Best Cheap Car Subwoofers Reviews

Adding extra bass with a subwoofer is definitely the surest way to make your sound system more satisfying. However, buying a cheap car subwoofer can feel like a gamble. You might get lucky and find a speaker with good performance that doesn’t distort at high volume levels and hurt your ears… or you might get saddled with a cheap piece of crap that doesn’t make any noticeable difference.

Yes, you get what you pay for. That doesn’t mean you have to settle for crap if you’re on a tight-budget.

Truthfully, you’re not going to find quality competition subwoofers for under $200 or less, but on our list you will find plenty of perfectly capable budget car subwoofers with good performances.

There are great car subwoofers in the sub-$100 price range that offer good value for your money and perform relatively well for most casual needs for bass. But which ones?

To help you make an informed buying decision, we went ahead and compiled a list of the best cheap car subwoofer in the market. No matter your budget, you’ll find something to suit your needs here. But, because everyone has a different idea of what the ideal car subwoofer looks like, we’ve listed some small subs, some large subs and everything in between.

Best Cheap 10 inch subwoofers

1. Rockford Fosgate R2D4-10

Rockford Fosgate R2D4-10

• Mica injected polypropylene cones
• Poly-foam surround
• Stamped solid-steel frame
• 12 AWG compression terminals
• Anodized aluminum voice coil former
• Optimized for both sealed and vented enclosures
• Linear spider with embedded 16 AWG tinsel leads
• StampCast basket with integrated spider venting

Buy on Amazon

Rockford Fosgate is one of the most trusted names in the car audio industry. The company has been around for quite long time and has mastered the art of making impressive products. The R2D4-10 subwoofer at hand is no exception. It’s one of the best cheap 10 inch car subwoofers out there. All things considered.

First of all it’s worth mentioning that Rockford Fosgate products comes in three series: Prime – entry-level and budget-friendly. Punch – perfect mix of price and performance. Power – highest price and performance.

The R2D4-10 sub at hand belongs to the “Prime series”. It features a 10 inch mica-injected polypropylene cone coupled with a high-density poly-foam surround to punch out well-articulated deep notes.

This sub’s embedded 16 AWG tinsel leads that carry the signal to the voice coils are stitched directly into the cone for — they’ll hang tough when you push the subwoofer hard so you get consistent, reliable performance.

The StampCast basket provides a solid base for the subwoofer. The integrated spider venting shunt heat away from the internal components keeping the sub running cool.

Featuring 45Hz-250Hz frequency response, and 250 watts of power, it’s not quite as earth-shattering as some of the more bass-heavy and pricey competitors, but we couldn’t be too mad since this amplifier is so affordable.

The R2D4-10 10″ subwoofer is optimized for sealed (0.59 cubic feet) or ported (1.4 cubic feet) enclosures. Its 4-Ohm dual voice coil design allows for maximum system design flexibility.

2. Kicker 43CVR104

Kicker 43CVR104

• Injection-molded polypropylene cone
• Ribbed Santoprene rubber surround
• Perimeter venting
• Spiraled tinsel-lead technology
• Stamped steel basket
• Spring-loaded push terminals
• Dual 4-Ohm high-temperature voice coils

Buy on Amazon

From a name well-known to serious car audio enthusiasts, and deserving of their solid reputation, Kicker offers the 43CVR104, a budget-friendly 10 inch subwoofer designed to deliver respectable bass output without tearing a hole in your wallet.

This subwoofer provides 350 watts of continuous power and 700 watts at peak, with large ribbed Santoprene rubber surround supporting a 10 inch cone. It has a frequency range of 25Hz – 500Hz, giving you all the range and power you could want.

With lows that dig down into the depths of 25Hz, you’ll score stellar low notes with a decent sense of realism.

The unique SoloKon™ cone with its 360-degree back bracing keeps going strong when the bass gets heavy, while the UniPlate technology and perimeter venting in the solid steel basket keeps the voice coils cool for consistent and reliable performance.

The CompVR 10-Inch subwoofer features a stamped steel basket which reduces vibration, giving you great bass with quality sound. The 4Ω dual voice coil design adds a new level of wiring flexibility.

This subwoofer works equally well in a sealed (0.8-3.0 cu. ft.) or ported (1.25-1.75 cu. ft.) enclosure.

