12 Best Subwoofers For Truck: Our Top Picks [With Reviews] – 2022

More work goes into maintaining a car audio system than a home theater setup. You need good car speakers, but you also need to find the best subwoofer for truck vehicles so that you can get great sound even on a bumpy road. That is precisely what our audio experts will discover in this post, saving you money on subpar products.

The best subwoofers for trucks include Rockford Fosgate R2S-1X10, JBL BassPro SL, Rockville Rws12ca, JL Audio W7AE-3 Series,  

Keep reading.

Integrated With A Low-noise Port Design: Rockford Fosgate R2S-1X10

Rockford Fosgate’s R2S-1X10 compact subwoofer is another one you should consider adding to your audio shopping list. Rockford Fosgate’s renowned side-ported enclosure has a slim design that enables flexible placement.

And did you know that Ford and Mitsubishi both use Rockford Fosgate as their go-to subwoofer brand? This model’s enclosure, which is covered in high-density carpet and MDF wood, exudes an air of superior product quality, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise.

For the convenience of users, Rockford Fosgate’s ported enclosures, like this one, also have high-flowing, low-noise ports.

Slim Design That Fits Under Rear Seats: JBL BassPro SL

While we’re on the subject, allow us to demonstrate some additional, more compact truck subwoofers that will not only fit your budget but unquestionably provide the precise bass you’ve been longing for. JBL BassPro SL under-seat subs operate at a meager 125 watts RMS power thanks to an effective Class D amplifier.

It’s great that this woofer doesn’t get warm, so you don’t have to worry about putting it under your seat. Additionally, you can freely adjust its frequency levels, bass boost, and input load switch to improve the functionality of the subwoofer.

Produces Head-pounding Bass Effect: Rockville Rws12ca

We found yet another hidden gem just when we had finished reviewing all the Rockville subs. The Rockville Rws12ca is the last device we tested for audio, but it immediately grabs our attention. This compact woofer is equipped with a Synthetic Leather Front Panel and an Ultra Saturated High BL Motor.

By simply adding these powered subs, which have a 1000W peak power and a 43Hz–500Hz frequency range, your speaker system can reach its full potential. You also don’t have to deal with many challenging wiring situations because of its Smart Turn-On Circuitry.

Best Overall Car Subwoofer Pick:  JL Audio W7AE-3 Series

Since its 2001 launch, the JL Audio W7-series of speakers has undergone regular updates. It has dominated our Best of lists for several years, and other knowledgeable reviewers will probably notice the same thing. The 10th Anniversary Edition is the most recent model, and it adds an anodized metal ring around the surround and a sleek, satin black finish to the frame. Additionally, the cone and the inputs both sport distinctive commemorative logos. However, the 10th Anniversary models adhere exactly to the specifications of non-Anniversary subs.

This particular subwoofer is our top choice because it can handle a ton of power while producing clear, accurate bass. This is made possible by a special cone design that is constructed similarly to a car, offering rigidity that can withstand the enormous forces placed on the assembly while still remaining light and responsive. Additionally detachable is the OverRoll surround thanks to a unique surround attachment. The design hides the mounting screws for a neater, stronger, and more acoustically beneficial mounting. These are our top picks because of the exceptional level of attention to detail and the capacity to produce bass response above the speaker’s size.

They are available in 8″, 10″, 12″, and 13.5″ sizes and work with sealed or ported boxes.

The W7-series feature an expansive list of features that include:

• DMA stands for dynamic motor analysis. a system that lessens audio turbulence and analyzes the dynamics of sound.
• The W-Cone assembly has a two-skin-unit body that can withstand all kinds of abrasion.
• enhanced ventilation with elevated frame cooling design.
• Floating Cone Attach Method This increases the stability of the surroundings.
• The OverRoll Surround system boosts speaker performance and air displacement.
• Cross-Drilled Pole Piece for effective cooling and superior linear performance.
• Reduced mechanical noise and sound distortion thanks to floating lead-wire design.

This subwoofer is ideal for adding bass to systems and generating powerful impacts, in our opinion. Many people have found the 8″ model to be the ideal compromise of power and bass output with size since it can be mounted in a compact enclosed box with great results. More details can be found in our comprehensive review of the JL Audio W7 10th Anniversary series.

