Whether you’re shopping for a car audio component or integrating a subwoofer for a home theatre experience, the trilling bass and crisp mid soundtrack are what you expect with the best sound subwoofers. There are many subwoofers in the market today with distinct points of construction and an output system that grabs you.

A subwoofer features the lowest of audiophile frequencies that give you movie theatre sound quality right in your home or in the car. If you’re listening to a Hollywood blockbuster or a recorded acoustic guitar, you need a good quality subwoofer for your home theatre system. The installation process should also be easy.

Choosing the right subwoofer can be a daunting task especially if you’re not familiar with the technical specifications and cabinet designs. If you want to own the Best Cheap Subwoofers Under $100, with heart-pounding thumbs and beeps and the rumbling roars that gets right in the gut, this guide will help you to get a good deal for lowest frequencies that shakes you up just like in the movie theatres!

Features to Consider in Cheap Subwoofers

There are some features that you need to keep an eye on when purchasing the best cheap subwoofers that will meet your needs and offer you the lowest audible frequencies.

Power Handling

Power handling is a critical feature that will allow you to get the most out of a subwoofer system. Every sub features an ideal amount of power that it can receive to reproduce surround sound and perform at its peak. Efficient power handling can improve the life of your subwoofer and provide you crisp sound for your entertainment needs.

Driver Size

The size of a subwoofer does not necessarily dictate power or output performance. The most practical and common driver size is a 10 inch or 12-inch unit that can keep up with any soundtrack while an 8-inch driver may not offer you an aggressively booming performance. If you want to go for earth trebling bass subwoofers, then 15-inch or 18-inch sub would be your best bet.

Passive and Powered Subwoofers

The primary distinction between a passive and powered subwoofer is the power source. A powered sub is power efficient and consumes minimal power with fewer sound distortions.

A powered sub has its power source while a passive subwoofer features an external amplifier and requires a lot of power to reproduce clean, crisp low-frequency sounds. At the time, a passive subwoofer can strain your amp and distort the sound.

Custom Sound

There are some subwoofers that you can purchase with an already pre-set mode and can customize the bass response based on the particular listening space. Additionally, top tier subs feature built-in microphones that allow you to take a sound sample of your environment and adjust the settings accordingly to suit that particular space.

On the other hand, some subwoofers can direct you on the best place to set them up for an aggressively booming performance. Also, a sub with a wireless remote control will allow you to adjust setting conveniently.

Enclosure Type

Most subwoofers will come in certain types of an enclosure and build. The nature of the enclosure system can affect the maximum output or completely alter the performance of a sub. A sealed enclosure system features tight sounding bass while a vented enclosure system offers a large, rumbling bass. Subwoofers that come with a port or a hole in the cabinet release air to increase bass performance.

Frequency Response

The frequency response of a subwoofer will allow you to know how low the speaker can go without distorting sound quality or putting a significant strain on the amplifier. Subwoofers that reproduce very low frequencies are incredibly costly but can go as low as 15Hz for earth-rattling bass.
Besides, if you’re on a budget buy, you can go for a quality subwoofer that can offer you with at least 35Hz frequency response.

Front-Facing Versus Down-Firing

The concept of front-facing and down-firing subs is simple.

Down-firing subwoofers emanate their bass downwards facing the floor while front-facing subs radiate the bass from the side of the subs enclosure. Neither of the two is better than the other; it all depends on a personal choice and individual application.

Integration

After all, is said and done, the most crucial thing is that the subwoofer that you pick for your entertainment needs should integrate into your home theatre system or other external speakers for a genuinely integrated performance. Some subwoofers feature high and low inputs that match the input sensitivity for source component output for speaker matching.

Top 10 Best Cheap Subwoofers 2024 (Under $100)

1. Monoprice 8-inch 60-Watt Powered Subwoofer

Design features
This 8-inch subwoofer comes in a 12-inch attractive black wood cabinet body that corresponds to the type of sound that you want to hear in a home theatre system. The subwoofer has an inbuilt power capability for a corresponding integrated circuit which will not condense power productivity to the anterior speakers or affect the overall impedance capacity on the amp.

