Best 15 Inch Subwoofer

Woah, so you’re looking for some serious bass huh? I’m here to help you find the best 15 inch subwoofer so you get the flex you deserve.

Now, be careful!

Once we reach this size and power, you really DO NOT want to go for something of low quality.

It’s going to be expensive anyway so buy something that lasts and that makes some massive BOOM.

Here I’ve got all the info you need to find the perfect 15 inch sub for your needs.

Make sure to also check my selection of the best 12 inch subwoofers!​

Below Are The Best 15 Inch Subwoofer

The following list is ordered by our preference. Some spots are arguable depending on one’s preference (more towards loudness and SPL or Sound Quality) but these are unarguably the best options for this size.

We’ve tried our very best to cover each key aspect from each sub and to list only what we’ve seen are the best 15″ subs of the year.

1. NS-15 V.3 D2 – Sundown Audio Nightshade V3 Series

The Sundown Nightshade v.3 (commonly known as NS v.3) is the 3rd generation of the renowned Nightshade line.

This woofers are assembled in the USA using exclusively the best high-performance adhesives and materials.

Every single piece is hand built and in this link, you can see how the owner of the company assembles one himself and explains every feature in crazy in-depth detail.

Specifications

• RMS: 2500 Watts
• Peak Power: ~5000Watt
• Sensitivity: 84.27dB
• Frequency response: n/a
• Impedance: 2+2 ohms
• Top Mount Depth: 13.00″
• Cut-Out: 13.83″

Review

We shall start this review with a little disclaimer.

This is the sub you are looking for ONLY if you want the best 15 inch subwoofer NO matter the price.

You demand the highest quality of build and the best possible SPL and SQ on a 15″ sub.

IF this isn’t your case no problem, there are other 9 extremely good subwoofers from half the price or less.

As every other Sundown Audio, the quality of build and materials is absolutely ​outstanding.

Check this article if you want to see some other great SPL Competition subwoofers.

Power and Sensitivity

The NSV3 is a very power-hungry subwoofer.

The output is unbelievable in terms of SPL with 87.24dB and those crazy 2.5kWatts RMS. This numbers demand some super efficient heat dissipating system so keep reading to find out how they made it possible.

The obvious disadvantage is that you have to upgrade your electrical system, getting yourself a new alternator and battery.

It is cost-efficient and will provide enough power.

Voice Coils.

This sub incorporates a heavily vented magnetic gap with a 3″ aluminium voice coil former for superior heat dissipation and a high temperature 4-layer aluminium flat wire voice coil.

The 4-layer coil keeps the mass and inductance down and allows to use such a long coil for incredible linear x-max while the huge motor achieves the level of BL you would expect of such incredible speaker.

Impedance.

This sub uses dual 2ohm coils, allowing us to set it at either 1ohm parallel or 4 ohms series.  

You do need to know what you do when you wire subs and amps specially when we talk about this crazy high RMS power.

You will need to enclose this subwoofer in a box built to manufacturer’s specifications.

Conclusion

This sub is meant for enthusiasts with a rather big budget that want to setup a system able to compete or for people that just demand the best. 

Recommended Amplifier

The smartest match for this subwoofer is the Hifonics BE2500.1D Monobloc Amplifier. It provides with 2500W RMS and 5000W peak power which is exactly what this woofer needs.

It is priced reasonably and Hifonics is a well-trusted brand.

This is for Wiring PARALLEL at 1ohm. 

Pros

• Outstanding Loudness. 
• Made for Competition.
• Hand Built
• Made in the USA under the highest quality standards.
• Outstanding SQ
• Just Everything about it.

Cons

• High price
• Needs a custom made box for proper performance.
• You will have to upgrade your Battery and Alternator to power this beast.

2. Rockford Fosgate T1D215 Power T1

The second of this list is Rockford Fosgate’s best creation, the T1, is meant for audio fanatics that demand the most.

It incorporates a number of innovative technologies that make this, one of the most technologically advanced and efficient subwoofers of the year.

