Best Cheap Car Amplifiers BUDGET [UPDATED]

It goes without saying that factory sound systems don’t provide satisfactory sound. This forces many car owners to purchase amplifiers for their vehicles. However, not all people can afford to sink hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars toward purchasing new car amplifiers.

In this scenario, you might need to look for budget amps in the range of $50 – $150.

Buying a budget car amp will involve some compromise. So, you might need to settle for amps offering basic feature sets and specifications – but don’t be discouraged we have done our homework and found some of the best units you can get in the previously mentioned price range.

Budget Amps Compared

Budget Amps – Around / Under $100

Skar Audio RP-350.1D

Max Power Output: 1 Ohm: 388 Watts
RMS: 1 Ohm: 350 Watts
Amp Class: D
Bridgeable: No
Channels: 1

The RP-350.1D, a D Class monoblock sub from Skar Audio is designed to outperform everything else in its price category in terms of power and dependability. Every component of this amplifier showcases its high-quality construction, which was designed for optimum power, reliability, and affordability.

This amp has a modest RMS power rating of 350 watts at an operational load of 1 ohm. However, it can deliver over 388 watts max power. The RP-350.1D is the tiniest of all RP series amps, making it ideal for situations where space is limited but you don’t want to compromise on the power output from the amp.

The RP-350.1D uses a variety of quality internal parts, such as a high-speed MOSFET electrical supply and a sophisticated PCB board layout, which make it exceptionally powerful and reliable.

The remote sub-function and bass adjustment on this amp provides the user complete control over their sound from the vehicle’s front. With the RP-350.1D, you can get your system to produce powerful sounds, and the amp will work perfectly well with a solitary sub of roughly 400 watts RMS or a couple of subs of about 200 watts RMS each.

Taramps TS400X4

RMS: 2 Ohms: 400W (4 x 100W RMS);
4 Ohms: 252W (4 x 63W RMS);
Bridged 4 Ohms: 400W (2 x 200W RMS)
Amp Class: D
Bridgeable: Yes
Channels: 4

Pros

• Excellent frequency response
• Multi-channel amplifier
• Low impedance for better sound quality
• Plenty of power

Cons

• Clumsy connections

The Taramps TS400X4 offers a great combination of power and sound quality at a reasonable price. It’s a four-channel amplifier that can deliver up to 100 Watts RMS per channel, which is more than enough for most usual uses.

Its wide frequency range gives you more options when tuning, so you can get the sound just right. The highs and mids are also reproduced with clarity, while the lows punch through without drowning out the rest of the frequency range.

Additionally, the Taramps TS400X4 is a low-impedance amplifier, which means you’ll be able to get more out of your audio system without having to max out the volume. The low-impedance design also helps reduce background noise, giving you a cleaner sound.

As for downsides, this amp is pricier than some other models on the market, but it’s still fairly affordable, considering what it can do. The only other potential downside is that this amp might be too powerful for some applications, depending on your setup.

All in all, the Taramps TS400X4 is a great choice if you’re looking for an amplifier to take your audio system to the next level. It offers plenty of power and clear sound quality at a reasonable price, making it a great budget option.

Crunch PX1000.4

Max Power Output: 1500W
RMS: 250W x 4 at 2 ohms;
125W x 4 at 4 ohms;
(5,000W x 2 at 4 ohms mono bridged)
Amp Class: AB
Bridgeable: Yes
Channels: 4

The Crunch PX1000.4 is the perfect entry-level amplifier for your car audio needs, boasting high-quality circuit and hardware designs along with exclusive technologies to improve sound quality and minimize distortion.

Crunch POWERX incorporates full Class AB technology in stereo and four-channel amps along with Class D in the mono variants; in the case of the PX1000.4, Crunch has trimmed away some of the more esoteric features to deliver a down-to-earth amp that exhibits the classic sound from this brand.

As part of the Crunch POWERX line, this amp includes QTD (Quick Thermal Dispersion) technology, putting more aluminum on the heatsink than a standard amplifier while ensuring it delivers gobs of power and runs cool with nearly undetectable musical distortion.

