A subwoofer is a speaker that's designed to reproduce bass. They cover the lower end range of frequencies that smaller speakers struggle with (6.5", 6" x 9", and etc). A component sub can add a level of power and sound to your music that other speakers cant reproduce. It's one of the necessities to a well-rounded car stereo. Add one of the best car subwoofers to your stereo and you'll wonder how you listened to music without one.
Here is a list of 2018's top rated and reviewed 8, 10, 12 and 15 inch subwoofers to help you choose the best products for your car's stereo.
Best Car Subwoofers 2018 | Top 7
| Our Rank | Car Subwoofer | Sizes Offered | Impedance (ohms) | Power Handling | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | JL Audio W7AE-3 | 8" | 10" | 12" | 13" | Single 4 Ohm | RMS: 500 - 1500 Watts | $$$$ |
| 2. | Hertz Hi Energy HX | 10" | 12" | 15" | Dual 4 Ohm | RMS: 450 - 700 Watts | $$$ |
| 3. | JL Audio W6V3 | 10" | 12" | Single 4 Ohm | RMS: 600 Watts | $$$ |
| 4. | Alpine Type R | 8" | 10" | 12" | 15" | Dual 2 Ohm | RMS: 350 - 1000 Watts | $ |
| 5. | Polk Audio MM | 8" | 10" | 12" | 15" | Dual 4 Ohm | RMS: 250 - 425 Watts | $$ |
| 6. | Rockford Fosgate Power T0 | 10" | 12" | 15" | Dual 4 Ohm | RMS: 550 - 800 Watts | $$$ |
| 7. | MTX 55 | 10" | 12" | 15" | Dual 2 Ohm | 400 Watts | $$ |
Choosing the Right Subwoofer
Just like when choosing a home subwoofer, when choosing the car subwoofer to fit your needs, you have to ask yourself, “What kind of bass am I looking for?” The best subwoofer isn’t always the biggest. Different sizes of subwoofers respond and produce different sound to different music. Finding the right match for your music preferences is key. Let’s talk about the different sizes of subwoofers and what kind of sound they emit.
- 8″ Subwoofers – The smaller the woofer the faster, more responsive and punchier it is. An 8″ woofer can keep up with faster paced music. Heavy rock, double bass and fast paced electronic are great candidates for an 8" sub. It’s a great choice for those who enjoy soft and light bass. An 8 inch subwoofer is one that compliments a system rather than overwhelming it. If you like very heavy and loud bass, this might not be the ideal choice for you.
- 10″ Subwoofers – 10’s are very common. They are the most well-rounded and safest choice for a subwoofer on the market. The 10″ can keep up with fast paced music while creating a respectable amount of bass. They are good for fast paced music, and also good with heavier bass music. Rap, rock, club music, you name it. The 10" subwoofer will cover it all. But if you’re looking for big bass, you may have to double up with the 10″ to get the volume you want.
- 12″ Subwoofers – If you listen to a wide variety of music but enjoy heavy bass, a 12″ subwoofer is for you. The 12″ sub is the most common in the marketplace today. This is because they are so universal. They're great for pretty much all types of music, produce a heavy bass and cover a deeper range of frequencies. They won’t keep up with fast paced music such as heavy rock or metal as well as the 10″. But, it will sound great for all varieties of music, especially rap, electronic, club and pop.
- 15″ Subwoofers – 15" subwoofers aren't a common size sub. They're not a great solution to the everyday music listener either. But, if you are looking for ear bleeding bass then you are in the right category.
To sum up, when choosing a sub for your car or vehicle, you need consider a number of things. To start, the level of music you want to listen to, type of music, and confinements of the location. 8″ subwoofers are great for leveling out a sound system while a 15″ will wake the neighbors. Your safest bet is the 10″ or 12″ subwoofer.
Remember, all of the top-rated subwoofers require an awesome amplifier. Check out all of the Best Car Amplifiers, and the Best Subwoofer Amplifiers for information on choosing an amplifier that'll meet the specs of your subwoofer.
How We Tested
CarAudioNow considered a number of factors when assembling our top list. We've researched and combined several reviews across the industry with first-hand tests. And we've personally tested subwoofers in the field. There are many criteria that we consider when rating and reviewing each car sub, including:
- Style (Looks, Design)
- Sound (Clarity, Loudness)
- Features (Cooling, Cone Design, Basket, Proprietary Technology, etc)
- Power Ratings (Peak, RMS)
- Price
- Quality (Materials used, manufacturer, etc)
- Online Reviews (From multiple vendors such as Crutchfield, Amazon, Top 10 Reviews and more)
The result from our in-depth research and internal testing is a list of the top rated car subwoofers. And in addition to our list products, we also provide price comparisons from vendors to try to get you the best price. But in the end, the best car subwoofer is one that meets your specific needs and is compatible with your car.
