The main reason people use under-seat subwoofers is to get that amazing bass response while saving a ton of space. They are easy to install and give you good performance for their price.
Thus, when you look for an under-seat car subwoofer to add to your system, you will have many options to choose from. Sometimes having too many options could be a bad thing. To avoid any confusion and to help you out through this process, we have selected the five best under-seat subwoofers for you to choose from.
5 Best Under Seat Subwoofers For You
Rockville RW10CA
It is one of the most powerful under-seat subwoofers that you will come across. It has an RMS rating of 200 watts and a peak power rating of 800 watts which gives you a power-packed performance.
It comes with a 10-inch cone, bigger than most models. The size of this cone allows it to displace more air at a faster rate, producing a deep, powerful and rich bass. It also prevents any distortions and provides you with a clear and crisp sound.
You will get high-level inputs that help in an easy installation of this under-seat subwoofer. This feature protects the subwoofer from any thermal damage such as overheating or burnouts.
It has a sensitivity rating of 98dB that allows it to function efficiently even with lower power. It has a low profile design which is only 2.7 inches thick, thus allowing it to easily fit under the seat of your vehicle.
The high-level inputs come with a smart sensor that automatically connects and turns on or off the system. You can also tweak the sound according to your preferences using the controls that have been given.
These controls include a subsonic filter, a bass boost, a volume level control, and phase control. The subsonic filter filters out the low frequencies that humans are unable to hear, thereby saving the extra power and putting it to good use.
Pros
- 800 watts peak power
- 10-inch cone for richer and deeper bass
- Comes with audio customization options
- Has thermal protection
- Easy installation
- 98dB sensitivity rating
- Sleek and slim design
Cons
- Lesser outputs than other models
- May overheat after extended use
- Has distortions when played at high volumes
Verdict
Being an affordable model, the Rockville RW10CA provides great sounding bass and many features. It fits under your car seat very well and is easy to install. Thus, if you are looking for a model that gives you value for money and is not all that expensive, this a good choice.
Kicker 11HS8
Built specifically for tight spaces, the 8-inch Kicker 11HS8 gives a powerful performance. It has a compact design, being 3 inches thick and 14 inches long. Thus, it can easily be concealed under the seat of your car.
It has a built-in 150-watt amplifier that boosts the sound quality and this product has been rated as one of the best subwoofers to install under your car seat. It comes with a bass remote control that makes the fine-tuning of your bass much easier.
It is compatible with any factory or aftermarket unit as it comes with both high-level and low-level inputs. It has an easy installation process thanks to its quick-connect power plug and its Velcro-fastened straps that secure the unit properly.
It can be removed as easily as it can be installed. Though the cone in this model is smaller than in other models, the sound quality is definitely above average and it is an overall highly efficient subwoofer.
It has a frequency range of 25Hz to 120 Hz. Its additional features include speaker-level inputs, remote control for bass, bass boost control, and a smart sensor for an automatic on and off.
Pros
- Fits perfectly in tight spaces
- Wired remote control for bass fine-tuning
- Built-in amp
- Easy installation
- Compatible with a compact design
Cons
- Rattling noise at higher volumes
- Expensive in comparison
- Has a smaller cone
- Does not have any RCA inputs
Verdict
If you need a subwoofer that gives a phenomenal performance in a compact design, then this is a great choice. It gives you a clean, clear sound with a rich bass. It does not compromise on quality but retains its space-saving features.
Kenwood KSC-SW11
This product is the most durable under-seat subwoofer that you can find. It has a superior quality build with a solid die-cast aluminum frame. This makes it durable and you can be rest assured that any product from Kenwood is a top quality product.
It has a compact and sleek design making it easier to install under the seat of your car. It also comes with remote control for more convenient use and control. Made out of aluminum, the unit absorbs heat efficiently and prevents overheating, even after being used for an extended period of time at high volumes.
It has a metal grille at the font that provides the diaphragm with protection and makes the unit long-lasting. It has also been designed in such a way that it provides you with a noiseless sound and the least amount of distortions or disturbances.
At 8 inches big, it has an RMS rating of 75 watts and a peak power rating of 150 watts with a frequency range of 35 to 125 Hz. It is a user-friendly product but has its negatives. It does not have many customization options and thus will not be a good pick for those looking to fine-tune their bass.
