Best Car Subwoofer Under 500$ are an essential part of any vehicle’s sound system. If you’re trying to upgrade your sound system or make it louder, adding a subwoofer to your car is an excellent way to do that.
A subwoofer is a speaker that reproduces lower frequencies, or bass: the higher decibel output means your car will sound louder and more impactful, especially when you’re playing bass-heavy music.
Subwoofers come in different sizes, but the most common size for a car is a 10 inch subwoofer. Our Media & Tech Lab has tested 10 inch subwoofers by putting them in an anechoic chamber and measuring their frequency response.
We also listened to them evaluate their sound quality and noise rating. Our top pick for under 500 dollars is the Polk Audio DB651. Its sleek design and 600 watts of peak power make it a great choice for bass lovers on a budget.
Our top picks for car subwoofers were determined based on thorough testing and reviews by our expert technicians and engineers who listen and test these products. These are the best car subwoofers under 500 dollars you can buy right now.
How We Tested These 10 Best Car Subwoofer Under 500$?
To find the best car subwoofer under 500$, we looked at a variety of factors.
Type of Subwoofers
First, we considered the type of speaker. There are two main types of car subwoofers: powered and passive.
- Powered subwoofers have their own internal amplifier and require less installation work.
- Passive subwoofers don’t have their own amplifier and must be connected to an external amplifier.
Size of the subwoofer
Next, we considered the size of the subwoofer. Car subwoofers come in a variety of sizes, from 8 inches to 15 inches. The size you need depends on the size of your car and how much bass you want.
Power handling:
Finally, we considered the power handling. This is how much power the speaker can handle without being damaged. We looked for speakers with a high power handling so that you can get the most bang for your buck.
1. Bandpass Enclosure Car Subwoofer Speaker:
The Pyle PLQB10 offers up enough bass to compete with high-end models like the Polk DB651 and Pioneer TS-A651.
Putting it through its paces with a 95-dB/1 watt SPL measurement, the PLQB10 delivered the top overall result for bass for its category, though it still trailed some more expensive models in 1-watt and 2-watt tests.
The PLQB10 has particularly potent bass from its 10-inch woofer, and the deep, rumbling lows are pleasing, but its mid-bass and mid-highs sound a little brittle and thin.
For us, the PLQB10’s weakest link was its midrange, which has a bit of tinny brightness and isn’t as deep or resonant as those of the other sub models we tested. Its tweeter is average, delivering above-average clarity and detail.
The PLQB10 also has good (if less impressive) results for the price, beating the Edgestar EP-5303, which costs twice as much and is nearly identical to this model.
The PLQB10’s low end is entertaining, and it’s one of the few models in the sub category that sound better in a bandpass configuration than in a sealed box.
It’s also the only sub we tested that comes with a display that shows remaining battery life.
We suspect a lot of the PLQB10’s bass is due to the enclosure’s black rubber edge suspension, which smooths out the resonances in the woofer’s cone.
2. Rockville RVB10.1A 10 Inch 500W Active Powered Car Subwoofer+Sub Enclosure Box:
The RVB10.1A is a 10-inch subwoofer enclosure that offers a 500-watt peak power rating and a 300-watt RMS power rating.
It is capable of reproducing frequencies of as low as 35Hz, although our test unit did not have an equalization knob, so we could not accurately measure its performance.
Nonetheless, we felt that this enclosure was capable of reproducing bass as low as 35Hz.
The bass response is slightly deeper than that of our former pick, the RVB10.1, which was measured at 35Hz, but shallower than that of our top pick, the RJB-10.1.
Pushing on the volume knob on the left side produced a loud, deep bass, although our test unit’s bass response was noticeably boomy and muddy.
Pushing on the volume knob on the right side produced a loud, but controlled bass response.
The bass of the RVB10.1A is uneven, and while the low-frequency region has noticeable bass presence, the mid and low frequencies are considerably flat.
The bass of the RVB10.1A is direct and tight, but the bass lacks presence, making it sound somewhat flat.
3. NVX QBUS10P 500W Peak:
The NVX QBUS10P is a subwoofer that’s perfect for practically any small car, truck or SUV.
It packs 500 watts of amplified power, making it more than powerful enough to power a pair of 10-inch subwoofers.
It has a built-in amplifier, so installation is easy, and it plugs directly into the 12v power port on your car’s firewall.
The QBUS10P is ported for excellent bass response, and it features variable low-pass filtering so you can dial-in the low-end for optimal performance.
