10 Best Budget Subwoofer 2025 in the United States

The JBL Professional EON718S is a powerful 18-inch budget subwoofer designed for those needing deep, clear bass in professional settings like live music, presentations, or events. With 1,500 watts of power, it delivers strong, smooth bass down to 31 Hz, producing rich low sounds that make music or audio feel fuller and more immersive. The frequency range it covers is typical for subwoofers, handling low-end audio effectively. It uses a rugged 15-ply birch wood enclosure, making it durable and suitable for frequent transport and heavy use.

This subwoofer is also versatile: it includes built-in digital controls accessible via a color screen or an app, allowing users to adjust sound settings conveniently. Bluetooth connectivity is a bonus for wireless audio streaming and remote control, which is uncommon in budget subwoofers. Additionally, it has multiple XLR inputs and outputs for wired connections to other sound equipment.

It is quite heavy (over 80 pounds), which might make it less portable for solo users without assistance. The enclosure is not water-resistant, so it’s best used indoors or in dry conditions. Featuring advanced options like DSP settings and stacking capabilities, it is suited for musicians, DJs, and event organizers looking for a reliable, strong subwoofer with modern controls and solid bass performance, though it may be bulkier and pricier than simpler budget models.

The Yamaha HS8 Studio Subwoofer stands out in the budget category for several reasons. With a powerful 150W amplifier, it delivers robust sound suitable for studio recordings and live music. The 8-inch driver size is decent, ensuring a good balance between depth and clarity. Its frequency response range of 22Hz - 150Hz covers low-end frequencies well, making it effective for bass-heavy applications.

The subwoofer also offers useful controls like LOW CUT, LOW CUT control, and HIGH CUT control, allowing customization of sound output. Additionally, the PHASE switch can optimize the subwoofer's interaction with other speakers in your setup. The bass-reflex enclosure type enhances sound quality by improving the efficiency of low-frequency output.

Connectivity is straightforward with XLR technology, which is beneficial for professional audio setups, although it lacks Bluetooth connectivity, which might be a drawback for casual users wanting wireless options. The subwoofer is floor standing and relatively heavy at 33.6 pounds, which could be a consideration for portability. However, its bulky dimensions might be an issue for smaller spaces. The Yamaha HS8 Studio Subwoofer is a strong contender in the budget subwoofer market, offering powerful sound and versatile control options, mainly suiting users who prioritize audio quality and professional connectivity over portability and wireless features.

The Sony HT-S400 is a budget-friendly 2.1 channel soundbar system that includes a wireless subwoofer, making it a solid choice for users wanting an easy upgrade to their TV sound without dealing with messy cables. Its wireless subwoofer features a 160mm speaker driver, which delivers deeper bass than typical small soundbars, helping bring movies, music, and games to life with richer low-end sound. The system outputs a respectable 330 watts, ensuring enough power for most medium-sized rooms. The frequency response starts at 110 Hz, which means very low bass notes might be less pronounced compared to more expensive subwoofers, but it still provides satisfying bass impact for everyday listening.

Connectivity options include Bluetooth, HDMI ARC, and optical input, giving flexibility to connect to a variety of devices like TVs, smartphones, or laptops. The soundbar offers Sony’s S-Force PRO Front Surround and Dolby Digital for a surround sound experience that enhances dialogue clarity and overall audio immersion. The device is compact, wall-mountable, and comes with a simple remote and OLED display, making it user-friendly.

On the downside, the subwoofer size and frequency range may not fully satisfy bass enthusiasts wanting deep rumble, and the wireless connection has a limited 10-meter range, which might be a factor in larger rooms. It also lacks advanced features such as app control or multi-room support. For someone on a budget looking to improve TV sound with a straightforward setup and decent bass, the HT-S400 is a reliable and easy-to-use option.