10 Best Compact Subwoofers for High-Quality Sound in Small Spaces

Compact subwoofers are an essential addition to any sound system, particularly for those who want to experience a more immersive audio experience. These subwoofers are designed to deliver deeper and more powerful bass tones, which can enhance the overall quality of music, movies, and other audio content. However, finding the right compact subwoofer can be a challenge, especially with so many options available on the market.

When searching for the best compact subwoofers, there are several factors to consider. One of the most critical things to look for is the size of the subwoofer. Compact subwoofers are designed to be smaller than traditional subwoofers, but they still come in different sizes. Choosing the right size will depend on the amount of space you have available and the level of bass you want to achieve.

Another essential factor to consider is the power output of the subwoofer. The power output will determine how loud and how deep the bass tones are. A subwoofer with a higher power output will produce more bass than one with a lower power output. Additionally, it’s important to consider the type of connection the subwoofer uses to connect to your sound system.

After researching and testing various compact subwoofers, we have identified the best options on the market. These subwoofers offer exceptional sound quality, compact design, and easy connectivity. In the following sections, we will provide an in-depth review of each of these subwoofers, highlighting their unique features and benefits.

Best Compact Subwoofers

If you’re looking to add some oomph to your home theater or music listening experience, a compact subwoofer is a great addition. These miniature powerhouses can deliver impressive bass without taking up too much space in your living room or home theater setup. We’ve scoured the market to find the best compact subwoofers that deliver big sound in a small package. Check out our top picks below.

JBL BassPro SL 8-inch 125W RMS Powered Under-Seat Compact Subwoofer Enclosure System

If you’re looking for a compact subwoofer to upgrade your car’s audio system, the JBL BassPro SL is definitely worth considering. With its efficient Class D amplifier and soft start turn-on, this subwoofer delivers powerful bass without draining your car’s battery.

Pros

• 8-inch JBL BassPro SL powered under-seat compact subwoofer enclosure
• Power output: Peak: 250 watts RMS: 125 watts
• Efficient Class D amplifier

Cons

• Some users report difficulty with installation
• May not be powerful enough for some users
• No warranty

The JBL BassPro SL is a great choice for those who want to add some bass to their car’s audio system without taking up too much space. Its compact design allows it to fit under most car seats, while its powerful amplifier ensures that you get the best possible sound quality. However, some users report difficulty with installation, and the subwoofer may not be powerful enough for those who want really deep bass. Additionally, it’s important to note that this product does not come with a warranty.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a compact subwoofer that delivers great sound quality and doesn’t take up too much space, the JBL BassPro SL is definitely worth considering. However, if you’re looking for something with more power or a longer warranty, you may want to consider other options.

KICKER 46HS10 Compact Powered 10-inch Subwoofer Subwoofer Only

If you’re looking for a compact subwoofer that delivers powerful sound without taking up too much space, the KICKER 46HS10 Compact Powered 10-inch Subwoofer might be the perfect choice for you.

Pros

• The 10-inch subwoofer model delivers powerful bass that is ideal for music lovers who want a full and immersive sound experience.
• The ultra-compact design makes it easy to install the subwoofer in your car without taking up too much space.
• The quick-connect Molex plug and harness make installation a breeze, even for those who are not experienced with car audio systems.

Cons

• Some users have reported that the subwoofer can be a bit difficult to adjust to their preferences, especially when it comes to the bass levels.
• The remote bass control included with the subwoofer is not very user-friendly and can be a bit confusing to use.
• The price of the KICKER 46HS10 Compact Powered 10-inch Subwoofer is a bit higher than some of its competitors.

If you’re looking for a compact subwoofer that delivers powerful sound without taking up too much space, the KICKER 46HS10 Compact Powered 10-inch Subwoofer might be the perfect choice for you. With its 10-inch subwoofer model and 180-watt Class D amplifier, this subwoofer delivers impressive bass that is sure to enhance your music experience. Additionally, the ultra-compact design of the subwoofer makes it easy to install in your car without taking up too much space.

One of the best things about the KICKER 46HS10 Compact Powered 10-inch Subwoofer is its quick-connect Molex plug and harness, which makes installation a breeze, even for those who are not experienced with car audio systems. However, some users have reported that the subwoofer can be a bit difficult to adjust to their preferences, especially when it comes to the bass levels. Additionally, the remote bass control included with the subwoofer is not very user-friendly and can be a bit confusing to use.

Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality compact subwoofer that delivers powerful bass and is easy to install, the KICKER 46HS10 Compact Powered 10-inch Subwoofer might be the perfect choice for you. While it is a bit more expensive than some of its competitors, its impressive sound quality and ease of use make it well worth the investment.

