The 8-inch car subwoofers are one of the smallest units you can get – only 6-inch ones are smaller. Choosing the right subwoofer involving balancing between available space, sensitivity, power handling, enclosure type, and price.
It is, however, important to note that the 8″ subwoofers may look small in size but have some of the best harmonization qualities. This article looks at the best 8-inch subwoofers in competition, most people otions, and budget options. We also did a review of 10-inch, 12-inch and 15-inch options.
Table of Contents
| Image | 8-Inch Car Subwoofers | Max Power RMS Power | Sensitivity | Frequency Response | Top Mount Depth |
 | Our Pick Check Price | N/A 800 W | 81 dB | N/A | N/A |
 | For Most People Check Price | 1000 W 500 W | 81.2dB | 48 Hz- 800 Hz | 5.91" |
 | Most Powerful Check Price | 1100 W 900 W | 80.4 dB | 40 - 500 kHz | 6.50" |
 | Budget Check Price | 300W 150W | 82.6 dB | 30 Hz - 350 Hz | 4.17" |
Competition Grade Picks (>500W RMS)
Sundown Audio X-8 V.3
Max Power Output: N/A
RMS Power: 800W
Sensitivity: 81 dB
Being one of the loudest 8-inch subwoofers the Sundown Audio X-8 is a unique subwoofer within Sundown’s line-up with an SPL-oriented design. It has a suspension design for both the spider and the surround whose aim is to create large peaks for SPL reasons.
Its power rating of a whooping 800 watts RMS, certainly can satisfy even the most avid users. The recommended ported enclosure size is 0.75-1.0 cu ft and the manufacturer is not recommending a sealed enclosure.
Having been built on an 8-inch subwoofer frame, it has the same mechanical clearance capabilities of 2.5 inches allowable, just like the SA-8 v.2 models. Two of the features I like most about this unit are the extreme cone movement and ultra-high excursion control.
This model has the vented spacer ring removed so as to add high-velocity vent-holes on the frame below the spider. This enables the reduction of the mounting depth and expansion of the installation options.
A sequence of machined channels has been added down the pole’s full height to increase the air-based cooling capabilities and reduce the motor’s audible air velocity. It uses a tried-and-true technology to give it strength and lightweight properties.
The highest linear x-max of any 8-inch SPL model is featured in this unit. There is also an ID shorting ring of the thick magnet nature that lowers the inductive distortion. For relentless, dependable, powerful sound, a dual 4-ohm voice coil configuration has been used.
Skar Audio ZVX-8 – Most Powerful
Max Power Output: 1100 watts
RMS Power: 900 watts
Frequency Response: 40 Hz- 500 Hz
Sensitivity: 80.4 dB
Top Mount Depth: 6.5″
While Skar Audio’s IX-8 is for everyday use at an economical price point, its ZVX-8 lies at the other end of the spectrum. Skar Audio ZVX-8 is a high-end subwoofer and powerhouse for reverberating basses and low-frequency sub-tracks.
For us, the Skar Audio ZVX-8 stands out from other 8-inch care subwoofers due to its RMS output that scales up to 900 watts – and the most powerful 8-inch subwoofer on this list. Its powerful performance is a stark contrast to its compact size. You can use this subwoofer with powerful car amps and make those nights out on the town all the wilder.
Like other new-generation Skar Audio subs, this one also features a high roll foam surround and competition-grade paper cone. Skar Audio ZVX-8 boasts a massive trip slug magnet and 2.5-inch high-temperature voice coil. These construction features ensure the sub can perform with sheer excellence.
Skar Audio ZVX-8 can be a good option if you want to keep your car’s sound system compact without compromising its stereo power.
DS18 EXL-X8
Max Power Output: 1200 watts
RMS Power: 600 watts
Frequency Response: 38Hz – 1.0KHz
Sensitivity: N/A
Top Mount Depth: 5.51″
DS18 has designed this 8-inch car subwoofer to cater to all sorts of bass lovers. Whether you want to enjoy the low-frequency reverbs on your own or want to show off against other riders, this 8-inch sub will fulfill your requirements. Given its frequency response (38Hz – 1.0KHz) this is considered one of the loudest 8-inch subs you can get your hand on.
It’s a 1200-watt subwoofer with an RMS output of 600 watts, making it a suitable mid-range bass booster. In other words, you can enjoy all the bass-heavy genres without feeling you’re missing out on anything. The two of DS18 will be enough to make your car sound flex the way you want.
