11 Best Subwoofers Under 200 In 2021 – [ 8, 10, 12, 15 inch ]

People who listen to music and podcasts, or look towards creating a home theatre kind of experience need to have good speakers around. You are going to need an excellent subwoofer and what’s better than getting one of the best subwoofers under 200 dollars that provide you immaculate listening experience. However, for that, you need to choose a speaker that comes with appropriate features. But what are some of the considerations? Which products are rocking the market in the given price range? I will share all these aspects below.

Quick Answer: Top-Rated Best Subwoofers Under 200 in 2021

1. Best Overall: Polk Audio PSW10 10in Subwoofer
2. Best Budget: Yamaha 8in 100W Subwoofer
3. Best Powered: Dayton Audio SUB-1500 15in Subwoofer
4. Best Home Theater: Polk Audio PSW111 8in Subwoofer
5. Best Car: Kenwood KSC-SW11 Compact Subwoofer
6. Acoustic Audio PSW-6 Powered Subwoofer
7. Rockville RW10CA 10in Powered Car Subwoofer

Best Overall: Polk Audio PSW10 10in Subwoofer

Ratings: 4.6/5

Polk Audio has been making some of the best woofers and speakers in the market, and the PSW 10 is one of its many products that I have on this list. The PSW10 comes with a 10” subwoofer cone and has a port that is configured particularly to deliver appropriate bass. There is an amplifier system, as most people desire in a subwoofer that can give you an additional 100 watts along with the basic 100W power that this woofer brings.

Among the things that make it a standout in this list of best subwoofer under 200, you will find the detachable front grille and line-level input a masterpiece. The varying frequency of 80 to 160 HZ with a cross over and response frequency of 40 to 160 Hz is certainly enough to level up your bass. The phase toggle switch is also given to aid you in switching between different subwoofer configurations.

Again it is a woofer that you can use in small to mid-sized rooms with ease. The deep bass and high depth it brings along can spice up your movie watching and music listening experience. Moreover, the best part about this speaker is its stability and sturdiness that it maintains even at the high volume.

Best Budget: Yamaha 8in 100W Subwoofer

Ratings: 4.7/5

If you host regular parties, the Yamaha NS-SW050BL can be a great pick. It is known for the delivery of quality music, and there is a twisted flare port to enhance the listening experience. It delivers steady bass and clear sound with the modern Yamaha Active servo technology II. The 8” cone gives you the right reinforcement if low-frequency sound, whereas the 100-watt power gives it a lasting and robust touch.

When it comes to performance, the amplification of the sound is done to a great extent. It gives quality sound listening experience, and you can connect it easily with an existing Yamaha sound system. Moreover, with home theatres, this sub can work pretty well. There is a deep frequency range for this speaker, but it certainly may not be the best choice for bigger halls and rooms. However, a small to mid-sized space can be ideal for its operation.

Best Powered: Dayton Audio SUB-1500 15in Subwoofer

Ratings: 4.3/5

For those of you that have a large space and want a woofer that can deal with bigger rooms and halls, the Dayton Audio Sub-1500 is what you need. With its 15 inches gigantic driver and 150-watt power, you get a massive sound around the space. Moreover, the deep and clear bass can be heard with its use, and you can combine it with a bigger sound system to get the most from it.

Moreover, the woofer comes with an RCA, and it has speaker level inputs to assure that it hooks up perfectly with the AVR. Furthermore, you can also attach it with a stereo amp and get a crisper and clearer sound.

While it responds to as low frequency as 23 Hz, you’ll have a better experience with 30Hz and above. Deep and tight bass can be heard without any port noise while you don’t have that subtle or boomy feel.

Best Home Theater: Polk Audio PSW111 8in Subwoofer

Ratings: 4.5/5

A simple and sturdy yet compact unit, the Polk Audio PSW111, is an 8-inch model that may not catch your eyes at first sight. But never mistake its appearance for the operations because it can end up becoming the perfect match for your audio system. The product comes with the ability to get combined with various sound systems and can help you listen to the deep bass that you desire.

Moreover, the powerful punch comes from its Dynamic Balance woofer, which comes with appropriate tuning. There is a down-firing port that gives you appropriate bass, and its additional depth can lift up your music experience. There is a smart compression circuit that lowers the distortion from the sound and provides a rich and deep output.

