Why Trust Our Opinion on Car Subwoofers?
CarAudioNow isn’t your typical automotive blog—we’re an award-winning platform built by car enthusiasts who have first hand experience in the audio shop installing products. Led by our editor, Kameron, and a select team of expert writers, we’ve dedicated years to testing and installing a diverse range of subwoofers, building a deep understanding of their performance, sound quality, and overall value to consumers. We get our hands dirty, purchasing some of the products on our list and graciously receiving others from manufacturers. Our recommendations are the result of a careful blend of first-hand experiences and in-depth research. We frequently refresh our lists with new and noteworthy subwoofers in an effort to stay at the forefront of what’s on the market and provide our readers with the latest and greatest products too.
And at CarAudioNow, we don’t rely on AI to spit out generic lists. We take pride in delivering content that goes beyond regurgitated information – car audio and video is what we love. Rather, our focus is on crafting meaningful lists with practical insights to empower you to make informed decisions. We’re not here for a quick buck or to chase Google rankings; our reader’s trust, reputation and genuine love for the products we recommend is why we do what we do. Read more about how we choose our top lists here.
Best Overall Car Subwoofer Pick
JL Audio W7AE-3 Series
JL Audio W7AE Series Subwoofer Review
The JL Audio W7-series of speakers debuted back in 2001 and has been regularly updated ever since. It has reigned atop our Best of lists for several years and you’ll likely notice the same thing from other reviewers that know their stuff. The newest version is the 10th Anniversary Edition which adds a slick, satin black finish to the frame and an anodized metal ring around the surround. You’ll also find unique commemorative logos on the cone and a tag on the inputs. The 10th Anniversary models are exact to the specifications of non-Anniversary subs though.
What makes this particular subwoofer our top pick is it’s ability to handle tons of power while producing clean, tight, accurate bass. This is possible due to a unique cone design that is built just like a car – providing rigidity that can handle the tremendous forces exerted on the assembly while remaining light and responsive. A special surround attachment allows the OverRoll surround to be removable too. The design positions the mounting screws out of sight for a cleaner, structurally superior, sound-enhancing mounting. The combination of exceptional attention to detail and the ability to get bass response above the size of the speaker makes these our top picks.
They are available in 8”, 10”, 12”, and 13.5” sizes and work with sealed or ported boxes.
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 stability.
- OverRoll Surround system which improves air displacement and speaker efficiency.
- Cross-Drilled Pole Piece for efficient cooling and superior linear performance.
- Floating lead-wire design for reduced sound distortion and mechanical noise.
We have found this subwoofer to be perfect for adding bass to systems as well as getting hard-thumping impacts. Many people have found the 8” model to be the ideal compromise of power and bass output with size since it can be mounted in a compact enclosed box with great results. Check out our In-Depth Review of the JL Audio W7 10th Anniversary series for more information.
8W7AE-3
Subwoofer Size: 8″
Power Handling: 500 RMS DVC 3Ω
Price Comparison
10W7AE-3
Subwoofer Size: 10″
Power Handling: 750W RMS DVC 3Ω
Price Comparison
12W7AE-3
Subwoofer Size: 12″
Power Handling: 1000W RMS DVC 3Ω
Price Comparison
13W7AE-3
Subwoofer Size: 13″
Power Handling: 1500W RMS DVC 3Ω
Price Comparison
Best Subwoofer for Sound Quality
Focal Flax Evo Series
Focal Flax Evo Series Subwoofer Review
The Focal Flax Evo series of speakers and subwoofers are among the most attractive designs we’ve ever seen. The speakers feature a unique flax fiber cone that gives the speakers a vintage European flair. But, if these were just great looking subs, they wouldn’t be on our list. The truth is that the engineers over at Focal spent a huge amount of time perfecting the audio quality to produce some of the cleanest, clearest sounding subwoofers on the market today.
The flax fiber core is sandwiched between layers of glass fiber to create an extremely light and rigid structure that responds naturally to the deep, low frequencies. Dual magnets provide additional excursion to capture the proper sounds properly and faithfully. The voice coil is mounted on a fiberglass pole to reduce overheating and improve auditory reproduction.
