A good subwoofer will always add bass to the low frequencies sound produced by the sound source that’ll not interfere with other people’s life. Although, they come in different shapes and sizes/ weight and they can be fixed anywhere in your car depending on choice. However, the most common places where they are fixed inside the car are under the rear window area, under the car seat, the ceiling of the car, door side, and many more.
Additionally, a quality subwoofer is always equipped with safety materials. These materials are mostly made up of MDF and they are coated the same with the car color. This coating always makes it difficult for an outsider to recognize the exact spot where the subwoofer is kept while they still enjoy the sound.
Generally, since playing of sound requires an electrical process, a standard battery and alternator is needed to fully enjoy the overabundant benefits of using the best car subwoofer.
Table of Contents
What is a car subwoofer?
A car subwoofer is a low frequency (20–200 Hz) producing the bass sound that is fixed inside a car to give-out an audible sound. They come in different shapes and sizes and their speaker may be single, dual, or more. However, to enhance the sound effect of your subwoofer, it is advisable to blend it with other sound support appliance.
Sound supports like a speaker, band-pass boxes, and a high-quality head unit plus an additional standard battery may also be added to extend the longevity. Also, all the price of the available subwoofers in our guides are affordable depending on the model and capability.
How to Choose the Bes Car Subwoofers in 2021
Before you can settle for your choice of car subwoofer, it is very important to understand yourself by knowing your musical taste and the available space in your vehicle. These if properly understood will not only help you to obtain a quality product but also, it will save you cost.
In general, features like handling power, sound clarity, size and design, materials, price, and many more.
What is the power handling?
Among the first thing to consider before buying a subwoofer is to understand the handling power. This is because the effectiveness of the subwoofer directly depends on the handling power i.e. it helps to determine the amount of sound the subwoofer can handle and the amount produced.
Although, these handlings are of different forms each designed for a particular purpose. The most commonly used one is the Continuous Power Handling also known as the RMS and the sensitivity. The RMS signifies the amount of sound the speaker can hold frequently or output while the sensitivity helps to determine the amount of sound produced.
However, you are advised to be very careful during your choice making as some manufacturers often misled people by claiming Peak handling power as RMS. This is however not the same as peak handling power is specially designed to measure the sound the speaker can handle within a short time.
What is the size of the subwoofer?
Although, subwoofer comes in different sizes. The most common sizes are 8, 10, 12 and 15. The smaller the subwoofer, the faster the sound. However, the most widely used size is 10. This is because they are portable and are mostly rounded which make them fit perfectly to most cars.
Additionally, they also produce a unique reasonable sound that is useful for fast pace music and heavy bass music like club, rapping, etc. Unlike the size 12 subwoofer widely used in the market place or size 8 which is used to produce soft or low sound. Also, the 15 size is available although, they are rarely used.
Which material is it made up of/ surrounding medium?
The material used to make the subwoofer determines the quality of the sound production. Lightweight materials that are hard but stable always produce a clear sound. The most common used materials are polypropylene used for making the cone. Other materials like woven fabrics, aluminium and titanium are also widely employed.
Also, the surrounding medium of the subwoofer also has an important role to play in increasing the longevity of the hoover. This is because once the subwoofer is getting older, the quality of the materials always also get deteriorated with it.
But if a nice surrounding is used to envelop the subwoofer, this will add to the lifespan as they always get touched before reaching the subwoofer. Subwoofers made of rubber are the best, although, the price may be a little bit higher than the conventional foam or cloth type.
What is the price?
Talking of the features needed to secure the best car subwoofer without mentioning the price is incomplete. Although, all the price of the available car subwoofers in our guide is budget-friendly, yet, they didn’t compromise their quality. They prove the traditional custom of more price greater value otherwise though we are not saying the low-priced product render inferior service.
The price of any model or product you will find in this our guide is affordable with their service superseding other subwoofers you’ll find elsewhere.
What is the impedance?
