Whether you’ve been DJing for a while or have only just gotten started, you probably have a grasp on the importance of things like a quality set of speakers.
If your audio gear, controller & mixer are the heart of your performance, and your computer is the brain, your speakers are the mouth. It doesn’t matter how great your skills are or how well you’re able to scratch or mix if no one can hear you.
Speakers are arguably the most important part of a DJ’s setup since no one can hear something that isn’t being played, especially with bass-heavy music.
The problem with most other speakers, unfortunately, is that, because they have to handle all sound frequencies, it can be difficult to have a truly capable deep bass output (kick drums) without taking some massive hits to your high and mid-level frequencies. This is where getting the best subwoofer you can afford comes in.
Subwoofers act as a sort of supplemental audio gear factor to your sound, providing extra bass and amping up your bass output without sacrificing your other sound frequencies. There are two major types of subwoofers on the market today; powered and passive subwoofers.
Essentially, powered subs are subwoofers that have an amplifier already included in their structure. This is different from passive subs which come without an amp. Powered subs are known for their ease of use and convenience, making them great for DJs and music producers that want to immediately get the ball rolling with their sound.
In this article, we’ll break down some important factors to consider before deciding on a powered subwoofer. On top of that, we’ll also go over some of the top powered subs of 2023 so you have a set of stellar options right out of the gate.
Our Overall Choice
The KRK Systems s12.4 is an outstanding best subwoofer-powered speaker. It ticks all the sub-boxes. It offers clean bass and deeper bass that and precise. A loud and booming bottom end is assured. Plus we have one of these bad-boy bass bins in the DJ Tech Reviews office!
3 Top Picks (Best, Premium & Value)
Below, we’ll take the time to check out some of the best-powered subwoofers currently on the market while also giving you some tips on how to fit them into your sound environment.
1. KRK Systems S12.4 (Best Overall)
KRK Systems s12.4 subwoofers would be on most subwoofers’ lists. With a 12-inch speaker, which is on the larger and heavier side of the subwoofer enclosure picks
If you’re looking to use the S12.4 KRK-powered studio subwoofer for dance music purposes, this is one of the best KRK wired subwoofers available on the market – under £1000.
Just like the KRK s10.4 and s8 models, marry it up with proportionate powered monitors & you have yourself a more than a capable rig with insane levels of low bass output.
These studio monitors deliver quality sound!
Perfect for performance or production purposes, the S12.4 KRK subwoofer is ideal for giving you those deeper frequencies and bass tones at really high quality without too much boom or muddiness.
Still, if you’re looking for something with a serious punch while also sounding snappy and clear (and if you’ve got the money) the 12S2 is definitely a choice worth thinking about.
Things We Like:
- Quality Sound and Low Bass Output
- Surprisingly Tough & Durable Considering Its Size
- Easy To Transport
- Awesome Frequency Response
Things We Do Not Like:
- Definitely On The More Expensive Side On This List
- Can’t Push Out High Sounds Like Other, Cheaper Options
2. Alto Professional TS312S (Best Premium)
Starting our deep bass best subwoofer list off with Alto Professional and their TS312S, this powerful subwoofer makes a point of distinguishing itself right away thanks to its Truesonic feature. Matched with its 12-inch driver, the TS312S is able to pump out 2,000W of max power and a 1000W continuous RMS.
I will say that the sound doesn’t quite get as full as I’d like, however, it’s also difficult to argue with its RMS power rating.
This is important, as the ported subwoofer costs around $460 and has a cone driver of 12 inches, It’s also on the more moderate side of things in terms of size, weighing around 55 lbs. It’s made from MDF, which is easier to break or damage. It comes with a splatter paint texture that also pitches in to fortify durability.
Still, this isn’t the best option for those that expect to perform often on the road. The corners are not steel-reinforced, meaning that you’re likely going to see some dents if you’re moving around a lot. It does have handles, but the handles are also on the flimsy side, making them not quite as impressive as other handles on this list.
Where the TS312S succeeds is in its incredible sound. Not only is it extremely clear, but the deep bass output has a fair amount of punch to it as well. There are LF frequency response controls that, when used, can create some great sounds.
