performer with powerful and clean bass. It’s also one of the more affordable options on this list. For all-around value, you’re hard-pressed to find a better subwoofer under $300 than the Jamo C 912.

Sony SACS9 – Best Budget 10″ Subwoofer

The Sony SACS9 is a versatile and compact sub that offers great value. For a 10-inch subwoofer, it outpaces many similarly priced powered subwoofers. This Sony ported sub has a 115 Watt built-in amplifier that can deliver rumbling low-frequency production that’s impressive for its size. It’s also a powered subwoofer versatile enough for a music setup or home theater system. Users will find the Sony SACS9 carries snappy and tight bass in addition to a solid frequency range (28Hz-200Hz) for home theater.

The SACS9 powered subwoofer is actually part of the Sony Core series of home theater speakers. That means it’s designed for home theater and carries a similar design to other Core series speakers. For those who want a truly immersive sound, the Core speakers are affordable and can often be found on sale. The series includes all the necessary speakers for a home theater audio system with Dolby Atmos surround sound.

The Sony SACS9 has a relatively small footprint (11.6″ W x 13.6″ H x 15.8″ D) and weighs just 25 pounds. When it comes to other speakers and audio equipment, the SACS9 pairs well. Not only is speaker placement easy as with this compact subwoofer. The Sony SACS9 offers a plethora of connectivity options. Speaker-level inputs are available in addition to the typical RCA/LFE line-level inputs. Volume and crossover controls are housed to the right of the rear-firing bass port. There’s also a power button, phase control, and a switch to toggle the Auto mode on and off. The actual look of the Sony SACS9 is somewhat understated, which many will prefer. The overall value of this powered subwoofer was immediately clear during our Sony SACS9 review. For its sub-$200 price, the Sony SACS9 is one of the best value buys for those who want realistic bass and powerful sound.

PreSonus Eris Sub8 – Best Studio Subwoofer

Those looking for a studio subwoofer want accurate low-frequency reproduction. If accurate sound is your priority, we recommend the PreSonus Eris Sub8. There was a ton to like when we reviewed the Eris Sub8. The PreSonus Eris Sub8 is an 8-inch subwoofer with a 100W Class AB amplifier (50W RMS) capable of more thump when it’s called for. More importantly, this very compact subwoofer has clean and crisp bass production without distortion and unwanted boominess. Similar to other PreSonus products, this makes it an ideal studio subwoofer for those who want a flat frequency response.

The PreSonus Eris Sub8 also provides extra controls and connectivity ideal for a studio subwoofer. Input and output connections are available for both TRS and RCA cables. There’s also a low pass filter, volume control, high pass filter switch, and a polarity inverse switch. Design-wise, being an 8-inch subwoofer makes it one of the most compact subs. It’s also very easy on the eyes with an appealing style that matches the PreSonus Eris 4.5 studio monitors. Extensive features and clean, accurate bass make the PreSonus Eris Sub8 our pick for the best studio subwoofer under $300. Its sound quality, size, and connectivity also make the Eris Sub8 perfect to pair with office or computer speakers.

JBL Stage A100P – Honorable Mention

The JBL Stage A100P is a great 10-inch subwoofer with solid power. In our JBL Stage A100P review, we raved about the value of this powered subwoofer. Its internal amplifier puts out 300 peak Watts (150 RMS) with dimensions (14.1″ H x 13.3″ W x 17.1 D) that won’t take up too much space. At 30 pounds, the JBL Stage 100P can add a detailed bass response, punchy bass, and flexible placement options. It’s capable of volume that’s loud enough for a small or mid-size room. While the JBL Stage A100P won’t have the impactful bass of many larger subs, it’s a good subwoofer for both movie-watching and music.

Two bass-reflex ports on the rear of the JBL Stage A100P allow space-saving on the front. On the front, you’ll find only the uniquely designed 10-inch polycellulose woofer. The two-tone black and white woofer of the JBL A100P is one of my favorite designs. An optional woofer cover is available for customers who prefer a more understated design. On the rear panel, the JBL Stage A100P has some of the usual features. Dials are available for volume control and adjusting crossover frequencies. A phase switch, LFE input, and a toggle for Auto On/Off mode. Its Auto mode will keep the sub in standby mode until it senses an audio signal. While we wish it could hit lower (35Hz – 150Hz), this is a somewhat normal sacrifice with budget subwoofers. The JBL Stage A100P is a great choice for accurate low-frequency reproduction in a small footprint.

Do I Need A Subwoofer For Good Bass?