Specifications

• RMS: 1000Watts
• Peak Power: 2000Watts
• Sensitivity:88 dB
• Frequency response: 25-500 Hz
• Impedance: 2 or 4 ohms
• Top Mount Depth: 8-3/8 inches
• Cutout Diameter: 13-7/8 inches

Review

Power and Sensitivity

With 1000watts RMS and 88dB SPL output, we can confidently call this sub LOUD.

This subwoofer can handle peaks up to 2000w and its head dissipation capabilities match this amount of power.

Voice Coils and Cone

The T1 uses an anodized aluminium heat sink that is meant to dissipate heat away from the sub, meaning that you get more power handling and better bass output.

The hefty cast aluminum frame provides a fantastic platform for extreme cone excursion and the T1 incorporates an extended pole piece and bumped backplate to allow the sub hitting deeper lows without bottoming out.

This T1 sub features a responsive paper cone that’s reinforced with Kevlar® fibers (same material that bulletproof vests use) meaning a long lasting speaker.

​Fuse-protected impedance selection

RF’s subs incorporate the unique SWIFT™ technology, making it impossible to mess it up in the wiring.

It either lets you set it at 8 or 2 ohm with just a flip (4 ohms sub).

The jumper is fused to protect your sub from accidental overload.

This system also simplifies reconfiguring your setup when you add another subwoofer later on.

RF recommends a 35 liter enclosure although we have found that 50 liters and a closed enclosure are the best possible combination for SQ.

Rockford Fosgate offers 1-year warranty for this Sub.

Conclusion

With this sub not being as power-hungry as the Sundown, we think is the perfect choice for those that demand extreme high-quality but don’t want to trouble themselves upgrading alternators and such.

You won’t need to invest as much in an amplifier either so that’s also quite cost-efficient.​

Recommended Amplifier:

We recommend that you go for the 4ohms sub, that allows a 2ohms or 8 ohms configuration.

Then that you put it on 2ohms and use the JL Audio JX1000/1D Monoblock Amp that will give you 1000W RMS@2ohms.

JL amps are one of our favorite products and this one provides exactly what this subwoofer needs.

You could always use one of Rockford’s amp but for the price we believe this is the best pairing.

Pros

• Thoroughly Engineered.
• Outstanding quality of build
• Terrific Bass Quality
• SWIFT™ tech makes wiring super simple.

Cons

• Price won’t suit every wallet.

3. X-15 D4 – Sundown Audio X-Series 

And closing the podium we find another Sundown.

This time is the X series which offers a great balance of quality, sound pressure and price, since its tag is just a fraction of what the Nightshade costs.

Specifications

• RMS: 1250Watts
• Peak Power: 2500Watts
• Sensitivity: 86.7 db
• Frequency response: n/a
• Impedance: 6.1 ohm
• Top Mount Depth: 10.85″
• Cutout Diameter: 13.83″

Review

As every Sundown speaker, this is a hand made sub 100% designed and manufactured in the United States.

The overall quality of build is outstanding and that is reflected on the consistency and response of sound.

Power and Sensitivity

With over 1000w RMS (Official 1250w, users relate up to 1500-1600w RMS with prolongated use without any troubles, Sundown is known for playing “safe” in its official numbers) and 86.7db for the 4ohms sub, this is yet another crazy sub for Sound Pressure (loudness).

For the folks more concerned about SQ, the X15 is known for having a bit of a flat response on higher frequencies, meaning higher notes won’t sound as clear. 

Voice Coils and Cone

This motor drives a 3″ diameter 4-layer CCAW coil wound on a thick aluminum former to incredible levels of excursion.

The current version of the sub uses a new “black coil” which offers greater heat dissipation than its predecessors. 

It also incorporates stitched-On Double-XL Tinsel Leads to prevent fatigue and failure.

Impedance.

Rated as a 4ohm Dual Coil sub, it is actually more of a 3ohm. The sub offers either 6.1 ohms or 1.5ohms configurations. 

Conclusion

For those interested on having really well made, loud subs that don’t mind spending an extra buck on a reliable, high-quality woofer, this is the right sub.

