The Best 8 Inch Subwoofer For 2024

Nicolas Ward By, Nicolas Ward
Updated
Best 8 inch subwoofer
Best 8 inch subwoofer

The Rundown

1. Best Of The Best: Skar Audio Triple 8" Complete 2,100 Watt SDR Series Subwoofer Bass

Designed to produce a powerful and accurate bass sound, the Skar Audio Triple Subwoofer Enclosure features an 8" woofer that delivers plenty of real power. It also has a 2100-watt continuous peak power with a maximum power point for greater reliability and durability. The enclosure is made from highly durable MDF, which is then finished with durable black carpet to keep it looking sharp. Read Review

2. Best Bang For The Buck: Kicker L7S84 L7S 8" Subwoofer Dual Voice Coil 4-Ohm 450W

The L7S8-4 is a professional grade 8" 4-ohm subwoofer that has been designed for maximum power output. With a sturdy injection-molded polypropylene cone, reinforced corners and patented ribbing, this subwoofer delivers maximum performance and durability. Read Review

3. Upgrade pick: Skar Audio Single 8" Complete 700 Watt SDR Series Subwoofer Bass Package

Get the full Skar Audio sound experience with the single 8" loaded subwoofer enclosure and SKAR4ANL-CCA 4 Gauge Complete Amplifier Wiring Kit. This package includes everything you need to hook up your amplifier and subwoofer. Read Review

4. Best Durable: Polk Audio PSW111 8" Powered Subwoofer - Power Port Technology

Polk Audio PSW111 is the perfect addition to your home theater. The Polk Audio PSW111 offers a sleek design and powerful sound. With a detachable grill, line-level inputs and speaker-level inputs, as well as low-pass filter and phase toggle switch, these speakers are completely complete. Polk has been a trusted name in home audio for years, so with this speaker you know it's going to be durable and reliable. Read Review

Subwoofers are the unsung heroes of the home theater system. They play a fundamental role in making your audio experience immersive and life-like. Many people see subwoofers as an eyesore, something you place in a corner of your room and keep there.

Not everyone is aware that these little guys can turn into an essential part of your home entertainment system. Subwoofers provide bass and they do so at low frequencies that are difficult to produce with standard or stereo speakers. The question is: Which is the best 8-inch subwoofer? If you’re wondering about the same, read on!

After spending 14 hours researching and assessing, our specialists have identified the models that would best meet your needs, particularly Skar Audio Triple 8" Complete 2,100 Watt SDR Series Subwoofer Bass. We've put up a buying guide as well as additional good alternatives to help you find the perfect one.

