Subwoofers are speakers that are specifically designed to produce bass sounds. Typically, subwoofers detect and reproduce sounds that are in the 20 to 200 Hz range. Lower range subwoofers can produce deeper bass but may not be able to see higher ones. Professional-grade subwoofers generally operate below 100 Hz, while most subwoofers for home- or car-use operate above 100 Hz.
People who listen to a lot of basses prefer getting a sub to improve audio output quality. An efficient sub gets to provide added power to bass-based music, allowing more thump-thumping reverbs and making your car stereo system a well-rounded one.
Solid bass, then, can be easily achieved when you get to choose a bass that adequately provides you with authentic bass reproduction without sounding muffled or muddy. While the market is full of different brands and models that all guarantee you excellent bass, we know that not all of these brands provide that advertised spec.
To aid you in your search for the best subwoofer, we looked into all the different subwoofer brands and reviewed their top products. Below is an in-depth consolidated list of the best car subwoofer brands, including some of the models they offer, their features, and why we like them.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
Best Overall  |
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Best for Zero Distortion  |
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Runner Up Best Choice  |
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Best for Sound Quality  |
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The Best Car Subwoofer Brands and Speakers
Polk Audio
Polk Audio is a company that’s based in California. Popular among customers, this brand offers a roster of home and vehicle speakers, including top-grade car subwoofers. They also have a variety of radio receivers, amplifiers, and other audio devices. Founded in 1972, the company is currently under DEI Holdings and has its headquarters in San Diego, California.
Polk Audio PSW10 10 – Best Overall
Key Features
- 10-inch Dynamic Balance woofer
- 100 watts of dynamic power with its in-built 50-watts RMS power amp
- Continuously variable 80-160 Hz crossover and 40-160 Hz (-3dB) frequency response
- Item Weight: 26 pounds
- Dimensions: 16.2 x 14 x 14.4 inches
The PSW10 is a ten-inch powered subwoofer that can handle 100 watts of power. It has a built-in RMS amp that’s clocked in at 50 watts. This car subwoofer is also portable, weighing only 26 pounds. Considered one of the best car subwoofers in the market, PSW10 offers a 40 to 160 Hz response. For its low price of just over two hundred dollars, this one can easily overthrow a lot of the competition. The best car subwoofer for most customers, this one has the highest ranking in various music stores.
| Pros • Affordable • Solid bass • Good for gaming, movies, and music | Cons • May have unstable power circuitry |
Polk Audio PSW505 12 – Best for Zero Distortion
Key Features
- Slot Load Venting improves bass response
- Big 12-inch Long Throw Driver
- Adjustable low pass crossover, phase switch, and volume control
- High current 300-Watt Continuous (460-Watt Dynamic) power amplifier
- Auto on/off circuit
The Polk Audio PSW505 is a 12-inch powered car subwoofer that offers deep bass and distortion-free sound quality. It has a power handling capacity of 300 watts rms power and a dynamic power of 460 watts. This car subwoofer can reproduce a frequency response range of 23 to 160 Hz. Weighing 43 pounds, the PSW505 has a heavy, compact build. One of the best car subwoofers, this product can appropriately reproduce solid, deep bass sounds. Nevertheless, customers report having an issue with its back panel, the part where the built-in amplifier is.
| Pros • Solid, deep bass • No distortion • 460 watts rms power of peak power capacity • 23 to 160 Hz frequency response range | Cons • May have a problem with the built-in amplifier • Unstable power circuitry |
Polk Audio HTS 10 – Runner Up Best Choice
Key Features
- HTS 10 features a 10” front-firing long-throw woofer with Polk’s proprietary Dynamic Balance Technology
- Built-in 200-watt amplifier (200W at peak)
- Polk’s patented Power Port technology delivers a deeper bass response
- All controls on the rear panel
The Polk Audio HTS 10 is another bestseller from this California-based brand. With a weight of 37.8 pounds, this best car subwoofer is a bit lighter than the previous option. This car subwoofer has a built-in amplifier that has a peak power capacity of 200 watts. It’s also equipped with Polk Audio’s Power Port technology that guarantees you deep bass reproduction. Having a frequency response of 30 to 120 Hz, this one is a fantastic subwoofer choice.
