Best Car Subwoofers

Review & Comparison, Last Update February 6, 2024
If your car stereo system doesn't boom, you definitely lack the right subwoofer. This piece of equipment really makes any audio system play loud and low. To decide on the best car sub, all you need is just to look through this review! ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
TYPE
DRIVER
SIZE
RMS POWER
PEAK POWER
SENSITIVITY
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
CONTROL
CONNECTIONS
WARRANTY
 
PROS
This subwoofer model conforms to CEA-2006 and CEA-2031 standards, so all specified characteristics are real.
CONS
Requires additional adapters for RCA connection.
OUR VERDICT
This is a compact, simple to install and configure sub that will surely improve your listening experience. A great all-in-one solution for your car!
detailed parameters
TYPE
Powered (5/8" MDF Enclosure)
DRIVER
12"
SIZE
Height: 15" Width: 19.8" Bottom Depth: 11" Top Depth: 7"
RMS POWER
300W
PEAK POWER
600W
SENSITIVITY
12 dB
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
35 Hz -200 Hz
CONTROL
Input level control, Crossover frequency, Bass control, Phase switch, Input level switch, Auto turn on switch
CONNECTIONS
Audio input (Hi and Low), Remote control connection, Power connections
WARRANTY
1 year
PROS
MTX car audio subwoofer features Spider Plateau Venting technology that cools the air to protect a voice coil from overheating.
CONS
The model isn't equipped with a speaker grille protecting the drivers from external impacts.
OUR VERDICT
Designed by the renowned producer, this car stereo subwoofer is able to provide the most accurate and deep bass.
detailed parameters
TYPE
Enclosed (5/8" MDF Enclosure)
DRIVER
2x 12"
SIZE
Height: 14" Width: 29.63" Bottom Depth: 13.5" Top Depth: 11.13"
RMS POWER
400W
PEAK POWER
800W (peak) 1200W (max)
SENSITIVITY
N/A
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
37 Hz - 150 Hz
CONTROL
From an external device
CONNECTIONS
Spring loaded, Push-down terminals
WARRANTY
2 years
PROS
Shallow-mount design enables mounting the speaker in a compact enclosure providing simple installation in a car.
CONS
The holes for standard 10" drivers in a subwoofer box may require enlarging.
OUR VERDICT
This small car subwoofer will give you a chance to build a compact and highly personalized stereo system in your vehicle.
detailed parameters
TYPE
Component
DRIVER
10"
SIZE
Mounting Depth: 3-1/8" Cut-Out: 9-3/4"
RMS POWER
300W
PEAK POWER
1200W
SENSITIVITY
91 dB
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
20 Hz - 125 Hz
CONTROL
From an external device
CONNECTIONS
Spring loaded, Push-down terminals
WARRANTY
1 year
PROS
The model stands out for its remarkable futuristic design and allows you to view the rear side of the woofer.
CONS
Not the loudest sounding system there is.
OUR VERDICT
An inspirational design, mystical blue backlight, pure and solid bass the subwoofer provide will surely boost a car audio system and decorate any car interior.
detailed parameters
TYPE
Powered (stamped steel frame with chromed backplate)
DRIVER
8"
SIZE
Height: 9.22" Width: 15.35" Depth: 15.35"
RMS POWER
80W
PEAK POWER
160W
SENSITIVITY
72 dB
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
20 Hz - 200 Hz
CONTROL
Input level control, Crossover frequency, Phase control
CONNECTIONS
High-level inputs, Low-level inputs (RCA), Power connections
WARRANTY
1 year
PROS
The speaker is built into a robust steel frame and the driver's cone is made of non-press paper so the sub is capable of handling a lot of power.
CONS
The driver size is rather big, so you'll need a larger box and more space for installation.
OUR VERDICT
Pyle PLPW15D is a super powerful bass producer which delivers pure and solid low-frequency sound. Excellent choice for serious audiophiles!
detailed parameters
TYPE
Component
DRIVER
15"
SIZE
Mounting Depth: 6.3" Cut-Out: 15.3"
RMS POWER
1000W
PEAK POWER
2000W
SENSITIVITY
90 dB
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
40 Hz - 150 Hz
CONTROL
From an external device
CONNECTIONS
Spring loaded, Push-down terminals
WARRANTY
1 year
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Rockford Fosgate P300-12

All-in-one Solution? There It Is!

