Top 9 Best Under Seat Subwoofer for 2022

underseat-subwoofer

Table of Contents

In your quest for the best under-seat subwoofer, it’s important to remember one crucial fact: these subs aren’t going to turn your ride into a rolling thunderstorm of bass when compared to larger subs.

They may not be a great option if you’re looking for ground-pounding bass, but they can certainly add some depth and punch to your music.

Their relatively easy installation process and small size make them a great add-on to factory stereo systems.

Admittedly, larger subs might have a few advantages over smaller subs, but they aren’t intended for vehicles where space is an issue. On the other hand, smaller subwoofers, specifically slim subwoofers, can literally fit anywhere, making them best suited for compact and sports vehicles.

Top of The Line
Kicker 11HS8 8” 150 Watt Hideaway Compact Car Audio Powered Subwoofer Sub HS8
Sound Storm Laboratories LOPRO8 Powered Under Seat Car Subwoofer - 600 Watts Max, Single 2.6 Ohm, Voice Coil, Built in Amp, Low Profile, Remote Subwoofer Control
Rockville RW10CA 10" 800 Watt Slim Low Profile Active Powered Car Subwoofer Sub, Black
Starter
Rockford Fosgate Prime R2S-1X10 Single R2S Slim 10” Shallow Subwoofer Loaded in a Wedge Enclosure with 200 Watts RMS / 400 Watts Max
Kicker 11HS8 8” 150 Watt Hideaway Compact Car Audio Powered Subwoofer Sub HS8
Sound Storm Laboratories LOPRO8 Powered Under Seat Car Subwoofer - 600 Watts Max, Single 2.6 Ohm, Voice Coil, Built in Amp, Low Profile, Remote Subwoofer Control
Rockville RW10CA 10" 800 Watt Slim Low Profile Active Powered Car Subwoofer Sub, Black
Rockford Fosgate Prime R2S-1X10 Single R2S Slim 10” Shallow Subwoofer Loaded in a Wedge Enclosure with 200 Watts RMS / 400 Watts Max
Frequency Response: 25-120 Hz
Frequency Response: 20-150 Hz
Frequency Response: 20-150 Hz
Frequency Response: 30-120 Hz
Sensitivity: N/A
Sensitivity: N/A
Sensitivity: 90 dB
Sensitivity: 90 dB
-
-
-
-
$219.96
$126.03
$149.95
$149.99
Top of The Line
Kicker 11HS8 8” 150 Watt Hideaway Compact Car Audio Powered Subwoofer Sub HS8
Kicker 11HS8 8” 150 Watt Hideaway Compact Car Audio Powered Subwoofer Sub HS8
Frequency Response: 25-120 Hz
Sensitivity: N/A
-
$219.96
Sound Storm Laboratories LOPRO8 Powered Under Seat Car Subwoofer - 600 Watts Max, Single 2.6 Ohm, Voice Coil, Built in Amp, Low Profile, Remote Subwoofer Control
Sound Storm Laboratories LOPRO8 Powered Under Seat Car Subwoofer - 600 Watts Max, Single 2.6 Ohm, Voice Coil, Built in Amp, Low Profile, Remote Subwoofer Control
Frequency Response: 20-150 Hz
Sensitivity: N/A
-
$126.03
Rockville RW10CA 10" 800 Watt Slim Low Profile Active Powered Car Subwoofer Sub, Black
Rockville RW10CA 10" 800 Watt Slim Low Profile Active Powered Car Subwoofer Sub, Black
Frequency Response: 20-150 Hz
Sensitivity: 90 dB
-
$149.95
Starter
Rockford Fosgate Prime R2S-1X10 Single R2S Slim 10” Shallow Subwoofer Loaded in a Wedge Enclosure with 200 Watts RMS / 400 Watts Max
Rockford Fosgate Prime R2S-1X10 Single R2S Slim 10” Shallow Subwoofer Loaded in a Wedge Enclosure with 200 Watts RMS / 400 Watts Max
Frequency Response: 30-120 Hz
Sensitivity: 90 dB
-
$149.99

Let’s Compare the Best Under-Seat Subwoofers for 2022

This is not by any means a comprehensive list.  There are loads of great under-seat woofers out there. Actually too many to possibly cover in a single article.

