Last updated on July 30th, 2022 at 11:46 am
Listening to loud, entertaining music while being on the road, surrounded by friends and family sounds like the perfect getaway. We have searched up and down to find the best powered subwoofer for car. These woofers do not occupy as much space as giant woofers. And can be easily fitted under a car seat or the trunk.
Editor's Pick | 4.9/5 | |
 | Rockville RW10CA |
Finding the right subwoofer that meets your needs can be tricky. We are here to help you find the most suitable subwoofer for you.
What to contemplate while buying the best car powered subwoofer?
If you are new to powered subwoofers, you will have a hard time finding the best subwoofer that meets your needs. Subwoofers involve some technicalities related to compatibility. You would not want to buy a product that is not made for your car.
This buying guide will give you the basic know-how of powered subwoofers. The following are some technicalities that you should know before going for subwoofer shopping.
Power Output
Power output is measured in Watts and is designed by the equipment’s root mean square (RMS) value. All subwoofers do not have the same power output range. Different subwoofers come with different power output ranges, made for specific types of setup.
So, always consider the power output value and opt for the product that suits your needs best.
Sensitivity
Sensitivity is another factor that you should investigate. Sensitivity is a measure of the sound output derived from the subwoofer. It is measured in decibel (Db) at watt per meter.
The sensitivity of a subwoofer is directly proportional to its loudness. Average sensitivity should be around 87 to 88 Db. Woofers with 90Db sensitivity value, are ideal.
Enclosure
The quality of the box in which the woofer is enclosed is a critical factor. The outer casing comes in various sizes and quality ranges. Choose the outer casing that is strong enough to tolerate harsh impacts.
Few available options are ported box, sealed box, and under-seat box. The type of enclosure that you should select depends upon your size availability.
Number of Voice Coils
The process of converting electrical energy from the power supply into sound energy is done by the voice coil. The number of voice coils present in the woofer is directly proportional to the loudness it will produce.
Size of the Subwoofer
The most important factor when buying a subwoofer, especially when you are going to buy it for your car, is the availability of the space. If you don’t use your car’s trunk, you can put the subwoofer there. In this case, you will not have to worry about its size as the car’s trunk is big enough to fit any subwoofer.
But, if you have your trunk occupied and are left with only the option of placing it inside the car, you will have limited available space. So, buy the one that fits under your car seat.
Types of subwoofers
There are 4 different types of subwoofers available in the market.
- Under-seat Subs
If you have your trunk occupied, the only option you are left with is establishing them under your car seat. These types of subs are smaller in size and made to be placed under your car seat.
Their small size is not an indicator of their performance. As they are quite powerful.
- Enclosed Subwoofer
These types of woofers come closed in some box structure. They are meant to be fixed somewhere, usually in the trunk. The outer casing protects the subwoofer from dust and heat by providing a shield around it.
- Component Subs
In this type of subwoofers, all the components that are amplifiers, tweeters, crossovers, and woofers come separately, which provides freedom of use. The advantage of these is that they can be used remotely.
- Bazooka Subs
If you are highly particular with the bass sound, bazooka subs are a great option. These types of woofers are made to enhance the quality of the base. They are very slim in size and will not require a lot of space.
List of Top 8 best powered subwoofer for car
1. Rockville RW10CA – best powered subwoofer for car
Key features:
- RMS power output: 200 Watts
- Frequency response: 20Hz – 150Hz
With an 800-watt of peak power, the powerful Rockville RW10CA tops our list of the best powered subwoofer for a car. With both input and output on the same side, it is very convenient to use.
Having a thickness of about 2.5 inches, it perfectly fits under any car seat without compromising foot space. This subwoofer is ideal for people that do not want to occupy their car’s trunk.
It offers perfect 90dB sensitivity which is quite loud. It offers a frequency response of 25Hz-150Hz, but it is ideal to limit it to 100HZ.
The only drawback it has is that it does not have the best mounting feet.
2. Rockville SS8P- Budget eficent subwoofer for car
Key features:
- RMS power output: 100 Watts
- Frequency response: 20Hz – 150Hz
Rockville SS8P is a very affordable option for people on a low budget. Despite being inexpensive, it comes with a complete wire kit. Wire kit includes everything you need to set up a subwoofer.
It is an under the seat type subwoofer. Which is very convenient for people with small cars. It has a super cool aluminum enclosure that will protect your under-seat fabric from burning. It has an automatic on and off the system, which is quite fascinating.
Despite being small, it provides up to 400 Watts of power. Another good thing about it is that it comes with a very secure mounting foot. However, some novice users found setting it up could quite confusing.
