6 Of The Best Subwoofers For Cars (Read Before Buying!)

Nobody likes to drive silently and then on the other hand, driving with an inferior quality sound system in your car would make anyone want to jump out of the car!

Therefore, if you are looking for some of the best car subwoofers, we have hand-picked from a variety of models which are carefully based on their specifications, cost and quality.

Best Car Subwoofer Overall: The Alpine SWR-12D2 Type-Rz

Although all of the products mentioned later are winners in their own way, our absolute favorite is the Alpine SWR-12D2 Type-Rz for the following reasons:

• As a person who likes to listen to loud music, a peak power of 3000 watts is all I would need to blast Led Zeppelin through the car’s roof.
• The size of the subwoofer is also magnificent at 12 inches as it provides superior sounding bass.
• Subwoofers are designed to handle low frequency, and this one sure does it at 24 KHz.
• The four ohms dual voice coils are the cherry on top as it provides more flexibility and freedom for wiring the subwoofer system to the car.
• All in all, the Alpine SWR-12D2 Type-Rz is an exceptional model on its own, and that too, with a price that beats all odds!

Buying Guide For Subwoofers In General

So, it is apparent that there are so many models of subwoofers around and with online shopping taking over the world; it can get quite tedious to make a decision!

While looking for the perfect model, it can get very confusing to make a decision, let alone the right decision.

And especially if you are someone who has never fixed a subwoofer in a car, it becomes rocket science.

And this is why, this article will not only hand over to you the models of some of the best car subwoofers, but this article will also act as a guide in choosing the right model before you proceed to purchase one.

Ask questions before you look for a subwoofer:

Everyone and I mean everyone has their own preferences when it comes to anything.

So before you buy one, it is very important to do some research on your own and ask yourself why you want a subwoofer in the first place.

Ask yourself if you want a subwoofer to is just enough to give you a good sound quality or if you would like one that does not take up much space.

Laying out the ground rules such as the budget and the preferences will help you narrow down your search and will make your hunt for a subwoofer easier.

Having some knowledge:

This is the boring part in the quest for your perfect subwoofer, but it is worth it! Every subwoofer will have its own specifications, like frequency, power, impedance and sensitivity.

The range of frequency of the subwoofer will determine the range of sounds that it can produce.

An expert would suggest that you look for a model that provides a frequency on the low end. Although a lot of factors would come to play besides just frequency like the type of enclosure, but we will get to that later.

The sensitivity of a subwoofer will mark the sound pressure level. This is, a way of determining the amount of power that is required by the subwoofer to produce the required volume.

In simple terms, if a subwoofer has high sensitivity, it probably means that the subwoofer does not require a high power to produce a high volume.

The RMS value of a subwoofer shows the power of the subwoofer. It is probable that a subwoofer with a high RMS value means more bass.

But it is also important to understand that a subwoofer with a high power is completely useless without an amplifier that matches it.

The impedance of a subwoofer is the electrical resistance of the subwoofer.

Enclosure of the subwoofer:

The enclosure of the subwoofer practically encloses the subwoofer and it plays a huge part in providing the right sound. There are three types of enclosures and they are:

• Sealed: If you want a deep sounding bass, then it is important to get a sealed enclosure. A smaller subwoofer will give you clarity and a deep sounding bass over a bigger subwoofer without a sealed enclosure.
• Ported: a ported enclosure will still provide bass, but not as deep as it sounds from a sealed enclosure. Instead, it provides a louder sound. If having a loud sound is important for you and a deep sounding bass is not important to you, then a ported enclosure will do the trick for you.
• Bandpass: This is a little tricky as bandpass is not exactly an enclosure. This is for those types of people who do not want enclosures, but still want that deep clarity. For bandpass enclosures, the subwoofer is mounted on a board which is made to be installed under the trunk. In this case, the trunk acts as the enclosure and it especially helps if the trunk is airtight.

Size of the subwoofer:

So before you go shopping, it is also important to consider the size of your vehicle.

It doesn’t take a genius to understand space is required to install the subwoofer and therefore it is important to set aside size criteria as well.

Subwoofers can come in a variety of sizes, so after you have found a model to your liking, always look for its size and consider if it would fit in the back of your car.

It is also important to understand that bigger subwoofers would produce better and louder bass and vice-versa.

The number of voice coils:

There are single voice coils and dual voice coils in subwoofers. While they both provide the necessities of a subwoofer system, most car enthusiast would recommend opting for a double voice coil.

A double voice coil offers more flexibility in wiring the subwoofer to the car as each coil has their own connections which are then mounted on a cylinder of a common cone.

The number of subwoofers:

Some models come with two subwoofers and some models come with just one.

Some users choose to connect just one subwoofer in their cars, while some may choose to have two or more subwoofers in their vehicles.

There is no hard and fast rule for the number of subwoofers that must be connected to the car as it all comes down to the type of music one listens to.

Always research:

Before buying subwoofers for your car, ask for reviews from friends and family. Look online for product reviews while you are looking for models.

