Best 8 Inch Subwoofers (Top 10 Reviews & Buying Guide) 2023

Deciding to purchase a powered subwoofer is somewhat overwhelming. We agree. There are so many brands and types of subwoofers that choosing one can take days or weeks. But this myth can be busted, and it doesn’t have to be like that.

Purchasing and subsequently turning up the notch on your car’s sound system should be an exciting and learning adventure. After all, it’s all about having decent bass for an enjoyable ride. We researched and compiled the best 8 inch subwoofers currently on the market.

Read carefully so you can make the right decision, and please understand that a sub is not a standalone tool; they are one of the main audio components to build a clean, deep, hard-pounding bass sound in your car, boat, or pickup truck.

Top 10 Best 8 Inch Subwoofers For Your Sound System

They play a key role in providing those punches that make your mirror more. So hop in and read the entire list for a better understanding of the brands and other key information. Find the best 8 inch subwoofer available on the market down below:

1. Rockford Fosgate P3SD2-8 8 Inch Car Subwoofer

Rockford Fosgate’s Punch Stage 3 product brings a solid RMS output from one of the global leaders in audio systems innovation. It has anodized aluminum voice coil formers that dissipate heat up to 100° at full power levels), keeping your sub cool during high-pressure level or SPL.

On top of it, the speaker holds a great appearance on high-quality engineering, and it provides a solid 150 watts RMS. Its stitched tinsel lead reduces fatigue and shorting, therefore improving the subwoofer’s overall maximum output.

These Rockford Fosgate subwoofers come with a shallow assembly that is optimized for both sealed and vented enclosures, giving you some options to play with when it comes to choosing the proper one for your vehicle. It is designed to provide an efficient audio signal.

Customers’ feedback is clear: Rockford Fosgate P3S 8″ provides real and deeper bass via its Vertical Attach Surround Technique or VAST, which is an increase of 25% of the effective radiating cone area, with an impressive low end in hard-to-fit vehicles.

We truly believe that this is the best 8 inch subwoofer on the market that can add a powerful sound to your current stereo system. These speakers produce loud outputs, and they come at an affordable price. They can also be easily installed to boost your output.

2. Kicker CompR 8 Inch Dual Voice Coil Subwoofer

The Kicker CompR subwoofer kicks while providing great audio quality and maximum output, so you just relax and enjoy the tight bass. This model applies massive venting in its steel basket to fade off the heating temps for reliable performance.

Although it only comes with 300W RMS, it comes with a solid back plate that drives the optimal low-end sound. The sub produces a nice thumping bass, and it’s surely an upgrade for anybody’s audio system.

The item is equipped with a hard polypropylene cone that provides stability during intense usage for accurate bass. Its 4-ohm dual voice coil design makes it easy to get the best deal out of your amp while providing optimum control thanks to its magnet structure.

Kicker CompR 8 inch works best with Kicker KX mono amplifiers and a sealed enclosure powered at a minimum of 300 watts. Its UniPlate™ backplate and pole piece serve as one solid unit for optimal thermal management.

3. Skar Audio VVC 8v3 Dual 2ohm Car Subwoofer

This subwoofer has a solid high-temperature 4-layer copper voice coil for impeccable performance. It comes with an advanced cooling system to dissipate the heat and protect the sub while providing a seamless peak power rating of 800 watts at its peak.

One of the best specs of this sub is the double stacked ferrite motor, the key behind the ultra-responsive lows. Moreover, the VVX suspension design is known as the Skar Audio signature red, single-layer spider that connects to the coil former with premium stitched lead wires.

The VVX also comes with a competition grade paper cone to help provide powerful bass with undeniable accuracy. This company states that its mission is to manufacture audio products.

Customers agree that the lower notes are as pronounced as the higher ones while being of great value. These are one of the greatest 8 inch subwoofers that money can buy. Moreover, this subwoofer is great for those looking for a punchy bass.

