What Size Subwoofer Do I Need for My Car?
Are you one of the car audio enthusiasts looking for the perfect size car subwoofer? You must have probably heard that the more you choose a giant subwoofer, the better it performs. Well, that’s wrong!
There are many things to consider before choosing the right-sized car subwoofer. Important ones are:
- Your budget
- Amount of space your car has
- The electrical power
However, if you are interested in choosing the bigger subwoofer, give yourself a break because it may lead to a bad user experience if not picked up wisely.
So, what should you do now? Read the full article below to find out about 8-inch, 10-inch, 12-inch, 15-inch, and 18-inch car subwoofers.
Choosing the Right Size Subwoofer for Your Car:
You need to look at several factors, including the type & size of your vehicle, how much power your current car stereo can provide, and the quality of sound you desire before picking up the right-sized subwoofer. Fortunately, figuring out what size subwoofer is suitable for your car can be simple and decided by the below factors:
1. Trunk Size:
Start by measuring your vehicle’s trunk or hatchback area if you’re thinking of placing the sub there. Knowing the total space in this area will help you decide what size subwoofer will fit and give you an idea of how much room you’ll need to drive the car sub fluently. So, it is necessary to know how much space your car has.
2. Checking the Current Car Audio System:
As I’ve mentioned above, many vehicles come equipped with factory-installed audio systems, including speakers and a subwoofer. Before deciding the size, you need to check if your current head unit or amplifier can play the subwoofer without causing any hurdles or power disruption. Otherwise, the wrong-sized subwoofer will get overpowered or underpowered by your existing audio system.
3. Amp Power:
When choosing a subwoofer, power is also essential to consider. The amount of wattage your amplifier delivers determines how loud your subwoofer can play. If you want to upgrade your subwoofer but keep the amplifier the same, make sure that the wattage of the new subwoofer is compatible with your current amp. That’s something not directly related to the size of a subwoofer, but it is essential that you choose the right-sized woofer for your amplifier’s power ⁽¹⁾.
4. Sound Quality:
Finally, consider the quality you desire from your car’s audio system. Different types of subwoofers deliver different types of sound. Choose one that is suited to your musical tastes. For example, you need to get a large subwoofer to listen to high-bass sounds. But with greater size, you also have to provide enough power and wattage to the sub to get the most out of it. Otherwise, it may cause problems with the sound quality.
5. Car Subwoofer Types:
Once you’ve decided on the size, power, and sound quality you need from your subwoofer (dual voice coil subwoofers included), it’s time to consider what subwoofer will work best in your vehicle. I know that types don’t have to do anything with the size. But believe it as a friendly tip.
Sealed Subwoofer: A sealed subwoofer is typically smaller and produces a more accurate bass sound. It’s ideal for those who want a clear, deep bass without too much distortion. In this enclosure, there is no hole present for frequency waves to escape.
Ported Subwoofer: A ported subwoofer allows you to increase the volume of your bass. They produce a louder sound but can also introduce distortion. In the enclosure box, there is a hole from which the low frequency will escape, producing more bass than a sealed one.
If you are looking for deeper bass, go for a sealed enclosure. However, you can also choose between an active subwoofer and a passive subwoofer.
Most Used Car Subwoofer Sizes:
Size matters when choosing the music you want to listen to. While many sizes are available on the market today, some are more commonly used than others. The most popular car subwoofer sizes include 8-inch, 10-inch, 12-inch, 15-inch, and 18-inch models.
8-Inch:
8-inch subwoofers for the car are typical in compact vehicles and budget systems. While they don’t provide the same level of bass impact as larger models, 8-inch subs can still produce plenty of deep basses when paired with a powerful amplifier.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Compact size | Not suitable for extensive bass notes |
| Low cost | Doesn’t hit lower frequencies well |
| Easy to install |
10-Inch:
10-inch subwoofers for the car are a popular choice for many people. They give you the best of both options, providing more bass frequency and punch than 8-inch models while still fitting in smaller spaces.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Powerful and deep bass | Not suitable for extensive bass notes |
| Low distortion levels | Doesn’t hit lower frequencies well |
| Easy to install |
12-Inch:
12-inch car subwoofers are ideal for those looking for a full-bodied and powerful sound. They are typically the preferred choice for medium to large vehicles, pickup trucks, and convertibles.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Good power handling | Limited space for installation |
| Produces deep bass notes | Can be expensive |
| Easy to install |
15-Inch:
15-inch subwoofers for the car are commonly used in higher-end audio systems and larger vehicles. They provide a robust, deep bass response that many people find appealing.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Produces loud and deep bass notes | Limited space for installation |
| Can handle higher power levels | Can be expensive |
18-Inch:
18-inch car subwoofers are the most extensive available and offer an awe-inspiring bass response. They’re typically found in premium sound systems or high-performance vehicles with plenty of space for installation. However, 18 inches subwoofer produces more bass than a smaller subwoofer size.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Produces loud and powerful bass | Limited space for installation |
| High power handling capability | Can be expensive |
General FAQs
Is a Subwoofer Necessary for my Car?