If you'd rather buy an all-in-one powered subwoofer, take a look at all of CarAudioNow's Best Powered Subwoofers. You'll find a list of great subwoofers that have an amplifier already built in!
Here's a great starter video that runs through the key points to choosing a car subwoofer:
Is there anyone who have used T0D205? (https://www.caraudionow.com/product/rockford-fosgate-t0d215/)
Hi! I was curious what the best sub and speakers to compliment it (and the box) for a 2014 jeep grand Cherokee laredo
In market for best sounding sub quality, not loudness! Amp is pioneer 9605 (600 watt 2 ohm) the space I’m looking to fit the sub (and enclosure) is 15″ x 15″ x 22″ depth. I have found several 12″ enclosure boxes that will fit this space so I’m interested in any enclosure suggestions as well as subwoofers
Good evening,
I am the owner of a mercedes CLS 350 model 2016, the sound is pretty good but i want to take it to the next level. What is your advice and what do you propose?
Sid
Hi, I have a 2000 tacoma xtra cab. I’m interested in getting either dual 12 inch subs ported or one 15 inch ported which brand of subwoofer and amps would you recommend?
Where are the Sundown SA’s or Nightshades? I’m running two 12 NSV3 D1’s and would blow any of these out of the water.
Hi I’m looking for a set of subwhoofers that will hit deep in my 2015 charger pursuit what would be the best to put in the trunk and what amp to push them?
best subwoofer? ford f 150 1999 4 12 truck cab box?
I’d like to see a ranking based upon the brand name only, not individual subs. It’s easy to say a $600 sub is a great sub, but most people aren’t going to spend that much. Many affordable subs handle just 250 watts RMS. Which 6 manufacturers consistently make good or great subs for the money? Which do not? There are dozens of sub brands out there. A hundred or more.
Hello,
i was very confused to choose the right subwoofer for car. There are multiple information about amplifiers and subwoofer on internet but i can’t understand which one is the best choice for car. Thank’s for sharing this article, In this i got 7 best car subwoofer through which I can easily select the right subwoofer that can fulfill my all requirements according to my car system.
How can u not have the Orion Hcca 15s in here I have shut down many a subwoofer including the Jls W-7 no comparison to me and will challenge anything Jl can put out..
What would be great subwoofer for a 2014 Cadillac xts vsport? I want it to be as sweet as the car is. I’m seeking JL Audio. Also a really good Amp?
There is a few things that I don’t agree with the authors of this list…..First I think 10 inch subs sound better for Pop music than 12 inch subs do. 10 inch subs sound more quicker, tighter and punchier. The 12 subwoofer is going to give you more bass but slower. For instance Lady Gaga’s music is going to sound better on a 10 inch sub than a 12 inch sub. (A 10 inch sub is going to keep up to her song “Lovegame” better than a 12 inch sub and will sound punchier too) Second JL W6 series are hands down better sound quality subwoofers than JL W7 subwoofers. The W7 is a more of a “BOOM” sub and the W6 is more of sound quality sub. So I personally think the JL Audio W6 subwoofer should be at #1 on the list than the W7 series. Second why is MTX and Polk subs on here….MTX/ Polk is crap. They are two of the most looked down upon companies in car stereo today. Cheaper entry level Focal subwoofers will blow them both out of the water. Sorry guys I’m just telling it like it is.
Where did Memphis rank on your scale? I love Memphis but I’m wondering why they didn’t make it.
Well thank You! This page gave me just the right info I needed on subs, allready had a feeling I need a smaller sub for the kind of music I like and will save me space and weight also 😉
What is the best 15 in sub to get for crew cab Chevrolet Silverado
I’m pushing 5 channel hifonics amp
Hello, we’d recommend shallow subwoofers for trucks, depending on where you’d like to install them. You can find our list of best shallow mount subwoofers for trucks here: https://www.caraudionow.com/best-shallow-mount-subwoofers/. However, very few manufacturers sell 15″ shallow subwoofers and our list only has 12″ subs.
hi i am ordering a music system for my CR-V 2000 model. these are some of the item i wish to order, can you kindly advice me on my choices and if there is changes to be made please indicate. Rockford P1000X5 Punch 5-Channel Amplifier, Rockford Fosgate Prime 1,200-Watt Class-D 1-Channel Amplifier, Rockford Fosgate P3D4-12 Punch P3 DVC 4-Ohm 12-Inch 600-Watt RMS 1200-Watt Peak Subwoofer, Alpine SPR-60 6-1/2″ Coaxial 2-Way Type-R Speaker Set, Alpine SPR-60C 6.5″ Car Audio Component System (Pair).