Best Subwoofers for Car in the UK

Review & Comparison, Last Update October 16, 2024
If your car stereo system doesn't boom, you definitely lack the right subwoofer. This piece of equipment really makes any audio system ...Read more
PROS

The device is capable of reaching a peak power of 1200 Watts, which is something that very few car subwoofers out there can attest to, but, more importantly, it is able to maintain an average of 600 Watts. It also includes neon blue LED light effects protected by a layer of an acrylic glass on the front that will make your car stand out from the unimpressive crowd.

CONS

The LED lights have to be connected to the car's 12 V network in order to work.

OUR VERDICT

Although the Auna C8-SUB-2X12-42 won't be able to satisfy the customers that are looking for a compact sound solution, as far as powerful car subwoofers go, the model in question wins hands down even if you compare it to basically every single option on the market. If you're not the timid kind, this sub will satisfy all of your needs.

detailed parameters
TYPE

Enclosed

DRIVER

2 х 30 cm

SIZE

82 x 46 x 43 cm

RMS POWER

~600 W

PEAK POWER

1200 W

SENSITIVITY

N/A

FREQUENCY RESPONSE

N/A

CONTROL

External

CONNECTIONS

2 x gold-plated stereo screw terminals, 12V input (for light effects)

WARRANTY

1 year

PROS

The use of the MOSFET technology is going to ensure the kind of connectivity and insulation that is essential when it comes to providing an exceptional level of sound quality. This convenient tool is going to allow you to tune and control the gain, phase, and the Low-Pass Filter all without having to stretch all the way down to your device in order to press the required buttons.

CONS

The power is relatively unimpressive. 

OUR VERDICT

There are definitely plenty of companies out there that claim to produce the best car subwoofers, but as far as compact under seat systems go, there aren't a whole lot out there that could hold a candle to the Pioneer TS-WX120A in terms of user-friendliness and the quality of sound.

detailed parameters
TYPE

Powered

DRIVER

~22 x 16 cm

SIZE

28 х 7 х 20 cm

RMS POWER

50 W

PEAK POWER

150 W

SENSITIVITY

30 - 160 Hz

FREQUENCY RESPONSE

98 dB

CONTROL

Wired remote control

CONNECTIONS

2 x RCA input, AC input (Wiring kit included)

WARRANTY

1 year

PROS

Thanks to the fact that the entire thing is comprised mostly of high-density MDF, you wouldn't have to worry about the kind of pressure and temperature you may inadvertently apply to this sub. Furthermore, the enclosures are finished in a high-quality carpet with the renowned Edge detailing that adds a certain flair to the otherwise orthodox and standard design of this subwoofer.

CONS

The bright orange side panel is prone to scratches.

OUR VERDICT

Pointing out a specific target audience for the Edge EDB10A-E2 could certainly prove to be quite a challenge given that the model delivers in terms of design and performance almost as well as it does when it comes to offering a compact and convenient solution to your car subwoofer needs.

detailed parameters
TYPE

Powered

DRIVER

25 cm

SIZE

37 x 30 x 40 cm

RMS POWER

250 W

PEAK POWER

750 W

SENSITIVITY

50 - 250 Hz

FREQUENCY RESPONSE

12 dB

CONTROL

Mechanical

CONNECTIONS

2 x RCA input, AC input (Wiring kit included)

WARRANTY

1 year

PROS

The subwoofer features gain, bass, and crossover dials that will provide you with the opportunity to customise your audio experience and allow you to enjoy your favourite music the way you always wanted to. Furthermore, the sub includes a curved metallic heat-sync that allows the amplifier to fit neatly into the enclosure finished off with a flared for smoother airflow.

CONS

The material used in the casing leaves a bit to be desired.

OUR VERDICT

The FLI FT12A-F6 is the model that you can easily recommend to the kind of customers that are interested in a powerful setup but aren't willing to sacrifice their precious space and don't wish to pay a king's ransom for a cab subwoofer.

detailed parameters
TYPE

Powered

DRIVER

30 cm

SIZE

50 x 34 x 43 cm

RMS POWER

400 W

PEAK POWER

1200 W

SENSITIVITY

50 - 250 Hz

FREQUENCY RESPONSE

12 dB

CONTROL

Mechanical

CONNECTIONS

2 x RCA input, AC input (Wiring kit included)

WARRANTY

1 year

PROS

The model will be able to play all the way down to 35hz while still delivering crisp midbass punch. It includes a double stitched high roll foam surround for improved cone control and excursion. On top of that, it comes equipped with a rear firing port that will be extremely useful when it comes to an extended bass response.

