Top 5 Best Car Powered Subwoofer (2023) – Updated Reviews

Finding the best car powered subwoofer for your vehicle can make a huge difference in terms of sound quality and bass clarity.

Whether you simply want to add more depth to your existing setup or completely overhaul it, selecting the right subwoofer is essential.

The market is full of options at different price points, so sorting through them all can be overwhelming if you’re not sure what features you need and which ones are worth the extra cost.

That’s why we’ve taken on the task of reviewing some of today’s top models to help determine which is best for whatever system goals you may have.

We tested power handling, frequency range accuracy, deep bass impact levels and more— read on below to find out who came out victorious!

Our top 7 Best Car Powered Subwoofers – Reviews

#1. Pioneer TS-WX1210A – Best 12-inch Powered Car Subwoofer

The Pioneer TS-WX1210A is a powerful and reliable subwoofer designed to give you superior sound quality while on the road.

This sub comes with a built-in amplifier and an adjustable bass boost provide a powerful low-frequency response. In addition, with its sound adjustment option, you can fine-tune the subwoofer to fit your audio needs, whether for music or movies. And with its wired remote control, you can easily adjust input gain without leaving your seat.

This incredible subwoofer has a sensitivity of 114 dB and can handle 350 watts of continuous power. It also has a maximum peak power handling of 1300 watts, so you know it can handle whatever you throw. In addition, this subwoofer features a high-performance 300-watt Class D amplifier and high-sensitivity woofers designed explicitly for use in small, sealed enclosures.

This active subwoofer features a built-in amplifier and a frequency range of 20 Hz to 125 Hz so that you can feel the beat. The fully covered steel mesh grille ensures that your speaker is protected, while the carpet finish on the enclosure gives it a sleek, professional look.

Thanks to its innovative trapezoid shape, the TS-WX1210A is also highly rigid and reduces internal standing waves for the best sound quality. Plus, the fully carpeted enclosure is non-slip and durable for long-lasting performance. So whether you’re a bass head or just looking to improve your music’s sound quality, the Pioneer TS-WX1210A is the perfect solution.

Pros

• Excellent sound quality and clarity
• Power to rattle the windows without becoming too loud.
• Easy installation
• Flexible sound adjustment with variable bass boost and phase control
• 300-watt Class D amplifier working in harmony with high-sensitivity woofers that are specifically designed to be used in sealed enclosures
• Fully Covered Steel Mesh Grille for protection and durability

Cons

• Low-frequency response (20 Hz to 125 Hz)
• Poor customer support from Pioneer

I installed this Pioneer subwoofer in the trunk of my 2000 Toyota Camry, and it completely changed how music sounds in the car. The bass is incredible. Even though it doesn’t have the necessary wire to hook it up to your battery or stereo receiver, that’s no big deal because you can find that easily enough online or at any electronics store.

#2. Rockford Fosgate P300 – The Best 10″ Powered Car Subwoofer

The Rockford Fosgate P300 is an impressive subwoofer that has a unique style and design. It is constructed with heavy-duty metal housing, which gives it an excellent feel, making it well-suited for a wide range of applications.

The 8″ driver is powerful enough to provide maximum output with minimal distortion, even at higher volumes. I was also impressed with the built-in amp and the adjustable gain control, which allowed me to customize my sound to get precisely the bass response I wanted. The Bluetooth connectivity is great for playing music without needing extra cables or adapters, although it can sometimes be spotty.

This subwoofer has a detachable power/ground connector for easy installation, and its high-efficiency design means it won’t drain your battery. Plus, it features thermal and over/under voltage protection to keep things running smoothly.

With its intelligent auto turn-on/off function, you’ll always remember to turn your subwoofer off when you get out of your car. And the included remote bass level control lets you adjust the amount of bass to your liking.

Plus, the proprietary high- bass output woofer ensures you’ll always get crystal-clear sound. And it’s all covered with industrial heat-activated vinyl for an extra touch of style.

Overall, I was thrilled with the Rockford Fosgate P300 and highly recommended it to anyone looking for a powerful, quality subwoofer. The sound quality is excellent, the design is solid and sturdy, and the adjustable gain control allows you to dial precisely the bass response you want. Definitely worth considering if you’re in the market for a new subwoofer.

Pros:

• High-efficiency, low-current design
• Built-in adjustable bass boost EQ
• Remote control included
• Proprietary high-output woofer
• Thermal and over/under voltage protection, as well as an intelligent auto turn-on/off function.

Cons:

• No onboard adjustable bass boost control (requires remote)
• Not great for tight spaces due to large size

#3. Blaupunkt GTHS80 – Best 8-Inch Powered Car Subwoofer

The Blaupunkt 8-Inch Amplified Subwoofer is the perfect choice for car audio enthusiasts who want to add some serious bass to their ride. With its adjustable bass boost, variable input sensitivity, and lowpass filter, this subwoofer is perfect for creating the beat that fits your style.

