15 Best Car Subwoofers Under $100

Sound systems without subwoofers will have a faint and uninspiring sound. So, in order to get that deep bass and sub-bass low-pitched tones, you really ought to install them in your car.

Due to the number of different features available on modern subwoofers, purchasing a subwoofer can cost you up to a thousand dollars or more, depending on what you’re specifically looking for.

This article will take a look at some inexpensive subwoofers that are less than $100 so you can get your foot in the door and become acquainted with these entry-level subs before trying out more advanced equipment.

What Should One Look out for in a Cheap Subwoofer?

• Wattage – Cheaper subwoofers have lower RMS and peak power watt ratings, as you would expect. When it comes to RMS wattage, the finest $100 subwoofers usually have up to 300 RMS that can rise to anywhere between 700 and 800 RMS watts. Still, one thing to keep in mind: RMS is the superior measure though, so be sure to use it as the basis for your selection instead of the peak power wattage. RMS figures are usually much smaller than peak power values, but they are a more accurate representation of the actual performance of a subwoofer, amplifier, or speaker.
• Manufacturer – Subwoofers in the under $100 price range are often made by unscrupulous firms and are more likely to break down after just a few days of use. So do stay away from business names that are blatant attempts to copy well-known brands. Always read customer reviews before making a purchase.
• Build Quality  – To have the best possible audio experience, you should look at the materials used to construct the enclosure. Overall sound quality is heavily influenced by this. It’s also possible to see what materials the driver itself is composed of. However, in this price range, it’s more difficult, but not impossible.
• Size – The box, the driver, and typically the amplifier make up a woofer. The box contains the driver, which is the component that generates noise. Nevertheless, the driver is generally, but not always, supplied separately in this price range. Even though it’s annoying, you should anticipate it.

If you’re looking for an inexpensive subwoofer without sacrificing quality or performance, any one of the 15 subs below will do.

1. SKAR IX-10-D2

Skar Audio IX-10-D2 Car Subwoofer is powered by an advanced airflow cooling system that uses the built-in airflow of the throat plate to effectively keep the voice coil cool during high amp performance, while still being efficient on power consumption. The 2″ BASV high-temperature copper voice coil will provide you clear bass tones. This 10-inch subwoofer has two 2 Ohm voice coils that create an RMS power of 200 watts and a peak power of 400 watts.

A ferrite magnet with foam surround is incorporated into the durable design of this car subwoofer. It also includes a new crystal-clear sound and a sensitivity of 86.2 dB as well as a low category of efficiency, which means it will last longer. The smaller size of this car subwoofer makes it easy to be installed in your vehicle.

This subwoofer has a frequency response of 28-325Hz and is both reliable and efficient. Skar Audio IX-10-D2 is constructed with a pressed paper cone to create clear bass. Included with this subwoofer is a foam surround that reduces distortion along with the ferrite magnet, resulting in casting out lower notes for an optimum sound experience. You’ll definitely appreciate your vehicle’s sound system after installing the Skar Audio IX-10-D2.

2. JBL STAGE 102

The JBL Stage 10″ 102 High-Performance Car Subwoofer features a 2 Ohm voice coil, an RMS power of 225 watts, and a peak power of 900 watts. It also comes with a heavy-duty powder-coated frame which is very convenient for users to handle due to its lightweight. This product offers high efficiency and super durability with crystal clear sounds, rich bass tones, and ultimate sound experience.

The JBL Stage 102 Car Subwoofer is equipped with polypropylene woofer cones for maximum strength as well as hi-roll rubber surrounds which provides comfort and convenience especially for users who will be moving the subwoofer around the car frequently. Both the cone and surround are made with automotive-grade material that assists in clean reproduction and longevity. There’s also a ferrite magnet that helps to create powerful sounds.

This product has excellent sensitivity at 89 dB. and includes a foam gasket for effective sealing. The JBL Stage 102 Car Subwoofer weighs 6.6 pounds and has dimensions of 12.2 x 12.2 x 6.1 inches. It is one product that has extreme sound quality and is very durable. It’s all about the bass!

3. PLANET AC8D

The Planet Audio AC8D 8 Inch Car Subwoofer is a great deal at a great price. It has a peak power of 1200 watts, polypropylene cone, 2″ high-temperature copper voice coil, ferrite magnet, and foam surround. This car subwoofer includes a trim ring, a stamped basket and a mounting depth of 3-13/16″.   Not only will this efficient and reliable unit offer you crystal-clear sounds and rich bass tones but it will also help to make your car safer and more enjoyable.

This product is energy-efficient for added performance and boasts a frequency response of 23Hz-3kHz and a sensitivity of 85dB.

The Planet Audio AC8D 8 Inch Car Subwoofer is built to last you longer while saving you money. It is easy to install and within your budget. This car subwoofer offers maximum bass with an impressive sound experience. If you’re looking for a product under $100, then I would definitely recommend this sub.

