Are you tired of your car’s mediocre audio system? Do you love to crank up the bass when your favorite song comes on? If you said yes to either of these questions, then it may be time to invest in some new subwoofers.
You might be asking yourself, “What are the differences between the four different sizes, and which size do I need?” Don’t sweat it; this post will explain everything. I know buying new audio equipment can be intimidating and overwhelming. I will break down the difference between car subwoofer sizes to save you the runaround and the headache.
Table of Contents
Car Subwoofer Sizes: A General Explanation
As you may already know, the subwoofer is responsible for producing and optimizing low-frequency sounds for listening pleasure, such as bass and sub-bass sounds.
The size of the subwoofer dictates audio volume and how low of a frequency the subwoofer is capable of producing.
Generally speaking, the bigger the subwoofer size, the more powerful and more distinct bass sound there is.
I wish that things were more black and white and that the general explanation of car subwoofer sizes was that easy. Unfortunately, there’s more to it than that. Let’s take a closer look at car subwoofer sizes individually so we can get a better, more in-depth understanding and comparison.
8 Inch Subwoofer
The 8-inch subwoofer (see our recommendations) is the smallest car subwoofer on the market. It’s pretty lightweight and takes up little car space, making it an excellent candidate for a smaller car.
In terms of power, an 8-inch subwoofer ranges between three hundred to twelve hundred watts. It shines through when it comes to producing rich, quality low frequencies. If you’re into jazz and classical music, then this is an ideal subwoofer size for you.
Essentially, the 8-inch subwoofer provides a crisp bass sound without taking up much-needed car space. Fortunately, there are many affordable, high-quality 8-inch subwoofers on the market to choose from, like the Sound Storm Laboratories LOPRO8.
10 Inch Subwoofer
Much like the 8-inch subwoofer, the 10-inch subwoofer (see our recommendations) is ideal for a smaller vehicle and is relatively lightweight.
Its wattage ranges from one hundred fifty to twelve hundred. The 10-inch subwoofers are responsive and speedy when it comes to punching the low frequencies and producing quality sound; however, do not hit the lower frequencies as well as a 12-inch subwoofer.
Many owners of these subwoofers end up getting two because it further enhances the audio quality. If you’re a metal, rock, or country fan, then this is the subwoofer to complement your air guitar. The 10-inch subwoofers also come available in a variety of reasonably priced, top-notch options, such as the DS18 EXL-10.
12 Inch Subwoofer
The 12-inch subwoofer is arguably the most popular subwoofer on the market because it gives the best of both worlds when it comes to accuracy and volume, or punch and boom.
It hits the low frequencies effortlessly without using excessive amounts of power. This subwoofer’s capability ranges from fifty to thirteen hundred watts.
Unlike the 8 and 10 inch subwoofers, the 12-inch subwoofer requires a little more room and comes a little heavier, making it ideal for a medium-sized SUV or car.
A huge bonus with the 12-inch subwoofer is that it’s a great candidate for a wide variety of music genres, especially songs that are drum-heavy.
15 Inch Subwoofer
If you’re a massive fan of a booming, longer resonating bass sound, then the 15-inch subwoofer (see our recommendations) is the subwoofer for you.
Since its cone is the largest, the bass sounds produced are spectacular. However, since the cone is the largest and relatively heavy, the overall sound can become compromised. Power-wise, these subwoofers range six hundred to five thousand watts.
One downside to the 15-inch subwoofer is it needs a bigger car space due to its diameter and weight. However, if you love to dance and enjoy jamming out to rap, R&B, and techno music, then the 15-inch subwoofer is the way to go.
Comparison of Car Subwoofer Sizes
Each subwoofer is similar in the sense that they all are instrumental in optimizing low-frequency sounds and all have a vast amount of products to choose from.
But as you can see, the difference in car subwoofers are more significant than diameter and overall size alone. The 8-inch, 10-inch, 12-inch, and 15-inch all have unique features and drawbacks that they offer based on the following:
- Weight
- Size of subwoofer
- Compatible car size
- Wattage/power
- Sound
- Accuracy
- Ability to pick up low-frequency bass and sub-bass sounds
- Compatibility with various genres of music
Choosing the right car subwoofer for you entirely depends on what you’re seeking in a quality sound system. If you’re a bass head with a spacious car, the 15-inch subwoofer is a great purchase. If you own a smaller vehicle but crave a crisp bass sound, go with the 8-inch subwoofer, and so forth. It all depends on what you prioritize when it comes to audio.
Final Thoughts
There are a lot of options to consider when it comes to selecting car subwoofers, but I hope this article made the process less tedious. Just remember the general rule of thumb when it comes to size increases in subwoofers and measuring your car before making a decision.
I recommend typing in “car subwoofer sizes explained” on YouTube, look closely at product specifications, customer questions, or customer reviews, or find tutorials or step-by-step instructions on how to measure your car for subwoofers.
