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

In terms of sound quality, a car subwoofer is a must-have. They are specialized machines designed to produce low-frequency sounds so that your car can have better audio than the factory speakers.

However, when confronted with multiple variables and choices on the market, finding the best underseat subwoofer for cars is difficult. But don’t worry – we’ve got your back!

We have compiled a list of the top 10 best underseat subwoofers available now. They’re all unique in their own way but share one thing in common: they all deliver excellent bass output. Let’s not waste any more time and get started on our guide.

9 Best Generator For Mobile Detailing (Reviews and Buyers Guide)

Why Under Seat Subwoofers?

The underseat subwoofer is an oddly shaped speaker that enhances low-frequency sounds (below 50Hz). It does this by transmitting an electric signal to the amplifier which then amplifies it.

This process improves the bass sound of the speaker making the audio more engaging. Also, under-seat subs provide a more immersive audio experience.

Because of its compact size, it fits well in mid-sized cars and pickup trucks. All you need to do is install it under the seat and enjoy its benefits.

7 Best Air Compressor For Car Detailing [Buyers Guide 2024]

10 Best Under Seat Subwoofers You Can Buy In 2021:

If you want a powerful sub that doesn’t take up too much space, then go for the Kenwood KSC-SW11 Compact Powered Enclosed Subwoofer. This sub packs quite a punch despite its small size-32Hz-120Hz frequency range.

It saves space in your car because of its aluminum enclosure while at the same time making noise loud in your car due to its 150-watt amplifier. Thanks to the remote bass control built into this powered enclosure, now you can adjust the bass from where you’re sitting comfortably.

What’s included within the package :

• 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 downside with this product is that if you try playing music like trance, hip-hop, dance, rap, or dubstep on it, the speaker distorts sound or doesn’t play notes correctly.

However, despite having one bad point. If what you seek is listening to a powerful sub in a small place without carrying a separate amplifier around then Kenwood KSC-SW11 could be the perfect choice for you.

How to protect car from sun in open parking – 17 best ways

The Kicker Hideaway 11HS8 is the ultimate portable subwoofer – at just over 8 inches tall, it’s able to fit almost anywhere. But this isn’t just your average small sub; it packs power, sound quality, and features.

The built-in amplifier has a continuous power output of 150 watts (RMS power /14.4 volts), a frequency response ranging from 25 to 120 hertz, and generates rich deep bass tones that bring your music alive.

For added convenience, there are a bunch of useful features like:

• Adjustable +6dB bass boost control
• Phase-canceling switch
• Low-pass crossover
• Auto turn-on/off function

Punchy bass can be tuned using the included bass control remote with this under-seat subwoofer.

Among its notable features is its ability to produce low-frequency output from a small package, which gives you crystal-clear audio and makes your ride more enjoyable as a whole.

Hassle-free and secure installation is made possible by the velcro-fastened nylon straps and quick-connect power plug.

To sum it up, if you want a box with the most without worrying about the cost, then Kicker’s compact 11HS8 is the best slim car subwoofer for you. This device is perfect for tight spaces due to its small size.

Great sound starts with power, and this underseat subwoofer will make your subs sing! It can pump out a lot of deeper bass which Rockville RW10CA has an advanced PWM power supply capable of doing so.

The sub has an impressive peak power of 800 Watts and can handle over 200 Watts of RMS power.

Additionally, it has got soft-delayed remote turn-on, adjustable input sensitivity, low pass filter, low-level RCA input, and Auto Turn-On Technology (50hz-150Hz) ensuring that this sub will stay tight on bass.

It also features cutting-edge protections like heat cutoff switches as well as overload & short circuit switches. In case of an accident, the circuit self-destructs thus protecting any damage to the subwoofer itself.

With a bass boost feature of 0-18dB @ 45Hz, this unit can give a stronger deeper bass response without distorting the sound. You can now change the bass to match your mood since there are different ways how sound may be changed.

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

Alpines’ PWE-S8 powered subwoofer was built tough! 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 the rough rides.

This compact sleek feature-rich powered subwoofer will give you 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 since it’s so compact.

Despite being small (its operating range is 32 Hz to 150 Hz), PWE-S8 can fill the room with deep bass. This high-efficiency underseat subwoofer features an internal amplifier with a power output of 120 watts RMS power &240 watts peak.

Besides what has already been mentioned an integrated low-pass crossover and auto-sensing speaker level inputs as well as variable phase control & manual phase switch are included.

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

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

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

Rockville Active Powered 8″ Sub has got built-in PMW MOSFET power supply amplifier which provides 800 watts peak power &200 watts RMS output power.

For the highest sound quality, this is the best under-seat subwoofer as it has many tuning and volume adjustments along with automatic power on/off.

The features of the heat protection circuit, Overload protection circuit, and Short protection circuit make sure that the sub can withstand any potential issues.

