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A $1,000 budget is a moving retail limit, so this comparison focuses on real powered PA subwoofers that are commonly considered in that range rather than promising every model will remain below it. RMS or continuous power and maximum SPL are not interchangeable. Compare the published maximum SPL, crossover controls, cabinet size and price of the exact listing.
| # | Product | Price | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | JBL PRX918XLF | $900 to $1,300 | Amazon · eBay |
| 2 | Electro-Voice ELX200-18SP | $900 to $1,200 | Amazon · eBay |
| 3 | Yamaha DXS15mkII | $850 to $1,100 | Amazon · eBay |
| 4 | Yamaha DXS12mkII | $700 to $1,000 | Amazon · eBay |
| 5 | QSC KS112 | $900 to $1,200 | Amazon · eBay |
| 6 | Alto Professional TS18S | $550 to $800 | Amazon · eBay |
| 7 | Mackie Thump118S | $700 to $1,000 | Amazon · eBay |
| 8 | Harbinger VARI V2318S | $500 to $800 | Amazon · eBay |
| 9 | Behringer Eurolive VQ1800D | $450 to $700 | Amazon · eBay |
The picks, in detail
JBL PRX918XLF
An 18-inch powered JBL PRX900 subwoofer with a published 1,000W RMS and 2,000W peak rating plus 134 dB maximum SPL.
- 18-inch powered subwoofer
- 1,000W RMS
- 134 dB maximum SPL
- Published RMS figure
- DSP and app control
- Often near or above the budget
- Large 18-inch cabinet
Electro-Voice ELX200-18SP
An 18-inch powered subwoofer in the ELX200 portable PA range with adjustable crossover settings listed in EV documentation.
- 18-inch powered subwoofer
- Adjustable crossover
- Portable PA format
- XLR connectivity
- Confirm current retail price
- Large cabinet for solo transport
Yamaha DXS15mkII
Yamaha lists the 15-inch DXS15mkII with 1,020W power, 40 Hz low-frequency extension and 135 dB maximum SPL.
- 15-inch powered subwoofer
- 1,020W power
- 135 dB maximum SPL
- Published max SPL
- Selectable crossover
- Not an 18-inch design
- Price varies by retailer
Yamaha DXS12mkII
A compact 12-inch DXS Series powered subwoofer for DJs prioritizing vehicle space and a published Yamaha crossover system.
- 12-inch powered subwoofer
- Selectable 80 100 120 Hz crossover
- Smaller footprint
- Known PA maker
- Less cone area than 15 or 18 inch models
- Check maximum SPL for the exact model
QSC KS112
QSC describes the KS112 as a 12-inch bandpass powered subwoofer with a 2,000W peak Class D amplifier and 128 dB maximum rated SPL.
- 12-inch bandpass cabinet
- 2,000W peak
- 128 dB maximum SPL
- Compact form factor
- Published peak power and SPL
- Peak is not RMS
- Smaller driver than 18-inch options
Alto Professional TS18S
An 18-inch powered subwoofer in Alto Professional’s TS line for entry-level PA systems.
- 18-inch powered subwoofer
- XLR input and output
- Typically lower entry price
- 18-inch format
- Check the current generation spec sheet
- Cabinet bulk
Mackie Thump118S
An 18-inch powered subwoofer in the Mackie Thump portable PA family.
- 18-inch powered subwoofer
- Portable PA cabinet
- Matches Thump PA ecosystem
- 18-inch driver
- Verify published output specification
- Needs vehicle space
Harbinger VARI V2318S
An 18-inch powered PA subwoofer sold as part of the Harbinger VARI system.
- 18-inch powered subwoofer
- PA system integration
- Budget-oriented option
- 18-inch cabinet
- Compare published maximum SPL before buying
- Retail availability can vary
Behringer Eurolive VQ1800D
An 18-inch powered subwoofer in the Behringer Eurolive range for buyers who need an entry-level active cabinet.
- 18-inch powered subwoofer
- Active PA design
- Generally budget friendly
- Common PA format
- Compare actual continuous power, not marketing peak
- Heavier than compact subs
Buying tips
- Compare the maker published maximum SPL at the stated measurement condition; peak watts alone do not predict output.
- An 18-inch cabinet needs more vehicle space. A 12-inch model can be easier for one person to move but is not a direct output substitute.
As an Amazon Associate and eBay Partner, toptenpick.com earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change.