4. BOSS Audio CXX8 Dual 4ohm Subwoofer For Accurate Bass

BOSS Audio’s CXX8 sub is a car owner’s dream: a great look and a powerful sound. This model has a special cone design with a durable material that allows great and long-lasting sounds and productive life spam.

The manufacturer notes that the sub must go through a quick yet key process of “break-in” before you proceed to pump it up to its top as a way to perform at its best. Do not worry. It’s just a 3-4 hour process that includes subjecting the sub to no more than medium volume levels.

CXX8 has super-clean lows built on a metallic black finish that highlights any interior while holding a superb 600 watts power handling, clearly above many competitors of its kind.

Its voice coils can withstand high temperatures and fatigue, which also increases performance and audio efficiency over a rigid platform held on a stamped basket that transfers much of the energy produced for clear bass.

This is a good-quality replacement sub, which is a great option for most people who want a good-sounding system on a budget. Also, the installation is fairly easy, and when it is combined with an amp it produces clean bass.

5. Polk Audio MM1 Marine Audio Subwoofer For Bass Boost

Imagine having your friend’s over for a boat trip to circle the shore on a Sunday morning without any kind of ambient tracks. Not very exciting, right? Well, there’s a solution for that: the Polk MM1 900 Watt powered subwoofer.

The model is claimed as the next generation of the Mobile Motor by Polk, created to produce high-quality audio and loud bass. Its Dynamic Balance Tech brings a fuller range at 300 watts of RMS power for a core-pounding crisp bass on a durable yet classy construction.

One of the main specifications is the IP56 marine protection with sonic accuracy, which eliminates unwanted distortions and resonant frequencies while protecting the sub from moisture. You can achieve massive audio improvements within the lower frequencies of your sound system.

The Polk Audio MM1 has a high-fidelity, and a multilayered voice coil for a tighter bass, outperforming your OEM factory setup. These are one of the best 8 inch subs that are produced by the Polk Audio brand. For a complete audio production, you should also add an external amp.

6. Planet Audio AC8D Subwoofer For A Quality Sound

Planet Audio’s AC8D 8″ sub is a synonym for compact subwoofer power on a budget, ideal for car owners who want to upgrade their audio on a compact enclosure. It peaks at 1200 watts and a 600-watt RMS, and if you get a pair, it accepts single wiring to 1-ohm for a power feed from your amp.

This sub offers resilience thanks to its polypropylene cone for an excellent bass on a durable material that holds strong voice coils that sustain high temperatures without breaking down for longer playing times.

Its foam surround promises to supply stability and performance on sealed enclosures for your car’s stereo system. Plus, the break-in process takes no more than a few hours, and you put the sub under low-to-medium volume levels.

The dual 4-ohm voice coil sub allows the listener to hear a clean sound because of its stamped basket, with an audio sensitivity of 85dB and a resonant frequency of 39 Hz. As a new sub, it needs a “break-in” for optimum performance.

7. Pioneer TS-SWX2002 Shallow Mount Car Subwoofer

Pioneer TS-SW2002 holds a rigid and durable cone for an accurate sound on a shallow mount that provides the same big bass performance when compared to a full-size sub. Thanks to its 2-5/8″ mounting depth compact design, this particular model can be installed behind or under seats.

It handles 600 watts and a 150 watts nominal power, which delivers high-quality bass. It comes with the Pioneer’s MICA injection-molded resin for a booming bass. In addition to this, it has a high density foam surround that allows max power during heavy loads.

The TS-SW2002D2 uses an enlarged cone structure that contributes to a greater cone and gasket surface without modifying the sub’s standard external dimension. You can really improve the lower bass notes with a cheap amplifier and this subwoofer.

The space-saving enclosure design of this shallow-mount subs makes it easy to install in a broad range of pickup truck cabins and car trunks. The manufacturer recommends a sealed enclosure on a box of 0.15 ft³ to 0.5 ft³, with 0.5 ft³ as an ideal size.

8. CT Sound Meso 8 Competition Grade Bass Sound

CT Sound Meso competition grade is a versatile and hard-hitting subwoofer that packs a serious punch for any type of fan, capable of handling high and mid-low sound frequencies with ease.

