10 Best Under Seat Subwoofers (Reviews & Buying Guide 2023) Flawless Car Guide

When it comes to sound quality, a car subwoofer is indispensable. They’re made to make the subwoofer in your car sound better. An underseat subwoofer is a dedicated device designed to provide bass tones that can’t be produced by a vehicle’s internal speakers.

However, your listening experience may be significantly changed by factors like the subwoofers’ actual size and the ease with which they fit in a given space. Subwoofers are low-frequency speakers that are typically placed under the seat.

Nonetheless, if you don’t know what to search for, it could be difficult to get one of the best under seat subwoofers. That’s because there are so many variables to think about.

If you’re considering purchasing under seat subwoofer for your car audio systems, here’s the list of the 10 best in the market. Each one is unique in its own way, but they all share a commitment to providing amazing bass output.

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Why Underseat Subwoofers?

The underseat subwoofer is an unconventionally shaped sub that is used to amplify a speaker’s low-frequency response (below 50Hz). It is the subwoofer’s job to convey the electrical signal to the amplifier, which then amplifies it. The original signal is amplified, and the low-frequency information is added before being transferred to the speaker. 

The benefit of adding a car subwoofer to your car is that it can help improve the bass response of the speakers. In addition, under seat subs can give a more immersive audio experience.

No one could have guessed that it could also effectively deaden vibrations and provide a deep, loud bass output. Ideal for sedans and pick-ups of similar size. It can be installed either under the front or back seat. But the subs themselves are special in more ways than one. 

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10 Best Under Seat Subwoofers You Can Buy In 2021:

$00.00
  • Compact underseat sub
  • Built-in amplifier
  • Peak power: 150 Watt
  • Wired remote control system
  • Front metal grill for protection

If you’re looking for a powerful sub that doesn’t take up too much space, then the Kenwood KSC-SW11 Compact under-seat subwoofer is a good option. It’s a small package, but it packs a punch with its 32Hz-120Hz frequency range.

Its 150-watt amplifier will fill your car with sound, and its aluminum enclosure will keep it from taking up too much room.

In addition to a variable low-pass crossover, its built-in remote bass control enables you to adjust the punchy bass from the driver’s seat.

Included in the package are an auto-sensing preamp (RCA), speaker-level inputs, a wiring harness, and mounting brackets. You’ll find that they’re a great addition to your car’s stereo. A wired remote allows the driver to adjust the subwoofer’s volume without leaving their seat.

Kenwood KSC-SW11 under-seat subwoofers are small enough to fit under a seat, behind a rear seatback, or somewhere else out of the way in a cramped vehicle.

So if you want to enjoy the sound of a powerful sub in a small place without the hassle of having to carry around a separate amplifier, then the Kenwood KSC-SW11 is a great option.

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Pros

  • Convenient; easy to install
  • Great sounding bass
  • Built-in amplifier
  • Peak power: 150 Watt
  • Comes with remote control
  • Front metal grill for protection

Cons

  • The frequency response could have been better
  • Limited sound tuning options
  • The wiring kit is not included
  • If you are not used to listening to loud sounds, it may be loud for you

KICKER 11HS8 8″ 150W Hideaway

$00.00
  • RMS Power: 150 Watts
  • Excellent performance
  • Various fine-tuning options
  • Automatic turn-on option
  • Compact and universal fit
  • Dimension: 13 7/8 x 9 3/8 x 3 1/8

The Kicker Hideaway 11HS8 is the ultimate portable subwoofer. At just over 8 inches tall, it’s small enough to fit almost anywhere. But the Kicker Hideaway isn’t just a small sub; it’s packed with power, sound quality, and features.

The internal amplifier generates 150 watts of continuous power (RMS power, 14.4 volts), has a frequency response of 25 to 120 hertz, and provides a rich, robust sound that brings your music to life.

The product comes with a variety of useful features, including an adjustable +6dB bass boost control, a phase-canceling switch, a low-pass crossover, and an automated on/off function. This under-seat subwoofer comes with a bass control remote, so you can tune the punchy bass to your satisfaction.

One noteworthy quality is its capacity to produce low-frequency output from a compact package, providing you with crystal-clear audio and elevating the whole experience of your ride.

The velcro-fastened nylon straps and quick-connect power plug make for a hassle-free and secure installation.

In short, if you want the most out of a box without thinking about the cost, then the kicker’s compact 11HS8 is the best slim car subwoofer for you. Because of its small size, this device is ideal for minimal space.