4. PYLE PLPW8D

Perfect for your next great get-together, the Pyle PLPW8D 8 Inch Car Subwoofer brings new life to your audio system. It comes with a 1.5″ 4-layer voice coil that protects against corrosion and helps this sub live longer. And with an RMS power of 400 watts, and a peak power of 800 watts, this is one party trick you won’t ever want to be without!

There are also features like a bumped and vented motor construction, 40 oz magnet, foam surround, and 89dB sensitivity. The Pyle PLPW8D 8 inch car subwoofer is very easy to install and will get your bass pumping in no time.

It has a pressed paper cone that gives the best balance of mid and low frequencies. The voice coil with magnet help to ensure that the Pyle PLPW8D 8 inch car subwoofer delivers great bass tones, while the dual voice coil ensures consistent performance.  The Pyle PLPW8D 8 inch car subwoofer will surely be a nice addition to your trunk sound.

5. KICKER 43C104

The KICKER 43C104, 10-inch Car Audio Subwoofer comes with 150 watts RMS output. The black, poly-injected body features a rigid injection-molded cone and 45 oz magnet to deliver rich bass tones. The magnet structure is incorporated into the backplate of the woofer to prevent magnetic coupling with other nearby electronics components. It is powered by a 300-watt peak amp using an SVC 4 Ohm voice coil for maximum efficiency. The KICKER 43C104 is designed to be compact with dimensions of 9.45 x 9.45 x 3.15 inches.

The low-frequency port in the KICKER 43C104 is in the form of a non-vented straight-through, rigid injection molded cone. The rigid injection-molded cone with foam surround is designed to deliver the best sound for your car. With the foam surround, you’ll also get enhanced heat dissipation and durability. The high-frequency port is made from metal bent into a serpentine shape to provide high-performance bass reproduction.

The KICKER 43C104 is capable of delivering a frequency response of 30Hz-500Hz at 86.2dB sensitivity for ultra-clear bass output. The strong steel basket with a vented pole piece and coil cooling perimeter venting helps in delivering distortion-free bass reproduction.

Spring-loaded terminals and durable spiraled tinsel leads help in securing reliable connections as well as prevent loose connections due to vibrations or bumps from the road surface while driving. The high-performance built-in amplifier and bass management circuitry further add to performance. The KICKER 43C104’s amazing sound and potential for its size has impressed car audio enthusiasts around the globe.

6. LANZAR MAXP64

LANZAR 6.5″ MAXP64 Car Subwoofer Speaker has plenty of power and gives you an ultra-clear bass that can be heard even over loud traffic – perfect for parties or just hanging out with your friends. And at under 4 pounds, this subwoofer’s ultra-low profile won’t weigh down your car but will, instead, maximize your sound pleasure.

LANZAR MAXP64 is a quality-built subwoofer that can deliver a clear, crisp, and loud sound even when you’re listening to your favorite hip-hop playlist at max volume. This subwoofer delivers deep, crisp bass for all of your music. It has 300 RMS power and a peak power of 600 watts. You can adjust the frequency anywhere from 80Hz to 20kHz to suit your preferred sound experience.

The non-pressed paper cone is lightweight and helps cut down on any unnecessary weight from your car’s suspension system. The non-fatiguing rubber suspension helps reduce any overloading of internal components that might lead to faster wear and tear or possible failure.

The stamped steel basket is made of strong steel, making it durable enough for regular use. It provides a rigid basket area, creating a stable foundation for your subwoofer to rest on. The 1.5” aluminum voice coil is designed to increase the air space between the voice coil and basket. This helps minimize unwanted vibrations that can be transmitted through your car’s speakers or other components.

This subwoofer fits most cars. It is a lightweight and compact subwoofer that delivers a powerful bass sound.

7. JBL STAGE 82

The JBL Stage 82 Car Subwoofer is an 8-inch high-performance subwoofer with an RMS power of 200 and a peak power of 800 watts. The sportsman style provides an optimum sound experience with crystal-clear sounds, including rich bass tones. It features automotive-grade materials for durability and reliability. This efficient and reliable speaker has polypropylene woofer cones that help provide great audio capabilities for your next party or get-together.

It weighs 6.3 pounds and has a sensitivity of 88dB that is easy on your ears but still provides crisp sound output without distortion at any level. It comes with a foam gasket for vibration dampening and overall protection against damage. It also has two JBL inputs; one RCA input and an AFL input with a total output of at least 150 watts.

The JBL Stage 82 is surely a great choice for those who love music. Its punchy bass tones and crystal-clear sounds surpass all expectations from an under $100 sub. It offers great-sounding mid-range sounds and low notes while still keeping the overall audio output clean sounding, crisp, natural, and enjoyable. It is a product made to last even in extreme operating conditions!

