Welp MagazineWant bass you can feel? Welcome to the world of the best subwoofer under $500. These small but mighty speakers can pack a serious punch, and they’re perfect for anyone who loves music, movies or craves the heart-stopping thump of the rave. But with so many different models on the market, how do you know which is the best subwoofer under $500 for you – especially when you’re not a billionaire?
Well, that’s where we come in. We’ve tested and reviewed dozens of the best affordable subwoofers, and narrowed it down to only the best of the best bookshelf speakers under $500. Whether you’re on a really tight budget or you’re looking to splash out slightly (but not unreasonably) more for the ultimate in sound quality, we have something for everyone. So sit back, relax, and let us take you on a journey through the low-frequency world of subwoofers. We promise your ears won’t be disappointed.
Product Comparison Table: Best Subwoofer Under $500
| Title | Price | Rating (Amazon) | Best in class | Buy | |
 | Yamaha MusicCast SUB 100 Wireless Subwoofer | $$$ | 4 stars | Best Wireless | Amazon |
 | Earthquake Sound Supernova MKIV-10 Powered Subwoofer with SLAPS Technology | $$$ | 4 stars | Best for Music | Amazon |
 | Klipsch Reference R-8SW Surround Subwoofer | $$ | 4.5 stars | Best for Home Theater | Amazon |
 | ECOXGEAR SoundExtreme ES08 Waterproof 8-inch Subwoofer with Built-in 500-Watt Amplifier | $$$ | 4 stars | Best Outdoor | Amazon |
 | Q Acoustics 3060S Active Subwoofer in English Walnut | $$$$ | 4.6 stars | Best Luxury | Amazon |
Yamaha MusicCast SUB 100 Wireless Subwoofer
Is your speaker system a smart speaker system? The wireless-friendly Yamaha MusicCast SUB 100 Wireless Subwoofer boasts vibrant and powerful bass, creating a panoramic soundstage in your own little living room. When it comes to the best subwoofer under $500 with capability or wireless connectivity, you can’t go wrong with the Yamaha MusicCast SUB 100 Wireless Subwoofer.
The Yamaha MusicCast SUB 100 Wireless Subwoofer works best with the Yamaha MusicCast system, but it’s compatible with most home sound systems or home theater setups. To customize your bass sound, you can adjust volume, crossover and frequency settings on your Twisted Flare optimized unit. Best of all, the Yamaha MusicCast SUB 100 Wireless Subwoofer comes with handy Alexa Voice control capability – to save you getting off the couch.
Pros
- Elegant and great-sounding design
- Wireless
- Alexa compatible
Cons
- Optimized for Yamaha MusicCast systems
Verdict
The Yamaha MusicCast SUB 100 Wireless Subwoofer is our best subwoofer under $500 for listeners that need to connect their sound system wirelessly. Complete with a bright and clear bass sound thanks to a Twisted Flare Port, the connectivity this compact subwoofer provides was the strongest out of any subwoofer model we tested out!
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Earthquake Sound Supernova MKIV-10 Powered Subwoofer with SLAPS Technology
Whether you prefer to blast the Top 40 or vibe to Vivaldi, the best subwoofer under $500 for music-ophiles like you is the Earthquake Sound Supernova MKIV-10 Powered Subwoofer with SLAPS Technology. The Earthquake Sound Supernova offers excellent richness of bass, with a wide low-frequency response that can handle both the full bassy expanse of the finest classical music, and the pounding thump of an EDM rave.
Other features fine-tune the ideal musical experience. Earthquake Sound claims the Supernova “overcomes the limitations known from conventional closed and ported designs”; indeed, the Symmetrically Loaded Audio Passive System (SLAPS) ensures that sound is projected evenly throughout the room, for a more immersive listening experience with just one amplifier. It’s almost like the orchestra’s in the room with you.
Pros:
- Excellent sound quality
- Well-built with an attractive finish
- SLAPS technology
Cons:
- None that we could find!
