Top Five 8-Inch Subwoofers of 2020 Reviewed
5 Great 8 Inch Subs Reviewed
If you’re looking to make a significant upgrade to your car’s audio system, one of the best places to start is with your subwoofer. These speakers are going to help give you that perfect, beautiful bass that is going to accentuate your music choices and announce that you’ve arrived.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a fan of techno, country, smooth jazz, classic rock, or pop, every type of music can benefit from having a quality subwoofer installed.
Below, we’re going to review the five best 8 inch subwoofers you can install in your car. Just remember you’ll have to leave your car eventually, no matter how good the music sounds.
Our Criteria for Choosing the Subs
We checked out the market for the top-rated subs out there and some of our personal favorites from years past in the list. Sometimes you can find some gems from unknown brands, but we wanted to make sure we stuck with the brands who have been putting the work in year in and year out. We compared our past experience with that of online reviews and other sources to help compile the list.
We tried to branch out far and wide with our sources, from our own knowledge to sound engineers to consumer opinions. Below, we think you’ll find a varied list that will help give you a range of options.
After locking ourselves in a room for four weeks, surviving on nothing but Twinkies and Taco Bell, we came up with the following list.
**Editors Choice**
CT Sounds Meso
Probably the most powerful sub on the list, the CT Sounds Meso is a durable bass that rates at 800 watts. You will definitely be feeling the beat when using this sub.
Top 3 Features
Sound Volume
You’re going to be getting quite the kick from this sub with losing sound quality. At its MAX power, it fills your car with its 1600 watts.
Handles Plenty of Audio Frequencies
With such a powerful sub, it has to be built like a tank. Its sturdy frame ensures the sub is going to perform well at a consistent basis.
Top Quality Magnets
This sub makes use of the best magnets out there, bringing in high quality sound without any interruption along the way.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Super powerful
- Handles low frequency with ease
- Strong, durable frame
- Doesn’t require an expert installation
Cons:
- The price, it’s quite expensive
- Prone to thermal breakdown if played continuously
Final Thoughts
While this sub is built like a tank to handle its immense power, you will be paying a bit more. You’ll be getting great bass that rattles your brain though.
 Planet Audio AC8D
Top 3 Features
Flexible Installation
This sub offers plenty of installation options, allowing you to enclose it in ported or sealed enclosure depending on your desire. You can wire it three different ways as well: independent, parallel, and series.
Very Durable
You want your dollar to go far, right? The Planet Audio AC8D is built with polypropylene, meaning that the bass can keep pounding through without any wear and tear to show for it. You’ll be using this sub for awhile.
It’s Quite Loud. What? IT’S QUITE LOUD
You’ll struggle to find other subs that offer the kind of sound production. It’s rated at 600 RMS power handling along with four ohms. You’ll be getting plenty of bass at a consistently high level.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Really strong bass
- Installation flexibility
- Very durable materials
- Works well with different audio systems
Cons:
- Requires expert installation
- Various sound enclosures affect sound quality
Closing Thoughts
It’s a great bang for your buck. With top-notch handling capability and multiple setup options, it can be hard to pass up.
Rockville RW8CA
Rockville has been in the game for quite awhile, and they know how to make a high-quality speaker. It doesn’t require a lot of power but plays quite loud.
Top 3 Features
Sound Customization
Sometimes it takes a little bit of fidgeting to find the right sound, and this subwoofer comes with plenty of features to remove low frequencies and give you easy volume control.
Smart Circuit
Just like everything else in your life, this speaker has a “smart†moniker added to the front. You won’t need a remote wire to control power so it will be shutting off when you’re not using it.
Compact Design
Many consumers raved about its small size, meaning it can fit under a whole wide range of seats and areas. Just make sure to clean up the trash before installation.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Amazing power handling capability
- Sleek and compact design
- Durable, built to last
- Easy installation
Cons:
- Has been known to overheat
- Not the deepest bass out there
Final Thoughts
It’s a solid sub with lots of customization options. Plus, it’s a reliable sub that is going to last through your car’s lifespan.
Pioneer TS-SWX2002
This sub has got it all: great audio quality and a compact design, which means it can fit just about anywhere. Pioneer are veterans in the game and they definitely know what they’re doing.
Top 3 Features
Amazing Sound
It wouldn’t be Pioneer without top quality sound. You’re unlikely to find another sub that can match the Pioneer in sound quality.
Easy Installation
You don’t need an expert to install this subwoofer, as it’s shallow compact design makes it a breeze to install in your car stereo system.
Stays Consistent Over Time
While other subwoofers may be prone to overheating or dropping quality, you will find consistent output over time with this subwoofer.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- High sensitivity
- Easy installation
- Small design, can fit anywhere
- Larger cone means big volume
Cons:
- Low power capability
- May need extra items at installation
Alpine Electronics PWE-S8
A lot of power packed into this sub, it provides a great sub-bass without taking up a ton of space. It produces solid sound without taking over your car.
Top 3 Features
Durable Design
You can stick this sub just about anywhere and not worry about loss of quality or damage. You’ll be jamming with this sub for quite a long time.
Consistent Sound Production
Fitted with reliable materials, the sub brings out the best in all kinds of music or sounds that come from the speakers.
Doesn’t Overload or Short Out
Another smart sub, it has an automatic shut-off in case of the worst. It keeps itself protected for whatever you throw at it.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Numerous sound adjustments
- Solid price
- Powerful sub
- Small size to fit everywhere
Cons:
- Not as deep of a base
- Expert installation needed
8 Inch Subwoofer FAQs
Is it a component or non-component?
This will affect what kind of parts you may need in order to make it work with your car’s audio system.
Does it need an amp?
Some subwoofers come power while others will need an amp to make sure it stays up and running.
Single or dual voice coils?
With dual voice coils, you’ll get a more flexible subwoofer. Single coil is often chosen by those who want an easy installation.
What is the sub’s frequency range?
You want a low frequency range for the deepest bass. Make sure you’re looking at the specs before making a choice.
