Imagine this: you’re cruising down the road, your favorite song blasting. But something’s missing. The music feels a little flat, a little weak. That deep, rumbling bass you crave just isn’t there. If this sounds familiar, you’re probably dreaming of adding a subwoofer to your car’s sound system.
Choosing the right car subwoofer can feel like a puzzle. There are so many brands, sizes, and types! It’s easy to get confused and worry about picking one that won’t sound good or fit in your car. You want that powerful sound, but you don’t want to waste your money or end up with something complicated.
This blog post is here to help! We’ll break down everything you need to know about car subwoofers in a way that’s easy to understand. You’ll learn what makes a subwoofer great, what to look for when you’re shopping, and how to pick the perfect one to make your car’s music truly come alive.
So, let’s dive in and explore the world of car subwoofers, turning your ordinary drives into an extraordinary audio experience.
Our Top 5 Subwoofers For Cars Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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Rockville SS10P 800W Slim Under-Seat Active Car/Truck Subwoofer | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
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Skar Audio Dual 12″ Complete 2 | 9.5/10 | Check Price |
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Skar Audio Single 12″ Complete 1 | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
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MTX Dual 12-Inch Subwoofers with Loaded Enclosure | 8.9/10 | Check Price |
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Kicker 51HS10 Hideaway Compact Powered Subwoofer | 8.6/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Subwoofers For Cars Detailed Reviews
1. Rockville SS10P 800W Slim Under-Seat Active Car/Truck Subwoofer
Rating: 9.3/10
The Rockville SS10P is a powerful, slim subwoofer that fits under your car seat and upgrades your car’s sound system. It brings deep bass to your music without taking up much space. This subwoofer is designed for car and truck audio upgrades.
What We Like:
- It packs a big punch with 800W peak power and 200W RMS for awesome, clear bass.
- It’s super slim, only 3 inches tall, so it easily slides under most car seats.
- The built-in amplifier makes installation simpler and it has smart features like auto turn-on.
- Its tough aluminum body keeps it cool and lasts a long time.
- You get a remote bass knob to control the bass level from your seat.
- It has helpful features like a subsonic filter and phase switch to fine-tune your sound.
- It has built-in protection to keep it safe from overheating or short circuits.
What Could Be Improved:
- While powerful, serious bassheads might want even more output.
- The “slim” design is great, but some very small cars might still have tight fits.
For anyone wanting to add serious bass to their car without sacrificing space, the Rockville SS10P is a fantastic option. It delivers great sound in a compact package.
2. Skar Audio Dual 12″ Complete 2
Rating: 9.5/10
Get ready for some serious bass with the Skar Audio Dual 12″ Complete 2,400 Watt SDR Series Subwoofer Bass Package. This all-in-one kit brings the thunder to your car audio system, making every drive an experience. It’s designed for easy installation and delivers powerful sound that you can feel.
What We Like:
- Powerful sound: The two 12-inch subwoofers pump out a massive 2,400 watts of peak power, giving you deep, booming bass.
- Complete package: Everything you need is included. You get the loaded subwoofer enclosure, a powerful amplifier, and a wiring kit, so you don’t have to buy parts separately.
- Easy to install: The kit is designed to make setup straightforward, even if you’re not a car audio expert.
- Great value: This package offers a lot of bang for your buck, providing high-end performance without breaking the bank.
- Reliable performance: Skar Audio is known for making durable products that sound great.
What Could Be Improved:
- Size: The dual 12-inch enclosure takes up a good amount of space in your vehicle.
- Complex settings: For beginners, tuning the amplifier might take a little learning.
This Skar Audio package is an excellent choice for anyone wanting to upgrade their car’s sound system. It delivers impressive bass and makes the installation process much simpler.
3. Skar Audio Single 12″ Complete 1
Rating: 9.1/10
Unleash incredible bass in your car with the Skar Audio Single 12″ Complete 1,200 Watt SDR Series Subwoofer Bass Package. This all-in-one system makes upgrading your sound easy. You get everything you need to add powerful low-end to your music. It’s a perfect way to get that booming sound you’ve been wanting.