CONS

The embroidered logo tends to fade away after some time. 

OUR VERDICT

The Bass Face BASS10.1 will be an absolute steal for anyone looking for a portable car subwoofer but will also be able to satisfy a plethora of customers thanks to its impressive specs paired with a more than modest price.

detailed parameters
TYPE

Enclosed

DRIVER

25 cm

SIZE

48 x 30 x 30 cm

RMS POWER

550 W

PEAK POWER

1100 W

SENSITIVITY

37 - 150 Hz

FREQUENCY RESPONSE

N/A

CONTROL

External

CONNECTIONS

2 x gold-plated stereo screw terminals

WARRANTY

1 year

A Truly Powerful Choice

Whether you're looking to impress the people you share a ride with or you are simply the kind of person that doesn't necessarily believe in listening to your favourite music as quiet as humanly possible, what you need is power. Or, to be slightly more precise, a subwoofer system that is powerful enough to deliver the kind of sound that will force even the people across the street to listen to the music of your choosing. And although pretty much the entirety of the latest generation of Aunas subwoofers feature a certain level of the aforementioned power that will be able to satisfy the majority of even the most demanding customers, the Auna C8-SUB-2X12-42 takes the proverbial cake even when compared to some of the most impressive models on the market.

Not only is this device capable of reaching a peak power of 1200 Watts, which is something that very few car subwoofers out there can attest to, but, more importantly, it is able to maintain an average of 600 Watts. The aforementioned spec is what makes this model such a unique option and the one that will allow you to listen to songs from your favourite bands and artists with a respectable level of volume without having to worry about causing any sort of damage to your subwoofer system. Naturally, the ability to maintain and deliver this much volume will inevitably require a certain amount of additional space, but this is a rather small price that you ought to be willing to pay if you're interested in power above anything else.

Light It Up

As we have previously established, this is certainly not the smallest option out there. With 82 x 46 x 43 centimetres of overall dimensions and over 30 kilograms of weight, you'd be hard-pressed to call this model compact. But if that makes you think that as far as dual car subwoofers go, this is the one that lacks in terms of exterior and design, you could not be more wrong. Setting aside the slightly bulky dimensions of this product, what we have on our hands is one of the more stylish and impressive car sound systems in terms of looks and application.

First of all, the model features a computer-optimised chassis design that is as sleek as it is practical. Furthermore, the casing includes an additional layer of protection that is certainly going to come in handy when some of the more bumpy roads will inevitably come your way. On top of that, the model will be able to improve the overall look of your car not just thanks to its sleek design but with the help of neon blue LED light effects protected by a layer of an acrylic glass on the front. The soft material on the sides will be able to protect the speakers from outside harm while still allowing the sound to clearly pass through. Despite the fact that the Auna C8-SUB-2X12-42 won't be able to satisfy the customers that are looking for a compact sound solution, as far as powerful car subwoofers go, the model in question wins hands down even if you compare it to basically every single option on the market.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B01N3AMJ5X

Place It Anywhere

Although implying that Pioneer Corporation stands entirely by its name and was the very first company that pioneered the development and production of consumer electronics and laid the groundwork for every single company to come might be a bit of an exaggeration, it would be fair to say that there are very few business enterprises out there that could rival Pioneer in terms of designing and manufacturing different types of quality sound systems, especially when it comes to vehicle audio equipment. And while there are plenty of examples out there that'd be able to prove this point, the Pioneer TS-WX120A is one of the better ones as far as compact car subwoofers go.

