Top 10 Best Car Subwoofers You Need To Consider in 2021

Subwoofers aren’t something that just came on to the surface. They first came into being back in the 1960s so the filmmakers could add a little bit of crisp to the sound of some amazing movie tracks. Then, in the 70s, the audience became more aware of them due to the clear production of low-end sound notes.

Though the century, subwoofers became a thing to add more quality to the sound of your music and they were commonly used in night clubs and different musical stages.

But now, subwoofers are widely used in our everyday lives and that includes them being installed in our vehicles. People love having the feel of bass to make their music more quality-oriented which is why subwoofers have become an essential component for those music enthusiasts who love having the rattling noise inside their cars.

So, if you happen to be one of those people who love having installed a subwoofer in his car, then you are on the right page because we have a lot to offer you. Take a look at some of our top recommendations with regards to the best subwoofers for cars and we are sure you will find something you’re looking for.

Also, don’t forget to check out our detailed buyer’s guide at the end of this article for additional help.

List of Top 10 Best Car Subwoofers 2021

1. Rockford Fosgate P300

Back in 1986, after the merger with an electronics company, Rockford Fosgate has made a name for itself and it is the first brand that comes to our minds when we think about buying subwoofers for cars. The company offers impeccable car audio systems and the speaker’s designs are something you rarely find in the market.

The brand designs all their equipment such as car audio systems, amplifiers, boosters, subwoofers, and so on in the USA while they’re manufactured and assembled in Asia.

The product that we have chosen to add to our list of best car subwoofers is their commendable P300-12 Punch 12-Inch Subwoofer. It is among their best subwoofers with a solid construction, impeccable design, great power, and amazing response.

Features: The subwoofer is constructed out of 5/8” MDF fiberboard and has a very compact design so it can fit in smaller cars easily. The maximum depth of the speaker is 11” which allows the user to fit it easily into most of the spaces. The unit comes self-contained and the company has covered it into industrial vinyl to ensure maximum protection.

The best part about this subwoofer is that it comes with a built-in amplifier that offers a peak power of 600 watts along with 300watts RMS. The frequency response rate of the subwoofer is 35-150Hz and it also has a built-in bass equalizer that you can control with a remote. The subwoofer is a solid recommendation for those who like high bass and it offers a maximum response rate that you can find in any other model for that matter.

2. JL Audio 10W6v3-D4 – Best Car Audio Subwoofer

Back in 1975, JL Audio was just a local store from where you could get some of your favorite car accessories and audio systems. Later, the local store became a global phenomenon and is now selling its speaker designs around the world.

The company manufactures and designs its products overseas while some of its speakers, subwoofers, and other audio accessories are still being designed in the USA.

The 10W6v3 Dual 4-Ohm Car Subwoofer is an impeccably designed subwoofer that produces a power and a clear bass while affecting your entire sound phenomenally. We won’t be exaggerating when we say that JL Audio 10W6v3 Dual 4-Ohm Car Subwoofer is among the best subwoofers that you can find in the market.

Features: The entire containment in which the company has integrated the cone, the terminal frame, and the voice coils have been manufactured with a stiff cast alloy that has a solid effect on the speaker directly. This model is greatly known for being distortion-free for its impeccable housing and produces sound without even the slightest of the hindrance.

The 10W6v3 Dual 4-Ohm Car Subwoofer is a 10-inch speaker that has a maximum output wattage of 600 RMS. The cone of the subwoofer is made out of solid and durable polypropylene that produces a solid bass that is extremely clear even at higher volumes. The frequency response rate is 22-200Hz and it’s capable of providing the user with an extremely transient inside sound.

3. MTX Audio Terminator Series TNE212D

If you’re looking for a subwoofer that is going to change the way sound is produced in your altogether? Then MTX Audio Terminator Series TNE212D Dual Subwoofer has got your covered. MTX Audio is a company based in the US that is known for its commendable car audio system and is recommended especially for its line of subwoofers.

The Audio Terminator Series TNE212D might be the biggest and is definitely among the best car audio systems. All the subwoofers manufactured by MTX are integrated into a casing made out of 5/8″ MDF and is later coated with protective carpeting to ensure the longevity of the speaker.

Features: This model is not something that you can instantly go and purchase because chances are, it might not fit in every vehicle that is out there. It pretty big and is also quite heavy so you will have to lay it out on the backseat of the car before you can get it installed.

The MTX Audio Terminator Series TNE212D is going to work especially for those music enthusiasts who have grown tired of their regular car speakers and want to lift their mood while on the longer journeys.

The fact that Audio Terminator Series TNE212D is extremely sturdy and made out of solid materials ensures that it can tolerate the bumps and shocks the subwoofer is bound to experience while being installed in the trunk of a car.

