When it comes to DJing, bass is the foundation that drives the energy of the crowd. Whether you’re spinning at a club, a festival, or a private event, having the right subwoofer is essential for delivering the low-end punch that makes people feel the music. Subwoofers are designed to handle the deep, rumbling bass that your main speakers can’t reproduce on their own.
Here’s a detailed guide to the best subwoofers for DJ speakers, from portable options for mobile DJs to powerful subs for large venues.
1. QSC KS118 Powered Subwoofer
Best for Professional DJs and Large Venues
The QSC KS118 is one of the most powerful and popular subwoofers for DJs, known for delivering deep, clean bass that fills large spaces. It’s built to handle the rigors of professional use, making it a go-to choice for DJs who perform in clubs, outdoor festivals, or other large venues.
Why It’s a Top Pick:
- 3600W Peak Power: With a 3600-watt peak power amplifier, the KS118 can produce earth-shaking bass that cuts through even the loudest environments.
- 18-Inch Driver: The 18-inch woofer delivers deep, powerful low-end with impressive clarity.
- Cardioid Mode: When paired with a second KS118, you can activate Cardioid mode, which focuses the bass forward and reduces it in the rear, great for managing sound in sensitive environments.
- Rugged Design: Built for the road, it’s tough and durable, ensuring long-term reliability for professional use.
Key Features:
- 3600W peak power (2000W continuous)
- 18-inch driver for deep bass response
- Adjustable DSP settings
- Cardioid mode for controlled bass direction
- Rugged build for professional use
Best For: Professional DJs, clubs, and large venues needing deep, powerful bass and control over their low-end sound.
2. JBL PRX818XLFW Powered Subwoofer
Best for Clubs and Outdoor Events
The JBL PRX818XLFW is part of JBL’s PRX800 series, offering exceptional low-frequency performance for DJs who need bass that can fill large spaces, whether indoors or outdoors. It’s known for its reliability, high output, and solid design, perfect for demanding gigs.
Why It Stands Out:
- 1500W Class-D Amplifier: The PRX818XLFW has a 1500-watt peak power amplifier, providing enough bass power for medium to large venues.
- Built-in WiFi: You can control the subwoofer’s settings remotely via JBL’s PRX Connect app, making it easy to tweak the sound from anywhere in the room.
- Durable Construction: Designed for professional use, this subwoofer is built with tough materials to withstand the rigors of touring and transport.
Key Features:
- 1500W Class-D power amplifier
- 18-inch woofer for deep bass
- WiFi control with JBL PRX Connect app
- Durable enclosure with pole mount
- Multiple input options for flexibility
Best For: Clubs, outdoor events, and DJs looking for remote control over their sound settings and powerful bass.
3. Electro-Voice EKX-18SP Powered Subwoofer
Best for Portability and Power
The Electro-Voice EKX-18SP is known for combining portability with serious low-end power, making it ideal for mobile DJs who need a subwoofer that’s easy to transport without sacrificing bass performance.
Why It’s Great for Mobile DJs:
- 1300W Amplifier: With a 1300-watt peak amplifier, the EKX-18SP delivers powerful bass in a portable form factor, ideal for medium to large venues.
- QuickSmart DSP: The built-in QuickSmart DSP allows you to adjust the subwoofer’s sound settings easily, including modes for music, live sound, and club environments.
- Lightweight Design: Weighing only 77 lbs, it’s lighter than many other 18-inch subs, making it easier to move from gig to gig.
Key Features:
- 1300W Class-D amplifier
- 18-inch driver for deep bass
- QuickSmart DSP for sound customization
- Lightweight and portable design
- Durable wood enclosure with integrated handles
Best For: Mobile DJs, small to medium venues, and those needing a balance between portability and powerful bass.
4. Yamaha DXS18XLF Powered Subwoofer
Best for DJs Needing Deep, Extended Bass
The Yamaha DXS18XLF is designed to deliver incredibly deep and extended bass, making it one of the best options for DJs who play bass-heavy music genres like EDM, hip-hop, or house. It provides thunderous low-end frequencies with precise control.
Why It’s Ideal for Deep Bass:
- 1600W Peak Power: The DXS18XLF features 1600W peak power, delivering high output with low-frequency extension down to 30Hz, making it perfect for sub-bass-heavy genres.
- Advanced DSP Control: Yamaha’s D-XSUB DSP processing lets you fine-tune the subwoofer’s response, including modes for BOOST, XTENDED LF, and CARDIOID (when using multiple subs).
- Rugged Build: Its high-grade birch plywood enclosure provides both durability and excellent acoustic properties, perfect for touring DJs or large venues.
Key Features:
- 1600W peak power
- 18-inch high-output driver
- Frequency response down to 30Hz
- Advanced DSP with multiple modes (BOOST, XTENDED LF)
- Durable birch plywood construction
Best For: DJs playing bass-heavy music genres in large venues or clubs needing deep, extended bass with precision control.
