Best Car Audio Subwoofers For A Punchy Bass (2023 Reviews)

The car subwoofer is accountable for creating balanced and crisp and more bass in your car audio system. The quality of the music is directly proportional to the superiority of your subwoofer.

Aside from a significant bass, the best subwoofer can the low frequencies and makes the music fuller and deeper. In most instances, car stereo systems don’t come with subwoofers set up.

If you are a music enthusiast or lover and want a neat sound while driving or you want to boost your sound pressure level, then this is a vital addition to your auto.

There’s nothing like having a banging subwoofer in your auto, which causes the whole thing to vibrate. On the other hand, with thousands to select from out there, it can be hard to look for the best one.

So, we will provide you with tips to assist you in finding the best subwoofer for you. We will also help you choose the right one and take the clarity of the speakers to a new level. We have taken the time to compile a list of the ten best car audio subwoofers.

They are all different products with different price tags. So, you are going to be certain to select the one that is right for you. First, let’s take a look into some of the crucial specs you must know to pick a quality subwoofer.

Top 10 Best Car Audio Subwoofer

Here are the top 10 best car subwoofers available on the market. We will be going to give you the highlights of the features of each car subwoofer in order to help you come up with the best choice.

#1 Rockford Fosgate P300-12 300-Watt Amplified Subwoofer

The Rockford Fosgate P300-12 subwoofer is a good way to effortlessly and quickly add bass to a speaker system. The best thing about this subwoofer is that it is adjustable and, most of all, very powerful.

It is available in a custom-sealed enclosure, offering crisp sound regardless of the music you play. The device comes with a remote control bass level included and a whopping 300 watts of peak power handling.

This is an amplified subwoofer that features Kevlar-reinforced paper pulp cones as well as a StampCast basket that has vents. There’s also overvoltage and thermal protection that ensures absolute efficiency and safety.

It has an integrated class D amplifier and a remote bass level control. In short, this is a well-designed woofer with maximum output power for better sound and is very convenient to use.

This is indeed the best under seat subwoofer that you can add to your car stereo because it generates loud bass. It is also surprisingly lightweight, and this can translate into many years of use.

#2 MTX Audio Terminator Series TNE212D – Best Subwoofers

This is a high-quality car subwoofer that is available in a compact sealed enclosure, but if you don’t have enough to buy a high-end one, worry no more, as the MTX Audio Terminator Series is here for you.

Plus, they are the best car subwoofers you can buy without spending a lot of your money. This state-of-the-art woofer is perfect for anyone planning to put in a bass boost to their auto without spending a lot.

The woofer cone is made of a good quality polypropylene component. On the other hand, the surround is made of tough and durable rubber.

The twelve inches enclosure is dual and very solid as well. This subwoofer also looks aesthetic and will enhance the appearance of your car’s interior.

Ruggedly made using 5/8 inches of MDF as well as black aviation-grade carpet, and this fits the design of any ported box. Recommended for those bass lovers looking for a great subwoofer capable of producing lower frequencies.

When it comes to maximum sound, this speaker box delivers a crisp bass, depending on the music you listen to. It has a broad frequency response of 10Hz to 150Hz and has a two-inch voice coil made of aluminum.

#3 JL Audio 10w6v3 D4 Component Subwoofer

If you are researching for the best subwoofer that provides a remarkable cost value balance, look further than JL audio 10. This is by far one of the best car subwoofers available for your stereos.

This subwoofer from JL Audio generated high-quality bass, offering a powerful music experience. DMA is JL Audio’s proprietary Dynamic Motor Analysis system and is intended to improve dynamic motor behavior,

The JL Audio car subwoofer is made of a tough polypropylene cone. JL Audio is not heavy like other powerful subs available, which is reflected in the excellent accuracy and response of the powerful speaker.

It comes with an Elevated Frame Cooling design for enhanced power handling and reliability. Experts recommend purchasing a custom-made subwoofer enclosure that meets the manufacturer’s specifications.