Pros
- Easy installation
- Does not take up too much space
- An aluminum frame makes it heat absorbent and durable
- Has a remote control for easy use
- Front metal grille to provide protection
- Noise-free sound
- Affordable
Cons
- Not as powerful
- Limited fine-tuning options
- Lacks a real low bass
Verdict
It provides you with satisfying performance, especially for its price. However, if you are looking for a more customizable subwoofer then there are other options to explore. It is not an overly powerful subwoofer but gets the job done.
If you are not too specific on the fine-tuning and the power the subwoofer can handle, then this a good and affordable model to buy.
Alpine Electronics PWE-S8
The Alpine PWE-S8 is designed to fit into any tight spaces. At 8 inches big, it packs powerful performance and gives a deep and heavy bass. To make it more durable and long-lasting, it is protected with a rugged cast metal enclosure that prevents it from facing any kind of damage.
It has an RMS rating of 120 watts and a peak power rating double its RMS value, 240 watts. It has a frequency range of 32Hz to 150Hz. It also comes with a pre-installed class D amplifier.
This amp has features such as controls for gain and phase along with a low-path crossover. This low-path crossover allows you to match the bass with the rest of your system. It has an RCA line that is easily accessible and speaker-level inputs that make it compatible with any system.
As it uses an aluminum enclosure, the subwoofer will last for a long time and have little to no internal vibrations. This reduces any distortion or disturbance even if you play music at high volumes.
Pros
- Easy installation
- Easily concealed
- Gives a great low-frequency response
- Has multiple connection options
- Durable and long-lasting
Cons
- Not preferred for larger vehicles
- Short cable leads
- Poor amplification
- Looks bigger due to mounting brackets
Verdict
If you are looking for a compact subwoofer to install under the seat of your car that provides powerful performance, this is a great model to choose. The Alpine Electronics PWE-S8 will only enhance your performance but if you own a bigger vehicle, a subwoofer with a higher RMS rating would be preferred.
Pioneer TS-SWX2502
If you want a subwoofer that is more powerful at an affordable price, the Pioneer TS-SWX2502 is a model you must think about buying. However, this power-packed subwoofer is slightly bigger than most and may not fit under your seats as well.
10 inches big, it has an RMS rating of 250 watts and a peak power rating of 400 watts with a frequency response of 20Hz to 200Hz. Despite the problem with its size, it gives a strong bass response and is a very reliable and sturdy subwoofer.
It has an easy installation process and the enclosure is carpeted from the outside to prevent it from getting scratched. It has a built-in amplifier that automatically syncs with the rest of the system, making it easier for you to install and control.
Pros
- Carpeted enclosure to avoid scratches
- Crisp and clear sound quality
- Fits in almost every car model
- Has a powerful built-in amp
Cons
- A little bigger than most under-seat subwoofers
- The cone does not come with a protective grille
- The speaker may rattle for some specific frequencies
Verdict
The Pioneer TS-SWX2502 is perfect for those people who own a bigger vehicle and want a stronger bass. One of the main issues is the space it takes up but if you have plenty to spare, this 250 watts subwoofer will enhance your music listening experience and give you a clear sound with a rich bass.
Things To Remember While Buying An Under-Seat Subwoofer
There are a few important to be kept in mind while buying your preferred subwoofer. Having these preferences set makes it easier to choose your ideal under-seat subwoofer.
To get a heavy bass, your subwoofer needs to be provided with a lot of energy. This extra energy can only be handled if your subwoofer has a higher RMS and peak power rating. Go for a subwoofer that has a higher rating but you need to make sure that the rating matches that of your amplifier or other units in your system.
Sensitivity is as important as power. A higher sensitivity rating means that the subwoofer will require less power to work. The type of enclosure also makes a difference in how the subwoofer functions.
The frequency range will tell you a lot about how low your subwoofer can play. This will tell you how rich and deep of bass you will get with your subwoofer. A subwoofer will contain either a dual voice coil or a single voice coil.
Since you are buying an under-seat subwoofer, size is extremely important. To get more powerful performance, you will have to go for a bigger subwoofer. This may cause space issues as they might not fit under your seat as well as you would want them to.
Conclusion
After having seen the reviews of our top 5 under-seat subwoofers, it is up to you to decide which one you like best. This list is not to impose any decision on you but to make your decision-making process easy and quick.
Look into all the features each one has such as the power, sensitivity, materials used for its build, and any additional features that it has to offer. Once you have chosen your pick, you can get any of these five easily installed and have that smooth, bass-filled ride once again!