It also comes with a built-in remote bass knob that lets you control the low-end without taking your eyes off the road.
4. Rockville WHEEL OF BASS 8″ Slim Under-Seat:
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With 500 Watts of RMS power and a 8″ (200mm) driver, the Rockville WHEEL OF BASS subwoofer is capable of producing deep booming bass that projects well even in larger rooms.
The enclosure is constructed from solid aluminum and is 3.15″ tall. This allows the sub to fit into tight locations and to also sound good tuned up high for normal listening.
The sub comes packaged in an attractively packaged Rockville box, with the sub’s enclosure in a plastic bag and the container to nest the sub into out of the box.
The sub has 3 inputs: 1 audio out, 2 RCA inputs that are automatically turned on when you power the sub on, and 1 RCA input with auto turn on.
It also features remote bass level controls and the subwoofer also has a built-in bass boost switch that’s adjustable from 0 – 12dB.
Rockville includes a 2″ square cast aluminum mount that installs under your rear cargo area or between your seats. Installation of the sub is very easy and should take about 10 minutes.
Our biggest complaint is the packaging. The wheel will bend if you put pressure on it, so the box has to be taken apart before it can be used.
Once the sub is installed, you’ll want to adjust the level with the remote until it sounds right to you.
Lastly, you’ll want to adjust the bass boost, and reset the sub so that it’s ready to turn on the next time you want to use it.
5. Blaupunkt 300W 8-Inch Amplified Subwoofer:
Subwoofers usually aren’t cheap, but the Blaupunkt 300W is a pretty good deal. It’s reasonably loud, and the bass is punchy and deep, which is always nice to hear.
This sub’s volume level can be controlled manually, or you can use the volume control on the included power cord, which is a nice feature.
The sub also has variable bass boost and bass boost cuts. The volume and bass boost controls are separate from the volume knob, so there’s no fumbling around in the dark to adjust it.
This sub has a low-pass filter, which helps to keep it from getting too muddy. It also comes with a 3′ RCA cable, a 4′ mini-jack cable, and a remote.
6. Rockville SS8P 400w 8″ Slim Under-Seat Active Powered Car/Truck Subwoofer:
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Single 15A Fuse. Dimensions: 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. The Rockville SS8P 400W Passive Subwoofer Subwoofer makes a great addition to any sound system.
This sub features 400 watts of continuous power, 100 watts of peak power handling, and an adjustable lowpass filter.
This sub comes equipped with a heavy-duty mounting feet, a thermal protection circuit, short circuit protection, and overload protection. The sub sports a built-in bass boost, phase switch, and ground lift switch.
This sub has 8″ woofers, and a built-in subwoofer level remote control. This sub is built with a cast aluminum enclosure. This sub comes with a 1-year limited warranty.
7. Rockville RVB12.1A 12 500w Active Powered Car Subwoofer:
The RVB Series subwoofers combine the same Rockville build quality and attention to detail found in their RV Series subwoofers with a modern and edgy design that is sure to impress.
Featuring dual 12 inch long-throw woofers and 1000 watt RMS power handling, these subwoofers are built to last.
The included 1200 watt RMS dual-channel power amp delivers plenty of power for even the most demanding bass.
The compact enclosure is perfectly matched to the sub, and features ported sides for maximum bass output.
The rear panel is adorned with an illuminated power button and dual RCA inputs for connecting Rockville’s RVB Series main speakers, a 1/4-inch line output for connecting external amplifiers, and 3-way binding post speaker terminals for connecting directly to the RVB Series subwoofer.
8. 10 Inch 1000W Big Red Gorilla Edition Active Car Subwoofer:
The 10 Inch 1000W Big Red Gorilla Edition Active Car Subwoofer pairs really well with the 10 Inch 1000W Gorilla Edition Active Car Subwoofer enclosure.
That enclosure comes with a 200W Rockford Fosgate amplifier and loads of ports.
The ports are basically what you’d expect, but some of the included cords have RCA connectors instead of typical 3.5mm plugs.
The speaker is a great value for the money. The enclosure is very well executed, has a good appearance and very strong construction.
The sound is very good. The bass is tight and deep. The subwoofer also sounds very clear highs and mids and can handle a high volume without distortion.
The sub also introduced a bit of midrange and treble fullness to the sound. I would give it a 9.5 out of 10.
9. Pyle Car Subwoofer Audio Speaker:
The Pyle PLPW8D 8-inch subwoofer offers high sound quality and great bass sound performance. It has a 1⁄2-inch voice coil that is reinforced with 4-layer voice coil and rubber surround.
