Chances are, if you're on this post, you know what it's like to be underwhelmed by factory car speaker systems. Although the factory audio system is probably decent, it can certainly be improved significantly with a custom setup. A lot of consumers want to install their custom personal car speakers and subwoofers in their vehicles. This guide will help you find the best powered car subwoofers we could find for your rocking audio.
This might seem like an easy task to complete but it isn't because it requires quite a bit of time researching and learning about the different options. Since this is larger purchase, it's important to make sure that all options are considered and they will provide you with that grin of satisfaction that only awesome powered subwoofers can give you. Choosing a powered car subwoofer is a great optimization for your car audio.
Best Powered Car Subwoofer Summary
[OVERALL BEST]
| Editor's Rating: 4.8/5
|
[Awesome Looking]
| Editor's Rating: 4.5/5
|
[Compact and Easy to Install]
| Editor's Rating: 4.2/5
|
Best Powered Car Subwoofer Reviews 2020
Editor's Rating:
4.8/5
If you are considering a speaker system upgrade you will most likely need to purchase a subwoofer and an enclosure.
While many music enthusiasts do not give much thought to the subwoofer enclosure, we think it truly can enhance the performance of your speakers and make a difference.
To save yourself some money, you should consider the purchase of the Rockford Fosgate P300-12, because it consists of the subwoofer and enclosure as one complete item.
Features
The great thing about the Rockford Fosgate P300-12 is that it offers convenience. The wiring mechanism can be disconnected in a matter of minutes and proves to be a simple process. If you have limited trunk space, you can connect/disconnect the quick-release connectors and then remove it from the trunk. You won't think this feature is important until you need it to be. As subwoofers get larger and more impressive, it helps to have the ability to remove the subwoofer on short notice.
The Fosgate is equipped with high tech components that will provide the avid music fan with a hard punching but clean bass with minimum installation stress.
Included with this speaker, you will receive an RCA adapter and a detachable power lug. The overall installation is very easy and will probably not take you longer than 2 hours to install.
Dimensions
This 12” model is perfect for most music lovers, because it will provide enough volume with a little vibration. The 300 watt amp is built into the device, which will save you a lot of money.
The subwoofer enclosure is definitely easier to setup, so you can almost immediately begin listening to your favorite tunes.
Overall Assessment
If you are looking to save some money on a new speaker system and enclosure, you should definitely keep the Rockford Fosgate P300-12 on your list of prospects. It is very durable and will offer you a long service life.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
Editor's Rating:
4.5/5
This speaker is designed for showing off. If you want your friends to stare in awe at your system, this is the one. This is a super cool looking enclosed speaker system, and if that's what you're looking for, you should look no further than the Dual SBP8A.
It features an illuminated blue lit display and you can be rest assured, this will never be ignored. If you are into the crazy bright illumination, you will fall in love with the SBP8A.
Features
The SBP8A is equipped with a steel frame, which will offer durability. The built-in amplifier will offer the listener a rich, clear sound, without the rattle. The temperature control system will definitely increase the speaker’s lifespan, since it will keep all the inner components nice and cool.
You can also hook it up to your preexisting converter, so it will work with your factory stereo system.
Dimensions
You can be rest assured, this speaker pair WILL take up a massive amount of trunk space.
The 12 inch subwoofer is perfect for providing a high-quality sound, and this speaker might just be the best budget powered subwoofer for you car. This is sold as a pair, so take that into consideration when comparing with the rest of this list.
You will receive all the connections, RCA cable, and heat conduction wires, so you can install it into your vehicle extremely quickly, but make sure that you leave an empty 1” space all the way around the amplifier, so it will get adequate air ventilation.
The overall dimensions is 15.35” W x 9.22” H x 15.35” D. Keep in mind, this is per speaker and there is a pair sold in this set.