This subwoofer features a built-in amplifier for maximum power and performance, and its frequency response ranges from 20Hz to 250Hz, so you can feel the low end. With an input sensitivity of 0.5V (high level) and 150mV (low level), it’s easy to get great sound from this subwoofer. In addition, the signal-to-noise ratio is>88dB for clear, distortion-free sound.

With a maximum power of 300 watts and average/continuous power of 100 watts, this subwoofer is ready to rock your world. It features thermal short and overload protection circuits, variable input gain control, and adjustable input sensitivity selector for the perfect sound. In addition, the variable low pass filter lets you customize the bass response to suit your taste.

This 8-Inch Amplified Subwoofer features an RCA low-level input of 0.15 – 0.55V and a high-level input of 6V. Its power and protection LED keeps you informed about its status, while its variable bass boost of 0 to +18dB allows you to customize the sound to your preference. Furthermore, its easy-to-use controls make it a breeze to get the perfect sound every time.

Pros:

• With adjustable input sensitivity selector, you can boost the bass to your preferred level.
• Low-pass filter with a range of 40 Hz – 250 Hz
• Built-in amplifier with a max power of 300 watts
• Signal Noise ratio greater than 88dB 
• Reliable and durable

Cons:

• Makes a thumping sound when powering off the car.

#4. Kenwood KSC-SW11 – Best Subwoofer with Built-in Amp

I recently purchased the Kenwood KSC-SW11 powered subwoofer and I am extremely impressed with its performance. This small yet powerful subwoofer is capable of producing deep, powerful bass that rivals larger subwoofers. Its small size makes it perfect for fitting into vehicles with limited space, but its performance remains just as impressive.

The built-in amplifier and quality woofer deliver 75 watts RMS (150 peak) and the wired remote makes it easy to adjust the volume, crossover point, and phase from the driver’s seat. Installation was a breeze thanks to the included harness and mounting brackets.

All in all this is an amazing little subwoofer that I would highly recommend to anyone looking to add some serious low end to their audio system without taking up too much space. Highly recommended!

Pros:

• Small in size, that won’t take up a lot of space.
• Includes a wired remote for convenient level, frequency, and phase control.
• Comes with both line (RCA) and speaker-level inputs.

Cons:

• Not ideal for large rooms.
• They might not be able to handle loud music for extended periods.

I installed this in my 2005 Dodge Ram crew cab truck, and it was a breeze. I simply made a flat bracket to mount the subwoofer face down on the front passenger seat frame, so there was no need to sacrifice any under-seat volume. In addition, the rectangular form factor and compact size give you plenty of mounting possibilities. And since the subunit has its controller, I can fine-tune it to my changing tastes without taking my eyes off the road or my mind off my driving.

#5. MTX Audio RT8PT Universal Powered Subwoofer

The MTX Audio RT8PT Subwoofer is the perfect way to add dynamic, thumping bass to your music. This 8-inch high- bass output woofer delivers excellent sound quality thanks to its lightweight and durable polypropylene cone.

This sleek and low-profile unit can fit into almost any vehicle, giving you all the bass you want without taking up too much room. Thanks to the integrated amplifier and vented enclosure 8-inch subwoofer, this gives you an unbeatable bass experience.

The integrated class D amplifier can output up to 120 watts of RMS, making it easy to connect to any radio. In addition, the external bass control allows you to adjust the sound on the go.

This 8″ high-performance subwoofer is enclosed in a carpeted, vented box that allows for optimum sound quality. The frequency response is 35-250 Hz, and you can easily adjust the volume from the front of the vehicle.

This subwoofer will provide you with the deep, rich bass you desire! So don’t wait any longer – step up your sound today with the MTX Audio RT8PT Universal Powered Subwoofer Enclosure!

Pros:

• 8″ high output woofer with lightweight and durable polypropylene cone
• Integrated class D amplifier can deliver up to 120 watts of RMS power and peak power of 360 watts
• External Bass Control included for convenient control of volume from the front of the vehicle
• Low-profile units can be installed in virtually any vehicle without sacrificing space

Cons:

• External bass not included.
• No built-in crossover.

#6. JBL Bass Pro SL 8-inch Powered Subwoofer

The JBL BassPro SL 8-inch Powered Under-Seat Compact Subwoofer is the best under-seat subwoofer from JBL, designed for unparalleled bass performance in an incredibly compact package. The BassPro SL fits easily under the seat of most cars and trucks to deliver powerful, distortion-free bass without taking up a lot of space.

Plus, its efficient Class D amplifier produces minimal heat and runs on low currents from the car’s electrical system, so you can enjoy powerful bass without draining your battery. With its proprietary shallow-profile woofer and specially designed ABS enclosure, the BassPro SL ensures maximum bass without the bulky box.

The JBL BassPro SL 8-inch Powered Under-Seat Compact Subwoofer is a high-powered subwoofer that offers 125 watts of RMS power and 250 watts of peak power. With a frequency response of 35Hz – 120Hz, this subwoofer can produce deep, rich bass tones. The crossover frequency is adjustable from 50Hz – 120Hz, allowing you to tailor the sound to your specific preferences. In addition, the 12dB/octave crossover slope delivers a soft transition between the woofer and amplifier.

