Deep and high-quality bass is something that everyone enjoys in their car. But to get those, you would require a high-end music system. That is where the problem arises because even if you have the money to get one of the high-end systems, you might not have the room to install them in your car. Here is where the under-seat subwoofers step in.
These are exceptionally easy to install and do not require that much space either. However, getting the best under-seat subwoofer is something that is easier said than done. You might run into some confusion while trying to get one of these. But do not worry as we have it all sorted for you.
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Best Under Seat Subwoofer: Editor’s Top Picks
Things to Consider When Buying an Under Seat Subwoofer
We know how excited you are to get your hands on one of the units that we have included in our review section. But before you pick any of them up or any other one from the market, there are certain things that you would have to keep in mind. They are as follows:
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1. Power Supply
Before anything else, you need to consider the power supply of the unit. Usually, the higher the rating is on the power supply, the punchier the bass. However, in some cases, the ones that do not have that much power supply but are highly efficient can also offer punchy and clean bass.
So, in this case, before you pick one of the high-powered ones, make sure that they are capable of using all of the power. If you do not want to go through this hassle of scrutinizing the power, we recommend you opt for the units that pack a Class D amp. Those are usually extremely efficient and can output relatively punchy bass.
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2. Noise Filter
Aside from the power of the unit, the quality of the bass will also depend on the filters that it comes with.
If you happen to get something that does not have any built-in filters, it would be highly likely that the sound it will produce will be full of noise in high volume. And you would not want noise ruining your music listening experience, would you?
That is why you should opt for the ones that have a built-in noise filter. With those, the sound is going to get filtered before it is produced from the diaphragm.
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3. Low Pass Filter
Another filter that you will have to check when you are buying one of these is the low pass filter. Much like the noise filter, this circuit will filter out the frequencies. It will remove any of the frequencies that are lower or higher than what the woofer is capable of outputting.
As a result, there would be a substantially low amount of distortion in the sound. Even if you do like to listen to music at a high volume, these filters will be able to provide bass with virtually no distortion at all.
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4. Inputs
In the case of inputs, there are usually two factors. One of them is the low level, and the other is the high level. Usually, the low-level inputs are the RCA interconnect inputs.
On the other hand, the high-level inputs are the standard speaker input. Even if you do not really need low-level inputs, we would suggest getting one that has both the inputs.
With the ones that can take both inputs, you will have the flexibility of connecting it with many of the speakers. As a result, you would not have to worry about compatibility that much.
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5. Size
The main purpose of getting one of these is to make them fit under the seat. And in that case, if you happen to get one that is not compact and does not have a slim profile, you will have difficulties in the case of making them fit under seats.
Keeping that in mind, you should only go for compact ones that have a slim footprint. You will be able to install them without any issues at all.
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6. Build
Durability is something that you would have to prioritize when buying one of these. In this case, the ones that we would recommend are the ones that are made of high-quality aluminum.
Those will not only be durable but also will be lightweight. And because of being lightweight, it would not be a problem for you to move them around.
Alongside that, many of these will sport a steel body. Even though they are more durable than the aluminum ones, they are going to be a bit hefty. So, if you think that durability is something that you will go all-in, then those are the ones that we would recommend to you.
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7. Protection
If the components that are inside the woofer are not well protected, no matter how durable the exterior is, you would not be able to get extended use out of it.
Considering that, you should check whether the one that you are shooting for comes with voltage protectors or not. Without those, the power supply will have a high possibility of getting damaged.
Aside from that, you should also consider whether it features overheating protection or not, especially if the one you are going for has 500 watts plus peak power. That protector will ensure that the components do not get damaged because of overheating, eventually ensuring an enhanced lifespan of the core components.
Top 10 Best Under Seat Subwoofer Reviews:
The oversaturated market will make it hard for you to get one of the decent devices. To make things easier for you, we have gone through the most popular listings and selected the ones that we think are worth every penny. The list of those are as follows:
1. Alpine Electronics PWE-S8 Restyle Compact Powered 8-Inch
The 8-inch subwoofer is one of the most popular picks nowadays. It is because they are exceptionally compact yet powerful. And this one from Alpine Electronics can illustrate that perfectly.
Just like the label states, the size of the diaphragm is eight inches. Even if that size might seem small for you, the power it packs is higher than those with a larger diaphragm. The 120 watts input will make sure that it can deliver crisp and clean bass.
You might wonder that the system might be too large considering the power that it has. Well, that is not the case as it is just 3 inches deep. The width of the body is 13.5 inches, and it is 9 inches tall. For that reason, putting it under your seat will be a pretty easy task.