3. Rockford Fosgate R2SD4-10

Rockford Fosgate R2SD4-10

• Shallow-mount design
• Dual 4-ohm voice coils
• Mica injected polypropylene cone
• Poly-foam surround
• Stamped solid-steel frame
• 12 AWG compression terminals
• Anodized aluminum voice coil former
• Optimized for sealed enclosures
• Linear spider with embedded 16 AWG tinsel leads
• StampCast basket with integrated spider venting

Buy on Amazon

The subwoofer at hand is not much different from the the Rockford Fosgate sub we listed above, except for the fact that this one sports a low mount profile.

Rockford Fosgate R2SD4-10 is built for people who want more bass in their vehicles but don’t have space for a conventional subwoofer.

With a mounting depth of only 3-1/2″, this 10 inch shallow mount subwoofer can deliver satisfying bass even in smaller cars where space is at a premium.

This R2SD4-10 sub features a 10″ mica-injected polypropylene cone supported by a high-density poly-foam surrounds for high-level playback and excellent linearity. Its stamped solid-steel frame offers the same venting found in conventional Rockford Fosgate subs (such as the one mentioned above) to keep this sub running cool.

This shallow-mount workhorse presents a frequency response of 45-250 Hz, and at 200 watts of continuous power and the ability to handle bursts up to 400 watts, this subwoofer is powerful enough to deliver satisfying performance and fill a mid-size vehicle with distortion-free bass.

Its dual 4-ohm voice coils allow you to wire this sub for 2- or 8-ohm impedance, giving you more flexibility in setting up your system.

This Rockford Fosgate subwoofer is optimized for both sealed and ported enclosures so you can choose the type of bass you want in your ride.

4. Planet Audio AC10D

Planet Audio AC10D

• Polypropylene cone and foam surround
• Optimized for sealed and ported enclosures
• 2 inch high-temperature voice coil voice coil

Buy on Amazon

If you’re on a strict budget and looking for the cheapest 10 inch subwoofer possible, Planet Audio AC10D is a decent option to consider.

This subwoofer is going to be cheapest pick of the lot by far. It’s featured with a shiny Polypropylene cone bonded to foam surround. It has decent magnets, sturdy coils, and solid terminals inputs.

Still, I wouldn’t call it the best build quality wise. However, for the money, this subwoofer is a definite no-brainer.

Its dual voice coil design provides more wiring configuration possibilities, while its die-cast frame can absorb and transfer much of the energy produced by the speaker.

Planet Audio claims that subwoofer can handle up to 750 watts of power RMS and bursts up to 1,500 watts, which is outrageous. It’s definitely not 750 watts sub. You don’t want to push this subwoofer anywhere near that unless you want to blow it.

All in all, if you just want a little bass to get you by without breaking the bank, the Planet Audio AC10D is for you.

5. Boss Audio CXX10

Boss Audio CXX10

• Single 4 ohm 2.5 inch voice coil
• Polypropylene cone and rubber surround
• Optimized for both sealed and ported enclosures

Buy on Amazon

Boss Audio is a brand we haven’t come across very much at all on this website. While this brand might be one of the younger companies in the car audio industry, it has been able to carve out a place for itself as a viable competitor.

Boss Audio offers a wide variety of car audio components at very affordable prices. The CXX10 10 inch sub is no exception. It’s one of the most budget-friendly subwoofers out there. I mean a 10 inch sub for less than 30 bucks? That’s a major bargain.

This Boss Audio CXX10 sub comes equipped with a Polypropylene cone supported by durable rubber surround. It can handle up an outrageous 400 watts RMS and up to 800 watts at peak.

This sub’s power handling ratings are heavily overrated. You do not want to push a cheap subwoofer such as this one anywhere near that unless you want to end up with a dud.

Best Cheap 12 inch subwoofers

The phrase “bigger is better” can be very hit or miss depending on what you’re talking about. That phrase rings true when it comes to subwoofers. To build a sound system that really booms, you need bigger subs that can move more air.

That said, let’s take a look at some of the cheap 12 inch subwoofers out there.