Considering subwoofer whose speaker matches the impedance power ratings gives optimum output. The most common use impedance is those of 2 and 8 ohms although, some are also rated at 4 ohms.
To enhance your subwoofer, a dynamo kit may be used. This, when properly placed and park helps to increase the volume of the sound by minimizing noise and preventing any commotion that may want to interfere with the subwoofer.
Benefits of using Car Subwoofer
- Enhance car sound by reducing the noise.
- They also enhance clarity making the lyrics very audible.
- If properly fix and arranged, they add to the beauty of your vehicle.
- The sound from a larger sized subwoofer can even be enjoyed outside the car if louder.
To save you time a d effort, we’ve helped you choose the best subwoofer for your car available in the market, and are reviewed below.
Top 10 Best Subwoofer for Car in 2021 – Reviews
1. JL Audio 10W6v3-D4 10” Car subwoofer – Best for Clear Sound
From 200-600 watts Power Range, to dual 4 ohms voice coils and 22-200hz frequency response rate, this subwoofer produces excellent quality bass and high quality audio, to give a perfect music experience in your car. The unit is another testimony to leading credentials of the w6 series from JL. Since they came to market in 1991, upholding the pedigree of ground breaking technology used in its embodiment.
And at a great price value, unlike other powerful subwoofers, it incorporates a strong mineral filled cone, a very sturdy spider attachment and an advanced cooling system, all in a very compact size that will fit in tight spaces with ease
Improved over its predecessors, the JL Audio 10W6v3-D4 10 In subwoofer is characterized with transient reproduction that greatly reduce distortion, thanks to its fixed magnetic field that is built with extreme precision. It features an ultra-long voice coil, that enhances extraordinary linear excursions to give a unique power performance and control.
This single 10-inch elegant subwoofer is structured to work efficiently in a compact enclosure and handle extreme power. Its cast allows basket terminal jumper and multi sub setup are indeed a sign of distinctive engineering. With a mounting depth of 6.89 inches, you will get the sound and the bass you want in even the tightest of spaces.
Pros
- One-year warranty
- Small compact size that’s easy to fit
- Reproduce sound with fantastic clarity
- Beautiful and customizable sleek design.
Cons
- Weight is a bit heavy
2. Rockford Fosgate P300-12 Punch subwoofer – Most Pocket Friendly
Not all subwoofer comes with a onboard amplifier because they are believed to be low frequency speaker, Hence, they need to be send to power. But the p300 comes with 300 watts built in amplifier, meaning, you just need to connect sound and power to get a correct plug and play bass in your car. Its equipped with a strong and study material, coated in industrial vinyl that’s heat activated.
This 12-inch subwoofer comes in a custom sealed enclosure for a precise and tight bass reproduction and will fit perfectly into the back of your car or truck and even the smallest car trunk. The made is of 5/8 inch MDF material that’s known for minimal sonic vibration and low resonance to ensure great performance and balance between the amplifier and woofer.
You can easily adjust bass setting on the go, Thanks to its a remote bass control and a class D amplifier of 300 watts RMS, to deliver a clean output. It incorporates the popular low end frequency range of 35-150 hertz. This unit has a sleek and classy design that does not hinder performance and a hassle free installation process with a curvy edge that conforms with most car trunks.
Rockford Fosgate P300-12 Punch subwoofer has a paper reinforced cone voice coils with Kevlar fiber and a voltage and heat protection to ensure more efficiency and safety. So, if you are looking for a pocket friendly and all-in-one subwoofer that will turn your vehicle audio system into a music powerhouse. This is where the real deal is.
