Looking to add deep, powerful bass to your car audio system without sacrificing too much space? Eight-inch subwoofers hit the sweet spot between compact design and impressive performance. These smaller subs fit perfectly in tight spaces while still delivering the punch you crave from your music.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ve thoroughly tested and reviewed the best 8 inch car subwoofers available today. Whether you’re building your first audio system or upgrading an existing setup, this article will help you find the perfect subwoofer for your specific needs and budget.
Contents
- Why Choose an 8-Inch Subwoofer?
- 1. BOSS Audio Systems CXX8 8-Inch Car Subwoofer
- 2. RECOIL RW8D2 Echo Series 8-Inch Car Subwoofer
- 3. Kicker 50CWCD84 CompC 8-Inch Subwoofer
- 4. Pyle PLPW8D 8-Inch Car Subwoofer
- 5. Rockville SS8P 8-Inch Slim Under-Seat Powered Subwoofer
- Comparison of Key Specifications
- How to Choose the Right 8-Inch Subwoofer
- Installation Tips for Optimal Performance
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Verdict
Why Choose an 8-Inch Subwoofer?
Before diving into the reviews, let’s discuss why an 8-inch subwoofer might be the right choice for your vehicle:
- Space-Efficient: Ideal for compact cars, trucks, or any vehicle with limited cargo space
- Responsive Bass: Typically produces tighter, more accurate bass than larger subwoofers
- Easier Integration: Works well with factory stereo systems and requires less power
- Budget-Friendly: Generally more affordable than larger subwoofer options
- Versatile Installation: Can be mounted in small enclosures, under seats, or in custom locations
Now let’s examine our top picks for 8-inch car subwoofers, comparing their key features, sound quality, and value.
1. BOSS Audio Systems CXX8 8-Inch Car Subwoofer
The BOSS Audio Systems CXX8 represents an excellent entry point for anyone wanting to enhance their car audio with deeper bass without breaking the bank.
Key Features:
- 600 watts maximum power handling
- Single 4-ohm voice coil design
- Poly injection cone with rubber surround
- Stamped steel basket for durability
- Easy mounting design for flexible installation
Sound Performance:
The CXX8 delivers surprisingly punchy bass for its compact size and budget price point. During testing, I found it performs best with hip-hop, EDM, and rock music. The bass remains tight and controlled at moderate volumes, though it can struggle slightly with the lowest frequencies when pushed to its limits.
While it won’t shake your entire vehicle like larger, more expensive options, it adds noticeable depth to your music that factory speakers simply can’t match. The single 4-ohm voice coil design makes it compatible with most amplifiers.
Installation Experience:
The mounting process is straightforward thanks to the standard dimensions and included hardware. The stamped steel basket provides good durability without excessive weight. This subwoofer works well in both sealed and ported enclosures, with sealed boxes typically delivering tighter bass response.
Value Assessment:
Priced significantly lower than many competitors, the BOSS CXX8 offers remarkable value for budget-conscious buyers. It serves as an ideal first subwoofer or a solid choice for secondary vehicles where premium sound isn’t the top priority.
2. RECOIL RW8D2 Echo Series 8-Inch Car Subwoofer
The RECOIL RW8D2 sits firmly in the mid-range category, offering features typically found in higher-end models but at a more accessible price point.
Key Features:
- 400 watts RMS power handling (800 watts peak)
- Dual 2-ohm voice coils for flexible wiring options
- Competition-grade pressed paper cone
- Black-coated 4-layer high-temperature voice coil
- Premium rubber surround for durability
Sound Performance:
The RW8D2 impressed me with its balanced sound profile. The competition-grade paper cone produces natural-sounding bass with excellent transient response. During testing, this subwoofer handled complex bass lines in jazz and classical music with remarkable clarity, while still delivering the impact needed for hip-hop and rock tracks.
The dual 2-ohm voice coil configuration provides flexibility when integrating with your existing system, allowing for 1-ohm or 4-ohm final impedance depending on your wiring preference.
Installation Experience:
The standard mounting dimensions make installation straightforward in most applications. The subwoofer feels solidly built, with quality materials throughout. The thick rubber surround promises excellent longevity even under heavy use.
For optimal performance, RECOIL recommends a sealed enclosure of 0.5 cubic feet or a ported enclosure of 0.75 cubic feet. In my testing, the ported design produced noticeably deeper bass, though at the cost of some definition compared to the sealed box.
Value Assessment:
While not the cheapest option on our list, the RECOIL RW8D2 justifies its price through superior build quality and sound performance. It represents an excellent middle ground between budget and high-end subwoofers.
3. Kicker 50CWCD84 CompC 8-Inch Subwoofer
Kicker has built a strong reputation in the car audio world, and their CompC series brings their renowned quality to a more affordable price point.