We also like this 8-inch car sub because it boasts a unique look— all thanks to its high-grade reinforced carbon fiber dust cap.
Massive Audio HippoXL84
Max Power Output: 1400W
RMS Power: 700W (500W option also avilable)
Frequency Response: N/A
Sensitivity: 83.3dB
Top Mount Depth: N/A
This powerful 8-inch subwoofer comes from Massive Audio with a massive performance similar to that of a 12-inch unit. This unit allows for more performance from a small-sized woofer contrary to the popular opinion that big subs produce better performance.
Being a smaller unit, I enjoyed using it in my car as it occupies less space and I was able to install it in a sealed enclosure of 1.1 cu-ft. This heavy-duty sub has a cast aluminum basket that uses a rugged industrial texture to give it extra durability properties.
There is a double stack high-energy strontium magnet structure. A 2.5-inch high-temperature anodized voice coil of dual 4-ohm impedance has been included.
The Non-Pressed paper cone has been reinforced using Kevlar fiber and an industrial textured finish. The edge-to-edge stitching for the cone adds extra strength to this unit. The motor also enjoys a boost with the inclusion of a one-piece black anodized pole plate.
The woven dust cap uses reinforced fiberglass for more powerful applications. The power ratings for this unit are 700 watts RMS and 1400 watts peak power. The x-max covers a peak-to-peak width of 13 mm. It can be installed in a sealed enclosure box of 1.1 cu-ft or a ported enclosure box of 12″H x 11″ D x 11″ W (Round Port 3″ x 8″). The SPL of this woofer is 83.3dB.
Good Enough For Most People
(<500W RMS)
Rockville W8K9D4
Max Power Output: 1000 watts
RMS Power: 500 watts
Frequency Response: 48 Hz- 800 Hz
Sensitivity: 81.2dB
Top Mount Depth: 5.91 inches
If you are looking for a sub that strikes the perfect balance between price and functionality, this Rockville sub should be on the top of your list.
Rockville W8K9D4 is lightweight and easy on the eyes, thanks to its cast aluminum basket with a black sanded finish. The paper cones of this sub are also ultra-stiff. Black stitching reinforcement further fortifies the cones and ensures they remain non-pressed.
We also like its polypropylene dust cap, which is resistant to blows and cracks. All these features collectively guarantee that you have long-lasting subs that won’t need repair or replacement for some time.
We also appreciate the inclusion of vented holes on the T-yoke. These holes act as ventilation and heat dissipation points, allowing the use of the sound system for extended hours without any malfunction irrespective of the weather.
The manufacturer also uses the highest-grade black glue through and through in the subwoofer to make it temperature-resistant. These little innovations allow Rockville W8K9D4 to handle more power than it’s rated for, which is already an outstanding 500 watts RMS.
All-in-all, Rockville W8K9D4 is our pick for the subwoofer that almost anyone can enjoy – in terms of benefit-cost.
Rockford Fosgate P3sd2-8
Max Power Output: 300W
RMS Power: 150W
Frequency Response: 38 – 250 Hz
Sensitivity: 82 dB
Top Mount Depth: 2 5/8 in
The shallow mount subwoofers use less space and may be a good choice where there is little space in your car to install a subwoofer. The Rockford Fosgate P3SD2 is one such woofer that will save you space during installation. It delivers vigor even when there is limited depth for your subwoofer.
It allows for flexibility to configure real bass in depth-challenged cars. It has a dual voice coil that supports various configurations for different applications. The woofer is housed in a low-profile frame that has enough ventilation to combat thermal breakdown and overheating.
This woofer uses advanced engineering and materials to compete with high-end models. The cone and the dust cap are made of anodized aluminum to make the sub lighter and easier to drive. For maximum output, an M-Roll Santoprene surround has been used.
I have used this feature to obtain superior excursions while enjoying its long-lasting properties at the same time. The impedance of this unit is dual 2 ohms which enables wiring of multiple subs for optimum performance.
The power rating is 150 watts RMS and 300 watts for the peak power. The top mount depth stands at 67.5 mm and its cutout diameter is 181 mm. The frequency response lies between 38 and 250 Hz.
Cheap 8-inch Subs
Skar Audio IX-8
Max Power Output: 300w
RMS Power: 150w
Frequency Response: 30 Hz – 350 Hz
Sensitivity: 82.6 dB
Top Mount Depth: 4.17″
Skar Audio IX-8 isn’t a bass powerhouse like the Rockville subwoofer due to its low RMS output. However, it is still capable of delivering all the low-frequency sounds of any soundtrack. If you are apprehensive of getting a bass overdose with the installation of a subwoofer, Skar Audio IX-8 will prove to be a safe bet.