Pros
- All in one subwoofer, no separate amplifier
- Easy to install and use
- Automatic shut on/off
- Adjustable bass boost
Cons
- Weightier for its size
- Consumer complained about enclosure quality
3. Kenwood KSC-SW11 Compact Enclosed Subwoofer – Most Comfortable to Operate
Kenwood KSC-SW11 subwoofer is an all-in-one subwoofer for those who have small spaces but just want to add a bit decent bass boost to their travel playlist. Kentwood is a low profile subwoofer that can be placed in the tightest of spaces, maybe under your passenger seat. It is a compact device that’s super light and easy to install. Powered by a built in amplifier that runs at 75-watts RMS to an optimum 150 watts, meaning it’s not an audio powerhouse.
Don’t expect anything overboard from this subwoofer, You Will get enough power to go around, thanks to adjustable cross over from as low as 35 to a peak crossover of 125-htz, to enhance a quality bass performance and not heavy beat.
The Kentwood shine has a Steel speaker basket that’s surrounded by rubber to control vibration. It also has a wired adjustable bass control for bass EQ. it features a well constructed enclosure and made of strong aluminum material casing.
By just connecting to your car battery, then an easy grounding, and lastly connecting the head unit, you are good to go. Despite its compact and portable size, this unit is characterized with high sensitivity of 110 decibels, enhancing its ability to play loud music without much power.
Pros
- Super portable and compact size
- Remote bass control
- Elegant look and build
- Super easy to install
Cons
- Not for heavy bass
- Too expensive for a low profile sub
4. Polk Audio db1040 10-Inch Single Voice Coil Subwoofer – Best for Marine Application
Do you have an enclosure, and are just looking for a replacement or a low end single subwoofer? The audiopolk can be the ideal sub for your replacement and swapped woofer. This 10-inch swapping style speaker is diligently engineered to withstand the austerity of harsh emprises and situations.
This subwoofer is ideal for boats or marine application, especially for those worried of moist mountings. It also incorporates a 10-inch polymer composite dynamic cone for balance. With Polk Audio db1040 10-Inch sub, you can expect a high-quality bass in a sealed enclosure, a tight bass with great rock and boom and altogether, a great audio performance in your boat or elsewhere.
This marine single voice subwoofer is equipped with a great power handling range from 240-540 watts at peak, a dynamic frequency crossover between 28-200 hertz, and a marine like tough build for tough environments. It offers a waterproof ability that won’t disappoint.
To allow for minimal distortion and great mechanical stability, it features a polypropylene cone and a strong ABS dust cap that filled the cone. The item is another groundbreaking speaker in the collection of award winning dB series from Polk audio.
Pros
- Waterproof construction that’s good for boat or other use
- Very affordable price
- Deep, gusty and bone vibrating bass.
Cons
- Requires separate amplifier and wiring
- Installation is a bit techy
5. Alpine Type R 12 Inch Car Audio Subwoofer – Best for Vehicles with Little Space
Alpine Type R 12 Inch Subwoofer is a master in the class of its own, its compact, it’s durable and it thumps like no other. This item incorporates High Amplitude Multi-Roll surrounds (HAMR). Translating to clarity and distortion free audio experience.
This subwoofer is embodied with quality assurance technology and innovation, starting from a unique design that’s more compact than its competitors; making it the perfect fit for vehicles with little space, a high rate power range of 500-750 watts, and a power handling of 750-2250 watts Power at the peak.
Despite it sleek and compact design, it is housed in a parabolic cone spider aluminum casting frame mount, and produces sound that will give bigger models a run for their size and price, thanks to it distinct technology and engineering. Its dual 4-ohm voice coil is overboard, high quality and with both in there, your ride is destined to be rattled.
In a durable parabolic cone structure reinforced with pulp/ Kevlar, polypropylene mica tax dust cap and I high excursion 65.5mm / 2.6″ diameter Voice coil configuration to give one of the highest-quality car audio systems for anyone interested in a real powerhouse.
Pros
- Gusty deep and high pulsating bass
- Lightweight and compact size
- Durable and sturdy design
- Top end 2250 watts peak power.