The device in question is one of those models that will be able to fit any customer regardless of how small their car might be thanks to its more than compact overall dimensions of 20 x 28 x 7 centimetres and the measly weight of slightly over three and a half kilograms. Heck, thanks to the polyurethane finish, you can even stack a few cases of luggage on top of this particular product without having to worry about scratching the surface or causing any kind of damage to it. And, since this small car subwoofer is what is commonly referred to as an under seat subwoofer, not only will you be able to place it virtually anywhere you want without sacrificing too much space, but you could also use this under seat sub if your car is already equipped with a good speakers system but you'd like to support it with solid bass.

Convenience Thanks to the Wired Remote

Since one of the biggest selling points of the Pioneer TS-WX120A is how compact and slim this particular model is, it'd only logical to expect this device to lack in terms of power and sound quality. But this is Pioneer we're talking about, so you'd be wise to hold your horses before jumping to conclusions. The built-in MOSFET amp will be able to deliver up to 150 Watts of raw power which is quite a number as far as under seat sound systems go. Though the model features no more than 50 Watts of RMS power, you'll still be able to enjoy your favourite music without all of the outside and inside noises distracting you from the process. And with a 98 dB sensitivity, this Pioneer car subwoofer will be able to take full advantage of the aforementioned amp. By the way, the aforementioned MOSFET technology will be able to ensure an exceptional level of sound quality using the most intricate connectivity and insulation solutions. Though this sub is not going to rattle your car, the bass it produces will be deep enough to give it a comfortable shake and clean enough to experience the music the way it's meant to be.

The last but by no means the least thing we would like to mention before wrapping this review up is a handy and stylish wired remote that comes with this model. This convenient tool is going to allow you to tune and control the gain, phase, and the Low-Pass filter all without having to stretch all the way down to your device in order to press the required buttons. To sum it up, there are plenty of companies out there that claim to produce the best car subwoofers, but as far as compact under seat systems go, there aren't a whole lot out there that could hold a candle to the Pioneer TS-WX120A.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B00L12UZ0Q

Amplify Your Experience

If you're one of those people that don't necessarily have set in stone priorities when it comes to car subwoofers or if you simply happen to own an average-sized car that may or may not fit some of the larger models out there, there's a good chance that the Edge EDB10A-E2 will be to your liking and is the one you ought to strongly consider if you're currently on the market for a new car subwoofer. Although what we have here couldn't in good conscience be described as the most compact, the loudest, or the most exceptional in terms of delivering a powerful bass option out there, this is one of the better models if you're looking for a complete package and don't wish to sacrifice any of the major aspects and qualities in favour of acquiring an often insignificant and unnecessary edge in some other area.

If you're interested in a device that will be able to deliver a sufficient amount of volume and amplification, this active car subwoofer has you covered. With 750 Watts of peak power and 250 Watts RMS, the model in question will be able to consistently deliver a level of sound volume that should leave even some of the more particular customers satisfied with this purchase. And since this active bass enclosure system comes packaged together with the Edge's very own bass amplifier, you will be able to experience the kind of trembling that will make all of your friends jealous while the hi-roll rubber surround will keep everything in control and allow for the higher power handling capabilities.

A Better Bass Response

Although we did mention that one of the more interesting things about this model is the fact that it doesn't necessarily stand out compared to some of the less balanced offers out there since it does not intend to sacrifice any of its aspects, we would be remiss not to talk about the durability of this car subwoofer. Thanks to the fact that the entire thing is comprised mostly of high-density MDF, you wouldn't have to worry about the kind of pressure and temperature you may inadvertently apply to this particular product since it will be easily capable to withstand it all. Furthermore, the enclosures are finished in a high-quality carpet with the renowned Edge detailing that adds a certain flair to the otherwise orthodox and standard design of this subwoofer. And if the high-density MDF construction shall prove to be insufficient in terms of protecting it from outside harm, the anodised extruded aluminium heatsink installed for improved cooling should be able to close that deal.

