If you’re here then it means you’re tired of listening to the average sound your car’s audio system produces. Sounds like you? Well, with the best under seat subwoofer, you won’t only improve your car’s audio sound…you also won’t need to sacrifice valuable space for it. This is because under-seat subwoofers are compact, making it easy for them to be tucked under your car seat without stress.
What’s more? Under-seat subwoofers are quite easy to set-up and they make use of the space underneath your car seat as an enclosure in producing powerful and deep bass.
Indeed, finding the right subwoofer for your car might seem like a difficult task as there are many models on the market. However, we’ve done all the work for you and listed out the best under seat subwoofers plus a buying guide to help you make an informed decision.
Let’s dive in…
Contents
Best Under Seat Subwoofers: Editor’s Top Picks
Top 10 Best Under Seat Subwoofer Reviews:
1. Rockford Fosgate P300-10 Punch Subwoofer
Rockford Fosgate belongs amongst the most renowned brands of car audio makers and the P300-10 is no exception. The P300-10 comes with a 10-inch woofer paired with a built-in 300-watt amplifier. Thanks to its sealed enclosure, you’ll be getting an excellent sound quality from this subwoofer. Whether you choose to install it under your car seat or anywhere else, its rugged industrial vinyl coating will keep it protected.
To adjust this subwoofer – so it can work at its optimum best, you always make use of its low-pass crossover, bass boost and phase switch. With its high and low-level inputs, you can connect it to any system you want and easily adjust its bass intensity using its remote knob from your [driver] seat.
If you’re looking to add some bass sound to your car without all the hassles of pairing up a subwoofer with a compatible enclosure and amp then the P300-10 subwoofer is an ideal choice. You’ll love how this enclosure adds a powerful impact to your favorite tracks and can rest assured that you’re getting a reliable Rockford Fosgate performance.
Key Features:
- It comes with remote bass-level control.
- Has an adjustable low-pass crossover [50-200 Hz, 12 dB /octave].
- It comes with a built-in variable bass boost EQ.
- Coated with industrial vinyl for protection.
- It comes with a built-in phase switch [0°, 180°].
- Smart auto on/off function.
2. Rockville RW10CA Powered Car Subwoofer
When it comes to an ideal blend of quality and value, the Rockville RW10CA has got some likable features. Being an 800-watts powered car subwoofer, that’s enough to sign that it can play as loud as it can. It also comes with a 10-inch cone that gets rid of excess air and produces deep and powerful bass without any sound distortions.
There are also many audio customization options available for you and so, if you’re someone who cares a lot about how your bass sounds, you’ll like this subwoofer. That’s not all…it comes with improved circuits that help to protect and make it durable. This will come in handy especially if you like playing your music at its loudest and don’t want to worry about having overheating problems.
The RW10CA comes with a built-in amplifier that makes its installation and wiring quite easy. With that being said, if you’re looking for a slim subwoofer that you can easily fit under your car seat then, the Rockville RW10CA might just be what you’ve been looking for.
Key Features:
- It comes with a Short and Thermal Protection Circuit.
- Soft level remote control included.
- It comes with auto turn-on technology.
- Low-pass filters [50Hz – 150Hz].
- Variable input sensitivity.
- A built-in subsonic filter [29Hz].
3. Alpine Electronics PWE-S8 Restyle Powered Subwoofer
Alpine is another leading name in the car audio world and is well-known for manufacturing high-quality subwoofers that are great value for money. The Alpine PWE-S8 is an 8-inch subwoofer that’s both solid, powerful, and packs an amazing performance. It comes equipped with a Class D amplifier that’s rated at 120 watts RMS making sure that there’s enough power for your bass.
To easily match its bass up to the rest of your system, it comes with controls for its low-pass crossover, gain, and phase switch. Indeed, you might not get a very loud bass [240 watts Max] but you’ll get a surprising depth to your music.
What about its installation process? The PWE-S8 is quite straightforward and ready for you to plug right into your system. Being only 3-inch deep, this subwoofer will fit into any tight space; whether it’s under your car seat [driver or passenger], your car’s trunk, or even behind the seat in your pickup. So, if you’ve got a small car and an old sedan, the Alpine PWE-S8 has got you covered.