Focal sells the Flax Evo subwoofers in 8” and 10” designs. The new lineup also features the inclusion of shallow-mount chassis models in the same sizes.
The Focal Flax Evo series of speakers feature:
- Flax fiber cone
- Dual magnet design
- Rubber surround
- Coil on glass fiber stand
We love the way these speakers look almost as much as we love the sound. Bass notes are deep and have a natural warmth to them that no other speaker captures. Buyers who are looking for the purest bass will be thrilled with the Focal Flax Evo subwoofers. We’ve got an in-depth review of the Focal Flax Evo subwoofers if you want to know more.
P 20 FE
Subwoofer Size: 8“
Power Handling: 250W RMS SVC 4Ω
Price Comparison
P 25 FE
Subwoofer Size: 10″
Power Handling: 300W RMS SVC 4Ω
Price Comparison
P 30 F
Subwoofer Size: 12″
Power Handling: 400W RMS SVC 4Ω
Price Comparison
Best Subwoofer for Clarity
JL Audio W6V3 Series
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 tight enclosures. 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. Their ability to produce bass with the quality and accuracy in such a limited amount of space is really impressive. 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 that are at the top of our list. 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, we personally run these in our own vehicles (and have even put them in boats) and absolutely love them.
The JL Audio W6v3 subwoofers include these features:
- Dynamic Motor Analysis (DMA). A system that reduces sound distortion and provides an analysis of the sound dynamics.
- Mineral-filled polypropylene woofer cone provides excellent response.
- Elevated frame cooling design for enhanced ventilation.
- Satin black cast alloy basket
We really like the JL Audio W6v3 series for numerous projects where we want clean, clear bass and a speaker that can handle abuse. This is a great choice for buyers who have vehicles with limited space in the trunk for a massive sub box. If you want to know more about the W6v3 series, check out our in-depth review.
10W6v3-D4
Subwoofer Size: 10″
Power Handling: 600W RMS DVC 4Ω
Price Comparison
12W6v3-D4
Subwoofer Size: 12″
Power Handling: 600W RMS DVC 4Ω
Price Comparison
Editor's Subwoofer Pick
Sony MobileES Series
Sony Mobile ES Subwoofer Review
Originally unveiled in 2021, the Mobile ES lineup is Sony’s flagship automotive speaker lineup. Shortly after being released, we installed and tested their 10” subwoofer in a Volkswagen GTI and loved it’s performance. At the time they only had a 10” subwoofer available, but in May of 2022 Sony added 2 and 4 ohm 12” subs, making it a more well-rounded lineup of subwoofers and a great candidate for our list of best subwoofers. We love this lineup – from the looks to the innovative features that Sony incorporated.
The Mobile ES subs feature a lot of cool technology that you don’t see in other subwoofer lineups. Among them, Sony uses a proprietary Honecomb-stamped Aramid Fiber material for the woofer. It’s rigid and durable. And the woofer surround is a technology that Sony calls Separated Notch Edge surround (you can see what looks like a pattern of slits on the rubber surround). When combined with their progressive height rate spider, the Separated Notch Edge surround helps the woofer move further vertically (X-Max) which can help the cone push more volume with greater efficiency.
If you’re interested in reading more about the Mobile ES subwoofers, you can check out our full writeup of the Mobile ES subwoofers. You won’t be disappointed!
XS-W104ES
Subwoofer Size: 10″
Power Handling: 500W RMS 4Ω
Price Comparison
XS-W122ES
Subwoofer Size: 12″
Power Handling: 500W RMS 2Ω
Price Comparison
XS-W124ES
Subwoofer Size: 12“
Power Handling: 500W RMS 4Ω
Price Comparison
Best Value Car Subwoofer
Alpine 2nd Gen R Series
Alpine 2nd Gen R Series Subwoofer Review
The Alpine R-Series of subwoofers continues to improve on the original design. Recently, Alpine updated the R-Series by adding to the already impressive features. Like the previous generation of R-series subs and speakers, the new model offers tremendous bass response for thumping sound systems at a reasonable price. There are a number of options available that include four ohm and 2-ohm dual voice coil designs for multiple-sub setups. To get the most from these subwoofers, you should include a substantial amplifier.
