Rating of the best subwoofers for a car for 2024

The car in the modern world has turned from a means of transportation into a "second home". We spend a lot of time in the car, and we want this time to pass comfortably. One of the important components of comfort is the sound in the car, especially for “music lovers”.

OEM audio systems installed in the car cannot provide the reproduction quality that we would like. This is because a single speaker, no matter how good it is, cannot reproduce the full range of sounds, so multiple speakers will be needed to maximize the "depth and spaciousness" of a musical composition. The most difficult to reproduce are low frequencies (bass), so a special device was created - a subwoofer, which is connected to a car radio and reproduces low frequencies through itself.

A subwoofer is a speaker system that allows you to reproduce sounds at the lowest frequency (10 to 200 Hz) - bass. It is the bass that gives the musical composition "depth".

The subwoofer connects directly to the car stereo. Therefore, before purchasing it, you should make sure that the radio installed in the car itself has good speakers. The standard audio system installed by default will not work with a subwoofer, since the playback quality in it is initially at a lower level. The subwoofer, on the other hand, produces only low sound frequencies and if the speaker system cannot maintain the remaining frequencies at the proper level, then the quality of the reproduced sound with the subwoofer will be much worse than without it.

Criterias of choice.

What else should you pay attention to when choosing a device?

1. Product type.
   There are 2 main types - active and passive.
   Active is a subwoofer that includes a speaker, speaker box and sound amplifier. When choosing an active subwoofer, it is necessary to clearly assess its dimensions, because it may simply not fit into a car. Its cost is lower than the passive one, but the playback quality is worse.
   Passive - the set includes only the speaker and the box for it, and the amplifier is purchased separately. This type of subwoofer is suitable for “music lovers” who care about sound, since due to a separately selected amplifier, you can achieve maximum reproduction quality. But its price will be higher than that of the active one. Audio experts advise purchasing a passive subwoofer - the difference in price is not so high, but the sound quality is significantly different.
2. Product design.
   Among all models of subwoofers, 6 main types can be distinguished:

   Closed box - a product that looks like a closed square box. Despite the fact that it sounds good and is practically not susceptible to damage, it is one of the most rarely purchased types of devices.First of all, this is due to the fact that due to its design (the speaker is in a sealed box and sound waves are damped), it has a low efficiency.
   A box with a bass reflex (Vented) - looks like a box, with a hole for sound output - a phase inverter. It is more expensive than Closed and has a higher sound quality. This is due to the fact that the sound comes out through the phase inverter, and the closed space behind the speaker gives it “stiffness”. The disadvantages of the product include the fact that it is large enough in size and is not suitable for every car.
   Passive-radiator (RadPass) - consists of 2 speakers, each of which reproduces sound at its own frequency. This type of device guarantees the maximum quality of audio reproduction, but at the same time its price is quite high.
   Compact subwoofer (Compact Sub) - can be installed under the car seat, or bolted to the back of the seat from the trunk side. The most affordable and easy to install option that does not require a lot of space.
   Band Pass - the speaker is located inside the case, and the sound comes out through the bass reflex. It is this type of subwoofer that has the highest efficiency and allows you to get the effect of "glass shaking in the car".
   Free Air is a speaker without a box. To install it, you will need to purchase an additional box, or cut a hole in the rear shelf of the trunk and install the speaker there. The advantage of this type of design is that the device takes up little space. But the process of installing a subwoofer is quite laborious - for high-quality sound, you will have to deal with the soundproofing of the trunk. Free Air is suitable only for cars with a sedan body type, because the trunk should be well separated from the passenger compartment.

3. Subwoofer power, size. For high-quality audio reproduction, a device about 30 centimeters in size (often referred to as 12 inches) will be sufficient. For the deepest bass possible, pay attention to a size of 12 inches and above. When choosing the power of the device, you need to pay attention to the nominal power, because it is she who is responsible for the sound quality without any distortion. Power ratings up to 250W will be more than enough.
4. Manufacturing firm. When choosing a product, you should pay attention to the following companies that guarantee high-quality sound - Alpine, BOSS, KENWOOD, SONY, JBL, Morel, Pioneer, Prology. These companies have been on the car audio systems market for a long time, and the quality of their products for years and millions of satisfied customers.