Key Features:
- An adjustable low-pass crossover [80-200 Hz].
- An adjustable phase control [0-180 degrees].
- A built-in Class D amplifier [120 watts RMS/240 watts Max].
- 32-150 Hz frequency response.
- Cast metal enclosed.
4. Kenwood KSC-SW11 Subwoofer
If you’re on a budget and looking for the best subwoofer then the Kenwood KSC-SW11 is worth considering. This all-inclusive subwoofer fuels its 8-inch cone with its powerful 150 watts pre-amp. Due to its small cone, its vibration is more pronounced leading to the production of punchy, harmonious bass. For more convenience, this subwoofer can be controlled remotely.
What we like most about this subwoofer is the 110dB sensitivity rating that makes it play loud on less power. Its build quality is excellent as it’s made of aluminum and does a great job at heat absorption and prevents the subwoofer from overheating even if you use it for long and at loud volumes. Its front metal grille also helps to protect the diaphragm and extends the subwoofer’s lifespan.
The Kenwood KSC-SW11 is a decent subwoofer that does pretty well for its low price. Although if you like tweaking your music a lot then you should know that the audio customizations are limited. Yet, it sounds great on its default setting if you care little or nothing about bass tuning.
Key Features:
- Remote-controlled adjustable low-pass crossover (50-125 Hz) and phase control (0°, 180°).
- 35-125 Hz frequency response.
- Aluminum enclosed.
- A built-in amplifier [75 watts RMS power/150 watts Max].
- Preamp- (RCA) and speaker-level inputs.
- Power/ground wiring harness.
5. Pyle PLBASS8 Subwoofer
Pyle is another reputable name that has gained love and respect among many of its customers. Why? Well, the brand manufactures some of the most budget-friendly and impressive subwoofers out there and the PLBASS8 isn’t an exception. The Pyle PLBASS8 makes an ideal under seat subwoofer choice for any car audio system. It weighs around 10.5 pounds which is enough to tell you that installing it will be quite easy and that it won’t take up plenty of space.
It might be compact and slim, but its 600-watts of power delivers a superb performance enough to shake the ground beneath you and your car. You wouldn’t want to buy a subwoofer that won’t last long or would have melted wires due to extended usage, right? Exactly. That’s why this subwoofer comes with thermal and overload protection to ensure your safety and its durability.
It accepts low-level RCA and high-level speaker line outputs and a low pass filter that prevents unwanted subsonic distortions and allows for enjoyable vibrations. So, if you’re looking for a slim, impressive, and affordable subwoofer, then the Pyle 8” Super Slim Subwoofer is a show stealer for you.
Key Features:
- Green and red LED lights for power status indication.
- Phase-shift switch [0° or 180°] included.
- It comes with thermal and overload protection circuits.
- High-level speaker line input.
- Low pass filter [50-150 Hz].
6. MTX Audio RT8PT Subwoofer
From an enhanced blend of amp, sub and enclosure, the MTX Audio RT8PT subwoofer delivers a strong performance. Its compact and cylindrical enclosure provides an ideal, all-around solution for good bass production from your car’s small trunk or other tight corners. The RT8PT makes of a rigid poly cone and long-lasting rubber surround for dependable performance in the long run. A gray industrial-grade carpet shield sits cylindrical enclosure and highlights the ‘MTX’ logo inscribed on its side.
This subwoofer delivers 120-watts of stable and clean power and with its low-pass filter and gain controls; you can change the sound to suit your preferences. It comes with a wired remote that you use when the need to change the bass levels from your [driver] seat arises.
The sound from this subwoofer might not impress you as an audiophile or if you’re looking for huge power. However, if you’re someone who’s into jazz, blues, old school rock and you don’t care much for earth-shaking bass, then this is the subwoofer for your car.
Key Features:
- A built-in amplifier [120 watts RMS power/360 watts maximum].
- It comes with mounting hardware.
- 35-250 Hz frequency response.
- An adjustable low-pass filter [50-200 Hz, 12 dB/octave].
- High-level and RCA inputs for easy connection.
