5 Best Budget Car Subwoofers Review 2023

(Last Updated On: March 14, 2024)

Think of yourself sitting in a car, experiencing a sound vibration so profound that it resonates within your stomach. Visualize turning on the car stereo, where instead of a high-pitched scream, you can feel the profound base reverberating deep within your abdomen. This is the sensation you’ll experience when you possess the top budget-friendly car subwoofer.

If you’re looking to have a taste of this feeling, you’re in the right place. Here, you’ll find the top 5 budget-friendly car subwoofers. As a plus, you’ll find:

• Their distinct features
• Pros and Cons of each product
• And factors to consider when buying a car subwoofer

Best Budget Car Subwoofer Review

I like to think that subwoofers are the life of every car. Because really, what’s a car without quality sound? However, people tend to believe the myth that quality subs are expensive. So they stick to the wailing of their default car stereos.

Well, if you’re a sucker for quality sound, I’m here to help. Take a look at these mind-blowing and pocket-friendly car subwoofers.

BOSS Audio System CXX12 Car Subwoofer

The CXX12 car sub is undoubtedly the boss of woofers on the market. It has a power handling of 500 watts to 1000 watts. On the surface, this may seem to be a problem, especially for persons with cars that have low-power amplifiers. It means that this subwoofer produces more bass than other subs with lower power handling. Though, it is not as durable as other subs.

The surround of the CXX12 model is made of butyl rubber. This surround connects a polymer cone to the basket. It is also built with aluminum voice coils. These coils allow the sub to perform perfectly in high compression and high tension environments.

Unlike other subs, this one has two enclosure types. So it can either work in ported or sealed enclosures. The sealed enclosure has a 1.2 cubic feet internal volume. On the other hand, the ported enclosure has an internal volume of 1.8 cubic feet. Together these volumes help the woofer fit right into the enclosure with minimal required clearance from the rear wall.

Final Verdict

For a sub, this audio system has quality impedance. Suitable for persons looking to buy a car subwoofer that works perfectly under stress. You should buy the Boss CXX12 audio system if these qualities you fancy.

Skar Audio SDR-12 D2 Car Subwoofer

I particularly find this subwoofer intriguing. When paired with a relatively high amplifier, the sound it emits is nothing short of magic. One can even say that the SDR-12 D2 emits clearer sound than subs with the 90dB excellent sensitivity rating.

This audio system surround is made of high roll foam. This material reproduces the default sound qualities. It consequently causes the sub to produce low-end sounds that give goosebumps. And the super low 22Hz frequency response guarantees the riveting bass levels.

The most spectacular feature of this car subwoofer is the air control feature. It is built to prevent air from entering into the sub. But instead of blocking out the air completely, it utilizes it as a coolant. It follows that this sub has almost no chance of getting fried.

Final Verdict

The Skar Audio SDR-12 D2 produces a bass as low as a baritone singer. You can truly feel the vibration of every sound. As a plus, it has a cooling system that makes it safe.

Rockville RW10CA Car Subwoofer

I like to think that the manufacturers of this audio system once had to deal with bad car stereos. And they evidently never wanted to experience that again. Because clearly, so much work was put into the RW10CA car subwoofer.

The first thing they did was ensure that the sub met the excellent sensitivity rating. It has a 90dB sound pressure level. And this means that it doesn’t require much power to produce high-quality sound. This subwoofer is a good fit for cars with average power amplifiers.

Furthermore, the Rockville RW10CA car subwoofer has a smart circuit. The circuit senses a signal and automatically turns itself off. The minute you turn off the audio signal, it goes off.

The power handling seems to be lower than that of most subs. And it tends to scare off a certain buyer. It shouldn’t. This is because this product is CEA-2006 compliant. So, all the sound and amplifier ratings are legit. Additionally, this product has a slim design for easy installation. And it is thick enough to fit under a car seat.

Final Verdict

The RW10CA car subwoofer is a product of a carefully thought-out process. It is your best bet for easy installation and standard sensitivity ratings. Luckily, you get all these features together with insane bass levels at an affordable price.

Skar Audio SDR-2X12DA Subwoofer

The Skar Audio SDR-2X12DA subwoofer is a premium-grade car audio system. It is designed with a bass boost that has relatively flexible frequencies. If this product could respond to lower frequencies, it’d be every client’s favorite.

Regardless, the pre-mounted woofers make up for what the product lacks in frequency levels. The sub is not only pre-mounted but also pre-wired. This makes installation super easy. All you have to do is connect your amplifier and tune your audio. Voila, you’re good to go!

