Subwoofers are specially-designed speakers built to handle extra-low frequencies that make up 'bass' in music. While not strictly necessary for basic bass reproduction, a good subwoofer goes a long way towards adding that extra low-end punch which is lacking in most factory audio systems. Subwoofers are normally installed in 'sealed' or 'ported' enclosures, with each enclosure type offering distinctive playback characteristics. Sealed enclosures generally deliver tight, accurate bass hits while ported enclosures specialize in loudness and low frequency response.
Best Car Subwoofer Overall:
A good all-around subwoofer needs to be able to produce accurate bass without needing tons of power from an expensive amplifier. The following five subwoofers deliver excellent performance while keeping prices in check, making them a great option for anyone looking for more bass.
JL Audio 12W3v3-4 Subwoofer
JL Audio's midrange 12W3v3-4 is one of the best subwoofers available for everyday use. This subwoofer offers fantastic sound quality paired with excellent bass output - the best of both worlds. The 12W3v3-4 can be used in sealed or ported enclosures, in conjunction with an amplifier that can put out up to 500 watts RMS. Read Full Review »
Rockford Fosgate P3D412 Punch P3 12-Inch 500-Watt Subwoofer
Rockford Fosgate's top-performing Punch subwoofer is a great balance between performance and price. While this certainly isn't the loudest subwoofer out there, the P3D4-12 can vibrate mirrors and panels without distorting or sounding 'boomy'. At a rated 600W RMS of power handling, this is a power-hungry subwoofer that requires a high-output amplifier. Read Full Review »
Amazon.com$130.00
Alpine SWR-1243D Subwoofer
The Alpine SWR-1243D stays true to the Type-R reputation for being able to perform well at high volumes. This subwoofer is tuned for hard-hitting bass output, and can take up to 600 watts RMS for maximum performance. Read Full Review »
Amazon.com$112.45
JL Audio 12" Dual 4 Ohm W6V2 Series Subwoofer - 12W6V2
JL Audio's W6v2 offers increased bass output without sacrificing sound quality. The W6v2 employs a few of the same technologies found in the top-of-the-line W7 models, while coming it at hundreds of dollars less for comparable sizes. Read Full Review »
Infinity Kappa 100.9w Subwoofer
Many people dismiss the importance of impedance ratings when building an audio system, leading to burned-out amplifiers or components down the road. The Infinity Kappa 100.9w comes with a unique switch that can instantly change the impedance from 2 ohms to 4, making this one of the most versatile subwoofers available today. The Kappa 100.9w emphasizes sound quality and accuracy over loudness, so keep this in mind if you're looking for a subwoofer that can 'bump'. Read Full Review »
Best High End Car Subwoofer:
High-end subwoofers can be divided into two general types - those that are designed for competition-grade output, and those that are optimized for sound quality. Either way, these subwoofers can put out enough bass to tickle your nose hairs and cause hearing loss.
JL Audio 12W7AE-3 12" 3-Ohm Component Subwoofer
Many enthusiasts turn to the JL Audio W7 series when looking for maximum performance in a relatively reasonable package. This competition-grade subwoofer is capable of delivering copious amounts of bass, thanks to its cone surface area and eye-opening excursion levels. The 12W7AE can handle up to 1000 watts RMS, so a powerful amplifier is a must. Read Full Review »
Amazon.com$529.95
Focal K2 Power 33 KX Subwoofer
Many expensive 'high-end' subwoofers are tuned to deliver pounding bass, with sound quality as a lesser priority. Focal took the opposite approach with the K2 Power 33 KX. This subwoofer can still put out substantial bass, but the focus here is on accurate, lifelike sound reproduction. The K2 Power 33 KX is designed to be used in a sealed box, powered with up to 400 'clean' watts RMS. Read Full Review »
Rockford Fosgate T2D412 Subwoofer
The sheer size of the Rockford Fosgate Power T2D412 suggests incredible performance, and this subwoofer doesn't disappoint. The oversized magnet, dual 4-ohm voice coils, and 1200 watt RMS power handling contribute to outstanding bass output, whether used in a sealed or ported box. Read Full Review »
Amazon.com$849.99
Pioneer Premier TS-W8102SPL 15" Component Subwoofer
Simply put, this is a ridiculous subwoofer. Not one single person with a sliver of practicality would ever consider installing one of these in a daily driver. This massive subwoofer requires at least 2500-3000 watts RMS - any less will risk damaging the components. This subwoofer was designed to dominate SPL competitions, and is best used in that setting. Read Full Review »
Kicker SoloX 18" Competition Subwoofer
Practical or not, Kicker offers an 18-inch square subwoofer designed for one purpose in mind: to put out as much bass as possible. This subwoofer boasts comical proportions and will require custom-fabricated enclosures to fit in most cars. The 18-inch SoloX handles up to 5000 watts RMS, and will need multiple amplifiers to come close to powering this monster properly. Hearing damage is a real possibility. Read Full Review »
Best Budget Car Subwoofer:
Even when shopping on a smaller budget, it's important to not sacrifice quality for a lower price. The subwoofers identified here offer excellent performance for the price, with sturdy build quality that should provide years of enjoyment.
JL Audio 10W1v2-4 10" Car Subwoofer
It's not often that a budget-friendly subwoofer delivers accurate bass response and hard-hitting 'punch'. While the slim design may not inspire much confidence, the 10W1v2-4 can keep up with subwoofers costing twice as much. This 4-ohm subwoofer can handle up to 300 watts RMS, so an amplifier is a must. Read Full Review »
Amazon.com$199.00
Alpine SWS-1243D Subwoofer
The Alpine SWS-1243D performs like a subwoofer that costs twice as much. This particular model is equipped with dual 4-ohm voice coils and can handle up to 300 watts RMS. Bass output is accurate and controlled, and the SWS-1243D can perform at louder volumes without faltering unlike many 'cheaper' subwoofers. Read Full Review »
Polk Audio db1240 12-Inch Single Voice Coil Subwoofer
Like the other speakers in the 'db' family, the db1240 subwoofer boasts top-notch sound quality without breaking the bank. This 4-ohm subwoofer can handle anywhere from 50 watts to 360 watts RMS, but be sure to approach the upper end if you want powerful bass output. How Polk Audio is able to offer this kind of quality at such a low price is a total mystery. Read Full Review »
Amazon.com$41.85
Rockford Fosgate Punch P1S410 Woofer
Rockford Fosgate's Punch P1S4-10 is a great way to add bass to your sound system without emptying your savings account. While the Kevlar-reinforced paper cone makes this subwoofer a bad choice for vision-blurring bass, the P1S4-10 can fill out the 'low end' of music and add the 'punch' that many factory sound systems lack. Read Full Review »
Alpine Type-E SWE-1043 Subwoofer
Alpine's Type-E subwoofers may not get the same recognition as the Type-S models, but there's no reason to ignore what is otherwise a fine subwoofer. The SWE-1043 is rated to handle anywhere between 100 to 250 watts RMS, and delivers tight, punchy bass. The low cost of the SWE-1043 means a multiple-subwoofer setup is feasible, provided your amplifier can safely power the system. Read Full Review »
This is a lot like asking 'which road in USA is the best for driving'.
Either answer will depend (among other factors) on what your expectations are and on what you want out of your driving experience.
Food for thought!
Jerry Mael