Also, there is a 150-watt amplifier which gives this compact device strong power and good throw. You get a chance to hook this sub with a receiver without any hassle and work it with the devices you like. Moreover, the grille is detachable, and you get LFE line inputs that make it a complete package.

Best Car: Kenwood KSC-SW11 Compact Subwoofer

Ratings: 4.3/5

If you are looking for a woofer that you can use in small and confined areas, the Kenwood KSC-SW11 is a perfect choice. It comes with an aluminum build and has a wired remote, which provides you appropriate control over the low-pass cross over. Moreover, you can also control the volume levels, and the package includes ground wire and power harness as well.

Working at the RMS rating of 75 watts and 150-watt power rating, it is pretty likely that you won’t need an external amplifier. The easy connection and simple operations make it a preferred choice for individuals who are just starting out with subwoofers. Whether you want to use it in a car or get it fixed on a shelf, you are likely to enjoy a lavish sound. Overall, it’s one of the best subwoofers for cars under 200 dollars.

Acoustic Audio PSW-6 Powered Subwoofer

Ratings: 4.0/5

The Acoustic Audio PSW-6 is perhaps the most elegant subwoofer under 200 for day to day home use. It comes with a continuous 75W power play, which makes it good for small to mid-sized rooms. The deep and loud bass throw is best audible around 6 to 8 feet from the woofer. As you move further away, you will start to notice that the depth and feel are missing as you reach 10 to 15 feet distance. With a solid 250W peak power, it is known for the episodic bursts, which are great for movie and TV experience.

Moreover, the responsive range is a matter of consideration for many people, and this device can respond from 30 Hz all the way up to 250 Hz. While the lower threshold begins from 20 Hz, the better and deeper sounds come from 30 Hz and above.

Made up of MDF, the sub comes with a black finish and RFL bass-reflex design. There are different controls that you’ll get at the back of the box, and you can play around with the settings a bit to match up with your sound requirements. Overall, it is a woofer that can produce dynamic sounds and bring musical experience.

Rockville RW10CA 10in Powered Car Subwoofer

Ratings: 4.4/5

Moving on towards the Subwoofer for cars, you have a perfect choice in place with Rockville RW10CA. It is a great pick for those who want a slim and low profile subwoofer that they can use in cars. We know that most of the people don’t like those bulky additions to their vehicles in the form of subs, and Rockville has come up with probably the most appropriate design.

You get 200 watts RMS capability with its 10-inch PWN MOSFET power. There is a thermal protection circuit that adds a layer of safety to it. One can easily operate this woofer with the help of remote control, and it has adjustable input sensitivity to help you. The short protection is certainly something that most of the companies overlook but something that Rockville has taken pretty seriously.

Furthermore, it is a CEA compliant system, so no wonder why it can deliver powerful and quality sound to the individuals. You can satisfy the bass needs of your vehicle with the RW10CA without compromising on the space. With the easy installation and built-in amplifier, you can control this woofer as you like to spice up your music listening.

Monoprice 12 Inch 150 Watt Powered Subwoofer

Ratings: 4.2/5

The Monoprice 12” 150W power subwoofer may not be the most appealing sub considering the appearance. But if you go for the ergonomics and sound quality, it certainly delivers great value for money. The lasting frequency of 50 to 250 Hz is what you can experience with this compact and small device. One of the perks is the lasting battery, which can deliver up to 9 hours of listening experience. You can operate it with the help of a Bluetooth headphone receiver as it gives you a solid 30 feet operational range.

While the marketed range is 50 to 250 Hz, it works better with the range of 50 to 150 Hz. Don’t mistake its classical appearance with any old fashioned gadget or tech piece as this one is optimized to deliver quality sound. The cabinet-like appearance gives you an ideal option of placing it around the shelves and desks, whereas the 12-inch woofer cone delivers a strong ‘oomph’ punch to the listeners.

One of the many problems that people experience with cheaper models in the market is the vibration that occurs at high sound levels. Well, with Monoprice, you have minimal to no vibration at the highest volume.

Dayton Audio SUB-800 8in Powered Subwoofer

Ratings: 4.6/5

For those of you that search high value for money, the Dayton Audio Sub-800 can be the best pick. It has a decent design and comes with a textured finish that gives it a lavish appearance. While it is not the most powerful of woofers in the given list, you certainly get a great reinforcement which enhances your listening experience. The level and bass quality are dependent on the audio type, and you may notice a bit of distortion at high levels.