Cons
- Customers complaints about the short life span
- Crappy customer support service
6. JBL BassPro Micro Dockable Powered Subwoofer – Most Versatile
Don’t be deceived by a compact design and sleek appearance, JBL BassPro Subwoofer look may devices but the feel is definitely a high quality bass punch in a pack. It features a dual high and low input system; the high BassPro Micro system is designed to fit into almost all car audio system, this high level input has four channel that provides non-fading bass. The low speaker level input is suitable for built-in OEM systems or RCA line-level inputs.
No need for an external amplifier, the bass pro has a built-in 140 watt RMS efficient Class D amplifier with a crossover frequency 50Hz to 120Hz. The amplifier maintains temperature, let the sub work cooler, and uses minimal power from your vehicle electrical system.
Come housed in an acoustic bass enclosure that’s optimized for providing the greatest bass sound, reduces audio distortion and decomposing sound quality. This 12-inch subwoofer features a polypropylene durable cone that’s surrounded by rubber to give a dampening effect over resonance. It has an advanced magnetic flux system to produce clarity, thanks to a high end double stack magnet.
This item is designed to combat heat accumulation a common attribute of all sub woofers, thanks to its vented poles for improved power handling at minimal power compress.
Pros
- Has a Built in cooling mechanism
- Built in amplifier
- Sleek and elegant design
- Provide turbulence free bass
Cons
- Look elsewhere of you need a powerhouse
- Little bit overpriced sub
7. Rockville RVB12.1A Car Subwoofer – Best for Amazing Bass Output
“MORE BASS, LESS SPACE, FAST PACE ” that’s is the slogan of the Rockville RVB12.1A. Whether you want the heavy clean hits bass, or the hassle free installation, or the less space consuming audio system, this item is get one and done, in it you have it all to your advantage.
This item is a 12-inch subwoofer with a built-in amplifier in a closed box enclosure. Engineered with complex computer modelling and fine-tuned to produce the great bass you will feel in the bone. In an enclosure that’s less than 2.00 cuft, it will take up slightest of spaces maybe in your car or trunk. It will fit snuggly opposite the rear, thanks to a 15-degree slopped back angle that facilitate it easy fit and filed.
This little wonder is equipped with an electronic fully adjustable low pass crossover to eliminate unwanted air and mechanical noises, you can customize your car audio environment however you want it. For the heavy bass wave to get a chance of full deployment, the carports mounted one side of the enclosure in order for the low frequency to load.
It also features a controllable bass boost EQ, that’s facilitated with both high and low level input; the speaker high input level for extended installation versatility to most vehicles even without aby available preempt output and the RCA low level line speaker. This will allow you to get signals to existing speaker by using a receiver. It produces more than amazing bass output, enhanced with an aero style port incorporated in a unique turbo tune.
Pros
- Easy installation
- Low profile
- High quality build
Cons
- Little customization ability
- Consumer complain about durability
8. Orion HCCA12 12″ Car Subwoofer – Most Strong and Durable
Orion HCCA12 12″ Car Subwoofer is definitely one of the most powerful subwoofers that’s making wave on the market. So, if you’re looking for a subwoofer with powerful performance that will make you feel the bass in the bone, this model is equipped with a dual flat conex spider with loop stitched tinsel leads for performance, a rubber tri-radius symmetrical surround to prevent distortion and 24-250 frequency responses.
With an impressive RMS power rating of 2,500 watts and a power handling of 5,000 watts, no subwoofer in its class can rival this in power, quality, and loudness, this unit boasts 87 decibels sensitivity rating to get your ride thumping. Although you will need a distinct enclosure and another powerfully rated amplifier to run on a full blast, this subwoofer will wake up your immediate neighbors from meters away.
Often referred to as an “earthquake machine” for bass enthusiasts, this 12-inch 2 ohms subwoofer has an impressive RMS power rating of 2,500 watts and a power handling of 5,000 watts. No subwoofer in its class can rival it in power, quality, and loudness.