These best subwoofers can be connected to other speakers through its XLR port options while also lacking things like an AV port. I do think the price is a bit high for what you’re getting, however that doesn’t mean it’s still not a great subwoofer option with a lot going for it.
Things We Like:
- Excellent Sound Quality
- Powerful Bass
- Punchy Accurate Bass
- DSP Settings Are Ideal For Speaker Matching
Things We Do Not Like:
- May Be A Bit Too Small
- Uses MDF As Protection, Which Is Known For Being Very Weak
- A Bit Overpriced
3. Yamaha NS-SW050BL (Value Pick)
Our best budget subwoofer pick is the Yamaha NS-SW050BL 8-inch powered subwoofer. Backed by the legendary Yamaha brand, the NS-SW050BL makes a point of being an extremely capable sub that is also competitively priced.
The 8″ sub-best subwoofer comes with a pretty powerful bass that can push out upwards of 50 watts of power. In addition to its front-facing cone speaker, the sub also has a side-firing passive bass port that has been redesigned to that of a twisted flared cone, resulting in a clearer and better-sounding bass.
Though not the biggest on this list, the NS-SW050BL makes a point of ensuring its bass has enough punch for most people while also ensuring that bass is as focused and as accurate as possible. The only place where it falters a bit is in the lack of controls offered, though as it’s on the cheaper and smaller side, you can’t be too surprised or disappointed.
An excellent best-budget subwoofer with a reasonable price if you are on a budget,
Things We Like:
- Great Sound
- Able To Produce Accurate & Focused Sound
- Well Designed & Put Together
- Excellent Frequency Response
Things We Do Not Like:
- Not Nearly As Durable As Others
- Doesn’t Come With Any Features Or Button Options
- Only Has A Single Mono AV Port
Alternative Best Powered Subwoofers For DJs Picks
If the three options above aren’t well-suited to you, there are still a host of other powered subwoofers to look at. Our team also highlighted the following options for those in search of the best active subs.
4. Electro-Voice ZLX-12BT
Electro-Voice’s ZLX-12BT is easily one of the best subwoofers on this list, especially if you’re someone that is looking for the best wireless subwoofer setups and Bluetooth connections.
Technically labeled as a “loudspeaker”, the ZLX-12BT wireless subwoofers come with a 12″ sub that drives the lower-end sound all on its own. This 12-inch speaker driver, while not the largest on this list, is able to handle a range of frequency responses, between 65Hz and 18kHz. This isn’t nearly as low as others on this list, but again, it’s not terrible.
Plus it’s an all-in-one setup, which may be ideal for DJs that don’t want a whole other speaker system.
Low frequencies don’t sound too hot!
The loudspeaker weighs around 35 lbs, making it somewhat reasonable to lug around with you to most places.
It has a metal front grille along with a plastic body that is durable against most bangs or kicks. It also has a set of strong handles which also help ensure you can take it wherever you need to go.
In addition to the standard 1/4″ cables and the XLR options, the ZLX-12BT comes with a Bluetooth feature, making it great for those interested in a wireless subwoofer connection.
It’s not the strongest connection there is, and anything outside of 12 feet will start cutting in and out, potentially dropping out altogether.
Things We Like:
- Bluetooth Connection Is Great
- Not Just A Subwoofer, But A Complete Loudspeaker Setup
- Super Durable
- Able To Be Taken Pretty Much Anywhere
Things We Do Not Like:
- Bass Isn’t That Impressive, Nor Are Low Bass Frequencies That Low
- Only Has 400W RMS (If You’re Lucky)
- Bluetooth Isn’t That Strong Either
5. JBL Eon 618S
The JBL company has been known for putting out some sound system designs, great speakers, and ported subwoofers to market.
Ask most DJs and they either have some themselves or have seen more than a few with others. Here, the Eon 618S makes a point of being a great option for the DJ that has been in the game for a while and wants to perform to a live audience.
Weighing around 78 lbs, the Eon 618S isn’t lightweight by any means (though hardly the heaviest option on this list too).
It does carry two quality handles on either side to help move from one place to another. Adding to its weight, the Eon 618S is very durable, with a dense build that can handle just about anything.
The sub comes with an 18-inch speaker cone along with two passive ports, helping it stay at 31H to 150kHz.