On top of everything else, the model comes equipped with a secret channel to hide unsightly amplifier wires and a 3-inch port that will prove invaluable in terms of maintaining a better bass response. Pointing out a specific target audience for the Edge EDB10A-E2 could certainly prove to be quite a challenge given that the model delivers in terms of design and performance almost as well as it does when it comes to offering a compact and convenient solution to your car subwoofer needs.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B005ZRMHQI

Quite a Bargain

FLI FT12A-F6 is one of those high-quality car subwoofers that will be an absolute bargain for anybody interested in improving his driving experience by amplifying the quality of their sound setup without spending a fortune on a heavy and overpriced system. The only real downside of this model is the fact that, despite the wiring kit that is included in the package, the device can be a bit difficult to set up given that you have to run the power cable from the engine into the cabin. But all you have to do is consult a specialist or simply ask one of your more car savvy acquaintances for help and what you'll receive in return is an impressive sound system that comes at a ridiculously cheap price if you take into consideration the kind of power and quality it provides.

One of the most interesting aspects of this car subwoofer is the fact that it is capable of delivering up to 1200 Watts of peak power, which is something that very few models are capable of in general and virtually no other product in this price category could even hope to achieve, and up to 400 Watts of RMS power that will provide you with the opportunity to enjoy your favourite music at a consistently high level of volume. The aforementioned consistency will not fall victim to any kind of heat thanks to the 10 AWG conductors providing a sufficient level of resistance.

Rattle Your Car

Since what we have on our hands is a sealed enclosure system that comes equipped with a built-in amplifier, the question we should be asking is whether the level of sound quality and the deepness of bass will not just be able to come near the kind of power that the model is packing but to actually compare and rival the aforementioned power. And upon further inspection, it's safe to say that this car subwoofer absolutely delivers in the said areas. First of all, the subwoofer itself features gain, bass, and crossover dials that will provide you with the opportunity to customise your audio experience and allow you to enjoy your favourite music the way you always wanted to. If need be, the product in question can generate so much vibration that even the most demanding customers might think twice before adjusting the bass to the fullest and only a handful of enthusiasts will be able to handle the kind of deepness the bass of this device is capable of delivering.

It goes without saying that, given the kind of power the model provides its users with, it will require a sturdy enough structure in order to be able to maintain it without inflicting any sort of damage upon itself. The manufacturer thought of that and equipped this device with a curved metallic heat-sync that allows the amplifier to fit neatly into the enclosure finished off with a flared for smoother airflow. In conclusion, theFLI FT12A-F6 is the model that you can easily recommend to the kind of customers interested in power but aren't willing to sacrifice their precious space and don't wish to pay a king's ransom for a cab subwoofer.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B001EC6B7Y

Unique Design Solutions

While it is true that portable subwoofers for cars are some of the less popular types out there but it isn't the lack of competition that makes a considerable number of customers all over the world put their trust in the Bass Face BASS10 line in general and the BASS10.1 in particular. The biggest reason for that would have to be that the sort of mobility and quality this model provides compared to its cost is simply unparalleled in the world of subwoofers for cars.

Looking at the particular model in question, it is rather evident that the Bass Face BASS10.1 is the kind of car subwoofer that was created with the idea of delivering a much more powerful bass output in mind while still keeping the structure small and compact, not dissimilar to its predecessors. The company behind this product didn't just improve the overall dimensions aspect of this model but also have custom designed a high power unit, with improved power and response characteristics. The model employs some of the same design solutions that made the previous iterations so successful in the first place but also comes equipped with a couple of new ones, including a double stitched high roll foam surround for improved cone control and excursion and the non-pressed, featherweight, and rigid cone that offers impeccable sensitivity and considerable output capabilities. Both of these design aspects provide a noticeable improvement in terms of performance compared to some of the more orthodox technologies.

A Crisp Punch

Speaking of the things that made this particular line of car subwoofers so successful in the first place, the BASS10.1 follows the standards set by the previous models by incorporating a highly sensitive structure that makes the whole thing compatible with a variety of different amps and systems, thus eliminating the need for a big monoblock if the user wishes to receive a satisfying bass tone from his subwoofer. Bridged on a 2 channel or 4 channel amplifier, the model will be able to deliver a considerable output. The recessed screw/banana jack terminal secures the connection and accelerates the entire process.

