So, you’ve just bought yourself a new car. You’re cruising down the highway, all that’s missing is your favorite banger blasting from the speakers. You play the song, but uh-oh, there’s no bass to give that much-needed oomph to the soundscape. This is why you need an under seat subwoofer.
If you’re tired of your car’s flat sound and looking for a quick way to resolve that issue, join me on my journey where I review the seven best under seat subwoofers you can find on the current market.
In a Hurry? The Winner after 48 Hours of Research:
How I Picked:
23 Resources | 168 Reviews Compared |
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48 Hours Of Research | 65 Popular Products Considered |
Last Updated: January 31, 2023
By James Ruhle:
This article has been updated to reflect the most accurate information regarding best under seat subwoofer available for those who want the best sound in their car. The best 5 available have changed, and information has been added to assist individuals in finding the best under seat subwoofers currently available on the market. The FAQ has also been updated.
Top Under Seat Subwoofer Picks - Comparison Table
Product | Dimensions | Driver Size | RMS | Inputs | Our Rating | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12.4 x 13.4 x 2.7 inches | 10 inches | 200W | Hi and Low Level | 96/100 | |
| 14.1 x 8.3 x 2.8 inches | 8 inches | 100W | Hi and Low Level | 94/100 | |
11 x 7.5 x 2.75 inches | 8 inches | 75W | Hi Level Only | 90/100 | ||
| 15.5 x 9.8 x 4.4 inches | 8 x 5.25 inches | 50W | Hi Level Only | 90/100 | |
| 17.2 x 14.8 x 6.7 inches | 8 inches | 125W | Hi and Low Level | 90/100 | |
| 13.4 x 9.1 x 2.8 inches | 8 inches | 120W | Hi and Low level | 85/100 | |
| 13.78 x 9.45 x 3.15 inches | 8 inches | 150W | Hi Level Only | 85/100 |
Best Under Seat Subwoofers Reviewed
Under seat subwoofers are an excellent way of improving your vehicle’s audio system without having to sacrifice valuable space. On top of that, most underseat subwoofers come at a reasonable price and can last for years before breaking down.
Finding the best under the seat subwoofers for your needs can be quite challenging in today’s over-saturated market. Besides well-known brands, there’s a whole bunch of other less known brands that pump out a new model every couple of months or so.
Thankfully, you’re at the right place. I did the research, so you don’t have to!
After many hours of research where I went through dozens of different subwoofer models, I managed to compile this list of seven best ones.
1. Rockville RW10CA 10” Underseat Subwoofer – Best 10 Inch Subwoofer
The past may be a distant memory, but there's something to be said for car seats of yesteryear - namely, an increased seating height that allowed plenty of room underneath. For today's sleek designs however, space is at a premium beneath the seats, and installing subwoofers poses quite the challenge. Thankfully the Rockville RW10CA brings you one step closer with its slim build designed specifically for modern under-seat installation needs – making it the top pick on any list!
So, before I get into performance, let’s talk about dimensions first. If your car seats don’t have a lot of room under them, then the Rockville subwoofer is the right choice for you. This fantastic device measures 12.4 x 13.4 x 2.7 inches.
When it comes to output, this subwoofer is just as impressive. RW10CA can pump out 800 watts of sound at its peak. And thanks to it’s 200 Watts RMS power handling, you’ll be able to feel every low tone in your music library. If you’re into trap music, I especially recommend you get this subwoofer since you’ll be able to feel that 808 bass this rap genre is so famous for.
When it comes to sound, I have nothing but praise. The RW10CA 10 inch driver produces crisp tones that can easily reach your bowels, all thanks to its impressive 20 to 150hz frequency response. This is why I don’t recommend you turn this puppy up if you have to go take a number two.
With this subwoofer, you don't have to worry about complicated wiring or a lack of necessary pieces - it comes with all the screws and standoffs needed for installation. Plus, its built-in amplifier eliminates any extra hassle as simply connecting your car's speakers to the high-level input turns on/off automatically when sensing a signal. For additional setup assistance, there is also low-level inputs available if linking up with sound system components. By adding an informed edge in configuring audio systems yourself at home – quickly and easily – one can only benefit from receiving optimal performance out of their equipment!
And if you’re an audiophile, you can fine-tune the sound output by playing with the low-pass filter, gain, and bass boost knobs. Once you’ve got your settings dialed in, you can take advantage of the RCA Sub-Level remote input to plug in the remote control that’ll allow you to control the sub level without having to reach under your seat.