All Around Great Pick Car Sub: Hertz Milli Pro Series

On our list of the best subwoofers, Hertz has long been a competitive and progressive brand. The Hi-Energy series was used in the past, but it has since been phased out. The Milli Pro series is now used instead. The Milli Pro subwoofers have a relatively small profile and are made to produce the lowest octaves of the audio spectrum with impact, accuracy, and power. These subwoofers feature some excellent cutting-edge technology that allows them to produce excellent bass while still remaining within budget. This includes:

• A cone designed to be stiff and strong at high power and high excursion is called an exponential V-cone.
• Mineral-injected paper cone: This special blend adds to the cone’s rigidity under heavy loads.
• Diamond-cut basket machined using CNC; this is common when higher precision and tighter tolerances are required.
• Boundary Free Surround: The surround system used by Hertz has a special design that increases the cone’s surface area so that more air can be forced through it. More air is pushed by a larger cone.
• Compact design: This sub’s sealed enclosure, which has a volume of just 17 liters, was specifically designed to house it. For comparison, that is roughly the size of a 10 Prime cubic box.

Overall, we think this is a great subwoofer and would suggest it. It’s a high-quality, high-output subwoofer that offers a lot for the price. Its engineering and compact design are also intended to give installers flexibility in where they can fit it.

Best Subwoofer For Quality Sound: Focal Flax Evo Series

Subwoofers from Focal are of the highest caliber. These subwoofers were created and developed by some of the most renowned sound engineers in the world. They have an incredible build quality and produce superior sound. Since Focal is well known for its abilities in low-frequency audio reproduction, many bass enthusiasts all over the world adore these subwoofers.

The Flax Evo Series subwoofers are available in three sizes that include 8″, 10″, and 12″. Unmistakably beautiful, flax-fibre cones are. Every speaker is designed to function in a particular size speaker box.

These performance subwoofers deliver powerful, pure bass with audio quality that is crystal clear from 27 Hz to 500 Hz. Dual Ferrite magnets drive a single 4-ohm voice coil to produce a clear, resonant bass. For the top of the line in car audio, Focal produces performance subwoofers. The design, craftsmanship, and performance of the Focal Flax Evo Series are superb. They can handle a lot of power (up to 1600 Watts for the strongest subwoofer in the series) and still function flawlessly without producing any audible distortions, maintaining the accuracy and punch of your system’s bass reproduction. But great things come with great costs.

Best Subwoofer For Clarity: JL Audio W6V3 Series

For years, JL Audio has worked to establish a reputation for producing high-quality subwoofer and speaker parts. The JL Audio W6V3 series is available in 10″ and 12″ variations. The W6v3 series, which uses a sturdy, mineral-filled polypropylene cone, provides incredible strength without adding weight, which can reduce a woofer’s response and accuracy. You end up with a superbly made, dependable, and well engineered series subwoofer when you pair it with a rigid cast-alloy basket that virtually eliminates flex and distortion.

These subwoofers are truly unique in their capacity to operate in confined spaces. The 10″ In an enclosed box with just.55 cubic feet of space, W6v3-D4 is designed to punch. That’s a 12.5″ by 12.5″ by 10.5″ box. Almost anyone can fit that in. Really impressive is their capacity to produce bass in such a small area with such quality and accuracy. The W6V3 speakers are strong enough for almost any system thanks to their 600 watts RMS capability.

Many parts of the entry-level W7V3-series and the W6V3-series are interchangeable. The W6V3 subwoofers’ use of Dynamic Motor Analysis (DMA) by JL Audio is one of its most important features. This enables the production of linear bass without distortion from a precisely tuned subwoofer. Increased durability is achieved by preventing overheating and ensuring proper airflow through raised frame cooling and pole vent airflow control. The 4-ohm, dual voice coils, and powerful magnets found in the flagship series are also present in the W6V3 series. They are a top-notch sub, and we personally use them in our own cars and boats.

