AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Active Subwoofers Under $2,000 2026
The top pick is EV ELX200-12SP-W ($881). EV ETX-15SP leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 99 models across 21 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 ↗ -
- Size15"
- Weight41.7 kg
The EV ETX-15SP is an active 15-inch subwoofer with 1800 W of amplifier power. Its built-in DSP has a display, and it includes an FIR filter, so you can tune it right on the unit. It suits you if you need a powered sub for a PA system, and you can add a suitable spacing rod, sold separately, to mount it on a speaker stand.
Pros
- 1800 W amplifier drives a 15-inch woofer for large sound systems
- Built-in DSP with display lets you adjust settings right on the unit
- FIR filter included for precise frequency control
Cons
- At 41.7 kg, it is heavy to carry to gigs alone
72AudioFu
Index↓ 1.0%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$1,814 · Aug 17$1,796 now$1,796€1,609 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 ↗ -
- Size18"
- Weight49.7 kg
The DXS 18 is a serious subwoofer – it'll shake a room. It's built like a tank and delivers clean, powerful low-end, making it perfect for DJs, live sound engineers, and bands needing substantial bass reinforcement in mid-sized venues. Just be prepared to have a buddy to help you move it!
Pros
- Robust multiplex construction provides excellent durability on the road.
- Class-D amplification delivers efficient power with minimal heat.
- Ferrite woofer offers controlled, tight bass response for clarity.
Cons
- Significant weight makes transportation a challenge for solo performers.
- Limited frequency response above 120Hz requires pairing with full-range speakers.
69AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,595 now$1,595€1,429 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 99 active subwoofers
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
LD Systems ICOA SUB15A 15" Active SubwooferICOA SUB 15 A · LD Systems68↓ 13.0%$708€634$708€634Check ↗
- 12
Alto Professional TS12S TrueSonic Sub 2500-Watt 12" Active SubwooferTS 12S Subwoofer · Alto67↓ 5.4%$526€471$526€471Check ↗
- 13
Bose Sub1 Bass Module Active SubwooferSUB1 · Bose · 2 finishes67Stable$926€829$926€829Check ↗
- 14
Bose Sub2 Bass Module Active SubwooferSUB2 · Bose · 2 finishes65Stable$1,305€1,169$1,305€1,169Check ↗
- 15
JBL PRX918XLF 18" Active SubwooferPRX918XLF · JBL65Stable$1,462€1,309$1,462€1,309Check ↗
- 16
RCF SUB 15-ASRCF · 6 finishes64Stable$1,338€1,198$1,338€1,198Check ↗
- 17
QSC KS112 2000-Watt 12" Active SubwooferKS 112 · QSC64Stable$1,498€1,342$1,498€1,342Check ↗
- 18
LD Systems ICOA SUB18A 18" Active SubwooferICOA SUB 18 A · LD Systems62Stable$943€845$943€845Check ↗
- 19
Alto Professional TS15S TrueSonic Sub 2500-Watt 15" Active SubwooferTS 15S Subwoofer · Alto · 2 finishes61Stable$635€569$635€569Check ↗
- 20
Alto Professional TX12S 12" Powered SubwooferTX 12S Subwoofer · Alto60↓ 1.1%$408€365$408€365Check ↗
- 21
JBL IRX115S 1300-Watt 15" Active SubwooferIRX 115S · JBL60Stable$836€749$836€749Check ↗
- 22
Alto Professional TX18S 18" Powered SubwooferTX 18S Subwoofer · Alto59Stable$579€519$579€519Check ↗
- 23
HK Audio LINEAR SUB 1800 AHK Audio58↓ 23.4%$991€888$991€888Check ↗
- 24
Bose F1 Model 812 2-Way Speaker with F1 SubwooferF1 Subwoofer · Bose58↑ 6.0%$1,182€1,059$1,182€1,059Check ↗
- 25
dB Technologies DVA KS 10dB Technologies58↓ 20.3%$1,535€1,375$1,535€1,375Check ↗
- 26
LD Systems Maui 44 G2 Portable PA SystemMaui 44 G3 Subwoofer · LD Systems · 2 finishes58Stable$1,997€1,789$1,997€1,789Check ↗
- 27
the box pro Achat 112 Sub Athe box pro · 2 finishes57↓ 4.6%$372€333$372€333Check ↗
- 28
LD Systems Maui 11 G3 W SubwooferLD Systems · 2 finishes56↓ 20.0%$696€623$696€623Check ↗
- 29
LD Systems Stinger Sub 18A G3LD Systems56↓ 10.1%$1,133€1,015$1,133€1,015Check ↗
- 30
the box pro DSP 18 Subthe box pro55↓ 10.4%$444€398$444€398Check ↗
- 31
Mackie Thump Sub GOMackie55↓ 23.3%$556€498$556€498Check ↗
- 32
Alto Professional TS18S TrueSonic Sub 2500-Watt 18" Active SubwooferTS 18S Subwoofer · Alto55Stable$758€679$758€679Check ↗
- 33
HK Audio PORTABLE SUB 115 AHK Audio55↓ 9.5%$847€759$847€759Check ↗
- 34
RCF SUB708-AS-MK3 18" Powered PA SubwooferSUB 708-AS MK3 · RCF55Stable$1,495€1,339$1,495€1,339Check ↗
- 35
Yamaha DXS15 MKIIIYamaha · 2 finishes55↓ 2.9%$1,561€1,398$1,561€1,398Check ↗
- 36
HK Audio Linear 5 MKII 118 Sub AHK Audio · 2 finishes55Stable$1,896€1,698$1,896€1,698Check ↗
- 37
HK Audio Elements MK2 110 Sub AHK Audio · 2 finishes55Stable$1,897€1,699$1,897€1,699Check ↗
- 38