Customers assert that there is no distortion evident when using this product. Its bass is clean and crisp, even at the lower levels. Guitar solos sound both vibrant and hypnotic, as if you are listening to a live performance. Nevertheless, some users report on the fragile power supply of this item. Like both Polk Audio subs discussed above, this best car subwoofer also has some issues with its power circuitry, but you can still remedy that by using this more carefully. As with the two other Polk Audio car subwoofers options, this sub provides top-grade deep bass sound and audio quality that can easily compete with more expensive subwoofer brands and is an excellent reason why many people love it.
| Pros • Top-grade deep bass • Built-in 200-watt rms power amplifier • Dynamic Balance Technology • 30 to 120 Hz frequency response range | Cons • Unstable power circuitry |
Klipsch
A brand that is unanimously known for producing top-quality audio equipment and has a vast selection of both classic favorites and new innovative designs. Founded in 1946, this manufacturer has been around for more than half a century already.
Car subwoofers produced by this company are known for their premium-grade features, including high fidelity sound, compatibility with several devices, and home cinema use. Below are several car subwoofers under its belt.
Klipsch R-12SW Subwoofer – Best for Sound Quality
Key Features
- Powerful 12” copper-spun front-firing woofer
- All-digital amplifier delivers 400 watts of dynamic power
- Excellent sound quality whether it comes from movies, music, videos.; brushed black polymer veneer cabinet with satin painted plinth
- Low pass crossover and phase control
- Line/LFE inputs for compatibility with most receivers
The Klipsch R-12SW Car Subwoofer is a 12-inch sub that is equipped with an all-digital 400-watt amplifier. Able to produce a lot of bass, this product stays true to its name as it offers true-to-source audio accuracy. Because of its phase control and low pass crossover, you can also hear this sub’s low-frequency sounds with other Klipsch speakers easily. With a weight of 33 pounds, this beast has a 29 to 120 Hz frequency response rate.
This best car subwoofer is tagged as a professional-grade sub. It reproduces top-quality audio output and is reported to last for years. Its bass sound is both smooth and tight without any hint of distortion. It also has a sleek and classy appearance as it is equipped with a copper-spun front-firing woofer.
| Pros • High-fidelity audio output • Tight and smooth bass sound • 29 to 120 Hz frequency response range • Professional-grade • Copper-spun front-firing woofer | Cons • Driver may rattle after a few years |
Klipsch R-100SW 10 – Best for Durability
Key Features
- Line level/LFE RCA inputs for maximum receiver compatibility
- Dimensions 14 5″ x 12 5″ x 16 4″
- Frequency response: 32Hz – 120Hz +/- 3dB
- Amplifier power (Continuous/Peak): 150W/300W
- Amplifier features: Volume, low-pass, 0/180 phase, auto power on
Another favorite, the Klipsch R-100SW 10” Car Subwoofer is a ten-inch model that provides superb lower-end bass. With a frequency response range of 32 to 120 Hz, this Klipsch product is another option that you should consider. It has an RMS power handling capacity of 150 watts which could peak at 300 watts. Integrated with an all-digital amplifier, Klipsch R-100SW has a low pass crossover and phase control.
Featuring Klipsch’s trademark copper-spun front-firing woofer, the R-100SW looks sleek, simple, and elegant. Weighing only 26 pounds, this model is also portable. A product that is reported to be durable by many of its customers, this car subwoofer can last for a long time. Its bass is tight and smooth without any distortion audible, producing great audio quality.
| Pros • Clean and smooth bass • Built-in 300-watt amplifier • Copper-spun front-firing woofer • Durable • 32 to 120 Hz frequency response rate | Cons • May have no audible response below 30 Hz |
Bose
Another of the top favorites, Bose, is an audio equipment brand that provides various speakers, including headphones and car subwoofers. A company that has been founded in 1964, its headquarters is currently based in Framingham, Massachusetts.
Bose Bass Module 700 – Best for Wireless Connectivity
Key Features
- This wireless, compact car subwoofer is designed to be paired with the Bose soundbar 700 to bring music
- A 30-feet wireless range feature is also included.
