It’s almost an art to find a balance between quality and price. Chances are, spending 500 or more will get you a very decent product, but how about under 200? At this price range, you will need to have the know-how to pick the right ones. Our experts are here to break down some of the best subwoofers under 200 to help you save money.
Reviews of the Best Subwoofers Under 200
1. Acoustic Audio PSW-12 500 Watt 12-Inch Down Firing Powered Subwoofer
The Acoustic Audio PSW-12 Subwoofer is easily integrated into your home audio theatre system with RCA cables. As an active subwoofer, it has a built in amplifier. However, this does make the PSW-12 slightly heavier than a passive audio sub.
The 500 watt subwoofer has built-in phase controls and low pass crossover control knobs. The produced frequency response is 24-250 Hz, a wide enough range for most deep toned in music content.
The deep and reverberating tone from this down firing subwoofer is due to the 12-inch long throw design created with treated PVA. To further support the output of the subwoofer, the MDF cabinets with internal bracing will eliminate vibrations and resonance for richer tones.
What We Like
- Internal bracing
- Created with MDF cabinets
- 12-inch woofer bass port
- Active subwoofer with built in amplifier
- Precise bass due to the treated PVA cone
- RFL bass reflex
- Easy setup
- Vibration absorbing feet
- 500 watt peak performance
- 14-250 Hz frequency response
- Clear alto at a high volume
- High quality black ash finish
What We Don't Like
- Heavier than a passive sub
- Hard to get after service
2. Yamaha 10” 100W Powered Subwoofer
The Yamaha 10 Inch Powered Subwoofer is one of the best sub woofers under 200 because of the incorporation of cutting-edge technologies. The Yamaha ns sw050bl twisted flare port is an example of said technologies. The port takes the air and twists it to create a smoother flow compared to traditional subwoofers, which contributes to tighter bass.
Another state-of-the-art addition to the Yamaha ns sw050bl 100 watt powered back up is the Yamaha Active Servo Technology II, or Yamaha YST II for short. This technology connects the speakers and subwoofers under 200 directly, which allows for more accuracy in clear deep bass sound production.
Aside from that, the minimalist design of the 10” woofer cone covered by a discreet grill and smooth black finish will add style to your home theatre subwoofer .
What We Like
- Excellent and resounding
- Minimalist design
- Yamaha Active Servo Technology II
- Twisted flare port
- Compact size
- Lightweight
What We Don't Like
- Manual on/off switch
- Only comes with a power cord
3. Rockville Rock Shaker 10” Wood 600w Powered Home Theater Subwoofer
Audiophiles looking for sheer power and thumping resonant should look no further than the Rockville Rock Shaker 10-Inch subwoofer. With a peak power ratings of 600 watts, this is quite an impressive figure for a subwoofer 200.
It’s a powered subwoofer, which means the Class D amplifier is built-in. That makes this option a little bigger and heavier, but it’s also due to the luxurious wood black ash finish. The MDF wood outperforms a particle board, and results in distortion free at any volume level.
The foam grille is detachable and can bring you unhindered sound for you to really feel the power of this subwoofers.
What We Like
- Excellent build quality with MDF wood
- Detachable grille
- Come up with everything you need
- Class D amp
- Very high power
- Rear firing port
- Foam surround
- Paper cone
What We Don't Like
- No EQ adjustments
- Cannot auto turn off
4. BIC AMERICA V-80 8" 100 Watt Powered Subwoofer
The BIC America Subwoofer is a small and basic design but brings you loud sounds and with the long throw down firing subwoofer. The BIC America V-80 is a smaller subwoofer, which is great for those that want low level of frequency response sound quality but don’t have a lot of space to accommodate a larger one. The wood housing unit is very durable and is very scratch resistant, making this 8-inch dynamic balance subs one that will last.
The Bic America f12 is 8-inch subwoofer profile has a frequency range of 38 to 180 Hz, a pretty good response range for your clear bass sounds system. Powered subwoofers under 200 make it easy for beginner audiophiles as this type of subwoofer with its own amplifier.
What We Like
- Durable and top-graded build quality
- Has its own amplifier
- Clear toner at all volume levels
- Depicts low end sound well
- Wide frequency response
- Understated design
What We Don't Like
- No RCA cable
- Smaller woofer
5. Sony SACS9 10-Inch Active Subwoofer
Just under 200, the Sony SACS9 is the epitome of style and function. Although the amplified subwoofer for your home theater subwoofers only offers 115 watts, it is optimized for high volume resolution audio sub. The woofer is built with top quality materials and is mica cellular foam reinforced.
