Top 10 Best Car Subwoofers in 2021 [Reviews & Buying Guide]
You do not need to be an audio enthusiast to agree with us 100-percent that factory speakers are not the best. And the first thing someone should do after buying a vehicle is to have them replaced. Well, there are many different audio systems to replace them with. And one of these is the car subwoofer. What’s great about car subwoofers is that they are very affordable. So, if you are on a budget, they are no doubt the best purchase for you.
Another great thing about car subwoofers is that despite the low price point, they produce fairly good bass sound. Their high-ends and mid ranges are not bad either. With them, you will be able to bring a real party to your car. In the following top 10 best car subwoofers reviews, we take you through some of the best models for sweat-free buying.
Table Best Car Subwoofers
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Contents Table
- 1. BOSS Audio Systems AC12D Car Subwoofer
- 2. MTX Audio Terminator Series Dual 12-Inch Sub Enclosure (TNE212D)
- 3. Rockville RW10CA 10” 800 Watt Active Powered Car Subwoofer Sub
- 4. Pioneer 10 inch Shallow-Mount Pre-Loaded Enclosure (TS-SWX2502)
- 5. Rockford Fosgate P3 DVC 12-Inch Subwoofer (P3D4-12)
- 6. Lanzar MAXP64 6.5 inch Car Subwoofer Speaker
- 7. Skar Audio 6.5” Dual 2 Ohm Car Subwoofer (EVL-65 D2)
- 8. Sound Storm 10 Inch Amplified Car Subwoofer (LOPRO10)
- 9. Audiopipe New! XXX 2 10” Car Audio Subwoofer Box 5” Tweeters
- 10. JBL 8” 200-Watt Subwoofer (Stage 810)
1. BOSS Audio Systems AC12D Car Subwoofer
Before we start providing you with details about this car subwoofer by BOSS Audio Systems, we would like to let you know a new subwoofer requires a break-in period. During this period, the subwoofer should be subjected to low-to-medium volumes only for a number of hours. This helps loosen the suspension, thereby, preventing the voice coil from overheating.
If you do not break in your subwoofer before exposing it to harsh conditions, it is likely to fail prematurely and deliver poor performance. That being said, this piece of information is not just important about this particular car subwoofer but also it is crucial among other models. The specifications of this car subwoofer include Impedance – 4 Ohms; Voice Coil – Dual 2” High Temperature, and more.
This is a 12-inch car subwoofer, but there are also other models, including 8-inch. Needless to say, you will be able to easily find what best suits your needs. It is a high-performance subwoofer that, when used according to instructions, will deliver amazing results. Its resonant frequency is 32 Hz and dimensions are 13 by 13 by 6 inches. The subwoofer also boasts impressive sensitivity SPL (1W/1m) of 88 Db.
Car subwoofer should not just have amazing specs but also it should be built with durability in mind. The durability of this model cannot be questioned. What’s even better, it does not come at the expense of powerful performance.
- Polypropylene Material: It is durable, and, therefore, enables the subwoofer to offer a resilient performance.
- Voice Coil: It can stand up to high temperatures yet maintain its strength. By so doing, the voice coil allows for longer play times.
- Surround Foam: It is super flexible; hence, it provides the subwoofer with unrivaled efficiency.
- Stamped Basket: Offers a rigid and strong platform, thereby, allowing you to enjoy clean and clear music.
- 3-year Warranty: The manufacturer stands behind the car subwoofer. The manufacturer, however, encourages that the subwoofer be installed by a professional.
- Great for those on a budget
- Installation is pretty straightforward
- Sound clear and hits the low nicely
- The bass is not distorted
- The amp sounds great
- The RMS power is overrated, but this does not affect the performance
2. MTX Audio Terminator Series Dual 12-Inch Sub Enclosure (TNE212D)
The dimensions of this 12-inch sub enclosure are 14 inches high by 29-11/16 inches wide by 13-1/2 inches deep. It is a nicely-sized car subwoofer that should fit perfectly in the trunk of almost any vehicle. What’s more, the frequency response of this car subwoofer ranges from 37 – 150 Hz, and we think this is impressive as well.