The unique HAMR surround helps these subwoofers generate huge bass by improving the excursion of the woofer cone. The cone is made from a Kevlar-reinforced pulp fiber material that is durable and lightweight to generate the deepest frequencies. The frame is specially designed to provide structural support and prevent resonance. A massive dust cap made from a poly-ceramic material further improves the depth of the low frequency response.
The Next Generation Alpine R-Series feature:
- More powerful motors
- Larger double-stacked magnets
- An improved HAMR surround that allows for 20 degrees of excursion
- A new Faraday ring to reduce distortion
- Kevlar-coated woofer cone
- Polypropylene and ceramic dust cap
Power handling is rated at 750 watts with a peak of over 2,000. Frequency response is exclusively in the low range measuring from 20 Hz to 200 Hz. Subwoofers are available in 8”, 10”, and 12” sizes. The 10” and 12” subs are available in a preloaded box. Our in-depth review will give you even more information about the Alpine R-series Next Generation subwoofers.
R2-W8D2
Subwoofer Size: 8″
Power Handling: 350W RMS DVC 2Ω
Price Comparison
R2-W8D4
Subwoofer Size: 8″
Power Handling: 350W RMS DVC 4Ω
Price Comparison
R2-W10D2
Subwoofer Size: 10“
Power Handling: 750W RMS DVC 2Ω
Price Comparison
R2-W10D4
Subwoofer Size: 10“
Power Handling: 750W RMS DVC 4Ω
Price Comparison
R2-W12D2
Subwoofer Size: 12“
Power Handling: 750W RMS DVC 2Ω
Price Comparison
R2-W12D4
Subwoofer Size: 12“
Power Handling: 750W RMS DVC 4Ω
Price Comparison
Best Subwoofer for Harsh Environments
Polk Audio MM Series
Polk Audio MM Series Subwoofer Review
The Polk Audio Mobile Monitor series of subwoofers are practically indestructible. They are also some of the lightest subwoofers on this list, an advantage for adding big bass to your boat, ATV, or Jeep. Polk Audio uses a variety of techniques to ensure these subwoofers can handle dirt, dust, spray, and still produce big bass. The subs feature an ABS basket to prevent rust and reduce weight and a special titanium-coated woofer cone that ensures tight, accurate bass while preventing UV damage and water spray that will defeat lesser subs.
Polk didn’t forget about sound when they built these marine-certified subwoofers though. The subs were engineered to produce recording studio-quality bass with superior accuracy and impact. A high excursion bump stack motor design with a ventilated pole piece and oversized voice coils ensures excellent sound quality. Waterproof Santoprene surrounds ensure the speakers will survive in the harshest conditions while sounding fantastic.
Polk Audio MM1 subwoofers are available in 8”, 10”, and 12” sizes with options for single or dual voice coils. The MM1 subwoofers are Ultra Marine Certified and carry an IP56 rating.
The Polk Audio MM1 subwoofers feature:
- Ultra-Marine Certification and IP56 rating for dust, water, and UV protection.
- Titanium-plated composite woofer cone construction provides low weight and protection from the elements.
- Dynamic Balance technology
- Fiberglass-reinforced ABS basket is rust-proof and strong enough to handle lots of power.
- High-excursion bump stack motor structure
- Glass fiber formers
- High-temp Conex spider
- Vented pole and basket design
- Santoprene surrounds
We think this is an ideal subwoofer for boats and it is also an excellent choice for speaker setups in the bed of pickup trucks or on Gators and other UTVs. Not only is it one of the toughest subwoofers you’ll find, but it also has a particular thump to it that is uniquely Polk Audio. This is a subwoofer you can feel on the water, on the trail, or in your car. We have an in-depth review that fully explores every feature of the Polk Audio MM1 subwoofers.