Verdict
Music is a complex and nuanced art form that can be enjoyed on many levels, be it avant-garde jazz or cheesy Europop. The best subwoofer under $500 is a tool that can provide a shortcut to the levels of listening and appreciation usually locked behind the price tag of premium HiFi equipment. The Earthquake Sound Supernova MKIV-10 Powered Subwoofer with SLAPS Technology gives you the maximum experience at a (relatively) miniature price.
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Klipsch Reference R-8SW Surround Subwoofer
An Injection Molded Graphite (IMG) woofer that minimizes distortion at low frequencies. A high performance Down-Firing Driver that provides deep bass and placement flexibility. An accurate all-digital amplifier. All of this technology (and more) is in just one of our best subwoofer under $500 for home theater use: the Klipsch Reference R-8SW Surround Subwoofer.
The sought-after unique speaker tech in the Klipsch Reference series is renowned for its sound. Even if “low-pass crossover” means nothing to you, the bass on this subwoofer will speak for itself. A movie through these sounds absolutely brilliant – the best out of any subwoofer in this price range that we tried. Although the Klipsch Reference R-8SW are at their best when sucking you into the world of a good movie, they elevate anything.
Pros
- Incredible sound
- Attractive design
- Unique Klipsch Reference technology
Cons
- You might have to buy two
Verdict
Lights, camera, action. Hear a movie with the Klipsch Reference R-8SW Surround Subwoofer and it’s clear why Klipsch places so high not only on our list of the best subwoofer under $500, but on the home theater market as a brand. The respect is well earned.
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ECOXGEAR SoundExtreme ES08 Waterproof 8-inch Subwoofer with Built-in 500-Watt Amplifier
Playing music outside means you need a durable speaker that can spread sound through a large space, to share what you’re watching or listening to with loads of other people. Whether you’re DJ-ing a rave in a prehistoric cave, or enjoying surf sounds on a tropical beach, not one thump of bass will be missed with the ECOXGEAR SoundExtreme ES08 Waterproof 8-inch Subwoofer with Built-in 500-Watt Amplifier.
Alongside built-in amplification and killer bass, ECOXGEAR’s SoundExtreme ES08 features IP66 water-and-dust-proof certification, along with party-ready LEDs so you don’t lose your unit in the great outdoors: solid green, red, white, or blue, with settings like music sync, fading, or just plain off.
Pros
- Perfect for outdoors and large spaces
- LED functionality
- Clear, bassy sound
Cons
- Not good for indoor use
Verdict
Even if you’re not braced for adventure, plenty of spaces are really, really big. Halls, classrooms, open-plan apartments, deserted islands, royal palaces, the void… Luckily, our best subwoofer under $500 in this category is perfect for all these applications. The ECOXGEAR SoundExtreme ES08 Waterproof 8-inch Subwoofer with Built-in 500-Watt Amplifier is the ideal camping buddy.
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Q Acoustics 3060S Active Subwoofer in English Walnut
What does luxury sound like? Our answer – the Q Acoustics 3060S Active Subwoofer in English Walnut. Our best subwoofer under $500 with a premium feel luxuriates in every bass drum thump, rumbling explosion or swell of cello strings into an immersive three-dimensional masterpiece, even at lifelike volume levels.
This is down to superior linearity, definition and imaging, as well as bass response that’s rich, deep and satisfying. The Q Acoustics 3060S is tooled for bass accuracy and musicality, and includes a number of features not usually seen in this price range! Don’t be fooled by this unit’s size. It’s the best subwoofer we can find – overall.
Pros
- Exquisite sound quality
- High-end craftsmanship
- Luxury feel
Cons
- Hefty price tag
Verdict
Some say you hear what you pay for. The price tag on our best subwoofer under $500 in the luxury-feel stakes – the Q Acoustics 3060S Active Subwoofer in English Walnut – might be, well, not under $500. However, we believe it’s justified by not only the sound of this subwoofer but also the beautiful materials it’s crafted with. You might not believe aEnglish Walnut finish could make a difference to the sound of a subwoofer unit. Maybe it’s just in our heads, but trust us, it’s more than just pretty.
