Car audio subs, or subwoofers, are a game-changer for anyone who loves cranking up their tunes in the car. They pump out those deep, rich bass sounds that make music feel immersive and powerful.
When you have the right sub, every beat hits with just the right punch, turning your car into a mini concert hall.
Subwoofers come in all shapes and sizes. It’s important to choose one that fits well with your car and sound system.
Some subs are compact and fit under seats, perfect for small cars. Others are beasts that require more space but deliver unmatched sound quality.
Picking the right kind means considering space, power, and what kind of music you love.
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Best Car Audio Subs
Everybody loves a good beat, and the right car audio sub can make all the difference. Whether you’re after bone-rattling bass or smooth, balanced tones, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into our top picks for car audio subs that’ll transform your ride!
Pioneer 12” Subwoofer
This subwoofer is perfect for those who want robust bass without taking up too much space in the car.
Pros
- Great sound quality with deep bass
- Adjustable settings for personalized sound
- Compact design allowing flexible installation
Cons
- May not fit well in very small vehicles
- Needs professional installation for best results
- Limited bass tuning options compared to high-end models
The Pioneer 12” Subwoofer delivers a hearty bass punch, transforming our car into an energetic sound stage.
With a peak power handling of 1,200 watts, it brings our music to life, whether we’re cruising down the highway or stuck in traffic.
Its built-in amplifier simplifies setup, and the adjustable low-pass filter lets us tweak the sound to match our preferences. However, finding the perfect placement in smaller cars can be tricky, and the full potential is best tapped with professional installation.
For those who love their music with a heavy beat, this subwoofer is a must-try. It excels in delivering quality sound in a compact form, increasing our driving enjoyment without overwhelming the space. The Pioneer sub is all about letting us feel the music, making it a worthy addition for audio enthusiasts.
Rockville SS8P Under-Seat Subwoofer
The Rockville SS8P is a solid choice if you’re looking for an under-seat subwoofer with a good punch for your car audio.
Pros
- Slim design fits snugly under your seat, without wasting space
- Delivers a decent amount of bass boost considering its size
- Comes with a complete installation kit, making setup easier
Cons
- Might not satisfy those looking for heart-thumping bass
- Installation could be a bit more complex for beginners
- Wiring kit may arrive separately, adding a slight delay
Pulling this subwoofer out of the box, we instantly noticed how compact it is. Perfect for those tight spots under seats.
The design is sleek, and the aluminum housing promises cool operation without overheating during those long drives.
Once we got it all hooked up, the sound was impressive for such a small package. It doesn’t shake your mirrors off, but it adds a nice bass layer that enhances the overall sound experience. For an 8-inch sub, it holds its own, especially considering its affordability.
Setting it up was a bit of a task, especially if you’re not quite familiar with car audio systems. But, the included installation kit helped a lot, though it’s a bit of a bummer if it doesn’t arrive with the subwoofer itself. Keep that in mind if you’re planning a quick install.
One thing we liked was the remote control feature. It allowed us to tweak the bass levels on the go. Whether we wanted just a subtle hum or a little more oomph, the control was handy and responsive.
Overall, if space is a concern, this compact Rockville SS8P might just hit the right notes for your ride!
Infinity Primus 1200
A solid choice for bass lovers on a budget, this subwoofer delivers satisfying sound without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Powerful bass that hits hard
- Affordable price for its performance
- Sleek design that looks cool
Cons
- Not suitable for small cars
- Needs a more powerful amp for full potential
- Might require a vented box for best sound
This subwoofer truly impressed us with its ability to produce deep, powerful bass. We installed it in our truck and were thrilled by the sound quality it added to our ride. If you’re keen on bass, you’ll love the punch it adds to your favorite tracks.
The Infinity Primus 1200 is a great option if you’re looking to upgrade your car audio setup without spending too much. It gives out a strong sound and is built to last, which is remarkable at this price point. We found it easy to fit in our setup, and it worked well with the other components.
While we enjoyed many things about it, it does need a bit of room to get the most out of it. Keep your amp in check, too, because pairing it with a more powerful one can amplify its performance even more. If you want to turn up the bass this is an option worth considering.
Rockville WHEEL OF BASS
This subwoofer is a solid choice for those aiming to amp up their car’s sound system without taking up much space.
Pros
- Compact design fits anywhere
- Easy installation process
- Good sound quality for size
Cons
- Limited deep bass
- Wiring connections can be tricky
- Not suitable for very large vehicles
The Rockville WHEEL OF BASS packs a surprising punch for its size and serves well as a convenient bass upgrade.
Sitting under our car seat, it instantly filled our ride with richer tones and a satisfying thump. It may not shake the windows like a full-sized subwoofer, but it adds a pleasant depth to the music.
Installation was a breeze due to its slim profile, and it didn’t take much to set it up. We slipped it into place without trouble, which makes this a strong choice for those unfamiliar with car audio systems.
Seeing that this compact little unit comes with heavy-duty mounting feet and high-level inputs, we found it quite user-friendly.
Nonetheless, while it’s perfect for compact spaces, some obstacles remain. The wiring setup required a bit of attention to get the connections sturdy and secure.
Its impressive design and easy install make it a top pick. It’s not finger-drumming bass to wake the neighbors, but it checks off the right boxes for reliable audio enhancement. Whether in a car or a tight truck spot, this Rockville sub proves itself an excellent companion for those quick jaunts around town or longer trips.
Kicker CompVR 12″ Subwoofer
The Kicker CompVR 12″ Subwoofer is a great choice for anyone wanting powerful bass without spending a fortune.
Pros
- Excellent bass response
- Durable construction
- Affordable price
Cons
- Occasional quality issues
- Requires ample space
- Not waterproof
This kicker really kicks! The size and power make for a powerful thump, filling our car with deep sounds that you can feel.
It delivered chest-rattling bass without missing a beat. It’s the kind of subwoofer that makes every drive an event.
We mounted it in the trunk of our car. Its dual voice coil gives us flexibility to wire it how we wanted.
It’s built tough with good material that takes some serious pounding. Even at high volumes, it kept delivering solid performance.
While it’s a great value, we did face a hiccup with our order—one of our subs had an issue and returns were tricky. So check your product once you receive it.
Also, the size means you need to ensure plenty of space to install it in your car.
Overall, we’re happy with how it turned our stereo into a concert hall.
Buying Guide
When picking out the best car audio subs, size and power are key. Subwoofers come in various sizes, usually ranging from 8 to 18 inches.
A bigger subwoofer doesn’t always mean better sound.
Power handling is important. RMS power tells us how much power the sub can handle continuously. Always match it with your amplifier for the best experience.
Next, check the sensitivity. High sensitivity means louder sound at lower power. This is great for those who don’t want a power-hungry beast.
Don’t forget the frequency range. A wider range can hit those low notes better but don’t expect miracles from just numbers.
Subwoofer types matter too.
| Type | Description |
| Sealed | Tight bass; requires more power. |
| Ported | Louder bass; less accuracy. |
| Bandpass | Very loud; limited range. |
We also need to consider installation space. Measure your available space before buying.
Voice coils can make a difference too. Dual voice coils give more wiring options, which can be handy.
Choose wisely based on your music style and car size. Let’s turn that ride into a mobile concert! 🎵
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