dB Technologies SUB 612dB Technologies54↓ 8.5%$444€398$444€398Check ↗
- 39
FBT Vertus CLA 208SA WFBT · 2 finishes54Stable$1,060€949$1,060€949Check ↗
- 40
HK Audio PORTABLE SUB 118 AHK Audio54↓ 7.9%$1,171€1,049$1,171€1,049Check ↗
- 41
dB Technologies SUB 618 18" Active SubwooferSub 618 · dB Technologies53↓ 1.4%$803€719$803€719Check ↗
- 42
LD Systems Sub 88 ALD Systems52Stable$334€299$334€299Check ↗
- 43
HK Audio Sonar 115 Sub DHK Audio52↓ 4.1%$684€613$684€613Check ↗
- 44
EV EVIVA 18SPEV52Stable$779€698$779€698Check ↗
- 45
LD Systems Stinger Sub 15A G3LD Systems52Stable$970€869$970€869Check ↗
- 46
the box pro TL 110the box pro51Stable$434€389$434€389Check ↗
- 47
the box pro Achat 115 Sub Athe box pro51Stable$680€609$680€609Check ↗
- 48
the box pro Achat 118 Athe box pro51Stable$779€698$779€698Check ↗
- 49
RCF SUB 702-AS MK3RCF51Stable$926€829$926€829Check ↗
- 50
DAS Audio Altea-S15ADAS Audio51Stable$1,003€898$1,003€898Check ↗
Active Subwoofers by the numbers
Measured across all 117 models we track, not a sample.
Median $948 — half of all active subwoofers here cost less.
median of 112 models · 8"–18"
median of 114 models · 16.1 kg–47 kg
How to choose the best active subwoofers
Driver Size & Material
Bigger drivers (15" or 18") generally deliver more low-end extension, but it's about the quality too. Look for drivers with stiff cones - Kevlar or polypropylene are common - to avoid flabby, undefined bass.
Amplifier Power & Class
Don't get hung up on sheer wattage. A well-designed Class D amp will give you more power efficiency and less heat. More importantly, listen for clean headroom - how loud it can get before it starts to distort.
Frequency Response
A wider frequency response is good, but pay attention to the usable range. You want that solid 30Hz-120Hz area covered, where the real thump lives. Don't believe the marketing numbers; trust your ears.
DSP & Protection
Built-in DSP (Digital Signal Processing) can be a huge asset for shaping the sound and protecting the drivers from overload. Look for high-pass filter options, polarity switches, and limiting features.
Cabinet Construction & Porting
A sturdy MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard) cabinet is a must. Ported designs (with a vent) generally offer more low-end output, but can also be prone to unwanted resonances - listen carefully for those 'boomy' frequencies.
Buying guide
So, you need some serious low-end rumble without blowing your entire gig budget? Finding a good active subwoofer under $2000 is totally doable, but you gotta know what you're looking for - it's not all about the wattage on the label. We're talking about that foundation that lets your drums breathe, your bassline cut through, and your vocals sit right. Let's break down some solid options and what to realistically expect for your money.
At this price point, you're going to be making trade-offs. Don't expect the absolute cleanest, most detailed low-end - that's reserved for much pricier gear. Be realistic about your needs; a smaller 12" sub might be plenty for a small band rehearsal or acoustic gig, while a larger 18" will be necessary for louder, more demanding situations.
Pay close attention to reviews - and listen whenever possible - to avoid subwoofers with muddy or boomy responses.
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 117 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 Class D and Class AB amps?
Class D amps are more efficient, meaning they waste less power as heat. Class AB amps generally offer slightly better sonic fidelity at lower volumes, but aren't as efficient. For a sub, Class D is the smarter choice.
How much power do I actually need?
It depends on your application. For a small band rehearsal, 1000 watts peak might be plenty. For a louder gig, you'll want 2000+ watts peak to have some headroom and avoid clipping.
What does 'ported' vs. 'sealed' mean, and which is better?
Ported subs are louder at lower frequencies but can sound boomy if not designed well. Sealed subs are tighter and more controlled but have less low-end extension. It's a design choice, not inherently 'better'.
Can I use a subwoofer with my home stereo?
Absolutely, but make sure the subwoofer's outputs match your receiver's outputs (usually RCA). You'll need to experiment with crossover settings to blend the sub seamlessly with your existing speakers.
What's a high-pass filter and why do I need it?
A high-pass filter blocks low frequencies, preventing your subwoofer from getting overwhelmed by frequencies it can't reproduce well. It's crucial for protecting your sub and cleaning up the overall sound.
