In most cars, there is a built-in audio system that works pretty well. But, due to the limitations of the speakers, most systems lack low-end output. Hence, you need to get an under seat subwoofer for your car. We have brought some great options for under-seat subwoofers based on factors given here:
Dimensions of The Subwoofer: As you are going to install the subwoofer under your seat, you need to carefully consider the dimensions of the subwoofer. As there is not a lot of space available in most cars, it is important to consider the dimensions carefully. Peak Power Capacity: The peak power capacity of an under-seat subwoofer is basically the maximum capacity of the unit. It is provided in the watts unit, and higher is always better for louder output. Driver Size: Apart from the physical size of the subwoofer, another important aspect is the size of the driver installed inside the subwoofer. With a large driver, you will be able to experience more powerful sound output, which is necessary for low-end frequency.
While these factors are highly important and can be dependent upon choosing a perfect under-seat subwoofer, there are many other things as well that you should keep in mind. Thus, we will be talking about each of our picks for the best under seat subwoofers right here. We will also explain the selection criteria for an under seat subwoofer so that you can get a perfect under seat car subwoofer by the time you finish reading our “Buying Guide”.
Best Under Seat Subwoofers 2023
Best Under Seat Subwoofers Reviews
1. Rockville SS8P Under-Seat Active Subwoofer
Rockville is considerably a smaller brand compared to other options available in the market. Still, its audio equipment is fairly versatile for car application. Coming on the top, we have a 400 watts power capacity subwoofer coming from Rockville. The Rockville SS8P contains an 8 inches driver so that it can easily fit under a seat of a car. The outer body of the Rockville SS8P is made up of cast aluminum so that it’s strong as well as maintains a better temperature level even after long sessions. If you are planning to use the subwoofer continuously, you should note that it has 100 watts RMS capacity. This subwoofer is coupled with heavy-duty mountings so that it does not fall prey to damage caused by external vibration and shock. As it is specifically designed for cars, it has a MOSFET power supply that works best with the built-in auto turn on technology. You can also adjust the input sensitivity of the Rockville SS8P to get precise output from the subwoofer. Furthermore, it has many additional protections included, such as the thermal protection circuit, short circuit protection, and overload protection. There is also a year of warranty, so it gives you peace of mind. Best Features
8 inches driver size 400 watts peak power capacity 100 watts RMS power capacity 50 Hz to 150 Hz frequency response range Measures 14.1 x 8.3 x 2.8 inches in size 1-year warranty
Pros
Great performance for the price Small in size Adjustable input sensitivity
Cons
RMS power capacity is low in comparison
2. Pioneer TS-WX130DA Compact Active subwoofer
You must have seen professionals using equipment made by Pioneer. Apart from highly professional sound units, it also makes a premium under seat subwoofer. Our 2nd pick for the best under seat subwoofer is the Pioneer TS-WX130DA. As it is coming from an experienced brand, you will find high sound quality even with this compact active subwoofer. The Pioneer TS-WX130DA measures 15.5 x 9.8 x 4.4 inches, and it includes a built-in amplifier as well. Thus, it manages to push up to 160 watts output even though its RMS capacity is limited to only 50 watts. The built-in amplifier is a class D amplifier so that you always get the correct sound output. The cone of the Pioneer TS-WX130DA is made up of aluminum and supports a urethane surround sound system. You can also personalize the output of Pioneer TS-WX130DA with customizable listening modes. This allows you to change the gain as well as the frequency of the output. There are dedicated controls provided on the device, even for the phase and bass modes, that can also be operated via a remote. In the deep mode, you will get as low as 20 Hz output from the subwoofer. Best Features
8 inches driver size 160 watts peak power capacity 50 watts RMS power capacity 20 Hz to 200 Hz frequency response range Measures 15.5 x 9.8 x 4.4 inches in size 1 year warranty
Pros
Very compact in size Decent build quality Low frequency output available
Cons
RMS power capacity is very low
3. JBL BassPro RMS Powered Under-Seat Subwoofer