1. Rockford Fosgate R2D4-12

Sale

Rockford Fosgate R2D4-12

• Mica injected polypropylene cones
• Poly-foam surround
• Solid basket
• 12 AWG compression terminals
• Anodized aluminum voice coil former
• Optimized for both sealed and vented enclosures
• Linear spider with embedded 16 AWG tinsel leads
• StampCast basket with integrated spider venting

Buy on Amazon

First on the list is the R2D4-12 by Rockford Fosgate, which is very similar in performance and build quality to the Rockford Fosgate R2D4-10 10 inch sub we listed earlier.

This subwoofer is designed to deliver surprisingly impressive bass output for the price. It comes equipped with a 12 inch mica-injected polypropylene cone coupled with a high-density poly-foam surround for bass that’s responsive and accurate.

This sub’s dual voice coil design provides awesome installation flexibility, while its stamped solid-steel basket with spider venting – typically reserved for pricey models – dissipate heat away from the internal components keeping the motor running cool.

The R2D4-12 boasts 89 dB sensitivity and has a frequency range of 43Hz – 250Hz. Featuring 250 watts of power RMS, it’s not quite as earth-shattering as some of the more bass-heavy rivals. It’s not as pricey either.

Rockford Fosgate optimized this 12 inch sub for both sealed (1.02 cubic feet) and vented (1.79 cubic feet) enclosures so you can get the type of bass you want in your ride.

The R2D4-12 subwoofer is a good bang for the buck, all things considered.

2. Kenwood KFC-W3016PS

Kenwood KFC-W3016PS

• Textured polypropylene cone with rubber surround
• Steel Basket
• Oversized diaphragm
• Ferrite magnet
• 8 AWG push terminal
• Dual ventilation system for efficient cooling

Buy on Amazon

When it comes to car audio components, Kenwood has really secured its place in the industry. It’s one of the most renowned brands in the market.

The KFC-W3016PS is one of Kenwood’s cheap 12 inch subwoofers. It can handle up to 400 watts of continuous power and bursts up to 2,000 watts at peak, with tough rubber surrounds supporting a 12 inch cone, so you can rock out out with plenty of bass.

Additionally, the Square Array Pattern reinforces the cone so that it won’t flex when you crank it up. The dual ventilation system shunt heat away from the motor structure through the back and the sides of the sub, so the subwoofer stays cooler during those long, loud jams.

This Kenwood subwoofer presents 82dB sensitivity and has 27 Hz – 300 Hz frequency response. With lows that dig down into the depths of 27Hz, this sub renders amazing low notes with a stunning sense of realism. That said, It’ll add a slight non-auditory rumble to your car, so the response on this unit will be plenty for your setup.

All in all, mount this sub in a suitable ported (2.0 cubic feet) or sealed (1.25 cubic feet) enclosure, power it with a nice amp, and get ready to party.

3. Pioneer TS-W126M

Pioneer TS-W126M

• IMPP cone produces tight and accurate bass
• Urethane surround for generous amounts of excursion
• Specially designed voice coils
• 6-Layer long high temperature aluminum voice coil design
• 30 oz large strontium magnet structure
• Large binding posts for heavy gauge wire

Buy on Amazon

A name that pioneers in the loudspeaker and car entertainment industry is worth the trust you’d put in a product that carries its logo; Pioneer is a well-reputed brand within the audio space. It’s been around since time immemorial, and offers everything from headphones to home audio systems and maintained a level of quality throughout.

Despite the fact that the Pioneer TS-W126M was the lowest priced 12 inch subwoofer we tested, it packs in quite a punch. It’s one of the best budget car subwoofer in this price range.

The subwoofer at hand is featured with an injection molded polypropylene cone bonded to urethane surround. It has a frequency response of 20 Hz to 125 Hz and can handle up to 350 watts of power on continuous basis.

The fact that this subwoofer can hit as low as 20Hz is outstanding. I mean, think about it, the ultra-deep 20Hz bass response is technically lower than what ours can perceive, therefore, with this subwoofer mounted in the right enclosure and properly powered, you’ll experience an extra non-auditory rumble in your car.