Kenwood KSC-SW11 Compact Powered Enclosed Subwoofer

If you’re looking for a compact and powerful subwoofer, the Kenwood KSC-SW11 is a great option.

Pros

• Housed together in a cast aluminum enclosure is an 8-1/4″ x 5-1/8″ subwoofer with a built-in 150W amplifier.
• The compact size measures just 11” L x 7.5” W x 2-3/4” D so it can be installed under or behind a seat in a truck, in a sedan’s trunk, or in an SUV’s hatch.
• Comes with wired remote to control all the bass from the driver’s seat.

Cons

• The sound is not as powerful as some other options on the market.
• Some users have reported issues with the wiring harness.
• The price point is higher than some other compact subwoofers.

The Kenwood KSC-SW11 is a great choice for those who want a compact subwoofer that still packs a punch. The built-in amplifier and remote control make it easy to install and use. However, the sound may not be as powerful as some other options, and the wiring harness can be finicky. Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality compact subwoofer, the Kenwood KSC-SW11 is definitely worth considering.

Pioneer TS-WX130DA Compact Series 8″ x 5-1/4″ – 160 W Max Power – Compact Active Subwoofer Black

If you’re looking for a compact subwoofer that can deliver powerful bass without taking up too much space, the Pioneer TS-WX130DA might be just what you need.

Pros

• The built-in Class D amp and digital bass control allow you to tailor the frequency response and increase performance with selectable deep or dynamic listening modes.
• The aluminum cone and urethane surround ensure high-quality sound and durability.
• The remote control makes it easy to adjust the gain, LPF, phase, and bass modes to your liking.

Cons

• Some users have reported that the subwoofer struggles to produce really deep bass.
• The included cables are not very long, so you may need to purchase additional cables to connect the subwoofer to your car stereo.
• The subwoofer is relatively expensive compared to some other compact models.

If you’re looking for a compact subwoofer that can deliver powerful bass without taking up too much space, the Pioneer TS-WX130DA might be just what you need. With its built-in Class D amp and digital bass control, you can easily tailor the frequency response and increase performance with selectable deep or dynamic listening modes. The aluminum cone and urethane surround ensure high-quality sound and durability, while the remote control makes it easy to adjust the gain, LPF, phase, and bass modes to your liking.

However, some users have reported that the subwoofer struggles to produce really deep bass, so if you’re looking for a subwoofer that can shake the windows, this might not be the right choice for you. Additionally, the included cables are not very long, so you may need to purchase additional cables to connect the subwoofer to your car stereo. Finally, the subwoofer is relatively expensive compared to some other compact models, so you’ll need to decide whether the extra features and performance are worth the extra cost.

Alpine Restyle Compact Powered 8-Inch Subwoofer

If you’re looking for a compact subwoofer that packs a powerful punch, the Alpine Restyle Compact Powered 8-Inch Subwoofer is a great option to consider.

Pros

• The compact size means it can be installed in a variety of spaces in your vehicle, including under or behind the seat of a truck, in the trunk of a sedan, or in the hatch of an SUV.
• The die-cast aluminum construction provides durability for ongoing performance.
• The amplifier produces 120W continuous power and the quad-coil subwoofer delivers 32Hz-150Hz frequency response.

Cons

• The sound quality may not be as impressive as a larger subwoofer.
• The installation process may be more difficult for those who are not experienced with car audio systems.
• The price point may be higher than some other compact subwoofers on the market.

The Alpine Restyle Compact Powered 8-Inch Subwoofer is a great choice for those who want to add powerful bass to their vehicle’s sound system without taking up too much space. With its compact size, die-cast aluminum construction, and powerful amplifier and subwoofer, this subwoofer delivers impressive performance in a small package.

The side panel of the subwoofer features RCA and auto-sensing speaker level inputs, as well as controls for phase, gain, LP crossover, and remote sub level. This allows for proper sound setup and greater flexibility during installation.

While the sound quality may not be as impressive as a larger subwoofer, the Alpine Restyle Compact Powered 8-Inch Subwoofer is a great choice for those who want to add bass to their vehicle’s sound system without sacrificing too much space. The installation process may be more difficult for those who are not experienced with car audio systems, but it is still manageable with some patience and attention to detail. Overall, if you’re looking for a compact subwoofer that delivers impressive performance, the Alpine Restyle Compact Powered 8-Inch Subwoofer is definitely worth considering.