JBL is probably one of the most popular and well-known brand names in the industry as they offer a variety of sound systems. Apart from studio-grade equipment, it also makes a premium under seat subwoofer. Our 3rd choice is coming from a familiar brand name for many users. The JBL BassPro SL is also powered by an 8 inches driver to deliver high-quality bass output. As for the power capacity, it has up to 250 watts peak power capacity and 125 watts RMS power capacity. It is also packed with a highly efficient class D amplifier so that you can use the subwoofer for high-quality uncompressed file formats. JBL has designed the JBL BassPro SL to provide an elegant performance that is suitable for its premium price range. There is a soft start system provided at the time of turning on and also speaker level output to deliver louder output. It also has a built-in audio sense, which is turned on by default. While using the JBL BassPro SL, you will be able to manage the peripherals easily via the included remote control. Best Features
8 inches driver size 250 watts peak power capacity 125 watts RMS power capacity 35 Hz to 120 Hz frequency response range Measures 13.54 x 9.84 x 2.8 inches in size 1-year warranty
Pros
Comes with a warranty period Premium brand choice The output quality is very good
Cons
Expensive under seat subwoofer
4. Kenwood KSC-PSW8 8″ Under Seat Powered Subwoofer
Kenwood is quite a versatile brand as it makes many different types of products. You can find car entertainment systems, headsets, communication, and many other types of equipment produced by Kenwood. As you all know, an amplifier is a crucial part of any audio system. But, you won’t have to get an additional one for your subwoofer if it already has one built-in. Hence, our next pick is the Kenwood KSC-PSW8 because it also features a built-in class D amplifier that makes a big difference in terms of output quality. It offers 150 watts RMS power capacity along with up to 250 watts peak power output. There are a handful of subwoofers that offer a decent frequency response, like the Kenwood KSC-PSW8, as it supports 35 to 150 Hz frequency. The Kenwood KSC-PSW8 also operates at 81 dB sensitivity which is essential considering it will be powered by a car battery and needs to be power efficient. The driver of this subwoofer is 8 inches and will provide you with a very impressive bass output even with the compact size. Talking about its size, it is 9.45 x 13.78 x 2.95 inches in dimensions which makes it one of the most compact under seat subwoofers. As it is a premium device, you will be getting a year of warranty from Kenwood. Best Features
8 inches driver size 250 watts peak power capacity 150 watts RMS power capacity 35 Hz to 150 Hz frequency response range Measures 9.45 x 13.78 x 2.95 inches in size 1-year warranty
Pros
Very compact under seat subwoofer RMS power capacity is quite high 81 dB sensitivity
Cons
Peak capacity is low for the budget
5. BLAUPUNKT GTHS131 CAR Under SEAT Powered SUBWOOFER
Blaupunkt does not exclusively deal with audio-based products. Still, it’s a budget-friendly under seat subwoofer that is a great choice for our picks for the best subwoofers. Coming up next, we have an under-seat subwoofer from a lesser-known brand called Blaupunkt. The Blaupunkt GTHS131 has an internal monaural amplifier that offers a peak power capacity of 200 watts. Even its RMS power value is 120 watts which are considerably higher than most other options. And the frequency response is limited to 50 to 150 Hz and can be varied according to the user’s preferences. If you are planning to couple the sound system with the DVD player in your car, you will be glad to know that it has a low pass filter which is highly beneficial for DVD 5.1 systems. Unlike most subwoofers, the Blaupunkt GTHS131 has a thickness of only 2.5 inches that makes it ideal for compact cars. Thus, it can fit in almost any car without requiring any additional installation procedure. And for the build quality, it is made up of aluminum to provide reliable performance. Best Features
10 inches driver size 200 watts peak power capacity 120 watts RMS power capacity 50 Hz to 150 Hz frequency response range Measures 15 x 3 x 11 inches in size
Pros
Can easily fit under compact space RCA level inputs Low pass filter
Cons
Warranty description is not specified
6. NVX Under Seat Subwoofer System
NVX is one of the best brands that offer the most affordable under-seat subwoofer options. The following subwoofer from the NVX is an enclosed option that is fairly decent for its price. The NVX QBUS8P is one of the few subwoofers present on our list that has an 8-inch driver that is quite easy to install, thanks to its ultra-thin compact outer body. The subwoofer is tuned by professionals that let you enjoy the sound with perfect output. However, the supported frequency range for this subwoofer system is between 50 to 150 Hz, with the maximum/peak power capacity ranging up to 300 watts, and the RMS power capacity is 150 watts. This makes the device a powerful option for spatially challenged vehicles. Its variable low-pass filter will remove the notes that are below the frequency setting of the filter, while its variable bass boot will let you adjust the low bass up on the boost range (0 – 12 dB) as you desired. This circuit turns on the QBUS8P automatically when it senses the audio signal without a remote. Apart from this, NVX offers high-quality cables and control wires along with this subwoofer for easy installation. You can either use RCA cable (low-level) or speaker wire (high-level) inputs to easily connect the device to the radio. Also, it is a 2-in-1 device that comes with a class-D amplifier along with the subwoofer. Best Features
