12 BEST BUDGET CAR SUBWOOFER

When looking for the best affordable car subwoofer, there are a few things you should think about. Firstly, you should make sure that the subwoofer will work with your car’s sound system. Secondly, you should consider the size of the subwoofer and how much power it can handle. Lastly, you should think about the price and if you can find a good deal on a pre-owned subwoofer. Taking these factors into account, we’ve put together a list of the top inexpensive car subwoofers that can deliver loud and quality sound.

Best budget car subwoofer: In this article, we’ll show you the best budget car subwoofer complete guide including; what you need, how it works, researched, tested by our experts’ recommended products, and their customer’s reviews on different models of car subwoofers so that you can make an informed decision about which is right for you. Let’s take a look at some things you should keep in mind before making your purchase decision.

«Our Product Review Process»

12 BEST BUDGET CAR SUBWOOFERS 2023- REVIEWS

Let’s dive in…

1. BEST CHEAP CAR SUBWOOFER-6 INCH(EXACT 6.5")

It’s time to unleash some bass with these PYLE PLPW6D Subwoofers (2 Pack) that fit in most trucks, cars, boats, and RVs. Built with a 30-ounce magnet and 4 ohms impedance for strong audio and made to last longer than comparable models with a 1.5 inches 4 layers dual voice coil design and non-fatiguing suspension, you’re going to love these subwoofers when they work their sound around your ears in complete clarity!

And because it is black steel basket design powder coated cone woofer combined with treated foam suspension on stand – no more popped speakers from the dust or dirt getting into the paper cone of the speaker group!

Each woofer is 8" x 6.5" x 3" and weighs in at a manageable 12 lbs each! So, for a tight bass sound at an affordable price.

Due to the power handling capacity of 1200 watts RMS at 3 ohms, with an 80 oz. double stacked magnet structure that’s designed to last longer than other subwoofers on the market. The rubber surround allows for high excursion and helps to produce deep bass tones. It features a non-pressed paper cone that’s specially treated for the most accurate audio reproduction.

A vented pole piece and a large-roll rubber surround help reduce turbulence for uninterrupted bass performance. The 6" dual voice coil subwoofer produces high-powered, accurate bass tones and is suitable for use in many music applications including DJs, home theaters, or car audio systems.

This model has a paintable white finish and comes in a 2-pack. In short, this is one of the cheap but good subwoofers.

Pros

• Little earthquaker
• Sounds great at a great price
• Metal Baskets
• Standard blade connectors
• Good sound on 50-200hz

Cons

• Exact measurement is 6 inches
• You would need a box

Sample Customer Review:

“Dont believe all the negative reviews. Subs dont just sound great no matter what. It takes the proper power and the right enclosure. I have 2 of these in a custom built ported box. 1.2cu/ft tuned to 47 hertz. 200w continuous to each.

They absolutely blew me away. Was not expecting them to hit as hard as they do. And they can play the lows just fine. Not going to win any competitions but well worth the money. Put em in a good box!”

2. BEST 6.5" CAR SUBWOOFER

If you need a powerful solution for your car audio system, the Skar Audio EVL-65 D2 6.5" 400 Watt Max Power Dual 2 Ohm Car Subwoofer is a perfect choice; it features an RMS power of 200 watts and peaks at 400 watts with a Sensitivity (Spl) of 83 dB. It is 3.55" from the bottom side of mounting lip to magnet bottom.

It includes 2 copper voice coils that produce an outstanding bass response. The subwoofer has a compact size for standard installed or custom installations and looks great in any vehicle.

These are not waterproof, so make sure you have protection against moisture if using them outside your car! Nevertheless, this is an excellent option to consider when looking for an upgrade to your sound system.

This subwoofer is great for use with an aftermarket head unit, and it also works well in older vehicles. In addition to getting a clean bass sound in your cabriolet or convertible, the EVL-65 D2 can help bring life back into an older vehicle with its powerful performance.

Its bass impact is enhanced by its compact size, making it a great option for those who want to upgrade the sound from their factory stereo.

Note: Single piece at this price will be delivered.

Pros

• Light weight
• Very useful in the limited truck room
• Best Bang for your Buck

Cons

• Not Waterproof
• You will need to make a custom box for the doors

Sample Customer Review:

“Fit perfectly in my honda element as replacement for factory subwoofer with no modification. Sounds incredible compared to the factory. The AMP that comes installed from honda is 2 ohms.

From what i read i believe i could have went up to 4 ohms. I did have to drill new holes to secure, but that took two seconds.”

3. BEST 8 INCH CAR SUBWOOFER

The Polk Audio DB+ is a marine, ATV, and car subwoofer that offers 750 watts of power. It has an 8-inch woofer with a 4-ohm impedance and a frequency response of 27Hz to 180 Hz. The subwoofer also features DVC technology, which stands for Dynamic Volume Control.

This allows the subwoofer to automatically sense the volume level of your music or movie soundtrack and adjust its output accordingly. It features Dynamic Balance technology for richer, cleaner, more full-range sound

Available in black only, this product measures 9 by 12 by 10 inches (H x W x D) and carries a one-year limited warranty from Polk Audio.

The Polk Audio DB+ can be installed using its flush-mount bottom or surface-mount top plate. The Polk Audio DB+ is sold separately from the Polk Audio PSW505 powered subwoofer amplifier. Polk Audio recommends pairing the Polk DB+ with one of Polk’s other high-performance 5-channel or mono amplifiers when building a car audio system in your vehicle.