What We Like:
- It’s a complete package, so you don’t have to buy parts separately.
- The 1,200-watt peak power delivers serious bass.
- The included amplifier is powerful enough for the subwoofer.
- The 4-gauge wiring kit ensures a good connection.
- Installation is made simpler because all the main components are included.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 12-inch size might be too big for some smaller cars.
- While powerful, serious audiophiles might want even more advanced options.
- The enclosure is vented, which some users might prefer a sealed box for tighter bass.
This Skar Audio package is a fantastic way to get a big sound upgrade without a lot of hassle. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to add serious thump to their car audio system.
4. MTX Dual 12-Inch Subwoofers with Loaded Enclosure
Rating: 8.9/10
Get ready for a serious sound upgrade with the MTX Dual 12-Inch Subwoofers and Loaded Enclosure. This system brings the thunder to your car audio. It’s built for those who crave deep, powerful bass and a listening experience that shakes things up. The striking Terminator design means it looks as good as it sounds.
What We Like:
- Massive power: Experience 1200W of max power and a solid 400W RMS, so your music hits hard.
- Deep, rich bass: The 2-inch voice coil and big magnet create awesome low-end sound.
- Built tough: Rubber surrounds and polypropylene cones mean these subs can handle a lot.
- Solid enclosure: The 5/8 inch MDF box is strong and wrapped in cool black carpet.
- Stylish look: The Terminator logo adds a cool factor to your car.
- Easy setup: It comes loaded and ready to go, often paired with a matching MTX amplifier.
What Could Be Improved:
- Size: This is a big system, so make sure you have the space in your vehicle.
- Weight: Due to its robust construction, it’s not the lightest option.
- Frequency range: While great for bass, it might not cover the highest frequencies perfectly on its own.
If you want to transform your car’s sound system with booming bass and impressive power, this MTX subwoofer package is a fantastic choice. It delivers the deep sound you’re looking for and is built to last.
5. Kicker 51HS10 Hideaway Compact Powered Subwoofer
Rating: 9.0/10
The Kicker 51HS10 Hideaway Compact Powered Subwoofer is a small but mighty addition to your car’s sound system. This 10-inch subwoofer packs a serious punch, bringing deep bass to your music without taking up a lot of space. Its tough aluminum frame means it can handle the bumps and shakes of the road.
What We Like:
- Surprising Bass Impact: Despite its small size, it delivers powerful low-frequency sound.
- Easy Bass Control: The included remote lets you adjust bass levels without fiddling with your radio volume.
- Flexible Installation: It has high- and low-level inputs, making it easy to connect to almost any car stereo.
- Simple Setup: The quick-connect plug and automatic turn-on options make installation a breeze.
- Durable Design: The all-aluminum frame is built to last.
What Could Be Improved:
- Size Limitation: While compact, it might still be too large for the absolute smallest spaces.
- Power Ceiling: For extreme bass enthusiasts, it might not reach the highest power levels desired.
This Kicker subwoofer is a fantastic option for anyone wanting to upgrade their car audio with impactful bass without the hassle of a large enclosure. It offers a great balance of performance and convenience.
Your Guide to Awesome Car Subwoofers
Want to make your car’s music thump? A subwoofer is your answer! It adds that deep bass sound that makes music feel alive. This guide will help you pick the perfect one.
What to Look For in a Car Subwoofer
1. Size Matters (Sometimes!)
Subwoofers come in different sizes, usually from 8 to 15 inches. Bigger isn’t always better. A larger subwoofer can produce deeper bass, but it also needs more space. For most cars, 10 or 12 inches is a great starting point. Smaller cars might do well with an 8-inch, and if you have a lot of room and want serious rumble, a 15-inch could be your choice.