The response frequency is pretty high too. It can provide from 32Hz to 150Hz frequencies, which will make sure that you can enjoy accurate bass. Also, the body has cast metal. That material makes it extremely durable. As a result, it will offer you a long-term high-end music listening experience.
Lastly, the side panel that it has will offer you easy access to auto-sensing speaker inputs. There is plenty of RCA inputs as well.
Pros
- Only three inches deep
- Sports a 120-watt amplifier
- Offers crisp and clear bass
- Compact yet powerful
- The side panel offers easy access to different inputs
Cons
- The bass tends to get distorted at high volume
- Some of the units ship with a non-English user manual
2. Kenwood KSC-SW11 Compact
The more efficient the amplifiers of the subwoofers will be, the cleaner and more accurate bass you are going to get. And Kenwood had factored that in when they were designing this unit.
First of all, the amplifier that it boasts is 150 watts. It is one of the D-Class amplifiers that have higher efficiency. For that reason, you are going to enjoy a distortion-free bass. Also, it has the capability of providing noise-less bass for that amplifier too.
Apart from that, the frame that it comes in is aluminum. It is not only exceptionally durable but also reasonably lightweight. You will not have any problem in the case of carrying it.
The housing is reasonably compact too. That compact nature of the product will make it easier for you to store it under the seat of your vehicle.
Unlike some of the units that are out there, this one comes with a wired remote. That will enable you to change the level and frequency and will let you control the phase on the go. You would not need to get under your seat to change those.
Alongside that, there are multiple inputs as well. It can receive Line (RCA) and the standard speaker input. So, you would not have to worry about the connectivity that much.
Pros
- Features a 150 watts amplifier
- Its amplifier is exceptionally efficient
- Sports a die-cast aluminum body
- Reasonably lightweight
- Offers noise-less and clean bass
Cons
- The bass that it outputs might not be that deep
- Some of the units may arrive dead
3. KICKER 11HS8 8″ 150W Hideaway Car Audio
The units that have a plug-and-play connection system are the most hassle-free when it comes to the installation process. And a perfect example of units such as that would be this one from KICKER.
Let us talk about the size first. The body of the unit is just 13-7/8 inches tall and 9-3/8 inches wide. Because of being this compact, you would not have to keep that much room under your seats to install it. And the body is made of aluminum, which makes it reasonably lightweight.
Aside from that, just like some of the other subwoofer for car units, this one also has an eight inches diaphragm. That size of the diaphragm is well known for offering crisp and noise-free bass.
Moreover, the unit is capable of outputting surprisingly low-frequency sounds. It also has plenty of connectivity options on the side. Also, it comes with a quick-connect power plug that has Velcro straps. That will make sure that the cable management is clean inside your car.
Additionally, you will have full control over the bass levels, thanks to the remote that it comes with. With that, you can also change the low-pass crossover levels. It is also capable of offering +6dB of bass.
Pros
- Features a plug-and-play connectivity system
- Sports a quick-connect power cable
- The power cable comes with a Velcro strap
- Boasts an 8 inches diaphragm
- Come with a highly efficient remote
Cons
- Bass loses its punchiness over time
- Flimsy Molex ports
4. Cerwin Vega VPAS10 10″ 2Ω 550W Max
If power is what you are actually looking for, let us introduce you to this unit offered by Cerwin. It will not let you down on the power factor that you are prioritizing.
First of all, the peak power of the unit is a staggering 550 watts, which is higher than most of the powered subwoofer car units out there. For that reason, it will be able to offer a punchy and powerful bass that is surely going to make the air molecules inside your car shake a little.
Aside from that, Cerwin did not skimp one bit on the safety protocols. To make it safer for the power supply unit, it features a protection circuit. It will cut the power off once any of the components start malfunctioning.
Other than that, you will have the full freedom of changing the bass boost. You can set anywhere from 0 and 12 dB. And you will be able to do that on the fly because of the remote that arrives in the package. That remote is also going to allow you to change the phase of the sounds.
Lastly, even after being this powerful, the unit is reasonably compact. You would not have any hassle at all in the case of installing this under the seat.
Pros
- Peak power is 550 watts
- Features a protection circuit
- Offers the full freedom of changing the bass boost
- Can change the phase with the remote
- Allows a hassle-free installation process
Cons
- Overheats pretty easily
- The protection circuit might cut the power off unreasonably
5. Sound Storm Laboratories LOPRO8 Amplified
Usually, the systems that are capable of receiving RCA inputs are the most versatile. And if you were on the lookout for one, then this one from Sound Storm might be the one for you.
Just like the name of the brand, the unit is really capable of storming the environment with sound. It is able to do that because of the built-in MOSFET power supply. That power supply can reach about 600 watts when the temperature is adequate.