With the BassPro SL, you can choose how much bass boost you want, from 0dB to +9dB @ 70Hz. It also has a soft start turn-on and speaker-level inputs with Audio Sense Auto-on. And suppose you want even more control over the sound.

This 8-inch subwoofer might be small, but it packs a punch and is easy to install.

Pros:

• Powerful bass performance in an incredibly compact package
• An efficient Class D amplifier produces minimal heat
• The benefits of this product include the following:
• Speaker-level inputs with Audio Sense Auto-on
• Compatible with the RBC Remote Bass Controller
• Custom circuitry protects and provides optimum performance

Cons:

• Sometimes the connector needs to stay in place, which causes connection issues.
• A frequency response of 35Hz – 120Hz may not be low enough for some people.

FAQs

How many watts do you need for a good subwoofer in your car?

Around 300 watts is a good subwoofer for a car. Subwoofers are designed to reproduce the lowest frequencies in music, and for most people, 300 watts is more than enough power to deliver deep bass. Furthermore, most people need help to tell the difference between a subwoofer with 300 watts and one with 500 watts or more.

So if you’re looking for extra bass in your music without breaking the bank, go for a subwoofer with around 300 watts of power. And remember, bigger isn’t always better – you don’t want to buy a subwoofer that’s so big it takes up half your trunk!

When selecting a powered subwoofer, what factors should I need to consider? 

The wattage is one of the most crucial metrics to examine when selecting a powered subwoofer. But it’s not the only factor. The size of the subwoofer, its frequency response, and the amount of distortion it produces are all important factors to consider.

Ideally, you want a subwoofer with as much power as possible. The more power a subwoofer has, the louder and deeper it can play music. Furthermore, you must check that the wattage is up to standard and can manage the amount of power output by your amplifier. You could damage both components if you choose a subwoofer that’s too powerful for your amplifier.

How long do powered subwoofers last on average?

Most powered subwoofers have a lifespan of 4-14 years. However, this can vary depending on the quality of the unit, how often it’s used, and how well it’s taken care of.

Keep your subwoofer clean and free from dust, dirt, and other debris. If you’re not planning to use it for an extended time, unplug it from the wall.

How we Picked these Car Powered subwoofers

We went through hundreds of powered subwoofer reviews and ratings to find the highest-rated, most reliable models for car audio. When evaluating each model, we also considered key features like power output, frequency range, enclosure type, size and design, and input connections.

Additionally, we looked at customer feedback from leading retailer sites like Amazon and Crutchfield to better understand how satisfied users are with their choices.

We also kept an eye out for any particular features or technologies that make these subwoofers stand out from the rest. Ultimately, we narrowed it down to ten of the best car-powered subwoofers on the market today.

Each of these subwoofers has something unique to offer and is sure to provide you with a powerful, dynamic sound that will make your car audio system sound like a professional system should. Whether you’re looking for a small, compact subwoofer that fits snugly into tight spaces or delivers massive bass without taking up too much room in your trunk, we’ve got the perfect recommendation.

Buyer’s Guide: Things to Consider before buying a Car Powered Subwoofer

When shopping for a car powered subwoofer, there are several essential points to consider before making a purchase.

Size of the subwoofer

First, it is essential to determine the size of the subwoofer that will fit best in your car. Choosing the right one can help you get maximum performance from your sound system. Additionally, depending on the vehicle size and type of music you like to play, certain kinds may be better suited for certain cars.

Power rating

Power rating is the next factor to consider when buying a car powered subwoofer. Depending on the size and design of your subwoofer, different amplifiers will be required to reach peak performance levels. Generally, a subwoofer with 50-150 watts RMS is adequate for most vehicles. However, upgrading to a subwoofer with more power wattage may be beneficial if you intend to play louder music.

Sensitivity level

The sensitivity level of the car subwoofer is also necessary to consider when selecting one. This indicates how loud the speakers can get at a given volume and helps determine how much power you need for optimal sound quality.

Generally, if you’re looking for powerful bass, a higher sensitivity level is best. However, if you want to keep the bass levels under control, it’s better to opt for a lower sensitivity rating.

Additionally, this should be evaluated in terms of personal preference; some people prefer higher levels of sensitivity while others may opt for lower levels depending on their preferences and needs. 

Frequency Response

It is also essential to consider the frequency response of a car subwoofer. This indicates which frequencies the speaker can accurately reproduce and helps determine its overall sound quality. Subwoofers with high-quality frequency responses are better suited for bass heavy music genres like hip-hop and EDM. In contrast, those with lower frequency responses may be more suitable for playing classical or jazz music.

Installation

Finally, installation is a significant factor when selecting a car subwoofer. Depending on the type of setup you want, some subwoofers may be easier or more challenging to install than others. If you’re new to installing car audio equipment, it’s essential to make sure that you understand the installation process and have the right tools and equipment to make sure it’s done correctly. Additionally, many audio stores offer installation services so you can have your car subwoofer professionally installed if needed.

You can find the perfect subwoofer that meets your preferences and needs with careful research.