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Willie Greer - August 17, 2021
Choosing a free air subwoofer for your audio system can be a bit of a challenge, considering that there are so many of them. That said, you might get a model that doesn’t hit the best frequencies and volumes. Our sound technicians have tried and tested the top options on the market so you’re assured to get a model that’s worth the money.
44CWCD84 Sub
- Pressed paper cone design
- High-quality, deep bass
- Easy to mount in-room or vehicle
Subwoofer
- Selectable Smart Impedance
- Fiber cones
- 2-inch dual voice coil
Free Air Sub
- Strong Watt WMS rating
- High-temperature wire
- Injection-molded paper cone
Reviews of the Top Free Air Subwoofers
Infinity Kappa Subwoofer
The first great option on our list is the Infinity Kappa Subwoofer. If you prefer an immersive and engaging music experience, this is the best free air subwoofer you want to go for. The sub does well in different scenarios, with a nice mix of strength and flexibility.
With this sub, you get Selectable Smart Impedance. You can choose between 2 and 4 Ohms in impedance, so you get versatility. The aero-coding design ensures that its 2-inch dual voice coil is always cool. This boosts power handling capacity pretty well.
Lastly, the sub comes with an acoustically damped glass fiber cone. This ensures that you get nothing but deep bass.
What We Like
- Fiber cones help ensure great bass without distortion
- Aero-coding design for easy cooling
- Immersive voice coil
- Has glass fiber cone acoustically
- Provides Selectable Smart Impedance
What We Don’t Like
- A bit too expensive
- Design isn’t so compact
Kicker 44CWCD84 Sub
Another option on our list is the Kicker 44CWCD84 Sub. It might be small with 8-inch driver size, but this subwoofer gets everything right for you. The sub offers a durable design and a high-quality punchy bass, ensuring that you can enjoy your sound at all times.
This Kicker subwoofer gives you a punchy sound with an audible thump that improves your favorite tracks. It is flexible in operation, too, as you can choose the free air or enclosed air setup. Its build makes it capable of enduring heavy-duty use while not compromising on the sound quality at all.
What We Like
- Strong cone design
- Thumping, punchy bass
- Compact build makes it versatile
- Gives high-quality punchy bass
What We Don’t Like
- Installation is a bit challenging
- Might not be so great for your trunk space
JBL Stage 810 Sub
JBL offers products that are strong and effective. The company’s Stage 10 free air subwoofer is no different. This is an 8-inch subwoofer with a 200 Watts RMS power rating. JBL Stage 810 sub is also very flexible. You can choose between the free air or enclosed air setup, and rest assured that it will get the right sound quality.
Impedance here measures 4 Ohms, allowing the free air subwoofer to work with different amplifiers. Its design includes an injection-molded polypropylene cone, as well as voice coils measuring 1.5 inches. With a 1.5-inch voice coil, the sub offers between 38 and 200 Hz frequency response range.
What We Like
- Competitive price
- Broad frequency response range
- Free air and sealed setups are available
- Flexible sub
What We Don’t Like
- Not too great with heavy bass
- Small size will struggle in open environments
Skar Audio VD-8 D2 Subwoofer
Skar has been one of the most popular manufacturers of the best free air subwoofers for a while now. With the Skar Audio VD-8 D2, the company has a free air subwoofer that competes with the very best.
While it isn’t the best free aid subwoofer available, this Skar product packs a punch. It has a 2-inch high-temperature copper coil, as well as a competition-grade cone and high-strength foam surround. Its 600 Watts RMS power rating is impressive, and you get a 400 Watts RMS peak power too.
This sub has a frequency range of 32 to 375 Hz. Note that it is a shallow mount subwoofer, so you need to make accommodations for that.
What We Like
- Compact build
- Competition-grade cone
- Can withstand high temperatures
- Comes with an impressive 600 Watts RMS power rating
What We Don’t Like
- Needs space for mounting
- Specs aren’t as high-end as other subs
Rockford Fosgate R2 Ultra Shallow Subwoofer
Rockford isn’t quite as popular as Skar and some of the other manufacturers on the list. But, when it comes to the best free air subwoofers, the company appears to have made an impressive product with the Rockford Fosgate R2 subwoofer.
Strong and sturdy, this subwoofer provides a lot of benefits. For one, it has a peak power rating of 400W while its 300 Watts RMS power rating is impressive too. Its steel basket comes with a spider venting structure, which helps it to produce better sound. Lastly, you get a mica-injected polypropylene cone that is strong and durable.
