It’s so nice to hear high-quality sound when you’re driving, most especially on a long trip, eliminating the boredom and uplifting the mood. That’s why it’s about time to have car subwoofers installed once and for all.
Subwoofers are created to produce quality low-frequency sound and a great bass perfect to surprise like a heartbeat. If you want to add some bass to your vehicle, you might want to install one of the best car subwoofers in the market today.
However, not all car subwoofers are the same. They have different power capacity, impedance, volume capacity, sound quality, and construction. In this post, you’ll learn everything about car subwoofers and the best features to look for and important considerations when buying one. Check out the product reviews of the best car subwoofers in the market today.
Table of Contents
#1 .JBL GT-BassPro12 12-Inch Car Subwoofers System
The JBL GT-BassPro12 12-Inch Subwoofer System measures and weighs 12 x 22.4 x 14.5 inches. It is made of the die-cast aluminum basket so it provides solid sounds in various conditions. It has a stylish metal grille and carpet covering to help protect your investment. Experience a distortion-free bass even high output levels because the Slipstream port eliminates the port noise.
Because your amplifier is matched with woofer, expect system optimization with the Slipstream port and enclosure for the best performance at a great value. The signal-sensing automatically turns this car subwoofer on and off whenever the head unit sends audio signals. You can easily get your desired sound with bass-boost, low-pass, input level, and phase controls.
Experience a real blast of bass with JBL GT-BassPro12, so you can feel the impact of your favorite songs or sound as you drive. It is designed to shine in any car environment, so you can tune it for tight and responsive low notes. The 150-Watt amplifier is built-in and matched perfectly to the subwoofer, so it will not wimp out when it is time to rock.
Conclusion
While this car subwoofer is a bit heavy, it’s a good catch because it only equates to durable construction and quality sound. Also, it is easy to install with responsive low notes.
Pros
– Durable construction
– Responsive low notes
– Super easy and clean to install
Cons
– A bit heavy
#2. ORION HCCA122 HCCA Series Subwoofer Car
The Orion HCCA122 HCCA 12-inch Subwoofer measures 12 x 12.5 x 6.5 inches and weighs 76.6 pounds. It’s a universal subwoofer at 12 inches, 5000W power handling, and 2 Ohm by Orion. The HCCA made an update with the addition of a new voice coil. You’ll definitely be impressed with the tri-radius symmetrical surround, improved voice coil cooling systems, and the dual flat convex spiders of the Orion HCCA122 HCCA 12-inch Subwoofer.
It is best to face this car subwoofer into your auto with seats down. Don’t forget to seal them using a memory foam mattress. Also, if you like a loud sound to feel the music, you can wire it to Orion XTR 2500.1Dz, at 1 ohm, 300 amp alternator, an XS D3400 AGM battery, a battery isolator, and 0 gauge CCA wire for an awesome setup.
Conclusion
Orion HCCA122 has higher power and better quality. Such modification ultimately increases the temperature control and power performance of the subwoofer. Check with the manufacturer about any warranty coverage if you encounter any problem after buying this subwoofer. Every manufacturer should offer a minimum of six months warranty.
Pros
– Perfect for a sealed enclosure
– Performs well
– Awesome power handling
Cons
– No warranty
#3. Kicker 12-Inch Car Audio Subwoofers (Pair)
The Kicker 12-Inch Car Audio Subwoofers measures 12.6 x 12.6 x 6.8 inches and weighs 24.6 pounds. It’s the best balance between high performance and high-value round-subwoofer in the market today, featuring the stiffest injection-molded cone. The package comes with a pair of the subwoofer at 300 Watt and 150 Watt RMS each with an 88.3 dB sensitivity and Single 4 Ohm impedance.
It is equipped with 36-degree back bracing, flex-killing, updated or enhanced coil-cooling perimeter venting, Spiraled tinsel-lead technology, high-temp voice-coil wire, nickel-plated push terminals, yellow double-stitched surround, and resilient steel basket. It is versatile to perform in sealed or vented enclosures and free-air applications.