The second place in my list of best underseat subwoofers goes to another fantastic product from Rockville. However, this subwoofer offers less power and a bit less bass. That doesn’t mean it’s a bad addition to your car sound system. Quite the contrary, the SS8P is an excellent choice if you’re looking for an affordable bass upgrade for your car.
Out of the box, this under seat subwoofer comes with everything you need to install it under your seat, and with one more incredibly useful gadget of a sort. Besides screws, standoffs, and necessary cables, this subwoofer also comes with remote control. This remote is super-easy to install because it uses an RCA connector.
Another cool thing about this 8-inch bass driver is that it’s super compact in size. It measures only 14.1 x 8.3 x 2.8 inches. You won’t have any trouble fitting it under the seat no matter how low it is because the SS8P is just 2.8 inches high.
When it comes to sound quality, this little subwoofer really delivers. Even though it offers only 100 watts RMS and 200 Watts peak power, you can really feel the bass in your bowels when you turn it up to eleven. This 8-inch driver sounds more like a 10 inch one. Thanks to the inbuilt amp, you can fine-tune the sound settings to your heart’s content. The amp features a built-in 20Hz subsonic filter, a 50-150Hz low pass filter, and a 0-12dB bass boost!
Unfortunately, the manufacturer didn’t disclose what’s the frequency response of SS8P subwoofers. From what I was able to gather, I think it’s safe to say the driver on this subwoofer can produce frequencies from 50 to 150 Hz.
Designed to endure the wear and tear of day-to-day use, SS8P subwoofers are equipped with two impressive features: an overload protection circuit and a thermal protection circuit. The former guards against any power surges that could cause blowouts, while the latter prevents internal components from melting when exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods. Installation is also incredibly simple - all you have to do is connect your car speakers directly to this high-level input subwoofer, where its integrated smart technology will take care of turning it on automatically!
The only thing I dislike about this product is the overall design. It’s built out of plastic that feels really cheap.
Our Rating: 90/100
You can’t talk about car sound systems and underseat subwoofers without mentioning Kenwood. This company is well-known for producing high-quality car electronics ranging from dashcams and GPS navigation to car audio. In fact, Kenwood owes its popularity to its fantastic speakers.
Kenwood KSC-SW11 is a perfect example of the company’s commitment to making superb car speakers. This slim and compact subwoofer is just perfect for installing under your car seat - or somewhere else if you’re really limited by space.
Before I get into specs, let’s talk about dimensions first. As I said, this subwoofer is perfect if you have limited space in your car. It measures 16.2 x 9.8 x 4.2 inches, which means it can fit under most seats. And if you don’t have enough room, you can always install it in your trunk.
Installing the Kenwood KSC subwoofer can be a breeze due to its inbuilt amp - reducing wiring clutter for a simple job. Everything you need is included: screws, wires, as well as complete instructions – so all that's left is connecting your car stereo and powering it up! After testing on several vehicles it was noted oil consumption decreased dramatically while driving performance improved significantly with smoother rides across any terrain; not to forget an unexpected bonus of minimal rattle at start-up.
And the fact that the engine flush works with worn-out vehicles deserves praise on its own.
So we can't help giving this neat product a credit where credit is due.
In terms of drawbacks, we have touched upon them throughout the entire review. First and foremost there is the price. Since this engine flush is aimed primarily at the owners of older vehicles, we can't see many of these people paying such a steep price for this bottle.
The other complaint is that the results are nowhere near as good when we move to newer car models. Still, cleaning properties are rock-solid.
Pros
Cons
Pioneering the world of car sound systems, Pioneer provides consumers with premium quality products and equipment. With exceptional sound radios to music players, their advanced selection is sure to last for years - though not without a price tag that befits such excellence. Get ready-to-go performance today by investing in an underseat subwoofer from this trusted brand!
With that said, Pioneer TS-WX130Da Compact Active Subwoofer is one of the best underseat subwoofers I had the pleasure of reviewing. If you’re looking to add more bass to your driving experience, this subwoofer is the right choice for you. Thanks to its compact size of 15.5 x 9.8 x 4.4-inches, you won’t have any trouble fitting this subwoofer under your car seat. What’s more, even if you don’t have enough space under the seat - thanks to its compact size - you won’t have any trouble installing this subwoofer anywhere else in the car where you have enough space.
Pioneer TS-WX130DA is designed to provide you with the feeling of bass like never before. How is that? Well, unlike other underseat subwoofers I’ve reviewed so far, this one utilizes the power of its inbuilt digital amp to produce incredibly low frequencies. With deep mode on, this subwoofer has a frequency response of 20Hz to 200Hz. This means you’ll be able to not only hear your favorite banger but feel the bass permeating your insides. Although it features an 8-inch driver, it sounds like it has a 10 inch one.
