A powered car subwoofer, also known as an active subwoofer, is a subwoofer that has its own built-in amplifier. Powered subwoofers are designed specifically for use in vehicles and are optimized to provide deep, powerful bass in a compact and durable package. They are a popular choice for car audio enthusiasts because they can be easily installed and provide a significant improvement in sound quality.
Powered subwoofers will impress everyone, from bass lovers to those who simply wish to improve their vehicle’s sound system. Learn about the five best-selling powered subwoofers from Sonic Electronix in 2022, as determined by actual sales and customer ratings!

NVX QBUS10P 500W Peak (200W) RMS 10″ Amplified and Loaded Under Seat Quick Bass Universal Subwoofer System with Ported Enclosure

Durability: 4.7 | Value: 4.5 | Features: 4.6 | Design: 4.5 | Usability: 4.8

Looking to upgrade your car audio? The NVX QBUS10P is one of the best powered subwoofers you can buy. With its internal amplifier and 10-inch woofer, this small subwoofer packs a serious punch. It’s the ideal accessory for anyone looking to upgrade their car’s sound system’s bass without sacrificing trunk or seat room.

The NVX QBUS10P is a Class D amplifier 10″ under-seat subwoofer from NVX. This ingenious powered subwoofer has a ported enclosure for increased bass output and a bass volume knob for fine-tuning. This subwoofer, concealed by a matte black finish, features speaker-level (high-level) inputs with signal detecting for automatic turn-on and a heavy-duty die-cast aluminum alloy heat sink for extreme heat dissipation. It has an RMS of 200 watts and a maximum power handling of 500 watts.

As a result of its compact design, the QBUS10P is able to fit in almost any vehicle. Because of the great quality of its construction, it won’t quickly break down under normal use.

Item highlights

• Low Profile Ported Subwoofer System
• 200 Watts RMS
• Built-In Class D Amplifier
• Variable Bass Boost
• Speaker-Level Inputs
• Wired Remote Bass Level Control

“I was skeptical… but pleasantly impressed” – ★★★★★

I am really surprised by the lack of reviews on this product. For such a great price I am really impressed. I was looking for an affordable compact sub for my 01 Vette. I took a shot in the dark with this and I couldn’t be happier.

Let me tell you what you get. An amazing 10” sub that’s so compact it’s impressive. Well-balanced lows will round out your system to create perfect harmony for almost all music types. From Country, Classic rock, and even rap like Dr. Dre. What you don’t get, is a penetrating boom that can be heard at distance. No mirror shaking either. I’d recommend this sub for anyone with a hatchback or truck cab.

This sub is just a great value!

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Geoffrey

Sonic Electronix Customer

JBL BassPro 12 450W Max Powered 12″ Loaded Subwoofer Ported Enclosure System

Durability: 4 | Value: 5 | Features: 5 | Design: 4 | Usability: 5

The JBL GT-BassPro12 is a powered subwoofer enclosure that will deliver the bass you and your car have been waiting for. You can now feel the bass of your music while you cruise down the highway. This complete bass system from JBL was made to sound great in any vehicle. It’s bass notes are tight and sensitive because of the tuning.

The subwoofer’s polypropylene cone and rubber surround make it exceptionally durable and effective in suppressing cone resonance. With a built-in 150-watt amplifier, this subwoofer is ready to rock.

The JBL® GT-BassPro12 is a simple method to upgrade a car stereo’s bass with high-output, low-distortion sound. The low-end bass is booming and the port noise is minimal thanks to the Slipstream port design. It has a progressive spider for increased mechanical dependability, an amplifier that provides maximum power and flexibility, and enhanced motor-structure venting for heat protection. And you can change the bass while you’re driving thanks to the system’s remote level control.

Item highlights

• 12″ GT Series Subwoofer
• GT Series Monoblock Car Amplifier
• 450W Peak
• 150W RMS
• 12″ Single Ported Subwoofer Enclosure
• Variable low-pass filter (40-200 Hz, 24 dB/Octave)

“hits hard” – ★★★★★

love my bass package. it came with an amp and it was an easy install. It really upgraded my factory sound and it hits super nice and loud.

Wichi

Sonic Electronix Customer

Kicker HS10 (46HS10)180W RMS 10″ Hideaway Series Compact Powered Subwoofer

Durability: 4.9 | Value: 4.9 | Features: 4.7 | Design: 4.9 | Usability: 4.9

The Kicker Hideaway HS10 10-inch subwoofer packs a surprising punch in its all-aluminum shell. The HS10 accepts input signals from 0.25 to 40 volts. It works with practically every vehicle on the road without a line output converter (400 watts at 4 ohms).

The Hideaway offers an adjustable low-pass crossover, a DC-offset or signal-sensing auto-on, a phase switch, and a +6dB bass boost to get the right bass at any volume. Use the remote to adjust the bass level independently of the radio’s volume.

