Underseat Subwoofer vs. Trunk Subwoofer

A Detailed Comparison Table Between Underseat and Trunk Subs:

For your perfect understanding, I’ve made a complete comparison table between these two. Look at the below details:

Features	Underseat Subwoofer	Trunk Subwoofer
Installation	Easy to install	Requires some knowledge
Size	Small & compact design	Comes in various sizes
Power handling	Low	High
Bass	Low (Acceptable)	High
Portability	Highly portable	Complex
Sound Quality	Good for small cars	Excellent for any car
Space requirement	Less space required	More space required
Safety	More prone to damage	Safer than underseat
Efficiency	Less efficient	More efficient
Weight	Normal	Medium to high
Design	Comes in various shapes	Comes in various shapes
Placement	Only for under the seat	Multiple choices
Cone length	Smaller	Higher
Customization	Not many features	Many customizable options
Performance	Good for smaller car	Excellent for any car
Price range	Budget-friendly	Can be expensive
Type	Available in active and passive	Available in active and passive
Loud outside the car	Not so loud	Yes (Easy to feel thump)
Recommended for	Small cars	For large cars
Overall score out of 10	7.5	9

Pros and Cons of an Underseat Subwoofer:

Now let’s have a look at the pros and cons of using an underseat sub ⁽¹⁾:

Pros:

1. Space-Saving Design:

With underseat subwoofers, you can get a substantial audio performance even with minimal power and space requirements. This is what makes it a perfect choice for small cars. You just need to put it under any seat of your vehicle, allowing you to save up 100% of your trunk space without sacrificing the sound quality. Just because of its space-saving benefit, it has become popular in the car world.

2. Easy to Install:

It benefits you with an easy installation. You just need to put it the under the seat and plug it with the head unit or any external amplifier (if not active sub). Also, you don’t need to modify your car interiors to adjust the sub under its seat. However, you must evaluate the space under your car’s seat before purchasing a car subwoofer. Otherwise, you will find it challenging to fit the big sub if you have a small area. Also, people with basic knowledge of tools and fitting can use such types of the subwoofer.

3. Cost-Effective:

Another great thing about under-seat subwoofer is; it is really cost-effective for car audiophiles with a limited budget who want to upgrade their car audio systems without breaking the bank. You can install it without paying for the installation cost to anyone. However, its installation cost is much lower than other typical car subwoofers if you want to get a hand. So get a powered sub and put it under your vehicle’s seat without getting any extra components for it.

4. Improved Sound Quality:

Thus, seat car subwoofers are a great way to enhance your vehicle’s audio system. They are specifically made to create low-frequency sounds and provide a deeper, more robust bass that can make music come alive. This not only boosts the volume of the music but also improves its sound quality. In simple words, choosing the under-seat sub is such a great choice if you want to enrich your music experience while hiding the subwoofer. 

Cons:

1. Limited Frequency Range:

Let’s start with the frequency range! With an under-seat subwoofer, you are limiting the bass frequency range of your car audio. Technically, that’s not bad if you prefer enjoying the bass alone inside the car; however, if you want to make subs louder outside the car, then the boot subwoofer is recommended. 

2. Limited Bass Response:

A subwoofer needs some space around itself to produce loud bass. By putting the subwoofer under the driver’s or any seat, you are limiting its ability to deliver a heavy bass response. As mentioned above, you can still enjoy the music if you’re a solo warrior.

3. Limited Power:

I’m ending the debate by saying; seat car subwoofers have limited power-handling capabilities than rear deck subwoofers. In simple words, these small subs cannot produce deep bass sounds than the larger ones.

Pros and Cons of Trunk Subwoofer:

Now, let’s have a look at the pros and cons if you prefer a trunk subwoofer:

Pros:

1. Better Bass Response:

These subwoofers are effective if you want to get a fascinating thumping sound. Just because of their larger cone areas that can move back and forth deeper than under-seat compact subwoofers, you’ll get an unforgettable low-frequency sound. If your subwoofer sounds weak even in the trunk, you need to tune your crossover settings. 

2. More Versatile:

Trunk subwoofers provide audiophiles with many choices. Depending upon your desired bass, you can place the subwoofer in any direction in the trunk. However, you must ensure you don’t put any sharp-edge components near the car subwoofer. Otherwise, you can damage your subwoofer because its bass can move those components around. Also, they come in various shapes and sizes that you choose after measuring the trunk space.

3. High Power Handling:

You will get high-power handling by placing the subwoofer in your SUV or car. In simple words, these subwoofers come with high power handling capabilities than the underseat subs. Higher power handling can enhance the subwoofer’s ability to produce deep bass sound without distortion.

Cons:

1. Space-Taking Design:

You’ll have to sacrifice some of your car trunk space for the subwoofers. That’s the big reason why people with small cars do not prefer trunk subwoofers. Trunk subwoofers can reduce the area you could use for other essential components.

2. Complex to Install:

Trunk subwoofers require some effort when installing. If you’re using a passive subwoofer, you must need an extra amplifier for it. Also, you need to take wires from your car bonnet (battery place) to the trunk to power your subwoofer.

3. Expensive:

Trunk subs are not so expensive that nobody can afford them. But I would just say they are more costly than under-seat subwoofers. However, people with a tight budget can get underseat subwoofers for themselves.

What Should I Choose Between Underseat and Trunk Subwoofer?

As a car audio expert, I would say trunk subwoofers should be the priority for anyone looking for heavy bass sounds. Trunk subs perform way better than those of the underseat. However, when deciding between an underseat subwoofer or a trunk-mounted subwoofer, there are several factors to consider, such as size, power handling, and placement options. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your preferences and installation requirements. Both subs can provide excellent sound quality if installed correctly with adequate power.

Are Underseat Subwoofers Any Good?

Underseat subwoofers are a great way to add excellent sound quality to your audio system without taking up much space. They provide an intense bass, and you can quickly install them beneath cars, boats, or even home furniture seats. Unlike regular-sized car subwoofers, these do not require much power, so they are ideal for people who want increased low-end performance without consuming too much energy. In general, under-seat subwoofers offer high value at an affordable price and provide solid sound reproduction.