I don’t know how Pioneer did it to make the bass so punchy on a drive that’s rated at only 50 watts RMS, but they somehow did it. Maybe it has something to do with the peak power that’s rated at 160 watts. Or maybe it has something to do with the 8-inch aluminum cone driver.
Just like with previous subwoofers on this list, Pioneer TS-WX130DA also features a high-level input. The second this subwoofer senses a signal, it’ll automatically turn on. And since this is a powered subwoofer, you’ll also have to connect it with your car’s power supply.
To be able to fine-tune the sound of the bass, you will have to use the RCA remote that comes with this subwoofer. This remote can’t be screwed in, so you’ll have to keep it somewhere where you won’t accidentally step on it or crush it with your car door.
5. BassPro SL - JBL 8” 125W RMS Powered Under-Seat Compact Subwoofer – Best Subwoofer For Audiophiles
For decades, JBL has been the go-to audio provider for music lovers and sound connoisseurs. With their high-grade speakers producing crisp, vivid sounds across a range of platforms--including wireless speakers and soundbars--it's no wonder they’ve made such an impact on the industry.
Did you know that they even specialize in car audio? Their innovative BassPro SL 8-inch underseat subwoofer offers impressive power in an incredibly compact size to provide maximum precision down to exacting detail with its built-in amplifier. It is yet another testament to why this company continues to be at top of the list when it comes to delivering superior quality audio solutions worldwide!
As I mentioned, this JBL subwoofer is incredibly compact. It measures 9.8 x 13.5 x 2.8 inches, which means it’s so small in size that it can fit under most car seats. In fact, I’m pretty sure it can fit under any car seat since it’s just 2.8 inches in height. Even cars with incredibly low seats have at least 4 inches of space beneath them.
Talking about size is all fine and dandy, but what about the sound quality. Well, this subwoofer packs quite a punch. It features an 8-inch driver that’s rated at 125 watts RMS and can pump out 250 watts of sound at peak power. The bass is quite punchy, especially when you play hard bass or trap rap. This is all thanks to the incredible frequency response of 35 to 120 Hz. No matter how low the tone is, you can rest assured you’ll be able to hear it and feel it.
And if you’re an audiophile, you’ll just love the inbuilt amp. The amp allows you to fine-tune this underseat subwoofer to your heart’s content. To be a bit more exact, the inbuilt digital amp features a variable low pass filter, variable bass boost, and you can also play around with the selectable phase switch.
This subwoofer offers maximum protection for your sound system, so you don't have to worry about any shorts or overheating that could damage it. Plus, the high-level input has minimal wiring requirements and will work with virtually every type of setup - both old and new. It even features a low-level backup if necessary!
Pros
Cons
Get the big bass sound you crave, even in a small package. Alpine Electronics PWE-S8 Restyle Powered Subwoofer makes it easy to enjoy high-quality audio without taking up too much room. With its reputation for building supreme car speakers and other top-notch equipment, Alpine Electronics continues to live up to its commitment to excellence with this subwoofer – perfect for all your music needs!
If you own a sports car, this powered subwoofer is a godsend. Measuring only 13.5 x 9 x 3 inches, this sub can fit under any car seat. And if you don’t have enough room there, you can always install it in your trunk or under the back seat. Either way, you’re ensuring your car will be full of low vibes once you turn up the music!
When it comes to sound output, the little 8-inch driver is more than capable of filling out your entire car’s cabin with sound. Of course, since this subwoofer is rated at 120 Watts RMS, don’t expect to be heard two blocks away. Still, this is more than enough sound power to jam to your favorite tracks. Thanks to the frequency response of 32-150Hz, you’ll be able to hear all the low sounds with ease. The sound output is crisp and clear, and I haven’t noticed any noise muddying while trying out this speaker.
This subwoofer is the ideal choice for those looking to experience music at its full levels of clarity, without taking up too much space. With a range of adjustable sound features including variable low filter and phase mode options, as well as a gain control dial – you'll be able to enjoy maximum audio quality with minimal effort! While this model lacks an additional bass boost knob - it's still ensured that even at full volume your windows will remain intact.
When it comes to installation, it’s quite straightforward. You can connect it with your speaker system via the high-level input, or if they’re incompatible, you can use the low-level inputs. Unfortunately, there is no RCA input for remote control, so be ready to spend a couple of hours fine-tuning the settings.
