Best Powered Subwoofers for Your Car or Truck in 2023
- By: Kameron Scott
- First Published: February 3, 2017
- Updated: December 8, 2023
In this article: We'll review our best powered subwoofer picks for your car or truck, with quick reviews, photos and price comparisons to help you save money on the subwoofer you choose.
If you want to round out the sound system in your car with some bass, adding one of the best powered car subwoofers on our list is a great way to do so. If you're not familiar with a powered subwoofer, they're very straight forward in concept. A powered sub is the combination of a subwoofer, amplifier and subwoofer enclosure in one. Having a subwoofer pre-installed in an enclosure with a perfectly matched amplifier simplifies a lot. Here's a few benefits to purchasing a powered sub over a stand alone component subwoofer listed here:
- They're pre-packaged with the subwoofer and amplifier pre-installed eliminating the need to research and purchase an amplifier separate from the subwoofer.
- They come installed in an enclosure so you don't need to build or purchase a separate enclosure.
- Wiring and installation is simple. In most cases you can drop it in your trunk and wire it to your vehicle's battery with the included wiring kit.
- They're universal and can be installed in nearly all vehicles that have enough space.
In most cases, these types of subwoofers are great for adding a little extra bass to a factory stereo round the sound out a bit. Or, they're great for an aftermarket system that you want to easily add some additional bass to the system without going through the hassle of custom wiring, subwoofer enclosures and so on. In fact, many of the products on our list here can even fit underneath your seat so you don't have to worry about even taking up trunk space. Powered subwoofers, at least in the automotive industry, aren't normally used for earthshaking bass though. They're a quick, simple and straight forward solution to adding bass to a vehicle that needs it.
Here Are Our Best Powered Car Subwoofers in 2023
- Best Overall Powered Subwoofer for Your Car or Truck: JL Audio ACP110LG-TW1
- Best High-End Powered Car Subwoofer: Focal IBus 2.1
- Best Budget Powered Car Subwoofer: Infinity Basslink SM2
- Runner Up, Best Budget Powered Car Subwoofer: JBL BassPro SL2
- Best Overall Value Powered Car Sub: Kicker 11HS8 Hideaway
Best Overall Powered Subwoofer for Your Car or Truck
JL Audio ACP110LG-TW1
Latest Prices
Key Features
- Compact 10-inch subwoofer and 400W Class-D amplifier
- MDF box with V-Groove technology
- Flared slot porting
- Measures 21” L x 13.5” W x 6.625” H Weighs 25 pounds
JL Audio ACP110LG-TW1 Quick Review
The JL Audio ACP110LG-TW1 is a top-notch powered subwoofer. Compact, high quality, super powerful – the ACP110LG is the complete package. The key thing that stood out to us about this unit was its performance. It delivers clear, powerful bass without using too much space. This is more than just a subwoofer and an amp shoved in a box. This is a specially designed subwoofer that we think you should check out above any other powered sub on the market.
Construction
JL Audio speaker boxes are made in the company’s Florida production facility. JL Audio uses a special V-Groove, CNC cut, medium-density MDF to build these speaker boxes. The V-Groove allows the panels of the box to fit precisely and be leak-free for optimal sound quality once assembled. Port and woofer holes are precisely cut to ensure good stability when the speaker is installed.
JL’s assembly of the boxes is unique. Rather than glue the wood together and wrap it in carpet, JL Audio glues the panels to the carpet, then folds the panels into a box, gluing the V-Groove along the way. The single panel of carpet functions as a wrap when the box is assembled.
Subwoofer
The powered subwoofer component uses an ultra-low clearance TW1 subwoofer measuring at 10 inches. The subwoofer uses several patented construction elements to provide deep bass in a shallow package.
Excursion is everything in terms of making bass. The TW1 subwoofer uses concentric tube suspension that allows the motor to sit higher up in the body of the woofer while providing excellent range of motion from the spider. The voice coil sits within the motor to eliminate the top-plate and provide a slim profile with plenty of mechanical range.
On its own, the TW1 is a contending subwoofer worthy of including in our best slim subwoofers. This package includes a TW1 that has an impedance of only ¼ ohm, allowing the greatest extraction of power from every volt available.
Amplifier
The Class-D amplifier provides up to 400 watts RMS. The design doesn’t ramp up voltage as most designs using a switching power supply will do. Instead, the built-in DCD technology optimizes the 12-volt supply in combination with the ultra-low impedance speaker at extremely high amperage. The speaker will receive around 50 amps of current flow to allow for the high wattage capabilities you want.