However, we wanted to give you a breakdown of some of the best under seat subwoofers we’ve come across,

With any luck, you’ll find something that meets your needs for your sound system in your car.

Contents:

  1. Kenwood KSC-SW11 Review
  2. Kicker Hideaway
  3. SSL LOPRO8
  4. Rockville RW10CA
  5. Rockford Fosgate R2S
  6. Rockville SS8P
  7. Alpine Electronics PWE-S8
  8. CERWIN-VEGA MOBILE VPAS10 VEGA
  9. Pioneer TS-SWX2502

1. Kenwood KSC-SW11 Subwoofer – The Overall Best Under-Seat Subwoofer

Founded in 1970, Kenwood has been recognized as one of the best brands in-car audio industry.  Kenwood offers many quality products ranging from speakers and subwoofers to head units (both single and double din head units) and amplifiers.

Kenwood’s KSC-SW11 is a tiny powered subwoofer that can fit almost anywhere, be it under or behind the passenger seat, in the back wall of a pick-up, or even in some storage areas. So if you’re looking for an easy way to reinforce your sound system’s bass without sacrificing too much space, I can’t think of a better option as the best under-seat subwoofer than the KSC-SW11.

The bass quality of the Kenwood KFC is definitely above par for most small subs. However, what quickly caught our attention about this subwoofer was its highest sensitivity rating coming in at 110 dB.

I mean, it’s very sensitive – highly efficient. Thus it plays louder with less power (remember that a subwoofer with a higher sensitivity requires less power to deliver the same amount of bass as a model with a low sensitivity rating). So if you’re still reading this, then that’s important to you.

To ensure you’re getting the biggest bang possible out of this sub, Kenwood has stuffed it with an 8-1/4″ x 5-1/8″ woofer that is fed with 75 watts RMS by the built-in amplifier. At the same time, the rigid aluminum enclosure eliminates rattles.

The KSC-SW11 comes with a wired remote control to let you adjust the bass from the driver’s seat.  The Kenwood KSC-SW11 can also be used in home theaters and media rooms to ensure that every chunk of music you hear reaches its full potential and simulate a movie-going experience.

In terms of drawbacks, I can’t actually think of any. If anything, I’d say its frequency range doesn’t reach as low as some of the best under-seat subwoofers we’ve come across in the same category.  Otherwise, this is a great subwoofer with enough bass to satisfy anyone’s craving for little bass.

Specifications:

  • Woofer Size (inches) : 8.25 x 5
  • Built-in amplifier – RMS : 75 watts
  • Built-in amplifier – Peak : 150 watts
  • Frequency response : 35 – 125 Hz
  • Sensitivity : 110 dB
  • Warranty : 1 year

No products found.

Pros

  • Highly sensitive for an under seat sub
  •  Includes a wired remote bass control
  •  Compact and well made

Cons

  •   The frequency range could have been wider

2. Kicker Hideaway 11HS8 Subwoofer – The Best Low Watt Subwoofer

Kicker Hideaway is going to be the most expensive pick of the lot by far and the most expensive that we’re going to review – you’ll be looking at almost $300.  That might be a bit much for those of you who are starting.

Kicker Hideaway - Kicker 11HS8


While most under-seat subwoofers are priced around $150, the “Kicker Hideaway” is much more expensive.  With this being said, the question we want to answer is: for those of you who have access to several under-seat subs from just as many brands,  is Kicker Hideaway worth the price?  Let’s find out.

One of the biggest things about this little piece state of the art that is noticeable immediately is its impressive low-frequency output from a tiny enclosure.