7. KICKER 11HS8 Subwoofer
Kicker is another notable brand when it comes to crystal-clear, ground-shaking bass and the 11HS8 is not an exception as well. When Kicker set out to make the 11HS8subwoofer, they wanted to manufacture a subwoofer that would fit almost anywhere in your car and still give you the same superb performance that made them famous. This subwoofer delivers an amazing low-frequency output from a small enclosure which sets a new standard in the plug-and-play bass performance and comfort in a car.
It’s equipped with a 150-watt built-in class D amplifier that helps add reasonable and impressive bass to your car even if you put it in the tightest spots. It also comes with a fast-connect power plug and Velcro-fastened nylon straps that allow for a secure, simple, and smooth installation process.
Its sturdy, built-in 150-watt RMS amplifier can deliver strong bass that adds punch and depth to your music. If you’ve got limited space in your car and want a subwoofer that will save you the stress of finding the right amplifier and enclosure for it, then we recommend the Kicker 11HS8 for you.
Key Features:
- A built-in 150 watts RMS amplifier.
- An adjustable phase control [0, 180 degrees].
- An adjustable low-pass crossover [50-120 Hz].
- An auto turn-on switch is included.
- The wired remote control is included.
- It comes with a bass boost control [0dB to +6dB].
8. Pioneer TS-WX130DA Subwoofer
Pioneer’s TS-WX130DA subwoofer delivers soulful, deep bass in a precisely compact enclosure. It’s designed to fit into any of those tight spots in your car and is a perfect solution that lets you pump up your bass without sacrificing valuable space. The subwoofer is powered by a built-in 160 watts RMS amplifier and is equipped with a 95dB high sensitivity rating which we find impressive. You should know that a subwoofer with a high sensitivity rating will play louder on less power than a subwoofer with low sensitivity.
An excellent bass response fed with a 50 watts RMS by the long-lasting built-in amplifier is what you’ll get with this subwoofer. Its aluminum cone adds to its ability to resist distortion while its urethane surround helps to keep the cone on track. With the wired remote control, you can adjust the low-pass filter, gain and phase settings and also choose between two bass settings to adjust the speaker’s sensitivity and dynamic range.
If you’re looking to improve your car audio system and not sacrifice space then this subwoofer is yours for the taking as it will give you a solid bass response and adjustability in an easy-to-store package.
Key Features:
- A built-in amplifier [50 watts RMS /160 watts peak].
- A wired remote included for control over the low-pass filter, gain and phase control [0°, 180°].
- It comes with a urethane surround.
- A Digital Bass Control that tailors frequency response.
- It comes with an aluminum cone.
9. CERWIN-VEGA MOBILE VPAS10 Subwoofer
When it comes to the best under seat subwoofer for tight spaces, the Cerwin-Vega Mobile VPAS10 wins the race. This is a low-profile and compact 10-inch subwoofer that you can install anywhere in your car. Despite its compact size, it’s a powerful subwoofer that delivers punchy bass and is powered by a 450 watts amplifier. It comes in a cast aluminum body that protects it and allows for better heat loss so, you’ll have no worries of it overheating.
If you like a versatile subwoofer then you should know that this subwoofer is highly customizable as it comes with bass EQ settings and audio outputs behind it. It’s easy to install and you can run its signal from the radio via its RCA interconnects or you can make use of the high-level inputs coming from the speakers. With its wired bass remote, you can set it up to your preferences and there’s a delayed soft remote turn-on to prevent you from getting ear shocks.
The Cerwin-Vega VPAS10 is an ideal choice if you’re in the market for an impressive quality bass in a remarkably small subwoofer. If you also have a convertible or a small car with very little space then you won’t go wrong with this subwoofer as well.
Key Features:
- A power supply/thermal protection circuit is included.
- It comes with a bass boost [0, 12db].
- A phase switches [0 or 180 degrees].
- A subwoofer remote control.
- An adjustable input sensitivity.
10. Sound Storm LOPRO8 Subwoofer
Sound Storm is another reputable brand regarded amongst the best brands that focus on giving you more value for your money on the car audio market. We can see that in the LOPRO8 which combines a built-in amplifier and subwoofer in a compact enclosure. This subwoofer might lack venting ports but it delivers an impressive amount of bass. It also comes with many tuning controls that you can use to adjust the bass and give an extra punch to your music.
