- Anthony
When shopping for the best powerful subwoofer car, it’s important to keep a few factors in mind. The size of your car, the music you listen to, and the amount of available storage space are all factors worth considering.
However, there are numerous options available, making it challenging to select one. In light of this, we compiled a short list of the best car subwoofer with built in amp. We have everything you could possibly want, from the deepest bass to the loudest sound. So take a look and find the perfect one for your ride.
| # | Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
| PIONEER TS-WX1210AM - Powerful... | 250 Reviews |
$169.00 | View on Amazon |
| 2 |
| Rockville SS10P 10" 800w Slim... | $139.95 | View on Amazon | |
| 3 |
| PLINIUS Slim subwoofer... |
$78.00 | View on Amazon | |
| 4 |
| RECOIL SWS12 12 inch 600W Slim... |
$121.99 | View on Amazon | |
| 5 |
| H YANKA 400W 8 Inch Powered... | 12 Reviews |
$94.32 | View on Amazon |
| 6 |
| Planet Audio P8AWK Low Profile... |
$79.95 | View on Amazon | |
| 7 |
| BOSS Audio Systems BASS8 8... |
$100.40 | View on Amazon | |
| 8 |
| KICKER 46HS10 Compact Powered... | 693 Reviews |
$369.99 | View on Amazon |
| 9 |
| MB Quart RW-108A 600W... | 170 Reviews |
$129.00 | View on Amazon |
| 10 |
| BOSS Audio Systems BAB10... | 437 Reviews |
$123.99 | View on Amazon |
Contents
- 1 Top-rated Best Powered Subwoofer Car Reviews
- 1.1 1. Focal IBus 2.1
- 1.2 2. Rockford Fosgate P300-12 Subwoofer Enclosure
- 1.3 3. Infinity Basslink SM2
- 1.4 4. Kicker 11HS8 Hideaway
- 1.5 5. JBL BassPro SL2 Powered Car Subwoofers
- 1.6 6. JL Audio ACP110LG-TW1 Powered Subwoofers
- 1.7 7. Klipsch R-10SW
- 1.8 8. Kenwood KSC-SW11
- 1.9 9. Rockville SS8P Powered Car Subwoofer
- 1.10 10. Rockville RW10CA
- 1.11 11. Polk Audio PSW10 Powered Car Subwoofers
- 2 How To Buy The Best-powered Car Subwoofer
- 3 FAQs
- 4 Conclusion
Top-rated Best Powered Subwoofer Car Reviews
1. Focal IBus 2.1
Best powered subwoofers for car
Focal is a top-quality brand for car amplifiers, subs, and speakers. Focal, a French brand, delivers tight, controlled bass in an easy-to-install compact. Focal’s proprietary technology, components, and construction aren’t well-documented.
We’ve used hundreds of Focal devices and can guarantee their sound quality and bass response, even if we don’t know why.
Focal uses an aluminum chassis to mount the amp and speaker in a compact unit. It is stronger, lighter, and compact than JL Audio’s MDF boxes. The aluminum structure keeps everything safe and gives it a high-quality look. The chassis is finished in a brushed finish, which looks great and will not need to be hidden to keep your car clean.
The 8-inch subwoofer’s construction is not well documented. Focal gives the RMS and maximum power handling. However, Focal doesn’t give any information about the woofer cone or spider, motor, or other details that you might expect to see. This speaker design can only be used in the iBus 2.1 system because there is no sub-equivalent.
We do know that the speaker has a nominal RMS power of 75 watts. This speaker is dedicated to the bass frequencies, with a frequency response of 45-150Hz.
Focal employs a 2-channel, 55-watt amplifier to give you a 2.1-channel solution. The class D amplifier and other details are not available. It is already installed and ready for use.
Focal goods can be expensive, but they have a great warranty and the company always stands behind them. Remember that Focal products bought from unlicensed retailers will not be backed or covered by warranty. Focal tells customers not to buy straight from Amazon or a third-party seller. Crutchfield is a recommended online retailer for Focal products in the United States.
Pros
- Incredible, high-quality bass that is tight and controlled at all volumes
- Easy integration into factory and aftermarket systems with included amp wiring kit
- Beautiful brushed aluminum subwoofer cones
Cons
- This product has limited information on design features
- It can be challenging to obtain support because of overseas customer service
- If you do not purchase from a specific retailer, there is no warranty
2. Rockford Fosgate P300-12 Subwoofer Enclosure
Best powered subwoofer car 2018
The Rockford Fosgate P300-12 subwoofer is among the most powerful on the market. The self-contained, all-in-one system is very convenient. This system requires only power and ground to receive an audio signal from the source.