At just 3-1/8 inches high and nearly 14 inches long, the Hideaway enclosure combines a powerful built-in 150-watt RMS amplifier and an 8-inch subwoofer that can hit low notes that’ll really rock your ride and add depth and punch to any music you prefer.

This will make the listening experience even more intense while setting a new standard in plug-and-play bass performance and convenience in compact vehicles.

Additionally, the Hideaway comes with a remote bass control to let you adjust bass levels on the fly according to your mood.  It also comes with a wide array of fine-tuning controls such as variable +6dB bass boost, adjustable low-pass crossover, phase-canceling switch, and two automatic turn-on options.

One of the major drawbacks of the “Kicker Hideaway” subwoofer is its hefty price tag, which pitches it in the same bracket as larger subs (in terms of costs). So, obviously, this subwoofer isn’t budget-friendly.  However, there are still quite a few people I’d recommend it to.  First of all, I think audiophiles with smaller cars might benefit from this enclosed sub more than most.

There are smaller barriers to entry using a compact powered subwoofer than typical subwoofers, which usually require tons of efforts building enclosures, wiring, matching an amplifier to the subwoofer…etc.

Furthermore, it’s a much tiny subwoofer with a rich blend of capabilities and performance than you’d expect from such a small subwoofer, and it’s an all-in-one unit, so there’s only one piece of equipment you’ll need to find a mounting place for. So finally, when you pick one of these subs up, you’ll know where the extra money you spend on it went.

Specifications:

  • Woofer Size (inches) : 8″
  • Built-in amplifier – RMS : 150 watts
  • Frequency response : 25 – 120 Hz
  • Sensitivity : NA
  • KickEQ boost : variable to +6dB @ 40Hz
  • Warranty : 1 year
Kicker 11HS8 8” 150 Watt Hideaway Compact Car Audio Powered Subwoofer Sub HS8
  • 8" Powered Subwoofer Enclosure
  • Ultra-compact powered subwoofer system designed for tight locations
  • Just over three inches high
  • 8-inch internal subwoofer
  • 150-watt RMS power amplifier

Pros

  • Impressive performance
  • Versatile fine tuning controls
  • Two automatic turn-on options

Cons

  • Price is a little on the higher side

3. Sound Storm Laboratories LOPRO8 Subwoofer – The Best Compact Car Subwoofer

SSL LOPRO8 is definitely the less expensive amplified subwoofer we’ve come across, which is a great option for anyone looking for a solid car amplified subwoofer that doesn’t break that bank.

SoundStorm Labs (AKA SSL) is a brand we haven’t had many chances to talk about.

Regardless, this is a brand that is making a name on the car audio market; it is considered one of the best brands that focus on giving you more bang for your buck, which really appears in the link to the above subwoofer.

SSL LOPRO8


The price isn’t anything to sneeze at, but this is a very well-made subwoofer, and it carries a huge return on investment.

The LOPRO8 combines a built-in amplifier and an 8-inch subwoofer in a super-compact ported enclosure. In addition, it comes with various tunning controls to adjust your bass and give your music the extra punch it needs.

The amount of bass it can deliver is impressive given the fact that it lacks venting ports. In addition, it is equipped with RCA low and high-level inputs and a remote bass level control, not to mention low pass and subsonic filters, as well as a soft-delay remote turn on.

To put it simply, anyone who loves a good deal (which is everyone, by the way!) will love this subwoofer for no other reason than it’s cheap.

Specifications:

  • Woofer Size (inches) : 8″
  • Subwoofer Type : Amplified
  • Built-in amplifier – RMS : 300 Watts @ 4 Ohms
  • Built-in amplifier – Peak : 600 watts
  • Subsonic Filter : 20 – 50Hz
  • Low pass filter : 20 – 150Hz
  • Sensitivity : NA
  • Warranty : 1 year
Sound Storm Laboratories LOPRO8 Powered Under Seat Car Subwoofer - 600 Watts Max, Single 2.6 Ohm, Voice Coil, Built in Amp, Low Profile, Remote Subwoofer Control
  • BUILT-IN AMPLIFIER: With a MOSFET power supply you get improved switching speeds, better performance with less power from the driver, lower gate-to-drain feedback capacitance, lower thermal impedance for higher switching frequencies
  • VARIABLE LOW-PASS FILTER: A low-pass filter is an electronic circuit that removes all the notes below the filter's frequency setting. You will use the Low-pass filter to primarily keep high notes out of your subwoofer(s)
  • HIGH LEVEL INPUTS: Speaker level inputs are commonly referred to as high-level inputs. It will be used to connect the LOPRO8 to your factory radio or an aftermarket radio that does not have low-level (RCA) inputs
  • LOW LEVEL INPUTS: Line level inputs, also known as RCA inputs or low-level inputs, use RCA interconnect cables to link the LOPRO8 with the source unit. Most aftermarket radios have multiple pairs of RCA outputs that can connect to multiple amplifiers
  • VARIABLE BASS BOOST: Variable Bass Boost allows you to adjust the low bass within the boost range to just the way you like it

Pros

  • low pass and subsonic filters
  • a remote bass level control
  • great bass output for its price point

Cons

  • Lacks venting ports

4. Rockville RW10CA Under-Seat Slim Subwoofer – The Runner Up Powerful Subwoofer

The Rockville RW10CA was made to be a complete audio solution for getting great bass without taking up much room. 

 It is less than 3 inches thick, making this a truly slim subwoofer.

ROCKVILLE RW10CA CAR SUBWOOFER

Since it’s an all-in-one solution, the amplifier is built-in as well, making installation and wiring super easy.

With this sub, you’ll get 800 watts of peak power and 200 watt RMS.  Since this model is CEA-2006 compliant, you are guaranteed to get the power that it says you will get.  (It’s one of the only best seat subwoofers on the market that is actually CEA-2006 compliant)

If you’re looking for a simple solution to putting great-sounding bass in you’re car without taking up very much room at all, the RW10CA is probably the choice for you.

Specifications:

  • Subwoofer size: 10″
  • Maximum Power RMS: 200 Watts
  • Impedance: 2 Ohm
  • Dimensions: 12.4 x 13.4 x 2.7 (L x W X H) Inches
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz – 150Hz
  • Sensitivity: 90dB @ 1w / 1m
Rockville RW10CA 10" 800 Watt Slim Low Profile Active Powered Car Subwoofer Sub, Black
  • Rockville RW10CA 800 Watt 10" Slim Car Subwoofer.Waterproof : No
  • 800 Watts Peak / 200 Watts RMS. PWM MOSFET Power Supply.
  • Low Level RCA Input. High Level Inputs with Auto Turn-On Technology.
  • Adjustable Input Sensitivity. Soft Delayed Remote Turn-On.
  • Thermal Protection Circuit, Short Protection Circuit.

Pros

  • Installation is super easy
  • CEA-2006 compliant
  • Slim and compact
  • Great sound output

Cons

  • Bass could have been deeper

5. Rockford Fosgate R2S Subwoofer Enclosure – The Best Budget Subwoofer

The Rockford R2S is another great option for a shallow-mounted subwoofer you can fit under your seat.

It’s a bit bigger than some of the other options in this list but is still a great option.

Rockford Fosgate R2S


You’ll get 200 watts RMS and 400 watts max, which isn’t the best either. At the same time, if you’re looking for an under-seat subwoofer, you probably have no space for bass. The R2S will give you great-sounding bass in a small enclosure.

The slim design of the enclosure is specifically made for single cab trucks but can also fit easily under a car seat. This alone makes it some of the best under-seat subwoofers around!