What We Like About the JL Audio ACP110LG-TW1
When it comes to adding a compact yet powerful subwoofer, these types of designs are excellent. The enclosure measures only 5-inches high so it’ll fit in lots of tight locations. The best part about this design is the premium, hard-hitting bass response you get. Installation is fast and easy. The patented features of the design and construction ensure an excellent sounding and reliable subwoofer.
Pros
- Excellent bass response that greatly increases audio performance
- Slim profile that will fit in lots of tight locations
- Highly efficient amplifier doesn’t draw a ton of power
Cons
- The enclosure is not as slim as some designs
Best High-End Powered Car Subwoofer
Focal IBus 2.1
Latest Prices
Key Features
- 8-inch subwoofer mounted in an aluminum chassis
- 75 watts RMS power handling
- 55 watts x 2 amplifier power (RMS)
- Includes ISO wiring harness and power lead
- Allows a proper 2.1 channel configuration
- 45-150 Hz subwoofer frequency response
- 55-55KHz amplifier frequency response
- Dimensions: 13.5” L x 9.8” W x 2.8” H
Focal IBus 2.1 Quick Review
Focal is one of our favorite high-end brands for car audio speakers, subs, and amplifiers. This French company goes above and beyond to ensure you get tight, controlled bass in a compact package that is also easy to install. Focal is light on details about things like proprietary technology, build components, and overall construction which is usually a red flag for us. Having installed and loved hundreds of Focal products, we can confidently say that you’ll be amazed at the sound quality and bass response, even if you don’t have a ton of information about how and why this powered sub sounds so good.
Construction
Focal uses an all-aluminum chassis to mount the amplifier and speaker into a compact unit. The chassis is strong, lightweight, and more compact than, for example, JL Audio’s MDF box. The aluminum construction keeps everything well protected from damage and makes for a high-end appearance and feel. The chassis has a brushed finish that looks great, so you won’t have to hide the box to keep your car looking clean.
Subwoofer
There is very little information about the construction of the 8-inch subwoofer. Focal provides the RMS and max power handling, but doesn’t provide information on the woofer cone, spider, motor, or other details you’ll usually see. There is also no equivalent sub available separately, so this speaker design is only for use in the iBus 2.1 system.
What we do know about the speaker is that it has a nominal RMS of 75 watts. The frequency response is 45-150 Hz, so this one is dedicated to only the bass frequencies.
Amplifier
Focal uses a 2-channel x 55 watt amplifier to provide you with a 2.1 channel solution. There is no information available about the class of amplifier or any other details except that it is built-in and ready to run.
What We Like About the Focal iBus 2.1
Sound is everything, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better sounding subwoofer solution that fits under the seat of many compact cars. At a miniscule 2.8 inches high, this solution can work in sub-compact cars where space is at a premium. We like that Focal includes the wiring harness to connect directly to an aftermarket head unit. A wired remote allows you to make changes without having to unearth the sub from its mounting location.
Special Note from Focal
Focal products are pricy, but they carry a good warranty, and the company will back its products up. The thing that you need to keep in mind is that if you purchase any Focal products from an unauthorized retailer, you’ll get no support and no warranty. Focal specifically instructs buyers to avoid purchasing through Amazon either directly or from a third-party seller. If you are looking for an online retailer in the U.S. for Focal products, we recommend you go through Crutchfield.
Pros
- Amazing, deep bass that’s tight and controlled even when at high volumes
- Easily integrates into factory or aftermarket systems using included wiring
- Attractive brushed aluminum case
Cons
- Limited information about design features
- Somewhat difficult to get support due to overseas customer service
- No warranty unless purchased through specific retailers
Best Budget Powered Car Subwoofer
Infinity Basslink SM2
Latest Prices
Key Features
- 8” subwoofer mounted in an ABS chassis
- Class-D amplifier
- 125 watts RMS
- 35-120Hz frequency response
- Low-pass crossover adjustable from 50-120 Hz
- Bass Boost
- Dimensions: 13-9/16” L x 10-1/16” W x 2-⅞” D
- Does not include wiring harness
Infinity BassLink SM2 Quick Review
Infinity puts out high-quality products often at reasonable price points, and that’s exactly what you get with the SM2. This is a compact and powerful bass solution for vehicles that lack the space for traditional subwoofer boxes, amplifiers, and other components. When you’re looking for a budget solution, we think this is the product you’ll be happiest with.
Construction
One cost-cutting measure Harmon Audio uses with this build is an ABS case rather than more expensive aluminum or wood products. The case is durable and well-designed to make under-seat installation a snap. There isn’t anything fancy about the design – rather it is functional over attractive. It’s easy to mount and relatively lightweight. The case is designed to work together to help the amp and woofer provide ideal sound reproduction.
