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Best Powered Subwoofer for Cars
A powered subwoofer is an easy and efficient way to add bass to your vehicle's stereo system. A powered subwoofer is an all-in-one package of a subwoofer, enclosure, and amplifier. The amplifier is built-in to the enclosure and the subwoofer and amplifier are usually specially designed to work together with the enclosure. Powered car subwoofers are available in 8 inch, 10 inch and 12 inch sizes. There are two different styles of powered subwoofers with both standard subwoofer enclosures or under-the-seat style enclosures available. We offer the powered subwoofer enclosures from the top brands in car audio including Kicker, JL Audio, Rockford Fosgate, Audison, Infinity, JBL and more.
- Best Overall Powered Subwoofer - Rockford Fosgate P300-10
- Best Premium Powered Subwoofer - Audison Prima APBX 10 AS2
- Best 8" Powered Subwoofer - Value - Rockford Fosgate P300-8P
- Best 8" Powered Subwoofer - Performance - JL Audio ACP108LG-W3v3
- Best 10" Powered Subwoofer - Performance - JL Audio ACP110-TW1
- Best 12" Powered Subwoofer - Value - Rockord Fosgate P500-12P
- Best 12" Powered Subwoofer - Performance - JL Audio ACP112LG-12TW1
- Best Dual Powered Subwoofer - JL Audio ACP208LG-8W3v3
- Best Under the Seat Subwoofer - Kicker 46HS10
- Best Value Under the Seat Subwoofer - JBL Bass Pro SL2
- Best Powered Subwoofer to Save Trunk Space - JBL BassPro HUB
The Best
Best Overall Powered Subwoofer
Rockford Fosgate P300-10
- Price: $309.99
- RMS Power: 300W
- Subwoofer Size: 10"
- Bass Knob: Included
- Recommended Power Wire: 8 AWG
Key Specs
You can't go wrong with the Rockford Fosgate P300-10 or P300-10T. These two products are virtually the same, the P300-10 is designed to go in the trunk of a car while the P300-10T is designed to go behind the seat of a truck. The "T" truck model is wider and thinner, and the subwoofer is on the slanted side as opposed to the flat side. This is to allow the enclosure to fit behind the seat of single cab trucks. With the Rockford P300-10, you get a low impedance, 10" subwoofer that will deliver the performance you expect from Rockford Fosgate with a built-in 300 watt amplifier. It's Rockford, it's a 10, in a sealed box, it's easy to install, and it won't break the bank. What's you see is what you get. There's a reason these are extremely popular.
- All-in-One Package with a 300W RMS Amplifier
- Rockford Fosgate is Synonymous with Quality
- Bass Knob Included
- Accepts both High and Low Level Inputs
- Compact Box for a Full-Size Subwoofer
Pros
- There are units that hit harder (That cost much more $$)
Cons
Best High End Powered Subwoofer for Cars
Audison Prima APBX 10 AS2
- Price: $749.99
- RMS Power: 400W
- Subwoofer Size: 10"
- Inputs: Both High and Low Level
- Bass Knob: Included
Key Specs
The Audison Prima APBX 10 AS2 is our favorite overall powered subwoofer enclosure. This box is compact, low-profile, yet extremely powerful. This thing rocks. The built-in amplifier puts out 400 watts RMS thanks to the super efficient amplifier design and ultra low impedance subwoofer. As a result, you have a super small box that hammers, and it fits in so many vehicles. This powered sub accepts both high and low level inputs allowing you to use it with both factory and aftermarket radios and it has automatic turn-on capability via audio signal or DC offset. When you take into consideration the power, size, and output of the Audison APBX 10 AS2 subwoofer it dominates the competition. In fact, this box outperforms the passive one, even with an external amplifier. Audison has this product down right!
- 400W RMS Output
- Compact Enclosure can fit Virtually Anywhere
- Incredible Output
- Bass Knob Included
- Stand-offs Included for Down-Firing Installation (If Desired)
Pros
Cons
- Price
Best 8" Powered Subwoofer for Value
Rockford Fosgate P300-8P
- Price: $279.99
- RMS Power: 300W
- Subwoofer Size: 8"
- Inputs: Both High and Low Level
- Bass Knob: Included
Key Specs
You can't beat the Rockford Fosgate P300-8P in terms of value for an 8" powered subwoofer. This thing sounds way bigger than an 8-inch subwoofer, it is easy to install, it is very compact, and it simply sounds great. If you want to add some bass to simply fill out the bottom end, but you don't like or want alot of bass, this is the solution. Rockford Fosgate specifically designed this product to compete with other, more expensive solutions while still providing the output that you expect from a Rockford Fosgate subwoofer and amp. This little box does the trick and might be the best overall value of any powered enclosure thanks to the price point. Our head of marketing has this subwoofer in her car and was surprised with both the output, and she realized how much better her factory stereo sounds with a little more bottom end.