8 inches driver size 150 watts RMS power capacity 300 watts peak power capacity Built-in class-D amplifier Frequency response range of 50 Hz to 150 Hz Wired remote bass level control Measures 13 X 9.4 X 3.2 inches in size
Pros
Affordable, compact, and ultra-thin under-seat subwoofer Compact design with bass level controller Ported enclosure design produces louder bass Automatic turn-on feature when it senses an audio signal
Cons
The warranty description is not specified.
7. Rockville SS8P Under-Seat Powered Subwoofer
We have yet another subwoofer present in our picks coming from Rockville. The following option is quite similar to our previous pick from Rockville with minor changes. Most buyers prefer getting an all in one option to save the trouble of upgrading the system down the line. Hence, we are including the Rockville SS8P kit in our list of the best under seat subwoofers. It is quite similar to the 1st option of our list in terms of performance and power delivery. You will be getting the same 400 watts peak capacity with the RMS capacity being 100 watts. This kit includes a lot of additional peripherals along with the subwoofer. You will get a 10 gauge amp along with a complete installation kit that consists of various caves and RCA connectors. It has the standard 8 inches driver installed inside an aluminum outer shell to keep it balanced and cool at all times. Similar to the previous choice, it also includes protection against problems like short circuits, overload, and thermal protection. Therefore, Rockville is also giving a 1 year long warranty period with the Rockville SS8P kit. Best Features
8 inches driver size 400 watts peak power capacity 100 watts RMS power capacity 20 Hz to 150 Hz frequency response range Measures 11.4 x 8.3 x 2.8 inches in size 1-year warranty
Pros
Great performance for the price Small in size Adjustable input sensitivity
Cons
RMS power capacity is low
8. Gravity GRWF10 10-Inch Under Seat Subwoofer
Our last pick is coming from Gravity. You might not have heard about this brand before as it does not specifically make sound-based products. But the subwoofer from Gravity is definitely worth a look. Our last choice for the best under seat subwoofers is the Gravity GRWF10. If you are looking for an affordable 10 inches subwoofer, your search end here. The Gravity GRWF10 has a 10 inches driver that enables it to deliver up to 550 watts peak power output which is simply great for the budget range. Furthermore, it features a nominal power output of 100 watts which is also not too bad. It is a high-density subwoofer designed with great build quality to survive the car installation. Additional features of the Gravity GRWF10 include phase shift, auto power on/off, and a dedicated low pass filter required for some connections. If you feel the bass output is not up to your desire, you can also use the bass boost feature to increase the output level. Although, The Gravity GRWF10 measures 17.6 x 13.94 x 5.55 inches in size, which might make it a little difficult for installation in compact cars. Best Features
10 inches driver size 550 watts peak power capacity 100 watts RMS power capacity Powerful loudspeaker Measures 17.6 x 13.94 x 5.55 inches in size
Pros
Great build quality Phase shift capability Auto power on/off
Cons
Warranty details are not available
Buying Guide For The Best Under Seat Subwoofer
There are a lot of improvements that can be made in the car audio systems. You can add additional speakers for surround sound, you can add an amplifier to get higher quality output, or you can simply add an under seat subwoofer to increase the low-end frequency output or, as more commonly known as, bass. While normal speakers can still offer a decent amount of bass, you can expect the lowest frequency response to be about 60 to 70 Hz. On the other hand, a subwoofer can go as low as 20 Hz, which reveals a lot of low-end notes that would be hidden in the original system. There are a lot of other features like the frequency response that we have mentioned with each of our picks for the best under seat subwoofer. Thus, we will talk about these features in a brief manner on our buying guide for the same.
