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Willie Greer - June 30, 2021
If you love to blast your music in a car, then we’re sure you are someone who would appreciate heavy and defined bass. Unfortunately, you won’t be getting that deep rumble you want without picking the right sub. To help you achieve a resounding low tones in the car cabin, our sound engineers reviewed the best car subwoofers on the market today.
- IllumiNITE with a plexiglass window
- MDF cabinet construction
- Ventilated Control Circuitry System
- Subwoofers are digitally optimized
- Comes with a vented enclosure
- Provides 1400 watts of power
- Has a Kevlar-reinforced cone
- Includes a built-in amplifier
- Affordable option
- Features a 2-inch BASV voice coil
- Advanced airflow cooling design
- High-temperature copper voice coils
Reviews of the Best Car Subwoofers
Rockville RVE12CA
The Rockville RVE12CA is at the top of our audio team’s list for the high power output and the carpeted vented enclosure. This car subwoofer is amplified and has a power output of 1400 watts at max power and 350 watts RMS. You may think placement flexibility is compromised due to the enclosure, but that isn’t the case.
The RVE12CA has a very slim profile that makes it an excellent addition to your car stereo system. The subwoofer cone is Kevlar-reinforced and extra rigid that sits with a rolled steel basket. There is also a high-temperature voice coil that can withstand hours of heavy playing.
What We Like
- 1400 watts peak power output
- Deep bass sound
- Vented enclosure
- Thin profile
- Kevlar-reinforced cone
- MDF construction
- Bass response at 30 Hz to 500 Hz
- Built-in amp
- High quality sub
What We Don't Like
- More suitable for sedans
- May stick out a bit under certain car seats
Dual Electronics BP1204
Have you seen a car subwoofer that looks as cool as this one? The Dual Electronics BP1204 has an illumiNITE design you can enjoy through a plexiglass window. The dual woofers glow blue and match well with the aluminum cones that creates a reflective effect.
The BP1204 isn’t just about looks, because it has excellent features that will complement your car speaker system such as a 1100-watt peak power handling and 600 watts RMS. You get dual subs for your money, which not only enhances the audio quality but it’s also a great deal for your money.
What We Like
- 2 car subwoofers
- illumiNITE Technology
- 1100 watts peak power and 600 RMS
- Plexiglass window protection
- Mirrored chambers
- Aluminum woofer cones
- Reinforced enclosure chambers
- 2.5 voice coils
- MDF construction
- 1-year warranty
What We Don't Like
- Need a 12 VDC connection for illumiNITE
- Sensitivity not up to 90 dB
Skar Audio IX-10
If you don’t have sky-high expectations and are more concerned about your budget, then the Skar Audio IX-10 is a great choice. Our team of sonic engineers recommend a 10-inch sub like this one for the best balance between size and power. The Skar Audio IX-10 has a peak power handling of 400 watts and 200 watts RMS power rating.
The 2-inch BASV voice coil and the advanced air flow cooling design will prolong your car subwoofer’s lifespan. The frequency response of the woofer with a high-strength has pressed paper cone. The foam surround reaches lower than some other models at 28 Hz to 325 Hz.
(You might want to check out Skar vs Rockford Fosgate)
What We Like
- Dual voice coil 2 ohm subwoofer
- 2-inch BASV voice coil
- High-strength pressed paper cone with foam surround
- Wide frequency response
- Advanced air flow cooling design
- Good subwoofer for those on a budget
What We Don't Like
- Better used with a sealed cabinet
- Incompatible amps can result in distortion
Kicker 10" 600 Watt 4 Ohm Vented Thin Profile Subwoofer Enclosure
The Kicker 44TCWC104 10-inch subwoofer gives your car audio system a real “kick”. The ported enclosure will bring louder bass and the thin profile and 600 watts of peak power output are other key features of the subwoofer.
The very thin structure gives users a ton of flexibility when it comes to placement, including under the front seats. The sensitivity rating is higher than the 90 dB average at 93.8 dB, which makes the sub even louder for low-end sound spectrum enhancement. If you want booming bass with a sub in a ported box, then the Kicker 44TCWC104 is exactly what you’re looking for.
What We Like
- Powerful sub for more bass
- High sensitivity
- 600 watts peak power
- Thin profile
- Flexible placement and fits under the car seat
- MDF cabinet
- 4 ohm voice coil
What We Don't Like
- May rattle at very high volumes
- Doesn’t come with a grille
Rockford Fosgate P300-12T Punch 12" 300 Watt Powered Truck Sealed Box Subwoofer
The Rockford Fosgate Punch series are excellent subwoofers to enhance variations from musical instruments that you couldn’t differentiate before. The Rockford Fosgate P300-12T Punch subwoofer comes in a sealed enclosure for more precise bass output and it’s an all-in-one composition.
