AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Active Subwoofers for Intermediate 2026
The top pick is EV ELX200-12SP-W ($881). EV EKX-18SP leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 130 models across 24 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 8, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Size12"
- Weight19.1 kg
This is a 12-inch active subwoofer with a 1200 Watt amplifier built into the cabinet, so you do not need a separate amp for it. It covers 49 to 135 Hz and includes QuickSmartDSP and Bluetooth. It suits you if you want low-end support for a PA system and prefer the amp, controls and mounting options in one white wooden box.
Pros
- 1200 Watt Class D amplifier built into the cabinet
- QuickSmartDSP and Bluetooth built in for control and streaming
- Integrated mounting plate with M20 thread for spacer rods
Cons
- Weighs 19.1 kg, so it is heavy to move on its own
- Matching cover (Article Nr. #427332#) is sold separately and not included
80AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$881 now$881€789 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size18"
- Weight29 kg
You get an 18 inch active subwoofer with a 1200 Watt class D amplifier, QuickSmartDSP, and Bluetooth built in. It covers 47 to 105 Hz and has a maximum level of 132 dB, so it suits you if you need low-end power for a PA setup. At 29 kg, it has two handles, so plan on carrying it with a helper or on a cart.
Pros
- QuickSmartDSP processing built into the speaker system
- Bluetooth connectivity included on the unit
- 1200 Watt class D amplifier built in
Cons
- Weighs 29 kg, so it is heavy to carry
77AudioFu
Index↓ 3.3%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$1,223 · Aug 17$1,182 now$1,182€1,059 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size12"
- Weight19.1 kg
If you need a loud, compact subwoofer, this one is worth a look. It has a 1200 W Class D amplifier, a 12-inch woofer and a wooden housing with two handles, and it covers 49 to 135 Hz. It also has Bluetooth, QuickSmart DSP and an integrated mounting plate for spacer rods, so you can pair it with a speaker on a pole.
Pros
- 1200 W Class D amplifier drives the 12-inch woofer
- QuickSmart DSP and Bluetooth built in
- Wooden housing with two handles for easy carrying
Cons
- Suitable cover article no. 427332 is not included
76AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$870 now$870€779 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size18"
- Weight37 kg
This is an 18-inch active subwoofer with 750 W RMS of power and a built-in processor that cuts feedback for you. You can set the 8-band EQ from the colour LCD panel or with the JBL Pro Connect app. It suits you if you need a big low-end speaker for a stage or event, and it comes with a 7-year manufacturer's warranty.
Pros
- 750 W RMS power with a digital Class-D amplifier built in
- 18-inch woofer in a birch plywood housing with a metal grille
- Built-in dbx DriveRack with automatic feedback suppression and 8-band output EQ
Cons
- Weighs 37.0 kg, so it is heavy to carry around alone
75AudioFu
Index↓ 2.9%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$1,068 · Aug 17$1,037 now$1,037€929 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size15"
- Weight26.2 kg
You get a 15-inch active subwoofer with 1300 W of power and a maximum level of 133 dB. It covers 40 to 180 Hz, has a stereo XLR/Line combo input, and an XLR link output so you can add a second one. It suits you if you need heavy low end for a stage or event and can handle a box that weighs 26.2 kg.
Pros
- 1300 W Class D amplifier drives the 15-inch woofer
- Maximum level of 133 dB for loud stage use
- Stereo XLR/Line combo input offers flexible connections
Cons
- Weighs 26.2 kg, so it is heavy to carry to gigs
75AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,238 now$1,238€1,109 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size15"
- Weight28.6 kg
If you need low end for a PA or a stage, this 15-inch subwoofer gives you 1000 Watts RMS of power. Its built-in EQ, feedback control and Bluetooth app make it simple to set up, even when you run up to 10 speakers. It weighs 28.6 kg, so plan on help carrying it, but it suits you if you want a powerful, self-contained bass unit.
Pros
- Class-D amplifier rated at 1000 Watts RMS and 2000 Watts peak power
- Built-in 6-band EQ with feedback destroyer and dbx DriveRack technology
- Bluetooth app controls up to 10 speakers on iOS and Android
Cons
- Weighs 28.6 kg, so it takes effort to move around
72AudioFu
Index↓ 2.5%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$1,395 · Aug 17$1,360 now$1,360€1,218 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Mackie DRM18S 18" 2000-Watt Powered Subwoofer
DRM18S · Mackie
19 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size18"
- Weight40.8 kg
This Mackie sub is a workhorse for venues needing serious bass without external amps. The 2000 watts and large 18 inch driver punch deep lows up to 135 decibels. While the DSP and solid cabinet make it great for live sound, the heavy weight and lack of built-in mixing are real drawbacks for road use.
Pros
- Delivers 2000 watts of clean power for large rooms
- 18 inch driver handles deep bass with high efficiency
- Internal DSP allows precise crossover settings
Cons
- Heavy 40.8 kg weight makes solo transport difficult
- No built-in mixer requires external processing for mixing
71AudioFu
Index↓ 9.6%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$1,372 · Aug 17$1,240 now$1,240€1,111 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size18"
- Weight32.8 kg
This is an active 18-inch subwoofer, so it has its own built-in amplifier and you do not need a separate amp for it. It covers 35 to 180 Hz and reaches a maximum of 134 dB, which suits you if you run loud shows or events. You can link a second one with the XLR output, but plan for its 32.8 kg weight when you move it.