It is meant for SPL over SQ so if SQ is your preference I would personally recommend the Rockford Fosgate. 

Recommended Amplifier:

For this subwoofer we would recommend going for the SCV-2000D – Sundown Audio Monoblock 2000W RMS Amplifier, which is the same amp that the manufacturer recommends.

It provides 2000w rms at 1ohm so if we wire the X15 In parallel to obtain 1.5ohms we will be exactly on the safe range of 1X00watts RMS (remember it’s proven to withstand 1600w RMS)

Pros

• Great dB output.
• Dual Voice Coils
• Quality of components and manufacture on the top of the industry.
• Made in the USA

Cons

• For audiophiles, the SQ on the highest frequencies won’t be satisfying for the price.
• Prices on the High range.

4. Orion HCCA152

Here is a crazy powerful competition subwoofer that will make delight of the bassheads. The Orion HCCA brings outstanding quality of build and real loud, bass notes.

Specifications

• RMS: 2500Watts
• Peak Power: 5000Watts
• Sensitivity: 87 dB
• Frequency response: 21-100 Hz
• Impedance: Dual 2 ohm
• Top Mount Depth: n/a
• Cutout Diameter: n/a

Review

Power and Sensitivity

This isn’t a subwoofer for the novice or the spending-shy.

The massive power consumption of this sub will require you to upgrade your alternator to at least 200amp and get an extra battery.

We know by ourselves and dozens of users that the investment is worth it, tho.

With 2500Watts RMS and 87db output, this is an absolute beast that will make your car flex and your neighbors fear/hate you.

Voice Coils and Cone

The Orion HCCA incorporates dual voice coils.

These are Black Coils, some of the latest technology in coils that provide with outstanding heat dissipation.

Impedance.

This is a dual 2ohm sub meaning we can either wire it at 4ohms or at 1 ohm.

To feed this monster at 4ohms will require a massive, really expensive amplifier.

Check out our Amplifier Recommendation for this sub further below to know how we’ve set up our own Orion.

Conclusion

If the NSV3 is out of your budget, you may want to consider getting your hands on this sub.

You can expect similar quality of build and components and definitely pretty much the same output. 

Recommended Amplifier:

Although our go-to subs are the Crescendo, and we fiddled around with a cc3500 for a while, we like better the the Hifonics BE2500.1D Monobloc Amplifier for its simpler setup and easier matching. Price wise is also a way less expensive choice so that’s our suggestion.

Pros

• Massive Sound Output
• Orion sells Cone Replacement Kits in case you blow one off.
• Dual Coils allow more installation options
• Price is balanced for the outstanding features.

Cons

• Reduced Frequency Range
• Power Hungry. You’ll need to upgrade your electric system.
• Very Heavy

5. Skar Audio ZVX-15v2

Skar isn’t usually one of our brands of choice since from our experience it doesn’t match what bigger players like JL, Rockford Fosgate or Sundown audio offer.

In this case, however, we think the ZVX really deserves its spot into the top 10.

Specifications

• RMS: 1500Watts
• Peak Power: 3000Watts
• Sensitivity: 86.3 dB
• Frequency response: 25 – 400 Hz
• Impedance: Dual 1 or 2ohms
• Top Mount Depth:11.3″
• Cutout Diameter: 14″

Review

Power and Sensitivity

This sub works at 1500w RMS and withstands peaks up to 3000watts.

For the size of the sub it moves around what we think is a very optimal range. It isn’t as crazy powerful as the Orion or Sundown’s V3 but in our opinion that works on its favor.

For the price, you get a really powerful sub that won’t force you to upgrade your system (most likely, if your alternator is really small, you may have to) and that sounds very loud at 86.3db of Pressure.

Voice Coils and Cone

This subwoofer utilizes a 3-inch high temperature voice coil and a massive triple slug magnet, which combined with its high roll foam surround and competition grade paper cone allow it to perform with sheer excellence.

The quality of build and technologies can’t be compared with the top subs but it is good overall.

Impedance.

This is what we like from this subwoofers.