4. KICKER 44DCWC122 – 12 Inch Subwoofer

If you have been on the hunt for the best car subwoofer for some time now, we are sure you must’ve come across the brand, Kicker. The company is among the best-sellers for audio systems, subwoofers, and amplifiers on Amazon and they have a wide array of products to choose from.

The brand Kicker came into being in 1973 in Oklahoma and till now, their major operationalization goes in the same region. They have manufactured some of the most powerful speakers on the market today and the products have a sense of lasting for the longest time, making them one of our most solid recommendations on this list.

Features: Kicker is known for manufacturing quality and latest technology models. The company deals in-car audio systems, DSPs, amplifiers, and marine audio speakers, cool, isn’t it? The Kicker 44DCWC122 Subwoofer comes with everything you need to upgrade your car stereo and you’re going to fall in love with everything it has to offer.

The subwoofer is integrated with two speakers in a rigorous cabinet which was constructed out of MDF fiberboard. Kicker wanted to ensure the subwoofer doesn’t get affected by shocks and bumps during the car ride which is why it made the internals of the cabinet vibrations-proof. We love how thorough and stylish the design of this model is with blue highlights.

5. Alpine Type R

Do you love making noise when going on a long journey? Well, for those who are looking for a subwoofer that can make just too much noise, the Alpine Type R 12 Round Car Audio Subwoofer simply has everything they need.

This model comes with an RMS rating of 250-750 watts while you can extract a maximum power outage of 2250watts out of it while getting the attention of almost everyone who is on the road with you.

Features: The size of the subwoofer is 12inch and it can easily produce the kind of volume you need by using two voice coils. Alpine has reinforced the pulp-cone in this model by using Kevlar and it comes with fitted with a rubber pipe surrounding it to provide you with maximum sound output. The rubber base also helps in reducing every kind of vibrations that are produced while running the speaker on higher volumes.

We think this is the only speaker in the market that has taken care of airflow. The frame of the subwoofer is made out of casting aluminum while it features a Poly-mica dust-cap to keep the airflow going while ensuring the subwoofer remains heat-free all the time.

The Alpine Type R 12 Round Car Audio Subwoofer is a very heavy model and since it doesn’t come with housing, you will need extra depth to efficiently install in your car.

6. Kenwood KSC-SW11

This is one of the most economical subwoofers that we came across during our research that too from a very well-known brand, Kenwood.

While we were researching, we realized that not everyone who is looking for a subwoofer needs a model that will blow his socks off. Some are just looking for a piece of equipment that will increase the bass of their speakers and if that is what you’re looking for, why spend more than fewer dollars?

Kenwood has a great reputation for manufacturing quality audio systems and that is where KSC-SW11 150W Low-Profile Amplified Car Subwoofer comes into play. The company was established back in 1946 and since then, they have made a name for themselves in the world of electronics.

Features: The KSC-SW11 is a very unpopular subwoofer. It comes in a very small design and doesn’t have any flashy lights to attract bigger music enthusiasts. The compact subwoofer is so small and unique that it will easily fit under your seat or in the trunk of your car so you won’t even have to give that a second thought.

The model comes with a uniquely shaped woofer and two control systems that allow you to manage the volume and crossover effectively. It can provide you with a maximum RMS of 150watt which is quite sufficient for an under-seat subwoofer.

7. BassPro SL – Under-Seat Compact Subwoofer

When it comes to finding under-seat subwoofers, there is not much you can expect from them especially when it comes to producing quality sound. But JBL BassPro Under-Seat Compact Subwoofer has changed the game altogether with its epic performance and great sound quality.

The JBL BassPro Under-Seat Compact Subwoofer is made by Harman and it provides you with the kind of performance that you can duly expect from Harman. It comes with a very dominating bass that fills out the inside of the car without making much of a noise and it provides crystal quality sound unlike most of the under-seat car subwoofers you find in the market.

Features: The JBL BassPro Under-Seat Compact Subwoofer is a compact size subwoofer that provides the highest quality sound that we have ever seen in an under-seat subwoofer. It is very easy to use and the controls are impeccable for managing volume, bass, and crossover effectively. The sub comes with a crossover dial that will allow you to adjust the frequency of the woofer between 50 – 120Hz.

The thing we loved about this subwoofer is the user-interface. The knobs and the buttons are spacious enough for the user to easily control them. The dimensions of this model are also capable enough for adjusting under most vehicle seats.

If we compare it price then JBL BassPro Under-Seat Compact Subwoofer is pretty expensive for a powered subwoofer but if you add in the price of purchasing an amplifier, enclosure, and a subwoofer separately, then we would say that it’s not a bad option.