Overall Assessment
If you want to turn your vehicle into an appealing speaker and sound system, you should keep the Dual SBP8A on your list. You will want to show off this speaker because its unique illumination is so cool. Who wouldn't want awesome looking speakers at that next car rave or tailgate?
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
Editor's Rating:
4.2/5
If you own a small vehicle, but want that big bass from a powered subwoofer, than you need to be looking at the MTX RT8PT. This is truly a great speaker that will meet and exceed all your expectations. This one is actually in one of our editor's cars.
This product is an all in one solution for getting that bass thump you are looking for but in a small space or perhaps a small trunk. This speaker comes with an amp installed in the back of the speaker. For the price you cannot beat this product. It truly is an all in one solution to all your audio problems, but it will never be as good as having a dedicated amp and two giant subwoofers in the trunk. Regardless, we think you should check this one out.
Dimensions
This subwoofer is 22.6” x 11.2” x 11 inches and weighs 19.4 pounds. This is not to even to mention the fact that you get a 5-year warranty with this product. This is a great buy that you will not find anywhere else.
Features
The AMP power output is 120 Watt RMS. This 8 inch high-performance subwoofer is covered with a thick layer of carpet, so it will blend into your interior. The subwoofer also has a vented enclosure, which means it will allow the heat to escape outside of the speaker and keep your speakers from overheating. This helps your speakers last longer, as electronics don't like heat.
The MTX Audio is very easy to install and setup due to the high level connections and RCA inputs. You can also control the bass from the front of the vehicle with the external bass controls.
All the mounting hardware is included with the purchase of this product, which is a great benefit.
Overall Assessment
If you are looking for a high-quality subwoofer and subwoofer enclosure, you should look no further than the MTX Audio RT8PT. Not only is it inexpensive, but it will also offer you a long service life.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
Editor's Rating:
4.6/5
If you’re looking for a stylish and well-designed subwoofer for your vehicle, you’ll definitely want to take a few minutes to check out the JBL GT-BassPro12. This 12-inch subwoofer is capable of providing you with everything that is needed to make your car bounce and shake with pure bass!
Even at the highest output levels, this product is capable of delivering bass, which is crystal clear and free of distortion. JBL has great brand recognition amongst audiophiles, and it is well-deserved.
Dimensions
When taking the time to consider this subwoofer, you will want to make sure that it is going to fit your vehicle perfectly. At 38.6 pounds, this sub is easy enough to carry about and one individual should be able to get it placed into the vehicle without assistance It's heavy but not too bad. The dimensions are approximately 22 x 14 x 12 inches. This speaker will fit the majority of vehicles, without a problem, but you will definitely be sacraficing trunk space or footwell space. The overall design of the system is very cool and sleek. The polypropylene cone is capable of taking a tremendous amount of pressure, while churning out great bass audio for your enjoyment.
Oversized bars cover the subwoofer for the protection of your investment. Although these bars serve their purpose, they also help to make the system look even more ruggedly awesome!
Specifications
This system is equipped with a built-in 150-watt amplifier. This offers an immense amount of convenience, since you won’t have to worry about finding and purchasing the right amplifier. Instead, this package provides you with everything you need to produce the desirable bass quality that you’re after! The RMS is 150 watts, while the maximum power handling is 450 watts, which isn’t bad at all!
The overall frequency response range is 35 Hz to 120 Hz. The woofer is built in a manner that keeps it cool and protected, at all times. The progressive spider exert maintains control over the movement of the cone and allows it to operate superbly at the highest volume levels. Finally, this system is equipped with very versatile connection inputs that ensure that you’ll be able to get it installed right away.
Overall Assessment
At the end of the day, the JBL GT-BassPro12 is a great subwoofer that will more than satisfy the majority of consumers. Although you shouldn’t expect the same performance that is delivered with more costly subs, this one is sufficient and well worth its price. If you want a great subwoofer but don’t want to spend lavishly, this one is well worth checking out!