They come in either dual 1ohm or dual 2 ohm configurations, allowing from 4ohms combined impedance to as little as 0.5 ohms.

We all know good amplifiers aren’t cheap. To move 0.5ohms at 1500RMS won’t be too hard so we won’t have to spend that much on an amp.

Conclusion:

This is the sub you are looking for if you have a contained budget and aim for a good balance of power and quality of build.

This isn’t the sub you are looking for if you are on a very reduced budget or if you really want the best. In the first scenario, there are more affordable subs that work at lower power and in the second scenario, the previous subs are what you want.

Recommended Amplifier:

We tested this subwoofer powered by a Skar Audio RP-1500.1D Monoblock and we were very pleased (and we won’t deny it, a bit surprised too) with the outcome.

With us not being fans of Skar we have to recognize the fantastic blend of this two components.

The RP-1500 provides 1500w RMS @1ohm and up to 2.3kw peak.

This way you can make sure the subwoofer is always feed with optimal power and that it won’t get fried.

The quality of sound we experienced greatly surpassed our expectations. It was set with a Dual 2 ohm sub on parallel.

Pros

• Good quality of build
• Good Balance Power/Price
• Low impedance options
• Dual Coils
• Greater Quality than any other Skar We’ve ever tested.
• Reduced price for a SPL bass with its specs

Cons

• None whatsoever

6. KICKER 11S15L72  Solo-Baric

The Solo Barick series come with this sick, square design that is not just a matter of looks… keep reading and find out why we think this is one of the best 15 inch car subwoofer of the year.

Specifications

• RMS: 1000watts
• Peak Power: 2000Watts
• Sensitivity: 89.4db
• Frequency response: 18-100 Hz
• Impedance: dual 2 ohms
• Top Mount Depth: 8-11/16″
• Cutout Diameter:13-3/4″

Review

Power and Sensitivity

With 1000w RMS we wouldn’t expect this sub to be SO loud and the peak is “just” 2kw.

But what about those 90db of sound pressure? Here is where the square shape comes into play.

Voice Coils and Cone

The patented square-woofer technology allows for 18% more cone, which translates into louder bass compared with round subs of the same size.

They honestly sound like 18″.

The patented corner-ribbed, double-stitched Santoprene® surround helps holding the massive cone in place.

This subwoofer offers very high excursion without compromising much sound quality.

Impedance.

Available in either 4 ohms or 2ohms dual coils, they can be set in 8, 4, 2 and 1ohms total (depending on which impedance and wiring you use) giving more than enough setup possibilities.

Conclusion:

For the low wattage, this subs are an absolute blast and we don’t know about many other configurations that will sound that loud.

For the price, we don’t think there isn’t any louder choice.

This is the sub you are looking for if you want a super loud bass and don’t want to spend a kidney in the amp.

Recommended Amplifier:

We recommend going for JL’s JX1000/1D monoblock amp for a 4ohms sub wired parallel at 2ohms. This will give us 1000wRMS and 2Kw peak.

Pros

• Great value for money.
• Reasonable price.
• Available in 2 and 4 ohms
• Dual Coils provide greater heat dissipation.

Cons

• Lacks some depth on higher frequencies, which might disappoint audiophiles looking for greater SQ.

7. DS18 EXL-B15.2 

You might be familiar with DS18 subs since we reviewed its smaller brother before.

This is a high excursion sub that is packed with a punch and delivers great power.

Specifications

• RMS: 1800Watts
• Peak Power: 3000Watts
• Sensitivity: 92dB
• Frequency response: 44-1,300Hz
• Impedance: Dual 2+2 ohms
• Top Mount Depth: n/a
• Cutout Diameter: n/a

Review

Power and Sensitivity

92db. Let that sink.

That is some crazy sound pressure for a 15″ sub.

With 1800w RMS and 3000w peak, the amount of sound this woofer gives is outstanding. Purely talking about SPL, it outranks every other sub we’ve reviewed and that’s why we believe this is the best 15 inch subwoofer for the money!