8. BOSS CH10DVC

BOSS Audio Systems CH10DVC Car Subwoofer offers an array of features that will satisfy both the professional mobile DJ and the home hobbyist. With 1500 watts max speaker power, you’ll have plenty of bass whenever you need it. The polypropylene cone ensures that the subwoofer delivers crystal-clear sounds with rich bass tones. Equipped with a 2-inch voice coil, this 10-inch high-performance subwoofer has an 84dB sensitivity rating for efficient and reliable performance. The butyl rubber surround makes for ultra-clear bass performance.

This BOSS unit is designed for sealed enclosures, and it can give you high performance when used in such enclosures. It comes with a 4-6/8 inch mounting depth and a weight of 7.9 pounds. There’s a stamped basket that provides efficient and reliable operation. Installation is very easy and does not require any special tools.

BOSS Audio Systems CH10DVC Car Subwoofer is one of the best car subwoofers on the market today. Not only is it very affordable, but this speaker also gives you all the features you need for a great audio experience. The materials are of high quality, making it a durable product.

9. KICKER 44CWCS84

KICKER is well-known in the automotive industry for its refined engineering, innovative designs, and relentless pursuit of excellence. As a leader in the design and manufacture of high-performance audio products, Kicker understands the importance of delivering high-performance sound to your vehicle. The 44CWCS84 8″ Subwoofer is a perfect example of KICKER’s commitment to you. Constructed with an injection-molded polypropylene cone, this unit provides rich bass tones that are defined by the linearity and fantastic sound reproduction that KICKER drivers are renowned for.

The strong steel basket is built with heat dissipation capabilities in mind and combines with thermal pads to ensure your installation maintains its cool under pressure.

The KICKER 44CWCS84 car subwoofer is an ideal choice for a diverse number of vehicles, including hatchbacks, sedans, and trucks. The dual 4 Ohm SVC coil design makes this superior performing yet affordable unit capable of handling power levels of up to 200 watts RMS, making it ideal for all types of music. A strong steel basket and spiraled tinsel leads come together to give you the ideal balance of power and quality bass tones. The KICKER 44CWCS84 is a durable and long-lasting unit that will deliver high-quality sound for years to come.

10. BOSS P80DVC

The BOSS Audio Systems P80DVC Car Subwoofer is built to provide life-changing clarity and grip your attention with its ultra-clear sound. It features a paper cone, a stamped basket, and an aluminum 4 Ohms voice coil with foam surround for ultimate durability and efficiency. BOSS P80DVC can handle up to 500 watts RMS power/1000 watts peak power, which will give it an extremely clear output at 88dB sensitivity.

It has a 3-3/4-inch mounting depth, a weight of 4.4 pounds, a cutout diameter of 7”, and a resonant frequency of 42Hz. With all the features it is equipped with, this under $100 sub is definitely worth every dollar spent on it. It is easy to install, and highly efficient.

11. PYRAMID PW848USX

Pyramid PW848USX  8-Inch Subwoofer boasts an RMS power of 175 watts and a peak power of 350 watts. It also comes with a non-pressed paper cone that increases its durability. The bumped and vented motor structure increases the power capacity of this product, which makes it more efficient. The 1.5” high-temperature Kapton voice coil offers superior heat resistance for crystal clear distortionless audio quality in your music or movies.

The foam surround increases reliability and is non-fatiguing. The 3.5” mounting depth makes this product easy to install in any car. This Pyramid model can be installed in sedans, hatchbacks, trucks, and SUVs.

Pyramid PW848USX comes with rich bass tones, extreme durability, low power consumption, reliability, longevity, worldwide voltage compatibility, and excellent sound quality!  It can also handle extreme weather conditions. 

12. LANZAR MAX8

The Lanzar MAX8 600 Watt Car Subwoofer Speaker is an 8-inch sub with a durable 1.5-inch 4 Layer high-temperature Kapton voice coil that provides better power handling at maximum volume output and a better bass response for smoother highs that are less distorted than the paper or plastic cones of inferior speakers.  There’s also a non-fatiguing rubber suspension for smooth overtones and reduced overhang distortion effects in sound.

This subwoofer’s non-pressed paper cone is lightweight yet durable for a long-lasting sound. In addition, the gold-plated terminals offer a reliable connection to the car’s speaker wiring system. The speaker has a peak power of 600 watts, two 50 oz heavy double-stacked magnets, and a stamped steel basket with a rubber magnet boot for durability and strength. It’s also capable of dissipating heat faster, allowing the speaker to perform at peak performance more often without overheating.

The Lanzar MAX8 subwoofer is ideal for car audio systems that require high-tech bass sound quality at an affordable price. This black-colored speaker measures 9.73″ x 9.73″ x 6.7″ and has a mounting depth of 4.96 inches.