Another impressive spec is the maximum power handling rating that is 1200 Watts and a peak power handling rating of 800 Watts. The RMS rating, on the other hand, is 400 Watts. All these prove that this car subwoofer has plenty of power in it. The recommended power range is from 200 – 400 Watts at 2 Ohms.
If you are looking to improve bass in your vehicle without squashing your budget, this car subwoofer should be a frontier for you. It has plenty of power, and it is ruggedly constructed, meaning it is capable of holding up well to harsh conditions. With it, you will instantly take the sound quality of your vehicle to a whole new level.
The enclosure houses two 12” Terminator subwoofers, a vented enclosure, or TNP212D2. Another reason why we think this package is worth investing in is that it has exceptional frequency response, and it is solidly built.
- Embroidered Terminator Logo: Improves the aesthetics of the car subwoofer, thereby, making you a proud user.
- 5/8-inch MDF and Aviation-grade Black Carpet: They protect components; hence, extending the lifespan of the entire unit.
- 1-year Manufacturer’s Warranty: Allows the manufacturer to help free of charge in case you experience any issues with the unit.
- 2-inch Aluminum Voice Coil: It is made of aluminum so it can deliver solid performance every time.
- Power Handling: The unit boasts great power handling that enables it to perform better in even high temperatures.
- The price point is low
- Last longer and holds up nicely
- The bass is incredible
- Greatly improves sound in the vehicle
- Arrives nicely packaged
- The installation is quick and easy
- The amp may get extremely hot if the sub stays in use for a long time
3. Rockville RW10CA 10” 800 Watt Active Powered Car Subwoofer Sub
Most manufacturers do not say the truth about the power rating of their car subwoofers. For instance, some will tell you that the power rating of their units is 2,000 watts yet in actual sense the power rating is less than 500 watts. Fortunately, Rockville is not one of these manufacturers. It is a reputable company that provides accurate information about its products.
What’s more, Rockville stands behind its car subwoofer because it knows that it is a top-notch unit. It accepts returns in case you are unhappy with its product. All that being said, expect this 800W Active Powered Subwoofer to be a nice purchase. It is CEA compliant; meaning it is safe to use and meets industry standards.
Furthermore, the amp of this unit is built-in; hence, expect wiring and installation to be clean and easy. The dimensions of this sub are 12.4 inches long by 13.4 inches wide by 2.7 inches high and the frequency response is from 20Hz – 150Hz. Other specs are 90 dB at 1w/1m; low pass filter ranging from 50Hz – 150Hz, and bass boost varying from 0 – 18dB at 45Hz.
We are impressed with the low profile of this car subwoofer. It makes the unit very easy to install. We are also happy with the fact that the sub comes with a lot of accessories including mounting hardware and a user manual.
- Awesome Controls: They allow you to tweak the sound to your liking and enjoy good music all through.
- Level Control: It is for the volume. It allows you to set the volume high, medium or low.
- Subsonic Filter: Filters out the extremely low frequencies, which the human ear is unable to hear.
- Safety Features: They include overload protection circuit, short protection circuit, and thermal protection circuit. They help extend the lifespan of the car subwoofer.
2.7” Thickness: Enables the sub to easily fit under the seat. - High-level Inputs: They have auto turn-on technology for ultimate convenience.
- The level of bass is exceptional
- The sub is nicely priced
- The controller knob makes the bass easy to adjust
- The sound is fairly crispy
- Works well with most vehicle and factory speakers
- The wiring is simple and the remote functions perfectly
- The sub does run hot
4. Pioneer 10 inch Shallow-Mount Pre-Loaded Enclosure (TS-SWX2502)
It is no surprise that this shallow-mount pre-loaded enclosure is in demand. It is a product of Pioneer, one of the most trusted manufacturers of sound systems. Pioneer has been around long enough to be in a position of producing top-notch products that meet all the needs of music lovers.
Second, this sub is durable and cleverly designed in such a way that it does justice to all kinds of music. It produces tight bass, and this makes it very popular since nearly all music enthusiasts like a sub that pumps decent bass for maximum enjoyment of music. Best of all, this subwoofer is able to achieve that without being big and bulky.
Everyone likes a subwoofer that produces great sound quality regardless of the type of music it is playing. This sub has what it takes to achieve that. Besides, this sub boasts a great music power rating of 1,200W. It is also solidly built for long-lasting performance.