Since some of the biggest things the developers clearly focused their attention on were the depth of bass and the power of output, this model will be able to play all the way down to 35hz while still delivering crisp midbass punch. On top of that, it comes equipped with a rear firing port that will be extremely useful when it comes to an extended bass response. And thanks to the aforementioned features, the device is capable of reaching up to 1100 Watts of peak power and around 550 Watts of RMS power and that is simply unprecedented given the price range that the model occupies. What we're trying to say here is that the Bass Face BASS10.1 will be an absolute steal for anyone looking for a portable car subwoofer but will also be able to satisfy a plethora of customers thanks to its impressive specs paired with a more than modest price.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B00DSOU60E

Infographics


What Is a Car Subwoofer?

For many of us, music in a car matters a lot. Beloved songs can cheer us up and supply us with energy for the whole day. There is nothing quite like listening to your favourite music while being on the road, especially if your stereo system plays loud and produces pure and solid bass. Unfortunately, not every factory car audio speaker can provide accurate and solid low-frequency sound. The easiest way to get a good bass is, of course, to add a subwoofer to your car. Let's look at the best car audio subwoofers we've picked for you!

If you are interested in audio equipment for a car, you might also want to consider purchasing car video and stereo receivers. And if you'd like to have some portable source of music while being on the beach or in the wood, we'd recommend you to obtain a Bluetooth speaker.

What Features to Compare

Type and Installation

When deciding on the right sub for your car, first look at its type and how much space it takes up. Here, we listed main types of subwoofers:

  • Component subwoofer. A bass speaker itself requiring an enclosure and amplifier to operate properly.
  • Enclosed subwoofer. A speaker mounted in an enclosure. It's a great option if you already have an external amplifier.
  • Powered subwoofer. A ready-to-install subwoofer equipped with a bass speaker, enclosure, and built-in amp.
  • Vehicle-specific subwoofer. A space-saving bass system produced to be installed even in slender spaces.

To understand how much space the sub will require, take a look at the size of either a subwoofer box or a speaker itself in case you're going to acquire a component one. Knowing these dimensions, you'll be able to select the bass producer that matches up best to your needs!

Subwoofer Specifications

Speaker specs allow you to be aware of the kind of sound the system is able to produce. Power is the key feature that determines maximum volume level a sub can provide. In particular, RMS power rating is the most important value — it indicates continuous power a sub can handle without damaging itself.

Sensitivity is also a vital spec. The higher sensitivity a sub features, the louder sound it can actually reproduce without changing input signal level.

Finally, don't neglect the frequency response as this value shows how low a sub can play. 

Conveniences

Don't forget to consider additional settings as well as the types of control you can benefit from. Some subs, for example, feature a convenient board with different controls on one of the sides, thus facilitating device's configuration. Most other speakers are adjusted from an externally connected device such as a stereo receiver or amplifier. The last but not the least, don't underestimate the importance of connectivity ways since they contribute to versatility and ease of use.

Did you know?

How It All Started

Most people nowadays tend to take a subwoofer for granted as a fundamental part of their sound system that seemingly has been there for decades. However, as widespread as subwoofers are these days, the device itself isn't actually quite that old and was introduced to the music world fairly recently. The very first subwoofer was designed and created in the 1960s by the former president of Miller and Kriesel Sound Corporation, Ken Kriesel. The device was created as a sort of response to numerous complaints from customers that have just recently purchased high-quality speakers and felt like these pieces of music equipment did not deliver in terms of bass. That is when Kriesel decided to step in and develop a device that would be later known as a subwoofer that would transmit the low sounds that the standard electrostatic speakers were incapable of recognising and picking up. Although the first use of a subwoofer did not occur until a few years later in 1973 recording session for Steely Dan’s album Pretzel Logic.

How Does It Work

In order to understand how a subwoofer system is capable of doing exactly what it does, we would first have to figure out the very concept of this device and what exactly is its purpose. Naturally, the basic idea is to reproduce low frequencies. In the majority of cases, this would be more or less the bottom two octaves, from 20Hz to 80Hz. However, that is exactly where we run into the most frequent problem. The thing is, just having a particular box that is capable of generating low frequencies does not necessarily mean that you're going to receive great bass in your listening environment. The place's very own acoustic properties play a far greater role in it that you might think. So if you feel dissatisfied with the bass that you're getting from the subwoofer that you just bought, try figuring out these acoustical issues first before putting the blame on your newest purchase. There is plenty of information on the Internet about bass trapping and other different techniques that would allow you to improve the acoustic qualities of your environment with some simple and affordable DIY solutions.