And lastly, reading articles like this will help you gather a lot of information too.

Best Car Subwoofers

The six very best subwoofers for cars are:

1. Alpine SWR-12D2 Type-Rz – Best Overall Car Subwoofer

One of my top picks is the Alpine SWR-12D2 subwoofer. If you are looking for a subwoofer for your car, then I am assuming that you like your music to be loud!

This 12-inch subwoofer defines quality sound with superior bass.

The Alpine SWR-12D2 is equipped with a Kevlar reinforced cone that ensures mid-frequency control to a high frequency control.

The subwoofer also provides a low-frequency response from 24 KHz to 200 KHz. HAMR Santoprene provides a rubber surround which is known for its durability and compliance.

The sub woofer rests on a cast aluminum frame and the depth of the top mount measures 6.38 inches while the cut-out is 10.78 inches in diameter.

If you consider yourself a car subwoofer enthusiast, you will be pleased to know that this model is equipped with dual 4 ohm coils, which gives you the flexibility in wiring the subwoofer, while providing you with an amplifying power.

Speaking of power, the subwoofer demands submission as its peak power stands at 3000 watts.

All in all, the Alpine SWR-12D2 is a great choice for bass heads.

Pros:

• This model is super cost-effective as it can provide all that you are looking for in a subwoofer without blowing a hole in your pocket.
• Provides absolute clarity without any distortions due to its Kevlar reinforced cone and rubber surround.
• It is long-lasting.

Cons:

• A reflex design enclosure may be required to pair with this subwoofer.

2. MTX Terminator Audio Series TNE212D – Best Subwoofer For Beginners

This is also another product on the list which is easy on the budget but still provides a monster on quality.

The MTX Terminator TNE212D arrives in a sealed enclosure. And this serves as a boon for audio enthusiasts as it provides so much more clarity of sound as compared to vented subwoofers.

The MTX Terminator Audio Series TNE212D arrives with two subwoofers that are mounted on a 5×8 inches medium density fireboard (MDF) and it includes aviation grade black carpet.

Its sleek features are only enhanced with the logo “Terminator” embroidered on the front between the subwoofers which provides a customized feel.

It has an impedance of 2 ohm and the frequency of the subwoofers ranges from 10Hz to 50Hz. Its peak power is 800 watts.

The MTX Terminator TNE212D includes a polypropylene cone and its surround is made of rubber which is extremely durable.

The subwoofers are within a 12 inch enclosure and they are able to fit in the car without much trouble.

Pros:

• The aviation grade black carpeting provides the perfect balancing of sounds.
• Provides the whole package of a subwoofer with a friendly budget.
• Beginners who have no idea what to look for in a car subwoofer can choose this model to fit all criteria.
• The bass quality does not disappoint.

Cons:

• Low frequencies might be hard to capture and may not respond well.

3. JL Audio 10 – Best Subwoofer On A Budget

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The JL Audio 10 is also the third one on this list that provides the whole package which is expected from a subwoofer.

It costs just right by being affordable while providing a superior sound quality. The bass sound will be bound to get passersby up and dancing to the beat!

The cone is filled with durable mineral and is constructed with polypropylene. The basket of the subwoofer is made of a rigid cast alloy which explains its durability.

Although the subwoofer does not come in its own enclosure, the cast alloy basket provides a moderate distortion-free sound. It has a great transient response.

The frequency response is 22 Hz to 220 Hz and its sensitivity is 82.7 decibels.

The dual 4 ohm coils are a blessing to anyone who likes to play up with their subwoofers.

The mounting depth measures 6.89 inches and the subwoofer measures 10 inches in diameter.

Pros:

• The bass is deep and provides a pulsating sound within the surrounding of the subwoofer.
• Besides not having its own enclosure, it provides certain clarity to the sound that it is impossible to know that it does not come with its own enclosure.
• It has a sleek design, and it is compact enough to provide your car with plenty of trunk space.
• It is easy on the pocket.

Cons:

• Even though it is budget friendly, people can still opt for double sub woofers of the same quality.

4. Rockford Fosgate P300-12 300 – High Sound Quality

This particular model from Rockford Fosgate provides power in the form of a car subwoofer.

The Rockford Fosgate P300-12 300, much like the Alpine SWR-12D2, is equipped with reinforced Kevlar cone.

Along with the paper-pulp cone, it also includes a StampCast basket with venting, and as a result, it provides an overall quality of a sound which can only be explained as crisp and clear.

Beginners who have no idea on how subwoofers work will be delighted to learn that this model comes with its own safety. It is equipped with thermal and over-voltage protection.

You see, subwoofers can blow when you try to go beyond its limit as too much of power and distortion can completely make your subwoofer go kaboom!

Needless to say, the features of protection will make sure that you have your subwoofers intact.

This model has a 300 watts RMS, and has a peak power of 600 watts. The frequency response ranges from 35 Hz to 150 Hz.