The Rockford Fosgate P300 cone is the largest in our powered car subwoofer reviews. It displaces a lot of air and is the longest. It produces a rich sound that few car subwoofers can match. For motorists who may prefer it, the 10-inch option is also available.
The 300 Watts Class D amplifier is efficient at powering the unit and does not overheat even after being used for a long time.
The closed-loop design of this model is another interesting feature. It will ensure optimal performance between amplifier and woofer. It is also easy to integrate with OEM and aftermarket audio systems.
The intelligent turn-on/off system makes it easy to operate this powered subwoofer.
It is also larger than other models and requires more space for installation. Best all in one subwoofer is the best for truck space and large vehicles with plenty of installation space.
Pros
- All-inclusive System
- For a powerful bass, a larger cone is better
- Integrated Phase switch bass control
- Compatible with both OEM and Aftermarket systems
- Automatic turn on/off
Cons
- It requires more space
3. Infinity Basslink SM2
Best compact powered subwoofer
Infinity produces high-quality products at affordable prices. The SM2 is no exception. It is an affordable and powerful solution for vehicles with limited space for amplifiers and subwoofer boxes. This product is a great budget option.
Harman Audio has chosen to use an ABS case instead of more expensive aluminum and wood products as a cost-saving measure. It is well-made and durable to allow for easy installation of under-seat cushions. The design is functional and straightforward. It is easy to mount and lightweight. The case and woofer are designed to work together to provide optimum sound reproduction.
A compact powered subwoofer delivers a good bass response in a small package. This tiny, powerful solution will fill in whatever low notes your factory or aftermarket system doesn’t provide. For durability and high rigidity, the woofer is made from polypropylene cones.
This will save you money over other materials. This woofer was explicitly made for this purpose. It is not a crossover component that can be added to any system. Although the speaker’s power handling is unknown, it can handle the amp’s built-in wattage without any problems.
This design features a Class D amplifier with high power for excellent frequency response and low heat. These Class D amplifiers are small and ideal for such applications.
If you are interested, you can find out more about amp classes. Although the amp can deliver 125 watts to the sub, it can’t route power into other speakers. The amp has many different tuning choices, such as gain, crossover, and bass boost.
Pros
- A compact, powerful subwoofer that produces excellent sound is of great value.
- It’s easy to set up and tune your music preferences
- It doesn’t look cheap
Cons
- Additional power wiring harness required for installation
4. Kicker 11HS8 Hideaway
Best powered car subwoofer
Kicker’s Hideaway is a great example of a well-constructed and well-designed powered subwoofer. Although Kicker may not be as specific, we assure you that the Kicker 11HS8 is a fantastic car audio-powered subwoofer. It is easy to set up, move to another vehicle, and works well with factory head units that don’t produce much power. This all-in-one solution is great for adding thumping bass and power to any vehicle.
The Kicker HS118 comes with an attractive, durable all-aluminum cover. This case is ideal for placing it under a seat or in the trunk space. It completely covers your sub, so it won’t get damaged if it’s in a small vehicle.
Kicker subs are great for bass, and this speaker is no exception. The Kicker 11HS8 sound makes it sound deep and powerful. The woofer can handle amps up to 150 watts RMS power. It produces frequencies between 25 and 125 Hz, giving you deep bass without any muddy midrange frequencies.
The amplifier is listed at 150 watts RMS and does a great job of getting power to your speaker. Primary features include a low pass crossover and a bass boost control. Crutchfield test subjects noted that the subwoofer reproduces live acoustic notes well and fills tracks like R&B and rock. The best thing about the powered subwoofer? It is easy to connect to the factory and aftermarket head unit with the Molex quick-connect connector.
Pros
- This allows for some of the deepest bass frequencies among any model on our list.
- It is easy to take it out of your car and put it back.
- Design that is durable and fits into tight spaces
Cons
- If the amplifier doesn’t have enough airflow, it will heat up too fast
- Recent reports have shown that many products are being sold as new despite having quality control issues.
5. JBL BassPro SL2 Powered Car Subwoofers
Best powered car subwoofers
You would instantly notice the similarities if you placed the Infinity SM2 and the SL2 side by side. It is easy to see why – they are both made by Harmon Audio and have different labels. They are functionally the same product. We have found that the JBL is often on sale for $60, while Infinity products are seldom discounted.
The ABS chassis used by SM2 is almost identical to the Infinity. We noticed one difference: the JBL’s heat dissipation vents are more restrictive than the Infinity.
Class-D amplifiers in the JBL and Infinity don’t generate much heat, thus this shouldn’t matter. The chassis maximizes the amplifier and subwoofer combination and is sturdy and well-built.
JBL uses a powered sub 8 inches in size. It is incredibly slim in this package. For rigidity, the woofer uses a polypropylene cone woofer cone.
Like many lesser designs, this system doesn’t disclose its build characteristics or proprietary information. This powered subwoofer system is far more powerful than its size, as experience will show. You won’t be able to disturb neighbors, but you’ll hear great music.
This little box is powered by a 125 watt RMS Class D amplifier. JBL includes a low-pass crossover and a bass booster that can be used to increase your music by up to 9 decibels. It is simple to set up and easy to install. It’s inexpensive because the amplifier has all the required tuning features without a lot of fancy things you won’t like.
This powered subwoofer can also pair and communicate seamlessly with other relevant gadgets. It is clear that the JBL BassPro amplified Car Subwoofer is a great addition to your car stereo system. It sounds amazing when you listen to jazz and classical music.
Pros
- It’s an excellent deal for a low-cost, high-quality car audio system when it’s on sale.
- Installing under-seat cushions is easy with a slim chassis
- Incredible 9dB of bass powered car subwoofers
Cons
- You will need a power harness at least 10 inches in length to install the Infinity SL2.
6. JL Audio ACP110LG-TW1 Powered Subwoofers
Best powered car subwoofers
The JL Audio ACP110LG-TW1 is a top-notch powered subwoofer. The ACP110LG is compact, powerful, and high-quality. We were most impressed by the unit’s performance. It produces powerful, clear bass without taking up too much space. It is much more than a subwoofer with an amp in a box. This powered subwoofer is unique and should be compared to any powered sub.
JL Audio speaker boxes can be made at its Florida production plant. These speaker boxes are made by JL Audio using a V-Groove CNC-cut, medium-density MDF. V-Groove allows for the control panel to fit perfectly and is leak-free, ensuring optimum sound quality. The holes for the port and woofer are precisely cut to ensure stability once the speaker has been installed.
JL is the only person who assembled the boxes. JL Audio acp110lg tw1 glues the wood panels together, wraps them in carpet, and then folds them into a box. The V-Groove is glued along the way. When the box is assembled, one panel of carpet acts as a wrap.
An ultra-low clearance, 10-inch TW1 subwoofer is used in the powered subwoofer component. To provide deep bass and a compact package, the subwoofer features several patent-pending construction elements.
Bass is all about exploration. Concentric tube suspension allows the TW1 subwoofer’s spider to move well while the motor is higher in the body. To eliminate the need for a top plate, the voice coil is placed within the motor. This allows for a sleek profile and plenty of mechanical range.
The TW1 is a great slim subwoofer. The package includes a TW1 with a 1/4 ohm impedance, allowing the highest power extraction from every volt.
The Class-D amplifier can deliver up to 400 watts per minute. Most designs that use a switching power source raise voltage, but this design doesn’t. The built-in DCD technology improves the 12-volt supply and the ultra-low impedance speakers at very high amperage. To allow you to have high wattage, the speaker will draw 50 amps of current flow.
This model has everything you need for an amazing listening experience. The 10 inch subwoofer is easy to install and doesn’t need an extra amplifier. You can also control the bass sound with different levels of inputs.
Pros
- The great bass response greatly enhances audio performance
- A slim profile will work in tight places.
- High-efficiency amplifiers draw very little power.
Cons
- The subwoofer enclosure isn’t as slim as other designs.
7. Klipsch R-10SW
Best powered subwoofers for car
The Klipsch R-10SW‘s all-digital amplifier is its star. It is also the reason it is the most powerful subwoofer available with an integrated amplifier.
The device is a built-in amplifier that will ensure that you have best sound quality and power. This amplifier works in conjunction with the spun copper woofer to provide an unparalleled sound experience.
This powerful subwoofer works with all Klipsch speakers and many other top brands as well. You can blend the low tones with these speakers thanks to the low pass crossover or phase control.
This subwoofer can be used with any receiver, old or new because it has line and LFE inputs.
It appears that the housing is made of cheap board material or something similar. This should not be a problem as the housing is very sturdy and can enhance the quality sound.
Pros
- A powerful and efficient amplifier
- Woofers made of high quality spun copper
- Mixes well with other speakers
- Compatible with old and new receivers
- Perfect for music and movies
Cons
- Wanting housing material quality
8. Kenwood KSC-SW11
Best powered car subwoofers
Are you limited on space? This gadget is the perfect companion for you if you answer yes to that question. It is more compact and smaller. This arrangement makes it compact and can be used in tight spaces.
The Kenwood product is a small powered subwoofer. Although smaller, the gadget is just as powerful and audible. Its 150 watts and the adjustable low pass crossover of this powered subwoofer make it a premier speaker.
The power rating can also fill your home with rich, clear sounds that will enrich your life. The bass boost control can be used to alter the bass sounds in this woofer.
Read full our post: Kenwood Ksc-Sw11 Subwoofer Review: Best Choice For You
Pros
- Unique shape, mounting hardware which isn’t like any other company’s products
- The aluminum case that is the most affordable
Cons
- Multiple reports of total failures
- This speaker is more of a mid-range speaker than a proper subwoofer.
9. Rockville SS8P Powered Car Subwoofer
Sometimes powered car subwoofers can be pretty expensive. The Rockville SS8P is a much more affordable subwoofer than we have reviewed.
Even though it is cheap, it is a great deal because it is powerful and comes with a full wire kit for your device.
The best subwoofer can produce up to 400 watts. This is quite a lot for an 8-inch cone. It also features intelligent circuitry that turns it on automatically, making it even easier for users.
It’s only 2.8 inches thick, so you can easily slide it under your car seat. It has a cast aluminum enclosure, which will keep it cool even at high power.
You can also be sure of a solid and secure mount because it comes with heavy-duty mounting feet.
Although the instructions may seem confusing, this subwoofer can be installed quickly and should not pose any problems.
Pros
- Affordable
- Complete with wire kit
- Smart circuitry
- The subwoofer enclosure remains cool throughout
- Mount feet for heavy-duty applications
Cons
- The installation instructions can be a bit confusing.
10. Rockville RW10CA
Best Subwoofers For Powerful
The 10-inch Rockville RW10CA subwoofer is small and powerful, with a peak power of 800 watts. This is also our most potent subwoofer, making it our top overall.
The subwoofer powered uses high-level inputs for easy installation and automatic switching. You can also install the output and input on one side for a cleaner installation.
The wired remote control allows you to control the bass output. You can also change the sound to your liking with the other controls.
This subwoofer is just 2.7 inches thick and can be put under any car seat. For those who prefer something smaller, the company offers an 8inch option.
Mounting feet are not very strong and may not be liked by some motorists. However, they do a great job. Sometimes you won’t even need them. Overall the best shallow mount subwoofer on the list produces an amazing sound quality.
Pros
- Subwoofers with more power
- Installation is simple and clean
- You get some incredible controls
- Bass easily adjustable
- Thinner for perfect under-seat fit
Cons
- Mounting feet are not the best
11. Polk Audio PSW10 Powered Car Subwoofers
Best powered car subwoofers
The Polk Audio PSW10 is a great subwoofer to produce extra bass than the average subwoofer. This subwoofer packs a punch thanks to its specially tuned port that delivers maximum bass impact.
This port is specially designed to ensure stability even at critical volume levels.
The subwoofer can blend well with any other speaker, including those made by Polk. It will be a great addition to your music system.
The marked back panel makes it easy to operate, even for beginners. There is also a volume knob that lets you set the subwoofer’s sound to match that of the other speakers.
It will also have a sleek, removable grille that will enhance its overall appearance.
Even though the unit weighs 26 pounds, that is not enough to cause any trouble.
Pros
- It packs a punch and a clean bass.
- The back panel is easy to use
- Mixes well with other speakers
- Clear and deep sound
- Attractive, removable grille
Cons
- It is a bit heavy for subwoofer size.