MM842DVC
Subwoofer Size: 8″
Power Handling: 300W RMS DVC 4Ω
Price Comparison
MM1042DVC
Subwoofer Size: 10″
Power Handling: 400W RMS DVC 4Ω
Price Comparison
MM1242DVC
Subwoofer Size: 12″
Power Handling: 420W RMS DVC 4Ω
Price Comparison
Go All Out
Rockford Fosgate Power T1 Series
Rockford Fosgate Power T1 Series Series Subwoofer Review
The T1 subwoofers take advantage of Rockford Fosgate’s VAST technology that enables each speaker to perform as though it is 25% larger. In the intro of this article, I mentioned there's people who want to feel the bass, not just hear it. To those people, I say look no further.
Rockford Fosgate 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. You’ll hear these subwoofers from blocks away because of the dedication Rockford Fosgate put to producing the hardest hitting subwoofer possible.
The Rockford Fosgate Power T1-series subwoofers are available in 8”, 10”, 12”, and 15” subwoofers. There are also slimline subwoofers in the Power T1 family ideal for compact sealed boxes in smaller spaces.
Some of the interesting features of the Rockford Fosgate Power T1 subwoofers are:
- Symmetrical dual progressive roll tear resistant poly-cotton spiders
- High-temp voice coil with spun-laced Nomex® re-enforcement collar
- Anodized aluminum heat sinking dust cap
- Kevlar fiber reinforced paper cone
- Rigid die-cast aluminum basket
- Optimized pole piece and spider venting
- Anodized aluminum voice coil former / copper clad aluminum wire
Rockford Fosgate's Power T1 subwoofers are epically loud and produce a tight response that adds to the impact of each beat. When you are simply set on going all out, the Power T1 will get the job done for you with ease. We put together an in-depth review of the Power T1 subwoofers to give you even more detail about these legendary subwoofers.
T1D210
Subwoofer Size: 10″
Power Handling: 600W RMS DVC 2Ω
Price Comparison
T1D410
Subwoofer Size: 10″
Power Handling: 600W RMS DVC 4Ω
Price Comparison
T1D212
Subwoofer Size: 12″
Power Handling: 800W RMS DVC 2Ω
Price Comparison
T1D412
Subwoofer Size: 12″
Power Handling: 800W RMS DVC 4Ω
Price Comparison
T1D415
Subwoofer Size: 15″
Power Handling: 1000W RMS DVC 4Ω
Price Comparison
Best Low Cost Subwoofer
MTX 55 Series
MTX 55 Series Series Subwoofer Review
Earth pounding bass doesn’t have to cost a fortune and your system can still sound good when you use the MTX 55 series subwoofers. MTX combined some of the most effective technologies from their higher-priced subwoofers to create the 55 series. MTX says these speakers are commonly used in applications where maximum bass is desired and we agree with that sentiment. The 55’s use an oversized woofer surround with a unique shape that allows the sub to hit harder and louder than comparably sized subs.
The inverted apex surround is narrower which allows for the larger cone. The subs take advantage of a progressive spider to control the movement of the speaker while the cone itself is engineered to force air to the voice coils and motor structure to reduce heat. A ribbed T-Yoke provides excellent structural strength to the basket while also functioning as a heat sink to help maintain proper operating temperatures.
The MTX 55 subwoofers are available in 10”, 12”, and 15” sizes with options for two ohm or 4-ohm dual voice coil models to match with your favorite amplifier.
The MTX 55 feature:
- Inverted apex surround
- Progressive suspension
- Radial ribbed T-Yoke
- Spider plateau venting
These subwoofers are better than the price tag suggests. While they aren’t as clean and tight sounding as some of the higher priced options out there, they are plenty loud and will get your ride rocking. Look at our in-depth review for more information.
5510-44
Subwoofer Size: 10″
Power Handling: 400 RMS DVC 4Ω
Price Comparison
5512-44
Subwoofer Size: 12″
Power Handling: 400W RMS DVC 4Ω
Price Comparison
5515-44
Subwoofer Size: 15″
Power Handling: 400W RMS DVC 4Ω
Price Comparison
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Other Articles We Think You Should Review About Car Subwoofers