Like the Skar subwoofer, this product has a high mounting depth. Note that.
What We Like
- Sturdy steel basket
- Impressive audio
- Aluminum, voice coil
- Strong and durable polypropylene cone
What We Don’t Like
- High mounting depth in your car trunk
- Low power rating
Kicker 10C104 Free Air Sub
Another Kicker 10C104 product that makes an appearance on our list of the best free air subwoofers. Here, we’ve got the 10C104 – a simple and budget-friendly sub that delivers.
Designed for heavy-duty use, this Kicker sub has a durable design that can withstand long-term use. You get an injection-modeled cone, as well as a 360-degree back brace that improves strength and rigidity.
There’s a high-temperature wire coil with this Kicker product that withstands high pressures and a venting space for heat.
This free air sub withstands the loudest bass, with a 150 Watts RMS power rating. Its frequency response ranges from 30 to 150 Hz, and a 4-Ohm impedance ensures versatility.
What We Like
- Rigid construction
- Competitive price
- Broad frequency response range
- Gives the loudest bass
- 4-Ohm impedance offers versatility
What We Don’t Like
- Time break is a bit too long
- Sub is a bit too heavy
Free Air Subwoofers Buyer’s Guide
Below, we will look into recommendations from our sound engineers about what to consider when buying the great free air subwoofers.
Size
As always, you need to be very careful with the size of the subwoofer that you get. A subwoofer with a big size will be much better for playing in outer spaces and large rooms as they most likely have more bass and a broader frequency range. If you’re having a small party or many people over, this is something you want to consider.
But, if it’s a pretty intimate event or car audio, you can go for a smaller sub instead. In general, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer for choosing the best subwoofer when it comes to size. The ideal option will depend on what you want and the situation itself.
Size also matters for placing. Something big might not fit so well in your car trunk, you know.
Power
Measured in Watts, this metric in a subwoofer primarily shows its capacity from an audio perspective. Most small subwoofers don’t have so much power, so you’ll generally see things like a peak strength of 1,000 W to 2,000 W. But, the bigger ones can have peak power ratings as high as 3,000 W and 4,000 W.
On the rarest of occasions, you can see subs go even higher. Of course, a stronger sub can provide more bass on several levels. Whether it’s high bass or low bass, count on it to perform well.
Again, like size, the best subwoofer for you will depend on what you want. Something for car audio doesn’t need so much bass, for instance. But, if you want something for a larger space, you will need a better bass, which means a stronger sub.
Sound Quality
It is beyond important that you pay attention to the sound quality of your free air subwoofer. Subs are a part of your sound setup, and you will need to ensure that they deliver the optimal sound you need.
There aren’t many indicators of sound quality. For most people, testing out the free air subwoofer to see what it sounds like is the best way to handle this metric. But, you can also take note of its frequency and placement. Some subs will need to be properly placed for that crisp audio to come through. Take note of specifications and recommendations from the manufacturer too.
Amplifier
To be fair, it is worth noting that not every subwoofer needs an amplifier. However, the ones with amps tend to be much better when it comes to projecting sound.
If you select a sub with an amplifier, you need to know about the amp and its capabilities. An amp that is strong enough will effectively project the sound to the level that you would like.
So, just remember that not every sub has an amp. If you find that an option you want has an amp, you must ensure that the amp can project good sound.
(Looking for ways to better synchronize your sound system? Well, we have this page about how to connect a powered subwoofer to passive speakers to give you some tips)
Frequency Range
Every sub should have a diverse frequency range, making it much easier to control the different elements of a mix. Most people have an audible frequency spectrum of between 20 Hz and 20 kHz.
For subwoofers, there are different ranges. These include sub-bass (20 Hz to 60 Hz), bass (61 Hz to 250 Hz), mid-level (251 Hz to 500 Hz), midrange (500 Hz to 2 kHz), high mids (2 kHz to 6 kHz), and highs (6 kHz to 20 kHz).
Depending on the sound you’ll be looking to project, you can check out the frequency range of the subwoofer to know if it will be great for you.
Impedance
The impedance of a subwoofer is the resisting property of its voice coils. It is measured in ohms [1]. When a subwoofer has a lower impedance, it will be easier for an amp to supply energy. When a subwoofer has a lower impedance, it will be easier for an amp to supply energy.