If you love to listen to music in your car and want to add low frequencies to sound without difficult installation, Rockford Fosgate P300-12 is the right choice! This is a powered subwoofer that combines a large driver and amplifier inside a subwoofer box made of 5/8-inch MDF. Sealed enclosure is designed to ensure optimal performance of the woofer and the most accurate sound. It's also very important that the product conforms to CEA-2006 and CEA-2031 standards, so all the specified power ratings correspond to actual values. Therefore, you can boost your car stereo system with 300 Watts of pure, deep bass!

Review of Rockford Fosgate P300-12 Loaded 12-Inch Subwoofer Enclosure

Easy to Install, Easy to Configure

As we have already mentioned, this sub includes the 12" driver and amp, so it'll be a piece of cake to make all necessary connections. All you need to do is plug power and ground wires into corresponding connectors and hook up a stereo receiver or other audio source. By the way, you can use either RCA connectors or high-level stereo inputs to connect your playback device. Also, it's important to set up Input level switch in proper position.

You'll be able to manage all settings via a built-in adjustable bass boost equalizer. One more advantage is that the system allows hooking up a remote. Get the deepest sound possible with ease!

Rockford Fosgate P300-12 Loaded 12-Inch Subwoofer Enclosure in the use

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Car speakers are equally important if you want to get ideal sound in your vehicle!

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $329.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B007AQ2W6W

VIDEO
Rockford Fosgate P300-12

What customers say about this product

Audio

Got the 12 and installed in my Jeep JKU. Sounds really good especially with Rock music. I would recommend.

Size & Weight

The price was right and the dimensions of the box would still allow me to use my trunk.

Features

Very easy installation with clean connections. I really like the options for remote turn on of the amp

Connectivity

I am impressed with how loud this thing can get for 300w RMS. And it's simple connect.
 

MTX TNE212D

Boost the Sound!

MTX Terminator Series TNE212D is a powerful car audio subwoofer for those who enjoy the attention and admiration of others. Two 12" woofers mounted in a sealed MDF enclosure, without any doubt, will impress everyone by the bass they produce! Each driver is able to handle 200 watts RMS power and 400 watts peak power. It's safe to say that this subwoofer is a great way to breathe new life into an older stereo system!

Review of MTX TNE212D Subwoofer Enclosure

40 Years Among the Leaders

Established in 1979 by Loyd Ivey, MTX specializes in producing professional audio equipment for cars, marine applications, home audio, and portable audio systems. The company is best known for its car products, in particular subs and amplifiers. It's noteworthy that in 1984 MTX designed the first mobile audio enclosure.

If you made up your mind to add a subwoofer in your car, MTX Terminator TNE212D Subwoofer is a great option. This product will undoubtedly push the limits of a good-sounding stereo system!

MTX TNE212D Subwoofer Enclosure in the use

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Last updated price $238.51
Stock In stock
ASIN B001JECAM2

VIDEO
MTX Terminator TNE212D Review

What customers say about this product

Features

Very smooth controlled low end with a good punch you can feel.

Key Specs

Great presentation when installed correctly, great sound, for the money fantastic power. Definitely recommend this as a starter package.

Audio

It hits every frequency with force and clarity that I have been missing, since my Pro audio PA gear days.

Size & Weight

Not to mention very, very light-weight.
 

Pioneer TS-SW2502S4 Shallow-Mount

Space-Saver

Pioneer TS-SW2502S4 belongs to shallow-mount subwoofers, so compact size is the key feature of the product. If you have limited space, this sub is what you were looking for! The mounting depth is only 3-1/8" - less than half of a typical sub in this class. It can be mounted in a slender box and installed behind a truck seat, inside a pickup truck cabin or any other available space. You won't sacrifice much valuable space to build your stereo sound! Wonderful! Pay attention that the speaker requires a hole with a diameter of 9-3/4 inches in an enclosure to be properly mounted.