While the max output is at 1,000W, the RMS sits at a steady 500W. Though not quite as powerful as some other options here, the JBL companies ensure that the Eon 618S comes with their trademark waveguide technology. As a result, it’s got a max SPL of 134dB.
This results in a super loud and punchy deep bass that is also very clear.
Suffice it to say, this is perfect for the DJ that wants to come across as professional as possible.
Things We Like:
- Great Sound & Bass Tones Even At High Volumes
- Has 30ft Of Bluetooth
- Super Durable Build
Things We Do Not Like:
- Expensive
- Can’t Quite Push Power As High As Others
6. Proreck PR18
While Proreck’s PR18 is certainly priced a bit higher than I’d expect, that doesn’t take anything away from this incredibly large and durable subwoofer. Made from reinforced plywood and covered in an Elastoflex coating, the PR18 is both scratch-resistant as well as resilient against most light impacts.
Not only that, but the sub sits on rubber feet that work to reduce the impact of vibrations and any shaking that comes with it.
In terms of its design, the PR18 comes with two luggage handles on either side, making it much easier to lug around than others of the same size that may not have handles. That’s important since this thing weighs a lot.
I’m talking about “70lbs!” a lot. This kind of gets rid of the mobility and portability options that other smaller subwoofer speakers wireless subwoofer may have.
The PR18 is able to run on both AV and XLR cables, also filtering out XLR output to export audio signals ranging between 100Hz and 20kHz.
It also has some great crossover frequency response that lets you bring in anything on the lower end, around the 40-160Hz range.
Overall, while this isn’t something that you’ll want to run around town with, it’s a great option for DJs that have already started to make a name for themselves and want to put out sounds that are powerful enough and clear enough in a cabinet structure that’s durable enough and solid enough to handle any situation.
Things We Like:
- Very Large & Durable
- Comes With Handles To Make Moving Easier
- Includes Crossover Control
- Has Great Low-Level Frequency Response Sounds
Things We Do Not Like:
- Can’t Use AV & XLR Cables At The Same Time
- Weighs 70lbs, Making Transport Difficult For Super Mobility
7. Rockville RGB18S
The Rockville RGB18S is yet another still 18-inch driver subwoofer. While not quite the heaviest, it’s still quite the hefty child, overthrowing “small subwoofer” options like the Proreck PR18’s 70lbs with an even heavier 84lbs.
The RGB18s has a max power output of 2,000W with a 1,000W program and a steady RMS of 500W. This is more impressive than the PR18, though also at a higher price point, costing around $450.
In terms of its setup and build, in addition to its 18″ driver, it has a 4″ voice coil and can hit ranges between 35Hz and 20kHz.
It’s made from 5/8″ plywood and reinforced with steel along the corners and front grille. It has three handles along with two wheels at the bottom, making it much easier to move around despite its weight.
The subwoofer has a variety of different connection ports, ranging from a stereo AV port, XLR-in port, and some different 1/4″ jacks. The RGB18S has an adjustable low-pass filter that can be set to 80, 100, and 120Hz, while the controlled bass boost feature is just what the sub needs to take your bass sound to the next level.
Things We Like:
- Bass Boost Feature Is Awesome
- Very Powerful Sound
- Very Easy To Move Despite Size & Weight
- Incredibly Durable
Things We Do Not Like:
- While Easier To Move, It’s Still 84lbs
- Only Has A 500W RMS
- Slight Bit Of Distortion At Higher Volume Settings
Powered Vs. Passive Subs
As mentioned earlier, the difference between a powered sub and a passive sub largely has to do with the inclusion of an amp. Powered subs come with an amp already included internally. This inclusion makes them a very convenient option though the sound quality can’t be changed or modified later on.
Passive subs, on the other hand, are subwoofers that don’t come with an amp already included. These instead have everything but the amp, requiring an external option. Passive subs are generally a bit cheaper than powered subs though they require more work on your end.
Also, the purchase of a quality external amp will usually end up with you paying more when everything’s said and done.
Still, where passive subs are a viable option usually due to the fact that you can control, change, and modify your amp type whenever you want. This will often result in a sub that has a bit longer shelf life.