The subwoofer measures 55.9 by 40.6 by 22.9 centimeters. It is safe to say, the sub is compact, and, therefore, can fit anywhere. The durability of this subwoofer is also worth talking about, as this is another reason why it is loved by many. It is made of quality materials that will no doubt prolong its lifespan.
- Cone Surface: Moves more air, thereby, allowing the sub to produce louder and deeper bass.
- Dual Spider: Offers more cone motion, thereby, ensuring accurate bass response.
- MICA Injection-molded Resin: Creates a durable and rigid cone; hence, enabling it to produce accurate bass.
- Creative Enclosure Design: Makes installing the enclosure quick and easy.
- Compact Space-saving Dimensions: They make it easy to fit the sub in many different vehicles, including crew-cab, extended-cab, and standard-cab.
- Scratch-resistant, non-slip and carpeted enclosure surface: It also helps make installation a cakewalk.
- Sound is incredibly clean and clear
- Compact and does not take up much space
- The sub is easy to install
- A better alternative to factory speakers
- The construction is sturdy
- Great for someone looking to add a subwoofer to their audio system
- The shallow mount might prevent you from getting a lot of bass out of it, but, for the price, you can’t complain
5. Rockford Fosgate P3 DVC 12-Inch Subwoofer (P3D4-12)
Rockford Corporation distributes and markets top-quality audio systems. It is a well-known company that has been setting the standard for excellence since it was established. The corporation manufactures its products under 4 brands, including Rockford Acoustic Design, Rockford Fosgate, InstallEdge.com, and Lightning Audio. For instance, this 12” subwoofer is under Rockford Fosgate. It is very easy to install, as it only needs a cutout diameter of 11.25 inches and a mounting depth of 6.66 inches.
We are happy to note that this car subwoofer is available in two styles to choose from. We are also happy with the fact that the manufacturer fully stands behind this car subwoofer. Plus, of course, we are thrilled with the quality of sound the sub is able to pump out.
It is well made and has all the great features that allow it to meet your lifestyle. It is a 12-inch subwoofer, meaning it pumps out pretty good bass as well as reproducing clearer sound than smaller units. Apart from normal features that are there in most models, this car sub has a number of extraordinary features such as StampCast basket, Soft-touch rubber, and PVC textured magnet cover.
For a company that has been around for more than 2 decades, expect nothing but total satisfaction when you buy from them. That being said, it is no surprise that this car sub delivers deep, loud and aggressive bass. It is available in two styles, which are 2-Ohm and 4-Ohm. There is a reason why not just the manufacturer but also other people refer to this sub as the “Punch”. And the reason is it delivers when it matters.
- 1-year Limited Manufacturer’s Warranty: The car subwoofer is fully backed by the manufacturer to give you peace of mind during purchase.
- Unique Spider Venting Design: Keeps the motor cooler, thereby, helping to extend its lifespan.
- New Hybrid Stamp-cast Basket: Provides incredible strength while minimizing resonance and weight.
- Stitched Tinsel Leads: They stand up to extreme duty cycles, high current, and fatigue. By so doing, these stitched tinsel leads help ensure a robust design.
- Vertical Attach Surround Technique: Plays a huge role in providing up to 25-percent more effective radiating cone area.
- Anodized Aluminum Coil Formers: They offer amazing heat dissipation; thereby, enabling the car subwoofer to work well at high temperatures.
- The overall quality of the sub is impressive
- The bass is crispier and clearer than most models in the same class
- Has a classy design that makes it look sleek
- Can be used as passive subs with Home Theaters
- The price is outstanding
- The frequency range is not the best, but this does not really affect performance
6. Lanzar MAXP64 6.5 inch Car Subwoofer Speaker
Clean-cut, versatile and powerful new sound can only be reproduced by premium car subwoofers such as the Lanzar MAXP64 Car Subwoofer. It provides great audio solutions to allow you to enjoy every track. With it, you will be able to add quality enhancement and performance to your audio system. Besides, this car subwoofer is ruggedly crafted, and this means it will hold up well to any harsh conditions it is exposed to.
