When it comes to home audio, a good subwoofer can make all the difference in your listening experience. The deep, rumbling bass adds a new dimension to music and movies, immersing you in the sound like never before.

Fortunately, you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy high-quality bass in your audio setup. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best subwoofers under £500 that deliver impressive performance without putting a dent in your wallet.

In a hurry?

Need the best of the best? Here are our top three subwoofers under £500.

Why we’ve chosen these subwoofers

In compiling our list, we wanted to show that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get good, rich bass; you can get a lot under £500! We’ve stuck to renowned speaker brands such as Wharfedale and Klipsch, as from testing speakers and subwoofers by these brands, we know that they consistently deliver.

Our range also covers two key applications: hi-fi and home cinema. Whatever use you have for your subwoofer, you’re promised an impressive low-frequency response, great sound quality, and a durable, attractive construction that fits well in any setup.

The best subwoofers under £500

1. Wharfedale Diamond SW-150 Subwoofer – The best budget subwoofer

Key features

• 150W RMS power amplifier
• 10-inch bass driver
• Long-throw and forward-firing sound

The Wharfedale Diamond SW-150 Subwoofer is a true contender in the budget-friendly subwoofer category.

Despite its accessible price point, this subwoofer packs a punch with its 150W RMS power amp and 10-inch bass driver that rivals much pricier options.

Wharfedale’s commitment to quality engineering is evident in the SW-150, as it delivers deep and impactful bass that elevates your listening experience. Whether you’re watching a movie or listening to music, the SW-150 adds a layer of richness that enhances the overall audio ambience.

2. Q Acoustics Q 3060S Subwoofer – The best slimline subwoofer

Key features

• 150mm deep 
• 150W amplifier
• 200mm driver

If you’re looking for a subwoofer that seamlessly blends into your living space, the Q Acoustics Q 3060S Subwoofer might be the perfect choice. Its unique slim design allows it to be tucked away beside your TV unit or sofa without drawing attention.

Despite its unassuming appearance, the Q 3060S delivers an impressive low-frequency response courtesy of its 150W amp and 200mm driver that adds depth to your audio. It can be mounted to a wall with the Q60WB wall bracket (sold separately) or stood on the floor using the rubber feet or spikes provided.

This subwoofer proves that you don’t need a bulky unit to enjoy satisfying bass.

3. ELAC Varro PS250 10″ Premium Subwoofer – The best value for money

Key features

• 10-inch treated paper cone
• 250W powered by the BASH amplifier 
• Auto EQ system 

The ELAC Varro PS250 won’t be on our list for long as, strictly speaking, it’s over £500! However, it’s currently on sale on AV.com, giving you excellent value for money.

This premium subwoofer is powered by a BASH amp, delivering 250W RMS and a peak of 500W. What sets it apart from others at a similar price point is the Auto EQ feature that lets you calibrate the subwoofer via your smartphone to suit any room. There’s also 28-bit DSP for real-time audio processing.

This is an extremely easy-to-control subwoofer that ensures accurate sound reproduction to suit your preferences and environment. 

4. REL TZero MKIII Subwoofer – The best subwoofer for hi-fi quality

Key features

• Class D amplifier with 100W power output
• Onboard crossover control available to 25Hz
• Industry-grade bracing and radiused edges

If you want a subwoofer that offers both musicality and precision, the REL TZero MKIII is perfect. REL is renowned for crafting top-tier subwoofers, and the TZero MKIII is no exception.

This 6.5″ downward-firing subwoofer provides defined and articulate bass without overwhelming the audio. It has a NextGen Class D amp that delivers 100 high-current watts, an aluminium cone, onboard crossover control, a 180-degree phase switch, and industry-grade bracing and radiused edges designed to reduce distortion. That’s a lot of features in a compact, affordable subwoofer!

If you’re after something that adds finesse to your music system, the REL TZero MKIII is a great one to check out.

5. Klipsch R-8SW Subwoofer – The best for a first-time home cinema/active speaker system

Key features 

• 8-inch down-firing IMG woofer
• All-digital amplifier
• Low pass crossover and phase control

The Klipsch R-8SW is a great subwoofer to consider if you’re setting up a home cinema and don’t want to break the bank.

For rumbling bass that travels through the room, the eight-inch Spun Copper IMG woofer is downward-firing, while the all-digital amplifier gives that extra oomph in sound.

It’s also easy to integrate into the rest of your setup, courtesy of Line/LFE inputs and adjustable low-pass crossover and phase controls.

FAQs

Which is the best brand of subwoofer?

The best subwoofer brands depend on your preferences and setup, but we would choose Wharfedale, Q Acoustics, and Klipsch as the best on the market.

Do expensive subwoofers sound better?

Generally, the more you pay, the better the build quality and power handling your subwoofer will have. However, you can still get some great quality subwoofers without paying a fortune, as our list of the best subwoofers under £500 has shown!

What sized subwoofer is best for bass?

12-inch subwoofers tend to offer a greater bass response than eight-inch or 10-inch.

Final thoughts

You don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy exceptional bass performance in your audio setup.

Our picks for the best subwoofers under £500 prove that quality and affordability can go hand in hand. Whether you’re a music lover seeking nuanced bass, a movie enthusiast craving cinematic immersion, or simply looking to enhance your overall audio experience, these subwoofers offer a diverse range of options to suit your preferences.