4. Rockville W12K6D4 V2

Sale

Rockville W12K6D4 V2

• 2.5 inch 4-layer black aluminum voice coils
• Double stacked 100 oz high quality magnet
• Cast aluminum basket
• Fiber reinforced ultra stiff black non-pressed paper cone
• Thick foam surround
• Red stitching cone reinforcement ensures long life
• Polypropylene (pp) dustcap
• Dual 4-ohm voice coils

Buy on Amazon

Despite being a newcomer into the car audio industry, Rockville has been able to make a name for itself as a serious contender. One way Rockville has been able to find its place in the market is thanks to a product like the W12K6D4 V2.

The subwoofer at hand comes equipped with an ultra-stiff fiber reinforced paper cone coupled with thick foam surround for great bass output with minimal distortion.

This sub is very well-put together. It’s featured with red stitching cone reinforcement for long lasting performance. Additionally, there’s polypropylene (PP) dustcap, thick pulp paper cone, stitched leads, great venting and good motor size.

This subwoofer boasts 85dB sensitivity and has a frequency response of 27Hz to 1.5KHz. It can handle up to 600 watts RMS, which is exaggerated.

The Rockville W12K6D4 works equally well in ported or vented enclosures. Its dual 4-Ohm voice coils allow for maximum system design flexibility.

On the debit side, this sub’s claimed power handling are quite overrated. You’ll certainly blow the subwoofer if you push it anywhere near the advertised RMS. It’s not made to handle that outrageous amount of power on continuous basis.

5. Kicker 43C124

Kicker 43C124

• Thick injection-molded polypropylene cone
• High density foam surround
• 360-degree back bracing
• High temperature voice coil
• Large magnet

Buy on Amazon

Kicker Comp series of subwoofers are designed to give you great bass value without feeling like your wallet just got thumped. It’s one of the best cheap 12 inch subwoofers in the market.

This Kicker’s 43C124 12 inch subwoofer features a flex-resistant polypropylene cone with 360-degree back bracing for punchy lows with minimal distortion. Its cone is supported by ribbed foam surround which promotes long excursion and excellent linearity, while the double stitching ensures your investment won’t come apart at the seams.

Furthermore, the tough steel basket provides a solid base for big bass, and its extensive venting ensures long-lasting performance that won’t break down when the bass gets heavy.

This sub boasts 88.3 dB sensitivity and has a 27Hz to 500Hz frequency response. It can handle up to 150 watts RMS and bursts up to 300 watts at peak to bring out the depth your music’s been missing.

This versatile sub works well in sealed or ported enclosures. Its 4-ohm impedance works with just about every amplifier on the market.

Best Cheap 15 inch subwoofers

As we’ve mentioned previously, when it comes to subs, If you need something that sounds louder and fuller, bigger is most often better. However, bigger subs comes at a price premium.

If you’re short on cash, however, and looking for a cheap 15 inch subwoofer that can get the job done without tearing a hole in your wallet, don’t stress — there are viable, affordable options out there.

That said, let’s take a look at some cheap 15 inch subwoofers out there that offer a great value for the buck.

1. Skar Audio SDR-15

Skar Audio SDR-15

• Competition grade pressed paper cone
• High roll foam surround
• Advanced air flow cooling system
• 2.5 inch high temperature copper voice coil

Buy on Amazon

Skar Audio may be a new name in car audio industry for some people, but their reputation is on the rise. Skar Audio makes a wide range of car audio components. Their products are reasonably priced for the most part and seem to be well-liked.

For your money, your best bet is Skar Audio SDR-15 15 inch sub, which can be acquired for around $100. It’s one of the best budget car subwoofers at this price point.

This beast comes equipped with a competition grade pressed paper cone supported by high roll foam surround. It has an impressive frequency range of 20 – 250 Hz and sports 86.9 dB sensitivity.

Further, with 600 watts on tap and a long-throw driver, the SDR-15 can deliver all the dynamic punch a heavy bass track can throw at it.

Featuring a 2.5″ 4-layer high temperature copper voice coil, the SDR-15 can operate for an extended period of time without clipping or bottoming out. Combine that with the high flux ferrite motor of this driver, and you get a sub that can reproduce low end bass frequencies with authority.

The aforementioned components of this subwoofer, plus its advanced air flow cooling design, are what ultimately allow for the incredible responsiveness & power handling.

Though this sub is not meant for SPL competition, it’s fully capable of producing well-refined lows you’ll feel and hear.