The other great bit about Skar Audio IX-8 is it doesn’t cost you an arm and a leg. Yet, its quality, reliability, and performance are well above par.
It is a responsive subwoofer that features a powerful single-stack ferrite magnet along with a competition-grade paper cone. Then there is a high roll foam surround, giving the sub the look and feel of any high-end article.
Another striking feature of the Skar Audio IX-8 is its advanced airflow cooling design that ensures it can perform at its rated power without burning out. Its 2-inch copper voice coil also improves its resistance to high temperatures.
Boss Audio Cxx8
Max Power Output: 600w
RMS Power: 300w
Frequency Response: 49 Hz
Sensitivity: 83 dB
Top Mount Depth: 3.7″
The BOSS Audio CXX8 is a single voice coil subwoofer that has been designed to reproduce clean mid-bass, mid-range, and deep notes in a musical spectrum. This woofer is a quite affordable sub costing less than $50.
I like the high-quality capabilities that make it an ideal choice for the car’s sound needs. It features a power rating of 300 watts RMS and a maximum power handling of 600 watts. The mounting depth for this subwoofer is 3.75 inches while its sensitivity is 83 dB.
The internal volume of the sealed enclosures is 0.35 cu-ft and that of the ported enclosure is 0.6 cu-ft. The impedance of this sub is 4 ohms. The top mount depth is 96 mm while the cutout diameter is 184 mm.
The three key features that I like about this sub include a Butyl Rubber Surround, a Poly Injection cone, and an Aluminum Voice Coil. I love synthetic butyl rubber because of its impermeability to air, chemical inertness, and weather resistance capabilities.
The poly injection cone has various forms that make it suitable for many applications. It has resilient and durable properties that make it a great-sounding and long-lasting sub.
The use of aluminum in the construction of the voice coils gives this sub-low density and corrosion-resistant properties. The soft nature of the aluminum material makes it an ideal choice for voice coils.
Planet Audio Ac8d
Max Power Output: 1200w
RMS Power: 600w
Frequency Response: 39 Hz
Sensitivity: 85 db
Top Mount Depth: 4″
The Planet Audio AC8D is another cheap 8-inch subwoofer you can get on the market. It has been designed to produce powerful and clean bass at a very affordable price. It has some of the best technologies that match the sturdiness and durability of high-end models.
Its durability is enhanced by the use of aluminum construction in its dual two-inch voice coils. I have enjoyed using its dual voice coils that increase the versatility and clarity of this woofer with its multiple wiring configurations.
I love the fact that this woofer has the capacity to handle a continuous power rating of 600 watts. It can reach a peak of 1200 watts without much struggle.
The dual voice coil for this utilizes a poly injection cone. The cone alongside its foam surround has been designed to deliver stability and performance. The impedance of this unit is 4 ohm while its sensitivity is 85 dB. The sub can be successfully installed in both sealed and ported enclosures.
The sub has a pole-vent hence requiring a minimum clearance of 19 mm from the enclosure’s rear wall. The mounting depth is 4″ and its cutout diameter is 7.3”. The woofer’s dimensions give it the ability to retain great sound quality. The port dimensions are 3-inch diameter, 11-inch length, 40 Hz frequency.
Previously considered options (2018., 2019., 2020.)
JL Audio 8W3V3-4
Max Power Output: 500 watts
RMS Power: 250 watts
Frequency Response: 28 – 250 Hz
Sensitivity: 83.6dB
Top Mount Depth: 4 9/16 inches
Our pick is the JL Audio 8W3V3-4 which is a well-designed subwoofer that delivers powerful and accurate bass using a medium power amplifier. It provides exceptional performance with remarkable sound quality at moderate power levels. I really like the exclusive cooling features that come with this product.
These features push heat away from the internal structure of the motor so as to give it long-lasting properties. There are multiple patented technologies that deliver enhanced performance, power handling, sound quality, and reliability.
The advanced design gives this sub some of the best-sounding capabilities you can get on the market.
I enjoy using this sub in both ported and sealed enclosures. Whereas this unit can be driven by low power of 75 watts, its power rating is 250 watts RMS while its recommended power range is between 50 and 250 watts.
For optimum audio performance, the peak power should not exceed 500 watts. The frequency response lies between 28 and 250 Hz making it very convenient for your car. The sensitivity is 83.24 dB while its impedance is 4 ohm.