Top 10 best car subwoofers in 2024

Based on the above points, we will compile a rating of the 10 best subwoofers for a car in 2024. All the audio systems on the list have high sound quality, but at the same time belong to a different price segment, so that everyone can choose the perfect device for themselves.

10th place - "Alpine M12D4"

Price from 5200 rubles

Specifications:

Body - Free Air (speaker without box);

Size - 30 cm (12 inches);

Power - 300 W;

Reproducible frequencies - 30 Hz - 500 Hz;

Dimensions: 300x280x131mm

A subwoofer from the top audio manufacturer - Alpine, which has a high performance, due to which it perfectly reproduces both low frequencies and high frequencies, giving them an improved sound.

• high product performance - 300 W;
• good quality of reproduction of musical compositions;
• a well-known manufacturer.

• to install a subwoofer, you will need either an additional box or a separate place for its installation.

9th place - "Alpine SWE-1244E"

Price: from 3700 rubles.

Specifications:

Body - Free Air (speaker without box);

Size - 30 cm (12 inches);

Power - 200 W;

Reproducible frequencies - 30 Hz - 500 Hz;

Dimensions: 300x280x131mm

Another audio device from Alpine - at a lower price, but not much inferior in sound quality. Due to the wide frequency range from 30 to 500 Hz, the product is able to reproduce the purest sound possible.

• large frequency range;
• good playback quality;
• a well-known manufacturer.

• to install a subwoofer, you will need either an additional box or a separate place for its installation.

8th place - "Blaupunkt GTb 8200A"

Price: from 4500 rubles.

Specifications:

Device type - active, with a built-in speaker;

Case - closed (closed box);

Size - 20 cm (8 inches);

Power - 150 W, amplifier class - D;

Reproducible frequencies - from 30 Hz to 200 Hz;

Dimensions: 250x272x260 mm

The device from Blaupunkt is unique in its kind due to the amplifier class, which has a high efficiency and allows you to consume less energy with good power output.

• compact;
• easy installation of the device;
• smooth phase shifter;
• clear sound.

• lovers of music "heavier" note the lack of deep bass.

7th place - "ACV BBA-12"

Price: from 6800 rubles.

Specifications:

Device type - active, with a built-in speaker;

Body - bass reflex;

Size - 30 cm (12 inches);

Power - 180 W;

Reproducible frequencies - 35 Hz - 203 Hz;

Dimensions: 30 centimeters

A bass reflex subwoofer with a built-in speaker whose performance and range allows for clear, deep sound.

• good, deep bass at a reasonable cost;
• low price.

• not identified.

6th place - "JBL Stage 810"

Price: from 2200 rubles.

Specifications:

Body - Free Air (speaker without box);

Size - 20 cm (8 inches);

Power - 200 W;

Reproducible frequencies - 38 Hz - 200 Hz;

Dimensions: 200 mm.

A compact device that, despite its size, delivers high quality sound.

• high performance;
• good reproduction;
• low price.

• to install the device, you will need an additional box, or select a place for its installation.

5th place - "Pioneer TS-WX610A"

Price: from 14,950 rubles.

Specifications:

Device type - active, with built-in amplifier;

Case - closed (closed box);

Size - 10 cm (4 inches);

Power - 200 W;

Reproducible frequencies - 25 Hz - 180 Hz;

Body material - aluminum;

Dimensions: 388x144x388 mm

Stylish sound device in a closed aluminum box. A feature of the device is its size - it takes up little space and can be easily placed in the spare wheel well.

• compact;
• high power level;
• stylish design, the box is made of aluminum;
• good playback quality.

• high price.

4th place - "JBL Stage 1200B"

Price: from 5450 rubles.

Specifications:

Device type - passive, without built-in amplifier;

Case - closed (closed box);

Size - 30 cm (12 inches);

Power - 250 W;

Reproducible frequencies - 34 Hz ​​- 200 Hz;

Box material - plastic;

Dimensions: 252x365x159 mm

• high-quality assembly;
• stylish design;
• good playback quality;
• large amount of power.