This model driver features an 8-inch polypropylene cone woofer. Polk Audio uses a 3D computer-aided design tool to produce the most accurate moving coil-type drivers in their class.

Polk Audio’s patented Differential Drive Technology (D.D.T) improves linearity, transient response, and overall performance of its speakers by using two matched voice coils that are offset from each other inside the speaker’s magnetic field.

The subwoofer’s Patented D.D.T technology is a better design than traditional single voice coil (SVC) speakers that use either one large piece of magnet material or two pieces with the same polarity.

Polk Audio makes some of the best car subwoofers on the market today, especially Polk Audio DB+, Polk Audio DB series and Polk Audio 10TW3.

Polk Audio tweeters are also the most efficient in their class because Polk uses a proprietary design that allows Polk to add mass where it is needed to extend high-frequency response without compromising sensitivity. This results in more accurate reproduction of high frequencies and more sound output from your car’s speakers.

Pros

• IP56 marine rating makes it resistant to water, dirt, salt-fog, UV, and humidity.
• If you’re a little handy, a great OE sub replacement.
• Easy to install
• The sound quality is incredible at a cheap price

Cons

• Not too loud but a decent sound

Sample Customer Review:

“I have nothing bad to say about this speaker. However, if buying this to replace your blown ML sub in your lexus, be warned that this speaker, run in series, only shows 6.5 ohms at an idle. the Ml amp is designed for a 12 ohm speaker and you risk overheating your amp using this speaker (especially if you like to run loud).

I discussed this at length with a friend who has been in the AV industry for 20 years and he said it will work until your amp gives out…. A ML amp is far more expensive than a ML sub.

I recommend getting the real deal.
PS….If your sub is blown because the foam has rotted you can order a new surround for about $20 and its very simple to replace even for a novice. Hope this helps someone.”

4. BEST JBL 8 INCH CAR SUBWOOFER

JBL’s Stage Series speakers are designed with a high-performance motor structure and cone that is made to handle the demands of today’s bass frequencies. The Stage Series includes a vented pole piece, which increases power handling for higher SPL and lower distortion.

This means that the usual specifications, as well as individual speaker characteristics, are considered when tuning for the JBL sound. The vented design provides additional airflow to cool the voice coil under heavy use, increasing reliability and performance.

The polypropylene cones feature automotive grade materials giving you clean reproduction of music and loud, clear bass from a sturdy and reliable speaker.

The extreme baskets are made of steel with a black powder-coat finish for long lasting durability. The high strength magnet structure allows the voice coils to move more freely than some of its competitors, increasing sensitivity. This technology also makes it possible to hit higher tones without distortion–all while handling the low frequencies that your music demands.

The Stage Series comes in both dual (2-way) and three way (3-way) speakers for a complete audio solution. All models feature swivel cones to direct the sound where you want it, as well as heavy duty hardware with corrosion resistant finishes on all steel speaker grilles.

The JBL Stage Series speakers have been designed to handle a broad range of power, so you can rest assured that these are high performance bass drivers from JBL. They feature heavy duty binding posts and provide ample airflow for better cooling at higher volume levels.

This means they will work well with your home stereo system or professional sound equipment, making them a great investment for your home or business.

The Stage Series speakers are highly durable and will give you years of uninterrupted service, so you can listen to the music that you love without interruption. Whether it’s pounding bass lines, smooth vocals, or crisp highs – the JBL Stage Series speakers will deliver the sound waves with impressive power!

Pros

• Assure High SPL and low distortion
• Polypropylene cones
• Rubber surrounds

Cons

• New released

Sample Customer Review:

“Upgraded sound in my girlfriend’s lexus es330. This woofer sounds much better. I would buy again.”

6. BEST 10 INCH SUBWOOFER UNDER 100

Infinity Kappa 1000W 10" Car Audio Subwoofer is the ideal speaker for audiophiles and car audio enthusiasts looking to upgrade their sound system. The Kappa series was designed to deliver the highest level of performance and clarity in mind.

These subwoofers have a peak power of 1800 watts, making them perfect for powering your high-performance car audio system. The subwoofers are capable of producing clean, accurate bass at any volume level without distortion or skipping.

The subwoofers also have an RMS rating of 450 watts, which makes them great for use with home theater systems or other types of entertainment systems. A patented Ribbed Elliptical Surround design gives the speaker increased surface area for greater control over the movement of the woofer.

This woofer features a vented pole piece, spider venting, copper clad aluminum voice coils with polyimide former, double stitched surround, a high energy magnet structure, and tinsel leads for low inductance connection to the cone assembly and integration.

The new Kappa series boasts a rigid Polypropylene cone that is lightweight, yet extremely strong. This in turn allows for more bass output and higher efficiency. The 1-3/8" 4 layer voice coil provides superior power handling while remaining cool, even under extreme conditions.

It is also featured Infinity’s patented “Flex Fit Basket”. This basket allows for easy installation in a variety of vehicles with round or oval holes in their factory speaker locations. The Flex Fit Basket design also allows you to adjust the mounting depth up to 1-1/2 inches without having to remove the basket!

Infinity Kappa offers Ssi (selectable smart impedance) technology, which allows the subwoofer to run safely at 1-ohm impedance without any problems.

Infinity Kappa Car Audio Subwoofer comes with a unique blue glow that adds to your car’s look and feel, along with attracting more attention from onlookers when you’re driving at night.