Key Features:
- 200 watts RMS power handling (400 watts peak)
- Dual 4-ohm voice coils for wiring flexibility
- Ribbed polyurethane surround
- Perimeter venting for improved cooling
- Advanced heat management system
Sound Performance:
The Kicker CompC delivers clean, accurate bass across various music genres. The robust motor structure and rigid cone design prevent distortion even at higher volumes. During testing, I particularly noted how well this subwoofer reproduces kick drums and bass guitar notes with distinct separation.
The thermal management features proved effective during extended listening sessions, with no noticeable performance degradation after hours of use. This consistency makes the CompC an excellent choice for everyday listeners who want reliable performance.
Installation Experience:
Kicker provides detailed specifications for optimal enclosure designs, making it easier to achieve the best possible sound. The included mounting hardware is high quality, and the reliable spring-loaded terminals ensure solid connections to your amplifier.
The dual 4-ohm voice coils offer flexible wiring options, allowing for 2-ohm or 8-ohm final impedance configurations to match your amplifier’s capabilities.
Value Assessment:
The Kicker CompC series hits a sweet spot of performance, durability, and price. You’re paying a bit more than entry-level options, but gaining Kicker’s reliability and sound engineering expertise in return. The company’s excellent warranty support adds further value to this purchase.
4. Pyle PLPW8D 8-Inch Car Subwoofer
The Pyle PLPW8D targets budget-conscious consumers who still want respectable performance from their car audio system.
Key Features:
- 400 watts RMS power handling (800 watts peak)
- Dual 4-ohm voice coils
- Non-pressed paper cone construction
- Black plastic basket for lightweight design
- Foam surround
Sound Performance:
Despite its budget positioning, the PLPW8D delivers adequate bass response for casual listeners. The non-pressed paper cone produces reasonably deep notes, though lacking some of the definition found in more expensive models. During testing, I found it handled electronic and pop music well, though complex bass arrangements could sound slightly muddied.
One surprise was how efficiently this subwoofer converts power to sound. Even with a modest amplifier, it produces respectable bass levels that significantly enhance factory audio systems.
Installation Experience:
The lightweight plastic basket makes handling and mounting easier than heavier alternatives. Standard dimensions ensure compatibility with most pre-fabricated enclosures. The spring-loaded terminals accept up to 12-gauge wire, though they don’t feel as robust as those on pricier models.
Pyle recommends a sealed enclosure of 0.55 cubic feet for optimal performance, which I found accurate in testing. In a ported box, the bass became less controlled but extended slightly deeper.
Value Assessment:
The PLPW8D serves as an excellent gateway into car audio upgrading. While it doesn’t match the refinement or durability of premium options, it provides a dramatic improvement over factory speakers at a price point accessible to most consumers.
5. Rockville SS8P 8-Inch Slim Under-Seat Powered Subwoofer
The Rockville SS8P takes a different approach from the other subwoofers in our lineup, offering a complete all-in-one solution with built-in amplification.
Key Features:
- Integrated 400-watt peak power amplifier (100 watts RMS)
- Ultra-slim design for under-seat installation
- Cast aluminum enclosure for heat dissipation
- Adjustable input sensitivity and low-pass filter
- Thermal, short-circuit, and overload protection
Sound Performance:
The convenience of this powered subwoofer comes with some sound quality compromises. The SS8P produces decent low-frequency enhancement but lacks the impact and depth of separately powered subwoofers in proper enclosures. During testing, it performed adequately with most music genres, adding noticeable bass that factory systems typically lack.
Where this subwoofer truly shines is in its space efficiency. The bass improvement relative to its minimal footprint makes it ideal for vehicles where space is at an absolute premium.
Installation Experience:
Installation proves remarkably simple compared to traditional subwoofer setups. With no separate amplifier or enclosure needed, the process involves only mounting the unit, connecting power, ground, and audio input wires. The included high-level inputs allow connection to factory stereos without dedicated preamp outputs.
The adjustable controls for gain, low-pass frequency, and phase help optimize the sound for different vehicles and listening preferences. The protection circuits provide peace of mind, especially in the challenging automotive environment.
Value Assessment:
The Rockville SS8P costs more than some passive subwoofers but offers excellent value when considering the included amplifier and enclosure. For those prioritizing easy installation and space efficiency over maximum sound quality, this powered option delivers impressive convenience.
