Deciding between a larger or smaller subwoofer for your car audio sound system is incredibly important because there are many variables to figure into the equation such as the woofers specifications, enclosure type, amplifier driving the subwoofer, voice coils …AND size!
So, if you're aiming to build a stereo system with great sound quality and you have enough space inside your vehicle, then it's wise to opt for a larger subwoofer.
However, if you're driving a small dinky vehicle that can't accommodate a large subwoofer, smaller subs such as an 8-inch or even under seat subwoofers will add a relatively decent thumping bass to any vehicle from the tightest spots.
Granted, an 8-inch subwoofer won't turn your ride into a rolling thunderstorm of bass by any means compared to big subwoofers with larger cones. Large subs have more cone area, thus they can produce more air pressure which results in booming bass.
Never under-estimate smaller subwoofers. A properly powered 8 inch subwoofer mounted in a suitable enclosure can make a night and day difference for your audio system. Especially if you have no subwoofer at all.
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Top 8 Best 8 Inch Subwoofers Reviews
The Kicker CompR subwoofer is one of the best cheap 8 inch car subwoofers that you can buy for under $50. It has a frequency range of 30 - 500 Hz, and can handle up to 100 watts of power on continuous basis.
The CompR features a flex-resistant polypropylene cone with 360-degree back bracing for hard-hitting lows without distortion. Its ribbed foam surround offers long excursion and maintains better sound linearity, while the double stitching ensures reliability and long lasting of the subwoofer even under excessive load.
Additionally, its sturdy steel basket frame provides a solid base for its relatively big bass output, and the extensive venting assures absolute heat dissipation without breakdown.
In terms of cons, it's really difficult to think of any. If anything, I'd say that the sensitivity rating of this subwoofer is below average, therefore, it will require a high power wattage input than a subwoofer with high sensitivity rating.
Having said that, it feels to me like nitpicking especially considering the price. All in all , This legendary Kicker Comp subwoofer is the perfect balance between high value and high performance!
TECHNICAL FEATURES
- Subwoofer Size: 8"
- Sensitivity: 85.6 dB
- Power Handling: 200 Watts (Peak) / 100 Watts (RMS)
- Frequency Response: 30 - 500 Hz
- Top-Mount Depth: 4-1/16"
- Impedance: 4-Ohms
- Size: 8"
- Impedance: 4 Ohms DVC
- Power Watts: 600W Peak / 300W RMS
- Sensitivity: 82.1 dB
- Mounting Depth: 4-1/8"
Rockford Fosgate is one of the most authoritative brands in the audio world. They were founded in 1973, and they've been making quality audio equipment ever since.
The P1S4-8 is a very well-built 8 inch subwoofer. But don't let the price fool you - this is a darn good subwoofer. It features molded polypropylene cone supported by a poly-foam surround for ultra-rigidity and minimal distortion.
It's emebedded with stitched-on, flexible 16 AWG tinsel leads that hang tough through violent cone movement so you get excellent.
Yet consistent performance, while the steel basket provides a rock-solid base for these this tiny bass thumper, additionally, you get a PVC magnet cover for additional protection.
TECHNICAL FEATURES
- Subwoofer Size: 8"
- Sensitivity: 84 dB
- Power Handling: 300 Watts (Peak) / 150 Watts (RMS)
- Frequency Response: 40 - 250 Hz
- Top-Mount Depth: 4-1/8"
- Impedance: 4-Ohms
- Features 2 Inch Copper Clad Aluminum Voice Coil
- Stamp Cast Frame Structure
- Features Flex Fit Basket Design
- Kevlar Fiber Reinforced Paper Cone
- 200 Watts RMS 400 Watts Peak Power Rating
This is going to be the most expensive pick of the lot by far. And assuming you've got enough money to thrown around, the JL Audio 8W7AE-3 is one of the top-notch 8 inch subwoofers you can buy.
The 8W7AE-3 is a very well-conceived and well-engineered subwoofer. It features a dish-shaped outer cone that's supported by a second W-shaped inner cone attached to the sub's voice coil structure.
This design allows for solid, yet lightweight cone that's very responsive which results in accurate bass without distortion or noise.