• not identified.

3rd place - "Pioneer TS-WX210A"

Price: from 9,700 rubles.

Specifications:

Device type - active, with built-in amplifier;

Case - closed (closed box);

Size - 20 cm (8 inches);

Power - 150 W;

Reproducible frequencies - 40 Hz - 150 Hz;

Box material - plastic;

Dimensions: 250x260x110mm

A unique enclosed subwoofer of its kind, which allows reproduction of low frequencies and does not take up much space, it can be easily installed under the seat.

• good playback quality;
• compactness;
• several modes of sound reproduction, you can customize the device "for yourself";
• a well-known manufacturer.

• not identified.

2nd place - "JBL GT-12BP"

Price: from 5600 rubles.

Specifications:

Device type - passive, without built-in amplifier;

Body - BandPass;

Size - 30 cm (12 inches);

Power - 300 W;

Reproducible frequencies - 45 Hz - 130 Hz;

Box material - plastic;

Dimensions: 390x412x475 mm

The JBL GT-12BP is a 300W high power unit with a large 12 '' speaker. The device demonstrates excellent clarity and clarity of sound.

• high power level;
• bandpass body type - the "loudest" of all types;
• high quality playback.

• takes up a lot of space.

1st place - "Pioneer TS-WX130DA"

Price: from 8400 rubles.

Specifications:

Device type - active, with built-in amplifier;

The case is compact;

Size - 20 cm (8 inches);

Power - 160 W;

Reproducible frequencies - 20 Hz - 200 Hz;

Additional functions: the ability to select the playback mode, remote control included.

Box material - aluminum;

Dimensions: 280x200x70mm

Compact subwoofer with built-in amplifier, which has all the necessary functions for high-quality music reproduction. The device takes up little space and it is quite possible to install it yourself.

• compact, takes up little space, can be installed under any seat;
• increased power volume, good sound quality;
• several modes of bass reproduction, you can customize "for yourself";
• high build quality;
• a well-known manufacturer.

• not suitable for fans of the loudest sound.

Let's compile a summary table of subwoofers, with a description of their features and disadvantages.

Rating	Model name	Competitive advantages	Price
1	"Pioneer TS-WX130DA"	compact, can be installed under any seat; increased power volume, good sound quality; several modes of bass reproduction, you can customize "for yourself"	Price from 8400 rubles
2	JBL GT-12BP	device with high power level - 300 W, large 12-inch speaker	Price from 5600 rubles
3	"Pioneer TS-WX210A"	compactness, several modes of sound reproduction, you can customize the device "for yourself"; well-known manufacturer	Price from 9700 rubles
4	JBL Stage 1200B	good reproduction quality, large capacity	Price from 5450 rubles
5	"Pioneer TS-WX610A"	the device takes up little space and it is quite possible to place it in the spare wheel well, a well-known manufacturer	Price from 14950 rubles
6	JBL Stage 810	low price, high performance, good reproduction;	Price from 2200 rubles
7	"ACV BBA-12"	bass reflex subwoofer with built-in speaker	Price from 6800 rubles
8	Blaupunkt GTb 8200A	high efficiency class D amplifier	Cost from 4500 rubles
9	Alpine SWE-1244E	well-known manufacturer, price	Price from 3700 rubles
10	Alpine M12D4	high product performance - 300 W; reproducible frequencies - 30 Hz - 500 Hz	Cost from 5200 rubles

To date, there are a large number of subwoofers on the market that are completely different in price, type of housing and principle of operation. There are compact devices that fit easily under the driver's seat, and there are huge boxes that take up the entire trunk. But at the same time they all give out a good quality of reproduction of musical compositions. The choice of a product depends only on the personal preferences of car owners. Before buying, you should decide on the installation site of the product, its type of housing and "sound power", which directly depends on the power of the subwoofer. It is also worth remembering that the more famous the manufacturer is, the more confidence that the device will meet all the standards and requirements.