The diameter of the subwoofer is 12 inches and includes a class D amplifier.

The subwoofer is very light-weight and in turn makes it convenient.

Pros:

• The crisp and clean sound will drive anyone wild and the deep bass will ensure that everyone pays attention to the music while it is played.
• It is also budget-friendly.
• This is also extremely light-weight regardless of measuring 12 inches in diameter.
• It has its own enclosure and comes with its own venting and as a result, the sound provides the definition of quality.

Cons:

• This model is not a great receiver of low frequencies.

5. Orion HCCA122 – Best Subwoofer For Power

The Orion HCCA122 packs a tight punch in its 12 inch subwoofer with a superior power of 2000 watts.

If you like power, then you can have it right here. Along with the power, the superior sound quality that it provides cannot be missed.

Just like the Rockford Fosgate P300-12 300 and the Alpine SWR-12D2, the Orion HCCA122 is also equipped with a polypropylene cone and is combined with a rubber tri surround system.

The result is the quality of a clear and clean sound, free from distortion which could only be a blueprint of a high-level subwoofer.

With the way that it constructed, the subwoofer is quite heavy and bulky but that is overcome with the fact that this model includes a voice enhanced coil cooling system.

With this feature, one can bid adieu to the subwoofer heating up occasionally and say hello to deep, pulsating bass with crystal clear sound.

Its key features are that it comes with a 2500 watts RMS with a peak power of 5000 watts.

It also includes a 2 ohm coil and its sensitivity lies at 84 decibels. The frequency range is from 24 Hz to 100 Hz and the mounting depth of this 12 inch single subwoofer is 10.34 inches.

Pros:

• When it comes to the power, it is almost unmatched by its counterparts as this model is one of the most powerful subwoofers at 2000 watts.
• Along with the power, it is only natural that the subwoofer provides absolute clarity and distortion free sound.
• It is also durable and long-lasting.

Cons:

• It is bulky and heavy which is quite un-ergonomic for people with less space in the car.

6. CT Sounds Meso – Best Subwoofer For Smaller Spaces

The CT Sounds Meso is an 8 inch subwoofer and is a great model to upgrade your subwoofer system. The cost will not break the bank while providing all that you will ever require from a subwoofer.

The CT Sounds Meso features a treated paper cone that is double-stitched and includes a foam surround to provide the maximum longevity of the product.

Besides its superior sound qualities, it is also a sturdy product which is completely capable of handling high frequency audio.

The product features an 800 watts RMS with a 1600 watts peak power and also includes dual 4 ohm coils.

The sensitivity of the CT Sounds Meso is 82.80 decibels and is a compact thing at 8 inches only. The mounting depth of the subwoofer is 6.6 inches.

Pros:

• It is budget friendly.
• It provides clean and crisp bass.
• The model is compact and is suitable for people with less trunk space.

Cons:

• The subwoofer is not loud enough.

FaQ’s:

1. What wire size is required usually to wire the subwoofer to the car?

Answer- The wire depends on the wattage of the subwoofer. But in most typical cases, a wire size of 12 awg to 14 awg would do the job.

2. Can I build a personalized subwoofer system?

Answer- Yes, absolutely! In order to do this, you would need separate components that would make up a typical subwoofer system. Firstly, you can start with choosing a component subwoofer, which is simply the speaker. Next, you would need a subwoofer box where you would mount your component subwoofer. An external amplifier would also be required and you need to set up the impedance as well as the voice coils.

3. What type of subwoofer would sound the deepest?

Answer- If you want to experience the deepest and the lowest sounding bass, it is always a great option to choose a subwoofer system with an enclosure. It has been discussed above that a sealed enclosure is the right choice for deep bass.

An exceptional wattage of power also plays a noble part in providing you with the deep undertones of bass.

4. Is it better to get one 12 inch subwoofer or two 10 inches subwoofers?

Answer- This is an age old question that is asked by many. You have to remember that so many factors that come in play regardless of the size, like power, sensitivity, impedance, frequency and voice coils.
But for the sake of the question, two 10 inches subwoofers would sound cleaner and crisp because of their combined cone. But the single 12 inch subwoofer would sound deeper.

5. How much power is the right power?

Answer- The answer is to choose a subwoofer that provides a lot of power! But it has to match the amplifier’s RMS rating. If the subwoofer’s RMS rating and the amplifier’s RMS rating do not go hand in hand, then the sound would undergo distortion when you crank up the volume. This means that you have reached the performance limit of your subwoofer system. To avoid that, get one that goes hand in hand with the amplifier’s RMS rating.

6. Will I be able to hear the bass if I place the subwoofer in the trunk?

Answer- Yes, absolutely! If you do feel that you are missing out on the bass, you can punch some holes in the rear deck but don’t forget to cover the holes with acoustically transparent covering material. Sometimes, the bass can be hard to catch because the rear deck and seat back material can block the sound waves which muffle the sound.

The products featured on this page were last updated on 2024-12-03 at 20:39 /. Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.