Our Top Picks

  • Includes x1 Skar Audio RP-1200.1D Class D 1,200 Watt Monoblock Car Subwoofer Amplifier
  • Includes x1 Skar Audio SKAR4ANL-OFC 4 Gauge Premium OFC Complete Amplifier Wiring Kit
  • Includes x1 Skar Audio SDR-3X8D2 Triple 8" Loaded 2,100 Watt Vented Subwoofer Enclosure
  • All-in-One Complete SDR Series Loaded Subwoofer Complete Bass Package
  • Peak Power: 2,100 Watts, RMS Power: 1,050 Watts
TOP Choice #2 Kicker L7S84 L7S 8" Subwoofer Dual Voice Coil 4-Ohm 450W
Our Score:
9.7
KICKER
  • Kicker L7S84 8" 900 Watt Solobaric L7S Car Audio Subwoofer Solo-baric 44L7S8-4. Dual Four-Ohm Voice Coils. Injection-Molded Polypropylene Cone. Patented Corner Ribs Minimize Distortion.
  • Includes x1 Skar Audio SKAR4ANL-CCA 4 Gauge Complete Amplifier Wiring Kit
  • Includes x1 Skar Audio RP-350.1D Class D 350 Watt Mono-block Amplifier
  • All-in-One Complete SDR Series Loaded Subwoofer Complete Bass Package
  • Peak Power: 700 Watts, RMS Power: 350 Watts
  • Includes x1 Skar Audio SDR-1X8D2 Single 8" Loaded 700 Watt Vented Subwoofer Enclosure
  • PERFECTLY BLENDS WITH YOUR EXISTING SYSTEM – Timbre-matched with other Polk speakers from TSI, RM & R/T/M Series, this sub hooks to any receiver. No hassles, no extra connections. Upgrade your home theater and entertainment
  • HIGH-EFFICIENCY LOUDSPEAKER – Driven by a 150-watt amplifier (300W at peak), this sub is your answer to more power in a small footprint. It takes about one square foot of floor space and fills any room with incredible sound wherever you place it
  • A SLEEK DETACHABLE GRILLE on the front, along with LFE line-inputs, as well as speaker-level inputs and outputs on the back, and Low-Pass Filter & Phase Toggle Switch, make this sub COHESIVE & COMPLETE, especially at this price
  • Polk’s UNWAVERING COMMITMENT, RELIABILITY, AND CRAFTSMANSHIP has made it one of the most trusted names in home audio. Bring out the best in surround sound systems and acoustic excellence, so you can SIT BACK, RELAX AND LISTEN WITH YOUR HEART
  • LOUDER CLEARER SOUND EVEN AT EXTREME VOLUME LEVELS – Features smart compression circuitry that limits distortion and gives a more balanced & thrilling music experience with rich, deep sound, even at low frequencies
  • ULTRA-COMPACT POWERED SUBWOOFER FOR EXTRA PUNCHY BASS – An 8" Dynamic Balance woofer, specially-tuned downward-firing port & on-point speaker geometry helps deliver accurate bass with added depth that pumps up your movie, games and music experience
  • 8-Inch Subwoofer And 120W Amplifier, Housed Together In A Cast Aluminum Enclosure
  • Rca And Auto-Sensing Speaker Level Inputs Are Located On The Side Panel, Along With Controls For Phase, Gain, Lp Crossover And Remote Sub Level
  • The Compact Size Measures Just 13.5” L X 9” W X 3” 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
  • 32Hz-150Hz Frequency Response, Power Rating: 120W Rms. Rca (0.1-4V) / Speaker Input (1.5-30V/Auto Sensing)
  • High strength & patented cast aluminum frame
  • 800W RMS per Subwoofer
  • Solid Pole piece with chamfered edges & machined air channels for increased voice coil cooling
  • High Temperature copper voice coil wire
  • Black Aluminum 2.5” voice coil former for superior heat dissipation
  • Power Handling (RMS): 250 Watts per sub (500 Watts per pair)
  • **Features:**
  • 10 gauge nickle plated push terminals
  • Power Handling (Max): 500 Watts per sub (1,000 Watts per pair)
  • Two Brand New **Rockford Fosgate P2D2 8** 8" Punch P2 500 Watt 2 Ohm DVC Car Audio Subwoofers
  • Stitched-On Double High-Power Tinsel Lead Wires
  • Solid Pole piece with chamfered edges & machined air channels for increased voice coil cooling
  • 800W RMS per Subwoofer
  • Black Aluminum 2.5” voice coil former for superior heat dissipation
  • High strength & patented cast aluminum frame
  • New and Improved – True Subwoofer Performance from a Thin Driver
  • High Mass, Solid Pole Piece for Superior Heat Dissipation
  • Unique Heat Management for a Thin but Powerful Sub
  • Dual Voice Coils for Installation Flexibility
  • Features Forced-Air Cooling - 20% Cooler for Increased Reliability
  • 40” 2.1 Soundbar with 8” wireless subwoofer
  • Class-leading 8” Subwoofer
  • 5.1 decoding for virtualized surround sound
  • 400W peak power
  • HDMI-ARC: Single-cable, single-remote control
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Which Characteristics To Consider On Selecting best 8 inch subwoofer For 2024?

To make a practical purchase, you guys need to be aware of best 8 inch subwoofer ultimately. Several key factors must be taken into account and evaluated. Of course, there are some challenges for you during the process of studying products. So we are available here to provide you with comprehensive advice and support.