Blaupunkt AMP1504

Max Power Output: 1500W
RMS: 150W x 4 at 4 ohms;
300W x 4 at 2 ohms
Amp Class: AB
Channels: 4

The Blaupunkt AMP1504 four-channel full-range amplifier embodies over 90 years of innovation and excellence in products from this manufacturer, making it the perfect amp to install into your motor vehicle.

With an optimized 150-watt RMS output and a max power output of 1,500 watts, you can give your music a massive boost in power that will have you and your passengers bopping your heads to whatever is blaring. This amp’s slim design, meanwhile, allows it to fit perfectly into any trunk or hatch space so it can be easily connected to your system.

This product also offers full-range clarity for a two, three or four-channel setup, and while it’s a bit larger than many options in its class, its AB classification helps keep distortion low while maintaining a safe operating temperature, ensuring long-term reliability.

Among the pros we often hear about the Blaupunkt are its 150-watt RMS rating which will power almost anything and the fact that it’s a high-end piece of hardware at a low cost; one con, if we had to select one, would be its lack of single-ohm subwoofer output.

Pioneer GM-A3702

RMS: 60 watts RMS x 2 at 4 ohms;
95 watts RMS x 2 at 2 ohms;
190 watts RMS x 1 in bridged mode 4-ohm stable
Amp Class: AB
Bridgeable: Yes
Channels: 2

The sound quality offered by Pioneer amps remains quite distinctive. Their diverse selection of amplifiers comes in a wide range of prices. In addition, these amps can be easy to install in almost all types of vehicles.

This particular amplifier offers Pioneer superb sound quality with an entry-level price tag of under $100.

This relatively cheap two-channel amplifier offers a total power output of 190 watts. It can send 60 watts RMS to each of the two speakers, thereby enhancing the impact and the clarity of the music. Some people use this amp in the bridged one-channel mode as well. This enables them to power their subwoofers with up to 190 watts of RMS.

One interesting fact about this budget Pioneer amp remains that it can work with most systems and in almost all cars. Its compact size of 9-3/4″W x 2-3/8″H x 7-3/16″D and speaker-level inputs render this possible.

This amp relies on its separate high-pass and low-pass filters to maximize the audio system’s performance. Thus, you’ll be able to use the bass boost to make your subwoofer sound incredible.

Among other things, this amp features dual speaker terminals that simplify the process of hooking up multiple speakers. And, its heavy-duty aluminum alloy heat sink facilitates the dissipation of heat. These features make it a good investment for people on a budget.

Rockville dB11

Max Power Output: 1400W
RMS: 2Ω 700 Watts x 1
4Ω 440 Watts x 1
Amp Class: D
Bridgeable: No
Channels: 1

Priced at just under $100, the Rockville dB11 remains an amplifier worth purchasing. Its elegant design complements its superb feature set. This Class D full-range two-ohm stable mono amp offers a total power output of 1,400 watts. We also did a review of 2000-watt options.

It also provides a mono-channel stereo output with possible impedances of two and four ohms. The middling size of this amplifier, at 9×10.25×2.25 inches (WxLxH), makes it suitable for use in an assortment of vehicles too.

The manufacturers, Rockville, have earned a reputation for unsurpassed levels of craftsmanship. In addition, they have been leading the industry when it comes to technological innovations for more than 20 years.

Not surprisingly, the reputation of this company remains superlative when it comes to manufacturing mobile electronics that offer optimal value for money while suiting contemporary lifestyles to the ‘T’.

With variable 12 dB high and low pass crossovers, this amp provides nice audio quality. In conjunction with its affordable price, it can be a must-buy for people looking for a budget subwoofer amp.

Budget Amps – Under $50

Boss R1002

Max Power Output: 200W
RMS: 75 W X 2 RMS @ 2 ohms;
38 W X 2 RMS @ 4 ohms;
Amp Class: AB
Bridgeable: No
Channels: 2

As a brand, BOSS Audio has an enviable reputation when it comes to audio systems. Many people purchase the BOSS range of audio systems and amplifiers for their budget prices.