But still, it is loveable for its bass and quality sound at an appropriate volume. You will notice that the speaker extends down to 40 Hz in a moment, and it is pretty flawless in its operation. With easy setup and simple controls available at the back of the box, you can give a boost to your listening experience with Dayton Audio Sub-800.

Pioneer SW-8MKS 100W Powered Subwoofer

Ratings: 4.1/5

Perhaps the most stylish sub you’ll find in our list of top subwoofers under 200 is this Pioneer SW-8MK2. There is a black ash matte finish with a compact design and a weight that is just around 20 pounds. You get an 8-inch woofer with a front panel bass port and comes with a complete set of controls at the back. So, you can adjust the crossover and other levels as you like.

Moreover, you can connect the woofer with various acoustics as different options include RCA receiver and a chance to engage speaker connectors. However, the frequency range is something that you might get worried about as it has a response range of 38 Hz to 150 Hz, which is a bit limited. Despite being a budget model, it still provides dynamic sound and improves the density to a huge extent.

Yamaha YST-FSW050 System Black Subwoofer

Let’s set those traditional looking subs aside and look at this differently crafted unit from Yamaha. The UST-FSW050 is a sub that comes in the rack-mounted design and is known for its solid bass reinforcement. There is the Advanced Yamaha Active Servo Technology that you’ll find in many decent subs from the company. These assure that you get cancellation of impedance and end up with HQ sound.

The unit is known for handling the highest levels of sound pressure. So, you have the least distortion and other such problems that people generally face with the low-end and badly manufactured subwoofers. Its rack-mount design provides you a chance to mount it on any rack or shelf that you desire. What many people don’t know is the fact that it is a down-firing unit and, therefore, you get a quality bass experience regardless of which side you are sitting on.

What is a subwoofer?

A subwoofer, commonly known to many as the sub or simply woofer, is a speaker that is designed for the reproduction of low frequencies. You may also know the subwoofer for the reproduction of the bass. If you have been to a movie theatre, you are likely to have heard the thumping sound. Most of you may consider it as a movie effect but the sound and experience come from the subwoofers that are fixed in the cinema. Working in collaboration with the speaker system, the subs are certainly a great way to enhance your listening experience.

What is the difference between a speaker and a subwoofer?

Individuals tend to get confused between a speaker and a subwoofer. While many consider it the same thing, others just don’t know how they are different from each other. There is a simple point that a speaker lets you hear what someone is saying on the mic or the music that is playing on your device. However, a subwoofer is designed to reproduce the low-frequency sound, bass, which enhances the listening experience and you should learn how a subwoofer works before buying one..

Speaker

A speaker is a device that takes electronic signals from your CDs and music players and converts these into a sound that we are able to hear. We hear anything with the help of eardrums that are present in our ear. As drum takes a beat, the eardrums pick up vibrations. A speaker translates the electrical signals into physical vibrations that are picked up by our ears and we hear the real sound.

Subwoofer

On the other hand, the subwoofer is a device that is designed to enhance the working of speakers. There are high and low-frequency sounds that are handled by a speaker. The ones at the higher end are dealt with by the tweeters whereas the ones at the lower end are taken care of by woofers. Generally, the woofer is a cone which has a size of around 8 to 18 inches. It is placed in a speaker system as a part of the driver and reproduces the sounds that range from 40 Hz to 1kHz.

So, we can say that a speaker is a complete device that we have for the purpose of round reproduction and conversion of electrical signals to physical vibrations. It works with drivers and tweeters and subwoofers, responsible for handling high and low frequency sounds respectively, are a part of speakers.

How to choose a subwoofer?

There are plenty of things that one has to consider when it comes to selecting a sub. When we talk about the best subwoofer under 200, there are several considerations that can come in handy. People who don’t take a look at the features in concern with their requirements tend to regret their purchase. So, if you want to make the most of your investment and get the best value for money, here is what you should keep your eyes at.

Size

While it may not seem an important aspect, there are many people that have a hard time adjusting their subwoofer with their speaker system. It is because the room spacing is limited, and there are problems when it comes to placing these sound devices at a suitable place. Moreover, there are people who opt for woofers that are a bit too big which is just an unnecessary expensive purchase. You need to consider your room size too for the appropriate bass element.