Final Verdict

For an amount so wide, thick, and tall, this product would only be suitable for a car with space. But if you like to feel the bass from your car’s trunk, then this woofer is perfect for you.

Rockford Fosgate P300-12 Subwoofer

Just like the Rockville RW10CA, this product also has an intelligent signal function. It automatically turns on and off when it senses a signal. For high efficiency, it has a low current design. It thus makes it suitable for extremely low amplifier levels.

I personally don’t think the power handling can be highly efficient. But the advantage of this power level is that it eliminates the risk of ignition. It consequently makes the subwoofer a safe one.

Final Verdict

For vehicle owners with low amplifiers, you can use this subwoofer. It saves you the stress of having to buy a higher amplifier. It is safe and affordable.

Comparison Chart

The distinction between the 5 best Budget Car Subwoofers is evident in their features. They vary in dimension, frequency response, and, most importantly, power handling. Here is a comprehensive chart that highlights the distinct features of these vehicle woofers:

	Size	Power Handling	Impedance	No of Voice Coil	Frequency Response	Sensitivity	Enclosure Type
BOSS Audio System CXX12	13″ x 13″ x 5.4″	500 watts – 1000 watts	4 Ohm	Single	N/A	85dB	Sealed / Ported
Skar Audio SDR-12 D2	12″ x 12″ x 8″	600 watts -1200 watts	2 Ohm	Dual	22Hz – 300Hz	84.7dB	N/A
Rockville RW10CA	12.4″ x 13.4″ x 2.7″	200 watts – 800 watts	2 Ohm	Single	20Hz – 150Hz	90dB	Sealed
Skar Audio SDR-2X12DA	37.88″ x 18.75″ x14.25″	600 watts – 1200 watts	4 Ohm	Dual	32Hz – 300Hz	84.7dB	Ported
Rockford Fosgate P300-12	11″ x 19.8″ x 15″	300 watts – 600 watts	N/A	Single	35Hz – 200Hz	12dB	Sealed

Read more: 5 Best Budget Car Speakers Under $100 Review 2022

How To Buy The Best Budget Car Subwoofer

Compatibility (size)

This is the most important feature to consider when buying a subwoofer. I’d advise that you decide on a space for the sub before buying it. That way, you can measure out the space and pick a sub that suits it. It saves you the stress of having to buy space ringers.

Power Handling

You should be aware of the amplifier levels of your car when buying a sub. Not in all cases, though. If you plan to buy a better amplifier, you can be less concerned about it.

Whichever it is, make sure to use an amplifier with power as high as your sub. If it is too high, it is very likely that the audio system fries. And if it is low, it can’t power the woofer.

Impedance

Impedance controls the flow of electricity to a sub’s circuit. The power goes berserk and fries the sub when the control is lost. Note that a 2 ohm will produce loud volumes and poor sound. A 4 ohm, on the other hand, will produce lower volumes but quality sound.

Read more: 1-Ohm vs. 2-Ohm vs. 4-Ohm Subwoofer: Which Is The Best?

Number of Voice Coil

When buying a sub, the number of voice coils shouldn’t be a problem. Whether it is single or dual, they both perform the same function. If you’d like more wiring flexibility, then you should buy dual voice coils.

Frequency Response

Good car subs are quick to respond to changes in frequency. And if you want something that can give you that life-changing bass, then go for something as low as 20Hz.

Sensitivity

The standard sensitivity rating is 90dB. This does not mean that subs with 80dB speed levels cannot produce quality sounds.

Enclosure Type

I like ported enclosures better. I sincerely think they are the best enclosures. Unlike the sealed enclosure that stays the same through all frequencies, they’ll peak at certain frequencies.

Material

High roll foam is the best subwoofer surround. It amplifies the sound. And if you can avoid magnetic voice coils, please do.

Read more: 4 Best Budget Car Amplifiers Review 2022

Recommendation

All 5 subwoofers are my top pick for budget-friendly car woofers. And they are all exceptional products. Now here comes the part you’ve been waiting for…

My top pick is the Rockford RW10CA subwoofer. I think the next rated woofer will be the Skar Audio SDR-12 D2. I believe that they are wholesome products. And they produce the lowest bass levels.

Ignore my obsession with low-end bass and focus on the features. With this review, I’m sure you’ll find the most suitable vehicle woofer. Whichever woofer you settle on, you can rest assured that you’ll be getting value for every penny.