Aside from the powerful power supply, the unit can receive both high-level and low-level inputs. The high-level inputs are basically the standard speaker inputs. And the low-level ones are the RCA interconnect inputs. You will be able to make it work with either of them.
Also, there is a built-in variable low-pass filter. That filter is basically an electronic circuit. It will remove all the sound notes that are lower than the ones that the diaphragm produces. As a result, the bass that you are going to get will be free of noise.
Other than that, the unit is pretty compact. It would not require that much room for you to set this up. Also, it comes with a wireless remote, which will let you make plenty of adjustments without having to go under your seat.
Pros
- Offers a built-in MOSFET power supply
- The peak power that it can output is 600 watts
- Includes a wireless remote
- Exceptionally versatile
- Feature a built-in low-pass filter
Cons
- Tends to output distorted bass sometimes
- Its remote might be basic for some users
6. Rockford Fosgate P300-10 Punch Single 10″
Even though it is believed that only the high-powered units can offer deep bass, sometimes, some of the relatively low-powered ones can offer similar if not better sound. And the one Rockford is offering can illustrate that perfectly.
To start with, a 300 watts amplifier powers the unit. Even though the watt-limit might seem comparatively low, the sound that it can give is punchier than most of the average 500 watts system. In fact, it is one of the best subwoofer units that is available regarding sound quality.
Unlike some of the high-powered units, this one boasts a fully adjustable 12dB low octave crossover. There is a built-in bass EQ too. Alongside that, you will also be able to switch the phase from 0 to 180 degrees. And to put a cherry on the top, you can also change the bass level using the remote that it comes with.
Moreover, it implements a closed-loop design. And this design optimizes the performance of the woofer. Alongside that, it is also capable of making the aftermarket speakers’ integration process easy for you. You would not have to go through any intricate steps for that.
Lastly, there are multiple input ports on the inside of this device. It can receive both standard and RCA speaker inputs.
Pros
- Implements a unique closed-loop design
- Offers multiple adjustment options
- Remote can change the bass level with a single click
- Packs a 300-watt amplifier
- The phase can be adjusted
Cons
- Its body is not that durable
- Amplifier tends to malfunction from time to time
7. Rockville RW10CA 10″ 800 Watt Slim Low Profile
Most people believe that the woofers that have a high-powered amp are usually large. However, that is not really the case. And Rockville is here to prove that with this unit.
As we mentioned, the unit features a highly powerful amplifier. The peak power of the unit is 800 watts, which is comparatively higher than most of the devices. And the RMS supply of power for the MOSFET power supply is 200 watts.
Additionally, it integrates auto turn-on technology. That allows it to lower the latency substantially. Hence, you are sure to enjoy accurate bass that is going to be in sync with the music. There is a built-in low pass filter as well. That will ensure that the distortion level of the bass is minimal.
Alongside that, it will offer you the full freedom to change the phase. You can adjust it from 0 to 180 degrees. It also has a subsonic filter that will run at 29Hz. You can also adjust the bass boost from 0 to a maximum of 18dB. And it comes with a remote.
It also has an adequate amount of built-in protection. Those will ensure that the woofer lasts for an extended amount of time.
Pros
- Gives a peak power output of 800 watts
- Sports a built-in MOSFET Unit
- Features a subsonic filter
- Its bass boost is highly adjustable
- Integrates auto turn-on technology
Cons
- Can overheat during peak supply
- Tends to rattle while producing high notes
8. Pyle PLBASS8 8-Inch Super Slim
If the space that is under your seat is highly limited, then the regular compact units are not going to cut it. You would need something that is ultra-slim, like this one from Pyle.
First of all, the unit has several input options. You will be able to attach both the low-level RCA inputs and the high-level standard inputs. That means you would not have to worry about compatibility that much.
Moreover, the unit features an ultra-slim profile body. It is slimmer than most of the other units that are out there. For that reason, installing this under your seat will be an effortless task for you. And even though the body is slim, it sports a full-sized 8 inches diaphragm, which will be able to offer crisp and clear sounds.
Other than that, there are plenty of protection circuits. It has high-temperature protection, which will cut the power off if it starts to overheat. Also, there is one protection for voltage overload. These circuits will ensure a long lifespan of the unit.
Lastly, it does not lack the adjustability options either. You will have the full freedom of changing the bass boost and switching the phase. It also comes with a low pass filter, which will make the bass noise-free.