Power Trip

There are people who don’t know much about power trips. So, they end up choosing woofers that don’t have a built-in amplifier. It can create a ton of problems as you might not be able to get good control over the woofer and end up with a bad listening experience. But the problem is that people don’t have much knowledge about power and how much would be enough. Well, for that, you need to take a look at the speaker rating and the size is likely to be a better indicator regarding how much would be enough. Nonetheless, whatever woofer you choose, make sure that it has a built-in amplifier for better control.

Number of subwoofers

The number of woofers you have in your room is also important for the listening experience you desire. There are instances when people get one big sub, and they are unable to create the desired listening experience. Then you’ll find individuals who have two woofers, one in each corner of the room, and they are able to create that ‘oomph’ you’d love to have around when watching a movie or listening to music. So, instead of going in with a single woofer, firing all your budget, it may be wise to get two.

Brand and warranty

The brand and warranty are two of the key considerations whenever we discuss any kind of product. Pick up anything from the market, and if it comes from a recognizable brand people are likely to trust it. However, there are some companies that have come up with decent products and are rising in the brand ranks. So, while you may like to go with established brands, one should also not rule out any upcoming or rising brand.

Price

Price is one of the important considerations, and here we are talking about the best subwoofers under 200. While there are different options from different brands, you will get subwoofers starting from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars. It won’t be wise to go with the cheapest or costliest option in the market. Instead, define your budget and make a list of what you need in a woofer. Then, shortlist a few products that fall in your price range and meet your requirements in the best possible manner. From the shortlisted items, select the one that is most suitable.

Sealed or ported sub?

Among the different types of woofers available in the market, there is a huge debate on the sealed and ported models. The sealed ones give you acoustic suspensions and assure that the air doesn’t move in or out of the device. So, you get a responsive signal with solid bass.

On the other hand, you get the ported boxes, which are also known as the bass reflect enclosures. They come with an air vent that allows the movement of air around and assists in better reinforcing the bass. While you get a bit more power, the ported models tend to be bigger in size than sealed ones.

What is the use of passive radiators?

You might have seen the unpowered cones that come in the enclosure of a woofer. These are known as passive radiators. The move around along the driver that is powered receives appropriate assistance in the reinforcement of the bass. While they are not present in all the speakers, they are known to create the additional ‘oomph’ element with your listening experience. So, getting a speaker with passive radiators can come in handy if you are willing to have a solid, strong, and more powerful bass.

Is wireless subwoofer a good choice?

Well, it depends on your requirements. While many people opt for the wireless subs, that receive a signal through a transmitter which you can connect with your device, it may not be a preferred choice. There are some great models in the market when we discuss wireless subs, and you have some good companies manufacturing it. However, when we talk about the use case, most of the people are using woofers in a space where they can easily connect it with their TV or music players through a wire.

So, if you can achieve hassle-free wired connectivity, you might be better off with a wired woofer. However, for the individuals who have a tough time managing the wires and don’t have enough space to deal with the wired subs, the wireless woofers are certainly a better option.

How much power is appropriate?

The answer to this question is the maximum power that your budget permits. We have a range of different products in the market that come with varying power ratings. When we discuss the best subwoofer under 200, we mostly get the models that respond to the frequency between 30 and 150 Hz. It can vary a bit from the given range but you are pretty much unlikely to get a too high or too low response.

In short, get the highest power that you can in your budget but don’t end up overspending to get maximum wattage. Moreover, there are instances when you get a model with a power rating of 150W and another with a rating of 200W. However, the former tends to perform better than the latter because of other features. Therefore, take a good look at other aspects too as you make the selection.

Final Words

Whenever you are investing in woofers, do some research and get to know about what makes a good woofer. Then, examine your use cases and know what you need, how much power is enough for you, and what are some other features that you must look for in a sub. While you get a lot of options in the given list of finest subwoofer under 200, a sub will only be as good for you as it meets the requirements. So, it is critical for you to do the evaluation in terms of your needs vs. what a sub offers to you before you buy it. Else, you may end up regretting your purchase. Also, if you want to go for best subwoofers under 50 dollars then check our detailed guide.

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