- Price
- Output Exceeds Expectations from an 8" Powered Sub
- Bass Knob Included
- Has all the "Standard" Features you Expect
Pros
- None
Cons
Best 8" Powered Subwoofer - Performance
JL Audio ACP108LG-W3v3
- Price: $599.99
- RMS Power: 250W
- Subwoofer Size: 8"
- Inputs: Both High and Low Level
- Bass Knob Sold Separately (RBC-1)
Key Specs
The JL Audio ACP108LG-W3v3 is and has been the gold standard for compact, powered subwoofers. This 8-inch subwoofer sounds like a 10" or a 12" and does it while taking up very little space. Like most powered subwoofers, JL specifically designed and engineered the amplifier and subwoofer for ultra efficient, low-impedance loads to deliver superior bass performance in a super small package. The amplifier delivers 250 watts of RMS power and this little box hits hard. The W3 series of subwoofers are known for both their performance and their reliability. JL Audio is best known for their amplifiers and their subwoofers and the ACP108LG-W3v3 puts both of them in an easy-to-install enclosure. If you are comparing this to the Rockford P300-8P, the JL Audio outperforms the Rockford box, but it should because it is more expensive.
- Ported Box Design Makes it Sound Much Bigger than an 8"
- Very Compact for a "Full Size" Subwoofer
- Output You Expect from a JL Audio W3
- The Hardest Hitting 8" Powered Subwoofer
Pros
- Bass Knob Not Included
- Price Point
Cons
Best 10" Powered Subwoofer - Performance
JL Audio ACP110LG-TW1
- Price: $799.99
- RMS Power: 400W
- Subwoofer Sisze: 10"
- Inputs Both High and Low Level
- Bass Knob: Sold Separately (RBC-1)
Key Specs
JL Audio is known for their subwoofers and the ACP110LG-TW1 is their high-end, 10" powered subwoofer. JL uses their DCD amplifier technology combined with an ultra-low impedance subwoofer to deliver 400 watts of bass output that you expect from JL Audio in a compact, ported enclosure. The enclosure measures 21" x 13.5" x 6.625" which is fairly small when you consider that it is a ported enclosure. The output of this enclosure is better than the Rockford P300-10 thanks to the extra power and ported enclosure. If I am choosing between this and the Audison Prima 10", I would probably go with the Audison because it is smaller and I think it sounds better, but it's also more expensive. At the same time, you can NEVER go wrong with JL Audio subwoofers.
- 10" TW1 Subwoofer Delivers Output in a Small Enclosure
- 400W RMS Output
- Ported Enclosure Design for Maximum Output
Pros
Cons
- Bass Knob Not Included
- More Expensive than Other 10" Powered Subwoofers
Best 12" Powered Subwoofer - Value
Rockford Fosgate P300-12
- Price: $349.99
- RMS Power: 300W
- Subwoofer Size: 12"
- Inputs: Both High and Low Level
- Bass Knob: Included
Key Specs
If you want to maximize your output for the money and you want an all-in-one solution, the Rockford Fosgate P300-12 more than checks the box. This 12 inch powered subwoofer has everything you need to add serious output to your vehicle. The amplifier has quick input connections so you can easily remove the box when you need extra cargo space. In addition, a bass knob is included so you can quickly and easily adjust the bass levels depending on the track that you are listening to. This subwoofer is essentially the same as our #1 overall selection, but in a larger 12" size which makes it a little more difficult for some installations due to the larger size of the enclosure. With 300 watts of Rockford Fosgate power and a proprietary subwoofer the delivers that Rockford Fosgate Punch, you can't go wrong with the P300-12.
- 12" Plays Louder and Hits Harder than a 10"
- 300W RMS Output
- Sealed Enclosure for Tight Punchy Bass
- A 12" Subwoofer that Hits Hard, is Affordable, and Easy to Install
- Also Available in a Truck Box (P300-12T)
Pros
Cons
- Enclosure is Somewhat Bulky
Best 12" Powered Subwoofer - Performance
Rockford Fosgate P500-12P
- Price: $489.99
- RMS Power: 500W
- Subwoofer Size: 12"
- Inputs: Both High and Low Level
- Bass Knob: Included
Key Specs
The Rockford Fosgate P500-12P delivers the most power among the powered subwoofer enclosures available. When you put that power to a low-impedance 12" subwoofer in a ported enclosure, you get maximum output from an all-in-one bass solution. Rockford Fosgate took the technology that they used in their 300 watt powered enclosures and took it to the next level with this product. 12-inch subs hit harder and sound better than 10-inch subs because there is more surface area. When you put more power behind it, it just sounds that much better.