Editor’s Subwoofer Pick: Sony MobileES Series

The Mobile ES lineup is Sony’s premier line of car speakers, and it was first introduced in 2021. Shortly after being released, we installed and tested their 10″ subwoofer in a loved the performance of the Volkswagen GTI. At the time they only had a 10″ subwoofer available, but in May of 2022 Sony added 2 and 4 ohm 12″ subs, making it a more well-rounded lineup of subwoofers and a great candidate for our list of best subwoofers. We adore this lineup, from the design to the cutting-edge features that Sony incorporated.

Other subwoofer lineups don’t offer the cool technology that the Mobile ES subs do. The woofer for one of them is made of a special Aramid Fiber material that Sony has had honecomb stamped on it. Durable and rigid it is. Additionally, the rubber surround of the woofer uses a technology known as Separated Notch Edge Surround by Sony, which appears to have a pattern of slits. The Separated Notch Edge surround, in conjunction with their progressive height rate spider, allows the woofer to move more vertically (X-Max), allowing the cone to push more volume more effectively.

Best Value Car Subwoofer: Alpine R Series

Alpine’s R-Series is an updated version of the infamous Type R that was on our list for years. The older Type R subwoofer laid down an ironclad challenge that the R-Series subwoofers have accepted. For exceptional response and durability, they have a Kevlar-treated cone and the unique Santoprene™ surround. For these subwoofers to have a greater impact, Alpine changed the dust cap’s compound to one that is lighter and better at absorbing vibrations.

On some models, the power handling has increased from previous models to 750 W RMS. That is a lot of bump from any sub, but the robust R-Series is up for the challenge without twisting or deforming, even when loaded to the maximum capacity.

The Alpine R-Series are available in four variations, 12″ and 10″ 4-ohm dual voice coil models, and 12″ and 10″ 2-ohm dual voice coil models. To make customization simple, Alpine’s interchangeable grill system is compatible with the R-Series. It is challenging to find a high-quality, durable subwoofer for less money.

Best Subwoofer For Harsh Environments: Polk Audio MM Series

Polk Audio’s MM1-series of subwoofers are the go-to choice when an extremely durable subwoofer is needed for an extreme or outdoor environment. Each speaker is tested for fog, salt, UV, and spray to achieve an IP56 ultra-marine rating, and Polk offers them with dual and single voice coils. These subwoofers will work in any weather, whether you put them in your boat, truck bed, or outside of your motorhome.

In addition to their incredible durability, the Polk Audio MM1-series subwoofers’ best feature is that the sound quality is unaffected by all the added security. Santoprene surrounds, rigid poly cones, high excursion bump motors, and other components were added by Polk engineers to ensure that every note is audible. Neodymium magnets with high performance levels ensure continued performance. A rigid, powerful speaker is ensured by a vented pole and basket structure with integrated fuses.

The MM1-series from Polk Audio includes six subwoofers. These include dual and single voice coil applications in 8″, 10″, and 12″ sizes. These top-performing outdoor subwoofers are one of our top budget picks thanks to an easy-to-manage price point as well.

Go All Out: Rockford Fosgate Power T1 Series Subwoofers

The new, more potent T1-series from Rockford Fosgate is an update to their illustrious T0-series. RF’s VAST technology, which enables each speaker to perform as though it were 25% larger, is utilized by the T1 subwoofers. This enables the T1 to produce incredible bass volume that keeps punchy and tight even on the deepest tracks. People who want to feel the bass, rather than just hear it, are mentioned in the introduction to this article. I advise those people to stop searching.

With the T1-series, RF aimed to create a speaker that would be incredibly durable. The T1 has incredible strength thanks to its symmetrical dual progressive roll tear-resistant poly-cotton spiders, kevlar-reinforced paper cone, and rigid die-cast aluminum frame.

Up to 600 watts RMS are supported by the T1-series subwoofers. More than just a variety of sizes are included in the series. RF builds a “slimline” version that uses a single, one ohm voice coil. A 10″ slimline T1 can be mounted in an enclosed box as small as 14″ Hx16.75″ Wx9″ D. The T1-series also includes a 15″ subwoofer for those with plenty of room in the trunk. Slimline versions exist for the 12″, 10″, and the line includes a special direct-fit 8″ sub for BMW vehicles.