- Equipped with excellent driver and compact sized port capable of low notes so you can experience the pulse and bass in full range
- Includes a quiet port technology that extinguishes any distortion for clear listening
- Premium glass top finish will surely add personality and value to your home theater
- Pair the Bose soundbar 700 and Bose bass module 700 with 700 with Bose surround speakers for an excellent combination of true surround sound and thunderous bass. Bose Bass Module 700 can also be connected with Bose Soundbar 500 and SoundTouch 300 soundbar
The Bose Bass Module 700 is a compact car subwoofer that weighs 30 pounds. It has wireless connectivity that allows you to manage your audio output remotely effortlessly. This best car subwoofer has a power capacity of 700 watts, this beast is a powerful sub that can provide you with crisp and clear deep bass even at mid-range sound levels.
Customers rave about this product’s capacity to produce immersive audio when used in car audio systems. One of the best car subwoofers, it is highly recommended for home theater systems and is a perfect device for watching movies, listening to deep bass music, and gaming. With its ability to produce powerful bass, it is highly recommended to put this gem on a solid surface. Wooden floors, for instance, may be poor areas to place this sub on as it can visibly produce intense shaking and vibration at a high volume of 100.
Easily managed and controlled via its dedicated app, this best car subwoofer also has a sleek, classy, and compact design. This product has a frequency response rate of 29 to 120 dB, which is meant to catch attention.
| Pros • Clear and deep bass • Powerful audio quality • Wireless connectivity • Easy to use | Cons • Minimal control settings via app • Bulky |
Bose Bass Module 500 Black – Best for Mid-Sized Spaces
Key Features
- A newly designed subwoofer that delivers a dynamic range of bass in a small, compact size that can be easily hidden
- Designed to be paired with the Bose soundbar 500, Bose soundbar 700, and Compatible with SoundTouch 300 soundbar as well
- Connects wirelessly to the Bose soundbar for more straightforward setup and placement so that you can enjoy your entertainment in minutes
- Crafted from premium materials and measuring only 10” x 10” x 10” for easy, inconspicuous placement
- Power cord and instructions included
If you want a smaller version of the Bose 700, the Bose Bass Module 500 is something you should check out. A smaller beast with its weight clocking in at 11 pounds, this sub is a more portable alternative and one of the best car subwoofers in the market. Easy to install, this sub can deliver extremely robust bass. This product can easily produce the same loud sound and deep bass associated with the Bose 700 model. It also has wireless connectivity and is easily managed via its dedicated app. Customers report, however, that this product seems to get cranky after a few years. Highly recommended for a mid-sized area, the Bose Bass Module 500 can produce more than sufficient bass for audio listening, movie watching, and gaming.
| Pros • Robust bass • For mid-sized spaces • Portable • 500 watts power capacity • Wireless connectivity and management • Easy to use and integrate | Cons • It may have a rattling sound after a few years |
Rockville
Another brand that you should consider when purchasing an efficient subwoofer would be Rockville. An American company, it is currently headquartered in Inwood, New York. The brand has various high-end audio devices under its belt, including car stereo speakers and home theater speakers.
Rockville Rock Shaker 10 – Best Budget Choice
Key Features
- Rockville Rock Shaker 10 Black 600 Watt Powered 10” Home Theater Subwoofer
- 600 Watts Peak / 300 Watts RMS
- Built-in Class D Amplifier
- The enclosures are built with top quality MDF wood for added sound quality and strength
- High-grade vinyl enclosure covering with a beautiful finish
The Rock Shaker 10 is a powered ten-inch subwoofer integrated into a home theater or studio setup. It can produce tight and powerful bass as it comes with a built-in class D amplifier. This product has an RMS power handling capacity of 300 watts that can reach a maximum of 600 watts. Developed with a premium-grade vinyl encasement to maximize airflow, Rock Shaker 10 is one of the best car subwoofers and has a simple and compact finish that complements any room. Integrated with a durable woofer, a foam surround, and a paper cone, this product can produce deep and clear bass. A sub with a frequency response rate of 20 to 200 Hz is a perfect purchase option.