Also, the JL Audio basket is made of a tough cast alloy that gets rid of distortion. This results in a well-defined bass that has a remarkable transient response; it generates music in such detail that you will feel like your preferred albums are brand new once more.

In general, JL Audio is the best car subwoofer that performs superbly, is well-built, and is assured to last for decades to come. It is also an excellent performer with sound accuracy and efficiency.

#4 Rockford Fosgate P3SD2-8 Dual 2 Ohm Car Subwoofers

This is a superior 150-watt RMS subwoofer, which is very affordable. It is the best car subwoofer for those with budget constraints. These speakers will surely give you unmatched durability.

As not all vehicles can accommodate accurate subs, this one is easy to install. However, it does have a finite depth as it is shallow. In spite of being a shallow mount, it provides a remarkable booming bass and clear sound as a whole.

Like other car subwoofers from this company, this one also comes with a Kevlar-reinforced paper pulp cone as well as a StampCast blanket that has venting.

It has a 2.66-inch mounting depth (it is one of the top shallow car subwoofers available), and it is extremely lightweight, making it suitable for most standard autos. It has 150 Watts of power handling and an aluminum woofer cone.

When it comes to bass, they are top-notch, particularly for a shallow woofer. The sound that the speaker delivers is clear, and the bass is quite punchy.

#5 Polk Audio DB1242DVC 12-inch 4 Ohm Car Subwoofers

If you are searching for extremely powerful yet affordable subwoofers that will give you a louder bass, then this one is for you. State-of-the-art Polk Audio DB1242DVC is waterproof, durable, and provides a more defined bass regardless of the music you are listening to.

This is the best car subwoofer integrated with Dynamic Balance technology for an amazing bass and comes with non-corrosive fiberglass reinforced ABS basket and waterproof surround.

The woofer cone is made of quality Polypropylene and integrates holes for drainage. It comes with just a little over 300 watts of RMS power handling, and it can boost those low frequencies like no other.

When it comes to the exterior, it is fog, salt, as well as UV tested; in short, this is a well-made woofer cone that you can use in boats, cars as well as other marine vehicles. It also enhances low frequencies with accuracy.

When it comes to sound or audio, it offers full-range audio, which includes low bass. Polk Audio is the best budget car subwoofer for those looking for excellent sound quality.

#6 Kicker 11HS8 8-Inch Hideaway Car Subwoofers

State-of-the-art Kicker 11HS8 is a very light speaker design with great value, as well as high performance subwoofers that are particularly made for vehicles that lack space.

The Kicker subwoofer delivers superb audio quality, particularly deep bass. Therefore it is a perfect choice for anyone planning to bring their car stereo to a greater level without consuming tons of space.

When it comes to quality, this subwoofer provides ideal bass reproduction, which is hard-hitting. This Hideaway subwoofer is only three inches tall and measures 14 inches long, so you can place it easily behind your car seat.

This unit comes in a sealed enclosure with an integrated amplifier and remote bass control that enables you to fine-tune the levels of bass easily and quickly. The quality of the audio is superb, particularly considering the size of this small subwoofer.

Plus, it is one of the best car subwoofers due to its accuracy as well as clear bass quality, which is a surprising feature with regard to a tiny subwoofer. Overall it has 150 watts and a sealed box enclosure.

#7 Rockville RW10CA 10-inch Slim Low Profile Subwoofer

It is a subwoofer that has an easy installation, outputs a good sound as well as produces remarkable deep bass. The Rockville RW10CA are the best subs for those who do not have lots of trunk space available.

They are low-profile woofers, but at the same time, they are the best slim subs available on the market today, particularly for this price. The speaker comes with one of the best-sealed enclosures that helps any automotive enthusiast produce a low-distortion bass.

Even if on the thinner and smaller side, this woofer manages to pack many state-of-the-art technologies, which take account of short circuits as well as overload.

It is also integrated with adjustable input sensitivity, soft delayed remote turn-on, etc. What is more, this speaker also stands out from the rest due to the integrated amplifier.