The recommended enclosure settings for this sub are 4.63 inches for the top mount depth and 7.09 inches for the cut-out diameter. Generally, this is an all-rounded unit that will enhance your car’s audio system.
Kicker L7S84 L7S
Max Power Output: 900 watts
RMS Power: 450 watts
Frequency Response: 28 Hz- 100 Hz
Sensitivity: 83.6dB
Top Mount Depth: 4.75 inches
At first glance, Kicker L7S will stand out for you with its square shape that looks quite stylish. The sub with ceramic magnets and forged aluminum frame boasts a larger cone and greater power handling to ensure you get to enjoy all the bass-rich sound without any notes missing.
This square-shaped subwoofer features patented ribbed corners. This particular design element acts as a distortion cancellation feature and makes the bass loud and clear. We also love this subwoofer for constant-contact 360-degree back bracing. It makes the device sturdy, reliable, and more responsive.
Heat dissipation features of Kicker L7S are also pretty effective. Its one-piece backplate and pole piece ensures heat quickly moves away from the motor. Moreover, the intrinsic vent below the spider also ensures more heat can sink away.
Skar Audio VVX-8v3 D4
The Skar Audio VVX-8v3 is one of the hardest-hitting 8-inch subwoofers you can actually find. This sub dominates in its category in terms of reliability and performance. It produces low-end frequencies typical of the VVXv3 line of products.
A 2-inch high-temperature copper voice coil enables it to withstand high amounts of power. I enjoy its competition-grade features including paper cones, advanced cooling design, and custom tooled basket. I like the fact that these features combine efforts to give you better performance.
Its ferrite motor features a massive triple stack of clean backplate chrome finish. The maximum energy offered by this sub is 800 watts while its RMS control stands at 400 watts.
This sub has been designed to give you a very musical sound with exceptional low-frequency handling capabilities. It comes with a highly efficient cooling system that enables you to play music at high power levels for a long period of time.
The voice coil configuration is dual 4 ohms while its sensitivity is 82.3 dB. The sealed enclosure volume required for its installation is 0.75 cu-ft while the ported enclosure volume is 1.0 cu-ft. The mounting depth is 5.9 inches while its outside and cutout diameters are 8.5 and 7.2 inches. Its tuning frequency is 39 Hz and its frequency response ranges from 55 to 500 Hz.
Conclusion
The best 8-inch car subs reviewed in this article will provide you with decent and beautiful sound qualities desired by a car subwoofer. These woofers can be fitted in tight spaces and require less air to give you high sound output and great bass qualities.
In terms of performance and sound quality, nothing beats JL Audio 8W3V3-4. Its power handling capabilities, frequency range, and sensitivity are uniquely designed to give you an all-around performance.
The seven other options reviewed are just as good as our pick option and will offer you the necessary features and versatility required for an 8-inch car sub.
What Are The Benefits Of Getting An 8-Inch Subwoofer?
A subwoofer helps in increasing the dynamic range and boosting the bass of your car’s audio system. It is a great tool for improving the midrange and achieving deeper bass for your sound. The small nature of an 8-inch subwoofer makes it flexible enough to fit in small and compact vehicles.
Despite their compactness, they are still powerful enough to give you a range of benefits. Some of these benefits include:
Speakers
With the 8-inch subwoofer, you will not need to replace the speakers in your car. Large subwoofers usually come with the demand for new speakers that can work with the extra power. This is not the case with small speakers as they have the flexibility to work with the existing components of the car’s stereo system.
Music
Not everyone wants loud pounding bass music. Large subwoofers would work well with rap and hip-hop music which requires mind-blowing bass levels. If you love jazz and classical music, then the 8-inch subwoofer would an ideal choice for you. These subwoofers offer a much-needed boost to your music.
Placement
The compactness of the 8-inch subwoofer makes it possible to fit it anywhere within a car (see under seat options). A Large-size subwoofer may be too big for a small car and may need to fit in the trunk. The small-size unit can fit anywhere in any vehicle. It doesn’t require you to cut large pieces from the door or the dash to get it fixed.
Flexibility
With a small subwoofer, you have the flexibility to add another similar unit to create more bass. If you are not sure of your bass requirements, then it is good to choose a small unit, to begin with.
Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / *Image Disclaimer: We use images/data from Amazon Product Advertising API solely on products that link to Amazon. On products with the "Price at Crutchfield" button, we use images/data from Crutchfield.com as per the partnership deal.
