10 Best Under Seat Subwoofers (Reviews & Buying Guide 2024) Flawless Car Guide

When it comes to sound quality, a car subwoofer is indispensable. They are dedicated devices to produce bass tones that will make your car sound better compared to the car’s factory speakers.

But with so many variables to consider and the options available on the market, it’s always difficult to choose the best underseat subwoofer for the car. but don’t worry we are here to help you with this.

We have made a comprehensive list of the 10 best underseat subwoofers available today. Each one is unique in its way, but they all share a commitment to providing amazing bass output. Without wasting further time, let’s proceed to the guide.

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Why Under Seat Subwoofers?

The underseat subwoofer is a differently shaped speaker that boosts low-frequency sounds (below 50Hz). This is done by sending an electric signal to the amplifier which then makes it louder.

This process improves the bass sound of the speaker making the audio more engaging. In addition, under-seat subs can give a more immersive audio experience.

The underseat subs are ideal for mid-sized cars and pickup trucks because of their compact size. You can easily install them under the seat and enjoy their benefits.

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10 Best Under Seat Subwoofers You Can Buy In 2021:

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 aluminum enclosure saves space in your car while its 150-watt amplifier makes the sound loud in your car. Now thanks to its built-in remote bass control, you can adjust its bass from the comfort of your seat.

Within the package you get:

• An auto-sensing preamp (RCA)
• Speaker-level inputs
• A wiring harness
• Mounting brackets
• A wired remote

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.

One bad thing about this product is that whenever you try to play music like trance, hip-hop, dance, rap, or dubstep on it the speaker either distorts the sound or doesn’t play the notes correctly.

Still, besides having a negative point, 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 to consider

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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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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, may be 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.

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.

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.

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. 

Advantages and Disadvantages Of The Best Underseat Subwoofers:

Adding subwoofers to your car may be one of the best decisions you make. However, they also come with a few drawbacks:

Advantages:

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

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):

Size:

When considering concealing a subwoofer under car seats, it is important to take its size into account. Before purchasing a subwoofer, be sure to measure the area under the seat where it will be placed to ensure it will fit. The standard dimensions for compact subwoofers in cars are as follows:

8-inch Subwoofers:

This is the most compact car stereo currently available, providing high-quality sound and convenient features without sacrificing space. It can deliver low frequencies without compromising the clarity of the audio.

10-inch Subwoofers:

If you’re looking for a subwoofer that can fit under your car seat, then this is the best option for you. These subwoofers provide excellent bass and clarity, outperforming other subwoofers in the market.

Power Rating:

When looking for a new subwoofer, it is essential to consider its power rating. There are two crucial figures to take into account – RMS and Peak. Both of these figures are important for different reasons.

RMS (root mean square):

The RMS value of a subwoofer indicates the maximum continuous power it can handle without any sound distortion. The subwoofer is designed to perform optimally within the limits of this RMS rating.

Peak power: 

Peak power is the measure of the maximum power that small car subwoofers can handle in a short amount of time. If you are using an external amplifier, it is important to ensure that the power rating is compatible with the amplifier.

Sensitivity:

The sensitivity of a subwoofer determines how much energy it requires to move the cone and generate sound. With higher sensitivity, less power is needed to produce sound. This makes the subwoofer more power-efficient and increases its lifespan by reducing 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 subwoofers are similar in appearance, but they differ in one crucial aspect – active subwoofers have a built-in amplifier, while passive subwoofers do not.

An active subwoofer features an internal amplifier that powers the speaker and produces sound. On the other hand, a passive subwoofer relies on an external amplifier to provide power to the speaker.

Active subwoofers are an excellent choice for smaller vehicles or spaces where you need to save space. They require less wiring and take up less room.

In contrast, passive subwoofers need an additional external amplifier, which takes up extra room. However, with a passive subwoofer, you can enhance your listening experience by connecting a powerful 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.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Conclusion:

The underseat subwoofer is an essential part of your car’s sound system and can be one of the most unforgettable features of your ride. All the models mentioned in the article provide excellent sound output and are easy to set up.

However, before purchasing a subwoofer, it’s important to determine your goal. If the installation location is limited, you may be okay with using a less powerful subwoofer. But if you crave deep bass, a powerful subwoofer may be the best option for you.

Remember that several variables impact the quality of a subwoofer for your vehicle. You need to think about what you want the device to sound like, conduct some research, consider the build quality and frequency response, and read reviews before making a final decision.