Subwoofer
An 8-inch woofer provides good bass response from a very compact package. You aren’t going to get bone-rattling thump from this compact powered solution, but it will fill in the low notes your factory or aftermarket system isn’t producing. The woofer uses a polypropylene cone for durability and good rigidity while saving you money over more exotic materials. The woofer is specifically designed for this application, so it isn’t a crossover component you can add to any system. Though the power handling of the speaker itself is unknown, it will handle the built-in wattage from the amplifier without trouble.
Amplifier
This design uses a high-power Class-D amplifier for excellent frequency response and low heat. Class-D amps are compact, making them ideal for applications like this one. You can check out more about amplifier classes if you’d like. The amp provides 125 watts RMS to the sub but doesn’t include the ability to route power to other speakers. You will get a full complement of on-board tuning options including a built-in crossover, gain, and bass boost settings.
What We Like About the Infinity SM2
This is a great option when you are trying to build on a budget. While the unit is basic, it provides good bass response that fills the gaps most factory systems lack. Its compact size makes it easy to install in tight spaces. Our favorite thing about the SM2 is the rich, pure bass that it produces. Again, this powered sub isn’t going to rattle your windows, but it does make your music feel more realistic and rounded.
Pros
- Great sound from an inexpensive, compact powered sub
- Easy to install and tune for your specific music preferences
- Doesn’t look cheap
Cons
- Requires additional power wiring harness for installation
Runner Up, Best Budget Powered Car Subwoofer
JBL BassPro SL2
Latest Prices
Key Features
- 8” subwoofer mounted in an ABS chassis
- Class-D amplifier
- 125 watts RMS
- 35-120Hz frequency response
- Low-pass crossover adjustable from 50-120 Hz
- Bass Boost
- Dimensions: 13-9/16” L x 10-1/16” W x 2-⅞” D
- Does not include wiring harness
JBL BassPro SL2 Quick Review
If you were to place the SL2 side-by-side with the Infinity SM2, you would immediately notice how similar they are. The reason is simple – they are made by the same company (Harmon Audio) and are simply labeled with different brands. Functionally, they are the same product. What we have noticed is that you’ll often find the JBL on sale for around $60 off, while Infinity products are rarely discounted.
Construction
The SM2 uses an ABS chassis nearly identical to that used by Infinity. The one difference that we noticed is that the heat dissipation vents on the JBL are somewhat more restrictive than those of the Infinity. In most scenarios, this is going to be a non-factor since they are both using Class-D amplifiers that simply don’t build lots of heat. The chassis is sturdy, well-designed, and specifically engineered to get the most out of the subwoofer and amplifier combination.
Subwoofer
JBL uses an 8-inch subwoofer that is incredibly slim in this package. The woofer uses a polypropylene woofer cone for rigidity. Like many of these smaller designs, there isn’t a ton of information about the build characteristics and proprietary information on this system. Practical experience doesn’t lie, and you’ll find that this compact powered subwoofer system hits above its size. It won’t rattle windows or annoy the neighbors, but your tunes will sound better than they ever have before.
Amplifier
A 125 watt RMS Class-D amplifier gets the power going in this little box. JBL incorporates a low-pass crossover and a bass boost feature you can use to add up to 9 db to your music. The amplifier is easy to configure for your system and is easy to install. It has the tuning features you need without a bunch of overly complicated stuff you’ll never appreciate which keeps the price manageable.
What We Like About the JBL BassPro SL2
Everything we like about the Infinity SL2 applies here, along with the fact that we often see this device on sale. If you are looking to put 8-inch subs under both front seats, catch this one on discount and save enough money to upgrade another pair of speakers. It’s durable, easy to install, and simple to tune.
Pros
- When it is on sale, it’s one of the best deals you’ll find for high-quality, low-cost car audio
- Slim chassis makes under seat installation simple
Cons
- Like the Infinity SL2, you’ll need to buy a power harness that is at least 10 ga to install
Best Overall Value Powered Car Sub
Kicker 11HS8 Hideaway
Latest Prices
Key Features
- 8” subwoofer in an aluminum chassis
- 150 RMS amplifier
- 25-120 Hz
- Dimensions: 13-⅞”L x 9-⅜” W x 3-⅛” H
- 50-150 Hz low-pass crossover
- Includes velcro for mounting and Molex quick-connect harness
Kicker 11HS8 Hideaway Quick Review
The Hideaway from Kicker is one of the finest examples of a well-built and well-designed powered subwoofer around. Kicker is light on details, but we can tell you that after installing the 11HS8, this thing really performs. It’s easy to install, easy to move to another vehicle, and works very well with factory head units that don’t make a ton of power. This is a good choice all-in-one solutions to adding thumping bass to any vehicle.