Specifications:

  • Subwoofer size: 10 inches
  • Maximum Power: RMS 400watts
  • Impedance: 2 Ohm
  • Dimensions: 13.5 x 19 x 5.25
  • High-flow, low-noise port design
  • Constructed with 5/8-inch MDF
  • 10 AWG input terminals
  • These shallow-loaded enclosures can fit in tight spaces due to the slim-line depth of 3.25 inches on the top and 5.25 inches on the bottom
Sale
Rockford Fosgate Prime R2S-1X10 Single R2S Slim 10” Shallow Subwoofer Loaded in a Wedge Enclosure with 200 Watts RMS / 400 Watts Max
  • The R2S-1X10 sealed loaded enclosure is internally wired to create a 2-Ohm amplifier load with power handling of 200 Watts RMS / 400 Watts Max
  • The R2S-1X10 sealed loaded enclosure is internally wired to create a 2-Ohm amplifier load with power handling of 200 Watts RMS / 400 Watts Max
  • The wedge design is optimized for single-cab trucks with limited seat travel, and constructed with 5/8” MDF, covered in high density carpet, and features quick release compression terminals
  • The R2S-1X10 can fit in tight spaces due to the slim-line depth of 3.25" on the top and 5.25" on the bottom – Wedge dimensions: 13.5" x 19.0" x 5.25" (bottom) x 3.25" (top)
  • Famous Rockford Fosgate build quality with a full 1-year warranty

Pros

  • Slim and compact design
  • Perfect replacement for your aftermarket stereo
  • Voice coil is made from anodized aluminum for efficient heat dissipation
  • Durable and made from top-quality materials

Cons

  • Occasional distortion at high outputs
  • Bass could have been louder

6. Rockville SS8P Slim Subwoofer – The Best Compact Budget Car Subwoofer

This is yet another great under-seat subwoofer that you would be happy to put in your truck or SUV. It is a compact 8-inch sub that is slim enough to fit perfectly under the seats of your car. And, its power rating is decent for its price tag. It has an RMS of 100watts with a peak power rating of 400 watts.

To add to its compact size, the Rockville SS8P has a built-in amp. Therefore installation is super easy. You won’t have to include a zillion wires in your car as you connect your sub to an amp.

The Rockville SS8P is also packed with numerous control and tuning options for a flawless listening experience. It has a bass boost ranging from 0 to 12dB at 5Hz plus; the subsonic filters ensure top-quality sound that can be customized to your liking.

Another great feature of this under-seat sub that makes it stand out is the inclusion of an auto-on feature. As soon as you switch on your car stereo, the amp automatically turns on.

Rockville SS8P

Specifications:

  • Subwoofer size: 8″
  • Maximum Power: RMS 400watts
  • Impedance: 2 Ohm
  • Dimensions: 11.4″ x 8.3″ x 2.8″ Inches
  • Frequency Response Range: 20Hz – 150Hz
Rockville SS8P 400w 8" Slim Under-Seat Active Powered Car/Truck Subwoofer Sub,Black
  • Rockville SS8P 8" 400w Slim Under-Seat Active Powered Car/Truck Subwoofer Sub.
  • Enclosure is made out of cast aluminum which stays cool at all times. Peak Power Handling: 400 Watts.
  • RMS Power Handling: 100 Watts. Heavy Duty Mounting Feet. PWM MOSFET Power Supply. Low Level RCA Input. High Level Inputs with Auto Turn-On Technology. Adjustable Input Sensitivity. Soft Delayed Remote Turn-On. Thermal Protection Circuit, Short Protection Circuit. Overload Protection Circuit. Green Power/Red Protect LED. Phase Switch: 0° or 180°.
  • Low Pass Filter: 50Hz - 150Hz. Bass Boost: 0 - 12dB @ 45Hz. Built in Subsonic Filter @ 20Hz. THD: < 0.4%. Subwoofer Level Remote Control. Fuse Rating: Single 15A.
  • Specifications: Peak Power 400 Watts. RMS Power: 100 Watts. Impedance: 4 Ohm. Dimensions (L x W X H): 11.4" x 8.3" x 2.8" Inches. Frequency Response: 20Hz - 150Hz. Signal to Noise Ratio: >90dB. Sensitivity: 90dB @ 1w / 1m. Input sensitivity, Low level: 300mV. Input sensitivity, High level: 1.0V

Pros

  • Easy to install
  • Great bass for such a compact sub
  •  Well built sub

Cons

  • Bass at higher volumes could have been better

7. Alpine Electronics PWE-S8 Subwoofer – The Best High-End Compact Subwoofer

If you’ve been keen on car audio system brands, you’ll agree with me that Alpine is grabbing its users’ attention through the manufacture of top-quality car stereo components. And, the PWE-S8 doesn’t disappoint.