For better music clarity, there’s an adjustable low pass filter and to boost your bass to your preferred levels, the remote control is there to help. There are also short and thermal overload protection circuits plus a subsonic filter to get rid of sound distortions.
With all the features that come with the LOPRO8 including its in-built 1200 watts amplifier, it’s the ideal subwoofer for every music enthusiast who desires a powerful sound paired with quality. Its high and low-level inputs also support nearly every car stereo that’s out there and with its size, it can comfortably fit under your car seat.
Key Features:
- An adjustable low-pass filter.
- A built-in amplifier.
- High- and low-level inputs included.
- An adjustable bass boost.
- Subwoofer level remote control included.
Things to Consider When Buying an Under Seat Subwoofer
Finding the perfect under seat subwoofer for your car won’t be a daunting task if you know what you should be looking out for. In this buying guide, we’ve listed out what makes a subwoofer an ideal choice to help you make an informed decision while paying attention to your needs and tastes. Before you go shopping for an under-seat subwoofer, these are the important factors you should consider:
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The Size
When it comes to subwoofers, size is an important factor. A subwoofer’s size determines how it behaves. A small subwoofer will be more responsive and faster. For example, a subwoofer with an 8-inch size will work perfectly for fast music and will produce an excellent bass response and clarity but won’t add loud and heavy bass to your music. The good thing is that they’re easy to install and will fit nicely under your car seats whether you drive a small car or not.
A 10-inch subwoofer can also keep up with fast-paced music and works well with heavy bass producing nice music clarity and good bass response. They even produce more bass than the 8-inch subs and aren’t difficult to install as well. The drawback of this subwoofer is that if you want to increase its volume, you’ll need to double the subwoofer up for bigger bass.
Then we have the 12-inch subwoofers that are perfect for heavy bass and produce a more decent bass response and clarity than the 8-inch and 10-inch subwoofers. The only drawback is that they’re harder to install and could intrude on the passenger seat’s space.
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Power Output
Indeed, subwoofers will add plenty of bass to your car audio system and they could be quite loud, but don’t expect your neighbors’ windows to vibrate when you pass by. There are two values for you to keep an eye on, they’re measured in watts and are simple representations of how much output you can get from your subwoofer.
Peak Power
Peak power is the maximum wattage a subwoofer can handle in short bursts. If an amp produces more watts than your subwoofer can handle, it could lead to sound distortions or even damage your subwoofer. The peak power, like we earlier mentioned, is how much power your subwoofer can handle in short bursts but it has little or nothing to add to its audio quality. So, what you should be focusing on is the RMS power of your subwoofer.
RMS Power
The RMS power rating is the real power an amp put out steadily. A subwoofer’s RMS rating helps measure how much power can be channeled through your subwoofer without causing distortions or harming your subwoofer. You’ll need to take the RMS power of your subwoofer into account when you decide to pair up an amp with it. If the power produced by the amp is more than the subwoofer can handle then you should turn it down most especially if you can hear distortions. The closer the amp and subwoofer values are the better for you and your subwoofer.
With that said, make sure that you go for an amp that can produce a 75% minimum of the subwoofer’s watts but won’t exceed 150%.
Note: With good speakers, a cheap amplifier can sound great and the best amplifier can sound awful when paired with poor speakers.
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Sensitivity
A subwoofer’s sensitivity is measured in dB and it relates to how loud your subwoofer will play your music at certain wattage. This means you should go for a subwoofer with higher sensitivity to go with a higher power [wattage] value as power consumption and sensitivity go together when it comes to subwoofers.
For example, if you have a 90dB sensitive subwoofer, it will need 100 watts. Our advice? Go for a subwoofer with a sensitivity that’s greater than 92 dB and if you go for one that’s below than 84dB then you shouldn’t expect superb sound quality.
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Frequency Response
Your subwoofer’s frequency response range helps you know how your music depth will be like. A larger frequency response range will deliver better detail, crisp highs, and deeper lows. We advise that you go for a subwoofer with a larger frequency response range for you to get the best clarity and most detail from your music.