Produces high sound resonance, and users get a clean bass without any distortions. The model comes with durable arms firmly attached to the construction frame to aid minimize the sub movement and protect the unit.

Just like the Tropo subwoofers, the Meso 8 sub stands out with an elegant design that has a double-stitched nylon fabric cone able to produce ultra-low notes without compromising the audio quality.

The high roll foam surround assures seamless tracks and a Y35 graded powerful ferrite magnet, one of the best magnets for your car’s audio system. Furthermore, this workhorse has a dual 4-ohm 1600W maximum power capacity for tremendous RMS, even at high volumes, for serious, hard-hitting bass yet smooth and crisp bass.

9. JBL Stage 810 Car Audio System Powerful 8 Inch Subwoofer

JBL Stage810 is one of the most cost-effective choices on the list, built to give the user a high and distorted sounds. The woofer provides lots of power at 200W RMS and peaks at 800W, on a lightweight yet durable rubber surround, for enhanced efficiency and durability.

The sub is tuned by some of the world’s best transducer engineers to guarantee the unmistakably JBL signature performance, fit for every size vehicle from compact to pickup. When combined with a dedicated monoblock amp, it produces a clear sound and good bass response.

Additionally, the huge 1.5″ voice coil adds impressive peak power handling. The JBL Stage 810 is a perfect replacement for your factory system. Performs great for its size, and it’s just the right amount of sub to not overpower your stereo speakers. Great for those that do not require too much power and a limited dynamic range.

The company designed the Stage810 for audio enthusiasts that want to step their game up even with a great-sounding sub that works well in ported enclosures. If you’re looking for a great performance that is very simple to install, this is the best subwoofer you need to purchase.

10. JL Audio 8W7AE3 8 Inch Subwoofers For Cars

JL Audio’s own Dynamic Motor Analysis (DMA) is the company’s signature feature when it comes to subwoofer technology. First developed by JL Audio in 1997, the DMA handles the issue of woofer motor linearity, which results in a vastly reduced distortion and tight, clean, articulate bass.

This is possible by considering the shifts in the circuit elements, specifically the dynamic variations of the “fixed” magnetic field. Another great feature of the 8W7AE3 is the W-Cone, a patented unit-body cone assembly that holds incredible stiffness on a minimal mass build.

The shape of this product provides superb torsional rigidity. A feature that is critical to maintaining voice coil alignment at the suspension limits. Its rotating ear cup allows both single-sided or shoulder rest-wearing styles.

JL Audio 8W7AE3 quality subwoofer carries a patented Elevated Frame Cooling design manufactured to deliver cool air via slots above the top plate to the speaker’s coil for enhanced peak power handling by reducing the compression.

Also, the OverRoll™ technology permits the full usage of the speaker’s footprint, delivering an outstanding sound and optimized to operate in either ported enclosures. However, it delivers less power output at peak performance than other units on this list.

Best 8 Inch Subwoofer Car Audio Buyers Guide

An 8-inch subwoofer is an ideal choice for those who want to upgrade their car, boat, or home audio system without over-expending, and they pack a great punch that is more than enough for the majority.

Please know that all the reviews focus on the speakers. Take into consideration the enclosures you need and the proper wiring to connect with your car stereo and amplifier.

The average sub adds some serious kicks to any type of genre. Remember to select the sub that matches your car’s audio system as a whole for maximum efficiency and durability.

What to look for when choosing an 8 inch subwoofers?

Larger subwoofers are speakers focused on reproducing low to medium frequencies. In contrast, car speakers are small and do not have the technology to reproduce enough low-frequency sound to provide you with an intense bass.

A quality sub improves your overall listening experience. Here are some ideas of what to look for when choosing the best 8 inch sub:

Frequency response

Frequency response is an audible periodic vibration measured in hertz. Sharper signals are related to higher frequencies. On average, most people can hear tones in the frequency range of 20 to 20,000 Hz.