Construction
The HS118 has an all-aluminum case that is durable and attractive. It’s perfect for putting it in the trunk or under a seat where it might get kicked or banged around without damage happening. The case completely covers the woofer so you won’t have to worry about accidentally damaging your sub when it’s installed in a vehicle with limited space.
Subwoofer
We like Kicker subs when we want good bass, and this is a good speaker. It sounds deep and has that unique Kicker sound that pushes the thud of the bass forward making it seem more powerful than it really is. The woofer is rated to handle the amps 150 watts RMS and produces frequencies from 25 to 125 Hz to give you all of the deep bass you want without muddy midrange frequencies getting in the way.
Amplifier
Rated at 150 watts RMS, the amplifier does a good job of getting power to the speaker. It has basic features like a low pass crossover and bass boost. Crutchfield testers noted that it does an excellent job of reproducing live acoustic bass notes and fills rock and R&B tracks well. Perhaps the best part about this powered subwoofer is how easy it is to connect to factory or aftermarket head units using the included Molex quick-connect harness.
Why We Like the Kicker 11HS8
Simple, compact, and easy to install are all features we love. That this powered subwoofer sounds as good as it does is a real benefit, particularly given the totally reasonable price. The Velcro mounting apparatus and the quick-connect harness make it one of the easier powered subs to install. This is simply a good design that is well-built and provides you the bass you need to complete your compact car audio system.
Pros
- This provides some of the deeper bass frequencies of any of the models on our list
- It’s easy to remove and install from your car
- Durable design that fits in tight spots
Cons
- Amplifier will get excessively hot if it doesn’t get enough airflow
- Recent reports of quality-control issues and numerous products being sold as new when they are not
Looking for a different type of subwoofer? Check out these lists!
Best Powered Car Subwoofers: What to Look For
It’s essential that you understand what you are looking for in order to find the best powered subwoofer for your car. You will want one that meets your specific needs for your specific vehicle. It needs to fit your vehicle, as well as your preferences. So take your time and select and item with care.
First of all, you need to look at the dimensions and measurements of the powered subwoofer. Make sure the product you choose can fit in your trunk or under the seat. Take measurements to ensure that your car has enough space for the item you desire. If you are choosing a subwoofer for your trunk, you should have enough space no matter what you drive. However, if you are choosing a subwoofer that will be placed under the seat, you need to make sure there is enough height. This is very important if you have a car with power front seats, as these seats often have components underneath.
You should also be on the lookout for how much power the sub you choose can handle. This will be listed in watts and will give you a good idea of how much power the subwoofer can handle. The key thing to consider, since these subwoofers are already paired with an amplifier, is how powerful you'd like your system to be. The more power, the louder the system will be.
While we’re discussing power, be sure to keep an eye out for ohms. This'll indicate electrical resistance, or “impedance.” (It “impedes” the electrical flow.) Most subwoofers have 4-Ohms, but there is a vast variety of products available so finding the right one for your needs should not be a problem.
Before you install your subwoofer, you’ll need to know what type of enclosure it has. There are two common types, a sealed and a vented enclosure. Sealed enclosures are air tight and have a very basic design. Vented subwoofers, also known as “ported subwoofers,” have various vents that emphasize specific frequencies. Typically, sealed enclosures are better for small spaces like trunks or under seats. Ported enclosures are a great design for larger spaces.
The amount of voice coils will also make a difference. Voice coils give input to the speakers, and if it has one coil (know as Single Voice Coil or SVC), it will have one input that you need to wire. Dual voice coils, however, are popular among audio enthusiasts who want more options when wiring their system.
Finally, take into account the size of the subwoofer. While the enclosure will have its own measurements, the subwoofer inside the enclosure will effect how the speaker sounds. In most cases, the larger the subwoofer, the lower the frequencies it can reach. However, larger subwoofers can't keep up with faster bass. This may be heard more in fast pace rock or metal music. If space is not a concern and you want the lowest bass possible, then a large subwoofer is your best option.
About this List
We take our best lists very seriously. Our list of best powered subwoofers is assembled based on extensive research that we do internally, combined with in-person testing and our industry experience. They're our our guidelines and products we consider high quality, reliable, perform well and are priced reasonably too. We take our recommended lists very seriously and work hard to keep them up to date with the most relevant products on the market. Our goal is to provide you with products that you can have confidence in purchasing. We're updating them all the time too so you can always come back the next time you're looking to buy a powered subwoofer and know that you're looking at the most current top pick products.
If you're looking for a stand alone subwoofer, consider checking out CarAudioNow's lists of Best Shallow Mount Subwoofers and Best Component Subwoofers.
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