Additionally, the subwoofer features a pair of right and left line level inputs that allow you to adjust the amount of power the speaker is receiving for more crisp sound and improved life. There are other multiple input options on the Monoprice that allow you to use the speaker with any stereo or a 5.1 amp system.

Convenient features
The Monoprice subwoofer allows you to fragment the outputs and guide into two line level inputs by use of an RCA cable. The speaker features gain and frequency knobs that permit you to fine-tune the crossover filter and the power output. If you match out the power handling correctly, the subwoofer will perform at its peak.

With speaker level inputs and outputs, the Monoprice can be connected to any speaker system in and set in a corner, a shelf or in your entertainment center. Additionally, the unique configuration included in this subwoofer helps to maximize bass production for robust sound and superior compression circuitry.

Verdict
The Monoprice subwoofer is an excellent choice for people looking for volumes for listening to an action movie or nightly news. It’s also a budget buy with a functional design and intuitive features for powerful sound without distortions even at maximum volume levels.

2. Theater Solutions SUB8SM Slim Subwoofer

Design features
Heavy metal music may sound enhanced and cleaner on Theatre solutions subwoofer that features 35 to 154Hz frequency response. The subwoofer features wood construction and sleek mahogany finish with cabinet feet and a hanging mount so that you can place it anywhere you desire. The sealed, vented enclosure system on the SUB8SM allows a maximum output of the subwoofer for tighter sounding bass for things like rock music.

This 8-inch features a 24Db per octave crossover for continued variation from 50-150Hz for full-bodied bass soft enough not to disturb neighbors with low speaker level inputs for a secure connection.

Convenient features
This 8-inch down-firing long-throw sub features a built-in digital drive amplifier push out 250watt peak power and an 8ohnm impedance. The gain controls included in the subwoofer allows you to connect to an external speaker set for total surround sound experience.

On the other hand, the slim design with high-density MDF enclosure system and advanced RfL bass reflex design mounted on any space in your house works perfectly for movies and rock music. The port allows smooth air flow in the subwoofer, increasing linearity, lowering distortion for a stable output.

Verdict
Theater Solutions powered subwoofer features an optimized balance and interface between components to offer sound quality and durability. The use of high and low inputs allows the subwoofer to pair with any other external speaker.

3. Polk Audio PSW10 10″ Powered Subwoofer

Design features
Polk Audio features an inbuilt amplifier with 100watts of dynamic power suitable for producing accurate sound without distortion. You can enjoy clear, loud music with this subwoofer thanks to the additional power in the 50watt RMS amp for rich, deep sound even at low frequencies.

The subwoofer also features sophisticated engineering with resonating free driver materials for durability and extended life. There’s also a sleek detachable grill included in this solid black ash design subwoofer and line level outputs at the back for efficient power handling, which means that your system will give you crisp sound.

Convenient features
This 10 inch features polymer composite dynamic balance cone driver for no sound distortion while offering surround sound for listening to dialogue through your home theater or other external speakers.

Polk Audio features a powerful sound and superior compression circuity even at extremely high volumes. The subwoofer is easy to integrate with other existing systems although it blends best with Polk speakers. The Polk sub weighs 26 pounds and can comfortably sit on a shelf or place it at a corner in your living room.

Verdict
Polk Audio is a potent subwoofer with a polymer-composite dynamic balance cone driver and a balanced, deep rich bass with a 3db frequency response that for loud, clear sound when at high volumes for games, movies, and music.

4. Dayton Audio Sub-800 8″ 80 Watt Powered Subwoofer

Design features
Dayton Audio is a heavy duty, long-throw 8-inch with a down-firing flared port design for a clean bass sound for movies and music. The subwoofer features a vented enclosure system that allows a maximum output in this speaker for music with more bass. Dayton Audio reproduces profound grumbling bass thanks to the variable 12db electronic low pass filter included this sub.

The built-in equalization with pre-set modes is highly useful in customizing the sub-bass response based on what you’re listening. Dayton included a solid textured black vinyl finish in this subwoofer.

Convenient features
There’s an independent volume control with an on and off switch that allows you to adjust settings for a more customized sub-bass response. Also, Dayton Audio features gain and crossover controls for even more intervention.