2. Rockford Fosgate P1S4-15

Rockford Fosgate P1S4-15

• Kevlar® reinforced paper cone
• Nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) surround
• StampCast basket with integrated spider venting
• Linear spider with embedded 16 AWG tinsel leads
• High-temp voice coil
• Rubberized ABS trim ring with optional grille
• Custom 10-AWG nickel plated push terminals

Buy on Amazon

This is what you can get if you’re willing spend a few extra bucks. The Rockford Fosgate P1S4-15 is one of the best car subwoofers under $200 out there. This 15 inch sub is designed to to dish out the kind of powerful bass response you crave in your vehicle.

This subwoofer is featured with a Kevlar® reinforced paper cone coupled with nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) surround. It uses an extended pole piece and bumped backplate that leaves more room for long and heavy excursion, so it’ll hit deeper lows without “bottoming out.”

This subwoofer uses a hybrid StampCast basket which minimizes weight and resonance. It provides a solid base for the subwoofer that can handle up 250 watts RMS and bursts up to 500 watts at peak.

The Rockford Fosgate P1S4-15 has 87.5 dB sensitivity and presents a frequency response of 23Hz to 250Hz, giving you all the range and power you could want.

This sub is optimized to work equally well in a sealed or ported enclosure, so you can choose the type of bass you want to experience in your vehicle.

3. Planet Audio AC15D

Sale

Planet Audio AC15D

• Polypropylene cone and foam surround
• Optimized for both sealed and ported enclosure
• 2 high-temperature voice coil voice coil
• Dual 4 ohms

Buy on Amazon

You don’t have to spend a ton of money to get decent bass, and the Planet Audio AC15D is a perfect example of this. It may well be one of the least expensive 15 inch subs in the market.

So, if you’re on a tight-budget and looking for a cheap 15 inch subwoofer that can get the job done without breaking the bank, the Planet Audio AC15D is for you.

The Planet Audio AC15D is one of the cheapest 15 inch subs out there. I mean, think about it: a 15 inch sub for around $60 bucks or less, that’s a major bargain.

The AC15D is fitted with foam surround supporting 15″ polypropylene cone. Planet Audio claims that this sub can handle up to 1,050 watts RMS and bursts up to 2,100 watts at peak, which is way overrated. You’re going to blow this sub feeding it that much power.

This budget-friendly sub uses a stamped basket which provides a solid and rigid base allowing for clear and resonance-free bass output. Its dual voice coils on the other hand allow for greater flexibility and more wiring options.

All in all, If you want to spend the bare minimum on 15 inch subs, the Planet Audio AC15D is the subwoofer to look at.

4. Kicker 43C154

Kicker 43C154

• Injection-molded polypropylene cone
• Ribbed foam surround
• 360-degree back bracing
• Bumped back plate
• High temperature single voice coil
• Large Magnet

Buy on Amazon

Kicker knows how to build solid subs. The company offers a wide selection of subwoofers of different types and sizes. The 43C154 is one of Kicker’s great budget car subwoofers designed to give you tremendous bass value for your dollar.

The subwoofer at hand provides 250 watts of continuous power and 500 watts dynamic, with large durable ribbed foam surround supporting a 15” injection-molded polypropylene cone.

The ribbed foam surround allow for long cone excursion and excellent linearity, while double stitching ensures your sub lasts for many years to come.

The solid steel basket provides a reliable foundation for big bass, and its extensive venting keeps the subwoofer running cool , thereby prevent it from clipping, flexing or breaking down when the bass gets heavy.

This sub boasts 90.3 dB sensitivity and has an impressive frequency response of 25Hz – 500 Hz. That said, you’ll hear and feel the power of this subwoofer bass output.

Best Cheap Sub and Amp Combo

1. Rockville RW10CA

Rockville RW10CA

• 10 inch woofer
• Low level RCA input
• High level inputs with auto turn-on technology
• Adjustable input sensitivity
• Soft delayed remote turn-on
• Thermal protection circuit, short protection circuit
• Overload protection circuit
• Adjustable input sensitivity

Buy on Amazon

Here’s another top-rated cheap car subwoofer from Rockville, which is a brand we haven’t come cross very much on our site. However, this Rockville subwoofer stood out as one of the best cheap sub and amp combo in the market. At only 2.7 inches thick, this sub will easily fit under your seat.