The 800 watts peak power produces a great audio. The dual voice coil allows for wire connection as 4 or 8 Ohms.
It has a 3.7-inch mounting depth that is ideal for installation. The dual voice coil adds to the durability of the speaker.
The treated foam surround is made of non-fatiguing suspension. The speaker features spring loaded push down speaker terminals.
There is also an installation template and a manual included in the package.
10. Seismic Audio – SA-SSCS10:
The Seismic Audio SA-SSCS10 is a beautiful subwoofer enclosure that is simple to install, setup, and operate.
It uses 2 10-inch subwoofers, which pump out 500 watts of subsonic power, so you’ll want to install it in a space where you don’t expect too much bass. This subwoofer box is compatible with most mid-size to full-size trucks and SUVs.
The subwoofers are mounted on rubber edge suspension, which helps isolate the box and keeps it quiet. There are no metal parts or rubber parts that can rust.
The Seismic Audio SA-SSCS10 is black with brushed aluminum accents to make it look sleek. The carpeted dust cover hides unsightly vents and gives the enclosure a finished look.
The Seismic Audio SA-SSCS10 Shallow Mount 10 Inch 500 Watt Car Truck Audio Subwoofer Enclosure for Tight Spaces Subwoofer Box is designed for easy installation, but we recommend getting 2-person help, because the subwoofers are heavy.
Also, we recommend attaching the box to the frame of the vehicle with 2 long bolts to ensure maximum stability and precise installation.
The Seismic Audio SA-SSCS10 500W sub box also teases you with its deep, punchy sound: it reproduces the mids and highs with clarity, while the mids feature a rich, meaty tone.
The sub-woofer box produces deep bass, but the sound is clean and clear. Overall, the Seismic Audio SA-SSCS10 is a well-built subwoofer box with impressive performance.
What is a subwoofer and what is the best subwoofer under 500$?
Subwoofers can bring bass to the next level in the car. A subwoofer is an instrument that reproduces low frequencies. It is made to produce sound on the level of the 20 Hz to 200 Hz range of sound.
A subwoofer is usually installed in a sealed enclosure and includes its own amplifier. The subwoofer is powered by the amplifier. The amplifier sends the signal to the subwoofer, and the driver reproduces the low frequency before passing it through an amplifier.
What are the different types of car subwoofers?
Subwoofers are audio components designed to reproduce low frequencies, typically in the range of 20 to 160 Hz. The different types of subwoofers are:
Passive subwoofers:
These subwoofers don’t require any external power and are the cheapest option. They’re usually made from plastic or wood, and radiate sound through one or more woofers.
Passive subwoofers require a dedicated enclosure in order to function.
Active subwoofers:
These subwoofers require an external amplifier or receiver in order to function.
They’re typically more expensive than passive subwoofers, but offer better sound quality, due to the fact that they can be used with high-end amps, and incorporate multiple drivers (woofers and tweeters, for example).
Component subwoofers:
These subwoofers are the smallest ones. They consist of a woofers and a tweeter, and are typically used as replacements for car stereos. Their small size also makes them great for compact car models.
Full-range subwoofers:
They offer a wide frequency range, and can replace both woofers and tweeters in a car’s audio setup, thus creating a high-powered audio system. However, they’re slightly more expensive than component subwoofers.
Powered subwoofers:
These subwoofers use an external amplifier or receiver in order to function. They’re usually the most expensive, since they require an external device to power up.
How To Choose Best Car Subwoofer Under 500$?
When it comes to choosing the best car subwoofer under $500, there are a few things you need to take into account.
Type Of sound system you want?
First and foremost, you need to decide what kind of sound system you want in your car.
Are you looking for something that will provide a deep bass sound, or are you more interested in a system that will give you a clear and concise sound?
There are benefits to both types of systems, so it really comes down to personal preference.
Different brands and models
Once you’ve decided on the type of system you want, the next step is to research different brands and models. This can be done by reading online reviews or talking to friends who have similar setups.
Test Them From Your Friends Or Family
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, it’s time for a test drive. Take each subwoofer out for a spin and see how it sounds in your car.
Conclusion:
Iif you’re looking for the best car subwoofer under 500$, we recommend the Bandpass Enclosure Car Subwoofer.
It has a 10-inch woofer and 500 watts of power, making it one of the most powerful subwoofers on the market. Plus, it’s easy to install and comes with a two-year warranty.