This subwoofer with full-bodied bass measures 12 3/8 inches by 13 ¾ inches is a perfect choice that ensures that you have quality sound in smaller spaces for watching sporting events and Netflix.

Verdict
If you’re living in a flat, it’s not a good idea to have this down-firing subwoofer as it might disturb neighbors downstairs. However, if you’re looking for an accurate bass with a robust response, then we’d recommend Dayton Audio SUB 800.

5. Pioneer TS-WX1010A 10″ Sealed Enclosure Subwoofer

Design features
Pioneer new compact cone is a front-firing subwoofer that powers your home theatre system with high and low inputs which is what you want for heart-pumping fast-paced action movies and music. The TS-WX1010A features a high-efficiency amplifier and a frequency response between 20 to 250Hz.

The black ash finish won’t win any awards but quickly blends into the background. The long excursion cone reproduces deep and accurate bass response but soft enough not to disturb your neighbors.

Convenient features
If you have a small space and concerned where you can set a subwoofer, this 10-inch Pioneer series features a compact design that takes up minimal space and sounds great. This size is a sweet spot that offers more bass than what most people can handle on high volume.

The Pioneer TS-WX1010A features a tight performance spectrum with six controls in total with a 50 to 125Hz crossover bass boost of 40-100Hz for tuning to the desired volume of your choice. Also, the subwoofer featured a wired remote control and included knobs that allow easy adjustment.

Verdict
Pioneer TS-WX1010A features 100 watts of power. This 10-inch Pioneer sealed enclosure active subwoofer with an inbuilt amp is easy to install with no distortion and acceptable level bass control for excellent, crisp, deep, tight, rattling sound.

6. Acoustic Audio by Goldwood ACA8T Powered Amplified 8″ Car Subwoofer

Design features
There’s a separate mountable remote bass level control with built-in class AB Monoblock amp that features RCA low-level inputs while reaching bone-rattling levels of bass. This loaded tube speaker comes fully assembled out of the box and is easy to install.

The control functions feature 40-250Hz frequency response with powerful deep, full-bodied bass sound for rock music. Also, the Acoustic Audio ACA8T notably features a 1.5 inch ASV voice call, and polypropylene injected cone construction in a butyl rubber body.

Convenient features
This tube bass subwoofer features an appealing design with high and low-level inputs for installation into any car audio system. On the other hand, the multiple level controls provide the best sound customization for deep, clean bass.

Acoustic Audio ACA8T comes with a remote bass control module that provides excellent tuning to find a desired sweet spot. Acoustic Audio ACA8T is a powerful subwoofer with an aviation sealed tube enclosure to fit most vehicles that take up a considerable amount of space in your car.

Verdict
The Acoustic Audio 8-inch powered subwoofer is a power loaded tube which is among some of the best in the industry. This sub is an excellent choice for installing in your car, but the price is what makes it stand out.

7. Rockville RW8CA 8-Inch Under-Seat Powered Car Subwoofer

Design features
Rockville RW8CA features 600watt peak power and a 150watt RMS continuous output making it an excellent, potent subwoofer and excellent filling bass. The 12-inch hyper excursion drivers can run on a 1000watt amp with level regulators for the volume, a subsonic sifter for really low frequencies.

There are high-level inputs that were included in the subwoofer giving no need to have a remote wire from your vehicle’s receiver to prompt the unit’s signal on and off. Rockville also added a low pass crossover filter for unexpectedly great sound. The subwoofer is CEA-2006 compliant to offer quality sound and a promise of durability.

Convenient features
The Rockville RW8CA is a low-end compact subwoofer that fits easily under the seat of your car for ample panel shaking bass. The subwoofer integrates well with most car systems and comes with intuitive control knobs for tweaking the bass at different volume levels or adjusting songs with poor recordings.

The subwoofer also comes with a nice solid connection block for the power and ground. Additionally, the Rockville RW8CA features inbuilt amplifier that allows easy installation and wiring.

Verdict
The Rockville RW8CA is an excellent subwoofer for those looking for a reasonably priced but high performing and punchy under-seat sub that shines on digitized heavy metal and rock music.