3. Kicker 11HS8 Hideaway – Easy to install car subwoofer
Key features:
- RMS power output: 150 Watts
- Frequency response: 25Hz – 120Hz
Another small-sized subwoofer, about 14 inches in length and 3 inches in height, is the Kicker 11HS8 Hideaway.Due to its small size, you will not have to worry about creating space. As it easily hides away under the seat. Regardless of its small size, it delivers a high-quality performance.
With these subwoofers, you will not face any distortions in the sound. The woofer comes with a base remote which allows you to adjust the base according to your preference. It can be installed easily with very little effort.
Although it maintains great quality. But due to its small 8inch cone, it is less powerful as compared to its expensive competitors.
4. JBL GT-BassPro12- Distortion free car subwoofer
Key features:
- RMS power output: 150 watts
- Frequency response: 35Hz – 120Hz
Featuring a 12-inch cone, theJBL GT-BassPro12 is a powerful device. All music enthusiasts are usually very particular about the base. If you are one, this product will not disappoint you with its base sound.
With a matching amplifier, it ensures solid sound. It comes with a Slipstream port, which ensures that no matter the output levels, you will not have to face any distortions with the base. Operating this subwoofer is very easy.
But it is larger and you will have to sacrifice your baggage space, in order to get it installed.
5. Polk Audio PSW10- best underseat subwoofer
Key features:
- RMS power output: 50-watt
- Frequency response: 40-160 Hz
If you are a fan of electronic music which contains a lot of base in it. You would require a subwoofer that could let you experience all that. Polk Audi PSW10 is an ideal subwoofer for music that has a lot of base in it
It produces high quality, loud and clear voice by easily blending in with the speakers. It is easy to connect and convenient to use a subwoofer.
The subwoofer is not very durable and has a short lifespan. There are also some issues with its port.
6. Klipsch Reference R-10SW- Powerful subwoofer for car
Key features:
- RMS power output: 100 Watts
- Frequency response: 32 – 120 Hz
It comes with a built-in amplifier that produces power and efficiency in sound. Through its spun copper woofer, the product provides an exceptional sound experience to its users.
The subwoofer is not only compatible with Klipsch speakers, but also compatible with speakers of leading brands. It allows the use of both new and old receivers.
Although it is a good product some reviewers faced some durability issues with it. It mostly lasts only until its warranty expires.
7. Alpine Electronics PWE-S8- Durable car powered subwoofer
Key features:
- RMS power output: 120 Watts
- Frequency response: 32Hz-150Hz
Another compact subwoofer made for cars that have a small space under their car seat is the Alpine Electronics PWE-S8. It comes with an aluminum casing that does not get heated. Your car’s under-seat fabric will never get burned with these.
With the die-cast aluminum case, the product is very durable. It provides peak power of 240 Watt which is pretty good considering its size. Installing this product is very easy as it comes with a compact shallow mount.
One drawback of this is that it’s not best when it comes to the bass sound.
8. Kenwood KSC-SW11- heat-absorbing underseat car subwoofer
Key features:
- RMS power output: 75 watts
- Frequency response: 32Hz – 120Hz
The Kenwood KSC-SW11 has a built-in 75-Watts amplifier that produces high-quality voice. It offers 150-Watts of peak power. Due to its strong enclosure, it is highly durable. It offers a wire connecter which makes it very easy to control.
It is small and does not occupy much space. But when we talk about powerful subwoofers, it does not make it into the list. It offers base until only till the volume reaches 15 and after that, the base does not increase.
Conclusion:
With ever-increasing traffic jams on the roads, we are forced to spend a lot of time in our cars. At such frustrating times, a good subwoofer playing your favorite music could refresh your mood.
We hope the buyer’s guide would prove to be helpful to you in deciding which subwoofer to choose from all the ones we have reviewed today. Without a doubt, no matter which one you use, it’s a guarantee the product will deliver. Identify your circumstances and needs and decide which subwoofers suit your needs best.
FAQs:
- What is the difference between Active & Passive subwoofers?
The major difference between the two is that the active subwoofers have a built-in amplifier while passive don’t. - What is the role of voice coils in the subwoofer?
The number of voice coils present in the woofer is directly proportional to the loudness it will produce. - What are the available options for subwoofer enclosure?
Few available options are:
Ported box
Sealed box
Under-seat box - Are powered subwoofers any good?
Powered subwoofers are a good option to improve the sound system of your car. It will add a superior base to the sound. - Are under seat subwoofers worth it?
This subwoofer is ideal for people that do not want to occupy their car’s trunk. It perfectly fits under any car seat without compromising on foot space.
Not only does it provide ease of use but also delivers a strong performance. - How efficient are Bazooka Subs?
If you are highly particular with the bass sounds, bazooka subs are a great option. These types of woofers are made to enhance the quality of the base. They are very slim in size and will not require a lot of space.
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