This sub is packed with numerous features that make it a perfect option to replace the factory stereo of your truck. To begin with, this is an 8-inch sub that comes with a built-in amp.

A top advantage of under-seat subwoofers that have built-in amps is their easy installation. And, since it is a shallow mount subwoofer (at just 3 inches), the sub is very versatile and can be installed in any compact space as it requires a tiny space.

Alpine Electronics PWE-S8

The sub has a power rating of 120 watts RMS and a frequency response range of 32Hz to 150Hz. As a result, you are assured of great sound output for a wide range of music. But, like for most other compact subs, the bass is not enough to tear through your seat. The output is clear and crisp yet not too loud.

Specifications:

  • Subwoofer size: 8″
  • Maximum Power: RMS 120 watts
  • Frequency response: 32Hz-150Hz
  • Dimensions: 13.5” x 9” x 3” Inches
Alpine 8" Amplified Subwoofer (PWE-S8) 120W Compact Powered 8" Car Subwoofer for Under or Behind The Seat
  • Peak: 240 watts
  • RMS: 120 watts
  • 8" Woofer High-Excursion cone
  • Built-in Class D Amplifier
  • Frequency Response: 32-150 Hz

Pros

  • Great sound especially at low frequencies
  • Easy installation
  • Compact and durable

Cons

  • Price is a little on the higher side

8. Cerwin-Vega Mobile VPAS10 Vega Subwoofer – Best High-Frequency Subwoofer

Founded way back in the early 195s, Cerwin Vega has now mastered the art of producing a wide range of top-quality subs.

We’ve reviewed one of Cerwin Vega’s best-powered seat subs on this list of top under-seat subwoofers. A powered sub is a compact and slim sub that comes with a built-in amp.

Unlike most other under-seat subs, the VPAS10 is very slim (2.6 inches). This makes it one of the most compact under-seat subs available in the market today.

On top of that, it comes in a case made from cast aluminum to ensure excellent subcooling. This 10-inch subwoofer has an 80 watts RMS power rating and measures 13.6″ x 9.6″ x 2.6″ inches.

Other great features include a knob for remote bass control, a phase switch, adjustable sensitivity, and more.

On the flip side, as expected, it is not very powerful with such a slim sub. And its frequency response range is between 75 to 159Hz.

Cerwin - Vega VPAS10

Specifications

  • Subwoofer size: 10″
  • Maximum Power: RMS 160 watts
  • Impedance: 2 Ohm
  • Dimensions: 13.6″ x 9.6″ x 2.6″ inches
  • Frequency Response Range: 75Hz – 150Hz
Sale
Cerwin Vega VPAS10 10" 550W Car Audio Underseat Subwoofer with Passive Radiator Technology…
  • Compact Design: Specifically engineered to fit in the spare tire and underseat well of most vehicles, this subwoofer provides powerful bass while maximizing space
  • High-Performance Bass: Equipped with a robust subwoofer, this unit delivers crisp, deep bass that elevates your music experience to new heights
  • Custom Enclosure: The built-in, custom-designed enclosure is crafted from durable materials to ensure optimal sound quality and performance
  • Easy Installation: Designed for straight forward installation, the subwoofer comes with all necessary hardware and a detailed manual to guide you through the process
  • Power Handling: Capable of handling to its maximum power, this subwoofer ensures your audio remains clear and distortion-free even at high volumes

Pros

  • Smaller than most under-seat subs
  • Loud and clean sound output
  • Convenient wired remote crossover

Cons

  • Bass could be better

9. 9. Pioneer TS-SWX2502 Shallow-Mount Enclosure Subwoofer – Best Low-Frequency Subwoofer

This list of top under-seat subwoofers would be incomplete without an entry from the gurus in the Pioneer car audio system. They have been in the industry for years, and all their products are excellent.