Best Low Cost Subwoofer: MTX 55 Series Subwoofers

Reality check: Most of us can only imagine having a system with two Rockford Fosgate T1 speakers, or even the Hertz and JL subs. What we actually require is a subwoofer that can handle a respectable amount of power, has excellent response and punchiness, and can be purchased without going over the credit limit on our card. Enter the MTX 55-series, a line of subwoofers that provides all the technology necessary for a good sounding street car without the astronomical price tag.

With good reason, MTX’s 55-series subwoofers are its most popular sellers. The flagship super-woofers sold by MTX share many technological components with the 55’s. Excellent strength is provided by a rigid yoke, and excellent sound quality, particularly for bass that shakes the earth, is provided by a progressive suspension system and inverted apex surround. The 12″ 55’s can be mounted in a vented, 2.3 cu ft. enclosure, so they are trim enough to be easily used in most vehicles. The three subwoofers can receive plenty of power from a cost-effective system that will rock with an RMS rating of 400 watts.

Truck Subwoofer Buyer’s Guide

Size And Design

Subwoofers are available in a variety of sizes and enclosures, as you may already be aware. It’s simple to be misled by whatever you decide to use for your car’s audio system, but the shape and size of your sub can have a big impact on the sound quality.

Take into account your car’s space first. Keep in mind that bigger subwoofers with bigger drivers typically produce louder, more powerful bass than smaller ones. Our experts advise making a wise choice if this is not the type of quality you are looking for in your car.

The frequency range of regular and large truck subwoofers is typically wider than that of smaller alternatives on the market. These types also require less power from the car’s battery because they take up less space.

Additionally, because they require more power inputs, regular woofers are more sensitive than their counterpart. This feature enables these subs to react quickly to various power variations and enable consistent sound quality.

In addition to all of that, you should be aware that shallow and regular subwoofers differ in terms of appearance. Small woofers can easily blend in with the interior of your car, but larger ones require careful positioning to look less obvious.

Enclosure Quality

Similar to what we discussed earlier, the body or enclosure of your subwoofers has a unique impact on the sound quality it produces. Before discussing the various materials frequently used to build your sub enclosure, let’s first discuss its two variations: sealed and ported boxes.

Our resident audiophiles advise giving sealed box subwoofers a try if you’re looking for a subwoofer with a tighter and more precise audio quality. Though physically smaller than their counterpart, these subwoofers need more power to produce louder bass.

As a shock absorber, the air that is sealed inside the enclosure enables the woofer to precisely control and access lower frequencies. The fact that sealed subs don’t produce booming sounds and have extremely flat frequency responses is crucial to keep in mind. You could say that it resembles other speakers in the sound system in that respect.

However, ported subwoofers require a more intricate setup than the one described above. In fact, if you don’t know a lot about audio technology, you might need help setting up these woofers. However, it has numerous ports that enable free airflow in and out of the sub.

Your powered sub will be able to make a louder sound by doing this. Its porting features also increase output capacity and lengthen the woofer’s frequency responses.

Moving on to enclosure quality, popular brands like ASC, Rockville, and JBL frequently use MDF to build their subwoofers because plywood is known for its affordability and thickness. When buying, you should always keep these excellent wood for subs in mind. Fiberglass, polycarbonate, and other materials can also be taken into consideration as alternatives.

Frequency Response

Humans have a range of audible hearing between 20 Hz and 20 kHz [1]. This fact alone demonstrates that your audio experience can only be fully realized if each of your speakers can accommodate the frequency range needed by the audio you’re playing. The production of the lower frequency range of sound is solely the responsibility of subwoofers.

You must understand how this feature operates because it determines how accurately the audio will be reproduced. Although the performance and sound quality of your subwoofer may be affected by a variety of other factors, knowing how low your music production can go will be useful.

Power And Sensitivity

The general rule of thumb when it comes to subwoofers is that if you want thunderous, impressive bass, you must choose a woofer with enough power to achieve the effect. In order to understand what you’re buying, you can look at the audio specifications like RMS power rating. The power handling capacity of the subwoofer is the first thing this feature will initially inform you of.