The Rockford Fosgate car subwoofer has an in-built class D amplifier that doesn’t add to its slim profile. The subwoofer size makes it great for a car sound system no matter where you place it. The low pass crossover is adjustable and the modern subwoofer has a convertible onboard EQ bass boost.
What We Like
- Rockford Fosgate 1-year warranty
- Adjustable low pass crossover
- EQ bass boost
- Built-in class D amplifier
- Comes in a sealed enclosure
- Excellent bass reproduction
- 12-inch larger sub
- Plenty of tuning abilities
What We Don't Like
- Can be a little bit punchy at higher volumes
- Not as powerful as some other car subwoofer brands
Skar Audio SVR-15 D2 15" 1600 Watt Max Power Dual 2 Ohm Car Subwoofer
Our sound professionals always strive to include designs for every consumer. From size to pricing, we’ve got it all. The Skar Audio SVR-15 D2 are larger car subwoofers for those looking for extra big bass at a reasonable price point. The peak power rating for this subwoofer size is an astounding 1600 watts and 800 watts RMS.
This Skar Audio dual 2 ohm car subwoofer also features advanced air flow cooling technology with a high flux ferrite motor. The construction is also similar to the car subwoofers of smaller sizes with a pressed paper cone and high roll foam surround.
(As top manufacturers of car subs, which is better between JL and Skar Audio? Find out next!)
What We Like
- Powerful subwoofer
- Larger subwoofer size
- Dual voice coils
- Produces deep and dynamic bass
- Excellent bass response at 20Hz to 250Hz
- High flux ferrite motor
- Advanced air flow cooling technology
- Lightweight for the size
What We Don't Like
- Not the best size for smaller cars
- Requires an external amp
JL Audio 10" Single 4-Ohm W0V3 Series Subwoofer
JL Audio is another brand that creates car subwoofers with excellent sound quality. Your car speakers in general will benefit from the addition of this single 4 ohm subwoofer. The JL Audio 10W0V3-4 has a decent power handling of 600 watts at peak power and 300 watts RMS. What stands out about this particular model is the construction.
The JL Audio 10W0V3-4 car subwoofer has a mineral-filled polypropylene cone woofer and a high-excursion large roll surround. It mounts a little higher, but the elevated frame of this JL sub makes it regulate the temperature easily and bring unhindered deep bass sound.
What We Like
- Durable mineral-filled polypropylene cone
- JL Audio high-excursion surround
- Higher frame
- Excellent cooling functions
- Power handling of 600 watts at peak power
- 300 watts RMS
- Delivers impressive bass sound
What We Don't Like
- Requires an external amp
- Mounts a bit higher
JBL GT-BassPro12 12-Inch Car Audio Powered Subwoofer
Don’t get JBL confused with JL, both are excellent brands but provide different benefits. The JBL GT-BassPro12 subwoofer minimizes distortion and brings more bass to your existing car audio system. The port noise is reduced and the thermal protection, improved spider, and progressive design yields a reliable and durable unit.
The subwoofer features a 12-inch polypropylene cone with a 150-watt amplifier built in. Don’t worry if 150 watts doesn’t sound impressive, because the max output can be pushed to 450 watts. JBL even includes smart features such as the automatic on/off function that kicks into action when it senses a signal.
What We Like
- Strong polypropylene cone
- Progressive spider
- Slipstream design
- Remote level control
- Thermal protection
- Signal-sensing automatic power on/off
- Built-in amplifier
- Various inputs
What We Don't Like
- Not as powerful as some models
- Batteries required
Polk Audio DB+ 8 Inch 750 Watt 4 Ohm DVC Marine, ATV & Car Subwoofer
Polk Audio is known for affordable sound components such as speakers and soundbars. It has a budget car subwoofer option that is only 8-inches in size but has 750 watts of peak power. The Polk Audio DB+8 subwoofer has an excellent bass response and can handle all the low-end frequencies without issue.
The high-performance subwoofer is not only suitable for your car, but an ATV and boat would also benefit from the booming bass. What makes it a good match for various modes of transportation? It’s the IP56 rating making the subwoofer resistant to water, dust, dirt, UV and humidity.