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Pros

  • Excellent performance
  • Various fine-tuning options
  • Automatic turn-on option
  • Built-in 150 Watt amplifier
  • Compact and universal fit
  • Easy installation

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Smaller cone
  • Various reports of rattling noise at high volume
  • Has no RCA inputs

Rockville RW10CA 10″ 800 Watt 

$00.00
  • 800W max power with 200W RMS Power
  • Automatic turn on/off
  • 10-inch cone 
  • Deep bass
  • Short, and overload, and Thermal protection circuit
  • Audio customization options

Great sound begins with power, and this underseat subwoofer will make your subs sing! Rockville RW10CA is capable of pumping out a huge amount of deeper bass, and it has an advanced PWM power supply.

The sub has an impressive peak power of 800 Watts, and it’s capable of handling over 200 Watts of RMS power. 

In addition, it has a soft-delayed remote turn-on, an adjustable input sensitivity, a low pass filter, a low-level RCA input, and Auto Turn-On Technology (50hz-150Hz). These guarantee the consistent tightness of the sub’s bass.

The unit has cutting-edge safeguards such as a heat cutoff switch and overload and short circuit switches. In the event of an accident, the circuit will self-destruct, preventing any damage to the subwoofer.

With a bass boost feature of 0-18dB @ 45Hz, this unit can make a stronger, deeper bass response without distorting the sound. With different ways to change the sound, you can now change the bass to match your mood.

In-short. If you want a compact subwoofer, packed with full features then this particular unit is the best under seat subwoofer for you.

Pros

  • 800W max power with 200W RMS
  • Easy to install
  • Automatic turn on/off
  • 10-inch cone 
  • Deep bass
  • Short, and overload, and Thermal protection circuit
  • Adjustable input sensitivity
  • Audio customization options

Cons

  • Built quality could be better
  • Needs to be installed correctly for the best sound quality
  • It may overheat. 

Alpine Electronics PWE-S8

$00.00
  • 120 Watts RMS
  • 240 Watts peak power
  • Dimensions: 13.5” L x 9” W x 3” D
  • Built-in amplifier
  • Various sound customization options

Alpine’s PWE-S8-powered subwoofer is built with ruggedness in mind. The Alpine PWE-S8 is a powerful 8-inch seat car subwoofer with a built-in amp and houses a cast aluminum enclosure built to handle a rough ride.

This compact, sleek, and feature-rich powered subwoofer will provide you with deep, accurate bass with less effort. You can fit it under the seat of your car and hook it up in less than 10 minutes because of how compact it is.

The PWE-S8 can fill the room with deep bass despite its compact size (its operating range is 32 Hz to 150 Hz). The high-efficiency underseat subwoofer features an internal amplifier with a power output of 120 watts RMS power and 240 watts peak.

In addition to the aforementioned capabilities, there is an integrated low-pass crossover and auto-sensing speaker level inputs, as well as a variable phase control and a manual phase switch.

The PWE-S8 comes standard with a suite of controls for fine-tuning the sound to your liking.

All in all, If you want a subwoofer good enough to make you feel like a dance, then this is the best underseat subwoofer for you. 

Pros

  • Impressive sound quality
  • 120 Watts RMS
  • 240 Watts peak power
  • Compact and easy to install
  • Durably Build Quality
  • Built-in amplifier
  • Various sound customization options

Cons

  • Expensive 
  • Not suitable for large vehicles

Rockville RockGhost Active Powered 8″

$00.00
  • 800 Watts peak output
  • 200 Watts RMS output
  • Safety features
  • Features packed
  • Various tuning options
  • Cast aluminum casing

This is a powerful seat car subwoofer that’s designed to be hidden inside the spare tire. This is the perfect solution for those who don’t want the extra bulk of a regular sub, but still want to enjoy the deep bass and low frequencies of a sub.

This Rockville Active Powered 8′′ Sub has an inbuilt PMW MOSFET power supply amplifier that provides 800 watts of peak power and 200 watts of RMS power output.

For the highest quality audio reproduction, this best under-seat subwoofer offers many tuning and volume adjustments as well as automatic power on/off.

Features such as a heat protection circuit, Overload protection circuit, and Short protection circuit ensure the sub can withstand any potential issues.

This unit’s cutting-edge features include a Bass boost (0 – 12dB @ 45Hz), a Phase switch (0° or 180°), a variable Low Pass Filter at 50Hz – 150Hz, and a frequency response of 20Hz – 250Hz.

In addition to the aforementioned, you will also receive high and low-level RCA inputs, a reverse-mounting design, a wired 20-foot dash remote with gain and phase controls, and much more.

The cast aluminum casing of this easy-to-install under-seat subwoofer prevents it from overheating, even when played continuously at maximum volume.