In spite of its smaller size, it has the capability to reproduce loud and deep bass sounds, which will really vibrate as well as shake your mirrors. The adjustable low pass crossover lets you tweak those muddy frequencies to get a more accurate bass.

Overall it is a quality subwoofer that can produce great sound in a small enclosure and is perfect for trucks, vans, as well as boats. In general, the audio is very tight; therefore, it is a remarkable cost value subwoofer available today.

#8 Kenwood KSC-SW11 Compact Powered Subwoofer

If you have no room whatsoever or limited space and you demand a lightweight subwoofer that can be added in small and tight spaces, this one is for you.

You can fit this under a vehicle seat or anywhere that is suitable. This subwoofer from Kenwood is an ideal device for that durable as well as very lightweight scenario. Plus, this small subwoofer is easy to install anywhere.

It has a speaker basket made of steel, while the surround is made of rubber materials. Despite its small size, this car subwoofer features a good power handling of 150 watts; therefore, it can produce bass for any car audio setup.

When it comes to the enclosure is made of aluminum material with a dimension of 8 ¼ by 5 1/8 inches.  It is also integrated with a remote bass control; therefore, it is very easy to use. It offers a stylish design, and it has a loud and decent bass performance.

#9 Pioneer TS-WX1210A 12-inch Sealed Enclosure Subwoofer

If you want enclosed subs but do not want to give out a lot, then Pioneer TS-WX1210A is a good choice. Enclosed with an integrated class D amplifier as well as 350 watts RMS power, this is the best sub for your head unit, and it represents a good value for your hard-earned money.

This impressive device comes with a cellulose fiber cone as well as a urethane sound. It has a super-wide frequency response of 20 to 125. Additionally, it has a sensitivity of 93 dB and an impedance of 4 ohms.

You will have a clean and nice bass output that will vibrate, as well as a rattle when loud enough. The sealed enclosure is made of durable plastic, and it is also carpeted so that it does not scratch your car’s interior.

In general, the sound is extremely good, particularly for its price. Also, its clean bass sound has an amazing output as well as pitch definition, regardless of the music you are listening to. This is sealed in a solid, albeit a little thin enclosure with a gray carpet finish.

#10 Orion HCCA122 12-inch DVC 2 Ohm Subwoofer

If you want a good subwoofer that has superior power and accurate bass response and is within a reasonable price point, then this one is for you. It has a frequency response of 2500 watts RMS power, and this subwoofer is the most powerful one available.

It reproduces superb and big bass sound, which will take your radio to a higher level. It is a compact, solid, and very efficient car sub. The sub-cone is made of tough Polypropylene as well as comes with a rubber tri-radius surround. It’s a superb quality sub that is heavy because of its durable and sturdy construction.

Nevertheless, it is easy to fit in any car’s trunk. One remarkable feature of this subwoofer is the audio quality –because of the enhanced voice coil cooling technology. The sound of musical instruments comes out clearly.

This is also small and will not take up too much space in your vehicle. It is an excellent subwofer for those who are looking for a combination of great power handling and amazing sound quality.

Best Car Subwoofer Buying Guide

If you know what kind of subwoofer for your car stereo system you would like to buy, comparing specs can be helpful in making a choice. There is a huge range of specs to keep in mind.

You will notice that we have mentioned some of the things to check for in our previous subwoofer reviews. When you are trying to upgrade your car’s sound system or just looking for a better listening experience while driving, the best place to start is by looking for a subwoofer.

Most OEM car audio systems do not come with a subwoofer, so if you are looking to improve the lower-frequency sounds in your car, adding a subwoofer is a great place to start.

The subwoofer enclosure or subwoofer box is one of the most important factors to consider when selecting a subwoofer. Also, the subwoofer enclosure is the housing that the subwoofer sits in and plays into the car’s audio system. There are three types of enclosures: ported, sealed, and bandpass.

Other crucial specs that you should evaluate are the power handling, frequency range, and cone material. The power handling on a subwoofer is the maximum amount of power the subwoofer can handle before it blows out or overheats.