8. Kicker 12-Inch – Best Powered Car Subwoofer

As we are getting to the end of our recommendation, one of the last few subwoofers that we would like to suggest is Kicker 12-inch 300W Power Car Audio Subwoofers. This is a pair of two subwoofers that are going to improve the quality of sound being produced in your car quite up a notch.

For the last many years, we have seen Kicker going above and beyond to manufacture some of the best quality subwoofers in the market. The company is dedicated to providing affordable options to its customers which is why they don’t hesitate to test new technology and to upgrade their subs into a more affordable form of audio equipment.

Features: The Kicker 12-inch 300W Power Car Audio Subwoofers come under an extremely affordable price range and you will find them in a pair of two. These subwoofers do not come in an enclosure and will make to be a terrific replacement. The size of these subwoofers is 12inch and they come with vented enclosures.

Kicker has manufactured these subwoofers with a stiff injection that was later molded into cones and is placed at a 360-degree angle. The woofers come with an extremely resilient surrounding rubber that protects the subs from the strongest bass impacts and increases the lifespan of these bad boys.

Both of these car subwoofers have an RMS of 150watts that you maximize up to 600watts. The subwoofers work effectively well for producing mid, high, and low frequency and also come with a 2-year warranty.

9. Dual Electronics BP1204 – illumiNITE Studio Enclosed Car Subwoofers

We think this is by far the most stylish and the most powerful subwoofers on our list of recommendations, that too on an extremely affordable price range. If you love heavy having heavy bass in your car while enjoying a full-on light show, then Dual Electronics BP120412 illumiNITE High-Performance Studio Enclosed Car Subwoofers will be your ultimate choice.

The subwoofer was designed while keeping rigorous use in mind. It comes with one of the best interior designs and has been manufactured with an MDF microfiber. You will have to fit this subwoofer in your car with a carpet for added protection and it not comes in a compact size. The subwoofer is pretty huge and is also very heavy so installing this in your car is pretty much a very difficult task.

Features: The subwoofer is packed with not one but two subs that provide an RMS of 600watts and while at the peak, they offer 100watts. The cones of the subwoofer are made out of brushed aluminum that delivers an impeccable sound and accurate bass. The subwoofer also comes with a built-in crossover that allows you to easily link up the subwoofer with your car’s audio system and make use of several setups according to your requirement.

The Dual Electronics BP1204 12 inch illumiNITE High-Performance Studio Enclosed Car Subwoofers also features dual voice coils that you might’ve already guessed from the name. The frequency rating of this model is 30Hz – 200Hz which will ensure the performance level of the subs is topnotch at all times.

Another thing that this subwoofer system comes is ventilation. This is something we rarely see in a subwoofer and it keeps the system cool at all times.

10. Pioneer TS-WX1210A – Active Subwoofer

So, our last recommendation for best car subwoofers is a model from Pioneer. The brand doesn’t need any introduction to music enthusiasts because it is among the most popular manufacturers of audio systems around the globe.

The company was established back in 1938 and since then, Pioneer has grown to be among the most reputable and customer-driven audio equipment manufacturers in the market. The brand has a wide array of products and most of them are for home use.

With Pioneer TS WX1210A 12” Sealed Enclosure Active Subwoofer, the brand has stepped out of its comfort zone and manufactured something that is among the best car subwoofers in the market. It is one of the top-sellers on Amazon and is ideal for anyone looking for an affordable sub.

Features: The Pioneer TS WX1210A 12″ Sealed Enclosure Active Subwoofer is a sealed subwoofer that comes in quality housing ensuring the woofer offers your distortion-free sound. The cabinet of this subwoofer is made out of MDF microfiber and is covered with a carpet for added protection. The speaker features Urethane support for stability and comes with a-Cellulose fiber cones that provide maximum performance efficiency.

We also loved the frequency range of the woofer which is 20Hz to 125Hz. The subwoofer also comes with a built-in amplifier that has an RMS of 350watts. You will also find bass boost frequency, bass boost level, and controls for gain on the rear of the frame that will allow you to control the specific of the subwoofer as easily as possible.

When it comes to buying subwoofers, most of the time you get a lot of volumes but little to no sound quality. That is not the case with this model. Even at the highest volume, the subwoofer is capable of providing you with crystal-clear sound quality to make all your road-trips more fun.

The Buyer’s Guide For Best Car Subwoofers

We are pretty sure by now you must’ve read about all the recommendations we enlisted above for car subwoofers but if you’re still not sure that which subwoofer you should go for, let our buyer’s guide do the trick.

Subwoofers are almost like speakers. They use air to create sound and which is why they’re an essential component of your car stereo if you want to produce a sound that will feel what you want it to feel to your ears. Without a subwoofer or a bass producer, your sound system will not be complete and you won’t get what you wish for out of your stereo system.

