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Looking for the best subwoofer under $1,000? This is the budget where a single subwoofer gains real output at 20Hz, the deepest notes in movie soundtracks, and where app control and parametric EQ start to appear. Every pick here is chosen on CEA-2010-A burst measurements, not on amplifier wattage.
Prices on this page were last checked September 26, 2026 at 12:12 AM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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What Changes At $1,000
Deep bass, not just more bass. Under $500, most subs are strong from 40 to 80Hz and fade quickly below 30Hz. The ported picks here hold roughly 104dB at 20Hz, enough for movie effects to be felt rather than just heard.
Better control. Phone apps, parametric EQ and room gain compensation become common, which makes it much easier to flatten the peaks your room adds.
Two subs become an option. Two of the best budget subwoofers cost less than one of the pricier picks here, and two subs in different positions even out bass across every seat far better than one bigger sub. If you sit in more than one seat, this is often the better use of $1,000.
Best Overall Under $1,000
The best subwoofer under $1,000 for deep movie bass, with 104.4dB at 20Hz, is the HSU Research VTF-2 MK5: $750 eBay
Pros: Plays 50% louder across measurement range than competitors. Tuneful bass, antithesis of one-note. Variable tuning provides flexibility - like having three subs in one. Compact size for tight spaces. Extreme value. WireCutter/NYT recommended.
Notes: Price includes shipping
Full HSU Research VTF-2 MK5 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 350W RMS |
|---|---|
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 116.4 dB |
| Cabinet Color | black |
| Country | United States |
| Dimensions | 21.5”H x 15”W x 24”D (546.1 x 381.0 x 609.6 mm) |
| Drivers | 12” (305mm) driver |
| Enclosure | ported, front |
| Frequency Response | 18-90Hz |
| Measurement Source | Audioholics |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 90.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 104.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 109.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 113.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 115.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 116.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 117.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 116.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | 116.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | 115.8 dB |
| Warranty | 7/2(+3) |
| Weight | 61.9 lbs (28.1 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Independently measured by Audioholics; the published figures above come from this ASR subwoofer measurement thread.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
It averages 116.4dB from 40 to 80Hz and 113.1dB at 31.5Hz. Its adjustable port tuning lets you trade the deepest extension for more headroom, depending on the room.
For similar deep output with app control, the SVS PB-1000 PRO: $849.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Ported 12-inch with 325W RMS delivers guttural low extension to 17Hz. Shakes things up like pricier competitors at 1/3 cost. Dual high-grade ferrite magnets with FEA-optimized motor. SVS app control.
Full SVS PB-1000 PRO review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 325W RMS |
|---|---|
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 115.9 dB |
| Cabinet Color | black |
| Country | United States |
| Dimensions | 18.9”H x 15”W x 20”D (480.1 x 381.0 x 508.0 mm) |
| Drivers | 12” (305mm) driver with ported design |
| Enclosure | ported, front |
| Frequency Response | 17-260Hz, ±3dB |
| Measurement Source | Audioholics |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 96.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 104.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 110.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 110.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 113.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 116.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 117.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 116.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | 115.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | 115.3 dB |
| Warranty | 5 |
| Weight | 42.5 lbs (19.3 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Independently measured by Audioholics; the published figures above come from this ASR subwoofer measurement thread.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- SVS PB-1000 PRO vs SVS SB-2000
- SVS PB-1000 PRO vs Power Sound Audio (PSA) XS15SE
- SVS PB-1000 PRO vs Rythmik F12
- SVS PB-1000 PRO vs Klipsch SPL-120
- SVS PB-1000 PRO vs SVS SB-3000
- SVS PB-1000 PRO vs Monoprice SW-15
- SVS PB-1000 PRO vs BIC America PL-300
- SVS PB-1000 PRO vs Power Sound Audio (PSA) XV15
- See all 18 comparisons
It records 104.2dB at 20Hz and 115.9dB from 40 to 80Hz. The SVS app adds parametric EQ and room gain compensation, and the cabinet is smaller and lighter than the HSU at 19.3kg.
Best Value Under $1,000
For the most output per dollar, from a 15-inch driver, the Monoprice SW-15: $374.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: 15-inch ported with 600W RMS (800W peak) delivers Large-room Bassaholic rating. Unrivaled mid-bass punch for $375. Strong output with clean control. Dual speaker-level inputs and 40-150Hz crossover for flexible hookup.