When the amp’s output hits a sub with a low impedance, you have a problem. The sub will try to supply more energy than it can produce, starting to overheat. If your sub is designed to cut out, then it will shut down when it overheats. If it’s not, it could get damaged.
So, as you check the sub’s impedance, make sure to check its energy as well – if it has one.
Material and Durability
On final thoughts, you also need to ensure that your free air subwoofer is durable. This is a function of the material used in building and designing it. For a lot of people, subwoofers will need to be used outdoors and at gatherings. You need something that can stand some pretty rough environments and still hold its own.
In some cases, the material of the subwoofer can also determine how well its sound quality and bass show. When the sub is properly built, the bass sounds punchier and more gripping. Remember that bass is a finicky sound, so you want something with a strong build if you’ll get the best bass.
Some products also have a rubber surround, which can help with sound amplification. The rubber surround is a great addition, so feel free to check out a rubber surround in the material section.
(For the most durable sub enclosure material, here are the most excellent subwoofer box materials available today)
But, the most important thing here is to ensure that your subwoofer is strong and durable enough to be used in some extreme conditions.
Benefits of a Free Air Subwoofer
As explained earlier, a free air subwoofer is a type of subwoofer that doesn’t come enclosed in a box. Some of its benefits include:
Space-Saving
Since they don’t come in boxes, the best subwoofer options can help you save space. You can easily mount them anywhere, and you don’t need to worry about space consumption. You can even install several of them in your car.
With their air setup, they are not sealed, so they save a lot of space. This is especially great if you want to put one in your car trunk.
Cost-Effective
An excellent free air sub is generally less costly than any of the enclosed subwoofers. This is because they function without an enclosure. So, if you’re working on a tight budget, free air subs will be what you need. They are great for anything – a room, a car, etc.
Low Power Consumption
A free air sub works in an open environment. So, it can easily move air – unlike an enclosed sub. Thus, free air subs demand less output from the amp than an enclosed subwoofer. This is especially true for those with impressive power handling. When power handling is optimal, consumption will reduce. So, check the Watts RMS power rating, overall power rating, and handling metrics.
This is also important if you’re using the sub in your car trunk.
Installing a Free Air Subwoofer
Generally, the processes involved in installing free air subwoofers in your car will vary. Free air subwoofers have different manufacturers, so the installation procedures can’t exactly be the same thing. Also, since many of them come with different features, you will need to install them differently.
One of the most important tips for you will ensure that the subwoofer you select has a simple installation process. Be sure to read the instruction manual thoroughly before you proceed so you don’t make any errors.
Some manufacturers will also offer installation help for some qualifying purchases. Names like Kicker and more fall into this category. Check to see if you qualify for that.
(For best integration, we have our guide about how to hook up a subwoofer in a car here)
Difference from Infinite Battle
Some consider the infinite battle to be the best for a sound system in your car. These subwoofers have a smooth roll-off when they play low frequencies. They don’t have enclosures either.
Infinite battle systems use large, sealed spaces. But, infinite battle subs are mounted similarly to free air subwoofers. So, they share similarities with installation and other metrics.
However, infinite battle systems take more time and effort with installation as their waves might interfere with each other. With free air subs, you don’t need to struggle with technical complexities that much. So, even an 8-inch free air subwoofer will allow you to make an exceptional sound while not stressing over sealing enclosures.
FAQ
Do free air subwoofers sound good?
Free air subwoofers sound good in your car or anywhere else. While some might argue that they don’t sound as good as the sealed subwoofers, they pack quite a punch. You just need to make sure that you pick a strong subwoofer with proper audio quality.
Does Skar make a free air subwoofer?
Yes, Skar makes free air subwoofers. The company has some impressive free air subwoofers, which are available for customers. We have the Skar Audio VD-8 D2 Subwoofer on our list – a sub that offers a strong and impressive RMS power collection.
Its power handling is optimal, and you get a frequency range of 32 to 375 Hz. Don’t forget the foam surround, which helps the sub’s sound system offering.
Our Top Pick For a Free Air Subwoofer:
Infinity Kappa Subwoofer
The Infinity Kappa Subwoofer takes the prize when it comes to free air subwoofers. It is a strong and sturdy product that offers an immersive sound experience – flexibility in impedance, a strong power handling capacity, and stable frequency response. This sub is a great addition to any car or sound system.
If you are searching for other excellent products, we have this list for you:
