🥇10 Best Powered Subwoofer for Car [Review+Comparison] 2021

For music lovers, having best powered subwoofer for car is a must as without one they cannot go. And why not! Subwoofers bring out the best sound in terms of bass, frequency, and clarity for all sorts of music.

Among a variety of subwoofers available, we hold a preference for powered ones. After all, they can add depth to any music and are built-in with complementing amplifiers, speakers, and enclosures for the best sound experience. You only have to connect the sub to your car’s sound system and power to enjoy an upgrade, which will make your favorite beats come alive.

Best Powered Subwoofer for Cars [Best In Demand]

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1. Rockford Fosgate P300-12 12-Inch Subwoofer Enclosure – Best Overall

Instantly add to your music system or alleviate all the hassles of installing different subwoofers and amplifiers with the P300-12 subwoofer. Featuring a punch in a custom sealed enclosure system, it is powered by a 300 Watt amplifier and is the next accessory for your car. It is all-inclusive of everything you require to run power, ground, and signal from the source to get it moving.

Holding a sturdy exterior, it offers great resistance to bumps and scrapes making it the right choice for all kinds of vehicles, be it big or small. The closed-loop design ensures high-end performance. There are separate speaker-level and low-level inputs. In all, it is a true example of performance, passion, and power connecting enthusiasts to their favorite music while they are on a route.

Last update on 2021-09-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

2. Dual Electronics 12-inch illumiNITE High-Performance Car Subwoofer BP1204 – Outstanding Performance and Quality

When designing the enclosed powered subwoofers the professionals ensured that it is efficient enough to handle high watts speakers. This device increases efficiency and output and curates a unique tune port assisted with the computer-supported design and integrates 2.5 inches voice coils along with cones made from brushed aluminum to delivering low bass levels.

It is a top-grade design that eradicates the bulkiness within the enclosure for efficient sound movement through both 12 inches subwoofers for great performance on the way. This special design creates a great surround experience and makes an excellent addition to the car’s stereo system. Its specially built enclosure is meticulously constructed to enhance the lifespan of the subwoofer.

Last update on 2021-09-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

3. Planet Audio AC12D Car Subwoofer – Great Value for Money

A highly powerful subwoofer engineered with a double-layered voice coil produces higher bass in comparison to one coupled with a single coil. It needs to produce the precise level of an ohm to boost the amplifier’s efficiency. Holding less resistance, this amp pulls more power. More power implies that you may run a subwoofer at the top performance or can hook up numerous subwoofers to the amplifier.

These speakers are efficient enough of handling elevated or higher temperature strength. Its robust built-in properties boost the efficiency and performance of heavy-duty functionality through greater operating temperatures and lower weight. Foam is flexible and offers the subwoofer greater efficiency. Curated with stamped baskets it offers a rigid and strong platform enabling the listening to hear clear and clean music output.

Last update on 2021-09-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

4. Rockford Fosgate P300-10 Punch Single 10″ 300 Watt Amplified Subwoofer – Best Floor Standing Subwoofer

If you wish to add bass to your existing system or intend to combat the issues of distinct subwoofers and amplifiers, this is an ideal choice as the best powered subwoofer! Featuring a 12-inch subwoofer within a custom enclosed unit and powered by a 300 Watt amplifier, it makes sure you just run power and get this device moving.

It features an adjustable low pass crossover and an adjustable bass EQ along with remote bass level control. Due to the closed-loop design, it serves optimum performance, enclosure, and amplifier with convenient integration using speaker level or RCA signals. Backed by long-lasting build quality it ensures you avail of longer service life.

Last update on 2021-09-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

5. Sound Storm Laboratories LOPR010 Amplifier Subwoofer – 1200 Watts – Best for High Bass

With this powerful and super-efficient beast, you can enjoy the rich sound of Bass in any vehicle. This 10 inches low profile amplified woofer, it is possible to avail of high and low level inputs conveniently. You just have to supply 1200 Watts power and MOSFET power supply to get it hooked up to any in-dash stereo system. Being 3-inches in height, it occupies less space and fits conveniently under the seat of most cars.

The most exclusive feature is that it allows you to customize the sound using distinct functionalities such as phase control, subsonic filter, low pass crossover, and remove subwoofer control. The subwoofer can be subjected to low and medium volume levels and can be loose enough to prevent the voice coils from causing failure and overheating. It comes with a remote control short protection technology offering absolute ease and safety while in use.

Last update on 2021-09-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

6. Rockville RVD10.1D 500W 10’ Loaded Car Subwoofer – Most Sturdy Design

Next, is this robust design with a matching mono block amplifier that fills your car with exhilarating sound! This 10” woofer design renders extraordinary performance in terms of sound quality and bass. With an angular design of 15% it perfectly fits any vehicle and delivers the perfect bass alignment.

Its amplifier features 1200 watts of power and delivers a frequency response of 15Hz – 20 KHz. It meets rigorous quality standards and is backed with a year warranty to let you enjoy every mile with extra fun and lovely sound.

Last update on 2021-09-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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7. Pyle Store Car Vehicle Subwoofer Audio Speaker – Best Universal Fit Design

This 10 inches best powered subwoofer for cars holds 300 Watts and releases high sound resonance. Designed with silver-plated terminals for the speaker, it maximizes sound quality and minimizes distortion and noise. It is an efficient design built with 70oz. structure all made of magnet and surrounded by rubber to enhance the car radio or stereo by releasing strong audio and impeccable performance.

Its high sensitivity is great and resonates with perfect clarity. The speakers come with 4 Ohm impedance per coil, which can be wired as 4 or 8 Ohm. Holding high resistance to extreme temperature and corrosion, it is a long-lasting unit. The CD wave electro-plated polypropylene cone releases low-end precisely for powerful and punchy bass. The butyl rubber surround with bumped pole piece keeps the speaker distortion-free and secured.

Last update on 2021-09-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

8. Pyle Store Subwoofer Audio Speaker – 12 inches Blue Injection Molded Cone – Best Awesome Looking Design

Now, this is another speaker by Pyle Store, which not just sounds great but also looks amazing. It is a treat to your eyes that comes in an appealing blue color. This 12 inches woofer is a booming 1200 watt powerful design delivering exceptional bass quality. It will make your music growl in the car or at home or in an enclosed space.

This blue injected model looks wonderful all because of its 70 oz. magnet. The non-troubling and sturdy rubber suspension and a rubber magnet boot seem great. This is a flat progressive spider design enhancing the mechanical stability of the speaker, enhancing the lifespan, and delivering clear sound always. Just make sure you use the silver-plated terminals to enjoy the interruption-free sound.

Last update on 2021-09-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

9. Memphis Audio SRXE212V Dual 12 inches Vented Loaded SRX Subwoofer– Best Compact Powered Subwoofer

The Memphis Audio dual 12 inches 1000Watts vented loaded car subwoofer comes in an enclosed system and is a dyno-certified RMS Mono 2 amplifier car amp. This 8 gauge complete amplification installation wire kit holds 100% copper RCA. Featuring a slot vented enclosure and 2 inches diameter 4-layer copper, it ensures you gain long service life and uninterrupted sound quality.

It is a 17 inches high-grade twisted-pair with 100% copper RCA cable. The translucent super flex cables coupled with woven tinsel leads and gauge super flex ground wire makes it one of the top-notch woofers.

Last update on 2021-09-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

10. NVX True 1000 Watt RMS Peak Dual 4-Ohm Car Subwoofer – Best 15 inches Car Subwoofer

A completely amazing product by NVX, this car subwoofer can blow your mind away. It is a king of all the devices and holds the greatest standards. The pressed paper woven fiber cone and high-roll foam surrounded with Nylon stitching help produce accurate and tight bass, maintaining low distortion and delivering the highest level of volume.

The huge dual 3 inches Aluminum voice coils resistant to high temperature is coupled with a three-layered stacked motor are absolutely amazing. Such features offer assistance to this sub handles and power up to 1000 watts RMS. With the double voice coils, you can secure robust load-bearing configurations. Best is its durable engineering that offers you better build and sound quality than other subs within the same price range.

Last update on 2021-09-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

What are Powered Subwoofers for Cars?

Don’t consider powered car subwoofers as the regular car woofers as the two are different things. The powered subwoofers are built-in with an amplifier to supply power. A standard subwoofer does not equip an amplifier and if you want one you need to purchase it separately.

Powered subwoofers are a perfect choice for people looking for extra bass and fine sound. The best thing about such units is their easy installation. They are so simple to install that almost anyone can do it.

In short, they are a single package having everything you want!

Benefits of Powered Subwoofers for Cars

Getting installed powered car subwoofers is a great idea because of numerous benefits they offer.