Subwoofers are a great way to enhance the sound quality and bass of a car’s audio system. While subwoofers are optional for some vehicles, they can be a valuable addition for anyone wanting to get the most out of their music-listening experience.
The design of the car subwoofer helps to produce deep bass sounds that most standard car audio systems can’t deliver independently. With the right size subwoofer, drivers can hear their music’s full range of sound, including low frequencies and high frequencies that regular stereo speakers lack to produce.
In addition to producing better quality sound, adding a good size subwoofer to your car’s audio system can add extra oomph to your music. Subwoofers are outstanding for genres like hip-hop, EDM, and rock music ⁽²⁾, which contain heavy bass notes that add intensity and excitement to the listening experience.
Ultimately, whether or not you decide to get a subwoofer for your car will depend on your personal preferences and pocket. If you’re looking to boost the sound quality of your car’s audio system, a true-size subwoofer could be a great addition. Adding a subwoofer will bring out the best in your car’s audio system. Additionally, a subwoofer works in a car significantly if installed correctly.
How to Measure the Car Subwoofer Size?
Measuring the size of your car subwoofer is not a big deal, and you can quickly perform this action without going to any car audio shop. With some essential tools, you can measure the size of your subwoofer yourself, allowing you to make further decisions.
Gather a measuring tape, paper, and pencil to measure the size of your car subwoofer. Begin by measuring the outside edge of the subwoofer frame, including any grilles, caps, or other parts covering it. Record this measurement as the “A” dimension.
Next, measure from one side of the mounting hole to the other side and record this as the “B” dimension. Finally, measure from one side of the mounting hole to the bottom edge of the subwoofer frame. You can name it as “C” dimension.
Once you have these three measurements recorded, you can determine the total size of your car subwoofer. Add the “A”, “B”, and “C” dimensions together. After adding, you will get the full subwoofer size in square inches.
How Do I Choose the Right Subwoofer for My Car?
Choosing the right subwoofer for your car stereo is an important decision. You want a system that will provide excellent sound quality and power but won’t break the bank. Here are some tips to help you choose the right subwoofer for your car:
Determine Your Budget: Before shopping, determine how much money you will spend on the best subwoofer. Knowing what you can afford will help narrow your options and make finding the quality subwoofer for your car easier.
Consider Your Power Requirements: The power requirements for your subwoofer need to match the rest of your sound system. If the subwoofer is too powerful, it can damage your other components. Check the specs on the subwoofer to ensure it’s compatible with your car’s sound system.
Decide on a Size: Subwoofers come in different sizes, so you’ll want to ensure that your size will fit your vehicle. If unsure, measure your car’s trunk or interior space and check the specs of any subwoofer you’re interested in to make sure it will fit before committing to a purchase. Also, remember that larger subwoofers can produce more bass if connected to the right amp.
Research Subwoofer Brands: Subwoofers come from many different brands, so research which ones will give you the best sound quality and power for your budget. Also, look into customer reviews to understand how well a particular brand performs in real-world situations.
By following these tips, you can be sure to find the perfect subwoofer for your car. With the right subwoofer, you’ll enjoy excellent sound quality and power without breaking the bank. Good luck!
Do 10 and 12 Inch Size Car Subs Work Good Together?
The answer is yes; they do work well together. While the 10-inch and 12-inch subs have different sizes, they are both made to handle bass frequencies, so pairing them up can create a powerful and balanced sound system. The most significant benefit of using two different-sized car subs is that it allows you to get a more dynamic range in your audio.
A larger subwoofer can produce deeper frequencies, while a smaller subwoofer can reproduce higher bass levels. Combining both can create a fuller sound and achieve greater audio accuracy.
Another advantage of using two different-sized car subs is that they can be different from one another, make or model to work well together. As long as the two subs are rated for the same wattage output, they should be able to work together without any issues.
Finally, if you decide to pair up 10-inch and 12-inch car subs in your audio system, it is essential to make sure that you have a perfect crossover setting so that both subwoofers are being used optimally. Doing so will ensure that the two subs work together harmoniously and do not compete for sound.
Final Words:
Don’t worry if you still can’t understand. When I was new to the field, I struggled with what size subwoofer do I need for my car. After trying different car subwoofer sizes, I’ve shared the best methods for choosing the right size. This is an easy answer to your questions. If you still have questions, ping me with the question.