The cabinet was built to minimize space and is effective in suppressing vibrations for tight and precise tones relays.
For easy setup with your existing home theater, the Sony SACS9 has both speakers and line level inputs with a very wide range frequency response of 28-200 Hz.
What We Like
- Low vibration
- Mica cellular foam reinforced woofer
- Features both line level and speaker inputs
- Wide frequency response
- Very compact size
- Simple design
- 115 watt amplifier
- Delivers thumping deep toned
What We Don't Like
- Close to 200
- Not a lot of powers
6. KLIPSCH 10" Front-Firing 250w Peak Power Subwoofer
It’s difficult to find a subwoofers system list without the Klipsch brand making an appearance. Our experts are big fans of the brand and love the full tone their subwoofers under 200 can create regardless of the price. This front-firing woofer has line and LFE inputs, so most receivers can be hooked up to this speakers.
The digital drive amplifier built-in is one of the most powerful with 250 watts of energy. The Klipsch 10 Inch Front-Firing Subwoofer also features a low pass frequency crossover and phase control functions. The subwoofer features an automatic shutoff function if left for a long period without any sounds. This will save low end and is a handy feature to have if you forget to turn it off.
What We Like
- Auto shutoff function
- Simple setup
- 250 watt amp
- Low pass crossover
- Phase control
- Big bass for a good price
- All digital amplifier
- Front firing driver
What We Don't Like
- Not copper spun woofers
- Better for smaller rooms
7. Elac SUB1010 120 Watt 10" Powered Subwoofer
The Elac Sub1010 Subwoofer is excellent for low pass frequency. The mellow reflex enclosure will ensure unnecessary vibrations are subdued. As a inch powered subwoofers, it comes with a built in AB 120 watts amplifiers. The frequency response range of the SUB1010 is very impressive from 38 to 200 Hz.
The inch woofer driver is 10 inches to15 inch making it more on the large side and capable of the best relays for your audio sub system. The subwoofer comes with L, R, LFE, line level and speaker level inputs, which increases the compatibility with different systems.
What We Like
- Bass reflex enclosure
- Built-in 120 watt amplifier
- Class AB amp
- Wide frequency range
- 10 inch woofer
- Many inputs
- High compatibility
- Compact size
What We Don't Like
- Not great for larger rooms
- Will sometimes go on sale for cheaper than what you paid
Subwoofers Under 200 Buyer’s Guide
Buying the best speakers requires more than a cost consideration. To find Polk Audio PSW10 10 inch powered subwoofer is the best budget subwoofers, you need to have some basic information on what makes the best speaker subwoofer .
Is it a front firing subwoofers, is the ability to produce quality low end sound, a small 8-inch and 15 inch profile or a low pass filter? The answer is all of the above and more! Our team is here to help you find a speakers with the frequency response range you prefer for the best sound.
Sound Quality and Bass
The sound quality is the most important when it comes to any subwoofers. You need to have the subwoofer fit in perfectly with your home audio theater for the best bass sounds. Our experts recommend purchasing a inch powered subwoofer if you don’t have the knowledge of speaker compatibility.
Subwoofers under 200 are often powered and have an amplifier built in. This will eliminate the need for you to source an amp and be sure the powered rate is suitable. Powered subs have amps that are optimized with the other components to produce the best low end that is crystal clear.
The size of the subwoofer will also impact the sound quality of music. For a superior sonic experience, a larger subs will usually mean bigger tones. However, before you choose the largest one on the market, make sure you have adequate space to accommodate it.
Long throw woofers are also something to look at. Long throw subs are the best home theater subwoofers additions because they can truly throw the sound in a tight beam directly to the viewer, hence the name.
Next, think about the direction of long throw woofer. If it is front-firing, the sound system will be projected directly to you in a straight line. There are ones that are down-firing subwoofer, which will end up producing more vibrations as the sound is directed downward and travels the length of the floor to you.
Which type you choose depends on what kind of low toned you want to experience. Choose the black finish down-firing subwoofer option for more rumbles and front-firing for more direct toned.
To experience a louder and stronger music sound, here are some ways to make your subwoofer box louder. Read next!