Pros
- Features an ultra-slim design
- Sports a full-sized diaphragm
- Equipped with multiple built-in protection circuits
- The bass boost is adjustable
- Comes with a built-in low pass filter
Cons
- The power supply is not that reliable
- You might find the adjustment settings a bit basic
9. MTX Audio RT8PT Universal Powered Subwoofer
Want a system that does not consume that much power but gives a crisp and clean sound? Well, you can stop your search because MTX is here to offer you exactly what you were looking for.
To start with, it features a built-in 120 watts amplifier. The power that this amplifier consumes is considerably less than most of the woofers that are available in the market. For that reason, it would not overheat, nor will it suffer from inconsistent voltage flow.
Even though it consumes a reasonably low amount of power, the sound quality that it can output is surely praiseworthy. It is able to do that because of the regular-sized 8 inches diaphragm that it boasts. That diaphragm is capable of offering clean and noise-free bass.
Aside from that, the unit utilizes a compact footprint. It is round in size and is 22 inches long. The width is reasonably low too, which is only 11.25 inches. That means you will have no trouble at all in the case of installing this under the seat of your car.
Besides that, the enclosure has an adequate amount of venting, which will let the excess heat out of the system. Also, it comes with an external controller for the bass level. Because of that, you would not need to get under the seat to change the boost of the bass.
Pros
- Features a highly efficient 120 watts amplifier
- Offers an adequate amount of venting
- Does not overheat
- Small and compact in size
- Comes with an external bass level controller
Cons
- The wire of the controller feels cheap
- Its bass is not that punchy
10. Pioneer TS-WX130DA Compact Active
Like to have different bass experiences while listening to music? Were you looking for something that will enable you to switch between listening modes? Well, Pioneer might have the perfect thing for you.
First of all, the unit comes packed with a built-in amplifier. The amplifier is like the class D ones that have a peak power of 160 watts. Because of that, it achieves a high amount of efficiency. That means it is not going to consume much power while playing music.
Though the power consumption is relatively low, the bass is up to par with the high-powered ones out there. It has a specially designed aluminum cone surrounding the amplifier. It will make sure that you can enjoy strong and punchy bass.
Remember the different listening modes that we talked about earlier? Well, this one does offer that by implementing a digital bass control mechanism. That will enable you to switch from deep or dynamic bass. It is also responsible for optimizing the frequencies for clean sounds.
Moreover, the aluminum body that it features is extremely compact. It measures 11 inches by 7-7/8 inches. And the height is only 2-3/4 inches. So, no matter how tight space is under your seat, setting this up will be an easy task for you.
Pros
- Comes packed with a Class D amp
- The amp is highly efficient
- Features a built-in digital bass controller
- Sports an aluminum cone inside
- The height of the body is just 2-3/4 inches
Cons
- Power attenuation occurs in high volume levels
- The durability of the unit is not that praiseworthy
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Are under-seat subwoofers worth it?
Considering that there is not usually much space available in the car to install high-end and large music systems, we would say that they are very much worth it. The powerful and efficient ones can give punchy and clear bass that is comparable with the large high-end systems that are out there.
Q2: What is the function of an amplifier?
Just like the name suggests, an amplifier will amplify the signals. As a result, the lower frequency will transform into a high frequency. This amplification of frequencies will result in clean and high-volume sounds.
Q3: Is an amplifier important for woofers?
Yes, an amplifier is very crucial for the sub-woofers. As you know by now, amplifiers amplify the signals. And without amplification of the frequencies, you would not be able to get any bass out of the music that you are playing.
Q4: What does the power of the amplifiers state in the case of subwoofers?
In the case of subwoofers, the more powerful the amplifier will be, the punchier bass it will be able to produce. However, the bass might not always be noise and distortion-free. For those factors, the power of the amplifier has no role at all.
Q5: Are low-level inputs absolutely necessary for subwoofers?
Not really. The low-level inputs are generally the RCA interconnect inputs that old-style speakers usually have. Most of the speakers that are available now have the high-level connector, which is basically a standard now.
So, if you do not have speakers that have a low-level connector, you should not worry that much about not having low-level input ports.
Q6: Do 4ohm devices output more bass than 2ohm ones?
Usually, lower electrical resistance will output louder sounds. In that sense, it can be said that the 2ohm devices will output punchier bass than the 4ohm ones. Though the 2ohm ones will produce louder sounds, the clarity is something that will be lower than the 4ohm units.
Final Thoughts
Getting the best under-seat subwoofer is basically the only option you have if you want to enjoy a high-end music listening experience. And if you have limited space in your car, then this device will be perfect. So, we hope that our comprehensive list had at least one product that you are now in love with.
To sum things up, although the preferences will vary from one buyer to another, we assure you that no matter which one you pick from our review section, you will get the most out of the money that you decide to spend.