2. Power Handling (RMS Wattage)
This tells you how much power the subwoofer can handle continuously. Look for the RMS (Root Mean Square) wattage. A higher RMS means a more powerful and louder subwoofer. Match this to your amplifier’s power for the best sound without damaging the subwoofer.
3. Sensitivity (dB)
Sensitivity shows how loud the subwoofer plays with a certain amount of power. A higher decibel (dB) number means it’s more efficient. This means it can get louder with less power from your amplifier.
4. Voice Coil Configuration (Single vs. Dual)
Voice coils are the part that moves the speaker cone. Single voice coils are simpler and common. Dual voice coils offer more wiring options and can handle more power, which is good for more advanced setups.
5. Enclosure Type
Subwoofers need a box (enclosure) to sound their best.
- Sealed Enclosures: These are airtight. They give you tight, accurate bass. They are also smaller.
- Ported (Vented) Enclosures: These have a hole (port) that lets air out. They make bass louder and deeper, but can be bigger.
- Bandpass Enclosures: These are complex boxes with a port inside. They can be very loud but are usually large and can color the sound.
Important Materials
The materials used affect sound and durability.
- Cone Material: Look for durable materials like polypropylene, carbon fiber, or treated paper. These materials help the cone move precisely and last longer.
- Surround Material: The surround connects the cone to the basket. Rubber or foam surrounds are common. Rubber is more durable and can handle more movement.
What Makes a Subwoofer Great (or Not So Great)
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Strong Magnet: A larger, stronger magnet helps control the cone’s movement for better sound.
- Sturdy Basket: The basket holds everything together. A strong, rigid basket prevents vibrations that can hurt sound quality.
- Good Voice Coil: A well-made voice coil handles heat and power better.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Cheap Materials: Flimsy cones or surrounds won’t last or sound good.
- Poor Enclosure Design: A poorly built box can make even a good subwoofer sound bad.
- Underpowered Amplifier: If your amp isn’t strong enough, the subwoofer won’t reach its potential.
User Experience and Use Cases
For Everyday Listening:
If you just want to add some punch to your favorite songs, a 10-inch subwoofer in a sealed enclosure is a great choice. It’s easy to install and won’t take up too much space. It improves the overall sound without being overwhelming.
For Bass Enthusiasts:
If you love feeling the bass in your chest, consider a 12-inch or 15-inch subwoofer. A ported enclosure will give you that extra boom. Make sure you have enough room in your trunk for the enclosure. This is for people who want their music to be an experience.
For Car Audio Competitions:
Serious competitors often use multiple high-powered subwoofers in custom-built enclosures. They focus on extreme loudness and specific sound frequencies. This requires specialized knowledge and equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the most important feature to look for?
A: Power handling (RMS wattage) and size are very important. They determine how loud and deep the bass will be.
Q: Do I need a special box for my subwoofer?
A: Yes, all subwoofers need an enclosure (box) to work correctly and sound good.
Q: Can I install a subwoofer myself?
A: Yes, with some basic tools and knowledge, many people can install a subwoofer. However, if you’re unsure, it’s best to have a professional do it.
Q: What is RMS wattage?
A: RMS wattage tells you how much continuous power the subwoofer can handle safely.
Q: How does subwoofer size affect sound?
A: Larger subwoofers can move more air, which usually means deeper and louder bass.
Q: What’s the difference between single and dual voice coils?
A: Dual voice coils offer more flexibility in how you wire them to an amplifier and can often handle more power.
Q: What is a sealed enclosure?
A: A sealed enclosure is an airtight box that provides tight, accurate bass.
Q: What is a ported enclosure?
A: A ported enclosure has a vent that lets air out, making the bass louder and deeper.
Q: Will a subwoofer make my car’s battery drain faster?
A: Yes, more powerful subwoofers use more electricity, so your alternator and battery work harder.
Q: How much should I expect to spend on a good car subwoofer?
A: Prices vary widely, but you can find decent subwoofers starting around $100-$200, with high-end models costing several hundred dollars or more.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!