Voice Coils and Cone

For the cone DS18 uses paper reiforced with glass fiber and a large foam edge. Voice coils feature 2.5″ black aluminium disposed in 4 layers.

The overall quality of build is way beyond what we would expect for a sub this price.

Impedance.

This subwoofer comes in two possible impedance configurations, either 2 or 4 ohms both featuring dual coils.

We like more the 2 ohms version over the 4ohms one since 92db drop to 87db in the 4 ohms version.

That is a substantial loss in SP. 

Conclusion:

We believe the DS18 EXL B152.D is a great choice for those who want the best bang for their buck and desire MASSIVE bass sounds

A word of caution though, is that you NEED to give this subs a proper break-in before you get all the juice out of them.

Without the right break-in, this subs may not last as long as they should.

Recommended Amplifier:

After the right break-in this subs will be able to work at a very high wattage for long periods.

A right balance power/cost in the sub-amp match would be the Hifonics ZRX2416.1D Zeus Mono Class-D if you go for the 2 ohms subs and wire them in parallel.

At 1ohm, this is a great matchup for this sub.

Pros

• Price.
• Super Loud.
• Dual coils.

Cons

• Will fry without good break-in
• Insufficient response on the highest range of frequency (Although logical)

8. JL Audio 15W0v3-4

JL is one of our go-to brands when it comes to mid-range subwoofers.

They have some great 10″ and 12″ subs and in this size, they come with a very interesting sub. It is reduced in dimensions, price and power consumption, yet still offers outstanding levels of sound.

Specifications

• RMS: 150-500Watts
• Peak Power: 500Watts
• Sensitivity: 88.20 db
• Frequency response: 20-200 Hz
• Impedance: 4 ohms
• Top Mount Depth: 7.15″
• Cutout Diameter: 13.75″

Review

Power and Sensitivity

The Power output of this subwoofer may disappoint some, as it doesn’t even reach those 750w RMS that most consider the minimal acceptable power for subs this size.

Don’t let that fool you, this subwoofer packs a punch as it reaches 88.20 db even with such low power consumption. 

As you see in the chart above (courtesy of JL Audio) this subs are made to work at around 300W RMS and withstands peaks of 500W.

Voice Coils and Cone

It features a very beefy 2.5″ voice coil and a technology developed by JL that hey name “Elevated Frame Cooling” designed for enhanced power handling and reliability.

The High Excursion cone works very nicely giving that really high SPL rate.

Impedance

This woofer incorporates a single 4 ohm coil that pumps this sub with no mercy.

Conclusion:

The JL 15w0v3 is the perfect sub for those that do not want to spend a lot of money, yet look for a sub that is well made, not very power hungry and that will give really loud bass sounds.

Recommended Amplifier:

We have tested this JL paired with a Rockford Fosgate R500X1D giving 300W RMS@4ohms and we were very surprised with the output.

It is just 300Watts, so to hear this sub blasting as loud as some 2000W woofers was quite mind blowing.

Pros

• Price.
• Needs very little power
• Overall great quality of build

Cons

• None.

9. Rockford Fosgate P3D4-15 Punch P3

The Punch, one of RF’s best balanced creations, makes it again into our top picks. 

Specifications

• RMS: 600Watts
• Peak Power: 1200Watts
• Sensitivity: 86dB
• Frequency response: 22-250k hz
• Impedance: 4 ohms
• Top Mount Depth: n/a
• Cutout Diameter: 13.94″

Review

Power and Sensitivity

With just 600W RMS they are just under the “ideal” line. As usual, 2xRMS is the maximum peak power this subs would withstand.

The pressure levels are still quite high and are what we would expect from a 15″ sub with 86db. Nothing impressive, nothing disappointing here.

Voice Coils and Cone

Voice Coils are made of copper-clad, a less expensive option than other materials we’ve seen in higher performance subs, like black aluminium. It uses an aluminum frame that serves the purpose of a heat sink. 

Impedance

This subwoofer is available in 4ohms and 2 ohms both using just one coil. This makes installation quite straightforward. 