Pros

• Very good true sounding tone
• Lightweight
• Extremely strong
• Flex Fit Basket Design
• Ssi (selectable smart impedance) technology
• Patented Ribbed Elliptical Surround design

Cons

• Best for mid level of bass
• High level may cause overheating

Sample Customer Review:

“Great for switching between 2 & 4 ohms. Very simple, just flip the switch! At 104.99 this was a steal. It hits nice and tight, has a balanced sound quality vs SPL. I have it in a sealed enclosure with 0.80 cu ft. It’s currently being driven by a JBL MS-A 5001 which provides around 692 watts RMS @ 2 ohms and 510 @ 4 ohms. My head unit pre-out is 5 volts.

I can’t go above 70% power on the amp without over driving the subwoofer and risking damage. My crossover is set to 100hz for the lows. I also usually set my subwoofer volume anywhere from -4 to -14 for most music because the bass over powers the music. Great for EDM, rock and Rap.”

7. BEST VALUE CAR SUBWOOFER

Rockford Fosgate’s R2 series subwoofers are engineered to produce the most powerful, deepest bass possible from a vehicle’s sound system. A combination of premium materials and advanced technology delivers high output with low distortion for a sound that is loud, clear, and musical.

This is the ultra shallow version of the popular Rockford Fosgate Punch P3 Series Subwoofer. It features a mica injected polypropylene cone with anodized aluminum voice coil former, linear spider with stitched 16 AWG tinsel leads, optimized for sealed enclosures, stamped cast basket with integrated spider venting, and PVC trim ring.

The R2-10D4 can handle up to 400 watts of RMS power and has a polyester dust cap with an integrated damper.

The Rockford Fosgate exclusive StampCast basket minimizes weight while maximizing strength and rigidity. The same manufacturing process is used in the creation of rocket engines, airplane wings, and helicopter blades so you know it can take a beating!

This car subwoofer is an excellent choice for discerning customer who wants great audio in their car at a very reasonable price. No matter if you’re listening to rock, pop, or hip hop this 10 inch speaker will articulate the sound and provide that warm, full-range sound your ears are craving.

This car subwoofer is very easy to install; you can get it in, hooked up, and play your favorite songs within an hour. You will be amazed at the quality of these speakers considering their low price point!

Pros

• Great sub for shallow mount
• Very clean and accurate sound
• A great choice for little room
• High quality subwoofer for a very low price

Cons

• This is not an SPL subwoofer

Sample Customer Review:

“Bought this in March of 2020, sounded good behind the seat of my little Colorado truck. I don’t know if it was something I did or if the product just didn’t last.

I am pushing it with a single channel 200w Rockford amp. It has split in the foam around the edge of the speaker and raddles like mad.”

8. BEST RATED CAR SUBWOOFER UNDER 100$

This 10 inch subwoofer from BOSS Audio Systems is the perfect addition to your car audio system. Its 800 watts maximum power will give you a deep bass that will keep you entertained for hours on end. It features a single 4 ohm voice coil and its sensitivity of 87 dB means it can handle up to 800 watts RMS without any problems.

The Butyl rubber surround ensures that this woofer stays in place while playing music, even at high volumes. The polypropylene cone is lightweight and durable, keeping the woofer from getting damaged when it’s being moved around or when it’s being played at high volumes. The cone is also treated with a foam surround, which cuts down on distortion and gives you a fuller sound overall.

The Boss Cxx10 car subwoofer also comes with an attached spider venting system that keeps the voice coil cool as you play your music. This ensures that your woofer lasts a long time and you do not have to worry about replacing it after a while. The woofer features a dual Xmax of 5 mm, which means it can handle up to 800 watts RMS without any distortion.

Pros

• Engineered for the enclosure
• The bass is tight and accurate
• Light Weight
• Perfect device for a factory replacement

Cons

• Not Waterproof

Sample Customer Review:

“So far so good. Make certain to break in properly, otherwise will sound horrible. This is second one I have had, so I knew what to expect. Not boomy like a 12”, but tighter more controlled bass. No way it handles the advertised power, but sounds decent nonetheless.

I am pushing 200 watts to it and sound pretty good, not competition good, but sound filling where factory speakers can’t produce. I have it mounted in a space saving .65 cu. ft. sealed box with stuffing added in trunk of 09 Pontiac G6 sedan."

9. BEST PLANET AUDIO CAR SUBWOOFER

Planet Audio’s AC12D is a dual voice coil, 12 inch subwoofer made for the bass enthusiast. This sub features an 1800 watt RMS power handling capacity and a sensitivity of 88 dB. It has been designed to provide a deep, hard hitting bass experience with its 1200 watts peak power handling.

It is equipped with two 4 ohm voice coils that allow you to wire this woofer in parallel or series for different applications. It also has a high temperature 2-inch aluminum voice coil former that allows it to withstand the heat generated during heavy bass play.

This coil is also lightweight, which allows it to move more freely and reproduce a clearer sound when used in an enclosure that has large excursion capabilities.

The subwoofer features some of the latest design technologies, including their patented Hyper-Extension Linear Roll Surround. The Hyper-Extension Linear Roll Surround is an extremely durable, non-woven fiber cloth that reduces distortion and increases the bass response of the woofer.

This surround allows for greater excursion capability because it has been designed with a larger diameter than other surrounds on the market.

This subwoofer offers an innovative spider venting system that helps to keep this woofer cooler during use. A dual vented pole piece has been added near the voice coil to allow heat to escape and also runs through its motor structure to increase power handling and coil control.