Thanks to the evaluation supported by high technology, we have come up with some significant features for you to go through. Let’s check it below!

Subwoofer Size & Number

If manufacturers don't want to disclose the maximum sound pressure, most can refer to the third parameter.
The Frequency Response element explains that subwoofers must have sufficient power to produce high frequencies and push air around enough to be heard by the ear. The maximum sound pressure that a subwoofer can achieve is directly related to its size and quantity. The unit's configuration is the best way to determine the subwoofer's strength.

Wired Or Wireless

A rising number of subwoofers powered by Bluetooth are capable of wireless connectivity. Wireless connectivity eliminates the requirement for long cables between subwoofers and receivers.

A wireless subwoofer is usually equipped with a transmitter that plugs into any receiver's subwoofer outputs.
Low-frequency audio signals are transmitted by the transmitter to the wireless subwoofer from the receiver connected to home theater. The wireless receiver integrated into the subwoofer powers the amplifier, which produces the low-frequency sound.

Diaphragm Material

Material refers to what is used in the manufacture of the diaphragm. The tweeter's diaphragm materials are plastic, metal, and silk. There are many diaphragm materials for the woofer, including paper, polyethylene, wool, and aluminum-magnesium alloy cones.
They have different prices and properties. It is difficult to determine who is better or worse. Choose paper or wool pots if you enjoy orchestral music. Polyethylene cones are best for metal music. Paper cones and wool cones shouldn't be used in humid environments. They absorb moisture easily and can change the sound quality.

Sealed Vs Ported Subwoofer

When searching for the best subwoofer guide, this is one of the most crucial questions. There are two types of subwoofers depending on whether or not the interior of the cabinet connects with the exterior. The sealed subwoofer is, like its name, a closed cabinet. Low-frequency output occurs because of the compression within the box. This subwoofer has a simple structure and a better transient response. It also provides clear, crisp hearing. Low-frequency speakers have a lower cutoff frequency than others. You will need to use a bigger cabinet, and a higher-calibre speaker if you wish to achieve a lower frequency of low-frequency diving. The speakers are also more sensitive and efficient than any other type of speaker.
The hole is accessed by the ported subwoofer, which leads the radiation wave through it. The port is generally circular in shape and has one. Some subwoofers can have multiple ports, which allows users to adjust their output energy and enhance the listening experience. A subwoofer port may even have a bar design to allow for greater integration and aesthetics.

Active Vs Passive Subwoofer

There are two types of subwoofers: passive and active. The active subwoofer is currently the most common in home theatres. Subwoofers require a lot power. Many receivers don't have sufficient driving power. Independent passive subwoofers can be found in professional audio more frequently. This is a rare feature in consumer audio. An active subwoofer has a built in power amplifier module. The active subwoofer is currently the most popular home theatre component.

Maximum SPL

A subwoofer's quality cannot be determined by a single parameter. What makes a subwoofer so capable of producing a sufficient sound pressure level to be considered excellent? Let's first examine the hearing curve of the human ear.
The curve shown in the figure illustrates that different frequencies and sensitivity levels are found within the human ear. Human hearing is identical to this up-and-down curve, which indicates a variable sound pressure level.
The sound of 80dB at 1000Hz is almost identical to 120dB when you listen at 20Hz. This difference amounts to 40dB. The threshold for hearing is 80dB at 20Hz. However, the sound itself is extremely faint and barely audible.
This is why subwoofer parameters must include the maximum sound pressure level. The human ear cannot sense low frequencies and needs to hear a higher sound pressure to feel slight differences. Mix it up if the voice of your subwoofer is too low.

Subwoofer Box Material

Subwoofer boxes are currently made from plastic or wood. Some high-end models will also use metal. Wood speakers used to be considered superior to plastic speakers at first, though this is not the case anymore. Some well-made speakers are better than those made from rough wood. When choosing speakers, it is important to weigh the components. A large wooden speaker will perform poorly if it is too light.