Conclusion:

The right sub for those with a limited budget that want some extra power from their subs.

We however don’t think it is good enough to be a contender for the JL on this “budget” range.

The only advantage over the 10 inch version of this same sub is some extra bass and lower frequencies, although we prefer the smaller model.

Recommended Amplifier:

The time we tested the 15″ version of the Punch it was wired to a Kicker amp that we believe was a bit short on output so we recognize this may have diminished our perception of what this sub can and can’t do.

From plain numbers, we would advice to match this subwoofer up with a JX1000/1D – JL Audio Monoblock.

We’ve tested that amp with dozens of subs and are well confident that it will do great with the Punch. It gives 750W RMS@4ohms which will feed the sub perfectly.

Pros

• Very Affordable
• Space-Efficient.
• Lightweight
• Easy to install.

Cons

• Output isn’t as impressive as in other reviewed subs.

10. Power Acoustik MOFO-154X

Power Acoustik are growing appreciation among SPL competitors on this side of the globe since they keep their products very contained in price yet quite loud blasting.

Specifications

• RMS: 1700Watts
• Peak Power: 3000Watts
• Sensitivity: 87dB
• Frequency response: n/a
• Impedance: Dual 4+4 ohms
• Top Mount Depth:6.875″
• Cutout Diameter: 11.25″

Review

Power and Sensitivity

Harder to feed than its smaller brother, the 15″ version of the MOFO moves at 1700W RMS and withstands peaks up to 3000W.

A total sound output of 87db makes this woofer a very loud one.

Voice Coils and Cone

The quality of build of this sub is actually impressive for the price you pay.

It features 2.5″ Dual 4-Layer voice coils with a nice Royal Blue finish and a die cast aluminum heatsink for the coils to improve heat dissipation.

This woofers’ cone are made of poly/paper composite and incorporate a dustcap with alminium stiffeners.

This reduces cone flex to minimum and gives greater SQ during high excursion. 

Impedance

Available on both dual 2ohm and dual 4ohms impedances, ensuring multiple wiring combinations.

Conclusion:

The MOFO-154x is the right subwoofer for you if you are looking for an affordable, powerful sub for multiple subs setup.

If you run several of this bad boys you can wire them to as little as 0.5  or 1ohm, which will make it easy for you to find a good amp to power this beast.

However, if you are looking for crystal clear sound quality and easiness of installation, you may better look for the JL Audio listed above.

Recommended Amplifier:

We’ve runned this sub paired with Power Acoustik GT14500D giving close to 2200watts RMS @ 2ohms and had to be gentle with the volume as we didn’t want to fry it whilst we had it borrowed

During our tests, the sound output was superb although we know it was slightly overpowered.

Pros

• SUPER high value for your money
• Really loud 
• Quality of materials is unexpected for the price
• Dual Coils
• Futuristic looks.

Cons

• Do not use on a closed box or you’ll fry it.
• Absolutely nothing else.

Wrapping it up

These are all component subwoofers, you will need an enclosure (whether ported like on the picture or sealed will depend on your preferences and the sub that you get) and an amplifier.

Please note that Watt-Hungry subs might need you to upgrade your electrical system (alternator, battery etc) and that for proper functioning and sound quality, the right wiring is essential.

The biggest advantage of 15 inch subs is the loudness, as per the size they provide with massive bass sound.

The biggest con of 15 subs is size and usually price (compared with smaller subs).

One single 15 inch sub with the right enclosing may eat the whole of your trunk space. 

Now, don’t let anyone fool you.

You won’t find a good 15 inch subwoofer for less than a hundred bucks or so.

Unless a retailer/manufacturer is getting rid of stock and giving you a sweet deal, decent subs tend to pass the 100$ mark.

We are still to test a cheap 15 inch subwoofer that doesn’t suck or fry within weeks.

That’s the sad truth.

If you are on a tight budget, consider 8″ or 10″ subs ​where you will get more value for your money.

This 10 are the best 15 inch subwoofers. If you liked this article please, share it with your friends! Check the related posts to see more subwoofers.