Pyle 8-Inch Low-Profile Amplified Subwoofer System

If you are looking for an affordable and space-saving subwoofer, the Pyle 8-Inch Low-Profile Amplified Subwoofer System is a great option. It offers 600 watts of maximum power, has a built-in amplifier, and is suitable for under-seat installations.

Pros

• The integrated amp in the compact subwoofer features low pass crossovers and a control for adjusting input sensitivity from 0.12V to 3.5V.
• With a height of just 3 inches, it’s a perfect solution when space is an issue, and it can easily fit under the seat of most vehicles.
• The subwoofer system includes variable bass boost, and you can control the subwoofer level with the remote level control module.

Cons

• The mounting clips that come with it are flimsy and can bend easily.
• The bass may not be of high quality, but it’s pretty good for the price.
• The wires can overheat, and the amp gets hot, which can cause the speaker to stop working.

The Pyle 8-Inch Low-Profile Amplified Subwoofer System is an excellent option if you are looking for an affordable and space-saving subwoofer. It is suitable for under-seat installations, has a built-in amplifier, and offers 600 watts of maximum power. The integrated amp in the compact subwoofer features low pass crossovers and a control for adjusting input sensitivity from 0.12V to 3.5V. With a height of just 3 inches, it’s a perfect solution when space is an issue, and it can easily fit under the seat of most vehicles. The subwoofer system includes variable bass boost, and you can control the subwoofer level with the remote level control module.

However, the mounting clips that come with it are flimsy and can bend easily. The bass may not be of high quality, but it’s pretty good for the price. The wires can overheat, and the amp gets hot, which can cause the speaker to stop working. Overall, if you are looking for an affordable and space-saving subwoofer, the Pyle 8-Inch Low-Profile Amplified Subwoofer System is a great option to consider.

BESTISAN Powered 6.5’’ Home Audio Subwoofer

If you’re looking for a compact subwoofer that delivers a deep bass response, the BESTISAN Powered 6.5’’ Home Audio Subwoofer is a great option.

Pros

• The subwoofer’s compact size makes it easy to fit into any home theater or speaker system setup.
• The LED display design is a nice touch that adds a modern look to the subwoofer.
• The subwoofer delivers a deep, accurate bass response that enhances the overall movie, gaming, and music experience.

Cons

• The subwoofer’s wired connection may not be ideal for those who prefer wireless setups.
• The subwoofer’s low price point may make some skeptical of its quality.
• The subwoofer may not be powerful enough for those who prefer extremely loud bass.

The BESTISAN Powered 6.5’’ Home Audio Subwoofer is a great option for those looking for a compact subwoofer that delivers a deep bass response. Its compact size makes it easy to fit into any home theater or speaker system setup, while the LED display design adds a modern look to the subwoofer. The subwoofer delivers a deep, accurate bass response that enhances the overall movie, gaming, and music experience.

However, the subwoofer’s wired connection may not be ideal for those who prefer wireless setups. Additionally, the subwoofer’s low price point may make some skeptical of its quality. Finally, the subwoofer may not be powerful enough for those who prefer extremely loud bass. Overall, if you’re looking for a compact subwoofer that delivers great bass quality, the BESTISAN Powered 6.5’’ Home Audio Subwoofer is definitely worth considering.

MB Quart RW-108A 600W Reference Series 8″ Slim Low Profile Compact Under-Seat 4-Ohm Active Powered Subwoofer Enclosure with Built in Amplifier for Car Boat RV ATV

If you’re looking for a high-quality, budget-friendly compact subwoofer that doesn’t skimp on sound quality, the MB Quart Compact Sub is an excellent choice.

Pros

• Packs a powerful bass despite its small size
• Easy to install by almost anyone
• Can be remotely controlled for better convenience

Cons

• May not produce enough bass for those who want window-rattling sound
• Some users reported difficulty fitting it under certain car seats
• May require some audio customization for those who care about bass tuning

This hideaway subwoofer from MB Quart is durable, offers many audio customizations, and is very easy to install. The cone is at 8 inches or 10 inches, and since the cone is small, it vibrates more and produces a punchy bass that is harmonious. Additionally, the wired bass remote allows adjustments to bass frequencies to be made from the control mounted anywhere in the vehicle.

If you like tweaking your music, there are many audio customizations that can be performed on this woofer. People who care about how their bass sounds will like this unit very much. As almost expected from a company like MB Quart, it is equipped with advanced circuits that help protect and prolong its lifespan. Circuits like overheat protection or reverse polarity can come in handy for those who like to listen to their music loud.

As for the built quality, it is excellent. The whole unit is made of aluminum that does a good job absorbing heat and preventing the woofer from overheating during extended usage at loud volumes. Moreover, the front metal grille adds protection to the diaphragm and helps to extend the life of the woofer.