Achieve clear, crisp sound with the Boss Audio R1002 two-channel Class AB amplifier. With 200 watts max power and a MOSFET power supply, this two (2)-ohm amp gives your music quite the boost and is an unbelievable value, to boot. Choose the R1002 when moving door and dash speaker amplification from the head unit to a dedicated amplifier – because if you’re still using your head unit for amplification, you have no idea what you have been missing.

Tried-and-true Class AB amp technology, two (2)-ohm stability (for powering a pair of four [4]-ohm speakers off a single channel), and way more than enough power for even the hungriest door, dash, or deck speaker makes the R1002 an easy contender for our Two (2)-Channel Pick. As part of the RIOT Series of amps, The R1002 comes packed with advanced features usually reserved for models at more than twice the price.

Sound Storm Laboratories EV2.200 Evolution

Max Power Output: 200W
RMS: 75 W X 2 RMS @ 2 ohms;
38 W X 2 RMS @ 4 ohms;
Amp Class: AB
Bridgeable: No
Channels: 2

Enjoy the high performance with the Sound Storm Evolution EV2.200 two (2)-channel Class AB full range amplifier, offering 200 watts max power and fixed high pass crossover to provide pure quality sound. With clean lines and simple, subtle styling, Evolution amps bring big performance and mobile audio excellence to more folks with limited budgets.

When it’s time to spark up your audio system, the EV2.200 can rock any playlist you throw at it, its efficient power output making it a natural selection for those lusting after clean sound. Sound Storm’s Evolution IC MOSFET two-channel amplifiers allow the user to power a combination of tweeters, full-range speakers, and subwoofers in order to tune their vehicle’s sound system to their exact specifications.

The two (2)-ohm stable EV2.200 comes standard with a fixed low-pass crossover (120Hz), variable input gain control, power and protection LED indicators, and line/speaker level inputs, in addition to chrome-plated RCA connectors and screw terminals – and even a small footprint that enables the user to employ the amp in tight spots.

Amps Around / Under $150

MTX Audio THUNDER500.1

RMS: 300 watts x 1 at 4 ohms;
500 watts x 1 at 2 ohms
Amp Class: D
Bridgeable: No
Channels: 1

The MTX THUNDER500.1 subwoofer is intended to work with a range of subs and can provide up to 500 watts of RMS power.

The Class D circuit design of this amp allows it to deliver great output power while reducing power loss due to heat build-up. This capability makes it ideal for pushing woofers to their extremes and delivering the kind of vehicle-shaking bass you’re looking for.

High-quality components are used to ensure that the amp offers maximum power output when required. In addition to the circuit design, this amp includes features like a configurable bass boost circuit, a built-in changeable low pass crossover, and an adjustable subsonic filter that lets you fine-tune your system’s sound.

When you pair this amp with a good pair of subwoofers, you can expect nice output for the budget mono amp.

Pioneer GM-A6704

RMS: 60 watts RMS x 4 at 4 ohms (95 watts RMS x 4 at 2 ohms);
190 watts RMS x 2 in bridged mode (4-ohm stable in bridged mode)
Amp Class: AB
Bridgeable: Yes
Channels: 4

Pioneer’s GM-A6704 four-channel amplifier makes the case for installing an external amp in a car stereo system. This punchy Pioneer will power your front and rear speakers with 60 watts RMS each – a significant jump in power compared to what is supplied by a typical head unit – allowing you to hear much more of the little details in your music, especially when your system is cranked up to overtake road noise.

Why begin building a system around a four (4)-channel amp? You can run your front speakers with the front channels (A) and then combine the rear channels (B) to drive a subwoofer.

Then, if you decide to add a second sub and a dedicated amp for your bass, you can use this Pioneer to run all your speakers, even putting this versatile amp into a two-channel model to send up to 190 watts RMS each to a couple of component speakers or subwoofers. The bottom line? Versatility is the name of the game with the Pioneer GM-A6704.

Rockford Fosgate R150X2 Prime

RMS: 50 watts RMS x 2 at 4 ohms (75 watts RMS x 2 at 2 ohms)
150 watts RMS x 1 bridged output at 4 ohms (4-ohm stable in bridged mode)
Amp Class: AB
Bridgeable: Yes
Channels: 2

If you’re on a budget and looking for cost-effective 2-channel amplifiers, the R150X2 should be taken into account.