8. Creative iRoar Rock Docking Subwoofer

Design features
iRoar Rock subwoofer is a powered subwoofer with a rapid-charging dock for clear, crisp and accurate bass that keeps you going listening to your favorite albums without going off. The subwoofer features a 3.7-inch driver that pushes air in rhythm to the music. There’s a custom equalizer featured in iRoar Rock subwoofer that modulates the bass.

Creative did not include volume and crossover knobs for volume adjustment. Instead, the mobile device that you tether using the Bluetooth function with this unit allows fine tuning and volume adjustment to your tastes. This 42watt power RMS with a frequency response of 40-200Hz does a wealth of good vocals with fresh lows and an impressive amount of bass.

Convenient features
The iRoar Rock subwoofer features a dedicated application for integration with both Android and iOS devices. The subwoofer shifts the output momentarily during docking but picks up the lows without missing a beat.

The rapid charging ability featured in the subwoofer cuts down charging hours from three hours to two hours. There’s a built-in internal battery that comes with different power cables for stability, simplicity and efficient charging. When it comes to where to place and face the iRoar Rock subwoofer for a listening position, you need to understand that it features a front-focus firing.

Verdict
iRoar Rock subwoofer is an excellent recommendation for people who regularly park and use the iRoar in the same position. It has an impressive, robust bass backed by a clean face and best for use when playing PS4 games and rock music.

9. Sony SA-W2500 100 Watt Subwoofer

Design features
The 10-inch mica-reinforced cellular woofer features full range fresh, clear lows thanks to the powerful 28-200Hz frequency response. This subwoofer also offers a broader range of tones compared to other woofers in its category. The SA-W2500 comes in an enclosure system that drastically improves the output performance of the subwoofer for high-resolution bass.

There are volume and crossover knobs for volume adjustment that allows fine tuning so that you can hear every rumble, every shift and every beat with from your favorite movie and music soundtracks. The SA-W2500 features 100watts with a down-firing port design for deep bass. Additionally, the high-level inputs and low-level inputs allow simple connection with external speaker set.

Convenient features
The iRoar Rock subwoofer features a dedicated application for integration with both Android and iOS devices. The subwoofer shifts the output momentarily during docking but picks up the lows without missing a beat.

The rapid charging ability featured in the subwoofer cuts down charging hours from three hours to two hours. There’s a built-in internal battery that comes with different power cables for stability, simplicity and efficient charging. When it comes to where to place and face the iRoar Rock subwoofer for a listening position, you need to understand that it features a front-focus firing.

Verdict
SA-W2500 subwoofer with motion feedback technology is a certified refurbished neat 10-inch subwoofer. It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking for full-bodied, distortion-free output and earth-shattering bass.

10. Acoustic Audio PSW-8 300 Down-Firing Subwoofer

Design features
This Acoustic Audiophile series MDF bass reflect enclosure with internal bracing for impressive surround bass output. The subwoofer comes in a stylish ash black finish body that compliments most flat-panel displays. Besides, Acoustic Audio included a 300watt amplifier that radiates the bass downwards on the floor.

This 300watt subwoofer requires minimal power to reproduce low-frequency sound without putting a significant strain on the amp while improving bass accuracy and reducing distortions. The PSW-8 300 notably utilizes a long excursion cone for accurate response and raises the listening impact of your TV shows.

Convenient features
The high and low inputs allow easy and effortless connection to an external speaker for deep, low frequencies and thrilling effects. Also, the pre-set mode features a unique configuration that allows maximum bass impact while the resonance-free dynamic balance brings out a synergistic effect for clean, low, rumbling bass.

The ported enclosure system allows steady and stable volume levels for power efficiency and minimal distortion that eliminates resonances. Acoustic Audio included four sturdy stumble legs in the PSW-8 300 that can be placed in any corner of the living room or on top of a cabinet.

Verdict
PSW-8 300 is an excellent option for someone looking for an in-wall or in-ceiling home entertainment with full-bodied bass and a down-firing subwoofer for deep, accurate response and clean, crisp bass.