True audiophiles know that a subwoofer is only worth the box you put it in. Subwoofer boxes affect how the air around your sub moves, and keep the sound waves from the front and rear of the cone from canceling each other out.
A good quality enclosure will make your bass sound louder than ever, and sharpen the sound quality by reducing distortion. You’ll be able to hear – and feel – those basslines.
When analyzing some of the loudest subwoofer boxes available, we found several factors that may affect your final purchase choice. These elements include options for sealed, ported, or bandpass subwoofer boxes, the open space, and the type of material used.
So, let’s dive right into the world of subwoofer box design that can guide you in choosing your loudest sub box possible for your car.
The Best Subwoofer Boxes & Enclosures in 2023
Without further ado, here are our top eight picks for the best loudest subwoofer box.
- Built for two 12” subwoofers with solid top-quality ¾-inch MDF wood
- Delivers serious quality sound without taking too much space
- Affordable price tag
- Premium (single 12”) ported design
- Also available in Dual 8”, Single 8” and multiple other sizes
- Delivers crisp and loud sound even to the trucks
- Pocket-friendly price
- Dual 12″ ported (vented) enclosure
- Excellent quality sound for heavy bass audiophiles
- Also available for 15-inch options
- Dual 12″ (universally fit) ported design
- Sleek, classic black carpet design
- Adds shaking bass to the car-perfect music
- Dual vented 12″ enclosure
- Expert’s craftsmanship for shaking things up
- Made with ¾-inch MDF and carpeted in premium charcoal
- No bare-bones, no-frills 12″ vented model
- Delivers a great balance between bass and tightness
- Less shaky, perfect for a sedan or smaller SUVs
- Single 10″ vented enclosure
- Expect a great improvement in sound tightness from this model
- Wood-based MDF enclosure
- Dual vented 12″ speaker box
- Prime choice for bigger bass
- Well constructed, tightly sealed with an ample port size and sufficient cooling
Let’s dive deeper into the best of the best enclosures:
1. QPower QBOMB12VL 12″ Dual Vented (Ported) – Best All-Around Choice for Maximum Bass
The QPower QBOMB12VL is almost the definition of a loud sub box. With dual vents, built for two 12” subwoofers, it’s designed for the noise-hungry audiophile.
Feature | Specification |
---|---|
Dimensions | 36 x 22.5 x 14.25 inches |
Material | ¾-inch MDF |
Price | Above average |
While not as loud as the 15-inch subwoofer, which tends not to fit comfortably in vehicles, QPower QBOMB12V delivers serious sound without eating up too much space. Dual vents also mean more than sufficient airflow to optimize the bass’s impact while keeping the subs cool.
The material is solid: top-quality ¾-inch MDF wood. This density ensures enough pressure is maintained within the enclosure, tightening the sound of the bass. But QPower QBOMB12V is still a seriously sized subwoofer box at 36 inches wide by 22.5 inches deep, with a cut-out of 11 inches. You need ample trunk space to take on this bad boy.
QPower QBOMB12V is a solid brand delivering performance but with an above-average price tag.
2. Skar Audio SK1X12V 12″ Universal Fit (Ported) – Best for Bringing Bass to Smaller Cars
If two subs are too much for you, the next best option is Skar Audio SK1X12V with a single port. Skar does not disappoint.
Feature | Specification |
---|---|
Dimensions | 21.25 x 18.75 x 15.25 inches |
Front Baffle | 5/8″ MDF |
Volume | 2.00 ft^3 |
Mounting Depth | 13.75″ |
Cut-Out Diameter | 11.00″ |
The dual Skar Audio SK1X12V 12-inch sub with dual ports set-up covers the bases just fine, pun intended. On the other hand, a single vent offers an outstanding balance between, for lack of a better word, oomph and tightness. When we mention tightness, we mean the overall crispness of the sound. Opting for a single-sub over a dual-sub installation makes the vehicle’s shaking less, but you keep more of the sound’s tightness. And it’s also a handy space saver.
This Skar Audio SK1X12V subwoofer enclosure is separated from its premium black carpet finish with a plush poly-fill interior–MDF included. This combo increases the pressure of the sub while adding extra protection, ensuring your sub rumbles long into the night.
Skar Audio SK1X12V sits 21.25 inches by 18.75 inches, with a cut-out of 11 inches. Skar Audio SK1X12V provides an economical design, which is sure to fit most cars and the single 12” design is universally suited to any subwoofer of that size.
Notably, Skar Audio SK1X12V comes in various sizes, ranging from 8 to 18 inches–with a dual 12-inch option to boot.