• Higher Bass – Powered subwoofers perform better than standard subwoofers. It is because they rely on an external amplifier. These subwoofers incorporate an amplifier, and hence, deliver better sound quality, greater frequency, and seamless performance that fill your car with rich sound.
• Space Saving – Powered subwoofers usually hold a self-contained amplifier. Both of these units are grouped in the same enclosure, which is lightweight and compact. As a result, you save a lot of mounting space and installation time, which is otherwise spent on an external amplifier.
• More Power – In comparison to speakers or standard subwoofers, the powered woofers require more power. It is because they are integrated with almost all the features you would want. They hold enough power needed to maintain low frequencies and eventually, release deep booming bass without resulting in exhaustion.
• Convenient Setup – It is quite challenging to find an amplifier that meets exactly your woofer’s rating. If it is a mismatch, you can’t expect good results. In such a case a powered subwoofer is a good choice as you don’t have to purchase anything from outside. It is because everything is included in it and most of them equip speaker enclosures.

Types of Powered Subwoofers for Cars

Broadly classifying, subwoofers are of two types – Passive and Active.

1. Passive Subwoofer

Such woofers need an external amplifier. If you already possess a dedicated amplifier for your existing sound system, you may find it easy to pick a suitable subwoofer that matches your amplifier’s power rating. These units push out enough power to drive the low-frequency speaker. Also, they are much cheaper than the active subwoofer.

2. Active Subwoofer

Active or powered subwoofers come with a built-in amplifier, which is built within the subwoofer enclosure. The power of these amplifiers matches the power requirements of the speaker. It combats inadequate power consumption or issues like power mismatch during installation. Another advantage of these units is that they are efficient enough to drive the mid-range tweeters and speakers.

Other than these broad divisions, subwoofers can be classified under four different categories as well.

3. Enclosed Subs  

If you don’t possess any technical knowledge and want to establish a music system by integrating numerous external components, enclosed subs is a great option. They are also called off the shelf woofers and are pre-built with not the speakers but a box enclosure also.

A lot of models available on the market don’t have amplifiers. If you buy these woofers, you need to buy an external amplifier to power the sub.

4. Component Subs   

These subs are ideally for the kind of listener with unique tastes who prefer building a custom-built system. These subs are considered as building blocks. You may begin with a speaker as the first block. They vary in sizes.

The speakers have to be mounted in the subwoofer box. You have to power the subwoofer, which is the third block and for this, you need to purchase an amplifier. A combination of all these building blocks creates a subwoofer setup.

5. Subs Specific to a Vehicle

A lot of people prefer installing huge, trunk-rattling subwoofers in their cars to get noticed. They want the hatch of their SUV or trunk to open. Such subwoofers may not blend perfectly with the interiors of your vehicle. For loud music listeners, it is better to opt for these subwoofers. They are designed to blend in flawlessly with the space of your vehicle.

You don’t have to offer a lot of space and certainly don’t draw a crowd when you are loading other stuff in the trunk. The best place to select such subwoofers is to check the manufacturer’s website or visit local dealerships.

6. Powered Subs

Active subwoofers or those with built-in amplifiers are called powered subs. They possess a compact powered subwoofer and are perfect to install in most of the vehicles. But they have smaller amplifiers and drivers, and hence, are usually not efficient enough to generate higher bass. They are easiest to install as well.

How to Pick the Best Powered Subwoofer for Cars – Everything You Need to Know

While selecting a car subwoofer, you must be sure that it meets your needs. You not only have to check the bass it is looking for but also numerous other things. Subwoofers of distinct sizes respond and release various sounds to different music. Finding the correct match for the music preferences is important.

1. Pick a Suitable Cone Size

Car subwoofers come in different sizes. It is therefore essential to first consider the different sizes of subwoofers and the kind of sound they release.

1. 8” Subwoofers – This is the smaller woofer size, which is punchier, faster, and responsive. It works well for fast-paced music. The fast-paced, double bass, and heavy rock electronics are suitable options for 8” subs. You must go for this if you love enjoying light and soft bass. It complements the system rather than making it loud.
2. 10” Subwoofers – It is the most commonly used subwoofer size. They are the safest and well-rounded choice that keeps up with the fast-paced music while producing a decent volume of bass. You must pick them to enjoy music at a fast pace. They are good for heavier bass music such as club, rock, rap, and others.
3. 12’ Subwoofers – The 12” woofer size is suitable for those who love listening to a wide range of music. They are the most commonly used and are also known as the ‘universal size.’ They are perfect to listen to all sorts of music and produce a heavy bass. Also, you can run them in various frequencies. Shop them to enjoy great varieties of all music, especially electronic, pop, club, and rap.
4. 15” Subwoofers – They are not the common size and not suitable for listening to everyday music. But if you want to high a bass level, then this is the right option.