(To enhance your speaker-sub connection, you can choose the top subwoofer cable listed here for you)
What We Like
- Very durable with an IP56 rating
- Dynamic Balance Technology for richer bass
- The best subwoofer for versatility
- Low profile
- 750-watt peak power
- Best budget car subwoofer for convertibles and ATVs
What We Don't Like
- Some customization may be required with some boxes
- Only 250 RMS
MTX Audio Terminator Series TNE212D 1,200-Watt Dual 12-Inch Sub Enclosure
The MTX Audio Terminator Series car subwoofers really upgrade your car stereo system. More specifically, the MTX Audio TNE212D, which is a dual 12-inch subwoofer in a ported enclosure can bring deep and reverberating bass to your car system. The MDF construction of the cabinet makes sure the woofers are held securely within.
What impressed our team of testers the most is the frequency range. The subwoofer can go as low as 10Hz on the audio spectrum. It’s a real sonic treat to hear the subwoofers work at 1200 watts at maximum. The 2 ohm voice coil with the rubber surround and polypropylene cone work together to boost your car audio.
What We Like
- 1200 maximum output or 400 watts RMS
- Strong structural integrity
- 2 ohm voice oil
- Goes as low as 10Hz
- Dual subs
- Comes in a vented enclosure with aviation-grade carpet
- Can work with a sealed subwoofer enclosure
What We Don't Like
- Doesn’t come with speaker wires
- Can’t be placed under the seat
Car Subwoofer Buyer’s Guide
There are so many key features to look for in a device to qualify as the best car subwoofer. You want the subwoofer to be secure enough to handle the sound pressure level generated by the woofer. You also want the internal components to be compatible with your existing car audio systems. Our audio experts have created a list of features to help narrow down your choices.
Size and Shape
Your first consideration is the size of your car stereo setup, and then the subwoofer size. The subwoofer should complement your car stereo speakers. The most common sizes of car subwoofers are the 10 and 12-inch options. Unfortunately, you can’t just go out and purchase whichever subwoofer size you want, because you need to make sure the subwoofer fits into your system.
Our experts say you shouldn’t go smaller than 8 inches. The audio quality will barely be noticeable with a 6-inch subwoofer size or even with a high-quality 6.5 sub. Before you write off the 8-inch subs as being small and weak, our audio team is here to tell you that smaller subs are actually more responsive.
The smaller size allows a compact subwoofer to move faster, which is excellent for fast-paced music. Believe it or not, not all consumers like the loud and thumping bass tones. So if you prefer a lighter-hitting sound, a tinier subwoofer size is a better choice.
Then we have the 10-inch subs, which are one of the most common sizes and provides the best balance between low frequencies and power. This subwoofer size can handle the faster beats but also provide substantial enough bass to make a difference. When in doubt, go for the 10-inch subwoofers – if they fit.
The 12-inch subs are the ones that start to provide deeper bass tones. Like the 10-inch options, 12-inch subwoofers are widely available and still provide a great balance. The difference between the 12 and the 10-inch subs is the former is slightly slower but can provide a deeper rumble.
Then we have the larger 15-inch subs, which require a lot of space. They are not common for this reason, but also because they aren’t the most recommended choice for the everyday listener. A 15-inch subwoofer size is great for large vehicles and drivers that crave body-shaking bass.
Now for the various shapes of subwoofers you can come across from the best car subwoofer brands. Not all of them manufacture different shapes, but MTX Audio is one that makes square-shaped subs.
There are also triangular and hexagonal options aside from the basic rounds. Square subs were actually created by Kicker, and they generally provide a better frequency response. This is due to the larger surface area, which can be a con if space is an issue.
Then there are the more unconventional hexagonal shapes, which are essentially a hybrid of the square and round subs. They also provide a great frequency response. Circular subs are still the best car subwoofers choice since sound waves are spherical and tend to be better projected by a round sub.
Enclosure
The enclosure should be sturdy enough to support the power handling. An MDF cabinet is an excellent choice and high-quality carpeting as the exterior finish will produce the best subwoofers.
Then you have the very special designs, such as the Dual Electronics model that has a plexiglass window. Whichever material you choose, the construction of the enclosure should be vyer robust and secure but provides the environment for responsive bass.
(Have an old amp? Well, you can repurpose the device by connecting a subwoofer to an old amplifier using this guide)
Power Rating
In general, and we are painting with very broad brushstrokes, larger subwoofers will have a higher power rating but this isn’t always the case. Our sonic experts often see people falling for the max power handling and completely misunderstanding what it means. The RMS, or root mean square, is easily ignored, which is what our team members want to bring to light.
This isn’t necessarily the consumers’ fault, since companies and manufacturers tend to sell the peak power handling and downplay the RMS. Why is the RMS the one to focus?
Because it’s the rating at which your subwoofer and even speakers can handle on a continuous basis without risking any damage. The peak power is the max output from your sub, but it isn’t meant to be maintained over long periods.