Conclusion
The hits of Kicker 12-Inch Car Audio Subwoofers are very nice. It’s a real bargain and everyone who gets to your vehicle will surely feel the bass to wow their chest and mood. While you might find that this subwoofer produces weak bass, the deep bass is impressive.
Pros
– Strong and loud subwoofer
– Suitable for free-air applications
– Great value for money
Cons
– Weak decent bass
#4. Pioneer TS-WX1210A 12″ Sealed enclosure active car subwoofer with built-in amplifier
Pioneer TS-WX1210A is a sealed enclosure active subwoofer with a high output, low distortion, and high bandwidth 300-watt Class D amplifier. It measures 11 x 20.8 x 15 inches and weighs 15 pounds, which is matched with high sensitivity woofers for small, sealed enclosures optimized use.
The controls are adjustable to give you the flexibility of sound depending on your preference with a variable bass boost (from 0 to +12 dB and 40 Hz to 100Hz) for enhanced control. You can adjust the input gain using the mounted input gain control located on the enclosure side panel or the included remote bass control.
You’ll be impressed with the durable innovative trapezoid shape enclosure. It is designed to increase installation flexibility, reduce standing waves and for high rigidity. For optimal bass tuning, you can install it freely under seats, in the cabin or re-position with the subwoofer firing front, rear, or upwards. The fully carpeted enclosure creates a durable, scratch resistant, and non-slip surface.
Conclusion
The Pioneer TS-WX1210A is worth the money because of its deep booming bass that’s not distorted, but not chest rattling. That’s why you’ll be pleased with the max bass settings if you’re into it. It is easy to install at a great value.
Pros
– Easy to install
– Price hard to beat
– Clean and tight bass
– Reasonable sound
Cons
– Blue light flickers randomly
#5. MTX Audio Terminator Series TNP212D2 Subwoofers
The MTX Audio Terminator Series TNE212D subwoofer measures 14 x 29 x 13 inches and weighs 56 pounds. It houses two terminator subwoofers of vented enclosures. It’s a perfect solution if you’re looking to add bass to your car powered at 1,200-Watt.
The rugged construction includes a 5/8-inch MDF with an aviation grade black carpet. The recommended power range is 200 to 400 Watts at 2 ohms. Also, it has a rubber surround, 2-inch aluminum voice coil, Polypropylene Cone, 37 to 150 Hz frequency response, and MTX Audio Logo. While you may feel lows and highs are lacking, this subwoofer provides a serious base with superior durability.
Conclusion
You’ll love the sound of the MTX Audio Terminator Series TNE212D that works throughout the winter even if the amp gets cold, it still warms up and truly kicks. It arrives with great packaging and the amp is packed well. Also, the installation is quick and easy, saving your precious time and effort.
Pros
– Nice packaging
– Easy to install
– Unbeatable price
– Provides serious base
– Durable
Cons
– Lacking highs and lows
#6. Rockville RW10CA 10-inch Car Subwoofer
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The Rockville RW10CA 10-inch Car Subwoofer is powered at 800 Watts. It weighs 14.25 pounds and measures 12.4 x 13.4 x 2.7 inches. According to the manufacturer, this subwoofer is CEA-2006 compliant, approved by a 3rd party for 100% assurance that you benefit from the great sound.
The RW10CA is easy to install with clean wiring. It’s your all-in-one solution for a great sounding bass. It is a 2.7 inches sub enclosure that can easily fit under your car seat with a built-in amplifier. It has a smart circuit that senses an audio signal present. The controls are amazing allowing you to tweak the perfect car sound to your preference.
Conclusion
The Rockville RW10CA 10-inch Car Subwoofer has an adjustable volume level control. It filters low frequencies that human ear cannot hear for bass boost and phase control. Just make sure to avoid stressing your subwoofer too much to avoid running it too hot.
Pros
– Impressive bass level
– Sounds great
– Easy to install
– Knob works well
Cons
– Tend to run hot
#7. Kenwood KSC-SW11 Compact Powered Enclosed Car Subwoofer
This compact subwoofer is perfect for limited car spaces looking to add some bass. The Kenwood KSC-SW11 Enclosed Subwoofer can be added under your car seat, in your trunk, or in tight spaces. Because this 50 Watt subwoofer is powered, you don’t need an external amplifier.