The Planet Audio AC12D subwoofer is equipped with a shallow mounting depth of only 5.8 inches, which allows it to fit in small enclosures that meet certain cubic capacity requirements. It also features a wide pole geometry that helps the subwoofer to operate effectively at higher frequencies.

It has a Polypropylene Cone and Foam Surround which are very flexible. The Subwoofer has stamped basket and comes in 13" x 13" x 6" size. It has a Resonant Frequency: 32 Hz and Impedance: 4 Ohm. The product dimensions are 5.8 x 15.8 x 17.3 inches and weigh around 11 lbs.

In The Box: Planet Audio AC12D Dual 4-Ohm 12 Inch Subwoofer, Product Manual, and Installation Hardware Pack.

It has a Wave Guide for better bass response and Circular Rubber Feet at the bottom to keep it stable while playing music on high volumes. The Controls on the Subwoofer are a Power Switch, Line Out, and Line In (+/ – 15dB). There’s an Overload Indicator with LED for protection against short-circuit and Thermal Protection.

Some of the Pros I liked about this Subwoofer are: The sound is very clear with a lot of bass. Comes with a 15 feet long RCA connector which is very convenient while installing it in your car. The power handling capacity is very high and the shipping was on time.

It has an excellent construction quality with good material used to build it. I liked its performance overall especially when you turn up the volume on your audio system, you can feel it vibrate.

Overall I would recommend Planet Audio AC12D 12 inch 1600 Watt High Performance Dual 4-Ohm 2-Ohm Stable Car Audio Amplifier Subwoofer to anyone who’s looking for a subwoofer with high power handling capacity and great sound quality.

Pros

• Very easy installation
• Easy replacement with factory subs.
• More nicely deep bass when in a ported box
• Great sound in a small package

Cons

• Not waterproof

Sample Customer Review:

“For the price these 10” subs are a monsters. I have then installed under the seat in 2017 Ram 1500 crew cab hooked up to a planet audio 3k watt amp. I have them wired in parallel down to 1ohm. Sounds amazing and still not broken in yet.

I actually have my bass on the radio down all the way and the bass boost barely on and your can feel the seats backs vibrating quite a bit…incredible for a $30 speaker."

10. BEST ROCKVILLE CAR SUBWOOFER

The Rockville W12K6D4 V2 is a single 12 inch car subwoofer that will deliver the kind of bass you have been looking for. This subwoofer is designed to work in sealed or ported enclosures and can handle up to 2400 watts (peak power rating) max power, 1200 watts program power, 600 watts CEA rated RMS power at 4 ohms, and a vented hole on T-yoke to enhance heat dissipation, making it ideal for medium to large vehicles like trucks, vans, large SUVs, and cars.

The cone of this woofer is made from high quality fiber reinforced ultra stiff black non-pressed paper cone with thick foam surround, polypropylene (PP) dust cap, and cast aluminum basket with black sanded finish making it very efficient.

The voice coil of this subwoofer is 2.5" in diameter, 4-Layer Black Aluminum Voice Coils Wound with OFC (100% Copper) Wire, and 48 inches long with dual 4 ohm voice coils for more flexibility. Double Stacked 100 Oz High Quality Magnet.

This woofer comes equipped with a high quality pair of chrome-plated binding posts, spring loaded terminals that will fit any pin connectors. The woofer has a single set screw terminal cup for easy installation in the enclosure. You can adjust the volume of this subwoofer by using a knob at the side of the subwoofer.

Pros

• Great for big bass sound in a small space
• Good beginner subwoofer
• It’s great for the price that magnet is huge

Cons

• Dust cap is not soild but thats a small deal

Sample Customer Review:

“Very impressed. Didn’t fit the box I bought to fit under the seat but with a bit of hack carpentry and well placed sound foam it fit in. Using super cheap boss amp dialled way down and fills the cab with bass you can feel. Kept under my $500 budget for the whole deal.

Battery terminal crimper included. Don’t just attach speaker wire on one side as I did. When I followed the diagram and instructions it sounded even better. Rounds out my factory ram with upgraded speakers perfectly. Solid and heavy.”

11. BEST KICKER CAR SUBWOOFER

The Kicker COMP C12 12" subwoofer is a high-performance driver designed to produce the kind of hard-hitting bass you’d expect from Kicker. The cone is made with a double layer of carbon-impregnated fiber, lightweight, rigid, and very strong.

The basket features an injection-molded polypropylene design that’s extremely durable, while its ribbed Santoprene surround allows for the long excursion without sacrificing sound quality. Power Handling: 300 watts RMS / 600 watts peak power (range 50-300 watts RMS / 300-600 watts peak).

Kickercontrol gives you the ability to fine tune your system via an external amplifier or processor. This allows you to get the most from your system, specifically when it comes to reproducing those deep, hard-hitting basslines.

KickerComp C12 is a member of the Kicker’s Comp series. This line was designed to deliver the hard-hitting bass you’d expect from Kicker but in a smaller package. Dual 4 ohm voice coils provide added wiring flexibility and allow for convenient dual voice coil wiring. A removable steel basket provides easy installation. *Comp C Series coaxials do not have grilles.

T/S Parameters

Frequency Response (± 3 dB): 35-700Hz Sensitivity: 89.5 db SPL @ 2.83vNominal Impedance: 4 ohms Dual Voice Coil Assembly: Yes Magnet Weight: 33 oz. Pole Piece Hole Diameter: 7 in (17.7 cm) Cutout Diameter: 9¾ in (24.7 cm) Outside Diameter: 11½ in (29.2 cm) Depth: 2¾ in (6.9cm) Mounting Depth: 3¼ in (8.3cm).