- 12" Plays Louder and Hits Harder than a 10"
- 500W RMS Output
- Ported Enclosure
- Affordable Price Point Compared to JL
Pros
Cons
- Likely Needs to be Mounted in the Trunk
- Larger Enclosure that Likely Needs to be Mounted in the Trunk
Best Dual Powered Subwoofer Enclosure
JL Audio ACP208LG-8W3v3
- Price: $1099.99
- RMS Power: 500W
- Subwoofer Size: Dual 8"
- Inputs: Both High and Low Level
- Bass Knob: Sold Separately (RBC-1)
Key Specs
If you want two subwoofer and you want a powered enclosure, the JL Audio ACP208LG-W3v3 is your best option. There aren't that many powered enclsoures for dual subs. The subwoofers used for these products are specially designed for low impedance loads and adding an extra subwoofer causes issues. The single 8" W3v3 powered enclosure is amazing. When you add a second subwoofer, it gets that much better. These two little 8's will pound like two 10's while taking up minimal space in your trunk or under the rear seat of your truck. If you want a powered enclsoure and you want two subwoofers, get ready to pay up for the ACP208LG-W3v3, but you won't be disappointed.
- Dual Subwoofer Enclosure
- Ported Enclosure for Maximum Output
- Can Fit Under the Rear Seats of Some Trucks
- Doesn't Take Up Much Trunk Space
Pros
Cons
- It's Expensive for a Powered Subwoofer
- 8" Subwoofers Just Don't Compare to 10" and 12" Subs
Best Under the Seat Powered Subwoofer
Kicker Hideaway HS10
- Price: $369.99
- RMS Power: 180W
- Subwoofer Size: 10"
- Inputs: Both High and Low Level
- Bass Knob: Included
Key Specs
Kicker took the success of their 8" hideaway powered subwoofer and made it bigger and better without actually making it bigger in size. The Kicker Hideaway HS10 has the same overall dimensions as the smaller 8" model, but the 10" hideaway has a bigger subwoofer for better output. This powered enclosure measures only 3.125 inches tall and will fit under the seats of many cars. The built-in amp uses Kicker's FIT (Failsafe Integration Technology) to accept input signals between .25 and 40 volts while working with the start/stop systems in newer vehicles without requiring a line-out converter. A bass-knob is included with the enclosure that allows you to turn the bass up or down for the perfect amount of bass for each song, genre, or recording. If you want to add bass by puting an enclosure under your seat, the Kicker Hideaway HS10 is the best option for maximum output.
- Fits Under the Seats of Most Vehicles
- 10" Subwoofer is Larger than the 8" in Similar Products
- No Box in Your Trunk
- Bass Knob Included
Pros
Cons
- Under the Seat Solution not as Loud as a Full Size Box
Best Powered Subwoofer to Save Trunk Space
JBL BassPro HUB
- Price: $499.95
- RMS Power: 200W
- Subwoofer Size: 12"
- Inputs: Both High and Low Level
- Bass Knob: Wired Remote Included
Key Specs
The JBL BassPro HUB is a unique powered subwoofer. This is an 11 inch, fiberglass cone subwoofer that is designed to fit inside of the spare tire in your trunk. It has a built-in, 200W RMS amplifier and it delivers deep, hard-hitting, bass without distortion. The JBL BassPro HUB comes with a wired remote that allows you to control the gain, input phase, corssover frequency, and bass boost without needing to take stuff out of your trunk to access the enclosure. The overall diameter of the JBL BassPro HUB is 14-3/16" and it is 6-1/2" inches deep. If you want serious bass while keeping your subwoofer completely hidden, the BassPro HUB is the way to go. Nobody will see a box in your trunk or anything under the seat. Your subwoofer stays neatly tucked away in the dead space of your spare tire.
- Fits in the Spare Tire Well of Many Vehicles
- Larger Subwoofer than Most Powered Enclosures
- No Box in Your Trunk
- Wired Remote Included
- Surprisingly Good Output
Pros
Cons
- Bulky Remote
- Doesn't Work for All Vehicles
- Only 200W
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