While both powered and passive subs have their strengths and weaknesses, if you’re just starting to look into quality subs for your speakers, it’s better to get your feet wet with a good set of powered subs. These will be easier to get into, have the same general sound quality, and are all around the much more convenient option.
Buyers Guide: Powered Subwoofers
As you spend more time performing, you’ll realize that subs for your speakers are essentially a must-have option, especially if you are playing to large crowds or otherwise want a more deep bass-heavy listening experience.
The challenge comes when deciding on what makes a sub worth getting and what makes one worth ignoring.
Before jumping into our list of top powered subs of 2023, it’s important to know what key factors are worth your time as well as determine what’s most important for your performance and what you can risk not having at the highest standard.
This list will change based on what you have in mind for your gigs so seriously consider what you plan to use your subs for when going over these factors and the options listed out later on
Size
The first area you’ll want to spend some time focusing on is your sub’s size. While it’s true that large subs and bigger cabinet sizes will certainly result in a sub that is more durable and can pump out more sound, it’s also true that these are going to weigh more and be considerably harder to move around with. In some instances, a sub can get as high as around 90 lbs!
For those just starting out, it’s highly recommended that you get something a bit on the smaller and more manageable side while those that expect to perform at large crowds and groups can potentially get away with larger cabinets (so long as they can physically manage it).
Build Durability
After the general size of your subs, you’ll want to pay a bit of attention to their overall durability. Powered subs aren’t necessarily cheap. Most quality options can run you a fair bit of change if you’re not careful. As such, it’s important that you make sure they last as long as possible.
Subs made from molded plastic or plywood slightly suffer in the sound department but are much more durable and capable compared to MDF, able to handle most kicks or drops without too much of an issue.
In addition to the build, you’ll also want to look into different coats and coverings as these offer an additional amount of protection. These are great options to consider, particularly if you decided on MDF materials, thus needing a bit more to keep you safe
Lastly, you’ll want to take a look at how often you plan to move your sub around.
While those that expect to leave it in one place indefinitely shouldn’t have much to worry about, those that find themselves moving the subs around a lot should consider picking up something with a more durable frame, as moving it around can often lead to more chances for accidental drops.
Sound Quality
The next area you should focus on is the sub’s sound quality. You’ll want something with some deeper sound. This directly translates to larger speaker cones. Keep in mind that the larger the cone, the more power you’ll need to adequately push that sound out.
You want your deep bass sound frequencies to be clearly defined while also having a good amount of punch and depth to them. This can mean sound frequencies that range between 30 and 35 Hz, which is a great range for most subs and speakers.
Power Output
Last on our list is the amount of power your subs can dish out at any given time. Most people, when they think of the power output, generally focus on the max settings. Most companies know this and will always prominently display these numbers to get you enticed and interested.
Now don’t get me wrong, these numbers are important, and a speaker setup that has a high max output is worth looking into. However, as impressive as this is, they aren’t the numbers you should be focusing on.
If you are seriously looking for a quality set of powered subs, what you should be focusing on, instead, is the RMS (“root mean square”) or the continual power output.
This is generally going to be half of the max output numbers and show how much you can continually and consistently push your speakers without worrying about sound distortion.
As an example, subs that have an RMS wattage between 500 and 700 are more than ideal for most standard gigs and venues.
Ported vs Sealed Subwoofers
Neither ported nor a sealed subwoofer are inherently better or worse than the other. Instead, the sealed subwoofers and ported subwoofers both have their own set of independent strengths and weaknesses that you have to determine will work best for you and your situation.
Ultimately, it does come down to what you’re looking for in a set of speakers. Will they be used for home theater systems, bass guitars, a home audio system, or a DJ/producer setup?
Our Final Verdict
In the majority of cases, just about any set of powered subs, you get from this list is going to be on the impressive side. There’s a reason we have these as the best for 2023 despite them being as different as they are.
What’s going to play the biggest factor for you are the different areas like power output, sound quality, durability, and overall price. That’s on top of whatever your intended goals are for the subs.
Spend some time checking out these listed sub-options and consider your budget and what works for you. Then, get started so you can make your 2023 the perfect springboard for an awesome DJ career.
And don’t forget subwoofer placement in your studio environment is super important!