Pros

• Sounds very good in any box! small, large, sealed or ported
• Great sub for the price

Cons

• Need a sealed box
• Be Aware tht this item is NOT RETURNABLE!!

Sample Customer Review:

“Hits HARD! SQ is excellent! Sounds very good in any box! small, large, sealed or ported. Kicker don’t make crap! This is a well made! This woofer will take 300w RMS music all day. I had 2 in a sealed box on a RF T1000 @2ohm people were blown away!”

12. BEST AFFORDABLE SUBWOOFER FOR CAR

The Skar Audio SDR-15 dual 4 ohm subwoofers are competition grade high performance 15" subwoofer drivers with a peak power of 1200 watts and RMS power of 600 watts.

They have a 2.5 inch 4 layer high temperature copper voice coil, useable frequency response range of 20 Hz to 250 Hz, Sensitivity: 86.9 dB, dual 4 ohm voice coil configuration, and the paper cone is pressed from competition grade polypropylene.

The spiders are made from injection molded Santoprene while the cone edge is reinforced with Kevlar, which gives them a weight of 28 pounds each. The dust cap is made from aluminum with a UV and water resistant finish, and the motor structure is cast out of high strength steel for increased rigidity and heat dissipation.

High Roll Foam Surround – High Flux Ferrite Motor. These subwoofers are built to last and be competitive on any bass competition or show stage.

These subwoofers have a Kevlar impregnated aluminum phase plug, which helps to reduce cone flex and distortion. They also include thermal voice coil cooling.

This is the feature that allows you to push more power through the motor structure while still keeping it cooler when seeing high amounts of power over long periods of time. This feature allows you to run more power through the subwoofer without overheating it.

The Skar Audio SDR-15 dual 4 ohm subwoofers come with a 25mm durable rubber edge that helps to protect your subs from bumps and bruises, and also helps to reduce cone flex so you can push even more power into them. The chassis is extremely strong and lightweight, weighing in at only 11 lbs each.

They come with heavy duty tinsel leads so you can just slap a set of grille rings on these bad boys and get ready to win some competitions or impress your friends with how deep your subs rattle the car next to you.

These subwoofers have a maximum bolt through the depth of the frame to the mounting surface of 7.62 inches, and they are compatible with any kind of enclosure from sealed to vented to bandpass although we recommend using these subs in a (V) Volume type enclosure, which is recommended by most competitors for maximum performance. They are also recommended for daily-driven vehicles because of their high level of durability and output quality.

Pros

• Good for low and loud sound
• Super clean sounding sub

Cons

• Please Try not to buy a cheap box for good sound

Sample Customer Review:

“I bought these because I didn’t want to spend a whole bunch if money for shop speakers. I bought one and its hooked to just a 100 watt RMS sub amp in a sealed box. I replaced some old Realistic 15s that I bought from RadioShack back in 1991.

There is no comparison so I wont even try. Even when the old ones were new, they didn’t have the raw sound the Skar 15s do. My number 2 speaker will be here tomorrow. Why have one when you can run 2. Both speaker coils wired up in seires as 8 ohm and wired together on parallel for 4 ohm to amp.”

WHERE SHOULD I HIDE THE SUBWOOFER IN MY CAR?

If you want the best sound, it’s important to place your subwoofer in a few specific locations. The first thing to avoid is placing it behind the listening area – never put something that produces deep bass where people can’t hear or feel its impact!

You also need to keep from putting your woofer too close and within reach of corners; this will cut off some frequencies when they bounce back towards listeners.

Note: Please don’t avoid the mounting depth of the subwoofer before buying this is very important to place the subwoofer in a suitable location.

Please take a look at our expert’s top 3 recommendations for the best budget car audio subwoofer in different dimensions!

[amazon box=“B019WYIPL0,B005KTRUS6,B007T2PDN6” grid=“3”]

The Upper 3 products also have been completely reviewed below.

HOW MUCH CLEARANCE DOES A SUBWOOFER NEED?

Try keeping them at least 8-12 inches away from anything else or according to the space that your car allows. So their low-frequency waves are not disturbed by other objects on top of them.

A trunk or hatchback is the best because there’s already a space where you can place a subwoofer. If you don’t have any extra space in your trunk/hatchback then it may be possible to put the subwoofer on the passenger side, but this depends on your car.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD BUDGET CAR SUBWOOFER?

Many different factors go into answering this question. The first thing to think about is what you need the subwoofer for – do you want it for sound quality, or just for bass?

What kind of car will you be installing it in? For example, if you have an SUV with plenty of space, then size won’t matter as much as it might to someone who has a small sedan and needs something compact.

You’ll also want to consider power handling capabilities, sensitivity rating, build quality, and durability, etc. This guide will discuss all these things in more detail so that when you’re looking at your options online or in person, you’ll be able to make an informed decision.

PORTED OR SEALED:

The key difference between these two types of subwoofers is how they expel air. Ported subwoofers can let out more air than sealed ones, which means that you will have a louder and clearer sound with these types of subs but the trade-off is less bass. Sealed subwoofer systems tend to produce much “thumpier” sounding bass during your music.

The next question is how much power handling capability do you need? This will depend on what kind of subwoofer your installation will be powered – if it’s a small one, under 100 watts RMS then less power handling would suffice for an amp.

However, if the installer needs to provide 500-1000 watts RMS or more, then it would need a more powerful install. For car audio installation, power handling should be around 250 watts RMS to deliver the punchy bass that most people want.