Review of Pioneer TS-SW2502S4 Shallow-Mount Subwoofer

How to Choose a Subwoofer Box

Selecting the right enclosure for a component sub should be a high-priority issue since a well-chosen box contributes to the best sound and blends perfectly with your car's interior. There are many ways to add a sub to a vehicle. The simplest of them is just to place a woofer in a car's trunk. However, you should know it wouldn't provide satisfactory bass. If you want to get deeper you should go for a sealed enclosure. Ported and bandpass enclosures don't provide the deepest bass, however, they ensure louder sound. Therefore, it's up to you which type to choose.

Pioneer TS-SW2502S4 Shallow-Mount Subwoofer in the use

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Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B0054REBYK

VIDEO
2015 Pioneer Shallow Mount Subwoofers

What customers say about this product

Size & Weight

Yes, it works in the smaller size box, but you will be doing this thing injustice by not stuffing it into 0.7 0cub.ft sealed enclosure.

Key Specs

Mega power!!! crystal sound, powerful bass and good price

Audio

Great sub for small space and produces great sound with the right amplifier.

Features

Seems like they will be great though once i set them up as they should be with a proper setup using a stock f150 head unit as the bass controller. Need a low pass filters
 

Dual SBP8A

Bright Design

Dual SBP8A will surely dazzle you with its great sound as well as remarkable design. This is a ported sub designed in a stamped steel frame with chromed backplate. The back of the box is made of plexiglass, so you'll be able to view the 8" highly efficient woofer inside the enclosure. Another distinctive feature is a blue backlight illuminating the driver. It'll add a futuristic look to your car's interior and will definitely impress everyone. Without a doubt, this sub is a great combination of power, compactness, and design.

Review of Dual SBP8A Amplified Bandpass Subwoofer

Ready to Boom

Dual SBP8A isn't simply a product that will blend perfectly with a car interior, it is also a ready-to-use system. It comes with a built-in amp and all necessary inputs at the back. There are low and high level connectors, so it's up to you to choose between the types of connectivity. However, note that you can't hook up both channels at the same time. Three special controls will allow you to adjust the volume level, frequency range, and phase to get the most accurate sound.

To sum it up, this sub offers an excellent combination of pure bass, stunning design, and easiest installation!

Dual SBP8A Amplified Bandpass Subwoofer in the use

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Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B002WN2JS4

VIDEO
Dual 8-Inch 160W Single Amplified Bandpass Subwoofer with Enclosure | SBP8A

What customers say about this product

Features

He got out and told me that not only was it well built but he couldn't belive the performance and my car bumped like the old days back in high school.

Size & Weight

This is an awsome product. It is perfect in my jeep. It's also nice to have the amp and speaker all in one. It takes up less space.

Audio

Im not a huge fan of the light because im using in a hatchback, but if your just looking for extra bass, this setup is perfect with amp included.

Key Specs

Does not sound like an 80 watt RMS sub. when the windows are down in your car, the bass covers the music on some songs.
 

Pyle PLPW15D

Truly Impressive

Pyle Power Series PLPW15D really amazes with its specs. 1000 RMS and 2000 peak watts are able to produce really impressive bass in your vehicle. 90dB sensitivity ensures remarkably loud low-frequency sound even with low power. To make the most of this component sub, you'll need the right enclosure and a well-chosen amp capable of providing the required power. If you've decided to use a made-to-order enclosure, note that the driver requires the bottom depth of 6.3 inches and a hole with a diameter of 15.3 inches. To simplify the connection process, the sub comes with a special spring-loaded push-down terminals. Hook up with ease!

Review of Pyle PLPW15D Subwoofer

The Right Choice

There are many different opinions around the ideal amplifier in relation to RMS power rating of a subwoofer. Most experts share a point of view that the amplifier's maximum power output should be higher than subwoofer power handling. It's also important to pay attention to the type of amp since there are two-channel, three-channel amplifiers, etc. 1-channel amplifiers (monoblock) are intended for low resistance loads (1-2 Ohms). If your sub has a higher resistance, you should look at 2-channel amps that can operate in a bridge mode. Meanwhile, 4-channel amplifiers are the most frequently used as they allow connecting two channels to speakers and other two channels to a sub. Amps of other types are used in vehicles much rarer.