This subwoofer also features the "OverRoll woofer cone" design. This design is also called "Plus One Cone Technology" and it basically lets the surround wrap around the outside of the mounting flange which results in more usable cone area, thereby the sub moves more air for deeper lows.
If I had to pick some criticisms for the JL Audio 8W7AE-3, it would be just the price. However, something this good is naturally expensive.
TECHNICAL FEATURES
- Subwoofer Size: 8"
- Sensitivity: 84 dB
- Power Handling: 1000 Watts (Peak) / 500 Watts (RMS)
- Frequency Response: 23 - 250 Hz
- Top-Mount Depth: 6-7/8"
- Impedance: 3-Ohms
If you prefer something that’s built for competitions, then you might want to take a close look at what the Skar Audio SVR-8 D4 has to offer.
The competition-grade pressed paper cone is backed with a high roll foam surround, both of which helps this 8-inch subwoofer make the most out of its 800-watt peak power and 400-watt RMS power.
Additionally, it also comes with a 2-inch copper voice coil that’s built to withstand high temperatures and constant stress.
As a result of all of its features coming together, the SVR-8 D4 feels a lot less like a typical 8-inch subwoofer and more like a 12-inch subwoofer.
TECHNICAL FEATURES
- Subwoofer Size: 8"
- Sensitivity: 81.8 dB
- Power Handling: 800 Watts (Peak) / 400 Watts (RMS)
- Frequency Response: 30-350 Hz
- Top-Mount Depth: 4.8”
- Impedance: 4-Ohms
- Peak Power: 800 watts | RMS Power: 400 watts
- 2.6" (65.5mm) dual 4-ohm high temperature 4-layer copper Voice Coil
- Powerful high flux ferrite motor with advanced air Flow Cooling Design | Fs: 48 Hz
- Engineered for incredibly deep, dynamic, and powerful bass | Sensitivity: 81.8 dB
- High Roll Foam Surround stitched to competition Grade pressed paper cone
The Pioneer TS-SW2002D2 is arguably the best 8-inch subwoofer today as far as shallow mounts go.
Featuring dual 2-ohm voice coils, as well as a resin cone that’s been mica-injected. The best thing about the TS-SW2002D2 is that it is shallow-mounting.
Basically, what this means is that it is best for vehicles with shallow mounting options. But, despite this, it packs a lot of power. Even though it won’t rattle your trunks anytime soon, the bass is clean and a lot louder than factory subwoofers.
Not to mention, it’s capable of producing crisp and sharp sound, giving it a lot more punch that belies its relatively small size.
TECHNICAL FEATURES
- Subwoofer Size: 8"
- Sensitivity: 86 dB
- Power Handling: 600 Watts (Peak) / 300 Watts (RMS)
- Frequency Response: 20-200 Hz
- Top-Mount Depth: 2-5/8"
- Impedance: 4-Ohms
- Tight bass from a shallow compact design
- Reinforced mica Injection-molded resin preloaded subwoofer Cone structure
- Carpeted, non-slip and scratch resistant enclosure surface
- Enclosure size (WDHP): 11-3/4" X 9-1/4" X 5-1/2"
Easily one of the best cheapest recommendations on our list, the Polk Audio dB840 is equipped with a rigid polypropylene cone that uses a Santoprene surround support for added durability and to help it handle those punchy and deep lows.
But, perhaps more importantly, Polk tested the dB840 to guarantee that it can withstand all sorts of use.
In fact, the Polk Audio dB840 is unique in that it’s also fit to be used for marine applications. Yes, as in boats and yachts.
While the dB840 could stand to handle more power, the fact that it comes with a low asking price feels like it’s already nitpicking to try and find what’s wrong with it.
TECHNICAL FEATURES
- Subwoofer Size: 8"
- Sensitivity: 86 dB
- Power Handling: 600 Watts (Peak) /200 Watts (RMS)
- Frequency Response: 35-500 Hz
- Top-Mount Depth: 5-3/16”
- Impedance: 4-Ohms
- 8” HYPER 200 SERIES SUBWOOFER
- Rated at 200 watts RMS / 600 watts MAX
- Proprietary Heavy Gauge Stamped Steel “Alpha” Basket
- 86 dB / 38 oz Magnet / Frequency Response: 35 500 Hz
- Mounting Dimensions Depth: 94mm / 3.70”
If price is not an issue, the CT Sounds Meso is one of the best 8-inch subwoofers on the market.