Kenwood is a quality brand, so expect this subwoofer as high-quality. It measures 11 x 7.5 x 2.8 inches and weighs 6.17 pounds. This subwoofer is relatively easy to install by wiring it to your battery and grounding it. After which, connect the subwoofer to the head unit with the use of RCA cables.
Conclusion
This Kenwood car subwoofer is absolutely awesome, perfect for anyone who appreciates quality music. It is loud enough to give you decent vibrations, giving your speakers a fullness of sound. For a quality mid-bass driver, the Kenwood KSC-SW11 Enclosed Subwoofer is highly recommended. The Kenwood KSC-SW11 produces not so impressive lows but the mid-bass sound is simply amazing.
Pros
– Simple installation
– Quality mid-bass sound
– Loud
Cons
– Low-quality lows
#8. Pioneer TS-SW2002D2 8-inch Shallow-Mount Car Subwoofer with 600 Watts Max Power
This is an 8-inch shallow subwoofer with a power handling of 600 Watts (maximum) and 150 Watts nominal power. It delivers superior quality deep bass, producing top-notch sound quality. One of the best features is the MICA injection-molded resin, giving this subwoofer the ability to produce quality and accurate bass.
The Pioneer TS-SW2002D2 Shallow-Mount Subwoofer measures 7 x 7 x 7 inches and weighs 6.2 pounds. It uses an oversized cone structure, providing gasket surface and greater cone without modifying the standard external dimension. The cone surface produces deeper and louder bass due to moving more air.
Conclusion
The Pioneer TS-SW2002D2 Shallow-Mount Subwoofer is easy to install because it doesn’t require cuttings or holes. It sounds better than factory enclosures, producing a decent quality sound that is perfect for an everyday companion while driving. While this subwoofer doesn’t produce high-quality lows, you’ll be impressed with the volume and bass, far better than factory enclosures.
Pros
– Quality sound
– Better than factory enclosure
– Easily fits without modification
– No cutting or holes required
Cons
– Not so good quality lows
#9. Dual Electronics BP1204 12 Car Subwoofers
The Dual Electronics BP1204 12 Car Subwoofers measures 30 x 14.4 x 14.4 inches and weighs 58 pounds. It has a cool illuminating design (blue light) that will impress your passengers. The peak power handling is impressive at 1,100 Watts and 600 Watts RMS with a 4 Ohm Impedance. It has a stunning frequency range between 30 Hz to 200 kHz for superior sound on the road.
The output efficiency is increased drastically because of its specialized tuned port. It’s computer-aided design with 2.5-inch Voice Coils providing you with superb quality and consistent low sounding bass. The computer-tuned acoustic chambers can deliver up to a maximum level of sound just enough without rattling your chest.
You’ll enjoy nonstop music all day and night because of the excellent sound MDF construction. It has a high-grade carpet that will eliminate the majority of enclosure movements for the unmatched and streamlined sound quality on the road. Even if the subwoofer doesn’t come with an instructional manual, it’s pretty easy to install.
Conclusion
Install the Dual Electronics BP1204 12 Car Subwoofers with a breeze and enjoy high-quality sound on the rod. It has built-in crossovers, making your life a lot easier and the Ventilated Control Circuitry System cools your system on peak usage without compromising studio quality performance.
Pros
– Built-in crossover
– Hits hard
– Great bass
– Impressive design
Cons
– No installation instructions included
#10. Alphasonik AS10DF 10-inch Flat Enclosed Car Subwoofer
The Alphasonik AS10DF 10-inch Flat Enclosed Subwoofer Bass measures 8.8 x 21.4 x 15.2 inches and weighs 20 pounds. It promises a deeper, richer, and a low-frequency bass that is truly heart pounding.
This subwoofer has a durable construction, compact to save space, and specifically designed to reduce sound vibration for better sound quality. You can mount it horizontally or vertically in most types of vehicles. It has a rigid spun aluminum cone even with powerful bass notes. Also, it has a special bonding sealer to create an air-tight seal which increases joint strength and bass reflex.