A higher power handling translates into a subwoofer that will be able to play loud and long and won’t blow at normal volume levels. The frequency range is the range of frequencies that the subwoofer can play. A wider frequency range guarantees that the sub can play a wider variety of music.

What to Look For in A Car Audio Subwoofer?

If you want more bass to shake that automotive, it is essential that you purchase subwoofers that surely will put a boom into your stereo system. Most car subwoofers will have a frequency response between 20 Hz and 200 Hz.

When buying a subwoofer, it is vital that you look for good quality components and how they will affect your listening experience. Here are the key features to look for in a component speaker:

Power handling

If you want to assemble the best car stereo system and something that really booms, then you demand plenty of power handling. Make sure to focus on watts RMS power ratings.

This measures constant power handling. Ensure the speaker can handle at least your amplifier’s output power.

Sensitivity

This one goes along with the power to obtain superior sound quality and high output. A subwoofer with higher ratings of this spec needs less power to generate the same level of sound as models with lower sensitivity ratings.

Type of Enclosure

The kind of enclosure the woofer is mounted on affects the sound quality generated. As a whole, sealed enclosures provide the deepest sound, while ported enclosures, bandpass enclosures, and vented enclosures produce more volume.

Voice Coil

The voice coil is also a vital factor to consider. Dual voice coils subwoofers are renowned options amongst sound lovers who like more flexibility in wiring sound systems.

Dual coils are used in DVC subwoofers, which contain two separate voice coils and connect to a shared cone and cylinder. A single voice coil is used in conventional subwoofers.

Rubber Surround

Back in the day, rubber surround suffered from “suck-back,” on which a vacuum inside the box performs on the surround that causes it to overturn at greater excursion levels.

Experts have since learned from this now, and it is an uncommon incidence. Modern rubber usually lasts longer. However, it is less compliant than foam. Rubber surround can be made more stiff and sturdy than foam.

The subwoofer cone is made of tough Polypropylene woofers. It’s a superb quality subwoofer that is heavy due to its long-lasting as well as sturdy construction.

Impedance

4-ohm impedance is a standard rating for many subwoofers on the market. On the other hand, 8 ohms, 2 ohms, and dual voice coil types have become commonplace.

If you have selected a subwoofer, search for the one that will go along with your speaker when it comes to impedance and power rating.

Other Things You Must Know About When Buying 

If you are searching for the most superior component subwoofers, you will have to remember these things:

A precise and powerful amplifier because it powers the sub and assists it in obtaining clean, loud audio. A well-built and designed enclosure can greatly affect the performance of the sub.

One competition sub, or a high performance subwoofer, can generate enough deep bass frequencies with just one. However, if you acquire none powerful subwoofers, you might require two or more to get the desired output.

Material

It is always best to pick superior materials. For example, many audio experts say that the expensive aluminum cones are the best. However, some materials will deliver a high-quality bass for a low price.

The best car subwoofers are made of Polypropylene. This is a cost-efficient favorite on the market at this point. It’s a material that ensures that your speaker will operate effectively when combined with a high-power amp.

Brand

The brand does really matter sometimes. The best car subwoofer brands offer a great boost to low-frequency sounds with no distortion.

A decent speaker will be less expensive, too. If you are a newbie and purchasing your first radio setup, we suggest that you should select a “well-known company” because these brands have their reputations in the market to maintain.

Choose a reputable company that has a subwoofer that can be mounted in free air. This will eliminate the necessity of an enclosure, which can be difficult to build, especially if you are not experienced in carpentry.

Good Amp

Another vital thing to consider in the best car subwoofers is the amp because you’ll demand one that perfectly powers your sub. Purchasing a very high power amplifier can damage the subs and might damage your auto.

Your subwoofers will have an RMS power rating that serves as a guideline for what power amp you must purchase. Automobile audio experts suggest you never go beyond this limit.

Choose your external amplifier with care to make sure the subwoofers are receiving the most power they can. Most powerful subwoofers will need that extra bump and more space.