In short, this feature’s packed sub is undoubtedly the best under seat subwoofer worth your money. 

Pros

  • Compact and easy to install
  • 800 Watts peak power output
  • 200 Watts RMS output
  • Safety features
  • Various tuning options
  • Cast aluminum casing

Cons

  • Bass at higher volume could have been better

Cerwin-Vega VPAS10 10″

$00.00
  • Peak 500 Watts & RMS 200 Watts
  • 2 Ohm Impedance
  • Dimensions: 13.60″ L x 9.60″ W x 2.60″ H
  • Adjustable low-pass filter
  • Variable Bass Boost: 0 – +12 dB 
  • Variable Low-pass Filter: 85 – 150 Hz

With over two decades of experience in designing and building high-quality audio equipment, CERWIN-VEGA has been able to bring the best in audio equipment to the car market.

Their newest offering is the VPAS10, which is a 10″ under-seat subwoofer, and it’s built to last. With the advanced, compact design and power handling capabilities (peak power of 550 watts and 200 watts RMS power) of this speaker, it’s the perfect addition to any vehicle.

This subwoofer is built to last with features like its thermal protection circuit, PWM MOSFET power supply, RCA inputs, and high-level inputs. You can manage the volume of your speakers without getting up from your seat by using the included remote.

It’s designed to work in conjunction with the included variable low-pass filter, so it’s easy to adjust the level of bass output, and you can set the volume level to the lowest point.

You may adjust the subwoofer’s bass boost to your liking, allowing you to crank up the volume and really feel the pounding in your chest.

In short, this compact powered subwoofer accommodates your style and provides transparent, detailed, and accurate acoustic sound reproduction. 

Pros

  • Peak 500 Watts & RMS 200 Watts
  • Compact and easy to install
  • 2 Ohm Impedance
  • Dimensions: 13.60″ L x 9.60″ W x 2.60″ H
  • Thermal protection
  • Adjustable low pass filter

Cons

  • The lowest range is only 35Hz
  • Needs tuning for better sound quality
  • Could be cheaper

Sound Storm Laboratories LOPRO8

$00.00
  • 600 Watts max power
  • Built-in amplifier
  • High-level inputs
  • Low-level inputs
  • 3-way protection
  • DIMENSIONS: 15” x 9.75” x 3”

If you want an under-seat subwoofer that will pack a punch and fill your whole car with a powerful punch, the Sound Storm LOPRO8 is a great choice.

It’s small, compact, and powerful. It delivers 600 Watts of peak power and features a built-in amp with variable bass boost and a low-pass filter.

The LOPRO8 is powered by MOSFETs, which reduces distortion and boosts efficiency by lowering thermal impedance at higher switching frequencies. This allows for larger power output and better sound quality.

Thanks to its high and low-level inputs, this device is compatible with a wide variety of car stereos. The subwoofer is protected from damage caused by overload and short circuits.

The included remote control makes it possible to adjust the level of bass as desired. Because of the subsonic filter, distortion is kept to a minimum even at very loud volumes.

These underseat subwoofers, measuring 13.7 x 9.8 x 2.8 inches, maybe quietly fitted under almost any car seat without sacrificing power or performance.

To conclude, The LOPRO8 is a serious 8-inch woofer that will make a real difference in your ride. The Sound Storm Laboratories LOPRO Woofer is positioned to give you a serious bass sound. It’s a product that’s a big value for a small price.

Pros

  • 600 Watts max power
  • 3-way protection
  • Remote subwoofer control
  • MOSFET power supply
  • Low pass and subsonic filter
  • Variable input controls

Cons

  • Not the loudest underseat subwoofer
  • Lacks venting ports

JBL BassPro SL 8-inch

$00.00
  • Peak power output: 250 watts
  • RMS: 125 watts
  • 3-way protection
  • Wired bass remote controller
  • Auto-on and Mute feature
  • Dimensions: 13.54 x 9.84 x 2.8 inches

The JBL BassPro SL patented driver design provides a unique combination of power, clarity, and bass unlike anything else in its class. In situations where there is a limitation on physical space, its shallow profile and powerful bass output from a relatively compact cabinet make it an excellent option.

The JBL Bass Pro SL is a strong underseat subwoofer with a 250-watt peak power output and a 125-watt continuous power output, providing the power handling and attitude bass needed to take the experience to the next level.

Compared to competing models, the JBL Bass Pro SL provides greater bass for the same amount of power. You can adjust the balance between the high and low frequencies manually to create the perfect sound.