How To Buy The Best-powered Car Subwoofer
It is not easy to find the right subwoofer. These pieces of audio equipment can be used for different applications. It is important to match the right device with the correct application. This is possible only if you follow this guide.
Power Handling
By looking at the woofer’s power handling, you can get an idea of how loud it is. The woofer will be louder if the power handling is higher.
But power is not everything. The amplifier must be powerful enough to power the subwoofer.
These subwoofers can be equipped with models that have a maximum output of 800-watts like Rockville. However, any model that can handle at most 150 watts should suffice.
Subwoofer Enclosures
You need to know what kind of enclosure your subwoofer has before you put it. There are two types of enclosures: sealed enclosure or ported enclosure. The sealed enclosures are very simple and airtight. Vented subwoofers are also called “ported subwoofers” and have vents that highlight specific frequencies. Sealing enclosures work well in tight spaces such as trunks and under seats. Ported enclosures work well in larger spaces.
The quality sound of the woofer is affected by the enclosure design. A closed-loop design is the best for bass effects.
You can also place the subwoofer underneath a driver’s seat to improve bass reproduction. This is possible only for compact models with a low profile.
Active vs. Passive Subwoofers
There are two types of subwoofers: active subwoofers and passive subwoofers. The active one has a built in amplifier. The passive version, however, does not have an amplifier and must be installed externally.
For more information, check out our post: Active Vs Passive Subwoofer: Which Is Better?
Size of The Cone
Each subwoofer has its cone size. A size of 10 inches or 12 inches is better for deep bass.
Subwoofers with 8-inch power are great for producing a more powerful bass. But keep in mind that subwoofers with larger cones tend to be more expensive. A larger cone also means larger housing and a bigger subwoofer.
Sensitivity & Impedance
A woofer’s sensitivity is an important feature. Higher sensitivity means that the powered woofer will be more efficient as it can respond to less power to produce the same sound.
Another critical aspect to consider is the impedance. The impedance indicates the type of wire that you can use for installation.
An 8 Ohms impedance woofer can be connected to a thinner wire than one with a rating of 2 Ohms.
Tuning Options
You can fine-tune your car’s sound system with powered woofers for more versatility. These woofers usually include low pass and bass boost EQ filters.
Many top-rated subwoofers for cars can be controlled remotely to make it even easier.
Voice Coils
It is crucial to design the voice coil. These coils are wires attached to the top of the loudspeaker cone. The current passing through them generates vibration and movement that triggers a reaction in the cone which causes sound waves to be released by the subwoofer. A good voice coil helps produce quality sound.
External Control
External control allows you to adjust the volume without having to touch the speaker directly. Subs that are externally controlled will work the same way as other stereo equipment, making them ideal for average users.
This feature is quite common in powered subwoofers. But you should still check to make sure it’s part of the goods you’re buying.
Wireless Remote
You should consider a wireless remote if your system doesn’t have an external control system. This component makes it simple to adjust your speakers no matter where they are in your car.
FAQs
Are Powered Subwoofers Any Good?
They are quite good. A powered subwoofer’s components are carefully matched to provide a consistent performance and are generally very reliable. Although they won’t produce the same rumble as a huge subwoofer or a powerful separate amplifier, they can still add some nice punch to your music.
How Many Watts Is A Good Subwoofer For Car?
Amplified speakers with around 50 watts RMS per channel — 250 to 500 watts RMS is a good starting point. A system with 100 watts RMS per channel — having at least 1,000 watts RMS, or more for the sub is not uncommon.
Are Square Subs Better Than Round?
While square subwoofers have more surface area to move more air, traditional round subwoofers are generally better sounding because they are easier to control. The more accurately the subwoofer is controlled the better sound quality reproduced.
Do Subwoofers Need An Amp?
Subwoofers require amplification in order to produce sound. Subwoofers with built-in amps or subwoofers with enclosures and automobile amps are available. Without an amp, you can get enough power, but it takes more understanding and may not yield the same results.
Are Subwoofers Bad For Your Car?
The only damage that a powerful subwoofer can do to your car battery is draining it. Depending on how powerful the subwoofer is, you may need to repair or upgrade your car’s battery.
Conclusion
Powered subwoofers are a great way to give your car stereo booming bass sound without taking up too much room. They also come in many colors and styles, so it’s easy to find one that matches your car’s interior. We hope that this piece will help you choose the most beautiful one for your car.
Last update on 2023-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