Cons: Budget-tier design, ported room gain dependency, 30 kg mid-size, and limited dynamic headroom.
Notes: Product # 41499
Full Monoprice SW-15 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 600W RMS / 800W peak |
|---|---|
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 119.0 dB |
| Cabinet Color | black |
| Country | United States |
| Crossover Frequency | 40-150Hz, 18dB/octave |
| Dimensions | 18.1”H x 21”W x 22.7”D (459.7 x 533.4 x 576.6 mm) |
| Drivers | 15” (381mm) driver |
| Enclosure | ported, bottom |
| Frequency Response | 30-150Hz (-10dB) |
| Inputs | Stereo line level and speaker level |
| Measurement Source | Audioholics |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 90.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 101.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 106.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 111.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 116.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 120.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 120.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 119.5 dB |
| Phase Control | 0° or 180° |
| Warranty | 1 |
| Weight | 66.1 lbs (30.0 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Independently measured by Audioholics; the published figures above come from this ASR subwoofer measurement thread.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Monoprice SW-15 vs Power Sound Audio (PSA) XV15SEICE-BASE
- Monoprice SW-15 vs SVS SB-3000
- Monoprice SW-15 vs Power Sound Audio (PSA) XS15
- Monoprice SW-15 vs Power Sound Audio (PSA) XV15-BASE
- Monoprice SW-15 vs Paradigm Defiance X12
- Monoprice SW-15 vs Power Sound Audio (PSA) XS15-BASE
- Monoprice SW-15 vs Power Sound Audio (PSA) XV15
- Monoprice SW-15 vs Klipsch SPL-120
- See all 110 comparisons
It averages 119.0dB from 40 to 80Hz and 101.2dB at 20Hz for well under half the budget. At 30kg it is a big box, and the controls are a basic knob set.
For a 12-inch alternative that fits more rooms, the Monoprice SW-12: $266.37 Amazon eBay
Pros: 12-inch ported with 400W RMS (600W peak) on a budget at just $266. Hits hard with clean tight transient response. Variable crossover and volume controls for setup flexibility. Speaker-level and line-level inputs for easy integration.
Cons: Entry-level build quality, ported enclosure room interaction, and lower 112.3 dB output capability.
Notes: Product # 41498
Full Monoprice SW-12 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 400W RMS / 600W peak |
|---|---|
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 121.2 dB |
| Cabinet Color | black |
| Country | United States |
| Dimensions | 14.9”H x 18.3”W x 19.1”D (378.5 x 464.8 x 485.1 mm) |
| Drivers | 12” (305mm) driver |
| Enclosure | ported, bottom |
| Frequency Response | 35-150Hz, -10dB |
| Measurement Source | Brent Butterworth |
| Output SPL at 16 Hz | 90.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 102.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 111.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 115.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 119.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 119.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 122.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 123.0 dB |
| Warranty | 1 |
| Weight | 50.7 lbs (23.0 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Independently measured by Brent Butterworth; the published figures above come from this ASR subwoofer measurement thread.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Monoprice SW-12 vs HSU Research ULS-15 MK2
- Monoprice SW-12 vs MartinLogan Dynamo 1600X
- Monoprice SW-12 vs JTR Speakers Captivator 212PRO
- Monoprice SW-12 vs Power Sound Audio (PSA) XV15
- Monoprice SW-12 vs Monoprice SW-15
- Monoprice SW-12 vs SVS SB-3000
- Monoprice SW-12 vs Klipsch SPL-120
- Monoprice SW-12 vs Rythmik F12
- See all 20 comparisons
It averages 121.2dB from 40 to 80Hz, more than several subs in this price range, with 102.7dB at 20Hz. Buy two and you still have money left over.
For strong upper-bass output from a well-known brand, the Klipsch SPL-120: $429.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: 12-inch ported with 300W delivers room-filling bass hitting nearly 118dB max SPL. Clean accurate response across whole bass register with tight controlled response at high volumes. Wireless connectivity with optional WA-2 accessory.