The BassPro SL is shielded from overheating even in the most strenuous settings, and it can withstand overloads and speaker shorts without a hitch.

The paper cone-shaped sub has a big diameter profile and is placed under the seat. Accurate bass response is achieved via the paper cone’s improved rigidity and dampening. 

The bass may be easily adjusted with the help of a connected remote controller. In order to protect the subwoofer and other components, the amplifier has a soft-start turn-on feature.

To Conclude, the JBL BassPro SL is an ideal complement to your car’s sound system. The system is easy to install for beginners and connects to a variety of amplifiers making it one of the best under seat subwoofers.

Pros

  • Cool Design
  • Support Various tuning for audio tuning
  • Strong and premium Build Quality
  • Wired Bass remote controller
  • 3-way protection

Cons

  • Expensive in this class
  • Bass could have been better

Rockford Fosgate P300-12 Punch

$00.00
  • 300 Watt amplifier
  • All-in-one solution
  • Thermal and over/under voltage protection
  • Adjustable 12dB low-pass filter
  • Built-in 0°/180° phase switch
  • ‎Dimensions: 11 x 19.8 x 15 inches

Rockford Fosgate’s Punch P300-12 is a part of the Punch P3 family of shallow-mount subwoofers. The Punch P300-12 subwoofer is a self-contained, all-in-one solution for high-quality bass that can be “punched” into a vehicle quickly and easily due to its design that eliminates the need for an external enclosure.

It’s been fine-tuned to produce the highest quality bass possible from a compact powered subwoofer. This in-car subwoofer has a 300-watt amplifier with a low-pass filter and electronic crossover that can be adjusted by 12 dB. 

It enables the bass from the sub to be mixed with the sound coming from the car’s stock stereo. The amp includes a 0°/180° phase control for precise sub phase alignment.

Controlling the subwoofer’s volume is as simple as using the system’s bass-level remote control from the front of the vehicle. In order to use the Punch P3 sub, you need only connect the RCA wires to the subwoofer’s output and then to your head unit.

This 12″ sub is versatile enough to serve as either a standalone addition to a full-range setup or a direct replacement for a factory sub in a component setup.

In Short, the Punch P300-12 Self-Powered Sub from Rockford Fosgate is an ideal addition among the best underseat subwoofers to high-performance factory or aftermarket speakers.

Pros

  • 300 Watt Amplifier
  • Powerful Bass and clear sound output
  • Thermal and over/under voltage protection
  • adjustable 12dB low-pass filter
  • Optimum Performance
  • Overvoltage protection
  • Remote bass level control included

Cons

  • Expensive product
  • Might be difficult to install in small cars
  • Weighs 29.6 pounds

Pioneer TS-SWX2502 10 inch

$00.00
  • Music Power: 1,200 W (400 W)
  • Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 125 Hz
  • input sensitivity (1 W/1 m): 93 dB
  • Impedance: Single 4Ω
  • Easy to install

You’re in for an entirely new level of enjoyment if cruising about town while jamming to your favorite albums is one of your favorite ways to spend time.

The TS-SWX2502 10-inch shallow-mount subwoofer from Pioneer delivers the deep bass you’ve been craving in a compact design that won’t take up much space in your car.

The frequency range of this 10-inch, under-seat Pioneer TS-SWX2502 underseat subwoofer is 20 Hz to 200 Hz, and its music power is 400 watts (peaking at 1200 watts). A single 4 impedance and a sensitivity of 93 dB are specified.

The setup of this underseat subwoofer couldn’t be simpler. This sub’s dimensions (55.9 x 40.6 x 22.9 cm) allow for easy installation behind the seat of most vehicles.

In short, this 10-inch shallow sub was designed to fit into the smallest of spaces while maintaining the ability to deliver earth-shattering bass. Keeping the price in mind, this can be one of the best underseat subwoofers. 

Pros

  • Scratch-resistant surface
  • Improved frequency response
  • Easy to install
  • Superb Bass quality
  • Oversized cone structure

Cons

  • Doesn’t contain a built-in amplifier
  • The volume could be higher
  • Doesn’t have a protective grill

Advantages and Disadvantages Of The Best Underseat Subwoofers:

Having a good playlist to listen to in the drive is essential. You can think of it as a priceless piece of a priceless event. Adding subwoofers to your car may be one of the best decisions you make.

There are a few drawbacks to considering them, despite the fact that they do offer some positive qualities. Take a look at the benefits and drawbacks of small subwoofers for cars:

Advantages:

Installing an underseat subwoofer is a terrific and cheap way to boost the bass in your car’s audio system. They provide maximum bass that will shake your chair without sacrificing quality.