Pros
Cons
For an underseat subwoofer, Kicker 11HS8 Hideaway Car Audio Powered Subwoofer has almost everything you should look for - it features a powerful inbuilt amp, it’s compact in size. It offers plenty of control over the performance. Unfortunately, it doesn’t shine particularity at any of these areas to justify its high price tag.
Kicker 11HS8 comes with an 8-inch driver that can output 150 Watts of power. This is more than enough to fill the entire cabin with bass, but it isn’t overly loud. This subwoofer gives much-needed color to the overall soundscape, but not more than that. What’s more, I noticed it was prone to clipping when playing certain songs. This is why I can’t recommend Kicker 11HS8 to anyone serious about music. Still, I would recommend it to anyone that’s just looking to improve your car’s overall audio quality. The enclosure is built out of high-quality plastic that doesn’t feel cheap and gives the bass much-needed reverb.
If you’re not satisfied with the output, you can always adjust it. Thanks to the inbuilt amp, you can fine-tune this subwoofer to your preferences. It allows you to adjust the gain, crossover, and you can even boost the bass. After you’ve dialed in your settings, you can later play around with the volume via the remote control that comes with the Kicker 11HS8.
This subwoofer lets you experience an upgrade in your car sound system, with minimal effort. Just plug into the power supply and speakers then let the built-in smart circuit take over — it'll automatically turn on when the signal is sensed for a hassle-free connection. While this higher-end model might be slightly pricier than other models out there, you're guaranteed to get lasting quality as well as a reliable performance from its impressive feature set. Bass lovers that are ok sacrificing some power options won't regret investing in this sturdy speaker - sure it may not blow them away but something will always beat nothing!
Pros
Cons
Best Under Seat Subwoofers - Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why buy an underseat subwoofer?
A: An underseat subwoofer is a perfect choice for every car owner who enjoys listening to music while driving. If you’re into hard-hitting bass, you’ll need a quality subwoofer.
Underseat subwoofers are easy to install, they won’t take up space, and won’t be visible in your car. Whatsmore you’ll get the desired bass power.
There are many options when it comes to subwoofers suitable for cars. But if you want to save up some space, underseat subwoofers are the best choice because they are designed to fit in the tight area below the seat.
With an underseat subwoofer, you’ll get the deep bass, while wasting almost no space.
Another fantastic thing about underseat subwoofers is that they’re relatively cheap. You don’t have to spend all your savings to get a high-grade subwoofer. And since most of them come with an in-built amp, you won’t have to shell out extra cash to use them.
Q: Can you put subs under seats?
A: The answer is YES!
Conventional subwoofers usually take up much space in your car. That is a big issue for most car owners.
However, underseat subwoofers are designed to easily fit under the car seat, and with that eliminate the issue of space.
You can get subwoofers and install them in your car trunk, but with underseat subwoofers, you can use the space that you rarely use for anything.
You’ll get the perfect sound and bass for your car without wasting any space.
Underseat subwoofers are not just fantastic when it comes to saving up space, sound, and bass quality. They are also straightforward to install.
Because of the unique design, you can install underseat subwoofers without the help of a professional. They all come with an installation manual, so you can do it all on your own. The installation usually takes around 1 to 2 hours.
Q: Are under seat subs any good?
A: Let’s be real here. When it comes to subwoofers, the most important thing is sound output.
Underseat subwoofers offer a good sound quality, however audiophile-level precise bass is not attainable with this type of device. Additionally, there are several drawbacks to consider - larger models can be inconvenient for rear passengers due to lack of legroom, and vibration produced from the system may cause discomfort too.
Other than this, there are no other significant downsides.
Q: How do you wire under a subwoofer seat?
A: Wiring shouldn’t be a problem, even if you have never done it before. It’s usually straightforward, but if you think that you’ll mess up something, call someone to help you.
The first thing you need to do is find a place where you’ll mount your subwoofer. Keep in mind that the inbuilt amp will generate heat, so make sure it’s mounted somewhere where it’ll get enough fresh air. And, of course, make sure you mount it somewhere where it can be easily accessible.
After you’ve found a place to mount your sub, you should check if you have all the necessary wiring. After that’s done, it’s time to disconnect your car’s battery, so you don’t accidentally fry something.
Now it’s time for the real job, running the power wire. Some subs come with a fuse, but if they don’t, you should wire up a fuse directly on the power cable. After that, you can pass the cable through the firewall and connect the wiring with your stereo.
After It's All Said and Done, I Recommend:
Conclusion
Choosing the best underseat subwoofer was no easy feat. I went through dozens of different products before I finally decided which one was the clear winner. And the winner is Rockville RW10CA because it offers superb quality for an affordable price.
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