Best Powered Subwoofers Under $1,500 for 2020

This is a list of the six best powered subwoofers for under $1,500 for 2020-2021 based on our subjective listening tests and objective measured performance and analysis. We discuss bass extension, output capabilities and how well the subwoofers handle being pushed to their performance limits. We always recommend at least two subwoofers in your home theater to get the most even bass performance across all of your seats and to also increase very low frequency output dynamic range.

3:59 Outlaw Audio Ultra-X13
7:12 Paradigm Defiance X15
9:23 Emotiva Airmotiv RS13
12:46 SVS PB-3000
16:28 Rythmik Audio FV15HP
17:42 Monoprice Monolith 15" THX
Late addition: HSU VTF-15H MK2

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[jameslarson]

I am James Larson, author of the article that this video is based on. I am seeing a lot of comments noting the omission of Hsu's subs. The reason why I did not include Hsu is that they don't have a product that gets very close to the $1, 500 price range. The shame of it is that the VTF15h mk2 is actually quite competitive with any of these other subwoofers. Perhaps I should have included it for that reason. We may amend the article to include the Hsu VTFh mk2 in the Rosenut finish. I am so sorry about not including Hsu and apologize if we have hurt anyone's feelings. If you are a VTF15h mk2 owner, please don't take the omission personally. I am a VTF15h mk2 owner myself and would have a very difficult time choosing between it or any of the other subs on this list.

Please try to have a safe and happy holidays,
James Larson

[docwhoth]

HSU subs are the reason why I live with internal injuries. The tactile feel and articulation plus price are unmatched! Sent many an SVS back home when auditioning.

[jster]

I love my Power Sound Audio S1500. Great 15" sub. 725RMS and 1900W peak. Scary loud and hits well below 20Hz

[ryanrpm]

Glad you added the Hsu. I have 2 vtf3 in a medium sized room and flat frequency response is insane and for the price, they are near impossible to beat.

[FastGXP]

I've tried a lot of SVS subwoofers, including the PB-3000. For the money it is everything you said it is. For music I preferred sealing up the ports and switching the app to sealed mode. In fact I enjoyed the sealed mode so much I went with the SB16-Ultra ultimately. A little more expensive, but man what a sub. I can't say enough about SVS customer service, and their bill of rights. Top notch company who knows how to treat a customer. 👍🏻👍🏻

[darkshadoku]

Good list and video, I currently own the Rythmik FV15HP (upgraded from a Klipsch R-120SW, and man was it a HUGE upgrade. What surprised me the most (other than size/weight) was the power the Rythmik puts out. I'd say the power rating on the Rythmik is conservatively rated as it performs as if it had WAY more power than what is advertised. I run it in 1 port setting only running 2db HOT and man, this thing is insane. The amount of bass over the R120 is just ridiculous, it literally gives that deep chest hit/pump and it is so refined and clean without needless rattle or distortion. I am wondering what it would be like If I ran it 6db hot as recommended on the forums or hell, even a second FV15HP... one of these days maybe.

For anyone looking at the Rythmik, I can definitely recommend it 100%. You will not be disappointed by the power and clean/refined bass this subwoofer puts out. My Movies feel way more immersive than before and movie watching has become fun and enjoyable once again.

[thillyard]

Great video and James Larson does great reviews. I have owned dual Monolith 15’s for about 3 years now in my theater room and they are amazing. I’ve owned SVS, Hsu, gone DIY, but am blown away by how clean these subs play. You can tell they really invested time and money in making such a really well put together product.

[GamerWordDotNet]

I've got the Rythmik Sealed (F18) 18" sub paired with the Philharmonic BMRs. I've got the BMRs crossed at 80hz, the bass sounds noticeably more clean and precise down to those lower frequencies. The F18 brought my enjoyment for music and movies to another level.

[rupedogg]

I have two HSU VTF 15H. Amazing subwoofer and you can buy two for the price of one of any of those other subs.

[josefermalino]

Hsu research is the best subwoofer on this price range it’s unmatched . I sold my svs subs and bought the vtf15 mk2 dual and it’s overwhelming output I wish all subs are like this...

[omarseneriz]

I have 2 SVS 3000 seal and love the overall experience from both. My home theater room is only 20x25 and it fills the room perfect. I also purchase the SVS elevation for ATMOS and love the quality and sound for the cost. For front stage and surround I am using Bowers & Wilkins 704 series driving everything with Marantz 8012. For the room size I am very happy with It all.

[mattgiunt]

I still use two Speedwoofer 10 S subs that you recommended years ago for my condo home theater.

[FalconsATL]

WHAT??? No HSU Research? I have a VTF-15 MK5 and it’s a beast! I’d have to say it is the best subwoofer you can buy for under $1000 maybe even $1200-$1300. You can get one for less than $900 with shipping. I’ve had a Martin Logan Dynamo 500 and 700 and have heard the 1000.. and I had dual PB-1000’s and a PB-2000 and this sub crushes those! It has to be one of the best bang for the buck subwoofers!

[alexanderbode]

I'm still using my Boston Acoustics VR 2000. After 24 years without any Problems, 4 weeks ago, suddenly he makes a terrible hum noise. I find a small electronic shop with a very talented owner. He looked after the sub and after a few days, we talked about the damages and the possibilities. So I had to decide repairing or buying a new one. Ok I decided to let him repair. He refreshed the whole circuit board, the cabs and power supply etc. The loudspeaker membrane is still, after 24 years looking like new. Now the repairing costs were a third of the costs for a new subwoofer, I had in mind. Now he is sounding like new. I think it was the right decision.
Gene loving your interesting videos. Excited to see what comes next year. Wishing you and your family a merry Christmas.

[stevemann]

I think I would either go with monolith subwoofer or SVS thank you Gene and for your videos over the years.

[reggieburris]

I have dual PB-2000 Pros for my basement system, dual SB-3000s for my master bedroom and dual HSU ULS-15 MK2s for my family room. The Hsu’s replaced my PB-1000s. I seriously considered buying dual PB-3000s for my family room but cost would have delayed my purchase and I heard so many great things about Hsu, so I sprung for the dual ULS-15 MK2s. The Hsu’s bass goes deeper than either of my SVS subs but the SB-3000s hits the hardest and the PB-2000 Pros goes deep as well with good extension. Including shipping The Hsu’s are still the cheapest but sounds as good if not better. I still love my SVS subs. Also own other SVS subs and speaker systems so that’s my company and I’m sticking with them.

[SolidMGSnake]

My dad had a tiny 10" Jamo S810 sub in a big open living room..just overdriving the poor thing thinking it sounded fine. I educated him and got him a 15 inch Monolith and played the new Greenland movie and he was so happy saying the thing was shaking his butt. Haha 🤣 I'm glad he can enjoy some good LFE in movies/shows now.

[perosa]

Any reason REL is left out? Doesn’t impress you in their performance? I don’t have any experience with them but I know they get mentioned anywhere I look into subwoofers

[elkram]

A number of years ago I saw the Sunfire MKIV sub {10" drivers} and I fell in love with them. I run them in pairs in my two theater rooms. I picked up one of the Sunfire Signatures {12" drivers} and it does pump out more oomph, but it just didn't seem quite as clean as the combination of two of its smaller brethren.

[ripleyhrgiger]

I have 3 SB-4000 subwoofers and I've never in my life felt anything like what these monsters can do. Just when you think they can't get any louder or shake your house any more they always come out swinging with even more power when it's demanded from movies like Cloverfield or Godzilla. The bridge scene from Cloverfield is such a good bass test AND surround sound demo.