Power
For loud sound, the power ratings will also indicate the type of room-filling baritone you will get from the subwoofer. In general, the higher rating, the louder the subwoofer is. However, you may find 2 different ratings – the full powers and the RMS [1].
The powers peak is 2x the rating of the 150 watt RMS. For example, if you have a 150 watt RMS, then your power performance is likely 300, not the same 150 watt amplifier rating. The max powers is your sub’s output at its highest within a short period. The RMS is the rating that’s the loudest without damaging your sub’s for continuous use. The 150 watt amplifier RMS is the figure our experts want you to focus on.
Impedance
The impedance of a subwoofer features the resistance to the flow of electricity. This figure is measured in ohms, with 4,6, and 8 being the most common. The lower the number, the less the impedance.
Design and Material
As our team mentioned, the size of the subwoofer really depends on your rooms and how much space you have. If you can, always go for the bigger ones because it equates to louder and deeper toned. The materials used to craft the subwoofer need to be durable and distortion free. Like with most of your other investments, you want your sub’s to last for a long time.
MDF cabinets are among the best to reduce resonance and vibration. Our team recommends aluminum or cloth grills as they are the best at supporting the output and can most likely be removed. Aluminum is also great for heat dispersion in case your subs gets too hot.
Depending on where you intend to place the subwoofer, our experts also prefer subwoofers under 200 with feet. The appendages do well to absorb unnecessary vibrations and to elevate the sub to reduce sound absorption. Not only that, the feet also act as protection against the sub scraping and from ruining your floors.
Frequency Response
The frequency response range for a subwoofer is a little different systems than a regular speakers. For regular speakers, you want the widest range of frequency response are possible so they can produce the most accurate spectrum no matter how high level or how low level.
In the case of subwoofers, you only want them to focus on the low end and low pass filter of the sonic spectrum. Ideally, the sub will be able to produce 25 to 250 Hz. If you can find ones that go even lower like the one for the better.
Enclosures
The MDF enclosure isn’t just what houses the integral parts within, but it actually influences the high performance of your subwoofer. For home theater subwoofers, look for MDF cabinets and sealed MDF enclosure for more depth. This will help to create a more dynamic power soundstage. But if you like high level volume, then you need a ported or vented enclosure.
Setup
Unfortunately, there are subwoofers under 200 that do not come with everything you need out of the box. Ones that do come with everything are referred to as plug-and-play options. They will have all the relevant cables, user manual, and even some extra parts. Without everything included with your purchase, you won’t need to spend extra time looking for compatible components.
The length of the cable is something to watch out for. If you do not opt for a wireless subwoofer option, then the cable length will limit your placement options. Even if your initial purchase isn’t a wireless design, you can still convert the subwoofer into a wireless one with a kit.
Our team suggests placing the speakers at the front of the room, but there are also some audiophiles that prefer to have them near or behind the couch to create an all-encompassing and dynamic power soundstage. Play around with the placement to decide which location is best.
Price and Warranty
For the price of under 200, our subwoofer should be able to provide basics such as deep tone and low vibrations. However, our experts have found that if you go over the 200 mark by just a bit, you will open more doors for advanced features of Polk Audio PSW10 10 inch for just a little more.
For example, the BIC America F12 unit is one of the best subs and just a little over the price limit. Other ones that are also worth considering include the Polk Audio PSW10 10-inch powered, Polk Audio PSW111, Pioneer SW-8MKS, and the Pioneer SW 8MK2.
Even for such affordable subs, look for ones that have a warranty. The most basic warranty should cover parts and repair for six months to a year, but there are others that have warranties up to 5 years and a rare few can cover you for a lifetime. The longer the warranty the better, but our team reminds you to read the fine print to make sure you are well-covered.
Our Top Pick For a Subwoofer Under 200: Acoustic Audio PSW-12
Our team’s top choice for the best sub woofer under 200 is the Acoustic Audio PSW-12. The minimalistic yet impressive sub is perfect for any home theater setup with RCA cable compatibility. For convenience, the PSW-12 has an auto signal sensor that will turn off the subwoofer when there is no sound.
At this affordable price, the PSW-12 has a lot of power of up to 500 watts! The powerful sub can deliver the booming bass you would expect with higher end models at less than half the price. It also comes with everything you need to get set up right away.