The price of this car subwoofer is super competitive. It is a fraction of some of the cheapest prices we already know. What’s even better, the price does not seem to have anything to do with the overall quality of this sub. It has all the necessary, and it serves its purpose.
Another great thing about this car subwoofer is that it can be connected to another Lanzar subwoofer to improve sound and performance. In fact, if you want to turn more than a few heads with extraordinary sound, this is exactly what you should look forward to. Like other Lanzar subwoofers, this model will breathe new life into your audio system.
It is a complete car subwoofer with everything you need to play your music over and over. Lanzar believes in quality, accuracy, and craftsmanship. According to them, you need all the three traits to make a product that delivers true quality performance. Its boat and car audio systems are some of the most advanced pieces of automotive electronics you have ever come across. Having said that, expect this unit to work just fine.
- 600 Watt Peak Power: It produces high sound resonance; making sure every track sounds cool.
- Specially-treated Foam Edge Suspension: It keeps equipment safe, thereby, playing a huge role in extending the lifespan of the car subwoofer.
- Bumped and Vented Motor Structure: Ensures easy installation as well as improving durability.
- Non-pressed Paper Cone: It does not just produce a powerful stereo but also keeps equipment safe.
- 1.5-inch Voice Coil: It is a high-temp voice coil made of aluminum so it can resist corrosion.
- 3-inch Mounting Depth: Fits most audio systems for RVs, cars, and boats. The 3-inch mounting depth together with the manual, installation template, and necessary cables make installation quick and easy.
- The amount of bass the sub produces is impressive
- Shipping is fast and packaging is good
- Perfect for small enclosures
- Suitable for anyone on a tight budget
- The build quality for the price is exceptional
- It may not handle power greatly if not broken-in correctly
7. Skar Audio 6.5” Dual 2 Ohm Car Subwoofer (EVL-65 D2)
It is no surprise that this car subwoofer is in these reviews. Designed to be the most powerful, efficient, and responsive, this car subwoofer is built to put a smile on your face. It is a 6.5-inch sub that performs well. Because of its compact size, this sub is very easy to install.
Well, it is able to deliver second-to-none performance because of such features as a powerful 39-ounce single slug ferrite motor and a 2-inch pure copper voice coil. Although it is small, this car subwoofer has a maximum power rating of 400 watts and an RMS rating of 200 watts. Going by that information power and RMS ratings, it is safe to say that this subwoofer is fairly powerful.
As expected, the enclosure for this subwoofer is small, and this makes the entire unit the perfect package for limited space. The cutout diameter required is 5.826 inches, while the mounting diameter is 3.561 inches. The subwoofer’s sensitivity, on the other hand, is 83.1dB. Furthermore, this subwoofer boasts a reasonable price point; hence, you should consider it if you are looking to enhance your audio system but do not want to spend much on speakers.
This subwoofer may not be as big as other models in these reviews and on the market. However, it still delivers when it comes to improving sound quality. It has a great price as well as reasonable RMS and power ratings. With that said, we believe it will suit your needs.
- 2-inch High-temp Voice Coil: Enables the woofer to play throughout the day. It also ensures that the woofer outputs incredibly bass all the time.
- Deep Cone & Rubber Surround: They allow the subwoofer to hit low frequencies without any issues.
- Spade Terminals: They make installation a no-brainer. This means in no time, you will have a subwoofer set to produce the sound you want.
- Compact 6.5” Size: The compact size makes this subwoofer very easy to install.
- Single Slug Ferrite Motor: It is powerful, and, therefore, improves the performance of the car subwoofer.
- The frequency response and sound are all amazing
- Great for limited space
- Looks nice once installed
- The build quality is first-class
- Works well with any issues
- Works perfectly for producing extra mid-bass
- The terminals appear to do more harm than good – they are pretty hard to get to and wire
8. Sound Storm 10 Inch Amplified Car Subwoofer (LOPRO10)
You get a lot of good things when you buy this 10-inch car subwoofer. It is a high-performance unit that delivers amazing features without consuming too much power. Best of all, the price of this car subwoofer is not exaggerated, and this means you will find it easy to buy even when you are on a budget.