- Dual 8”: Skar Audio SK2X8V
- Single 8”: Skar Audio SK1X8V
- Dual 10”: Skar Audio SK2X10V
- Single 10”: Skar Audio SK1X10V
- Dual 12”: Skar Audio SK2X12V
- Single 15”: Skar Audio SK1X15V
- Single 18”: Skar Audio SK1X18V
As a result, Skar Audio SK1X12V offers bass potential even to trucks. Feel free to upgrade if you think you can handle it.
3. BBox E12DV Dual 12″ Vented Carpeted – Best for Having the Most Bass
BBox E12DV is a solid runner-up of the loudest subwoofer box, dual vented category, is a beast from Atrend.
Feature | Specification |
---|---|
Dimensions | 18.5 x 16 x 33 inches |
Subwoofer Size | 12″ |
Box Type | Single Sealed |
Shape | Rectangle |
Finishing | Premium SRO Carpet |
Right away, Atrend’s BBox E12DV impresses with its focus upon build–the strength of the wood-based, ¾-inch MDF and the airtight recessed side panels. Sound quality reigns supreme here, and it’s ideal for those audiophiles willing to sacrifice some tightness for extra boom.
The BBox E12DV’s main selling point is its obsession with the perfect seal. Dual vents amplify high-power subwoofers at the cost of Philharmonic crispness. To compensate, decent sub box manufacturers ensure there are no cracks where air can escape.
BBox E12DV sits 18.5-inches long by 16 inches wide, and it’s 33 inches tall. There’s a touch larger cut-out at 11.125 inches. Therefore, it is more prominent in the trunk but still manageable and is a good choice if you don’t have an SUV capable of handling 15-inch subwoofers.
However, Atrend BBox E12DV offers this model as a dual vented 15-inch subwoofer box as an alternative if you want. Their commitment to a sturdy enclosure and a tight seal means this brand should be a top choice for those seemingly dangerous basses.
While to be expected, the charcoal carpeted finish is, of course, a great touch for most car interiors.
4. Skar Audio SK2X12V Dual 12″ Universal Fit (Ported) – Best Mid-Range Option
Skar is back, but this time as a dual. The dual Skar Audio SK2X12V over single design again adds much more shaking bass to the car–perfect for music catering to lower frequencies. Metal, techno, rap, and rock fans considering a budget option will be well-served here.
Feature | Specification |
---|---|
Dimensions | 38.5 x 19.5 x 15.25 inches |
Mounting Depth | 13.00″ |
Cut-Out Diameter | 11.125″ |
Volume | 4.00 ft³ |
Tuning Frequency | 32 Hz |
The sleek and minimal port design of Skar Audio SK2X12V dividing the two sub cut-outs means relatively less sound tightness is lost, especially compared to 15-inch sub boxes. Extra bass, but much of the sound’s crispness is kept so you get to hear every thud well defined.
Skar Audio SK2X12V sits 38.5 by 19.5 by 15.25 inches, with 11.125 inches for a cut-out and a larger than average mounting depth of 13 inches. While it takes up a fair bit of trunk space, it pays back bass in spades.
Skar Audio SK2X12V’s classic black carpet design with plush filling continues to impress. However, the lack of wood means less sub pressure—a solid option for those preferring balance in their audio.
This Skar Audio SK2X12V ranges from 8 to 18 inches, too, if you want to down- or upgrade accordingly. Always keep in mind that 8 inches sounds far more subdued than 12, and 18 typically fits in large trucks or SUVs only.
5. Atrend Bbox E12DSV Dual Vented 12″ – Best for Maximum Bass on a Budget
This Atrend Bbox E12DSV model is another excellent bass-heavy option but at a more affordable price. They keep their reputation for delivering maximum bass, but this time without the maximum price tag.
Feature | Specification |
---|---|
Dimensions | 30.25 x 17.5 x 13.75 inches |
Subwoofer Size | 12″ |
Box Type | Dual Sealed |
Shape | Rectangle |
The critical difference is the switch from ¾-inch MDF to 1-inch on the front panel, leading to more pressure and heaviness. As a result, more tightness is lost in the sound, which is why many pre-made subwoofer enclosures of the loudest category stick to three-quarters.
The remainder of the Atrend Bbox E12DSV is built from the ¾-inch MDF, and carpeted in premium charcoal to suit your vehicle’s interior.
The expert craftsmanship remains with the focus on sealing and strength. You find in Atrend Bbox E12DSV a solid choice for increasing your bass while keeping to the more accessible 12-inch sub size. Atrend Bbox E12DSV sits 30.25 by 17.5 by 13.75 inches, with an identical cut-out at 11.125 inches.