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
Editor's Rating:
4.6/5
If you are looking for a product that includes everything you need to achieve decent (but not perfect) bass in your vehicle with no hassle, then you need to consider the Infinity Basslink. This compact system has everything you need. It includes a round 10-inch subwoofer, a round 10-inch radiator, and a 200-Watt amplifier. The whole thing can be mounted either vertically or horizontally, in any vehicle.
Dimensions
This complete setup weighs in at 18.6 pounds, which make is fairly easy to transport. The dimensions are 6.7” x 5.9” x 3.2 inches. This product does require 1 12-volt battery to operate.
Features
The 10-inch subwoofer, 10-inch radiator, and 200-Watt AMP are all cased inside a rigid polymer enclosure. The servo-control circuit constantly monitors the voice coil’s position to prevent distortion.
The high pass filter will eliminate the possibility of over-excursion below Fb. Basically the bass output is increased greatly, allowing you to get that extra thump that you are looking for.
The controls will allow you to set the speakers to receive optimum performance based on the vehicle’s cabin. These controls include a phase switch that will let you adjust from 0 to 180 degrees, which is an awesome feature.
The Basslink has 4 channels of input to choose from and it can even been hooked up to your factory speakers for simple budget powered car subwoofer instalation.
Overall Assessment
The Infinity Basslink will make a great addition to any vehicle. It does have some obvious downsides, so be sure that you take the time to reach the installation instructions thoroughly, before you take on the task.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
What Is A Powered Subwoofer?
First and foremost, you should know that there are many different types of subwoofers available to car owners. Enclosed subs are equipped with their own enclosures, which can help to eliminate a little bit of stress, when making your purchase. If you want to customize every aspect of your speaker system, you’ll want a component subwoofer. These require you to purchase the power source and enclosure separately. Finally, you have the powered subwoofer, which offers a tremendous amount of convenience.
When you purchase this type of product, you will receive everything, including the subwoofer, power source and prefabricated enclosure. These subwoofers are excellent for everyone, since they’re easy to install and require very little technical expertise to setup. They’re also very compact and can fit most vehicles without difficulty.
What To Look For In A Powered Subwoofer
Although purchasing a powered subwoofer is a tiny bit easier, it is still vital to inspect all aspects of the speaker carefully. For your convenience and consideration, important characteristics will be explored in more depth below!
- Costs – How much are you willing to spend in order to deck out your vehicle’s audio system? Remember that these types of subwoofers will be a little more costly, but this isn’t a problem, because they include everything you need! Truthfully, it is best to look past the price and focus more closely on other characteristics. This will help to ensure that you don’t fall into the trap of only focusing on price!
- Build And Design – Although these devices all serve the same purpose, they’re very much different. They can be made of different materials and the enclosures may be different. When inspecting the woofer’s design, you will want to make sure that it is entirely durable and well put together. This will help to ensure that your subwoofer will serve you for a much longer period of time.
- Warranty – Most consumers only focus on factors that will matter in the present and this is a major mistake. Instead, you should look towards the future! In order to ensure that your subwoofer is going to last, you will want to look at the subwoofer’s warranty. Does it come with a warranty and how long does it last? Most will include at least a 1-year warranty, which is good, but not great. If you can find something even longer, you should definitely take note.
- Power Handling Capabilities – Each woofer will be assigned two unique power ratings. One will tell you the speaker’s maximum power capability. The other will be referred to as the RMS power rating. This figure lets you know how much power can continually be used with the subwoofer. Although both are important, the RMS rating is much more impactful. Remember that being overpowered is always better than the opposite!
- Range of Frequency – For subwoofers, the range is extremely important. This figure tells you exactly how low of sounds that the woofer can produce. An assortment of other factors will play a role in this, but you should definitely inspect the frequency range carefully.
- Sensitivity – The sensitivity rating is also vital. It is always identified, by a decibel rating. With a higher sensitivity level, you will need less power to produce the sounds required. A higher number is better, but more power can offset this somewhat.