The aluminum HS10 packs more power and impact. The Molex® plug and harness quickly connect power, signaling, and remote turn-on. It works with most original and aftermarket head units, with two automatic turn-on settings, including high and low-level inputs. The Kicker HS10 is an excellent powered car subwoofer with great sound and easy installation. It is a solid and small powered subwoofer that is definitely worth considering for your car audio upgrade.

Item highlights

• Single 10″ Sealed Subwoofer Enclosure with Built-In Amplifier
• 10″ Subwoofer(s)
• Built-In/Includes Class D Amplifier
• Set of Terminals
• Enclosure Dimensions: Enclosure Dimensions: 12-3/8″ TD x BD x 9-7/8″ W x 3-1/8″ H

Great subwoofer” – ★★★★★

Have this bad boy installed under the passenger seat and definitely you’ll feel it. I can’t say though how much you’d feel it if installed in the trunk but definitely won’t sound obnoxious outside the vehicle. perfect for a great amount of bass w/o being noticeable outside of it, so less attraction for people who would try to break in n steal it.

Joel

Sonic Electronix Customer

NVX QBUS8P300W Peak (150W) RMS 8″ Amplified and Loaded Under Seat Quick Bass Universal Subwoofer System with Ported Enclosure

Durability: 4.7 | Value: 5 | Features: 5 | Design: 5 | Usability: 5

You can tuck the NVX QBUS8P subwoofer away under the seat of your car without sacrificing its impressive output. Because of its slim profile, it can be set up quickly and doesn’t take up much room. The subwoofer has an integrated Class D amplifier that provides 150 watts RMS of power. That’s more than enough juice to run the subwoofer and fill the car with low end. The adjustable bass boost function lets you adjust the bass level to your preference.

The subwoofer can be used with car stereos because it has speaker-level inputs. Those who seek deeper bass from the default stereo system without installing an external amplifier may like this function. You may also change the bass from the driver’s seat thanks to a connected remote bass level control. This is a handy function that lets you adjust the bass to your taste on the go.

The NVX QBUS8P is a fantastic little under-seat subwoofer that packs a lot of punch for its size. Because of its built-in amplifier, configurable bass boost, and connected remote bass level control, it is a convenient and flexible choice for anyone wanting to improve the bass in their car.

Item highlights

• Low Profile Ported Subwoofer System
• 150 Watts RMS
• Built-In Class D Amplifier
• Variable Bass Boost
• Speaker-Level Inputs
• Wired Remote Bass Level Control

“Better than the 8″ competition sub in a full enclosure with a 900W amp” – ★★★★★

I had a classic VW convertible with an 8″ competition sub on the rear package tray but with the top down you couldn’t really get much bass out of it. Figured I would try this under-the-seat sub and was very surprised! I removed the sub on the package tray and will use just this one for my build. Very happy with it.

Dean

Sonic Electronix Customer

Cerwin-Vega VPAS10v2550W Max Vega Series 10″ Powered Active Under-Seat Subwoofer

Durability: 5 | Value: 5 | Features: 5 | Design: 5 | Usability: 5


Cerwin-Vega’s VPAS10v2 is a slim all-in-one subwoofer, making it an excellent choice for applications requiring low-profile equipment due to space constraints. It only takes up a little room whether you store it in the trunk, under the seats, or mounted. Importantly, it works with both stock and aftermarket radios.

There’s a 10-inch driver and an amplifier integrated right into the subwoofer, suitable for 400 watts RMS of power. The combination’s strength allows for a strong bass response that can fill the car with music. Thanks to the subwoofer’s adjustable crossover, you can tune the bass to your listening space and tastes. The VPAS10v2’s volume and phase switches are adjustable to work with your current stereo setup. Doing so allows you to easily harmonize the subwoofer’s volume with that of the primary speakers for a complete listening experience.

The subwoofer is well-made and sturdy, with a contemporary style that would look great with any audio/video setup. Additionally, the subwoofer can be employed in any audio system, expanding its potential applications.  With the subwoofer and its built-in amplifier housed in a cast aluminum heatsink, setup is as easy as plugging in the power cord. The subwoofers’ modest size and power give them a look that is tailor-made for most vehicles.

Item highlights

• Peak Power: 550W
• RMS Power: 200W
• Frequency Response: 30Hz – 150kHz
• Fuse rating: 25A
• Low Profile Amplified Subwoofer
• All-in-one bass solution with built-in amplifier

Great solution for bass in tight spaces” – ★★★★★

I put one of these in the cab of my tractor, where available space and excess alternator power are both at a premium. It does a great job filling in all the low and low-mid frequencies that the factory 3 1/2” speakers just can’t reproduce. No issues with power consumption. Sounds surprisingly good for a single 10”. Would buy it again. Wish I had room for two lol.

Guy

Sonic Electronix Customer

At Sonic Electronix, we carry many different types of powered subwoofer box systems. Each of these bundles features pre-loaded subwoofers in an enclosure along with an amplifier to power the complete system. This combo includes everything you could want, all in one box! Take a look at the various brands we carry, including those from renowned companies like NVX, JL Audio, Kicker, Rockford Fosgate, JBL, Pioneer, Alpine, Cerwin-Vega, and many more.