Looking for good bass at an affordable price? In this article, you will find 5 budget car subwoofers that provide quality sound for under €250. We present the main models, their technical data and recommendations for choosing the most suitable option.
Briefly about the models:
- Bass Habit Play 12 – for €55-70, it offers 300W RMS power and versatility.
- Hertz Dieci DS 300.3 – 250 W RMS with 93 dB sensitivity for €85–100.
- JBL Stage A3001 – 300 W amplifier for €75–90.
- Ground Zero GZRW 12D2 – 600 W RMS with flexibility in configurations for €110–135.
- Focal Access 30 A4 – 250 W RMS, great for precision, for €120–145.
The most important selection criteria:
- RMS power: ensures stable sound (200-300W recommended).
- Impedance: usually 4 Ω, suitable for most amplifiers.
- Sensitivity: greater than 88 dB allows for more efficient use of lower-power amplifiers.
- Enclosure type: closed – for accuracy, ported – for deeper sound.
Choose according to your needs and budget, and professional installation will ensure the best result.
5 Budget Car Subwoofers Compared: Specifications and Prices
Top 5 Best Cheap Car Subwoofer Packages
How to Choose a Budget Car Subwoofer
When choosing a budget car subwoofer, it is important to consider several key parameters that will help you choose the most suitable model. Here are the main features worth paying attention to:
RMS power is the continuous power of a subwoofer , measured in watts, and indicates how much power the device can safely handle over a long period of time. For budget models, it is recommended that the subwoofer's RMS power be 75–100% of the amplifier's power to avoid overloading [2] [3] .
Another important consideration is impedance . This is the electrical resistance of the subwoofer, measured in ohms (Ω). The most common values are 2Ω or 4Ω. A lower impedance, such as 2Ω, allows you to extract more power from the amplifier, but it is necessary to ensure that the amplifier is compatible with this parameter. For example, Skar Audio subwoofers with 2Ω impedance work well with 1200W class D amplifiers [2] .
Sensitivity is a parameter that indicates how efficiently a subwoofer converts electrical energy into sound. Sensitivity is measured in decibels (dB) at 1W/1m. Higher sensitivity (88-95 dB) allows you to achieve louder bass with less power, making it a great choice for budget models. For example, the Kicker 8-inch subwoofer, with 300W RMS power, produces deep bass even with lower-powered amplifiers due to its effective sensitivity rating [2] .
The type of enclosure is also important to consider, as it directly affects the quality of the bass. Sealed enclosures provide precise and controlled bass, making them ideal for listening to music. Ported enclosures provide deeper and more intense bass, but require careful design. Budget models, such as the Kicker 8-inch subwoofer, can work in either type of enclosure, giving you more flexibility [2] [3] . If you're short on space in your car, consider a shallow-mount subwoofer , such as the Alpine RS-W12D2, which fits into smaller spaces and can still handle a lot of power [3] .
To ensure that your subwoofer, amplifier, and wiring are properly matched, it is recommended to consult with AUTOGARSAS.LT specialists. A professionally designed system, including proper wiring and subwoofer installation, is essential for achieving the best results [1] .
1. Bass Habit Play 12
The Bass Habit Play 12 is a Swedish-made 12-inch (300 mm) subwoofer for those looking for good sound at an affordable price. This model is perfect for budget sound systems, providing powerful bass for a price of €45-70. Below are the most important technical data.
These parameters correspond to the main criteria discussed in the section "How to Choose a Budget Car Subwoofer".
RMS power (W)
The RMS power of this subwoofer ranges from 200 to 300 W, depending on the model variant. The basic version of the P12 offers 200 W RMS, while some variants reach up to 300 W RMS. This power is perfect for use with budget monoblock amplifiers, ensuring sufficient sound pressure in mid-size cars such as sedans or hatchbacks.
Impedance (Ω)
The subwoofer has a 4 Ω single voice coil (SVC), so it is generally compatible with most budget amplifiers optimized for 4 Ω loads.
Sensitivity (dB)
The sensitivity is 87 dB (1 W/1 m), which is typical for subwoofers of this size. Combined with 200-300 W RMS power, it delivers rich and powerful bass. This subwoofer is particularly good at revealing the low-frequency impact of music genres such as hip-hop, EDM or techno.
Recommended box type
The manufacturer offers two box configurations that best utilize the capabilities of this subwoofer:
- Closed box (~32 l): provides more precise and controlled bass, especially useful in smaller spaces.
- Phased (ported) box (~42 l, tuned to approximately 35 Hz): allows for higher volume and deeper bass, perfect for those who like powerful low-frequency sound.
2. Hertz Dieci DS 300.3
Introducing another great choice – the Hertz Dieci DS 300.3 . This 12-inch (300 mm) subwoofer, created by an Italian manufacturer, offers high-quality sound at an affordable price (70-95 €). It belongs to the Dieci series, which combines good sound quality and a budget price. This model has a durable construction that allows you to enjoy clean and powerful bass even with intensive use.
RMS power (W)
Hertz Dieci DS 300.3 RMS power reaches 300 W , and maximum – 600 W. This power is enough for the subwoofer to reproduce strong and stable bass without distortion. This model is perfectly compatible with budget amplifiers with a power of 400-500 W, therefore it is suitable for various sound system solutions.
Impedance (Ω)
This subwoofer has a 4 Ω impedance, a standard parameter that allows it to be used with many budget monoblock amplifiers. This configuration ensures optimal power transfer in both sealed and ported boxes, making the model easily adaptable to various car audio system installations.
Sensitivity (dB)
The subwoofer has a sensitivity of 91 dB (1 W/1 m), which is a high figure for devices in this price segment. Due to this sensitivity, the subwoofer can reach high volumes even with lower-power amplifiers. This means that even with simpler audio devices, you can enjoy powerful bass reproduction.
Recommended box type
The Hertz Dieci DS 300.3 is a universal model suitable for use in various boxes:
- Closed box (~20-32 l): This configuration provides a more accurate and “solid” bass, making it suitable for those seeking better sound quality (SQ). A closed box is perfect for smaller spaces and will provide a more musical sound.
- Phased (ported) enclosure: This enclosure allows for higher volume and deeper bass if the volume and port are properly calculated. It is an ideal choice for those who want more power and a stronger low-frequency effect.
Below we will discuss other budget models that may be worth your attention.
3. JBL Stage A3001
The JBL Stage A3001 is a small but powerful amplifier for car audio systems that delivers powerful, clean bass. Using Class D technology, this model not only saves energy but also generates less heat, making it perfect for smaller and mid-sized cars . Let's take a look at the key technical data that reveals the capabilities of this amplifier.
RMS power (W)
This model has an RMS power of 250 W, and a maximum power of 1000 W. This provides enough power for various types of sound systems.
Impedance (Ω)
The JBL Stage A3001 supports both 2 Ω and 4 Ω impedance, making it easy to adapt to a variety of subwoofer configurations . This gives you the flexibility to tailor your system to your needs.
Sensitivity (dB)
This amplifier has a sensitivity of 91-93 dB (2.83 V/1 m). This means that it can deliver high volume levels even with lower-powered equipment, making it a great match for different types of boxes.
Recommended box type
The JBL Stage A3001 is extremely versatile and can be combined with various types of boxes - both sealed and ported. In addition, the integrated adjustable low-pass filter (32-320 Hz) and bass boost function (0-12 dB) allow you to precisely adjust the sound parameters to your personal needs.
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4. Ground Zero GZRW 12D2
The Ground Zero GZRW 12D2 is a 12-inch (30 cm) subwoofer from the Radioactive (RW) series, boasting 600 W RMS power and two 2 Ω voice coils. This model is a great choice for those who want powerful sound at an affordable price. The 63 mm copper voice coil winding combined with a paper diffuser ensures reliability and efficient energy transfer.
RMS power (W)
This subwoofer operates with 600W RMS power, so it can deliver powerful and deep bass. For best results, it is recommended to use a monoblock amplifier that supports both 1Ω and 4Ω loads.
Impedance (Ω)
The GZRW 12D2 has two 2 Ω coils, allowing it to be connected to a common 1 Ω or 4 Ω load. This flexible configuration allows the system to be adapted to a variety of car audio setups.
Sensitivity (dB)
This model has a sensitivity of 89-90 dB (1 W/1 m), which ensures sufficient sound pressure even with a medium-power amplifier (approximately 300-500 W RMS). It is an excellent choice for smaller to medium-sized vehicles.
Recommended box type
The best results are achieved using a ported box (40-55 l) tuned to 32-36 Hz, which provides deep and loud bass. Alternatively, a closed box (25-35 l) can be used, which provides more accurate but less powerful bass.
In the next part, we will look at how this model compares to previous versions.
5. Focal Access 30 A4
The Focal Access 30 A4 is a 12-inch (30 cm) subwoofer designed with DFS® construction for strength and efficiency. This model is designed for those who want to enjoy precise and musical bass at an affordable price. The 50 mm copper voice coil and 120 mm magnet guarantee reliable performance even at high sound pressure levels.
RMS power (W)
This subwoofer has a power output of 250 W RMS (maximum 500 W). To achieve clean and dynamic bass, it is recommended to use a 4 Ω monoblock amplifier that generates 250-300 W RMS power.
Impedance (Ω)
The Focal Access 30 A4 has an impedance of 4 Ω, making it a perfect fit for many budget sound systems, effectively utilizing the amplifier's capacity.
Sensitivity (dB)
Sensitivity reaches 87 dB (2.83 V/1 m), so this model ensures sufficient volume even when using lower-power amplifiers.
Recommended box type
For the best sound quality, it is recommended to use a closed box (20–30 l) if you are looking for precise bass. If deep and powerful sound is your priority, choose a bass-reflex box (25–35 l).
This model is a great addition to the budget subwoofer range, offering quality at an affordable price.
Comparison table
The table below highlights the key specifications. It is important to note that most models are subwoofers, but the JBL Stage A3001 is a Class D monoblock amplifier designed for subwoofers.
| Model | Size | RMS power (W) | Impedance (Ω) | Sensitivity (dB) | Box type | Price (approx., €) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bass Habit Play 12 | 12" (30 cm) | ~300W | 4 Ω | ~90 dB | Closed / Bass-reflex | €55–70 |
| Hertz Dieci DS 300.3 | 12" (30 cm) | ~250W | 4 Ω | ~93 dB | Closed / Bass-reflex | €85–100 |
| JBL Stage A3001* | – | ~300 W (at 2 Ω) / ~200 W (at 4 Ω) | 4 Ω | – | Mono amplifier | €75–90 |
| Ground Zero GZRW 12D2 | 12" (30 cm) | ~400–500W | 2×2Ω | ~89 dB | Bass reflex (recommended) | €110–135 |
| Focal Access 30 A4 | 12" (30 cm) | ~250W | 4 Ω | ~90–91 dB | Closed / Bass-reflex | €120–145 |
*Note: The JBL Stage A3001 is a monoblock amplifier, so its technical specifications differ from those of conventional subwoofers.
The data presented in the table allows you to easily compare the main parameters. The advantages of some models are discussed below.
- Ground Zero GZRW 12D2 : This model has a higher RMS power output (~400-500 W), but its sensitivity (~89 dB) is slightly lower. This means that a more powerful amplifier may be required to fully exploit the potential of this subwoofer.
- Focal Access 30 A4 : With a sensitivity of around 90-91 dB, this model delivers strong bass even with a mid-range amplifier. It's a great choice for those looking for efficiency.
- Hertz Dieci DS 300.3 : 250 W RMS power combined with 93 dB sensitivity provides a great balance between power and efficiency without requiring a super powerful amplifier.
Models with 4 Ω impedance are versatile and easily compatible with most budget mono amplifiers. Prices range from €55 to €145, so there is an option for both beginners and advanced users.
Considering the technical data provided, choosing the right subwoofer becomes much easier - from power to sensitivity and price, each model offers something special to meet your sound system needs.
Conclusion
Inexpensive car subwoofers prove that good sound doesn't have to cost a fortune. Each of the models discussed, from the Bass Habit Play 12 to the Focal Access 30 A4, offers a unique combination of price and performance. If you're looking for power, the Ground Zero GZRW 12D2 is a great choice, while the Hertz Dieci DS 300.3 guarantees clear and balanced sound. Meanwhile, the JBL Stage A3001 is a great option for those looking to upgrade a compact sound system.
As mentioned above, proper installation is essential for a subwoofer to reach its full potential. Even the best model will not perform to its full potential without professional installation , which ensures that the 250-400 W RMS power is used effectively.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your needs. Whether you are looking for a powerful or compact model, AUTOGARSAS.LT will help you find the most suitable solution. Want to experience how these models sound in your car? Our team with over 27 years of experience will help you choose the best option based on your music taste, car type and budget. Visit our showroom in Kaunas (Armatūrinininkų g. 1) or call +370 683 90000. Let AUTOGARSAS.LT specialists take care of your sound system installation.
All products come with a 24-month manufacturer's warranty, and free shipping is offered for orders over €100 throughout Lithuania [1] . Invest wisely in your listening pleasure – choose a subwoofer that meets your needs and entrust its installation to professionals.
FAQs
How to choose the right subwoofer for your car size?
Choosing the right subwoofer depends largely on the size of your car and your personal audio needs. If you drive a smaller car, you might want to consider a compact subwoofer. They won't take up much space, but they'll still deliver quality, enjoyable bass. Meanwhile, larger cars will benefit from more powerful models that can deliver a more intense and dynamic sound.
If you are unsure which subwoofer would best suit your needs, you can contact AUTOGARSAS.LT specialists. They will help you choose the most suitable option, taking into account the size of your car and personal preferences.
What is the difference between a sealed and ported subwoofer box?
A closed box is completely sealed, so the sound remains extremely precise and clean. This design reduces air movement inside the box, which helps prevent unwanted distortion. If you are looking for clarity and precision, a closed box can be a great choice.
A ported box, on the other hand, has special openings (ports) that allow air to move more freely. This results in a boost in bass, and the sound becomes more deep and dynamic. This solution will be especially appealing to those who appreciate strong bass frequencies, for example when listening to electronic music or hip-hop beats.
Which box is more suitable depends on your personal needs and favorite style of music.
Why is the RMS power of a subwoofer important?
The RMS power of a subwoofer is a key indicator of how much continuous power the device can handle without damaging its components. This parameter directly determines the stability, quality and intensity of the sound, especially when reproducing low frequencies that give depth to music.
The correct RMS power ensures that the sound will not be distorted and the subwoofer will work efficiently . This is especially important if you want to enjoy clear, rich and balanced sound - whether in your car, at home or in other spaces.