If still confused, the safest selection is 10 or 12 inches subwoofers. All top-rated subwoofers are great for listening to great music. They deliver an awesome sound level and are suitable for leveling the sound system.

2. Speaker Materials and Design

The best subwoofers add an entirely new level of audio to your vehicle. They round the sound system and support your speakers where required, which is in the low frequencies. Here are the important things you must take into account about the material and design of your speakers.

• Woofer – The woofer of the subwoofer can conveniently determine the quality and responsiveness of the speaker. If a lightweight and stiffer material are used the subwoofer is more effective. One common material used for its cone is woven fabrics like Kevlar and carbon. Titanium and aluminum are used in high-end subwoofer woofers.
• Environment Surrounding the Woofer – The surround of the woofer is another essential feature to consider. Materials that are lightweight, durable, and free moving are useful to enable the woofer to move with little possible energy. The material used is vital for long-lasting and high-performing speakers. Once speakers get old, wear-and-tear and humidity levels can result in cracks or break the woofer’s region. The most long-lasting surrounding is one made with rubber. Cloth and foam surroundings are less expensive and have a shorter life span.
• Sensitivity – It is equally vital as the woofer’s power and is directly related to the power. If a woofer holds a high sensitivity rating it would need much power to generate high output. Alternatively, when a woofer holds low sensitivity it will need more power to achieve high levels of sound
• Power – This is an extremely important parameter to consider when looking for a subwoofer. For those preferring high bass, they need a unit with more power. When checking the power ratings you must consider Root Mean Square, which is more important than peak power ratings. It is because RMS measures continuous power output that is a precise representation of the woofer’s capability. It is necessary to match the power capacity of the woofer with the output capacity of the amplifier.
• Frequency Range – Subwoofers come with a set of numbers, which indicate how high or low the sound it is capable of releasing. But the sound efficiency entirely does not depend on the woofer’s frequency range. There are other factors too, which need to be considered, and most importantly in the construction of the region where the speaker is mounted.
• Enclosure Design – The woofer’s sound is highly affected by its enclosure design. A closed-loop design is proven to deliver the best bass effect.

Another area to place the woofer is under the seat. This results in better bass reproduction. It is possible only for models, which hold a low-profile and are compact.

• Tuning Options – For a versatile appearance, pick a high-powered woofer that is capable enough to fine-tune the sound. Usually, they hold the bass boost EQ and possess low pass filters at back.  Some of the top-notch models come with remote control functionality offering greater ease of use.

Installation Options for Powered Subwoofer for Cars

In most of the cases, a powered car subwoofer is installed in the same way as a standard amplifier and speaker box. It needs an amplifier wiring kit as well as RCA cables. You may also use a small gauge wire if the speaker-level inputs are used and in a few cases brackets are used for mounting the product solidly within the trunk or other location.

It is a great idea to use an amplifier wiring kit, which includes needed accessories and wires useful for installing a powered subwoofer.

No matter which vehicle you own, it is possible to easily remove the subwoofer. During installation make sure to use a quick disconnect system. It is an affordable installation accessory that lets you remove the powered subwoofer conveniently. It is a great choice for people with vehicles that are prone to theft.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our Top Pick

If you ask us to pick just one model from our list then we would go for Rockford Fosgate P300-12 12-Inch Subwoofer Enclosure, which is a feature-rich product. Engineered with durable and high-grade materials, it serves long years of life. It comes with numerous adjustable features and premium-grade functionalities ensuring you receive rich bass level and uncompromised sound quality. A great value for money and a powerful design, it will undoubtedly be a perfect fit for almost any vehicle and stereo system.

Last update on 2021-09-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

On a Final Note

There are numerous aspects you need to consider when selecting a subwoofer. The most important is your vehicle and personal choice as everyone has different specific needs. By carefully selecting a model, you can actually avail of a rocking sound system that works amazing and fills your car completely with mesmerizing music. So, shop now and head towards an entertaining enjoyable experience.