Pros
- 1300 W Class D amplifier powers the 18-inch woofer
- Maximum SPL of 134 dB for loud stage use
- Stereo XLR / Line combo input gives flexible connections
Cons
- Weighs 32.8 kg, so it is heavy to carry to gigs
70AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,372 now$1,372€1,229 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size7"
- Weight16.1 kg
The SUB1 is a serious bass booster, especially if you’re already in the Bose ecosystem with an L1 Pro32. That RaceTrack driver really moves air, and the Cardioid mode is a lifesaver in tricky venues. Perfect for smaller bands, DJs, or anyone needing a powerful, portable low-end foundation.
Pros
- RaceTrack driver delivers surprising low-end extension for its size
- SubMatch connectivity simplifies setup with L1 Pro32 systems
- Cardioid mode effectively minimizes stage feedback issues
Cons
- Limited connectivity compared to more versatile subwoofers
- Premium-priced, a significant investment for smaller gigs
67AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$926 now$926€829 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size10"
- Weight23.4 kg
The SUB2 is a serious bass powerhouse, especially when paired with the L1 Pro32. It's got that Bose clarity and punch, and the RaceTrack driver is a clever bit of engineering. This is perfect for bands needing impactful low-end in portable or mid-sized venues.
Pros
- RaceTrack driver delivers surprisingly deep and clean low-end response
- SubMatch connectivity simplifies setup with L1 Pro32 systems significantly
- Cardioid mode effectively minimizes stage feedback, a real lifesaver
Cons
- Price point places it in a premium-priced category for many users
- Size and weight make portability a consideration for solo performers
65AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,305 now$1,305€1,169 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 130 active subwoofers
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
JBL PRX918XLF 18" Active SubwooferPRX918XLF · JBL65Stable$1,462€1,309$1,462€1,309Check ↗
- 12
RCF SUB 15-ASRCF · 6 finishes64Stable$1,338€1,198$1,338€1,198Check ↗
- 13
QSC KS112 2000-Watt 12" Active SubwooferKS 112 · QSC64Stable$1,498€1,342$1,498€1,342Check ↗
- 14
LD Systems ICOA SUB18A 18" Active SubwooferICOA SUB 18 A · LD Systems62Stable$943€845$943€845Check ↗
- 15
LD Systems ICOA SUB15A 15" Active SubwooferICOA SUB 15 A · LD Systems68↓ 13.0%$708€634$708€634Check ↗
- 16
JBL IRX115S 1300-Watt 15" Active SubwooferIRX 115S · JBL60Stable$836€749$836€749Check ↗
- 17
HK Audio LINEAR SUB 1800 AHK Audio58↓ 23.4%$991€888$991€888Check ↗
- 18
Bose F1 Model 812 2-Way Speaker with F1 SubwooferF1 Subwoofer · Bose58↑ 6.0%$1,182€1,059$1,182€1,059Check ↗
- 19
LD Systems Maui 11 G3 SubwooferLD Systems · 2 finishes56↓ 0.5%$832€745$832€745Check ↗
- 20
LD Systems Stinger Sub 18A G3LD Systems56↓ 10.1%$1,133€1,015$1,133€1,015Check ↗
- 21
HK Audio PORTABLE SUB 115 AHK Audio55↓ 9.5%$847€759$847€759Check ↗
- 22
RCF SUB708-AS-MK3 18" Powered PA SubwooferSUB 708-AS MK3 · RCF55Stable$1,495€1,339$1,495€1,339Check ↗
- 23
FBT Vertus CLA 208SA WFBT · 2 finishes54Stable$1,060€949$1,060€949Check ↗
- 24
HK Audio PORTABLE SUB 118 AHK Audio54↓ 7.9%$1,171€1,049$1,171€1,049Check ↗
- 25
Alto Professional TS18S TrueSonic Sub 2500-Watt 18" Active SubwooferTS 18S Subwoofer · Alto55Stable$758€679$758€679Check ↗
- 26
dB Technologies SUB 618 18" Active SubwooferSub 618 · dB Technologies53↓ 1.4%$803€719$803€719Check ↗
- 27
EV EVIVA 18SPEV52Stable$779€698$779€698Check ↗
- 28
LD Systems Stinger Sub 15A G3LD Systems52Stable$970€869$970€869Check ↗
- 29
the box pro Achat 118 Athe box pro51Stable$779€698$779€698Check ↗
- 30
RCF SUB 702-AS MK3RCF51Stable$926€829$926€829Check ↗
- 31
DAS Audio Altea-S15ADAS Audio51Stable$1,003€898$1,003€898Check ↗
- 32
DAS Audio Altea-718ADAS Audio51Stable$1,200€1,075$1,200€1,075Check ↗
- 33
the box pro TP218/1600 Athe box pro51Stable$1,240€1,111$1,240€1,111Check ↗
- 34
DAS Audio Action-S18ADAS Audio51Stable$1,312€1,175$1,312€1,175Check ↗
- 35
FBT X-Sub 115SAFBT50Stable$876€785$876€785Check ↗
- 36
LD Systems Maui 28 G3 W SubwooferLD Systems · 2 finishes50↓ 4.1%$1,048€939$1,048€939Check ↗
- 37
FBT Subline 112SAFBT50Stable$1,060€949$1,060€949Check ↗
- 38
dB Technologies Sub 915dB Technologies50Stable$1,171€1,049$1,171€1,049Check ↗
- 39
FBT Subline 115SAFBT50Stable$1,216€1,089$1,216€1,089Check ↗
- 40