If you want to max out the bass to make the car shake, consider the 15-inch option. Atrend Bbox E12DSVis known for woodworking, so this is your ideal option for shaking things up.
6. American Sound Connection Car Audio Single 12″ Vented Sub Box – Best Compact Option
Sometimes big things come in smaller packages. One such example is American Sound Connection Car Audio Single’s ported single-sub 12-inch box.
Feature | Specification |
---|---|
Dimensions | 18.25 x 16.25 x 13.25 inches |
Mounting Depth | 15-1/4 Inches″ |
Air Space | 1.60 Cubic Feet |
Shape | Rectangle |
Suitable For | Sedan or smaller SUV |
Structure | ⅝-inch MDF |
American Sound Connection Car Audio Single 12″ Vented Sub Box is a bare-bones, no-frills model, like a warrior going to battle without the fancy armor and who is all skill. This unit is ideal for sedans or compact cars with a side tuckaway in the trunk or near the backseat.
American Sound Connection Car Audio Single 12″ Vented Sub Box sits 18.25 by 16.25 by 13.25 inches, with a mounting depth of 15.25 inches. The extra airspace (mounting depth) is perfect and balances the slightly smaller port.
Extra air enhances the vibration from the subwoofer’s low frequencies. Larger boxes like this displace the sound at the cost of some sound tightness.
Thus American Sound Connection Car Audio Single 12″ Vented Sub Box delivers a nice balance between bass and tightness. Yet the ⅝-inch MDF structure suggests a lighter build – although it’s a little less durable than the ¾ found on other models.
American Sound Connection designed this balanced option for a bit less shake, perfect for a sedan or smaller SUV.
7. BBox E10SV Single 10″ Vented Carpeted – Best Balanced Option for Compact Cars
If you have one of the best 10-inch subwoofers around, you’ll want a premium enclosure. Atrend BBox E10SV designed an affordable alternative targeting compact cars or sedans.
Feature | Specification |
---|---|
Dimensions | 16.25 x 12 x 15.5 inches |
Box Type | Single Vented |
Speaker Baffle Size | 1″ |
Shape | Rectangle |
Finishing | Premium SRO Carpet |
Enclosure Size | 75″ |
The drop from 12 inches to 10 inches softens the impact and shake of the sub. However, if car shaking is not your top goal, Atrend BBox E10SV is a solid choice.
Also at 10 inches and single vented, some loudness is going to be lost while you should expect a great improvement in sound tightness. Atrend BBox E10SV is a subwoofer box for those seeking accurate sound – not necessarily the biggest party vibe. So during the transition from dual to single vent, it helps to pay attention to design.
It’s good to focus on two things here: the recessed side panels and the meticulously constructed 1-inch, wood-based MDF enclosure. With two subs, many opt for ¾-inch to lessen the proverbial boom. With one, a more delicate balance can be found from increasing structure density when we are down to one sub only.
In the end you receive great sound tightness and still a bit of the much-missed car shaking. Atrend BBox E10SV sits 16.25 by 12 by 15.5 inches, with a 9.125-inch cut-out and an 11.5-inch mounting depth.
8. QPower QBOMB12V Dual 12″ Vented – Best Premium Option at an Affordable Price
QPower QBOMB12V tends to charge slightly above the market price average. Yet they still offer great value.
Feature | Specification |
---|---|
Dimensions | 32 x 14 x 13.25 inches |
Cutout Diameter | 11 inches |
Speaker Size | 12 Inches |
Material | MDF Wood |
Sound Quality | High-powered, maximum shake, wall of bass |
Sub boxes used outside the car and in a private home or yacht, for example, tend to be 12 or 15 inches large. However, if that’s too large for you, QPower QBOMB12V delivers a box designed for high-powered 12-inch subs. Expect maximum shake here for the 12-inch category.
The MDF wood design also emphasizes function over form. The sound will not feel as tight relative to others on our list, yet if feeling a relentless wall of bass is your goal–solid choice. QPower QBOMB12V promotes a bass that will rattle your bones
QPower QBOMB12V sits 32 by 14 by 13.25 inches, with an 11.125-inch opening, making it a great compact option in the 12-inch subwoofer range.
For those who desire a no-nonsense box, QPower QBOMB12V is it. Well-made, tightly sealed, with an ample port size and sufficient cooling.
Before You Buy: The Buyer’s Guide to the Loudest Subwoofer Boxes
Standard sub boxes cater to smaller subs and are typically not the loudest options available. The manufacturer often makes them “sealed” to ensure more preciseness in the sound and evoke less vibration.