This relatively cheap amp comes with an RMS power rating from 2 to 4 ohms for 50 and 75 watts respectively.

When you take all these traits and features into account, you will find that this budget amp packs a lot of benefits in its compact size. Given these details, it’s hardly surprising that this amp remains one of our top considerations for cheap amps.

But, equipped with high- and low-pass filters, heavy cast-aluminum chassis, and other features, this amp offers plenty of bang for your buck.

The Rockford Fosgate R150X2 also remains immensely easy to install. The high-level inputs provided negate the need for RCA cables and line output converters.

Soundstream PN5.640D Picasso Nano

RMS: 4 ohms: 60 watts x 4 chan. + 200 watts
2 ohms: 80 watts x 4 chan. + 350 watts
4 ohms Bridged: 160 watts x 2 chan. + 350 watts
Amp Class: D
Bridgeable: Yes
Channels: 5

In the past, you might have installed amplifiers and subwoofer systems in your vehicle. With the Soundstream PN5.640D Picasso, you’ll be able to power an entire speaker and subwoofer system with minimal fuss.

This five-channel amplifier (see more 5-channel amps) might not look all that great in terms of dimensions. After all, it remains quite small at 4.75×10.3×2 inches (WxLxH). However, it offers a maximum power output of 640 watts that can power the entire audio system of your car.

More importantly, it will be able to fit in some really tight locations by virtue of its compact size. The amp also has an RMS power rating of two to four ohms for 440 and 670 watts respectively.

This amplifier has a soft turn-on circuit. And, it comes with thermal and speaker short protection circuitry as well. The package will contain a dash mount remote bass level control also.

When you come across an amp that packs all these features and costs under $150, you will consider it to be a superb bargain.

Car audio enthusiasts will feel delighted on purchasing the Soundstream PN5.640D. This device has an output of four channels of 60 watts RMS to full-range speakers. In addition, it can put up to 350 watts into the subwoofer system as well. Because of this, car audio system experts rank this amp pretty highly as it offers an impressive balance of power between speaker and subwoofer levels.

Besides this, the Soundstream budget amp comes with various other attractive features. For instance, high-pass filters on the front and rear channels will keep the low bass out of the full-range speakers to enable them to play more cleanly and loudly. The subwoofer channel comes with a variable low pass filter and bass boost too. These enhance the performance levels of the amp significantly.

Lanzar VCT2610

Max Power Output: 6000W
RMS: 3000W x 2 output at 4 ohms
6000W x 1 bridged output at 2 ohms
Channels: 2

It would hardly be a surprise to know that many car audio enthusiasts know little, if at all, about Lanzar and its range of amps. Despite this, the Lanzar VCT2610 will not fail to catch your attention and win you over with its features.

Backed by power speakers and subwoofers, this amp offers a total power output of 6,000 watts. Its RMS power rating ranges from two to four ohms for 6000 and 3000 watts respectively.

With a frequency response range from 15 to 30,000 Hz and a signal-to-noise ratio of more than 95 dB, it becomes easy to see why this amp has caught the imagination of many people looking for quality amplifiers at affordable prices.

Given all the features the Lanzar VCT2610 offers optimal value for money. But, its large size and ordinary design place it below the Soundstream PN5.640D.

The size of the Lanzar VCT2610 remains relatively bigger at 10.63×21.97×1.78 inches (WxLxH). It features two 60 Amp Maxi-type fuses. The bridged power at an impedance of four ohms translates into a massive 8,000 watts.

The device features LED power and protection indicators. It utilizes a pulse-width modulated MOSFET power supply. It has a soft start turn-on and its pre-amp RCA outputs to daisy chain multiple amps as well.

The Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of this amplifier remains extremely low at 0.1 percent. And, installing this amp doesn’t present any difficulties either.

Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / *Image Disclaimer: We use images/data from Amazon Product Advertising API solely on products that link to Amazon. On products with the "Price at Crutchfield" button, we use images/data from Crutchfield.com as per the partnership deal.