FBT X-Sub 118SAFBT50Stable$1,261€1,129$1,261€1,129Check ↗
- 41
dB Technologies Sub 918dB Technologies50Stable$1,395€1,249$1,395€1,249Check ↗
- 42
QSC CS15QSC49Stable$1,115€999$1,115€999Check ↗
- 43
QSC CS18QSC49Stable$1,339€1,199$1,339€1,199Check ↗
- 44
Yamaha DXS12 MKIIIYamaha49Stable$1,506€1,349$1,506€1,349Check ↗
- 45
Alto Professional TS15S TrueSonic Sub 2500-Watt 15" Active SubwooferTS 15S Subwoofer · Alto · 2 finishes61Stable$635€569$635€569Check ↗
- 46
Mackie Thump 15Sv4Mackie48Stable$803€719$803€719Check ↗
- 47
Mackie Thump 18Sv4Mackie48Stable$948€849$948€849Check ↗
- 48
Turbosound iQ-15 Powered 2-Way 15" 2500w SpeakeriQ15B · Turbosound46Stable$779€698$779€698Check ↗
- 49
the box CL 118 Sub MK IIthe box49Stable$744€666$744€666Check ↗
- 50
Alto Professional TS12S TrueSonic Sub 2500-Watt 12" Active SubwooferTS 12S Subwoofer · Alto67↓ 5.4%$526€471$526€471Check ↗
Active Subwoofers by the numbers
Measured across all 159 models we track, not a sample.
Median $1,216 — half of all active subwoofers here cost less.
median of 153 models · 8"–18"
median of 155 models · 17 kg–69 kg
How to choose the best active subwoofers
Low-End Extension
It's not just about how low it goes, but how clean it gets down there. A sub that rolls off muddy at 60Hz isn't doing you any favors - you want that fundamental bass note to have definition, not just a blurry blob.
Headroom & Power Handling
Gigs get loud. Rehearsals can be brutal. You need a sub that can take a serious beating without clipping or distorting, especially when your drummer's laying down some serious dynamics.
DSP & Protection
Modern subs often have built-in digital signal processing - things like EQ presets, high-pass filters, and limiter circuits. These aren't just fancy features; they can save your speakers (and your ears) from disaster if you accidentally crank things too high.
Port Design & Acoustics
The way a subwoofer is ported (or not ported) dramatically affects its sound. Some ports are prone to 'chuffing' - that annoying rushing sound - especially at lower volumes. Look for designs that minimize this, or be prepared to tweak EQ.
Size & Weight
Let's be real - hauling gear sucks. A massive, heavy sub might sound amazing, but if it's a pain to transport and set up, it's not practical for most intermediate players.
Buying guide
So, you're past the bedroom practice amp and starting to gig with a real band? That means you need some serious low-end reinforcement. Active subwoofers are the key to getting that chest-thumping, felt-in-your-bones rumble, but choosing the right one isn't as simple as grabbing the biggest one you can find. Let's break down some solid options for intermediate players - guys who know a bit about sound but aren't mixing engineers yet.
Don't chase the numbers. A sub with a 'deeper' frequency response on paper isn't automatically better. Pay attention to how it sounds - listen for clarity, tightness, and how well it integrates with your other speakers.
Cheaper subs often cut corners on the amp section, leading to distortion at higher volumes. Spend a little more for a sub with a reputation for reliability and clean power - your ears (and your back) will thank you.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 159 active subwoofers from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
What's the difference between a sealed and ported subwoofer?
Sealed subs tend to be tighter and more accurate, but often lack the sheer low-end extension of ported designs. Ported subs deliver more 'thump' but can be prone to chuffing and can sound less controlled if not designed well.
How many subwoofers do I need?
For most intermediate setups, a single 12" or 15" active sub is plenty. Two subs can provide more headroom and even coverage, but it's overkill for smaller gigs or rehearsals.
What does 'high-pass filter' do?
It cuts out the low frequencies from your main speakers, preventing them from being overloaded by the sub. It's a crucial tool for achieving a clean, balanced sound.
My sub is making a weird 'rushing' sound. What's happening?
That's likely port noise or 'chuffing.' Try reducing the volume, adjusting the EQ, or experimenting with speaker placement.
Can I use this sub for recording?
Absolutely. A sub can add a lot of warmth and depth to your mixes, but be mindful of room acoustics and potential for unwanted rumble. Careful gain staging is key.