WIRED OR WIRELESS SUBWOOFERS?

The key difference between these two types of subwoofers is how long your cables are and whether they can be easily replaced if damaged. It’s advisable to buy a wired car subwoofer as this means that you’ll have one less thing to worry about when you’re driving.

The next thing you’ll want to consider is sensitivity rating – this denotes how easily an amplifier can push a subwoofer without distortion and what size of the amp is needed. Sensitivity ratings are usually listed as dB per watt.

For example, a sensitivity rating of 90dB/watt means that the subwoofer will need an amp with at least 100 watts RMS to properly power it without distortion (and many people recommend going higher than this).

FRONT-FIRING OR DOWN-FIRING:

this key consideration may not be as important for one type of subwoofers over the other but it’s still worth knowing what they are and how each works best.

Front firing subwoofers are mounted in the front of your car and fire or push sound towards the back. This is best for those who listen to music with a lot of bass, as it will give you more “boom” when listening from inside your vehicle.

The next question is build quality and durability. You want your subwoofer to last a long time, so you’ll want one that has strong materials and well-built parts. The cone should be durable and responsive – it shouldn’t “bottom out” when playing bass notes or produce sound distortion too easily (100% polypropylene cones are usually sturdier than other types).

Rubber surrounds will also help keep the speaker in good condition.

THE BEST WATTAGE:

this key consideration is worth knowing because it can affect how good your sound quality will be. It’s usually better to go for higher wattage and not necessarily the lowest priced one.

You’ll need to decide what you want from your subwoofer so that you know which type of watts suits what purpose – more watts will give you more volume, but it may not necessarily make the sound better.

MOTOR STRUCTURE:

The motor is the heart of any sub, and it needs to be well ventilated. This will ensure that your speaker never overheats or stops working due to moisture build up. A good budget car subwoofer should also have an aluminum voice coil which is stronger and more reliable than a copper one.

PASSIVE OR POWERED:

The key difference here is that passive subwoofers require an external amplifier to function, while powered subwoofers come with their own amplifiers.

In most cases, the input signal will be amplified and sent via a single cable out to your speakers (or amp). This means you’ll now have one less cable to worry about, which is handy if you have a lot of wires running through your car.

ENCLOSURE TYPE:

A sealed enclosure is best for most car subwoofers because it offers the ultimate in sound quality, but if you’re on a tight budget or don’t have much space to work with, consider going with an open box design. When choosing your enclosure design, keep in mind that the bigger it is, the better when you want to achieve a high level of bass.

FREQUENCY RANGE:

A good budget car subwoofer should have a frequency response between 20 Hz and 200Hz for optimal performance. Anything below or above this range can work as long as your sound quality requirements are met.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A CAR SUBWOOFER?

When looking to purchase a car subwoofer, there are a few factors that you should consider to ensure that you are getting the best product for your money.

BUILD QUALITY:

When buying a subwoofer for your car, it’s important to look for one that is made with good materials and has a strong build quality. The materials used in the subwoofer cone, such as plastic, pressed-paper, or hybrid, don’t necessarily make one better than the other. It all depends on the design and performance quality.

You also want to make sure that the subwoofer has good connectors, is made with durable materials, and can handle the power needed to produce good bass. It’s important to choose a subwoofer that will last a long time without any parts breaking or coming apart.

To find out about the durability of a subwoofer, you can read buyer reviews, both positive and negative, to get an idea of how it has held up over time.

It’s important to remember that having a subwoofer that is well-made and performs well is better than having one that just looks nice but has bad performance and won’t last long. Don’t choose a subwoofer based solely on its appearance, because it’s more important to have one that is made with good quality materials and will perform well over time.

UNDERSTANDING THE IMPEDANCE OF SUBWOOFERS;

The impedance of a subwoofer refers to how much it resists the electrical current that comes from the amplifier. It’s measured in units called ohms. Subwoofers are often rated at 4 ohms, but you can also find ones that are rated at 2 ohms or 8 ohms. Dual voice coil subwoofers are also common nowadays.

UNDERSTANDING THE SIZE OF WOOFERS:

When buying a subwoofer for your car, you should think about the size of the subwoofer. If you want your car audio system to be able to play really low and loud music and you have enough space, you should go for a bigger subwoofer. You can choose a good subwoofer with a 12-inch or other sizes of woofers.

Most car audio systems come with a built-in amplifier. However, if your car audio system doesn’t have one, you’ll need to buy one that is compatible with the subwoofer you choose. An amplifier can boost the bass frequencies of your music and give it more depth.

IMPORTANCE OF BUYER RATINGS:

Before buying a subwoofer, it’s a good idea to spend some time checking out the buyer ratings. Look for any patterns of problems or complaints that are frequently mentioned. However, keep in mind that some people may not have installed or used the subwoofer correctly, leading to unrealistic expectations and complaints.

When reading the reviews, remember that there may be many more buyers who didn’t leave feedback. People tend to leave feedback when they encounter problems or dissatisfaction. If the majority of reviews are positive or negative, note any particular issues mentioned, but also keep in mind that some negative feedback is normal.

Don’t rule out a subwoofer immediately if it has some negative reviews, especially if it performs well overall and fits within your budget. Just be prepared for the possibility of encountering some issues with certain models.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF VALUE AND PRICING:

When buying a product, don’t just focus on the price because cheaper options might be low quality and cause problems later. Instead, consider the specifications, user reviews, performance, reliability, and price compared to similar products. It’s important to look at the big picture and get the best value for your money, instead of just going for the cheapest option.

