Best Subwoofers for Your Car or Truck 2020 (Reviews & Buying Guide) 

1. Best Overall Pick: JL Audio W7AE-3 Series Subwoofers

JL Audio W7AE Series Subwoofer Review

JL Audio introduced the W7-series subwoofers in 2001. Seriously, how can a subwoofer design that old be so good? The W7-series is that good because every year, JL Audio engineers update and improve on the legend that is the W7-series subwoofer. JL Audio owns eight patents on this speaker. The W7’s are so good, they are now used in home theater systems. These speakers are so good because JL Audio goes through the trouble of ensuring that every screw, nut, and connector is made to tight specifications. That’s how you build the best for two decades.

JL Audio markets the W7-series in four sizes that include 8”, 10”, 12”, and the newest 13.5”. The original W7’s have been discontinued, but JL Audio continues to make and sell the “Anniversary Edition” which debuted in 2011 to mark the 10th anniversary. The differences are purely cosmetic.

The W7-series feature an expansive list of features that include:

• Dynamic Motor Analysis (DMA). A system that reduces sound distortion and provides an analysis of the sound dynamics.
• W-Cone assembly. This is a two-skin-unit –body design that can handle all kinds of wear and tear.
• Elevated frame cooling design for enhanced ventilation.
• Floating Cone Attach Method. This improves the surround sound.
• Overall Surround sound system which improves air displacement and speaker efficiency.
• Cross-Drilled Pole Piece for efficient cooling for superior linear performance.
• Lead-wire design for reduced sound distortion and mechanical noise.
• The W7AE series subwoofer includes all of the latest and innovative designs and features created and patented by JL Audio.

The W7-series is still regarded as the best by us here at CarAudioNow, and we are not alone. Top quality car audio installers across the country choose JL Audio W7’s because of the low distortion, incredible sound quality, long-lasting lifespan, and undeniable build quality.

2. All Around Good Pick: Hertz HI Energy Series Subwoofers

Hertz HI Energy Series Subwoofer Review

The Hertz HX series subwoofers are designed to produce the lowest octaves of the audio spectrum with impact, precision and power. These subs have groundbreaking and innovative technologies in every detail. This includes:

• An ultra-efficient motor assembly
• Rigid V-cone
• Forced ventilation system
• Low-resonance basket.

The Hi-Energy subwoofers' also feature dual coil models to increase the flexibility of your subwoofer system design. This allows for easy management of the different connectivity solutions. It also gives you flexibility in the number of subwoofers for your setup in order to make the most of the amplifier power delivery characteristics. It's the best solution to all your needs; low frequency output and control that will meet your enthusiastic expectations. All-in-all, a very well built, high performing and great looking subwoofer.

3. Quality Pick: Focal Performance Series Subwoofers

Focal Performance Series Subwoofer Review

Focal performance subwoofers are uncompromising quality. Designed and developed by some of the most reputable sound engineers’ world over, these subwoofers feature incredible build quality and deliver exceptional sound superiority.. Focal is popular for its capabilities in low-frequency audio reproduction, making these subwoofers revered by many bass enthusiasts all over the globe.

The Performance Series subwoofers are available in three sizes that include 8”, 10”, and 12” subwoofers. The flax-fibre cones are unmistakably beautiful. Each speaker is built to operate in a specific size speaker box.

These performance subwoofers deliver pure bass with powerful and crystal-clear audio quality from 27 Hz to 500 Hz. A single 4-ohm voice coil is powered by dual Ferrite magnets for clear bass with deep resonance. Focal performance subwoofers are built and intended for the car audio elite. The Performance Series from Focal design, quality, and performance are outstanding. You can throw plenty of power to them (up to 1600 Watts for the most powerful subwoofer in the series) and they will perform perfectly without sound distortions, keeping your system’s bass reproduction accurate and punchy.

4. For Clarity: JL Audio W6V3 Series Subwoofers

JL Audio W6V3 Series Subwoofer Review

JL Audio has spent decades building a reputation for top-quality subwoofer and speaker components. The JL Audio W6V3 series is available in 10” and 12” variations. Made with a durable, mineral-filled polypropylene cone, the W6v3 series delivers incredible strength without the added weight that can decrease a woofer’s response and accuracy. Combined with a rigid cast-alloy basket that all but eliminates flex and distortion, you find yourself with an incredibly crafted, reliable, and well engineered series subwoofer.

What really sets these subwoofers apart is their ability to perform in very tight quarters. The 10” W6v3-D4 is engineered to pound in as little as .55 cubic feet of space in an enclosed box. That’s a 12.5” by 12.5” by 10.5” box. Almost anyone can squeeze that in. And with capabilities up to 600 watts RMS, the W6V3 speakers are tough enough for almost any system.