13. BLAUPUNKT GBW801

BLAUPUNKT GBW801 8-Inch Subwoofer produces clean-cut, powerful, and versatile sounds that will take your car audio experience to a whole new level! With its easy installation and affordable price tag, this subwoofer is an absolute must-have for any car owner who wants to feel low notes.

This BLAUPUNKT GBW801 car subwoofer is able to deliver up to 200 watts of RMS power and 400 watts of peak power while still maintaining a reasonable size (10.75 x 10.63 x 6.32 inches) and weight (6.16 pounds). This 8-inch subwoofer also comes with a foam surround which is much more durable than rubber or urethane surrounds. The surround adds power to your bass and ensures that you get an accurate response from your speaker, even in the loudest volume settings.

Its polypropylene cone is constructed to ensure the kind of durability and flexibility needed from an under $100  car subwoofer. The voice coil is made of aluminum and allows you to get a clear and smooth bass output with minimal distortion, making it the perfect choice for high-power applications and daily use.

When it comes to cooling down your speaker, the BLAUPUNKT GBW801 has a 40 oz magnet and a vented pole piece which make sure that your speaker gets enough airflow to last for a long time. The vented pole piece also further improves the bass response by helping in better heat dissipation of the voice coil as well as the power handling capacity of the subwoofer.

14. PYRAMID PW1048USX

The Pyramid PW1048USX Sound Around will give you the ultimate sound experience you’ve been searching for. This 8-inch subwoofer features a bumped and vented motor structure and a non-pressed paper cone to ensure nothing but deep sounds. And thanks to its unique foam surround, your tunes will always sound rich and vibrant. The loud bass will surely impress all your friends.

The Pyramid PW1048USX Subwoofer is capable of withstanding  250 watts of RMS power/500 watts of peak power. The 4.21-inch mounting depth makes installation a breeze. You can definitely expect this device to last for years with its 2-inch high-temperature Kapton voice coil and with a 60 oz magnet. This highly efficient and super durable car subwoofer is a great choice that delivers crisp sound at a very affordable price.

15. MASSIVE GTX64

Massive Audio GTX64 Subwoofer has everything you could ask for. First of all, it has 250 watts RMS power/500 watts MAX power with a 1.5″ voice coil configured for dual 4-ohm impedance. It is UV treated to prevent rusting which is really important in terms of preserving sound quality. This subwoofer has a durable steel basket and strontium ferrite magnets to improve its magnetic force and a voice coil wire made of copper for better conductivity. There’s also a foam surround to prevent wear and tear on the coil.

The cone of this subwoofer is made of non-pressed paper to make sure the sound is not distorted. Its top plate measures 10mm while the X-Max is 18mm. This product has a dimension of 15.12 x 9.88 x 7.68 inches and weighs 9.17 pounds. For its size, the Massive Audio GTX64 can really produce a lot of clear bass. It has a sensitivity rating of 88dB so it can be used with most amplifiers without an amplifier gain control adjustment needed.

In general, the GTX64 from Massive Audio has everything you would want in a car subwoofer, especially when it comes to bass production. This subwoofer also has a warranty that protects your investment. This means that you can be sure that this amazing bass system will last for a long time even if it gets really abused during your car trips.

FAQs

How do You Install a Subwoofer in Your Car?

Because subwoofers use a significant amount of power, they must be connected to both a power source (such as the battery in a vehicle) and an amplifier. Safety is ensured by running an additional wire from an exposed metal bolt to a ground source after the stereo speakers have been attached. You can experience the subwoofer’s enhanced bass by turning on your sound system once all the cables have been installed.

Connecting one to an existing system isn’t as difficult as you may think. Still, there are a couple of things you should be mindful of and I recommend watching the video below for some extra tips…

How do You “Break in” Your Subwoofer?

The term “subwoofer break-in” refers to the process of allowing a new subwoofer to become more effective.

A subwoofer that has been broken in doesn’t always imply that you are breaking in all of its parts. However, if you are a regular user of subwoofers, you may be familiar with the phrase. To increase the subwoofer’s compliance or dependability, users must break it in.

Subwoofers, when unpacked, may be brittle; in extreme cases, they may be so brittle that they don’t perform at all. Subwoofers must be exposed to certain volumes in order to realize their full capability.

Hence, you must first play the subwoofer at the lowest volume for about an hour and then at the highest volume for about an hour and a half, if it only works within a specific volume range. After completing this activity, the product will have been broken in and will be ready to perform at its best.

Final Words

A lot of people think that cheap and inexpensive means that the performance and quality have to suffer. The truth is that you can still find very good options at a lower price tag, and many people believe that some under $100 subs can sound better than some of the more expensive equipment out there.

We hope that this list helps you to pick the right subwoofer without having to pay an arm and a leg for it. After all, every penny counts as they say!