A good product that showcases how Pioneer is doing what they do best is the TS-SWX2502 subwoofer. In fact, you would be correct to say it is the perfect definition of a powered shallow mount under seat sub.

Pioneer TS-SWX2502

To begin with, the bass produced by this tiny sub is impressive, thanks to the top tech used in making it. In addition, the sub is designed to have an oversized cone. This greater size allows your sub to give that extra punch that lacks in most under-seat subs.

On top of that, the cone is solid and well made from MICA injection-molded resin. Thus, your sub will serve you great music for years.

  • Subwoofer size: 10″
  • Maximum Power: RMS 400 watts
  • Impedance: 4 Ohm
  • Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 200Hz
  • Sensitivity: 93dB
  • Dimensions: 18.5 x 12 x 6 inches
Pioneer TS-SWX2502 10 inch Shallow-Mount Pre-Loaded Enclosure
  • Music Power (Nominal): 1,200 W (300 W) Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 200 Hz, Sensitivity (1 W/1 m): 89 dB, Impedance: Single 4Ω Tight bass from a shallow compact design
  • Reinforced MICA injection-molded resin preloaded subwoofer cone

Pros

  • Oversized cones give excellent music
  • Impressive and clean bass
  • Easy installation
  • Scratch-resistant and durable

Cons

  • Sound output could have been louder

Advantages and Disadvantages of Under Seat Subwoofers

  • Advantages – these subs are tiny. Granted! Each of them has a different look, size, and configuration. The various pros of under-seat subwoofers generally have to do with their lightness and portability. Due to their mounting location and space constraints presented by some sport vehicles, they must be lighter and compact. This makes them an easy fit even in shallow locations, particularly under seats. It also makes it easier to be moved or transported outside the vehicle.
  • Disadvantages – obviously, under-seat subs don’t get the same quality of sound (bass depth) as larger subs do, and that is due to their small size and compactness design, and also because of their power handling capabilities are relatively low when compared to larger subwoofers.
Top of The Line
Kicker 11HS8 8” 150 Watt Hideaway Compact Car Audio Powered Subwoofer Sub HS8
Sound Storm Laboratories LOPRO8 Powered Under Seat Car Subwoofer - 600 Watts Max, Single 2.6 Ohm, Voice Coil, Built in Amp, Low Profile, Remote Subwoofer Control
Rockville RW10CA 10" 800 Watt Slim Low Profile Active Powered Car Subwoofer Sub, Black
Starter
Rockford Fosgate Prime R2S-1X10 Single R2S Slim 10” Shallow Subwoofer Loaded in a Wedge Enclosure with 200 Watts RMS / 400 Watts Max
Kicker 11HS8 8” 150 Watt Hideaway Compact Car Audio Powered Subwoofer Sub HS8
Sound Storm Laboratories LOPRO8 Powered Under Seat Car Subwoofer - 600 Watts Max, Single 2.6 Ohm, Voice Coil, Built in Amp, Low Profile, Remote Subwoofer Control
Rockville RW10CA 10" 800 Watt Slim Low Profile Active Powered Car Subwoofer Sub, Black
Rockford Fosgate Prime R2S-1X10 Single R2S Slim 10” Shallow Subwoofer Loaded in a Wedge Enclosure with 200 Watts RMS / 400 Watts Max
Frequency Response: 25-120 Hz
Frequency Response: 20-150 Hz
Frequency Response: 20-150 Hz
Frequency Response: 30-120 Hz
Sensitivity: N/A
Sensitivity: N/A
Sensitivity: 90 dB
Sensitivity: 90 dB
-
-
-
-
$219.96
$126.03
$149.95
$149.99
Top of The Line
Kicker 11HS8 8” 150 Watt Hideaway Compact Car Audio Powered Subwoofer Sub HS8
Kicker 11HS8 8” 150 Watt Hideaway Compact Car Audio Powered Subwoofer Sub HS8
Frequency Response: 25-120 Hz
Sensitivity: N/A
-
$219.96
Sound Storm Laboratories LOPRO8 Powered Under Seat Car Subwoofer - 600 Watts Max, Single 2.6 Ohm, Voice Coil, Built in Amp, Low Profile, Remote Subwoofer Control
Sound Storm Laboratories LOPRO8 Powered Under Seat Car Subwoofer - 600 Watts Max, Single 2.6 Ohm, Voice Coil, Built in Amp, Low Profile, Remote Subwoofer Control
Frequency Response: 20-150 Hz
Sensitivity: N/A
-
$126.03
Rockville RW10CA 10" 800 Watt Slim Low Profile Active Powered Car Subwoofer Sub, Black
Rockville RW10CA 10" 800 Watt Slim Low Profile Active Powered Car Subwoofer Sub, Black
Frequency Response: 20-150 Hz
Sensitivity: 90 dB
-
$149.95
Starter
Rockford Fosgate Prime R2S-1X10 Single R2S Slim 10” Shallow Subwoofer Loaded in a Wedge Enclosure with 200 Watts RMS / 400 Watts Max
Rockford Fosgate Prime R2S-1X10 Single R2S Slim 10” Shallow Subwoofer Loaded in a Wedge Enclosure with 200 Watts RMS / 400 Watts Max
Frequency Response: 30-120 Hz
Sensitivity: 90 dB
-
$149.99