The car subwoofer measures 15 by 9.75 by 3 inches. It is compact, and, therefore, great for anyone who wants to improve sound quality yet does not want to see plenty of space taken up. It is also perfect for anyone short on space. Unlike most models, you will not just get a subwoofer but also you will get an amplifier.
The manufacturer believes in the quality of this subwoofer and fully stands behind it. Ideally, the manufacturer encourages professional installation. And this is because chances of getting it wrong with professional installation are almost zero. Aside from 10” 1200 watts, this subwoofer is available in 8” 600 watts. So, if you feel that the 10-inch 1200-watt model is a bit on the large side, you can turn to the 8-inch 600-watt model.
The low profile of this subwoofer cannot go unnoticed. It helps make installation since it can easily fit in most places. Another plus as far as this unit is concerned is the included amplified. Also, we are glad that the price of this package is not hiked despite the aforementioned amplifier.
- Built-in Amplifier: It ensures better performance and maximum satisfaction with the whole package.
- Low-pass Filter: It is an electronic circuit, which removes all the notes below the frequency setting of the filter.
- High-level Inputs: They are simply speaker level inputs. They are for connecting the sub to the aftermarket radio or factory radio, which does not have RCA (low level) inputs.
- Low-level Inputs: They are commonly referred to as RCA inputs. They come in handy for connecting the subwoofer to the source unit.
- Variable Bass Boost: They will let you adjust the low bass within the boost range.
- Automatic Shut-off: Protects the amplifier from overheating. It is also activated when the speakers fail, thereby, causing a short.
- Low-profile Design: Makes the car subwoofer ideal for space-constrained areas.
- The price is great
- The size is perfect
- High ends and mid-range are impressive
- Offers a cost-effective way to add depth to your sound system
- The sub is easy to install
- Lacks a bit of deep bass, but this does not have profound effects on the overall performance
9. Audiopipe New! XXX 2 10” Car Audio Subwoofer Box 5” Tweeters
Another product we think you would want to know more about is this car audio subwoofer. It is a 10-inch sub. It is well-sized, and, therefore, it can perfectly fit anywhere. Ideally, the compact size makes it a perfect purchase for anyone who wants to upgrade their audio system yet does not have much space.
What’s more, this car audio sub has plenty of bass in it. It will reproduce sound just the way you like. The car audio sub is also designed to be noticeable. It has great looks and a beautiful design, which enables it to complement the style of any place it is installed.
Based on what we have seen on this subwoofer, we can say with a lot of confidence that Audiopipe is one of the manufacturers that know what it is doing. The car audio subwoofer is compact; hence, very easy to install. It also pumps out a lot of bass plus it is good-looking.
The only drawback of this sub is maximum power handling, which is only 300 Watts. But, given its low price point, we do not think this should really be an issue. So, go ahead and get this bad boy.
- Carry Strap Handle: Makes it easy to move around with the car subwoofer from one place to another.
- Charcoal Carpet Covering: It greatly improves the aesthetics of the car sub.
- Ported Design: It helps with greater bass response.
- Two 5-inch Piezo Tweeters: They play a huge role in improving the sound quality produced by the subwoofer.
- Compact Size: The subwoofer measures 29” by 12” by 6” (top)/8” (bottom).
- The price is within an affordable range
- Makes a nice gift for a loved one
- The sound is pretty good
- The tweeters are a nice addition
- The enclosure looks nice
- Not for anyone looking for super deep bass
10. JBL 8” 200-Watt Subwoofer (Stage 810)
JBL Stage Car Subwoofers were designed to produce low-distortion bass. Ideally, they were engineered to have power handling capability up to 1,000 watts peak power. The JBL Stage 810 is one of these subwoofers. It has a peak power handling capability of 800 watts, meaning it will deliver as expected. Besides, this car subwoofer comes with an owner’s manual to provide you with instructions on how to use it.
And its RMS rating is 200 watts, which is just fine. The subwoofer also boasts an impedance of 4 ohms. For these specifications, it is easy to see why this is one of the best quality subwoofers for cars. It is lightweight, and, therefore, installing it is a cakewalk. What’s even better, the lightweight construction does not make the subwoofer flimsy.
It is well-constructed and has what it takes to deliver amazing results as well as to hold up well in very harsh conditions. JBL has been producing high-quality audio systems for more than 7 decades. It has vast experience in making quality products. With all that said, go for this car subwoofer with peace of mind knowing that you are getting a top-notch product.