If you play content at max power for long periods continuously, your woofer or speakers will blow out. We understand why the peak power is more enticing, because it’s usually higher than the RMS. In fact, it’s usually double the amount. Our audio experts advise to only focus on the RMS power handling and not the peak power particularly when buying an excellent outdoor subwoofer.
Frequency Range
The optimal frequency range you can expect from the best sound quality subwoofers depends on the human hearing range – but more on that in a bit. Let’s tackle this category by presenting a general range, which is 20 Hz to 200 Hz [1]. The subwoofer’s job is to enhance the lower end of the sound spectrum, while the mid-range and tweeters handle the higher tones. You don’t need the subwoofer to reach much higher than the 200 Hz range, but this depends on your crossover frequency.
Anything below 20 Hz will be difficult for the human ear to discern. This is why you don’t need to pay extra money for seemingly better sound quality if you can’t even hear it. Larger subwoofers are better suited for the lowest notes, but the woofer material along with the cabinet construction also plays a role.
Sensitivity and Impedance
Yes, the power handling has a big role in the sound quality and the loudness of the best car subwoofers, but did you know that the sensitivity also has a hand in it? The sensitivity is a measurement of how loud your sub can be with a certain amount of power, and it is measured in dB (decibels). It’s okay if you don’t totally understand how it works, but know this – the higher the number, the louder the sub.
The average sensitivity is around 88 dB, but our engineers suggest 90 dB for a better experience.
Impedance, on the other hand, is the measurement of how much resistance the best subwoofer has to an electrical current. The more resistance means the higher the ohm, and it’s generally better to opt for lower ohms. However, you must consider the impedance to find the right amplifier.
You will find manufacturers list an impedance number voice coil, such as a single voice coil or double voice coil at a certain ohm. A dual 4 ohm voice coil is quite common, although you can find varying numbers such as a 1 ohm voice coil.
Passive vs Active Car Subs
You will also have noticed that passive and active or powered subwoofer options are often seen on the market. What’s the difference between a passive and active subwoofer? It isn’t the power handling, or a remote control, but the difference lies in the presence of a powerful amplifier.
Passive subwoofers do not have an amplifier built-in, while active sometimes referred to as powered subwoofers do. Having an amp already included saves you a ton of time in finding the right one depending on the various power handling capabilities and frequency range.
Passive subwoofers have their own benefits, including more customizability to your entire system. Which one should you choose? It depends on your end goal and the components you already have. If you don’t want the headache of searching for a compatible amp and worrying about the power handling, then our team suggests going for an active sub.
Ported or Sealed?
A component subwoofer needs an enclosure. Typically, there are two main types – sealed enclosures and vented/ported enclosures. The enclosure is basically the cabinet that houses the woofer. A sealed enclosure is exactly what it sounds like – a box without openings or ports. With that logic, vented or ported enclosures are the opposite, they are boxes with a port.
Does it matter what type of enclosure you get? Yes, it does. In fact, it matters quite a bit. The type you choose will determine your listening experience.
A sealed enclosure produces very accurate and tight bass sounds, and they have excellent power handling. One drawback is that sealed enclosures require more power than the ported option to pump out the low frequencies, so you would need a compatible external amplifier for the best results.
On the other hand, a ported subwoofer enclosure is the best choice for loud and expansive bass frequencies. It may not be as accurate as sealed options, but a vented subwoofer enclosure allows you to differentiate the details on the musical scale.
Our experts often go for vented enclosures for larger spaces and larger vehicles, especially if the speakers are equally large. For the everyday listener, the accuracy variance between sealed and ported enclosures is miniscule, especially when the music is loud and the venue is spacious.
The sealed cabinets are our team’s choice in a space where people are in close vicinity to one another and there is much less room for the bass tones to travel.
(To know more about your subs, you can also check out the basic parts of a subwoofer here)
Price and Warranty
Subwoofers come with a wide pricing range. Our team of car audio professionals always make sure to include ones within various budgets, brands and performance ranges for consumers to pick one suited to their needs. You can find subs for under 100 to over 500 if you know where to look.
A few of the things that determine the price include the voice coils, the construction such as a rubber surround, the subwoofer size, and the max and RMS power handling. Other important factors are advanced technologies that impact sound quality such as Dynamic Motor Analysis, which JL Audio features.
You can’t expect to have all the above-mentioned characteristics and more without willingness to pay a premium. Our experts say there are plenty of affordable best car subs great for everyday listeners. If you are a dedicated audiophile, then you may need to invest in more expensive options. There are also car subs that come with fancy features and a convenient remote control to elevate the user experience.
As for the warranty, it’s not something you want to forgo for products such as a vehicle subwoofer. What happens if the rubber surround is damaged during shipping? You would hope the manufacturer or the brand will cover the damages and any other faulty details. To guarantee this, you would need to look into the warranty agreement and read the fine print.
The warranty length will also differ from various brands, with a 1-year warranty being the standard. It’s a bonus if you can find a model that has a lengthy warranty period as well as a money-back guarantee. The warranty is a layer of consumer protection that is an excellent asset for high-end and mid-range brands.
How Do Car Subwoofers Work?
You wouldn’t want to install anything in your precious car without understanding how it works. There are various components to a sub – the basket, the surround, the cone, the dust cap and the leads.
The basket is what encases the sub and also what supports all the other parts and holds them in place. The surround is usually made from rubber or foam and is used to keep the cone in place and protected. The cone is where the sound comes from, and it needs to be durable because it handles all the vibrations.
The dust cap does what you would assume, which is to prevent dust from accumulating in the center of the cone. Enough dust can compromise the integrity of the cone and affect the performance of the sound quality.
Then we have the spider, which is under the cone and resembles the eight-legged arachnid. It supports the movement of the cone from behind and protects against dust and debris.
The leads connect the voice coil to the speaker ports, and is another key component to the composition of a subwoofer.
The above are all the parts that make up the suspension system of the subwoofer. The next part is the motor system, which comprises two parts – the voice coil and magnet. These bits come together to provide the power that drives the whole system.
The voice coil is the conductor for the electrical current that runs through it and the current forces the coil to move and produce deep bass tones. Our team says to always look for voice coils that are heat-resistant or can handle high temperatures because this part of the sub is prone to overheating.
The magnet has a supportive role to the voice coil, and it helps with the current flow and sound production. How does a subwoofer work? The electric current travels through all of the components listed above to create the bass you have been missing.
(Want to improve the sound clarity of your sub? Then, you should know the importance of subwoofer phase here)
Why Install a Subwoofer in Your Car?
Are there benefits to installing a subwoofer in your car? Some of you may feel content with your current car audio setup, but you don’t know what you’ve been missing! First of all, you get a better bass response from your speakers. It’s tough for regular speakers to relay any tones under 50 Hz. Since most subs can reach down to 20 Hz or lower, there is a whole section of the bass spectrum that you have not heard.
Not only is the subwoofer beneficial for the bass sounds, but it also works to improve your overall car sound system. Since the content will cross over from your regular speakers to your best car subwoofer for the low spectrum, it also reduces distortion. The subwoofer will also help reduce the demand on your standard speakers.
A subwoofer in an enclosure also offers placement flexibility. You can place it below your car seat like some of the excellent under seat subs available on the market or even in your trunk for a different bass effect. To sum up, if you install a subwoofer in your car you will potentially get bigger bass, an enhanced overall audio performance, and bring all the notes you were missing straight to the surface.
FAQ
What is the best car subwoofer to buy?
The best car subwoofer to buy is the Rockville RVE12CA. We recommend the 12-inch subwoofer size as it’s a great balance for sound and power. Speaking of power, the Rockville subwoofer has a 1400-watt peak rating and 350 RMS. The sub comes with a durable vented enclosure, a Kevlar-reinforced cone and has a vented core magnet motor structure.
How do I choose a subwoofer for my car?
You choose a subwoofer for your car by looking at a few key factors – the size, the enclosure, power rating, sensitivity, and price. The brand isn’t as important as these determiners. Choose a sub that fits into your car with either a vented or sealed enclosure. Focus on the RMS power rating and look for a sub in your price range with preferably a 90 dB sensitivity rating.
What size car subwoofer is best?
A 12-inch subwoofer is the best. It is a larger size that can handle bigger bass but not too large to forgo all the details. However, 10-inch subwoofers are also an excellent alternative for those who want a more responsive size that can produce accuracy. 10-inch subs are usually not as hard-hitting as 12-inch models. You need to decide on the type of bass you want to find the right size.
Is a car subwoofer worth it?
Yes, a car subwoofer is worth it. It will not only elucidate previously muddled or unheard bass tones, but it will also provide precision and upgrade the sound of your entire system. You can also place the subwoofer in different positions. A sub under your seat will give you more resounding bass while one in your trunk will reverberate through the whole cabin.
Our Top Pick For a Car Subwoofer:
Rockville RVE12CA
Our audio professionals’ top pick from the list today is the Rockville RVE12CA. It’s a very structured and sturdy model in a vented enclosure. The construction is tough because the cone is reinforced with Kevlar. As for subwoofer performance and efficiency, the RVE12CA has an in-built amplifier, vented core magnet motor structure, and a slim profile.
For more products, you can also check the list below:
