Every car audio enthusiast loves some heavy low-end for cruising and listening to their favorite tunes. That being said, not every car, truck, or SUV necessarily has the space to accommodate an amp and subs that provide an ample kick. Moreover, dropping in twin 15-inch subwoofers and a 2000-watt amplifier may not only be overkill for their needs but also more hassle than they want to deal with.
For those drivers with limited interior space looking for an easy installation, 8-inch subwoofer kits are the ideal solution. Not only are they easy to power using mini amps, but they can be easily mounted in under-seat prefabricated enclosures anywhere in the vehicle.
To help you choose the best one for your needs, we’ve assembled these reviews of the best 8-inch subwoofers on the market. Check out what we have for you:
Best 8 Inch Subwoofer
Our selection covers some high SQL subwoofers, great competition-grade subs for high SPL, and the best of the budget-friendly subs on the market. Only good stuff, because you deserve that.
Ok, Let’s get straight into it. Below are our top picks:
Comparison Chart
1. Skar Audio VVX-8v3 D4 8″
A compact subwoofer ideal for an under seat or trunk space subwoofer solution for bass heads who want the best performance in a compact package.
Specifications
- RMS: 600 watts
- Peak Power: 800 watts
- Sensitivity: 83.9 dB
- Frequency response: 55-500 Hz
- Impedance: 4 Ohms
Skar Audio has a reputation for building subs that pack more punch pound-for-pound than just about any other manufacturer. They use only the best construction materials, and their products are well-known for resilience, durability, and reliability.
The Good/What I Like
This sub is LOUD. Rig it up with a small 1000-watt amplifier and under-seat sealed enclosure (or use an all-in-one amp and 8” sub enclosure), and your ride will be thumping around the block with the best of them. The sub itself feels solid, and I have no doubt in my mind about the craftsmanship after opening the box and handling it. The technical specifications say the RMS power is only 400 watts, but it sounds and feels far more powerful.
The Bad/What I Don’t Like
Any sound under 50 Hz is pretty hard for this sub to reproduce. It doesn’t distort or buzz out per se, but it definitely lacks that super low end punch you might find in a larger diameter subwoofer. Additionally, the unit itself is very heavy.
That’s really just an issue during installation, but it also means you need to ensure it is securely mounted so it doesn’t shift while your vehicle is in motion. For a subwoofer this heavy with its amplifier and enclosure, that can mean drilling into the body of your vehicle, which is a task best left to professionals.
Pros
- Extremely powerful, intense sound for its size
- Solid construction using high quality materials
- Sounds far more powerful than its 600-watt RMS rating
Cons
- Significantly heavy, so secure mounting is a must
- Sound reproduction and performance below 50 Hz is lacking
- It May require professional installation due to a potential need for drilling into the vehicle body to mount the enclosure securely
2. Sundown Audio SA V3
The Sundown Audio SA V3 packs a lot of power into a small 8” sub, making this an excellent addition to any sound system, particularly in vehicles with limited space.
High-quality components like the 2.5” black aluminum voice coil, a large magnet ID shorting Faraday ring, and the FEA optimized coil and motor are built to last. Quality engineering, such as the highly optimized machined air channels intended to increase airflow means this durable subwoofer will deliver peak performance.
Specifications
Review
- Size: 8”
- Top Mount Depth: 7”
- Cut-Out: 7.36”
- RMS: 750 watts
- Peak Power: 1,500 watts
- Sensitivity: 82.71 dB
- Frequency response: n/a
- Impedance: Dual 2 ohms or 4 ohms
- Voice Coils and Cone: Black aluminum 2.5” voice coil
The SA V3 from Sundown Audio features a strong double-layer Nomex spider, a competition-grade paper cone, and a durable foam surround.
This setup can handle over 33mm of x-mech and 19mm of one-way Klippel verified excursion for an intense and punishing bass.
Completely tied-on XL tinsel leads and spring-loaded terminals enable easy setup.
Sundown Audio spent years refining the design of their SA series subwoofers, and all of that hard work is apparent in the V3. Most 8” subwoofers are incapable of delivering the power the SA V3 can easily provide.
Handcrafted construction lends this sub added durability, ensuring it will be part of your audio setup for a long time to come.
Pros
- Loud subwoofer capable of clearly hitting low tones thanks to the 82.71 dB sensitivity and 750 watt RMS power.
- The solid pole piece with chamfered edges also features machined air channels to increase airflow and heat dissipation for improved voice coil cooling.
- Available in dual 2 ohm or dual 4-ohm coils, enabling flexible installation options by wiring it to 2 ohms or 8 ohms or 4 ohms if used with 2 amplifiers.
- Durable double-layer Nomex spider and rubber surround can easily handle high excursion.
- Handcrafted construction means this subwoofer is built to last.
Cons
- The Sundown Audio SA V3 does not perform well at lower frequencies around 18 Hz.
3. Kicker Solo-Baric L7
Kicker’s Solo Baric exclusive and exotic shape is the reason these subs hit SO hard. We’ve reviewed bigger sizes of this subwoofer before (#6 on our 15-inch subwoofer comparative) because we were very impressed the first time we heard these subs and have become quite familiar with them.
Specifications
- RMS: 450 Watts
- Peak Power:900 Watts
- Sensitivity: 83.6 db
- Frequency response: 28-100 Hz
- Impedance: Dual 2 or 4 ohms
- Top Mount Depth: 4-3/4″
- Cutout Diameter: 7-1/4″
Review
Power and Sensitivity
This sub pumps a neat 83.6 db SPL. With official 450w RMS, we know the L7 to be really loud for an 8″. We know they withstand more than that but don’t recommend it.
In all honesty, between buying a lesser quality 12″ sub or this 8″ Kicker, we would go for Kicker anytime. It isn’t only loud but also the sound quality is perhaps the highest of the 5 subwoofers we review in this article, with the exception of the W7 by JL.
Voice Coils and Cone
This is pure top-of-the-line technology here. This was the world’s first patented square sub, with an extra cone area that results in louder sound than round subwoofers of the same size.
The patented corner-ribbed, double-stitched Santoprene surround helps hold the massive motor in place. The Solo-Baric’s durability is way above average as well as its excursion. The Sound Quality in this subwoofer is, as said, the best for this size.
Impedance.
These subs come in either 2 or 4 ohms DVC (Dual Voice Coils). Now, why on hell would you, Kicker, place each terminal on a different corner of the subwoofer?
We love when terminals are nice and conveniently placed together on the same side of the sub so wiring is as simple as possible and this isn’t the case.
I guess Kicker’s originality had to be shown in more places.
The issue isn’t as dramatic as I feel it is. If you are wiring just 1 sub it is ok. But if you want to, let’s say, wire 6? It just makes it unnecessarily complicated.
Conclusion
All in all a great subwoofer that will be the delight of SPL lovers and Audiophiles alike. A hard, well-made subwoofer that knocks some serious bass and reproduces music with outstanding fidelity. For the money, we think is the best option.
Recommended Amplifier:
For 4 ohms load, we recommend hooking this sub to a JL Audio JX1000/1D as the amplifier is one of the best around for the price and power. At 4 ohms it gives 500W RMS stable and minimal distortion.
Pros
- Great dB output.
- Dual Voice Coils
- Highest quality of build and materials
- Better sound quality than most 8 inch subs.
Cons
- Terminals aren’t on the same side of the subwoofer
4. JL Audio 8W3V3
The third generation of JL subwoofers is still today one of the best options available on the market.
Specifications
- RMS: 250Watts
- Peak Power: 500Watts
- Sensitivity: 83.24 dB
- Frequency response: 21-100 Hz
- Impedance: 4 ohm
- Top Mount Depth: 4.63″
- Cutout Diameter: 7.09″
Review
Power and Sensitivity
As in every other JL, we’re provided with the Continuous RMS power as well as an “ideal” or recommended power range. In this case, 250W RMS and anything in between 75 and 250W RMS.
Peak power is 500W. With 83.24 dB of SPL, this little sub packs a punch. The price is one of the smartest purchases you can do.
Voice Coils and Cone
If you’ve read our review of JL’s W7 (our winner) you know they take the construction of these subwoofers quite seriously and that they incorporate a monstrous list of technologies.
Impedance.
This subwoofer incorporates a single 4ohms coil and spring loaded terminals on the same side of the sub for easy installment. (yes, still looking bad at you Kicker!)
Conclusion
If you don’t have a lot of space, this sub is perfect. For the money, you get a super well-made subwoofer that blasts quite loud.
Don’t expect it to sound like a bigger sub (the W7 and the Sundown are far superior in this regard).
The sound quality they produce is superb so this is definitely a great choice.
Hard to find any downsides besides the little power and not-as-loud bang when compared with the other subs on this list.
Recommended Amplifier:
We tested it on a JL Audio JX360/2 bridged at 4ohms. It was giving little under 280W RMS with which we were extremely satisfied with the output.
Pros
- Outstanding Value for Money
- Great for small spaces.
- Quality of build and materials is great.
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Not as loud as the competition.
5. Rockford Fosgate P3SD2-8
Shallow Mount subwoofers are great subwoofers to get in the trunk without having to give up much trunk space. They don’t blast as loud as regular subs and are typically a bit more expensive but this one is an absolute steal.
Let’s have a look at it.
Specifications
- RMS: 150Watts
- Peak Power: 300Watts
- Sensitivity: 82 db
- Frequency response: 38-250 Hz
- Impedance: Dual 2 ohms
- Top Mount Depth: 2.66″
- Cutout Diameter: 7.13″
Review
Power and Sensitivity
With 82 db SPL and just 150w RMS this isn’t the loudest subwoofer ever made but will still provide some loud, crisp bass. For those with insufficient space to fit a regular-sized sub, this is a great choice.
Voice Coils and Cone
Rockford Fosgate cone formers and dust cap are made of anodized aluminum making this sub light and easy to drive, yet rigid enough to sustain its shape under high load. The M-Roll Santoprene™ surround also provides excellent excursion for maximum output while being durable enough to last.
Impedance.
This subwoofer has dual coils with 2 ohms impedance each. The wiring setups are either 1ohm, 2+2ohms or 4 ohms.
Conclusion:
A great subwoofer for those with a small budget and not much space in their car to fit a bigger sub.
Recommended Amplifier:
The perfect match for this subwoofer is the Rockford Fosgate R250X1 Prime which gives 150W RMS @4ohms. It won’t break the bank, it won’t overheat and it doesn’t need a lot of space so really, really a great combination
Pros
- Price.
- Dual coils.
- Space Saving
Cons
- Not as loud as the other subs listed.
6. Kicker 11HS8
Kicker’s all-in-one under-seat 8” self-powered subwoofer solution for vehicles with limited interior space.
Specifications
- RMS: 150Watts
- Peak Power: 300 watts
- Sensitivity: 95 dB
- Frequency response: 25-120 Hz
- Impedance: 4 Ohms
Well-known for their high-end, competition-grade products at value prices, Kicker builds some of the best subwoofers for the money. Their 11HS8 is a compact offering ready for self-installation right out of the box and includes everything you need to get it up and kicking in no time.
The Good/What I Like
Thanks to its wider frequency range than most 8-inch subs, the 11HS8 produces some really thunderous lows despite its small footprint and limited power. The wired remote is also an excellent feature, allowing you to adjust EQ, crossover, and bass boost settings without needing to crawl around the interior of your vehicle. Moreover, since it’s an all-in-one kit, the 11HS8 includes a wiring harness, remote cable, and everything you need to mount it anywhere in your vehicle.
The Bad/What I Don’t Like
While this is a fairly loud subwoofer kit, it may not be sufficient for some bassheads who are used to more sizable and powerful rigs. If you are expecting to feel this subwoofer from ten feet away outside the car, it’s not going to deliver that level of performance. 150 watts RMS is good, but it’s definitely not as powerful as rigging an 8-inch subwoofer to an enclosure with a more powerful amplifier.
Another thing that was a bit annoying: the included remote cable is only 2 feet long, as is the wiring harness. If the included hardware won’t reach you, you will need to buy longer cables to install it in your vehicle. Finally, there is no pre-amp signal adapter included with the kit. If your aftermarket head unit has a high-end preamp, you will need to purchase the adapter separately.
Pros
- Easy to install for the inexperienced
- Automatic power on/off
- Remote control allows for fine-tuning without direct access to the amplifier
- Excellent compact footprint
- All required installation materials are included.
Cons
- Pre-amp level signal adapter is not included
- Frequency range and RMS power may not deliver the kick some bassheads are expecting
- Remote cable and wiring harness are very short, possibly requiring users to purchase extensions to install the unit properly
7. Alpine Electronics PWE-S8
Quad-coil compact subwoofer all-in-one kit that provides powerful bass performance without taking up significant interior space.
Specifications
- RMS: 120 watts
- Peak Power: 240 watts
- Sensitivity: 84.8 db
- Frequency response: 32-150 Hz
- Impedance: 4 Ohms
Alpine has long held a well-deserved place in the pantheon of car audio makers around the world. Their gear has even been immortalized in hit songs, and they are often the first choice for bassheads just getting started. The PWE-S8 is their powerful and compact all-in-one offering that is equally at home in hatchbacks as it is in open cabin vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler.
The Good/What I Like
First off, this little wonder cranks out some serious bass for only running at 120 watts RMS. It’s hard to believe that anything this small can produce such a big sound. Furthermore, it’s built like a tank, everything you need for installation comes in the box, and you can easily adjust the settings to your liking via the wired remote. Finally, the extended range and quad-voice coils of the PWE-S8 gives it superior performance compared to nearly every other all-in-one in its class.
The Bad/What I Don’t Like
There isn’t too much to complain about regarding this little all-in-one. That being said, I do have a bone to pick with whoever chose the included installation materials. The remote cable and the wiring harness are only two feet long! It’s virtually impossible to connect either the remote or the wiring harness without purchasing an extension kit or an aftermarket cable and harness.
My second objection is that the only way to mount this unit securely with the included hardware is to tap and drill into the body of your vehicle. That’s not a job for beginners, and certainly not for anyone purchasing an all-in-one kit as their first stereo upgrade.
Pros
- Rugged construction using high-quality aluminum
- Tiny footprint compared to many other compact all-in-ones
- Distortion-free sound with plenty of punch for fans of heavy bass
- Fine tune your sound via the included remote or the side-mounted panel
Cons
- The wiring harness is impractically short to the point of being a bad joke
- You may need a professional to help you mount the unit securely in your vehicle
Buyer’s Guide
Different vehicles come with different trunk sizes, and when your car does not have enough trunk space, the Skar Audio VVX-8v3 D4 8″ does a great job of giving you the quality sound found in larger subwoofers. In addition, this 8-inch car subwoofer is also ideal for the under-seat due to its small size, but don’t let it fool you. It still pounds like regular speakers.
No other subwoofer can be flush mounted better than the Sundown SA V3. This audio system is suitable for people who want their audio system installed on the wall. However, this system is not recommended for sealed enclosures; therefore, you should read along to find subwoofers suitable for tight spaces.
The Kicker brand is renowned for manufacturing high-quality car-audio systems. In this article, we have reviewed two of its products, namely the Kicker Solo-Baric L7 and the Kicker 11HS8. Each audio system gives you something unique. For example, if you desire an ultra-compact subwoofer system that is convenient for tight spots, then the Kicker 11HS8 will do you a solid. On the other hand, if you have a car and are looking for a music system built to withstand the heat that generates from your car engine, then the Kicker Solo-Baric L7 will work best for your needs.
Alpine has worked with Renault for years to develop remarkable cars, but now the company has made subwoofers suitable for most vehicles. Moreover, this subwoofer is convenient for bass lovers who do not have enough space in their cars but are willing to spend a little more: this product is not cheap compared to others on this list.
This buyer’s guide would not be complete without mentioning the Rockford Fosgate P3SD2-8. First, it has two mounting options: car mount or shallow mount, meaning you won’t run out of ideas where to fix this quality subwoofer. Its compact design makes it convenient for delivering a punch in any type of enclosure. Moreover, it is optimized for both vented and sealed enclosures meaning you will still get that boom when you’re on the road.
Frequently asked questions
Many questions are asked concerning 8-inch audio systems, and we will answer some commonly asked questions.
What is the hardest-hitting 8-inch subwoofer?
First, many people ask what the hardest-hitting 8-inch subwoofer is, and we will have to say the Skar Audio SVR-8 D2 does a good job with its RMS power rating of 400 watts. Moreover, its design is superb for medium-sized cars and trucks.
Are 8-inch subwoofers better than 10-inch?
Unfortunately, we will have to say no regarding that question. This is because you’re going to get more clarity and bass response when it comes to 10-inch subwoofers than 8-inches. However, if you are running low on space, we’d recommend going with the 8-inch subwoofer.
What is the best subwoofer for deep bass?
For deep bass, the Rockford Fosgate P300-12 Punch, which runs on 300 watts of power, does a great job when it comes to giving that deep bass sought out by many music lovers.
Are the 8-inch subwoofers worthwhile?
Some customers wonder if the 8-inch subwoofers are worth it, and the truth is there are 8-inch subwoofers that compete with 10-inch and 12-inch lower-end subwoofers. This means if you have the capital to buy a good quality 8-inch subwoofer, it will do a great job in giving you good quality sound and clean bass that will impress each day. In addition, 8-inch subwoofers are convenient when you don’t have enough space in your car as long as you’re willing to go out of your budget to get a higher-quality audio system.
Disclaimer: Cheap Subwoofers Suck
In this size, there are cheap subwoofers galore.
I’ve burnt some of those 25$ subs in less than 10 minutes and I’m tired of shop guys pushing some Boss or Pyle subs.
However, if you have a bit more to invest in good quality equipment, keep reading, I have good things for you.
I’ve done hundred hours of research and used years of experience to craft this list including ONLY the highest quality subs in a good range of prices so almost every budget will find a great sub.
One of the best things about going for smaller sized subs is that they aren’t usually that power hungry, meaning less stress for our car battery.
However, if you run with multiple subwoofers, once the consumption reaches around 2000RMS, upgrading your electric system is needed.
One of the biggest advantages of these subwoofers is that they are the best ones to power with a five-channel amplifier. In most cases with more powerful subs, we’ll need a dedicated monoblock amp and a separate 4 channel amplifier for our speakers.
Have questions? Leave a comment below!