The W6V3-series share many components with the flagship W7V3-series from JL Audio. Among the most key features, JL Audio applies Dynamic Motor Analysis (DMA) to the W6V3 subwoofers. This allows for a finely tuned subwoofer that produces linear bass without distortion. Pole Vent Airflow Control and Raised Frame Cooling prevent overheating and allow for air to move correctly for increased durability. The W6V3-series also feature the same 4-ohm, dual voice coils and heavy duty magnets as the flagship series. They're a top-notch sub, I personally run these in my own vehicles (and my boat) and absolutely love them.

5. High Value: Alpine R Series Subwoofers

Alpine R Series Subwoofer Review

Alpine’s R-Series subwoofer have picked up the ironclad gauntlet thrown down by the Type R subwoofer the new R-Series replaces. The R-Series feature a Kevlar-treated cone and the exclusive Santoprene™ surround for incredible response and durability. Alpine replaced the compound of the dust cap with a lighter, more vibration absorbing mixture to increase the impact of these subwoofers.

Power handling has increased over previous models to 750 W peak RMS. That is a ton of bump from any sub, and the tough R-Series is ready to handle a beating with twisting or deforming, even under the heaviest of loads.

The Alpine R-Series are available in four styles, 12” and 10” 4-ohm dual voice coil models, and 12” and 10” 2-ohm dual voice coil models. The R-Series are compatible with Alpine’s interchangeable grill system to allow easy customization. It is hard to find a high-quality, tough subwoofer for a better price.

6. Harsh Environments Pick: Polk Audio MM Series Subwoofers

Polk Audio MM Series Subwoofer Review

When a really durable subwoofer is required, turn to Polk Audio and the MM1-series of subwoofers. Polk has them available in dual and single voice coils, and each speaker is fog, salt, UV, and spray tested to achieve an IP56 ultra-marine rating. Put them in your boat, or the bed of your truck, or on the outside of your motorhome, these subwoofers will perform in any weather.

The best thing about the Polk Audio MM1-series subwoofers beyond the incredible durability they offer is that there is no sacrifice in sound quality for all that safety. Polk engineers added high excursion bump motors, a rigid poly cone, and Santoprene surrounds to make sure you feel every note. High-performance Neodymium magnets guarantee long-lasting performance. A vented pole and basket structure with integrated fuses ensures a rigid speaker that is a strong performer.

Polk Audio has six subwoofers in the MM1-series. These include dual and single voice coil applications in 8”, 10”, and 12” sizes. An easy-to-manage price point also puts these top performing outdoor subwoofers as one of our top budget picks.

7. Go All Out: Rockford Fosgate Power T1 Series Subwoofers

Rockford Fosgate Power T1 Series Series Subwoofer Review

Rockford Fosgate updated their legendary T0-series with the new, more powerful T1-series. The T1 subwoofers take advantage of RFs VAST technology that enables each speaker to perform as though it is 25% larger. This allows the T1 to produce unbelievable bass volume that remains punchy and tight, even on the deepest tracks.

RF set out to build a truly tough speaker with the T1-series. A kevlar-reinforced paper cone, symmetrical dual progressive roll tear resistant poly-cotton spiders, and a rigid die-cast aluminum frame give the T1 unbelievable strength.

The T1-series subwoofers are rated to handle up to 600 watts RMS. The series features more than just a range of sizes, too. RF builds a “slimline” version that uses a single, one ohm voice coil. A 10” slimline T1 can be mounted in an enclosed box as small as 14” Hx16.75” Wx9” D. The T1-series also includes a 15” subwoofer for those with plenty of room in the trunk. Slimline versions exist for the 12”, 10”, and the line includes a special direct-fit 8” sub for BMW vehicles.

8. Low Cost: MTX 55 Series Subwoofers

MTX 55 Series Series Subwoofer Review

The reality is that most of us can only dream of a system incorporating the Rockford Fosgate, or even the Hertz subs for that matter. What we really need is a subwoofer that offers a decent amount of power handling, has excellent response and punchiness, and can be paid for without maxing out a credit card. Enter the MTX 55-series, a range of subwoofers that offers all the tech needed for a good sounding street vehicle without the sky-high price tag.

The 55-series is the best selling subwoofer offered by MTX, and for good reason. The 55’s feature a lot of the same tech as the flagship super-woofers MTX sells. A rigid yoke provides excellent strength, the inverted apex surround and progressive suspension system offers excellent sound quality, particularly for earth-rumbling bass. The 12” 55’s can be mounted in a vented, 2.3 cu ft. enclosure, so they are trim enough to be easily used in most vehicles. With an RMS rating of 400 watts, plenty of juice can be thrown through thee subwoofers from a budget-friendly system that is going to rock.