SPEAKER SENSITIVITY:

The sensitivity of a subwoofer tells you how efficient it is at turning power into sound. If a subwoofer has a high sensitivity rating, it can produce the same sound quality with less power compared to a subwoofer with a lower rating.

SUBWOOFER BOX/ENCLOSURE:

The type of box or container that the subwoofer is placed in can affect how loud and clear the sound will be. This box is called an enclosure, and it’s an important factor in determining the sound quality. Some subwoofers also come with a suspension system.

UNDERSTANDING POWER CAPACITY:

if you buy a cheap subwoofer, it won’t be able to handle a lot of power. You can’t expect a subwoofer that costs less than $100 to handle 1,200 watts of power, no matter what the company claims. They are lying to you about the power rating.

But don’t worry, you can still find a subwoofer that can handle enough power for everyday use and produce loud bass that you’ll enjoy. Subwoofers have improved a lot over the years, and some well-known brands make budget models that work great and sound amazing.

RMS (ROOT-MEAN-SQUARE) POWER RATINGS:

It’s important to check the RMS power rating when choosing a speaker instead of the rating, as it gives a more accurate idea of the speaker’s power-handling capacity.

For car subwoofers, a power rating of at least 150 watts is good enough for most people who want moderate-volume bass. But if you want very loud and powerful bass, you’ll need to spend more money.

UNDERSTANDING THE NUMBER OF VOICE COILS IN A SPEAKER:

A subwoofer with a single voice coil has two wiring terminal posts labeled positive and negative. On the other hand, a subwoofer with dual voice coils has four wiring terminal posts, with two positive and two negative terminals. With the extra two terminals in a DVC subwoofer, you have more choices and flexibility when connecting your subwoofer.

TIPS FOR CHOOSING A SUBWOOFER BRAND

Here are some tips for choosing a subwoofer brand:

• Look for established brands with good quality control processes. This can help ensure that you get a subwoofer that is reliable and performs well.
• Be cautious of unknown or cheap brands, as they may not have the same level of quality control as more established brands.
• Consider brands that make high-end products but also have budget options. This can be a good starting point when shopping for a subwoofer.
• Read reviews and do research to learn more about the brand’s reputation and the quality of their products.
• Look for brands with good customer support and warranty policies, in case you encounter any issues with your subwoofer.

CHOOSING BETWEEN SINGLE AND DUAL VOICE COIL SUBWOOFERS

If you’re looking for the best car subwoofers, there are some things you should think about. The most important factors are frequency range, power handling, size, and durability. By considering these things, you can be sure you’re getting the most value for your money.

Subwoofers can have a voice coil that helps produce sound. If you’re new to subwoofers, you might want to choose a single voice coil. It’s easier to use than a dual voice coil and can still produce great audio quality.

On the other hand, a dual voice coil subwoofer is a bit more complicated to install than a single voice coil. However, it can offer even better sound quality and a more satisfying listening experience. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide whether you want to choose a single voice coil or a dual voice coil.

A dual voice coil subwoofer has two coils on the same speaker. While a single voice coil may be easier to install, a dual voice coil can provide even better sound quality.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF SUBWOOFERS?

Car subwoofers are a great way to make your car sound system come alive and give you the best audio experience possible. The type of subwoofer you choose can be crucial for ensuring that you get the most out of your music.

In this post, we will go over all types of car subs including 6-inch subwoofers, bass tubes, powered subwoofers, shallow mount subwoofers, standard subs, and vehicle-specific subs.

1. Standard Subwoofer: Standard subwoofers are the most common type of car subs. They come in all shapes and sizes, from single voice coil (SVC) to dual voice coil (DVC). This means that they can be found mounted under seats or on speaker boxes, which is great because it gives you more options to customize the sound.

2. Bass Tube: Bass tubes are relatively new in terms of car subs and they come with a built-in amplifier. It is comprised of two sections, one for amplifying low frequencies and another that removes high frequencies so you get pure bass sounds.

3. Powered Subwoofer: Powered subwoofers are the most powerful type of subwoofer and they require a power source to run. They have many features that make them great, such as having control over volume levels so you can get just the right sound for different types of music.

4. Shallow Mount Subwoofers: Shallow mount subs are designed to be mounted in the trunk of your car. They are a great type if you want to give your vehicle more space in the cabin for other things.

5. Vehicle Specific Subwoofer: Vehicle specific subs are designed specifically for certain cars, which is perfect because they will have everything you need and nothing that you don’t (such as an amplifier).

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT SIZES OF CAR SUBS?

The sizes of car subwoofers are a crucial consideration when deciding what to buy. There are three different sizes: 6 inches, 6.5 inches, 6.75 inches, 8 inches, 10 inches, 12 inches, and 15 inches & 8 inches. The size that you choose will depend on the type of vehicle that you have and your personal preference.

However, there is much more to consider besides just the sizes of car subwoofer before making a decision. We will also discuss the basic pros and cons of subs size, sizes, and their benefits that you need to think about.

The pros: The number of cone surface areas. What this means is that the larger the number, the greater the amount of power and stronger sound quality. You’ll also get more projection for your money with bigger subs because they’re louder than smaller ones.

The cons: The wiring can become cumbersome on some big subs if you don’t plan ahead or if you’re running wire. What this means is that the more powerful a subwoofer needs to be wired correctly for it to work properly or else risk damaging your car’s electrical system.