Admittedly, it comes in a unique design and features a polypropylene cone woofer, rubber tri-radius symmetrical surround, and a popular 4-inch new copper wound voice coil known to enhance temperature control and improve performance. You might want to employ the service of a car audio specialist if you are not a savant, else trying to install this monster on your own can be a risk of voltage dropping.
Pros
- Great performance with thumping deep bass
- Low frequency response for professionals
- Durable and strong
Cons
- Requires powerful or extra car battery
- Full deployment of bass maybe scary
- Installation requires some level of expertise
9. Dual Electronics BP1204 12 inch illumiNITE – Best for Sound Enthusiasts
If you are a sound enthusiast, and want to improve your car audio system, Dual Electronics BP1204 12 inch illumiNITE guarantees incredible quality, sound clarity and the needed bass to uplift your listening experience on the go.
To give you the precision of deep bass and high quality sound at the output level, this dual subwoofer comes with a stylish acoustic chamber with significant effect that’s is designed with a computer aided mechanism, to make your car audio environment extremely delight full and enriching.
Design to take care of errands and tear, it has added brace to reduce enclosure movements that can result from high sound pressure in its elegant carpet enclosure and dual chamber enclosure with dual DS 12-inch subwoofer. It features a built in circuitry protection for the Illumination system and a semi-dense bored fiber construction.
With it high sensitivity of 89 decibels that will pick up the beat and rock out well, this amazing subwoofer is powered by a 1100 watts Power rating that’s will definitely change your car audio environment. Also it boasts the professional grade low frequency range of 25-200 htz with low level impedance of 4-ohms.
Pros
- Great bass and quality
- Circuitry protection
- Super easy to install
- great look
Cons
- No instructions manual
10. Pioneer TS 8-MR2040 Marine 8″ Coaxial Speakers – Most Portable
The pioneer TS is an 8-inch shallow mount subwoofer is engineered to hand out more installation alternatives for almost any car.
Despite its compact design, it will give you great bass performance of a high-profile subwoofer. Thanks to its patent pending attributes, you can install in tight spaces, maybe under or behind the seat of your car. This unit promises to produce linearity in sound, thanks to its dual advanced spiders for dampening cone vibration to its barest minimal.
Best installed in a sealed or ported enclosure, this 8-inch subwoofer can handle 150 watts Power up to 600 watts and gives a super vision deep bass quality. It incorporates a mica injection-molded resin that aids precise bass output. This mica reinforced composite cone is bonded to a reinforced polypropylene pulp at the back of the cone, to get rid of vibration and improve damping.
It is designed with dual spider basket and in single oversized cone structure to enhance power handing and produce a deeper bass. You will need just a single rated amplifier that ranges from 120-225 watts RMS at 4 ohms to get this baby rocking. The pioneer comprises of a dual 2-ohms voice coil that can be wired both in series or parallel to give your preferred wiring flexibility to be used with low impedance OEM.
At a small mounting depth of Just 2-5/8 inches, it size is less than most conventional subwoofers. It can also work in free air, Thanks, to its infinite baffle operation design that does not require any specific enclosure to be installed in many locations.
Pros
- Many mounting options
- Deep clean sound
- Small compact size fits in smallest car trunks
- Works in free-air
Cons
- No built in amplifier
- Need extra purchase of an enclosure
Conclusion
We have come to the end of our guide of the best car subwoofer and hope you find it interesting and useful. We have talked about all the necessary features needed to get the best among the overabundant subwoofers available at your disposal.
Also, we stated that subwoofer comes in different sizes and shapes. Those with the size of 8 or 10 give optimum result for car users, unlike the larger size ones suitable for market or public functional place.
No matter how selective you are or irrespective of your financial capability, you will definitely find your choice of a subwoofer in this guide without compromising their quality. Be informed that all our available subwoofers are not only affordable, but also durable and giving a clearer sound. This is due to the combination of the superior quality materials which they are made from plus the surrounding medium.
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