Overall, the MB Quart Compact Sub is an excellent model that offers great value for the money.

KICKER Hideaway Compact Powered Subwoofer

If you’re looking for a compact subwoofer that delivers powerful bass without taking up too much space, the KICKER Hideaway Compact Powered Subwoofer is an excellent choice.

Pros

• The compact size of this subwoofer makes it easy to install in tight spaces.
• The 150-watt amplifier and 8-inch subwoofer deliver impressive bass performance.
• The quick-connect power plug and Velcro-fastened nylon straps make installation and removal simple and convenient.

Cons

• The subwoofer may not be powerful enough for some users who want extremely loud bass.
• The price of this subwoofer is higher than some other compact models on the market.
• The subwoofer may not be compatible with all types of vehicles.

The KICKER Hideaway Compact Powered Subwoofer is a great option for anyone who wants to add some extra bass to their car audio system without sacrificing too much space. With its compact design and powerful performance, this subwoofer is sure to impress.

The 150-watt amplifier and 8-inch subwoofer deliver clear, thumping bass that will enhance your listening experience. The quick-connect power plug and Velcro-fastened nylon straps make installation and removal of the subwoofer a breeze, so you can easily switch it out if needed.

While the price of this subwoofer is higher than some other compact models on the market, the quality of the KICKER brand is well worth the investment. However, if you’re looking for extremely loud bass, this subwoofer may not be powerful enough for your needs.

Overall, the KICKER Hideaway Compact Powered Subwoofer is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to upgrade their car audio system with a compact, high-performance subwoofer.

Yamaha Audio SR-C30A Compact Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer and Bluetooth, Black

If you’re looking for a compact soundbar that doesn’t compromise on sound, the Yamaha Audio SR-C30A is a great option.

Pros

• The compact size of the soundbar and wireless subwoofer make it easy to fit into any space.
• The virtual 3D surround sound, Clear Voice, and Adaptive Low Volume technologies ensure high-quality sound.
• The 4 sound modes make it easy to customize your listening experience.

Cons

• The bass may not be as strong as some users would like.
• The soundbar may not be loud enough for larger rooms.
• Some users may prefer more connectivity options.

The Yamaha Audio SR-C30A is a versatile soundbar that delivers high-quality sound in a compact package. With virtual 3D surround sound, Clear Voice, and Adaptive Low Volume technologies, you can enjoy a clear and immersive listening experience. The wireless subwoofer can be positioned vertically or horizontally, making it easy to fit into any space.

The SR-C30A has 4 sound modes to match your content and your mood: Standard, Stereo, 3D Movie, and Game. The 3D Movie mode creates realistic virtual surround sound, while the Game mode is tuned for near-field listening. Bluetooth streaming makes it easy to listen to your favorite music and podcasts, and the simple setup via HDMI, optical, or aux connections means you can start enjoying your soundbar right away.

While the bass may not be as strong as some users would like, the soundbar delivers clear and detailed sound that is perfect for smaller rooms. If you’re looking for a compact soundbar that doesn’t compromise on sound quality, the Yamaha Audio SR-C30A is a great choice.

Buying Guide

When choosing a compact subwoofer, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you get the best product for your needs. Here are some features to look for:

Size

As the name suggests, compact subwoofers are designed to be small and portable. However, the size of the subwoofer should also be proportional to the size of your room or space where you will use it. A subwoofer that is too small may not provide enough bass, while a subwoofer that is too big may overpower your room.

Power

The power of a subwoofer is measured in watts, and the higher the wattage, the louder and more powerful the bass will be. However, the power of the subwoofer should also be proportional to the size of your room or space. A subwoofer with too much power may cause distortion and damage to your speakers.

Frequency Response

The frequency response of a subwoofer refers to the range of frequencies that it can reproduce. A subwoofer with a wider frequency response will be able to produce a wider range of bass frequencies, resulting in a more accurate and natural sound.

Connectivity

Make sure that the subwoofer you choose has the necessary connectivity options for your setup. Most subwoofers will have a standard RCA input, but some may also have additional inputs such as speaker level inputs or wireless connectivity.

Enclosure Type

The type of enclosure that the subwoofer has can also affect its performance. A sealed enclosure will provide tighter and more accurate bass, while a ported enclosure will provide more volume and depth.

Additional Features

Some compact subwoofers may come with additional features such as adjustable crossover, phase control, or auto on/off. These features can help fine-tune the sound of the subwoofer and make it more convenient to use.

By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision when choosing a compact subwoofer that will meet your needs and provide high-quality bass for your music, movies, and games.