Frequency Response

This is the "dive" index for the subwoofer's low frequency. This parameter indicates how low the subwoofer's output can reach. Subwoofers capable of reaching this frequency can typically be heard by humans at 20 Hz. However, subwoofers with the ability to achieve such low frequencies are more costly.
Don't worry too much about the frequency limit. It is generally acceptable to use a subwoofer at 160-200Hz. Why? Why? Because the frequency above 120Hz is where most of the midrange woofers are. This indicator can't be altered and is established when the subwoofer has been designed, manufactured and shipped to the factory.
If you are able to find a subwoofer that has a dive of around 20Hz for a reasonable price, it is difficult for consumers.
Some entry-level subwoofers with low-end features have a dive of 40Hz or less. The frequency that is too low can cause serious distortion. It is a sign that there are not enough dives. The foundation may not be reliable and all parameters will become meaningless.

FAQs

Is There A Difference Between A Woofer And A Subwoofer?

These terms are often interchangeable. A "woofer" is a term that refers to a driver with a greater frequency response than a Subwoofer. It's less focused on pure bass and will be more common to be part of speakers than an individual unit.

Are Bigger Subwoofers Better?

You can. They can be. Larger woofers produce more precise, space-filling bass and a greater "shake factor" than smaller models. This is just one aspect. For example, a large, poorly built subwoofer can rattle excessively, while smaller, more powerful models may still be able to do an excellent job.

Does My Speaker System Need A Subwoofer?

This is a great idea. A subwoofer is a key component of home theater systems. The latest standards in movie audio are also applicable.

Are Wireless Subwoofers Worth It?

It's not ideal to connect a sub to an AV receiver. You may need to conceal a part of the cable, or find a shorter one to place in the right spot. Let's be honest, it's not fun to crawl on your knees and lay cables. !
There are many subwoofers that work wirelessly. However, they must still be connected to an electrical socket. This is how it works: instead of plugging in a cable to your AV receiver you attach a transmitter.
Without the need for an audio cable, the transmitter box sends the signal directly to the sub. Some manufacturers include the accessory with their subs, others make it available as an option.
You don't have to worry about it not being wireless, as you can purchase a universal wireless kits that will transform most subs into wireless units.

Where Is The Ideal Subwoofer Placement?

You have greater freedom than normal speakers which can be very directional. Your subwoofer will also fit more easily. My guide to placing home cinema speakers in the right place is a great starting point.
Subwoofers can be difficult to place in rooms. They must be near a power outlet, as powered speakers. They will also have to be connected to an AV receiver, which distributes the signal to the other speakers in the setup.
These are just some of the factors you should keep in mind when placing your subwoofer. You'll need to experiment with subwoofer positions, and listen to the sound each produces from different locations in your home.

Can I Use Two Subwoofers At Once?

Although it's not common for home installations, you can. Make sure your receiver is capable of handling two subwoofer connections. To get multi-directional bass, some people like to use two smaller woofers.

How Much Bass Is Enough?

Your viewing habits will determine the power you require from your subwoofer. A larger subwoofer with greater power will be needed if you watch a lot of action films and listen to music. In this case, a 12-inch sub is ideal.
If you watch sports or comedy, however, the subwoofers can be used in a smaller room. A smaller subwoofer is sufficient for a large room.

What Is A Crossover?

A crossover is an electronic circuit which routes frequencies to the subwoofer at a particular point. The crossover routes all frequencies higher than that point to the subwoofer, main and center speakers, as well as surround.
Most subwoofers, as well as AV receivers, have variable crossover frequencies that allow you to adjust the sweet spot. Others are set at around 100 Hz.


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About Nicolas Ward

Nicolas Ward

Nicolas Ward is an elite author with many years of experience in the music field and the owner of many engaging articles at TheAudioInsights. He studies music production and has many years of passionate research into sound systems. Appearing in many popular newspapers, Nicolas Ward provides useful knowledge and the latest information on music and sound.