Comparison of Key Specifications
| Model | Power Handling | Voice Coil | Impedance | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BOSS CXX8 | 600W Max | Single | 4-ohm | Poly injection cone |
| RECOIL RW8D2 | 400W RMS/800W Peak | Dual | 2-ohm | Competition-grade cone |
| Kicker 50CWCD84 | 200W RMS/400W Peak | Dual | 4-ohm | Perimeter venting |
| Pyle PLPW8D | 400W RMS/800W Peak | Dual | 4-ohm | Non-pressed paper cone |
| Rockville SS8P | 100W RMS/400W Peak | N/A | N/A | Built-in amplifier |
How to Choose the Right 8-Inch Subwoofer
When selecting from these top options, consider these important factors:
Available Space
Measure your installation location carefully. Standard 8-inch subwoofers require proper enclosures, while powered options like the Rockville SS8P can fit under seats or in other tight spaces.
Power Handling
Match your subwoofer’s power handling to your amplifier capabilities. Using too powerful an amplifier risks damaging the subwoofer, while underpowering results in suboptimal performance.
Impedance and Voice Coils
Dual voice coil subwoofers offer greater flexibility when wiring multiple subwoofers or matching amplifier specifications. Ensure your amplifier is stable at your chosen final impedance.
Music Preferences
Different subwoofers excel with different music genres. For primarily electronic or hip-hop listening, models with higher power handling like the RECOIL might be preferable. For jazz, classical, or acoustic music, the more accurate Kicker might serve you better.
Budget Considerations
Quality subwoofers exist at various price points. While premium options typically offer better sound and durability, budget models like the BOSS and Pyle provide significant improvements over factory audio without major investment.
Installation Tips for Optimal Performance
Getting the most from your new 8-inch subwoofer requires proper installation:
Enclosure Design
Most subwoofers perform best in professionally designed enclosures matched to their specific parameters. Pre-fabricated boxes offer convenience, while custom-built enclosures optimize performance.
Sealed enclosures generally provide tighter, more accurate bass, while ported designs offer greater volume and lower frequency extension.
Proper Wiring
Use appropriate gauge power and ground wires based on your amplifier’s requirements. Typically, 8-gauge or thicker wire works well for subwoofer amplifiers. Ensure solid connections and fuse protection for safety.
Sound Deadening
Adding sound deadening material to your vehicle’s doors, trunk, or subwoofer mounting location reduces unwanted vibrations and improves overall sound quality.
Crossover Settings
Set your head unit or amplifier’s crossover to direct only low frequencies to your subwoofer. For 8-inch models, a crossover point between 80-100Hz typically works well.
Break-In Period
New subwoofers require a break-in period to reach optimal performance. Play varied music at moderate volumes for the first 10-20 hours to properly flex the suspension components.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run an 8-inch subwoofer without an amplifier?
While technically possible to connect directly to a head unit, subwoofers require significantly more power than head units provide to produce meaningful bass. Even budget amplifiers dramatically improve performance.
How many 8-inch subwoofers do I need?
For most compact to mid-sized vehicles, a single quality 8-inch subwoofer provides noticeable bass enhancement. Larger vehicles or more demanding listeners might benefit from dual subwoofers.
Should I choose a sealed or ported enclosure?
Sealed enclosures offer tighter, more accurate bass with smaller space requirements. Ported enclosures produce louder output and deeper bass but require larger boxes and may sacrifice some accuracy.
Can I install an 8-inch subwoofer myself?
Basic installations are within reach of DIY enthusiasts with essential tools and electrical knowledge. Complex installations involving custom enclosures or extensive wiring might benefit from professional installation.
Will adding a subwoofer drain my car battery?
Properly installed subwoofers draw power only when the vehicle is running. However, extended listening with the engine off can drain your battery. Consider a capacitor for systems drawing significant power.
Final Verdict
After extensive testing and evaluation, here’s how I rank these top 8-inch subwoofers:
Best Overall Performance: Kicker 50CWCD84 CompC The balanced sound quality, reliable construction, and reasonable price point make this Kicker model the top all-around choice for most users.
Best Value: BOSS Audio Systems CXX8 Delivering respectable performance at an entry-level price point, the BOSS CXX8 offers the most bang for your buck.
Best for Limited Space: Rockville SS8P The all-in-one design makes this powered subwoofer ideal for vehicles where installation space is extremely limited.
Best for Enthusiasts: RECOIL RW8D2 With its competition-grade components and excellent power handling, the RECOIL subwoofer satisfies audio enthusiasts seeking premium performance.
Best Budget Option: Pyle PLPW8D For those just beginning their car audio journey, the Pyle offers a low-risk entry point with decent performance.
Remember that the “best” subwoofer ultimately depends on your specific needs, vehicle, and musical preferences. Any of these top options will significantly enhance your driving soundtrack compared to factory audio systems.
Which 8-inch subwoofer caught your interest? Do you have experience with any of these models? Let me know in the comments below!