This slim bass system is fitted with 10 inch subwoofer and it’s powered by a 200 Watts RMS built-in amplifier. It features variable high- and low-pass filters (50-250 Hz, 12 dB/octave), low level RCA input and high level inputs with auto turn-On technology, adjustable bass boost (0-18 dB boost @ 45 Hz), as well as thermal and overload protection.

The RW10CA features a sensitivity rating of 90dB and can handle up to 200 watts RMS. It can hit as low as 20Hz and as far up as 150Hz.

That said, you won’t shake mirrors and license plates with this setup. However, as a complement to your car speakers, or just as filler bass, this is a great product, and it does surprisingly kick hard for such a shallow mount sub, but not as good as large component subwoofers.

2. Pioneer TS-SWX2502

Pioneer TS-SWX2502

• 10 inch woofer
• 5/8 inch MDF covered with black carpet
• Sealed enclosure
• Angled push terminals

Buy on Amazon

Looking for a cheap preloaded enclosure? Well, Pioneer sealed enclosure with low profile 10″ subwoofer is a great option to consider. It’s one of the most budget-friendly enclosures out there. While it’s not exactly an all-in-one solution, it’s close. The TS-SWX2502 is loaded with 10-inch woofers slotted into a slim enclosure. (You’ll have to add power.)

This enclosure is designed to deliver great performance without taking up a lot of space. It can fit in a wide variety of car trunks and truck applications. At only 6″ deep, It’ll work in most standard, extended, or crew cab pickups.

The enclosure at hand is made of 5/8″ medium density fiberboard and it’s covered with black carpet that will blend well with any car interior. It houses one Pioneer’s TS-SW2502S4 shallow mount 10″ subwoofer, which features an oversized cone structure that provides greater cone and gasket surface without changing its standard external dimension.

This 10 inch subwoofer feature an oversized, mica-injected molded resin cone that rigid and responsive. It can move more air for louder deeper bass. Additionally, Its dual-spider design provides more cone motion control and stabilization. It also supports the subwoofer’s linear movement for accurate bass response.

The TS-SWX2502 is also featured with angled push terminals which prevent bending of connection wires, thereby reducing stress on the wires, saving space and making installation a lot more easier.

Pioneer TS-SWX2502 is rated for 89 dB sensitivity rating and can handle up to 300 watts of power on continuous basis. It can hit as low as a claimed 20Hz and as far up as 200Hz.

For a shallow 10″ inch in a sealed enclosure this thing hits pretty hard. It’s not meant to compete with the bassheads that like to be heard miles away, but it does sound excellent and will make your music sound perfect with refined, loud bass.

3. Rockford Fosgate P300-10

Rockford Fosgate P300-10

• Constructed with 5/8 inch MDF
• Covered with industrial heat activated vinyl
• Class D amplifier (300 watts RMS)
• Remote bass-level control included
• Variable low-pass crossover (50-200 Hz, 12 dB/octave)
• Phase switch (0°, 180°) & variable bass boost
• Separate low level and speaker level inputs
• Built-in adjustable bass boost EQ
• Intelligent auto turn on/off function
• Large AWG input terminals

Buy on Amazon

Undoubtedly, a powered car subwoofer will save you from the hassle of building an enclosure for your subwoofer and matching up the latter with a compatible amp.

Rockford Fosgate P300-10 isn’t by any means the cheapest sub and amp combo, however it’s very well-designed and we believe it’s worth every penny.

This enclosure is fitted with a “Punch” 10 inch subwoofer mounted in a custom sealed enclosure and is powered by a built-in 300 Watt amplifier.

This all-in-one bass system could be a great match if you’re wanting to to quickly add bass to your sound system, no muss, no fuss. That said, you only need to run power, ground and a signal from the source to get this baby moving.

The sealed enclosure provides great sound quality. The rugged industrial vinyl coating that it’s covered with resists scrapes and bumps wherever you choose to install it.

This powered car subwoofer features variable low-pass crossover (50-120 Hz), bass boost control (0dB to +6dB), phase-cancelling switch, as well as High- and low-level inputs so you can connect it to any system. It also comes with a handy wired remote bass control for adjusting bass levels on the fly.