They offer a more affordable alternative to bulky, conventional subs without sacrificing design or convenience. In many cases, they even match or exceed the performance of far more expensive machines.

Here are some of the benefits of small car subwoofers:

  • Portable
  • Delivers great sound
  • Improved sound range and experience for passengers
  • Lightweight and compact
  • Easier to be moved

Disadvantages:

Certain aspects of them are less than ideal. Neither the sound output nor the power ratings are as impressive as those of conventional subs.

Prices for even the smallest subwoofers for cars may be costly. However, they remain an excellent choice for the financially constrained.

Disadvantages:

  • More time and effort will be needed for the installation
  • It may not fit well into all cars
  • It may require customizing to personal tastes
  • Not the best sound output
  • Low power handling capabilities

Best Under Seat Subwoofer Buying Guide (Important Factors to Consider):

We’ve gone through the 10 best under seat subwoofers and the benefits and drawbacks of under seat subwoofers; now it’s time to narrow down your options. Take a peek at them with me:

Size:

To evaluate whether or not a subwoofer may be concealed under car seats, its size must be taken into account. If you want to buy something that will fit under your seat, make sure to get the dimensions of that area first. Standard dimensions for compact subwoofers in cars are as follows.

8-inch Subwoofers: This is the most compact car stereo available without sacrificing any of the high-quality sound or convenient features. They can give low frequencies without compromising on clarity. If you’re searching for a subwoofer that’s not going to blow your socks off, these tiny subs are a great option.

10-inch Subwoofers: This subwoofer is your best bet if you’re searching for something compact enough to fit under car seats. When compared to other subwoofers, these deliver the best results in terms of bass and clarity. These subwoofers are an excellent alternative to 8-inch subwoofers because they are smaller, lighter, and simpler to set up, without sacrificing sound quality.

Power Rating:

Taking into account the subwoofer’s power rating is crucial while searching for a new subwoofer. RMS and Peak are the two powerful figures.  Each is important for various reasons. The strength of the subwoofer varies depending on the make and type.

By knowing the speaker’s RMS and peak power, you may more confidently select the best one for your car’s sound system. Both of these need our undivided attention, so let’s examine them in detail.

RMS (root mean square):

The RMS value of a subwoofer tells us how much continuous power it can safely sustain without distorting the sound. The subwoofer’s performance is optimized within the limits of its RMS rating. In any other case, you risk breaking the subwoofer.

Peak power: 

Peak power tells us about the maximum power small car subwoofers can handle in a short time. 

If you are using an external amplifier, make sure that the power rating is compatible with the amplifier otherwise you may damage the subwoofer permanently. 

Sensitivity:

Sensitivity refers to how much energy the subwoofer needs to move the cone and produce sound. The higher the sensitivity the less energy it will require to produce sound. 

Such a subwoofer is more power-efficient and has a long life due to less heat production over time. 

Frequency Response:

Human hearing ranges from 20-20k Hz and our ears can detect bass sounds around these frequencies. That’s why subwoofers are designed to produce audible vibrations around 20Hz or more. 

Frequency response is vital to consider while selecting small car subwoofers. Ideally, around 100 Hz or less subwoofer produces better sound and works efficiently.

Higher frequencies tend to create distortion, hence low is better. 

Passive vs Active Subwoofers:

Both are identical except for one having an amplifier built right in while the other does not.

The amplifier for the active subwoofer is housed within the device itself. A passive subwoofer, on the other hand, does not feature an internal amplifier.

Because they take up less room and require less wiring, active subwoofers are a superior option for compact vehicles.

Whereas passive subwoofers necessitate an additional, external subwoofer, taking up additional room. However, when using passive subwoofers, you can upgrade to a truly immersive listening experience by connecting a robust amplifier.

Easy Installation:

The greatest subwoofers for under the seat are tiny and lightweight. You should make sure that the subwoofer you buy fits those criteria by being both small and straightforward to set up without professional assistance.

Conclusion:

The underseat subwoofer is a crucial component of the car sound system and is likely to be one of the most memorable features of your ride. The aforementioned models all have excellent sound output and are simple to set up. Any of the models may be set up in less than half an hour. 

The most crucial step before purchasing a subwoofer is determining exactly what it is you hope to achieve by doing so. Using less power may be acceptable if the installation location is limited. A powerful subwoofer may be what you’re looking for if deep bass is a priority.

Keep in mind that there are a number of variables that contribute to the quality of a subwoofer for your vehicle. Think about what you want the device to sound like, do some research, consider build quality, and frequency response, and read some reviews.

Thank You.


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