This is a question we receive a lot and I understand. No matter critically you listen to music, audio equipment is needed if you want to hear it. But nobody wants to break the bank for marginal sound quality improvement. But this isn’t the case for bass. Whether you plan on listening to music or watching movies, a subwoofer can really transform your listening experience. That’s because your other speakers literally can’t reproduce all sub-bass frequencies. Even the best bookshelf speakers are usually limited to around 45Hz. They’ll need a subwoofer to hit deep and punchy bass notes with the impact to really bring music to life.

Adding a subwoofer is probably even more important for watching movies. If you’re watching a blockbuster action movie without a subwoofer, you are likely losing much of the experience. The sound of explosions is only part of the equation that’s not felt. A powered subwoofer with real power will rumble and thump when producing the lowest sub-bass frequencies. These are added effects you can feel on your couch that really bring a film to life.

While it can be tempting and cost-effective to forgo a subwoofer, they undoubtedly make a difference. But not all subwoofers are created equal. Take the time, if necessary, to save money and buy the right subwoofer. No matter how many other high-quality speakers you have, a subwoofer is unique. It’s solely intended to produce low-frequencies and there’s, unfortunately, no substitute.

Considerations When Buying A Subwoofer

Power and Size

When it comes to low-frequency production, a subwoofer is heavily dependent on its driver and amplifier. It’s easier for a large 15″ woofer to push more air to achieve loud and impactful bass than it is for a 12″ subwoofer. No matter the size of the woofer, more power allows it to produce room-filling.

A 10″ powered subwoofer with 100 peak Watts isn’t bad, but it might be bad for some scenarios. It might make an ideal office subwoofer to pair with bookshelf speakers and connect to a computer. For a small or medium-sized room, a 300W 10″ sub might make more sense for watching movies. 12″ subwoofers are usually a sweet spot for many, assuming they are sufficiently powered.

All things equal, smaller subwoofers will have a harder time achieving impactful bass or extreme listening levels. It’s also difficult for small powered subwoofers to achieve deep and intense bass. The size of a powered subwoofer will also be a factor for speaker placement. Larger woofers require bigger enclosures, which can be difficult to find the ideal spot in your house’s theater setup. Sure, an amazing subwoofer with an 18″ woofer sounds great. But does it make sense in your studio apartment? Probably not.

Frequency Range and Sound Quality

Not all bass is created equally and not all subwoofers are capable of producing the deepest bass. The frequency range of a powered subwoofer will dictate the range of frequencies it can effectively reproduce. Why is this important? Some subwoofers can hit 20Hz or lower. That’s extremely deep bass and those subwoofers come at a premium. Sub-bass frequencies this low are much more prominent in movie scores.

If you want a subwoofer for a home theater setup, you’ll want to pay more attention to the frequency range. A frequency range that at least dips below 30Hz is preferable, while 25Hz or lower is ideal. This will result in deeper, more intense bass that can be felt and heard. For those who want a subwoofer for music, paying for an expensive sub to hit that low is wasting money. Music rarely utilizes frequencies this low.

Another factor in the sound quality of bass response is accuracy. Not all subwoofers are equal in how they produce bass. Some powered subwoofers have overemphasized bass that many prefer. Other subwoofers may have a bass response closer to neutral. This will come down to preference for many people, while less critical listeners may not care. For those in search of the best home studio subwoofer, more accurate sound should be a priority. Other people may want a powered subwoofer with big and boomy bass. The best subwoofer can do all of this effectively. If you’re looking for the best subwoofer under $300, it can be difficult to check all these boxes.

Connectivity and Controls

Your audio equipment and use case will determine how important connectivity is. You can’t always expect a ton of extra features in a subwoofer under $300. At a minimum, you’ll find these subwoofers have RCA/LFE inputs. This means easy integration with the two most common scenarios. Users with 2.1 setups will have stereo speakers like bookshelf or floorstanding speakers. Whether your speakers have a built-in amplifier or are hooked to an external amp, RCA output to a sub is the easiest way to connect them to your subwoofer

If you have an AV Receiver, it likely has a subwoofer pre-out. This allows users to connect with a regular RCA cable or a subwoofer cable for an LFE connection. An LFE connection allows your AV receiver to control bass management. In addition to these features, some subwoofers under $300 have speaker-level inputs or even wireless connections.

At a minimum, you will find that most powered subwoofers have a crossover or low-pass filter on their rear panel. A low-pass filter allows you to adjust which frequencies you want your subwoofer to reproduce. Don’t want your subwoofer to produce frequencies above 100Hz. This can be adjusted by tuning the dial on the low pass filter. A gain or volume dial can increase the volume that the subwoofer plays at. It’s important to note that it’s often best to set this up on your AV receiver if you have a home theater setup.