If you’re looking for a reasonably priced, compact powered subwoofer that doesn’t take a lot of space, we can’t think of a better option than Rockford Fosgate P300-10. It’s definitely not a pro or show competition solution, but this bass system would be more than enough for most casual bassheads.

All in all, Rockford Fosgate P300-10 is a very nice package with solid, concise and crisp bass that you can feel in your car. It’s very easy to install and set up, and it’s also quite easy to disconnect it when you need the extra space in your trunk.

What Makes a Good Budget Car Subwoofer?

You’ll never be able to find the perfect budget car subwoofer; if it had the perfect specs, it wouldn’t be cheap. But there are a few minimum requirements you absolutely should not compromise on when buying one.

• Great power handling capability
• High sensitivity rating
• Great build quality
  • Durable and responsive cone
  • Rubber surround
  • Well-ventilated motor structure
  • Enough room for heavy
• Size (which is a matter of choice)

Some Key Specs to Consider

Choosing the right subwoofer for your car can be a tedious task. However, comparing specs can be helpful in making your decision. Here are some key specs to consider:

• Power — If you want to have a system that really booms and be heard miles away, there’s no substitute for plenty of power. The most important thing to look for when it comes to speakers is power ratings, not peak power ratings. RMS stands for “Root Mean Square”. It refers to the average amount of power a subwoofer can handle over an extended period of time. RMS is much more realistic measure than peak power. While the latter doesn’t factor much into real-life performance, it’s safe to ignore it during your selection process. That said, make sure your sub can at least handle your amp’s output power.
• Sensitivity — Sensitivity goes hand-in-hand with power to achieve high output. It measures the amount of sound a speaker yields from the power applied to it. A subwoofer with high sensitivity rating requires less power to produce the same amount of sound as a sub with a lower sensitivity rating.
• Frequency range — It represents the range of frequencies a subwoofer will reproduce (lowest frequency to the highest). Keep in mind, though, that the actual performance of a subwoofer can be dramatically influenced by many other variables like the box type it’s mounted in, your car’s acoustics, your overall car audio setup…etc.
• Enclosure type — The box a subwoofer is mounted in plays a huge role in how the sub sounds. Generally speaking, there are two bass camps—those who like it “tight” and those who like it “loud and boomy.” If you belong to the former, a sealed enclosure is your best choice, whilst if you belong to the latter, a ported or bandpass enclosure is for you. The type of bass you prefer ultimately depends on your personal taste—and can even vary depending on the type of music you like listening to.
• Number of voice coils — A single voice coil (SVC) subwoofer has two wiring terminal posts, one marked positive and the other marked negative. A dual voice coil (DVC) subwoofer on the other hand has four wiring terminal posts, two positive terminals and two negative terminals. The extra two terminals give you more flexibility and more options for wiring your sub.
• Size of the woofer — What size subwoofers play loudest and lowest is a matter of serious debate in the car audio enthusiast community. It’s not an easy question to answer, simply because all the factors we listed above should be taken into account. In general, if you want to build a car audio system that plays loud and low, and you’ve got plenty of space in your vehicle, go for the biggest subs. However, you shouldn’t by any means underestimate smaller subs because they can also make a night and day difference if properly powered and mounted in the right enclosure.
• Impedance — the impedance of a sub refers to the amount of electrical resistance, or load, a sub puts up against an amplifier’s output. It is expressed in ohms. Most subs out there are rated at 4 ohms impedance, but 2-ohm, 8-ohm, and dual voice coil subwoofers are also quite common on today’s market.

Final Thoughts

At the end, we can all agree that everyone will appreciate an extra bass boost in their lives and we strongly believe that our little list of the best budget car subwoofers has a match for every budget and needs out there.

This is not by any means a comprehensive list. There are hundreds of cheap car subwoofers out there. Too much to cover in one post. However, we wanted to give you a few good options.

In this list, we included everything from cheap 10 inch and 12 inch subwoofer all the way to cheap 15 inch subs to cater for different needs and requirements. With any luck, you’ll find something that works for your car and fits within your budget.

If you have a question about a sub you’re considering — or want to pick my brain on anything in the article — leave a comment below. I respond quickly, and if I don’t know the answer I’ll forward your request to someone on my team who does. Thanks for reading.