With a 1600-watt maximum power handling, as well as 800-watt RMS, the Meso lets you enjoy literally ground-shaking bass.
It does so with the help of some of the best magnets out there, along with excellent build quality, thanks mostly to its basket frame that helps guarantee that the Meso not only performs well, but is capable of doing so for a long time.
TECHNICAL FEATURES
- Subwoofer Size: 8"
- Sensitivity: 82.8 dB
- Power Handling: 1600 Watts (Peak) / 800 Watts (RMS)
- Frequency Response: 150 -20 kHz
- Top-Mount Depth: 73mm / 2.9”
- Impedance: 4-Ohms
- 8-inch car subwoofer with RMS Power: 800 Watts RMS; Max Power: 1600 Watts MAX; Coil Configuration: Dual 2 Ohm Subwoofer
- 2.4 Inch - 4 Layer High-Temperature CCAW Voice Coil & 160 Oz Triple Stacked Y35 Grade Ferrite Magnet
- Triple Joint Ring & 24 mm Chrome Top Plate
- Competition Mega Foam Surround & 5% Carbon Fiber Reinforced Cone
- Dual Round Weaved Copper Tinsel Leads & 8 Gauge Push Terminals
You either have to go big or go home. Or, at least, that’s what most people believe.
The truth is, you don’t always have to spend mightly to enjoy quality. This includes subwoofers, as the Planet Audio AC8D proves.
Packing up to 1200 watts worth of power, the AC8D comes with a dual input terminal set and works seamlessly with your factory speakers. This means that, not only is it relatively affordable, but setting it up is.
However, perhaps what’s more important is that it’s built to last, as evidenced by the polypropylene cone with a foam surround.
Flexible, powerful, and affordable, it’s hard to find something as good as the AC8D at its price range, let alone something better.
TECHNICAL FEATURES
- Subwoofer Size: 8"
- Sensitivity: 85 dB
- Power Handling: 1200 Watts (Peak) / 600 Watts (RMS)
- Frequency Response: 23-3 kHz
- Top-Mount Depth: 4”
- Impedance: 4-Ohms
- CONE: Made From Polypropylene, The AC8D 8 Inch Car Subwoofer Provides a Resilient And Durable Material That Can Offer Great Sound With The Advantage Of Long Lasting Subwoofers
- VOICE COIL: Our Voice Coils Are Able To Withstand High Temperatures Yet Maintain Its Strength And Fatigue Properties. Making Our Voice Coils With This Material, Gives Our Speakers The Advantage Of Longer Pay Times With Lower Weights
- SURROUND: Foam is very flexible, providing the subwoofer with higher efficiency. This also translates to better excursion. (How far the cone of a speaker linearly travels from its resting position).
- STAMPED BASKET: The stamped basket offers a strong and rigid platform allowing the listener to hear clean and clear music output
- SPECIFICATIONS: Resonant Frequency - 39 Hz, Sensitivity SPL (1W/1m) - 85 Db
Final Thoughts
The bottom line is that if you want to build a solid sound stereo system, and you've got enough space to accommodate a large subwoofer, we would definitely recommend going that way.
As a general rule of thumb, larger subwoofers have more woofer cone area, thereby, they can move air which translates to bigger bass.
However, if you don't listen to bass heavy music and you're just wanting your sound system to deliver a well-balanced sound output, then smaller subs are the way to go.
These subwoofers aren't just cheap, but they're also quite easy to install compared to larger subwoofers. They are a great way to to add decent bass for those of you who are on a tight space-and-money budget.
Finally, if you want to avoid the hassle of buying a subwoofer, an amplifier, and the right enclosure for your subwoofer, matching, wiring and combining all that stuff together, then check our reviews of the best under seat subwoofers.
Last update on 2021-12-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
