PA speaker systems are always greatly enhanced with the addition of a dedicated subwoofer bass speaker, though often their high cost has put them out of reach for many mobile DJs and live performers.
With our 5 best budget subwoofers selection, that desirable low-end bass thump of a sub is well within reach for most, with a superb range of cheap active subwoofers with professional features and performance.
Vonyx SWA15 15" Active Subwoofer
A real classic design with its black carpet finish and punched metal grill, the Vonyx SWA15 is always a strong contender for the best cheap subwoofer title.
This no-nonsense cheap active subwoofer is simple to connect, with both a balanced XLR and RCA line-level input, parallel XLR signal passthrough for daisy-chaining to a second SWA15, and adjustable input level gain control.
The built-in 300W power amplifier includes an adjustable cutoff frequency of 30Hz to 120Hz which helps dial in the sub’s output to complement the top speakers you are using, along with a handy phase flip switch to ensure the 15” woofer driver is firing correctly with the rest of your PA system.
As the cheapest active subwoofer that’s ideal for live bands and mobile DJ work, the Vonyx SWA15 15” Active Subwoofer is a fantastic choice.
Key Features
- 15” subwoofer speaker with built-in 300W max power amplifier
- Active low-pass filter with adjustable 30Hz to 120Hz frequency cutoff
- Balanced XLR input with XLR parallel signal pass output
- Carpet covered enclosure with punched metal grill
Vonyx SWA18 18" Active Subwoofer
Next on the list of best budget subwoofers is the excellent Vonyx SWA18, with its powerful 500W max amplifier and 18” driver producing an impressive SPL rating of 118dB.
As cheap active subwoofers go, the SWA18 provides incredible value for the performance it offers, and its tough construction and durable carpet finish make it ideal for mobile DJ rigs and live band PA users.
Classic PA subwoofer features include punched metal front grill and metal corners, anti-slip rubber feet for good grip on laminate floors, and a 35mm top hat built-in for using speaker poles. Heavy-duty side-mounted carry handles allow for easy lifting and transport
The 18” driver is aided with a pair of front-firing ports, and the built-in power amplifier includes adjustments for both input gain level and frequency cutoff, with a phase switch to ensure the speaker is matched to the output of your main PA speakers.
Well deserving of its place in the list of best budget subwoofers, the Vonyx SWA18 offers excellent performance for such a cheap active subwoofer and will enhance any PA system with its low-end reinforcement.
Key Features
- 18” subwoofer speaker with built-in 500W max power amplifier
- Active low-pass filter with adjustable 30Hz to 120Hz frequency cutoff
- Balanced XLR input with XLR parallel signal pass output
- Carpet covered enclosure with punched metal grill
Vonyx SWP18 PRO 18" Active Subwoofer
Our best value professional level sub, the Vonyx SWP18 PRO is a real performance bargain which offers incredible value for the specification it offers.
Designed for a hard-working life, the dense MDF cabinet of this cheap active subwoofer is coated in a durable resin finish with built-in carry handles. Ideal for mobile DJs and live band PA systems looking for that extra bass push to complement their main speakers.
For a budget subwoofer, the hugely capable SWP18 includes pro features such as left and right channel signal inputs and pass-thru, input level gain control, and adjustable frequency cutoff with a 40Hz to 250Hz range.
Its inclusion in a list of best budget subwoofers was guaranteed, with a 600W RMS power amplifier providing the 18” high excursion woofer with plenty of shove for those bass-heavy tracks, taking the stress away from your top speakers for a cohesive professional sound.
With daisy-chaining for easily linking up extra subs, a ground lift function and 0-180 degree phase flip selection for easy system integration, and embedded top-hat mount for pole mounting a top speaker, the Vonyx SWP18 PRO is one of the finest cheap active subwoofers available.
Key Features
- 18” subwoofer speaker with built-in 600W max power amplifier
- Active low-pass filter with adjustable 40Hz to 250Hz frequency cutoff
- XLR input with XLR parallel signal pass output and RCA line-level IN/THRU
- Resin covered MDF enclosure with recessed handles
Skytec SMWBA15 Amplified 15" Active Subwoofer
Our 4th choice of best budget subwoofers is the excellent Skytec SMWBA15, a truly versatile bit of kit that’s perfect for mobile DJs and those who prefer using passive top speakers.
This classic looking carpet covered budget subwoofer speaker system features a 15” woofer that’s driven from a 300W built-in power amplifier, with dual front-facing ports for deep bass response.
What makes the SMWBA15 unique is its ability to also power a set of passive PA speakers directly from its second built-in power amplifier. This 2x 150W output with professional NL2 speaker connections offers fantastic convenience for mobile DJ rigs and PA setups, allowing your satellite speakers to function as mid-tops.
This cheap active subwoofer is easy to use, with sub frequencies of 20Hz - 200Hz being automatically filtered from the signal being passed through to the top speaker outputs, leaving you just a master volume and sub output volume to adjust to your liking, along with treble and bass controls for master tone shaping.
Included in our best budget subwoofer list due to its incredible value for a bi-amped output sub, the Skytec SMWBA15 also includes a microphone input and adjustable digital echo effect, and a line-level output for daisy-chaining additional active subs, making it truly versatile.
Key Features
- 15” subwoofer speaker with built-in 300W mono amplifier
- NL2 satellite speaker outputs with a built-in stereo 2x 150W amplifier
- 6.35” jack line input and RCA AUX-in and RCA line-level output
- Carpet covered enclosure with punched metal grill
PD PD618SA 18" Active Subwoofer
Saving the best for last, the premier entry into our 5 best budget subwoofers selection is the professional PD618SA active 18” subwoofer from Power Dynamics.
A slight jump in price from our other offerings, its construction materials, components, and amplification system are all high performance, designed for both installation use and professional mobile PA systems.
The built-in Class-D power amplifier provides 500W RMS with a peak of 1400W to the 18” woofer, with a measured 130dB SPL rating which is unheard of at this price point. This high-pressure output is aided by the heavy-duty plywood construction and vented cabinet design which extends the low-end response.
Unusual on a cheap active subwoofer enclosure, the rubberised and textured finish provides superb protection against the knocks and scrapes of a tough working life, with heavy-duty embedded carry handles and punched steel front grill.
Designed to operate with active top speakers, the PD618SA has a logical and simple set of connections for easy incorporation into any PA speaker setup. The dual balanced line inputs and parallel outputs allow convenient hookup of additional subwoofer units, and the system provides a set of high-pass filtered line outputs with adjustable frequency cutoff for using your main speakers as a mid-top.
Well deserving of its place in our 5 best budget subwoofers roundup due to its sub £500 pricing being incredible value for the performance and build quality that it offers, the fantastic Power Dynamics PD618SA 18” Active Subwoofer will transform your PA system with its sheer power and bass definition.
Key Features
- 18” subwoofer speaker with built-in 700W Class-D digital amplifier
- Dual XLR line inputs with parallel XLR line outputs for daisy-chaining
- High-pass filtered XLR outputs for active top speakers with adjustable 50Hz-300Hz cutoff
- Heavy-duty plywood enclosure with textured rubber coating