Subwoofers capacities vary but are overall capable of producing 20 to 200 Hz. It is recommended to limit the range of a subwoofer from 100 Hz downwards by using a crossover filter.

RMS power rating

The RMS power is the amount of power that the subwoofer handles. This means that they can produce more output if they handle more power, almost always aided by an amplifier. Always go with the recommended power range according to the amplifier’s output capabilities.

Better sound quality

Great sound quality does not rely entirely on the subwoofer. You need to consider size, power, and frequency range. The type of enclosure, the sub’s location in the vehicle, and the type of amplifier you use can make a huge difference in the quality.

Mounting depth

Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s recommended enclosure size, especially if you don’t have much room. The box volume will indicate the size of your enclosure for proper performance.

Ideally, you determine the minimum depth of your box by adding 2 inches to the subwoofer’s depth. Shallow mounting depth is recommended for replacing your car’s factory speakers placed in tight spaces.

Enclosure type

A strong, tightly-constructed enclosure is what gives subwoofers their optimum performance. Without one, these cannot deliver great sound because the performance from the back cancels out the bass frequencies coming from the front of the speaker.

The ported enclosure volume tends to be the preferred choice for bass lovers. You can get more bass with a hassle free installation. Of course, this depends on how much power the car’s sound systems will require.

The enclosure range from:

• Sealed boxes for deep, accurate bass
• Ported boxes to reinforce bass response
• Bandpass boxes for maximum kick or extra loudness
• Free-air woofers for an isolated performance from the back of the unit
• Underseat enclosure for those vehicles with no trunk space

Sensitivity rating

The sensitivity rating is the sound generated by the loudspeaker (dB), generally 1 (W) of power at 1m (meter). The higher the sensitivity rating of a speaker is, the louder it plays at a certain amount of wattage.

Types of voice coils

Single voice coils

Individual voice coils are the most common coils. These are wound in one direction around the cone.

Each winding is so tight that the coil leads touch. A single voice coil is easy to identify because it has only one pair of speaker wire entries.

Dual voice coils

Dual coils are wound in opposite directions. Winding posts in the rear help represent DVC speakers.

These speakers generally handle higher power; they are more versatile in impedance settings when connected in series or parallel with other speakers.

Subwoofer 8 Inch FAQ

As a newcomer to the world of subwoofers, we understand that you may have common questions about the speaker. We compiled the frequently asked questions for your convenience.

Should I get a specific enclosure?

Indeed, you need to get a specific enclosure to get the most out of your subwoofer. The quality and the performance of your subwoofer depend on a tightly-constructed enclosure that is strong enough to hold serious sound kicks.

Just purchase a pre-made enclosure to fit your subwoofer unless you are a highly-talented craftsman with a deep understanding and experience of enclosure volumes and sizes.

Refer to your manufacturer’s manual to know which enclosure your subs need: sealed, ported, or bandpass.

Do I need an amplifier for my 8 inch subwoofer?

Subwoofers are engineered to reproduce sounds located at low frequencies, and this takes a power source, meaning an amplifier.

An amplifier allows the subwoofer to work at its best by providing the kind of power it needs to reproduce its maximum sound output and deliver a deep bass.

If you can’t buy an amplifier, you are still able to connect the speaker without an amplifier, depending on the subwoofer type. Just keep in mind that it involves a deeper knowledge of sound systems, and the sound quality is never the same.

Summary

Upgrading your car sound systems is a serious business that requires proper knowledge to make the best out of your hard-earned investment. If you don’t need a lot of basses, get 150 watts to start up. Or simply get an under-seat subwoofer that can produce enough bass for your needs.

Getting 8 inch subwoofers depends on your budget, taste, type of car, and many other variables that you must understand. Quad voice coils are just what you need for a wide low-frequency response.

There’s no other sound better than a properly set up subwoofer that’s part of a complete sound system. Not all subwoofers are created with the same specs, and the price is not always the right choice.

Last Updated on: February 7, 2023

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