The best features of Alphasonik AS10DF 10-inch Flat Enclosed Subwoofer Bass include a peak power rating of 1,200 Watts and 500 Watts RMS Power, with 95 dB Sensitivity, 4-Ohms final impedance, and 20 Hz to 114 Hz frequency response.
Conclusion
The Alphasonik AS10DF provides awesome lows and impressive bass. It is compact to fit restricted spaces at an unbeatable price. While this brand of subwoofer is not that extremely powerful, it provides a decent bass and awesome lows at an unbeatable price.
Pros
– Great price point
– Compact
– Awesome lows
Cons
– Not extremely powerful
Important Facts about Car Subwoofers
Car subwoofers play a vital role to come up with the high-quality sound of your favorite music while you drive or take a long trip. Subwoofers add some bass to your vehicle sound system, giving your music some depth for a complete and better sound.
Not all car subwoofers are the same and choosing the right one for you can be a complex process. It’s not as simple as picking one at random, throwing it in your car and wiring it up. It’s crucial to do your homework so that you can choose the best car subwoofers for your vehicle audio system.
When selecting your car subwoofers, always consider essential things, like the amount of space in your trunk, power rating, and the music you love and enjoy listening to.
Here are the things you need to take into consideration when buying a new car subwoofer.
Size
Size matters when buying new car subwoofers. However, big speakers aren’t always the best. It is ideal if you prefer bone-shaking and tooth-rattling bass. Based on the law of physics, a small speaker tend to work harder than a big speaker to produce low-frequency waves, whereas the sub of big cone moves more air to produce a loud bass.
Vehicle Compatibility
It’s important to choose a subwoofer that’s compatible with your vehicle. Check for the sensitivity and power handling of the new subwoofer to know if it will fit smoothly with the audio system of your car.
Sensitivity is the amount of power your subwoofer needs to produce a certain volume level. That’s why it’s important to determine the amount of power that your head unit or external amp puts out.
Power Handling
Knowing the subwoofer RMS power handling rating is vital because you need to know the amount of power you need to power it. So you need to make sure that it’s compatible with the head unit or external amp. Based on the recommended power handling rating or RMS, you can slightly over-power your car subwoofer. Doing so will avoid overpowering or blowing your sub.
Choose a car subwoofer depending on the amount of power output that your amplifier can generate, as well as the sub’s impedance and voice coil specifications.
Desired Location or Placement
Before choosing a brand of subwoofer, you’ll want to ensure that it is going to fit in your vehicle space, which depends on the size of your car and enclosure or volume of the box. Majority of speakers manufacturers specify the enclosure volume and configurations of the enclosure. The enclosure construction and shape are all up to you.
Type of Subwoofer
The three types of subwoofers include the Subwoofer Driver, the Powered Subwoofer, and the Vehicle Specific Subwoofer. Here are the details:
1. Subwoofer Driver
It’s a woofer itself that must be mounted inside a subwoofer enclosure to operate properly. Subwoofer drivers are powered by external amplifiers. The sizes range from 8 to 15 inches.
2. Powered Subwoofer
It combines an amplifier and a subwoofer in an enclosure, so it doesn’t take a huge space in your vehicle, thus limiting the amount of bass produced.
3. Vehicle Specific Subwoofer
It’s designed to fit in any vehicle model, like SUVs, cars, and trucks, but isn’t the best choice for those who prefer big bass.
There are other factors to consider when you’re shopping for a new car subwoofer. Follow the above tips keenly, so you’ll be able to buy the best subwoofer for your vehicle audio system. Don’t forget to check the warranty on your new subwoofer. Only transact with a certified dealer to honor manufacturer warranty.
General Conclusion
When shopping for new subwoofers for your car audio system, make sure to take important things into consideration, like the type of vehicle you have, available space, type of subwoofer, and your desired results based on your preferred features. Enjoy driving with family and friends or alone with high-quality music that awakens your senses.