Car subs can come in a variety of sizes. What size is right for you depends on your car and how much bass you want to get out of it. Here are the most common ones:

6" car subwoofer: A six inch subwoofer will be good if you have a smaller vehicle, or if what sound quality more than booming bass matters to you.

6.5" car subwoofer: A six and a half inch subwoofer is good for most cars, or vehicles with longer cargo space such as SUVs and minivans. In this range, you can get 6.75 inches also

8" car subwoofer: An eight inch subwoofer will have more bass than the smaller ones but not be too overwhelming to fit in your vehicle. If you really like heavy metal, rap, or hip-hop music and want to shake your car with bass, then this is the size for you.

10" car subwoofer: A ten inch subwoofer will have more of a boom than the other sizes but they’re great if you like dubstep or heavy metal.

12" car subwoofer: A twelve inch subwoofer is good for those who want to shake their car with bass. If you like rap, dubstep, or heavy metal music and want a really boomy sound then this is the size for you.

15" car subwoofer: A fifteen inch subwoofer will have more of an echo than other sizes but if what matters to you most about your vehicle audio system are how loud it can get and how much bass you can get, then this is the size for you.

18" car subwoofer: An eighteen inch subwoofer will have a lot of booms and be able to shake your car but not recommended if what matters most to you are quality sound or making small spaces feel bigger.

WHAT OTHER PARTS DO YOU NEED WHEN ADDING A SUBWOOFER TO YOUR CAR?

Today, we are talking about affordable car subwoofers, but it’s important to consider everything you need before buying one. You’ll need a box to put the subwoofers in, wires to connect the subwoofers to the box and the amplifier, an amplifier to make the subwoofers work, and grilles to protect the subwoofers from getting damaged. These extra parts are essential to ensure that your subwoofers work properly and last longer.

PROBLEMS THAT LOW-COST CAR SUBWOOFERS HAVE: HOW TO SOLVE THEM?

To make affordable car subwoofers, some parts of the design process are simplified, like using a steel frame basket, basic assembling materials, and no cooling technology.

If you’re using a low-cost car subwoofer, it’s important to use it properly. Don’t push the subwoofer beyond its capacity or put it in the wrong size enclosure. Be careful not to damage the subwoofer by letting other items touch it.

These subwoofers are not built to handle rough use. However, if you use them correctly, they can work well and last a long time.

FAQS:

Q:1 WHAT IS THE BEST BUDGET CAR SUBWOOFER 8 INCHES?

The JBL Stage 82 8" High-Performance Car Subwoofer provides maximum performance without sacrificing quality. This subwoofer implements a vented design so that it can have plenty of air to move as the voice coil moves, which gives an increased power handling and increased efficiency as well.

Furthermore, unlike other models that employ polypropylene and foam insulation, this model boasts a mineral-filled aluminum cone. This material is not only durable but also capable of providing greater sound pressure levels (SPL) for lower frequencies than comparable models with polypropylene cones. This model will get your attention in no time!

Q:2 WHAT IS THE BEST BUDGET CAR SUBWOOFER?

There’s no such thing as a budget car subwoofer. The best way to get good sound for the price is to address the stock speakers and amplifier power first, or just buy an aftermarket speaker system that comes with an amplifier and wire it up in your car.

That being said, there are many great brands of subs out there that are designed specifically for cars and work really well in any vehicle! I recommend looking at companies like kicker, JBL Audio, Skar Audio (as they make incredible amplifiers too!),Boss car subwoofers (for their quality choice of sizes), etc.

Q:3 SHOULD I GET 2 OR 4 OHM SUBWOOFERS?

If you want a louder sound, choose a 2 Ohm subwoofer. However, if you want a clear and deeper bass sound without any distortion, a 4 Ohm subwoofer is the best choice. If you want to save on your electricity bills, it’s better to choose a 4 Ohm subwoofer because it doesn’t consume much electricity.

Q:4 WHAT SIZE SUBS HIT THE HARDEST?

A 10-inch subwoofer is a great choice for a car audio system because it has the right balance of power and size. It can fit into your car easily and improve the sound quality of your audio system.

Q:5 HOW LONG SHOULD I BREAK-IN MY SUBWOOFER?

Some speaker manufacturers recommend a break-in period of around 10 hours for your subwoofer. This is a period of time when you play music at a low volume to allow the subwoofer to settle in. However, it’s up to you whether you want to do this or not.

CONCLUSION:

Finding the right subwoofer for your car can be a daunting task. The 12 best budget car subs that we have reviewed should help you get started on the right track to finding one that will suit your needs. There are many factors have been discussed to consider, including where to hide it in your vehicle and how much clearance is required around it.

We hope this list has been helpful as an introduction to what makes good quality speakers, so make sure to keep these points in mind when making a purchase decision!

Here we have discussed some of the best budget car subwoofers available in 2023. First the Skar Audio EVL-65 D2 in 6.5" is the best Small & Compact Subwoofer for Hard Hitting Bass, while the Pioneer TS-A250D4 10 Inch offers incredible performance and value when you need something more powerful.

In 12 inches, the Planet Audio AC12D Car Subwoofer is best for1800 watt RMS power handling capacity and a sensitivity of 88 dB.

The Skar Audio SDR-15 D4 15" is a great choice for those on a tight budget, with Peak Power: 1,200 Watts & RMS Power: 600 Watts.

We hope you will be well aware about best budget car subwoofers, after reading this comprehensive guide. If you have any questions, feel free to comment below!