Important Features to Look For in an Under-Seat Subwoofer

Under-seat subwoofers come in various compact sizes and can have all sorts of features. If you are looking for a subwoofer that is going to give you elite sound quality then you should look for the following technical specs. 

Power Handling

As you increase the volume on your stereo, more power is drawn from your battery. Speakers and subwoofers usually have a limit of power they can handle. When you exceed this limit, you can damage your subwoofer.

In subwoofers, there are two important power features to consider: RMS and Peak Power.

RMS: The maximum amount of power a subwoofer can receive without overheating.

Peak Power: The threshold for the power you can direct to the unit.  

It is very important to invest in a subwoofer with an equal or higher RMS rating than your amplifier so you won’t burn out your subwoofer when maxing out the volume on your amplifier.

Frequency Response

The frequency response of a subwoofer refers to the range of frequencies it can produce. Human ears can detect sounds with a frequency range of 20 – 20,000Hz, but bass sounds are only produced at a frequency range of about 60 – 250 Hz. 

Most subwoofers typically only produce a frequency range of 20Hz – 250 Hz which should be sufficient for producing all bass sounds in audio. But some subs cannot handle this range and will distort sound when low or high bass frequency ranges are played. 

If you want a subwoofer that will produce crisp clear bass sounds then you should pay attention to the frequency range these systems can handle. 

Impedance

Impedance refers to the amount of resistance a subwoofer produces in ohm measurements. The lower the ohm level of a speaker, the greater amount it will pull from the amplifier. Low impedance ratings can also increase the stress on your amplifier and can cause it to burn out faster. Subwoofers with a higher resistance rating tend to last longer but also tend to be softer. 

Final Thoughts

Under-seat subwoofers won’t win any race for bass or loudness, but if you own a small car and don’t have the space for a subwoofer, investing in a good under-seat sub is a great alternative! It’s guaranteed to improve the bass level and overall sound experience. They are the ideal substitutes for your factory stereo system.

Hopefully, this comprehensive review of the best under-seat subs helps you make a wise and well-informed purchase decision.

And if you need a good pair of car speakers to go with your subwoofer or need a modern stereo for your ride then you should have a look at some of the other guides we have on Ride Bass. With our guides, you can find a decent audio system for any type of car no matter how big or small. 

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