How to Get The Best Sound

While that probably wouldn't sound that surprising, but the biggest trick to getting the best sound from your sound system using a subwoofer is quite similar to looking for a proper real-estate option. That is, what you have to think about first is location, location, and location. Obviously, correct placement is important for all speakers and subwoofer is no exception to that rule. Though that may be often a rather challenging task, the thing you ought to do is to find the perfect spot that would provide your subwoofer with the opportunity to sound deep and tight instead of producing the kind of "boomy" buzz that will get in the way of enjoying your favourite music. You can also try to experiment with the crossover input settings allowing your subwoofer to either take the entire bass load or split the bass load with the large main speakers.

FAQ:

Q: How powerful of a system should I be looking for?

A: In order to answer this question properly, we will first have to figure out not just your preferences but also the kind of car you're currently driving. If you happen to be in possession of an older car with a weaker structure, there's a good chance that going for the most powerful option out there wouldn't make a whole lot of sense for you since the kind of bass these models are capable of delivering at the highest volume will be able to create the sort of "shakiness" that you are not going to enjoy. Other than that, it is really up to you. If you don't always to listen to music with the volume turned up to the maximum but like to crank it up from time to time, you should go for the one that delivers the highest amount of peak power. If you constantly prefer to hear the kind of sound that would be able to bring the dead back to life, you ought to find the one that is capable of delivering outstanding RMS power. And if you don't necessarily care for the most outlandish volumes and the deepest bass, just look for the kind of small car subwoofer that presents a nice balance between the peak power and the power it is capable of averaging without doing any sort of damage to itself.

Q: Do I have to purchase the amplifier before buying a subwoofer?

A: A good chunk of subs out there already come equipped with amplifiers, so, in that case, you obviously don't have to acquire one. But if your subwoofer does not feature an amp, you definitely should look for one as soon as possible. The thing about the amplifier is that it takes a small amount of electrical signal and makes it "bigger", so to speak. Meaning that, as far as music goes, the signal is read off of a disc or from a file and the small signal is then sent to an amplifier with the purpose of making it more powerful so that it can move larger speakers. Of course, that smaller signal could prove to be just enough to power earphones or some of the less sizable speakers, but larger ones will be more than able to benefit from having more power at their disposal. Subwoofers themselves require a certain amount power. All in all, virtually the entirety of audio speakers out there need some type of an amplifier, be that some of the more basic built-in head unit items, or an external one.

Q: What type of subwoofer will sound the deepest?

A: Basically, if you're the kind of individual that enjoys the lowest possible bass tones, you should look for a more sizable option that is designed in order to be utilised in a sealed box. This kind of enclosure is exactly what you need if you wish to move your frequency responses as low as possible. On top of that, you should pay attention to the ample wattage of your sub. A model with some of the lower frequency response specs will be able to provide the user with those sweet low notes.

Q: Is there any major difference between the cone materials used in the subs?

A: Subwoofer cones, not unlike speaker cones, are generally comprised mostly of treated paper, synthetics, or composites. Without going into much detail, they are all capable of working well and producing quality sound, so it's really up to you. If you have a chance, try experimenting with different subs to find the kind of sound that suits you best.

Sources:

1. Ken Nail Car subwoofer buying guide, Crutchfield. July 25, 2016.

2. How to Choose Subwoofers for Your Car Stereo, wikiHow.

3. Jeremy Laukkonen Complete Your Sound with a Subwoofer, Lifewire. August 19, 2016.

4. Geoffrey Morrison How to pick the right subwoofer, CNET. March 13, 2013.

5. Choosing the Right Subwoofers for Your Car, eBay. March 3, 2016.

6. Jeph Preece How to Pick the Perfect Power Amp for Your Car Subwoofer, TopTenReviews.

7. What Type of Cone Does Your Car Subwoofer Need? eBay. March 3, 2016

8. Car Subwoofers Buying Guide, Abt.

9. Robert Harley Subwoofer Basics, The Absolute Sound. July 15, 2015.

10. Jeff Fay 12 tips for getting the best sound quality in your car, Crutchfield.

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