Your sub’s sensitivity is another audio spec that is closely related to power. These features operate in an extremely straightforward manner. In essence, a more sensitive woofer will require less power to reproduce the desired level of bass.

Voice Coils

A truck subwoofer with a dual voice coil is simple to install in any existing sound system, according to our resident audiophiles and auto enthusiasts. This is because compared to single voice coils, dual voice coils typically have more wiring flexibility.

Then there is a dual subwoofer that operates with two different voice coils, each of which has its own connections. The subs that are currently on the market all have this kind of component setup.

Setup And Compatibility

To achieve excellent sound quality, your subwoofer needs to be compatible with the vehicle you plan to use it with. Contrary to popular belief, selecting the right location for your woofer is still a crucial decision. The location of your setup should dictate what kind of purchase you should make, whether it’s under the back seat or in the trunk.

Depending on the kind of truck subwoofer we’ll be discussing next, your subs’ compatibility may change.

Type Of Truck Subwoofer

Before choosing one of these top-rated subwoofers, you must be aware of the various low-frequency speaker types available, each of which is designed to meet a particular audio need. In the beginning, there are the standalone component subwoofers. Technically speaking, you must install it in your current enclosure, so our recommendation is to choose a sub that is compatible with the box you already have.

Additionally, external amplifiers are probably required for component subs to work with this installation. This is the best subwoofer option you can take into consideration if you want to create a custom audio system. This type of woofer comes in a variety of sizes and power variations, from 8 inches to 15 inches.

The enclosed subwoofers are next on the list. They may be simpler to install than other subwoofer types because these low-frequency speakers come with pre-mounted features. You must also set up external amplifiers for these subwoofers, just like you would for component woofers. Additionally, since this is the most popular option available, not all vehicle types may be compatible with it.

Powered woofers are the best option our experts could suggest if you’re looking for something that doesn’t require external amplifiers. The unit you will buy contains everything you need, making installation a breeze on your end.

You must unquestionably have placement flexibility inside the vehicle because powered subwoofers are frequently small. Incorporating them into your current setup is also simple.

Last but not least, there are subs that have features unique to particular vehicles. These manufactured woofers are designed exclusively for a particular kind of vehicle, and their placement is predetermined. The advantage of this is that it will undoubtedly match your car in terms of both appearance and color while still providing the bass quality that most car owners find useful.

Price And Warranty

Like other speaker types, subwoofer prices greatly depend on brand, enclosure type, specifications, and quality. There are less expensive options with basic bass capabilities, such as component subs that cost between $50 and $100, though some of them can be pricey given the impressive audio components each of them has.

You can choose from the readily available, compact and dual enclosures that range in price from $50 to $100 for smaller ones with impressive features and larger speakers with just enough bass functionality.

You can expect to pay between $100 and $500 for woofers with better specifications and built-in amps. You can anticipate a high-end sound quality from your subwoofers at this price point. They are regarded as a wise investment because of their long-lasting materials.

However, spending more than $500 is only typical for audiophiles who want a particular woofer sound quality.

How Do You Install A Subwoofer In A Truck?

One of the most difficult tasks after purchasing a subwoofer is installation. Let’s walk you through the procedure even though it ultimately depends on the kind of subs you choose to purchase.

Consider that you have already determined the type of sub you require and that you have checked off all the sizes on your list. The next step is to remove the bolts from the back seat or from the area you want to place the subwoofer. After that, remove the seat’s center brace because you won’t need it once your woofer is installed.

Make sure to strip the amp power cord before installing the sub inside the enclosure and solder the woofer’s supplied wires. The next step is to continue wiring woofers to your current system. In order to prevent unneeded vibrations, make sure the sub is securely screwed inside the enclosure.

Connecting the amplifier wire to your vehicle’s battery terminal is another crucial step to take. Remember that the wires shouldn’t be left too exposed. We advise keeping it under the carpet, say our car audio enthusiasts.

Additionally, you must attach the stereo to the amp cable before attaching the RCA cables. Reposition the seat in its original location after all the wires have been secured, making sure to tighten the bolts.

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