Cutting-edge features such as Bass boost (0 – 12dB @ 45Hz), Phase switch (0° or 180°), variable Low Pass Filter at 50Hz – 150Hz, and frequency response of 20Hz – 250Hz are included in this unit.

Moreover, you will get high-level RCA inputs, reverse-mounting design, a wired 20-foot dash remote with gain and phase controls, and much more it.

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

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

CERWIN-VEGA has been making high-quality car audio equipment for over two decades. The VPAS10 is its latest product, a powerful 10-underseat subwoofer that is also compact.

It provides deep bass but occupies less space and has a maximum power handling of 550 watts.

This subwoofer has an in-built thermal protection circuit that prevents overheating and prolongs the life of the device as well as saves nearby components.

It is PWM MOSFET powered thus even at high input signals or low impedance loads it remains stable.

This can be easily connected using RCA inputs or high-level inputs for direct speaker wire connections.

You may adjust the bass output using a variable low-pass filter to fit your taste. Moreover, you can increase the volume and feel bass, but still enjoy a clear and precise sound.

All in all, this slim powered subwoofer matches any décor style and delivers sonic accuracy with detail reproduction of acoustic sounds.

If you are looking for an under-seat subwoofer that will not only pack a punch but fill your entire car with powerful thumps then look no further than Sound Storm LOPRO8.

It’s small yet powerful enough to deliver 600Watts peak power output through its built-in amp featuring variable bass boost and low pass filter among other controls too numerous to mention here;

The unit is powered by MOSFETs which reduce distortion while boosting efficiency through lowering thermal impedance at higher switching frequencies thus allowing for larger power output as well as improved audio quality.

High-level RCA inputs make this device suitable for many car stereos, particularly those without preamp outputs such as factory systems.

You are able to use existing speaker wires to connect it. For instance, an overload protection circuit is there to prevent damage from too much current that may occur during loud music or faulty wiring.

Also, there is a short protection circuit responsible for preventing amplifier failure due to accidental short circuits between amplifier terminals or battery terminals during installation.

These underseat subwoofers which measure 13.7 x 9.8 x 2.8 inches can be fitted inconspicuously underneath most car seats without sacrificing power or performance.

The LOPRO8 is an 8-inch woofer for the car that truly matters. The Sound Storm Laboratories LOPRO Woofer has been created to provide a strong bass sound. It’s a product that offers great value for money.

This patented driver design by JBL BassPro SL combines power, clarity, and bass like no other in its class. Where there is physical space limitation, it has a shallow profile and powerful bass output from a relatively compact cabinet thus making it ideal.

Thanks to such power-handling capabilities, it will handle all your attitude needs for bassWith a peak power output of 250-watt and continuous power output of 125-watt RMS, this is one powerful underseat subwoofer. It will handle all your attitude needs for bass thanks to such power handling capabilities.

It delivers more bass compared to competing models which have the same amount of wattage rating. You can manually adjust the balance between high and low frequencies to achieve the desired sound effect.

BassPro SL can work even in most punishing environments without overheating or suffering from overload or speaker shorting problems.

A big diameter profile paper cone-shaped sub is placed under seat, closest to you as the driving position occupant. This setup ensures accurate bass response due to improved rigidity and dampening offered by paper cone design.

You can easily adjust bass with a connected remote controller which comes in handy when listening to different music genres requiring varying amounts of lows. The amplifier has a soft-start turn-on feature meant to protect subwoofer and other components against shock damage during the powering-up process.

To finish off, JBL BassPro SL is a perfect addition to any car audio system setup, whether factory-installed or aftermarket. The beginner-friendly system still provides easy installation steps while having the capability to connect with many amplifiers thus making it among the best under-seat subwoofers out there.

Rockford Fosgate’s Punch P300-12 belongs to the family of shallow-mount subwoofers known as Punch P3. This self-contained all-in-one solution for high-quality bass can be quickly and easily “punched” into the vehicle due to its design which eliminates the need external enclosure.

It has been tuned to produce the highest quality bass possible from a compact powered subwoofer in car. The 300-watt amplifier of this in-car subwoofer features a low-pass filter and electronic crossover that is adjustable by 12 dB.

It allows the mixing of bass from the sub with sound coming out of the stock stereo in the car. Amp includes 0°/180° phase control for precise sub-phase alignment.

Controlling the volume on the subwoofer is as easy as using a bass-level remote control from the front part of your vehicle where the driver seats are located. For you to use Punch P3 sub just connect RCA wires to the output of the subwoofer and then the head unit.

This 12″ sub can work either as a standalone addition to full-range setup or direct replacement for factory subs in component setup.

In Brief, Rockford Fosgate’s Punch P300-12 Self-Powered Sub is one of the best under-seat subwoofers that adds extra punchiness to sound-outputting devices like high-performance factory speakers or aftermarket ones.

