Only the right subwoofer has the ability to fulfill your music desire with its deep smooth and clean bass output. However, the subwoofer with an above 10-inch driver is supposed to enjoy a highly powerful bass sound.
But what if we say average-sized driver subs are more capable of hitting the lowest frequencies for every kind of music. Maybe right now, you doubt our words. It’s really okay; today, we are here to clear all your doubts.
First of all, let’s talk about your needs. It can help if you have a subwoofer that can easily take all kinds of tasks comfortably, and it is mighty and impactful. If we are right, then you can fulfill your desire with an average-sized subwoofer.
Average sized sub refers to an 8-inch driver subwoofer. However, there are tons of models, and each claims the best performance. We can’t say any of them is useless, but it is also true that not all are best.
Therefore we have focused on the top-performing brands, which ensures continuous, high-quality performance. Let’s review the top 5 handpicked best 8-inch subwoofers.
Table of Contents
Best 8 Inch Subwoofers Review
1. Pioneer TS-SWX2002 8″ Shallow-Mount Subwoofer
The black dashing best shallow mount 8-inch subwoofer is truly a champion of the greatest sound output competition. The compact-sized shallow design provides you powerful low frequencies without taking a lot of space.
The MICA injected molded resin 8-inch cone provides high-quality sound with amazing precision. The cone surface circulates enough air to the entire mechanism to handle the critical temperature of high volumes.
The non-slip and scratch-resistant enclosure ensures that it will look new even after using a couple of years. Furthermore, the angled pushed terminals make it easier to use as you can create a straight and easy connection of speaker wires.
The fully carpeted compact enclosure allows users to install it easily in most tight spaces. However, the dual-spider design and 150 RMS watts help stabilize the cone to produce a loud sound consistently.
The high sensitivity rating also enhances the capability of power handling. The combination of high sensitivity and 150 RMS watts rating ensures that you can use it as a factory speaker too.
Nevertheless, to say, if you are looking for a hard-hitting bass subwoofer, then this pioneer speaker is ready to take up the position proudly. The high-quality fiberboard construction ensures its durability.
What We Like
- Durable scratch-resistant enclosure
- Compact design allows easy installation
- One year warranty built trust in buyers
- Reinforced mica Injection-molded resin preloaded driver
What We Don’t Like
- Great only for small rooms or cars
2. Skar Audio ZVX-8 D2 8 inch Special Car Subwoofer
The star of the list, the Skar audio subwoofer, is featured with 900 RMS watts power, which ensures high-quality performance and reliability. The low-end frequency response capability provides amazing bass notes to enhance the enjoyment level.
The latest custom tool basket provides an advanced cooling system to keep it cool while playing music on high volumes for long hours. The 2 OHM dual voice coils are also here to manage the high currents.
However, the Competition Grade Pressed Paper Cone with Stitched High Roll Foam Surround enhances its looks and ensures long life as well. Furthermore, the 80.4 DB sensitivity rating is also able to manage high power watts.
There is no need to worry about overheating and burning your new best 8-inch subwoofer car audio system as it can play louder music without relenting or showing the slightest signs of fatigue.
Furthermore, do not doubt its compact size, as you are going to experience the best low-end deep bass sound through this small box. The triple stack magnet and 2.5-inch voice coils play a key role in its performance.
The accurate low frequencies handling ensures the booming sound from this compact enclosure. You will get to know its actual efficiency when you are on a long tour in your car and continue playing the longest playlist.
What We Like
- Huge 1100 Peak and 900RMS watts handling capability
- Triple stack magnet provides a high magnetic field
- Extreme high current handling efficiency
- Ideal for long tours
What We Don’t Like
- Sometimes it produces metal slap noise
3. Rockville RW8CA 8″ 600 Watt Active Powered Subwoofer
The lightest 8 inch best subwoofer for a car holds a power handling capability of 150 RMS watts and 600 peak power watts. So never underestimate or judge it after seeing its small size.
It uses PWM MOSFET Power Supply, making it easier to install under the seat or in the dash. The low pass crossover filter of 29HZ prevents voice distortion at high volumes. The standard sensitivity rating is also here to manage high currents.
The low-level RCA input and auto-turn-on make it perfect for cars. However, the thermal protection, short and overload circuit protection ensures that it will never overheat or burn, even playing it for long hours.
The easy volume level and phase control mechanism make it easier to use. The high-level inputs and easy control features never demand remote control for easy access. The robust construction ensures the long life of this small subwoofer.
The greatest thing which we liked the most is its construction of an input and output system on one side. It makes wiring really straightforward. The next good news is that if you don’t like it, return it back to the seller within 30 days of purchase and get a new one.
The CEA 2006 compliant subwoofer comes with a one-year warranty card. Therefore if you still doubt the compact size and cheap price tag, then look once at its advanced specifications and certificate.
What We Like
- Excellent power handling for the thunderous sound
- Slim and compact design allows easy installation
- Inbuilt reliable amplifier
- Robust construction ensures long life
What We Don’t Like
- Sometimes misses bass and low frequencies
4. Rockford Fosgate P3SD2-8 Punch Series Subwoofer
The combination of 150 RMS watts power handling and tinsel lead dual voice coils can play cool lows and produce distortion-free bass notes continuously. The strong profile frame prevents overheating.