5. Mackie Thump18S Powered Subwoofer
Best Budget Subwoofer
For DJs on a budget who still want powerful bass, the Mackie Thump18S is one of the best affordable subwoofers on the market. It delivers strong low-end performance without breaking the bank, making it a solid choice for smaller events or mobile gigs.
Why It’s a Great Budget Option:
- 1200W Power: Despite its lower price point, the Thump18S features a 1200W Class-D amplifier, providing plenty of bass for small to medium-sized events.
- Built to Last: Mackie’s rugged design ensures that this subwoofer can handle the stress of mobile gigs and regular use.
- Simple to Set Up: The Thump18S is easy to integrate into any existing PA system, with stereo XLR inputs and outputs for seamless connection.
Key Features:
- 1200W Class-D amplifier
- 18-inch driver for powerful low-end
- Stereo XLR inputs and outputs
- Durable construction with pole mount
- Affordable price point
Best For: DJs on a budget, mobile DJs, and small to medium venues needing solid bass performance at an affordable price.
6. Behringer B1200D-PRO Powered Subwoofer
Best for Compact Setups
The Behringer B1200D-PRO is a compact yet powerful subwoofer, perfect for DJs who need to save space but still want quality low-end performance. It’s ideal for small events, house parties, or venues with limited space.
Why It’s a Great Compact Option:
- 500W Amplifier: The 12-inch driver and 500-watt amplifier are powerful enough to provide tight bass for small to medium-sized events without taking up too much space.
- Built-in Crossover: The variable high-pass filter and crossover make it easy to pair with your main speakers, ensuring seamless integration and a balanced sound.
- Lightweight and Portable: Weighing only 42 lbs, the B1200D-PRO is easy to transport and set up, making it perfect for mobile DJs.
Key Features:
- 500W Class-D amplifier
- 12-inch driver for compact bass performance
- Variable high-pass filter and crossover
- Lightweight and portable design
- Budget-friendly
Best For: Small venues, house parties, and mobile DJs needing a compact, affordable subwoofer with good bass performance.
7. Alto TS315S Powered Subwoofer
Best Value for Money
The Alto TS315S offers an incredible balance of power, performance, and affordability, making it one of the best value subwoofers for DJs. It’s ideal for DJs who need solid bass without the price tag of higher-end models.
Why It’s a Value Leader:
- 2000W Peak Power: The Alto TS315S packs a punch with its 2000-watt peak power output, delivering strong bass that can easily fill medium to large venues.
- 15-Inch Woofer: The 15-inch driver offers tight, punchy bass that pairs well with a variety of DJ speaker setups.
- Durable Build: Built with a rugged, road-ready enclosure, it’s designed to withstand the demands of frequent transport and use.
Key Features:
- 2000W peak power (1000W continuous)
- 15-inch woofer for tight, punchy bass
- Balanced XLR inputs and outputs
- Durable, portable design
- Great price-to-performance ratio
Best For: DJs looking for great value—offering professional sound at an affordable price for medium-sized venues or events.
What to Look for in a DJ Subwoofer
1. Power (Wattage)
- The more watts your subwoofer has, the louder and deeper the bass will be. For small to medium venues, 1000-1500 watts should suffice, while larger venues or outdoor events may require 2000 watts or more.
2. Size of the Driver
- Subwoofers generally come with 15-inch or 18-inch drivers. 18-inch drivers tend to produce deeper bass and are better suited for large venues, while 15-inch drivers offer tighter, punchier bass for smaller to medium events.
3. Portability
- If you’re a mobile DJ, consider the weight and size of the subwoofer. Look for models with integrated handles and a lighter design for easier transport.
4. Built-in DSP
- Many subwoofers come with Digital Signal Processing (DSP) to fine-tune the bass response and control the sound. DSP features like crossover adjustments and EQ settings can help optimize your system for different venues and music styles.
5. Budget
- Subwoofers range from budget-friendly to high-end professional models. Choose one that fits your budget while still delivering the power and sound quality you need for your gigs.
Final Thoughts: Best Subwoofer for DJ Speakers
- For Large Venues and Professional Use: The QSC KS118 and JBL PRX818XLFW are top picks for DJs who need powerful, deep bass in large spaces.
- For Mobile DJs: The Electro-Voice EKX-18SP and Mackie Thump18S offer portability without sacrificing power, making them perfect for DJs on the move.
- For DJs on a Budget: The Behringer B1200D-PRO and Alto TS315S provide great performance at an affordable price, ideal for smaller gigs or DJs just starting out.
With the right subwoofer, your DJ set will pack the low-end punch that drives the dance floor and keeps the energy high all night long.