Customers are ecstatic about this product because it can effectively provide bass without spending as much cash for it. Also, this sub offers clean sound even when you choose to crank up the volume. Nonetheless, a few users complain about a low humming sound that’s audible when it is switched on.
| Pros • It has a frequency response rate of 20 to 200 Hz • Built-n class D amplifier • 600 watts peak power capacity • 88 dB sensitivity rate • Affordable | Cons • Possible low humming noise when switched on |
Rockville Rock Shaker 12 – Best for Regular Bass Needs
Key Features
- Rockville Rock Shaker 12 Black 800 Watt Powered 12” Home Theater Subwoofer
- 800 Watts Peak / 400 Watts RMS
- Built-in Class D Amplifier
- The sealed enclosure is made of top-quality MDF wood. (MDF wood sounds better and lasts longer than particle board)
- Dual voice coils
- High-grade vinyl sealed enclosure covering with a beautiful finish
This powered 12-inch sub is another affordable subwoofer offering. Equipped with the same built-in class D amplifier, Rockville Rock Shaker 12 is one of the best car subwoofers and has an RMS power handling capacity of 400 watts that can reach a peak of 800 watts. Made to last long, the subwoofer’s encasement is manufactured with premium-grade MDF wood that aids in producing better quality sound. With the same frequency response range as the Rock Shaker 10, this can produce 20 to 200 Hz. It has a sensitivity rate of 88 Db and a weight of 32 pounds.
| Pros • 800 watts peak power capacity • Built-in class D amplifier • MDF wood sealed enclosure • 20 to 200 Hz frequency response range • 88 dB sensitivity rate • Simple design • Affordable • Dual voice coils | Cons • Built looks fragile |
Choosing the Right Car Subwoofers Brand
Brand versus Price
Clearly, the brand-versus-price debate is a never-ending dilemma. Aside from the bestseller brands that we listed above, other brands are considered favorites for audio equipment. A brand name that has been around for generations is a fantastic go-to option as it is assured that this brand has perfected its manufacturing quality standards over the years. Nevertheless, newer brands are also excellent options, especially when they are tagged as favorites by a good number of customers. However, more often than not, established brands tend to be more expensive, while newer ones tend to be more affordable. It is essential to check each model’s specifications rather than solely rely on the brand name. You need to base your choice on your lifestyle preferences, as well.
Frequency Response Range
A subwoofer is a speaker that produces sounds at the lower frequencies. Typically, they can detect frequencies at a range of 20 to 200 Hz. A fantastic subwoofer should be able to make clear and crisp audio at this frequency range even when you choose to crank up its volume level.
Powered versus Passive
Powered subwoofers are devices that have built-in amplifiers. They are also called active speakers as they can produce sounds on their own. These devices are generally plug-and-play ones that can handle a given power capacity. These speakers are portable and can be used during impromptu events.
Passive speakers, however, are devices that require a receiver to be able to produce output. These speakers tend to be more lightweight as they do not have the additional weight of a built-in amplifier. Unlike active or powered subs, passive speakers are recommended for home use because they tend to take much of your time as you set it up. You also have the burden of carrying a separate amplifier to make it work.
RMS and Peak Power Capacity
A subwoofer—or any speaker—has both an RMS and peak (or maximum) power capacity. RMS (root mean square) power refers to the continuous energy that your sub can handle at any given time. Peak or maximum power refers to the energy bursts that your sub can handle.
Verdict
Here are the top brands and their corresponding subwoofer models that you should choose from to synthesize our findings. These products have been painstakingly identified based on the positive reviews they amassed, making them the best subwoofer choices for most.
Polk Audio
- PSW10 10 – Best Overall
- PSW505 12 – Best for Zero Distortion
- HTS 10 – Runner Up Best Choice
Klipsch
- Klipsch R-12SW Subwoofer – Best for Sound Quality
- Klipsch R-100SW 10 – Best for Durability
Bose
- Bose Bass Module 700 – Best for Wireless
- Bose Bass Module 500 Black – Best for Mid-Sized Spaces
Rockville
- Rockville Rock Shaker 10 – Best Budget Choice
- Rockville Rock Shaker 12 – Best for Regular Bass Needs