It's also crucial to consider types of control such as gain control and crossover. They'll help you configure parameters to get the sound that really booms.

Pyle PLPW15D Subwoofer in the use

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Detailed review of Pyle PLPW15D Subwoofer

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $43.95
Stock In stock
ASIN B0071HY3T4

VIDEO
15 INCH SUBWOOFER (15 inch pyle power subwoofer PLPW15D banging in my yaris PART 1)

What customers say about this product

Key Specs

Great spwekers. Had a boss ph4000d pushing them at 2 ohms they were too much for it. Now I got a boss ph5000d on them and they put out soo much bass you can heart them 3 blocks away!! 4 real!!

Audio

A cheap amp connected to these without a standalone crossover will resolve in some frequency bleed. For the price though, these speakers are great!

Features

Clear controlled base at a good price. I installed two in two sonotubes we have in our family ceiling. I noticed an immediate improvement in sound and clarity. Jim

Size & Weight

This is a very nice speaker for the price it's light weight but can handle quite a bit of power for the price and is very clean and bumps really well wasn't expecting it to be clean for the price
 

What is a Car Subwoofer

For many of us, music in a car matters a lot. Beloved songs can cheer us up and supply us with energy for the whole day. There is nothing quite like listening to your favorite music while on the road, especially if your stereo system plays loud and produces pure and solid bass. Unfortunately, not every factory car audio speaker can provide accurate and solid low-frequency sound. The easiest way to get a good bass is, of course, to add a subwoofer to your car. Let's look at the best car audio subwoofers we've picked for you!

Besides, if you're interested in other audio equipment for a car, consider purchasing car speakers and car video & stereo receivers.

What Features to Compare

Type and Installation

When deciding on the right sub for your car, first look at its type and how much space it takes up. Here, we listed main types of subwoofers:

  • Component subwoofer. A bass speaker itself requiring an enclosure and amplifier to operate properly.
  • Enclosed subwoofer. A speaker mounted in an enclosure. It's a great option if you already have an external amplifier.
  • Powered subwoofer. A ready-to-install subwoofer equipped with a bass speaker, enclosure, and built-in amp.
  • Vehicle-specific subwoofer. A space-saving bass system produced to be installed even in slender spaces.

To understand how much space the sub will require, take a look at the size of either a subwoofer box or a speaker itself in case you're going to acquire a component one. Knowing these dimensions, you'll be able to select the bass producer that matches up best to your needs!

Subwoofer Specifications

Speaker specs allow you to be aware of the kind of sound the system is able to produce. Power is the key feature that determines maximum volume level a sub can provide. In particular, RMS power rating is the most important value — it indicates continuous power a sub can handle without damaging itself.

Sensitivity is also a vital spec. The higher sensitivity a sub features, the louder sound it can actually reproduce without changing input signal level.

Finally, don't neglect the frequency response as this value shows how low a sub can play. 

Conveniences

Don't forget to consider additional settings as well as the types of control you can benefit from. Some subs, for example, feature a convenient board with different controls on one of the sides, thus facilitating device's configuration. Most other speakers are adjusted from an externally connected device such as a stereo receiver or amplifier. The last but not the least, don't underestimate the importance of connectivity ways since they contribute to versatility and ease of use.

Sources:

1. Ken Nail Car subwoofer buying guide, Crutchfield. July 25, 2016.

2. How to Choose Subwoofers for Your Car Stereo, wikiHow.

3. Jeremy Laukkonen Complete Your Sound with a Subwoofer, Lifewire. August 19, 2016.

4. Geoffrey Morrison How to pick the right subwoofer, CNET. March 13, 2013.

5. Choosing the Right Subwoofers for Your Car, eBay. March 3, 2016.

6. Jeph Preece How to Pick the Perfect Power Amp for Your Car Subwoofer, TopTenReviews.

7. What Type of Cone Does Your Car Subwoofer Need? eBay. March 3, 2016

8. Car Subwoofers Buying Guide, Abt.

9. Robert Harley Subwoofer Basics, the absolute sound. July 15, 2015.

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