The second shallow mount subwoofer on our list, the Rockford punch series subwoofer, holds a reputation for delivering strong bass sounds. The anodized aluminum rigid cone can handle the driver moments comfortably, even under maximum load.
The CEA-certified best 8-inch subwoofer confirms the industry power handling standards and accurately matches with any relevant amplifier to produce potent bass.
The M-Roll Santoprene surround is specially added to produce brilliant excursion and maximum audio output. Furthermore, the shallow mount compact design is ideal to fit in tight spaces. The punch 3 stage Rockford subwoofer is a great option as a low-budget product.
What We Like
- Shallow mount design allows space-saving
- 2 OHM DVC makes it reliable and flexible enough
- Affordable price as compared to other listed
- It perfectly suits an external amplifier
What We Don’t Like
- Less cone movement due to compact shallow mount
5. Alpine Electronics PWE-S8 Compact Car Subwoofer
A 120 Watts inbuilt amplifier is packed in this small-sized aluminum enclosure. The 120 Watts RMS power handling capable subwoofer adds a thrill bass sound in your car without taking a lot of space.
The low pass crossover and easy phase control can match with several frequencies easily. The alpine electronics best car subwoofer comes with a shut-off guard who lets the system auto-turn off while overheating or electronic failures.
The polypropylene cone and butyl rubber surround ensures accurate sound production and enhances overall audio output quality. However, the 32 HZ to 150 HZ frequency range is not good enough, but its active enclosure helps it to hit the lowest frequencies.
The standard sensitivity rating is also helpful to manage several current and frequency levels. The subsonic filter also plays a key role in its high-level performance.
What We Like
- Easy sound adjustments
- The inline fuse protects the inbuilt amplifier
- The compact box delivers superb bass continuously
- Rigid aluminum enclosure ensures long life
What We Don’t Like
- Not good for big cars
How to Choose Best 8 Inch Subwoofer – Buying Guide
Undoubtedly an 8-inch sub cannot match the performance level of a 12-inch subwoofer. But still, if it is packed with crucial features which directly target the performance, then maybe it stands near to big sized ones.
So, what are those key features? Here, we have got them all together in this buying guide of the best 8-inch subwoofers. It’s really tough to compare the above-listed top models, but we have made it simpler. Check out how it becomes so easier!
- Power
Usually, there are two different types of powers; RMS and Peak. You have to pay attention to RMS watts rather than Peak. It is because the high RMS-powered subwoofer will continuously boom nonstop for hours.
RMS watts refers to how much power it can manage for long hours. However, peak power watts refer to the capability of handling shot bursts.
If your amplifier’s power and speaker’s power are similar, then the combination can produce ultra-deep bass and apparent sounds.
- Sensitivity
A subwoofer’s capability of handling different power levels also depends on its sensitivity ratings. It means both the power and sensitivity rating contribute to how powerful your subwoofer is.
A high rated sensitivity subwoofer needs less power to produce the same output as a model with low sensitivity ratings.
- Voice Coils
Voice coils also have a significant impact on the performance of a subwoofer. However, the single voice coil subwoofers are ideal for a quick and simple upgrade to music systems.
While the dual voice coils are known to add flexibility and additional sound outputs, it offers to customize the music system to get the desired sound. Therefore dual voice coils are more considerable.
- Impedance
While choosing the best subwoofer, the impedance rating is also crucial to consider, like other traits. However, 2OHM, dual voice coil, or 8OHM subwoofers are great for high-quality sound production.
Furthermore, look for an amplifier that matches the power rating and impedance of your new subwoofer. It is essential to match the power and impedance level; if it is unmatched, then you can’t get the desired results.
- Enclosure
The quality of the subwoofer’s production majorly depends on the enclosure type. If your new 8-inch subwoofer is sealed, it will provide intense and precise bass. However, the ported boxes are ideal for reaching higher volume levels.
- Frequency Range
The lowest frequency range featured subwoofers are highly recommended. A subwoofer featured with a 20HZ to 30HZ frequency range can produce deeper lower frequencies and clear outputs.
Conclusion on Best 8 Inch Subwoofer
This excellent buying guide of the best 8-inch subwoofers is committed to helping our readers with the greatest models. We think we have done our job, as now you have to compare between the above listed top 5 best 8 inch subwoofers.
Hence, for a few readers, it may still be confusing to compare the perfect one. In the same case, we would like to recommend the best pick, Pioneer TS-SWX2002 8″ Shallow-Mount Subwoofer, as a great option to upgrade home audio systems.
However, the dual spider mechanism and 150 RMS watts powered sub are ready to take all kinds of music tasks. Furthermore, if you have to upgrade your car’s music system, then you can go with Rockville RW8CA 8″ 600 Watt Active Powered Subwoofer.
Rockville active powered car subwoofer is able to provide enjoyment of big bass volumes in your car for years.