Price

To power the subwoofer, you’ll require a speaker wire, wiring kits, as well as other installed accessories. There is a huge difference when it comes to price between branded products and products which are not popular.

Design or Style

A subwoofer design is also a factor to consider aside from powerful sound, quality, and power. Make sure you get one that goes along with the interior of your car in order to make it more inviting. A vented enclosure is the most common one.

Subwoofer Size

You will just need a sub or two, which will give you enough sound for your car speaker system.

For example, if you have a small compact auto, there’s no point in investing in big subwoofers because they’re not required for the most bass impact, and they might not fit, even if you cover them with a steel mesh grille.

A preferred on the subwoofer market is the 8 inches sub because it is small to fit in an average-sized auto without sacrificing too much sound system quality.

What is the best subwoofer size for your car? Well, the ideal subwoofer size is the one that fits in your car, one that you are able to power properly and fits your price range.

If power, budget, size, and space are not a problem, a 12-inch sub-size is exactly what you need. If it doesn’t work, choose a 10-inch subwoofer size.

Here is a quick breakdown of the subwoofer sizes:

8-inch is the most commonly used subwoofer size. This is ideal for fitting in most car spaces.

10-inch subwoofer speaker is more common for those who love deeper bass. However, they still want a compact subwoofer.

12-inch subwoofer is the most popular size for car radio, and it is ok for those who want a superior bass.

15-inch subwoofer size is quite large and also less common.

18-inch sub size is considered more for competitions and typically requires more current to function well.

SVC or DVC

When choosing a subwoofer to set up in your car, you have choices to think about: you may decide on a single voice coil subwoofer or a dual voice coil subwoofer.

The voice coil is a vital part of a sub. There’s a cylinder in subwoofers known as the “former” that is accountable for accepting currents from the amps.

This is part of a better reaction that produces changes in air pressure –resulting in sound production. The voice coil is a coil of wire draped around the former.

More so, the difference between these categories of subs is the number of voice coils in the subwoofer. Some other key features to consider are remote control, peak power, and materials.

Professional vs. DIY Installation of Car Subs

A lot of subwoofers available are easy to set up. All you need to do is follow the installation guides which come with the unit.

Usually, you will need some tools like clamps, screws, screwdriver, enclosure, etc. It all depends on the kind of subwoofer system.

Always consider a powerful amplifier to get the most out of your subs. If you’re not confident enough to install the sub yourself, you may hire a professional to do it for you.

When installing a radio, price is always a concern, but don’t let it deter you from getting the finest bass sound for your vehicle.

Is 300 watts RMS peak power enough?

For professional environments, NO, 300 watts RMS peak power is not enough.

You need an amplifier that can deliver more power than the RMS rating of your subwoofer. Consider a subwoofer that has a power output of 500 to 1,000 watts RMS.

However, if you are just a beginner looking for a powerful subwoofer without spending too much, 300 watts of RMS peak power will be enough. Just make sure that your car can handle that power and that you have an amp that can deliver it.

Do I need an amplifier for my new subwoofer?

Remember, a powerful amplifier is key to getting the most out of your subs, so don’t forget to factor that into your budget. And always consult with a professional if you are not comfortable installing the car system yourself.

With the right subwoofer and built in amplifier in place, you’ll have deep and powerful bass shaking your car’s cabin in no time!

When you’re looking for a new subwoofer, it’s important to find an amp that will be a perfect match for the sub. The amp should always have a higher wattage output than the subwoofer.

The only time you won’t need an external amplifier is when you purchase an active subwoofer that comes with an integrated amp.

Conclusion

So what do you want in a good subwoofer? Get the best sound quality and a reasonable volume level. How about the subwoofer size? Not bulky but well-made. A subwoofer that will surely lift the bass frequencies without blowing your socks off.

To achieve a better quality sound, try adding an amplifier to your car stereo speakers. Before doing so, you will need to identify how much power you will need for both the car speakers and the new subwoofer. Hopefully, this guide can help you find the right one for your car music system.

Last Updated on: February 11, 2023

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