This is why we decided to enlist down some of the best subwoofers in the market and now we present the buyer’s guide that will thoroughly help you out in making the right choice.

How do these Subwoofers Work?

As mentioned before, subwoofers work just like a speaker as they produce sound by using the air. Both of these products use the same mechanism but the manufacturing of a subwoofer is a bit different as compared to that of a speaker.

They are manufactured in such a way that they move air more and more powerfully so that powerful sound is produced which is as loud as it’s required. One of the reasons why subwoofers are recommended to use is because they are extremely ideal for producing low-frequency sound, frequencies that are below the level of the sound that human ears can hear.

However, the sound that subwoofers produce cannot be heard by the humans but it can be felt because the audio waves that subwoofers produce are much stronger than the ones produced by regular speakers. This is why people who love bass go for buying these models.

There are usually three types of subwoofers you will find in the market,

Powered Subwoofer:

One of the most common types of subwoofer you find in the market is a powered subwoofer. This combines the woofer and the amplifier in containment. They do not require a lot of space in your vehicle however they do not produce an unlimited amount of bass.

Subwoofer Driver:

This is a subwoofer itself and will require an external amplifier to work efficiently. Subwoofer drivers will have to be mounted inside the enclosure of a subwoofer so they can work efficiently. You can find them in various sizes in the market, ranging from 8inches to 15inches.

Subwoofers specific to various vehicles:

The last type you will find in the market are the subwoofers that are designed to be vehicle specific. These vary from size to their features and are not the best choice if you’re looking for solid and loud bass.

So, these were some of the types of subwoofers you can find in the market. Now, let’s talk about all the things you need to consider while choosing the right subwoofer for your vehicle.

Power

The very first thing you need to consider when buying a subwoofer is how much power can it handle or what is its maximum power outage. The more power a subwoofer can comprehend, the louder the sound it will produce. So if you happen to be someone who is looking for a bass that will rattle his car windows, go for subwoofers that have a higher power outage.

But, in case, you don’t need solid bass and only want an efficient car stereo system then you shouldn’t spend too much money and just settle for a nice and compact subwoofer that works on the low and mid frequencies. For acquiring the right power, always look at the RMS rating of a subwoofer. Once you’re satisfied with that and then check its maximum power outage.

Frequency Range

Once you have settled the score with power, now you need to check what is the frequency range of the subwoofer you’re choosing? A frequency range determines how efficient your car subwoofer is at producing low end and high-end sounds. It doesn’t matter what kind of music it is that you’re listening to.

So, if it seems like a possibility, we would suggest that you go for subwoofers that have the highest frequency range. This will determine how low they can produce a sound effect. But you need to keep in mind that frequency range is just another piece of the puzzle. You also need to ensure the quality of the housing that subwoofer is contained in to ensure distortion-free performance.

Sensitivity

Besides frequency range and power, sensitivity is another most important aspect you should be considering when buying a subwoofer for your car. If the sensitivity rating is high, your subwoofer will need minimum power to produce high-quality sound.

For instance, if you own a subwoofer with high sensitivity range, it will use less amount of power to produce the same quality of sound produced by a lower sensitivity range. So, if you are going for a powerful amplifier, choose a subwoofer with a maximum sensitivity range.

Voice Coils

If you are just starting in testing your car stereo systems, then going for single voice coil subwoofers is a wise choice. They provide impeccable sound quality and are easy to set up which makes them worth buying.

But in case you want to completely upgrade your car audio system, one that will give you great bass and overall sound quality, then we suggest you choose dual voice coils. They provide better sound quality and work effortlessly.

Price

Last but not least, keeping the price point in perspective is extremely important if you don’t want to end up with water above your head.

Before going into the market, always determine the kind of subwoofer you’re looking for and how much budget you can spare. We always suggest comparing different products of different brands. This gives a thorough idea of what it is that you need and you will know which brand offers you the most in terms of feature on a lesser, more affordable price range.

So, these are some of the things you need to keep in perspective when buying a subwoofer for the car. We hope all of this information has been helpful and now you will be able to make the right choice for your car’s stereo system.

Conclusion

When it comes to installing a subwoofer in your car, there are numerous benefits such as it amplifies the quality of sound being produced by your stereo and it can provide you with a better quality of music. We hope this article has been helpful to you and you found what you were looking for with regards to the best car subwoofers.

As far as medium, low and maximum budget choices are concerned, here are our top 3 picks,

• Low Budget – Kicker 12-inch 300W Power Car Audio Subwoofers
• Medium Budget – Pioneer TS-WX1210A 12″ Sealed Enclosure Active Subwoofer
• Maximum Budget – JL Audio 10W6v3-D4 10″ 600W Dual 4-Ohm Car Subwoofer