Size of The Subwoofer
The cone size of a subwoofer not only represents its physical size but also its overall capabilities to produce sound. Thus, it is the first thing that you should notice while selecting an under-seat subwoofer. As you may already know, the driver inside a subwoofer moves to create the output. Therefore, a large-sized driver is able to push more volume compared to a lower sized version. You can find the subwoofers varying from 8 inches all the way up to 12 inches in size. But as you are buying one for your car, it is important to get an 8 inches or 10 inches version so that it will fit easily.
Frequency Response
Along with the power capacity, the subwoofer should be able to distinguish between various notes and provide distinct output for each/. This is only possible if your subwoofer is connected to a high-quality source input and supports a wide frequency range. This way, the music that you are playing will not be compressed and will consist of a higher range of notes that could be played with your subwoofer. The lower value is generally more important in this case as it represents the bass in the sound. Therefore, it would be great if you pick an under seat subwoofer that supports the lowest frequency output.
Peak and RMS Power Capacity
With almost every sound output device like a subwoofer or a home theatre system, you will find 2 types of power ratings that might confuse a casual user. With every unit, you will find a certain RMS capacity and peak power capacity. While both of these values are present in the watts unit and indicate the power capacity of the unit, there is a difference in them. The RMS capacity is basically the ability of the speaker to provide continuous output, whereas the peak capacity is a higher value that is momentarily available on the subwoofer. Hence, both of these factors are important and should be considered carefully.
Physical Size of The Subwoofer
Installing any equipment in your car comes with the size concern. Unlike your home or office, there is not a lot of space available in a car, especially after installing all the necessary peripherals. If you are already running low on the available space in your car, it would be wiser to check the dimensions of the subwoofer before buying it. Even though it will be an under-seat subwoofer, it could create a lot of problems if it does not fit properly in your car. In general, the subwoofers that have a larger driver are larger in size.
Built-in Amplifier
We all know that subwoofers require a lot of power to operate. Thus, you will have to get a decent amplifier to power the subwoofer. The amplifier will make sure that it gets the necessary power and performs well even at higher volumes. Although, it would not be a lot of trouble if you go with an option that has a built-in amplifier. The built-in amplifiers are already tested on the subwoofers, so that you won’t need to worry about that. And if you are getting an external amplifier bundled with the subwoofer, it is nothing but a better value for your investment.
Conclusion
The home sound system consists of multiple units like primary drivers, amplifiers, and dedicated bass units. All of these units are important to enjoy the music to its fullest. The same is also required for cars. But, most users rely on the primary drivers for low end, which is not good enough for most systems. Thus, a dedicated subwoofer comes into play in such situations. There are special small-sized subwoofers available for cars that can be installed in the excess space available below a seat. Considering the specifications and details provided in our list and the buying guide, here are our favorite picks:
If you only wish to get the best performance and bass delivery from your subwoofer, take a look at the NVX Under Seat Subwoofer System. While it may be larger in size, it has a 10 inches driver and is packed with a peak power capacity of up to 600 watts. The minimum supported frequency for this subwoofer is 20 Hz which is very good. It is quite difficult to find a high powered option if you are on a tight budget. Fortunately, we have the Rockville SS8P under seat subwoofer that offers 400 watts peak power capacity, which is very good. Also, it is powered by an 8 inches driver that is warranted for a year after purchase. Finally, we will recommend getting the JBL BassPro SL as it is a highly premium option. JBL is a very reputed brand, and you will surely get a decent bass and low-end output from this subwoofer. It also has a built-in Class D amplifier which makes sure you get the best sound quality.
Comment * Name * Email * Website
Δ