With a frequency response of 38Hz – 200Hz, it is hard to get it wrong with this car subwoofer. As if that’s not enough, the car subwoofer has sensitivity at 2.83V of 88dB. It is a nice car subwoofer, which we believe will serve you well.
- Polypropylene Woofer Cones: They are lightweight yet stiff. They have hi-roll rubber surrounds that offer superior durability and high-efficiency so the sub can work smoothly with a variety of amplifiers.
- Highest-grade Materials: The subwoofer is made of premium materials to ensure ultimate reliability.
- Compact Size: This 8-inch subwoofer can fit in almost any place. It is great for those looking for subwoofers to install in space-constrained areas.
- Voice Coil: The voice coil of this subwoofer has a diameter of 1.5 inches.
- Power Handling: The power handling capability of this subwoofer is impressive. Therefore, expect it to last longer.
- Makes a great replacement for factory subwoofers
- Produces great sound for its size
- Works well with stereo speakers
- The materials it is made of seem quality
- Impressive for the price
- Not for those looking for a heavy bass sound
Buyer’s Guide for the Best Car Subwoofers
We are always urged to choose the best products based on the reviews and ratings. But if the latest information is anything to go by, then this might not be the right way to land the best product. According to the information, there are claims that some manufacturers are not genuine with the reviews and ratings of their products. With that being said, the only way to end up with what is right is to read several factors on how to find that particular product you are interested in. For example, if you are interested in car subwoofers, reading the factors we have written below will go a long way to helping you make the right decision. Let’s get started.
Sound Quality
Most car owners will tell you that they are buying car subwoofers because they have had enough with their factory speakers. But why should someone have enough with factory speakers? The answer is simple. Factory speakers are not up to it as far as producing good sound quality is concerned. That being said, it will make no sense at all to replace your factory speakers with another bunch of badly-sounding car subwoofers. So, before buying a car subwoofer, make sure you check its features to see if it is capable of outperforming the outgoing factory speakers or the existing sound system.
The Durability of the Car Subwoofer
The importance of choosing a durable car subwoofer cannot be overlooked. This is because car subwoofers are among the audio systems that are exposed to very harsh conditions. They are likely to experience the full force of UV light. They are also expected to perform when the vehicle is at top speed. Furthermore, the fact that the prices of most car subwoofers are on the low side does not mean you settle on something that’s cheaply made. All that being said, go for a car subwoofer made of the highest-grade materials like polypropylene. Such a car subwoofer is likely to hold up to anything thrown at it.
Ease of Installation
Most manufacturers advise that when it comes to installing a car subwoofer, have it done by a professional. This is because installing a car subwoofer can be tricky. In fact, some manufacturers even go to the extent of voiding a warranty if they realize that installation was done by unqualified personnel. Well, to avoid having your warranty voided, you can choose the smooth path by having your car subwoofer installed and wired by a professional. But again, hiring a professional can sometimes be expensive. So, if you are a DIY enthusiast or have installed a car subwoofer before, you can try your luck. However, before you do this, make sure the car subwoofer you are settling on is easy to install. Ensure it is well-sized and comes with most, if not, all pieces of installation hardware.
Power Handling Capability
This goes hand in hand with durability in the sense that the higher the power handling capability, the more durable a car subwoofer is likely to be. With that said, look for car subwoofers with high power handling capability. This means subs with high maximum power handling capability, high peak power handling capability, and high RMS rating. Such a sub will no doubt perform better in high temperatures without burning up. Ideally, you should not rely on the product description only when choosing a sub based on power handling capability. This is because some manufacturers exaggerate the power handling ratings of their products. As such, try to go through reviews as well to see what previous buyers are saying about how much power the subwoofer you are interested in can handle.
Other factors you should have in mind when buying a car subwoofer are frequency response, sensitivity, tweeters, and voice coil.
Conclusion
Nothing is as exciting as having a well-made car subwoofer that makes music sound the way it should be in your car. But there is a problem. And that is getting a well-made car subwoofer can be very daunting. Lucky for you, the above reviews and buyers guide should help you settle on what will meet your needs.