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Weight
Your subwoofer’s weight is another vital factor to consider when you’re searching for the ideal under-seat subwoofers. It’s not ideal to put huge and heavy subwoofers under your car seat as there would be an uneven weight distribution. So, it helps if you to always keep the kind of car you drive in mind so you’d easily know if the weight of the subwoofer you’re considering will work for it or not. You should also go for a subwoofer that will fit nicely between your seat and your car’s floorboard.
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Impedance
Your subwoofer’s impedance is directly linked to the quality of sound you should expect from it as well. It also has a lot to do with the subwoofer’s electrical load and resistance. So, if you’re looking for better sound and deeper bass, you should go for a smaller Impedance value like 2-Ohm. At this value, your subwoofer won’t need to fight against so mu h resistance and so you’ll be getting the best possible sound quality.
If the subwoofer you’re considering comes with a dual voice coil then it’s also a great choice as the coils will work to fight the same impedance level. The result? Increased output and better sound quality. A 4-Ohm subwoofer could also work but you won’t be getting as much sound quality and same output as you’d get from a 2-Ohm subwoofer.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
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Q-1: What Is the Function of a Subwoofer?
A subwoofer (sub for short) is a dedicated low-frequency component that can cover deep and low-frequency ranges that car speakers can reach. They come in different sizes, designs, and layouts. They have been designed precisely to reproduce even the deepest notes in the musical spectrum. Indeed, most car speakers can’t play deep notes and could sometimes seem like your tweeters are bright and so, you’ll need a subwoofer to back them up. By using subwoofers for your bass reproduction, your other sound system parts will be able to focus on the frequencies they’d handle best.
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Q-2: Would I Still Hear the Bass Even If My Subwoofer Are in the Trunk?
Yes. As long as your car’s trunk isn’t soundproof and sealed, you’ll still be able to hear the bass from your subwoofers without experiencing any difficulty. Generally, the bass will travel through the materials that separate the passenger seats and the trunk. If you feel the bass reaching the front seats aren’t as full as you’d want it or as full as when you’re close to the subwoofer, then you can fix the problem by making a couple of small holes in the rear deck and then covering it up with sound transparent material.
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Q-3: What Is the Difference Between A Woofer and A Sub-Woofer?
Simply put, a woofer is a part of the subwoofer. Generally, a subwoofer consists of one or more woofers mounted in an enclosure or box. This box acts as a resonance chamber allowing for more airflow to get to the rear of the speaker cone resulting in a significant increase of sound pressure level [SPL] and a richer and fuller bass.
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Q-4: What Are the Factors that Affect Subwoofer’s Performance?
These are the factors that can affect your car subwoofers performance:
- Sensitivity
- Frequency response
- Cone build material
- The type of enclosure
So, if you’re looking for a car subwoofer that can hit deep lows, then you should consider a subwoofer that’s designed for use – with the lowest possible frequency range – in a sealed box. Always remember that the larger your subwoofer, the better the bass reproduced. You can use it as a rule of thumb and you’ll see that you’d be making the best under seat subwoofer choice.
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Q-5: What Kind of Bass Response Can I Get from An Under-Seat Subwoofer?
Well, it depends. Some subwoofer units will softly tickle your stomach with their hard bass while other subwoofer units hit you hard with their bass notes. If you’re looking for those hard hits from your bass then you should for a subwoofer with a higher sensitivity value and a frequency response that gets as close as possible to 20 Hz – 250 HZ plus some decent power level. In the end, how much bass you can get will depend on how much your stomach and ears can handle.
Final Verdict
We’ve listed out the10 best under seat subwoofers for you to try out in this article. They’re all high-quality subwoofers that will bring you dependable performance and comfort. Their installation process is simple, straightforward, and quick. What else? They also bring you great sound quality that will greatly improve your car sound system.
If you’ve got a small car and would like a decent bass production then the under-seat subwoofers in this article are worth considering. Don’t be deceived by their small sizes as their performance is quite superb.
However, you should know that your ideal under-seat subwoofer won’t need to have the biggest cone or be the most expensive on this list. You should go for the one that works best for your needs, budget, and tastes.