You can expect to see a lot of changes in your life when you buy the 10-inch Pioneer TS-SWX2502. The company’s strongest subwoofer, this model is designed for use in vehicles and produces clear bass that will fill any space.

The Pioneer TS-SWX2502 features an oversized cone that allows for maximum excursion, creating deep and powerful bass with minimal distortion. It comes equipped with a built-in amplifier that provides up to 1,200 watts of peak power.

This subwoofer is also versatile when it comes to installation – it can be mounted either vertically or horizontally to fit into tight spaces. It even has a carpeted enclosure that not only protects the subwoofer from damage but also gives it a sleek appearance.

Additionally, the Pioneer TS-SWX2502 has an impedance of 4 ohms and a sensitivity rating of 89 dB, ensuring that it works well with most amplifiers and receivers on the market today.

In the Pioneer TS-SWX2502, a 10-inch subwoofer that can be mounted easily can provide deep low frequencies, and not much space in the car will be taken up by this subwoofer because its design is compact.

The frequency range of under-seat Pioneer TS-SWX2502 underseat subwoofer is 20 Hz to 200 Hz and music power is 400 watts (maximum at 1200 watts). Single 4 impedance and sensitivity of 93 dB are specified.

Installation for this underseat subwoofer couldn’t get any easier. In most vehicles, these subs’ dimensions (55.9 x 40.6 x 22.9 cm) mean they can be easily installed behind the seat if needed.

In short, this shallow-mount ten-inch was created for use in tiny spaces while still being able to produce window-rattling bass at an affordable price making it one of the best under seat subwoofers possible.

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:

Benefits:

• Portable
• Produces excellent sound
• Expanded sound range and passenger experience
• Lightweight and small-sized
• Easily movable

Downsides:

• Installation will take longer and will require more effort than usual
• It may not fit all vehicles very well
• May need customization to suit personal preferences.
• Doesn’t have the best sound output
• Low power handling capability

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

Size:

When thinking about hiding a subwoofer under car seats, it is important to consider its size. Before buying a subwoofer make sure you measure under the seat where it’s going to be placed so that it fits properly. Here are the standard dimensions of compact subwoofers for cars.

8-inch Subwoofers:

This is currently the smallest car stereo available which delivers good sound quality with great features without taking much space. It can reproduce low frequencies without compromising on audio clarity.

10-inch Subwoofers:

If you want your subwoofer to fit under the car seat then this is the best option for you. These subwoofers provide excellent bass response and clarity beating other subs in this category by far.

Power Rating:

When searching for a new subwoofer, power rating must be taken into consideration. There are two values that are key – RMS and Peak. Both these figures matter but for different reasons.

RMS (root mean square):

The RMS value indicates maximum continuous power that can be handled by a subwoofer without any distortion in the sound produced; this rating sets an optimum performance level below which the device should never go beyond during usage.

Peak power: 

Peak power measures the maximum amount of energy small car subs can handle over short periods of time; if the external amplifier is being used ensure compatibility with the rated output.

Sensitivity:

Subwoofer sensitivity shows how much energy is required to move the cone and generate sound. The higher the sensitivity, the less power will be needed for sound production thus making it more power-efficient which in turn increases its lifespan due to less heat being produced over time.

Frequency Response:

Human hearing range is between 20-20k Hz with bass sounds being felt around these frequencies by our ears. Therefore, subwoofers are made to produce audible vibrations at or below 20Hz.

Frequency response should be considered when choosing small car subs because ideally speaking anything around 100 Hz or lower would produce better sound and work effectively.

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

Passive vs Active Subwoofers:

Both types of subs look similar but differ mainly on one point – active subs have built-in amplifiers while passive ones do not.

An active subwoofer consists of an internal amplifier that powers the speaker and produces sound whereas a passive one relies on an external amplifier for driving power into speakers.

Active subwoofers are good for smaller cars or places where you want to save space; they require less wiring and take up less room than their counterparts

On the other hand, passive subwoofers require an extra amplifier, which means more space is used. But you can connect a powerful amplifier for a better listening experience with a passive subwoofer.

Easy Installation:

The best under seat subwoofers are small and lightweight. Ensure that it is compact and easy to install without professional help.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Conclusion:

An underseat subwoofer is an integral part of any car’s sound system and can be one of its most memorable aspects. All models discussed in this article have provided excellent sound output while being easy to install.

However, it is necessary to determine your goal before buying a subwoofer. If space is limited where it will be installed then less power may work fine but if you want deeper bass so powerful subwoofers are recommended.

Bear in mind that there are several factors affecting the quality of a vehicle’s subwoofer. You should think about what type of sound you want from your device, conduct research on different brands, and consider build quality as well as frequency response among other things before making up your mind on which one to buy.