Full Klipsch SPL-120 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 300W RMS |
|---|---|
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 119.7 dB |
| Cabinet Color | black |
| Country | United States |
| Dimensions | 17.7”H x 14.7”W x 19.9”D (450.8 x 372.9 x 504.7 mm) |
| Drivers | 12” (305mm) driver |
| Enclosure | ported, front |
| Frequency Response | 24-125Hz |
| Measurement Source | Brent Butterworth |
| Output SPL at 16 Hz | 87.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 97.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 108.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 113.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 116.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 119.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 120.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 121.2 dB |
| Warranty | 5/2 |
| Weight | 45 lbs (20.4 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Independently measured by Brent Butterworth; the published figures above come from this ASR subwoofer measurement thread.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Klipsch SPL-120 vs Rythmik F12
- Klipsch SPL-120 vs SVS SB-3000
- Klipsch SPL-120 vs Monoprice SW-15
- Klipsch SPL-120 vs Monoprice SW-12
- Klipsch SPL-120 vs HSU Research ULS-15 MK2
- Klipsch SPL-120 vs SVS SB-2000
- Klipsch SPL-120 vs MartinLogan Dynamo 1600X
- Klipsch SPL-120 vs SVS PB-1000 PRO
- See all 12 comparisons
It averages 119.7dB from 40 to 80Hz, though deep output falls to 97.9dB at 20Hz. It suits music and mixed use more than the deepest movie effects.
Best Sealed Under $1,000
For a sealed subwoofer that suits music and apartments, the Q Acoustics Q B12: $664.90 eBay
Pros: Sealed 12-inch with 220W RMS sounds bigger and deeper with responsive speed for music and movies alike. Die-cast aluminum heat sink ensures efficient cooling. Sealed design offers placement flexibility in challenging rooms.
Full Q Acoustics Q B12 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 220W RMS |
|---|---|
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 115.2 dB |
| Cabinet Color | black, white |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Dimensions | 15.7”H x 15.7”W x 17.6”D (398.8 x 398.8 x 447.0 mm) |
| Drivers | 12” (305mm) driver |
| Enclosure | sealed |
| Frequency Response | 28-300Hz |
| Measurement Source | Brent Butterworth |
| Output SPL at 16 Hz | 95.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 98.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 104.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 108.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 111.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 114.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 117.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 117.7 dB |
| Warranty | 2 |
| Weight | 47.4 lbs (21.5 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Independently measured by Brent Butterworth; the published figures above come from this ASR subwoofer measurement thread.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
It records 98.4dB at 20Hz and 115.2dB from 40 to 80Hz. A sealed cabinet rolls off gently and is easier to place than a ported one, at the cost of some deep output.
For the most compact sealed pick, the SVS SB-1000 PRO: $599.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: 12-inch sealed driver delivers 113.9dB CEA-2010-A average, the highest output of any subwoofer in the under-30lb weight class. Sealed enclosure keeps bass tight and controlled for its compact footprint.
Cons: Compact ported design, room mode sensitivity, limited to 114 dB output, smaller than alternatives.
Full SVS SB-1000 PRO review and specifications →
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 113.9 dB |
|---|---|
| Cabinet Color | black, white |
| Country | United States |
| Dimensions | 13.5”H x 13”W x 14.8”D (342.9 x 330.2 x 374.9 mm) |
| Drivers | 12” (305mm) driver |
| Enclosure | sealed |
| Measurement Source | Audioholics |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 91.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 97.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 104.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 109.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 114.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 116.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 115.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | 113.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | 111.5 dB |
| Warranty | 5 |
| Weight | 26 lbs (11.8 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Independently measured by Audioholics; the published figures above come from this ASR subwoofer measurement thread.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- SVS SB-1000 PRO vs Onkyo SKW-204
- SVS SB-1000 PRO vs SVS 3000 Micro
- SVS SB-1000 PRO vs SVS SB-1000
- SVS SB-1000 PRO vs Velodyne Acoustics SPL-1200 Series II
- SVS SB-1000 PRO vs Polk Audio PSW10
- SVS SB-1000 PRO vs GoldenEar ForceField 3
- SVS SB-1000 PRO vs MartinLogan Dynamo 700w
- SVS SB-1000 PRO vs ELAC IW-S10EQ in-wall
- See all 12 comparisons
At 11.8kg it is the lightest pick here and still averages 113.9dB from 40 to 80Hz. Deep output is limited, 91.0dB at 20Hz, so it suits a smaller room or a music system.
Where To Go Next
Other budgets: best budget subwoofers under $500 and best subwoofers under $2,000.
Full rankings with specs and measurements: small, medium and large. Related picks: best sealed subwoofers, best ported subwoofers, best subwoofers for music, and the subwoofer buyer’s guide.