A good rule of thumb is that less airflow means less vibration and limited “shaking.” The loudest subwoofers take these elements into account and reverse them, leaving them open for more air and producing more vibration.
So when you want to upgrade the sound system in your car, home, or yacht, consider these three crucial elements.
Maximum Bass Performance
While naked subwoofers may look impressive and “boomy” as standalone options, they lack the oomph to reach their potential. So why go for flat and scattered noise?
This is the primary reason for investing in a subwoofer box. It amplifies the bass to a whole new level. This reason becomes all the more relevant when looking for the loudest-in-class.
A premade subwoofer box works for the great majority of customers, but spending more for a custom box is an option for extra large subs or awkward car spaces.
Protect Your Goods
Excessive movement with deep bass subwoofers can lead to unintended damage. Securely house them in well-fitted enclosures, so they don’t receive accidental tears or scratches.
Using enclosures that sport adequate vents encourages sufficient airflow to keep them cool. Cranking the volume up makes a subwoofer hot during use. You can avoid overheating by using proper subwoofer boxes.
Standard subs technically can get away without a sub box. However, that detail is not true for the loudest subs. They emphasize bass and vibration over tightness by default, making a box necessary.
Aesthetics Are Important
Many of the loudest subwoofer boxes, which tend to be the largest, have carpeted exteriors for a sleek finish. These sync cleanly with the interior carpet of your car. But, again, the trunk is the best bet, most often for these bigger boxes.
You can have performance and pretty in tandem.
Desirable Features To Look for In a Loud Subwoofer
Let’s explore the elements that make a subwoofer louder and better than other models available.
Power
The more power allocated to a subwoofer, the louder it becomes and the more it can handle. As a result, the bass deepens while the sound tightens. The tradeoff is power itself and a few more dollars.
If you’re going through the trouble of searching for a subwoofer, its enclosure, how and where to install it, you should expect to pay extra.
Examining many models, the 300 to 500-watts serve most purposes well. However, if you’re well into metal, post-rock, dance, or techno, then consider up to 1000. But make sure your car can handle it. Homes or shops don’t face this problem but consider checking with your neighbor first.
Two things to consider when understanding power are:
- RMS or root mean squared: This measurement shows how much the subwoofer can consistently emit in terms of power; consequently, the higher, the better. Therefore, you should opt for a subwoofer with at least 100-watts or more. This way, it can also handle other tasks effectively.
- Peak power: How does the subwoofer handle the louder peaks in a song when the frequencies climb rapidly? This measurement is how far the voice coil inside the unit can move in one direction within its magnetic zone. Moving beyond this zone will blow your speakers and create sound distortion.
Consequently, if you are trying to figure out the best power for your sub, the RMS measurement trumps peak power as a deciding factor for many consumers.
Range
An adequate range of 20 to 200 Hz (hertz) can provide you with a quality subwoofer that works for many genres, sounding terrific every time. However, if you want the best subwoofer for the loudest bass music, look for models with a lower range.
Consequently, the lower the Hz range is on a subwoofer, the better the bass sound is. Therefore, the best loudest subwoofers should have an 80 Hz range or smaller.
Sensitivity
Newer subs on the market tend to be more sensitive than older generations. Sensitivity is how the subwoofer uses power and effectively converts it to an audio output.
A more sensitive subwoofer will produce a louder sound than an older or less sensitive sub.
Maximize the power and sensitivity where possible if your end game is hardcore guitar riffs or progressive trance tunes – look for a sensitivity, rated in dB (decibels) over 90 or more.
Critical Elements for Obtaining the Loudest Subwoofer Boxes
When shopping for the best loudest subwoofer boxes, knowing the science behind the products can help indicate what contributes to the loudest sound quality. These critical elements include:
- Sealed or unsealed boxes
- Ported, or vented boxes
- Bandpass models
Sealed or Unsealed
As it sounds, sealed equates to an airtight box without vents. Instead, there are one or multiple cutouts for the speaker.
The lack of airflow is essential. Pressure stays within the enclosed, creating a tighter, accurate bass. It works for most drivers, but it is not the loudest. You need air for that.
Ported or Vented
These models are the same as saying vented. Airflow normalizes with this enclosure design, the exact net pressure being dependent upon the size and locations of the vents.
They’re not as tight nor accurate as sealed, but the bass becomes boomier, louder. We say the bare minimum for the loudest subwoofer box is a vent.
Bandpass
Bandpass is a term to describe a hybrid structure incorporating both sealed and ported.
The subwoofer’s first chamber seals it completely (sealed), while a ported box encompasses that. Ultimately, small indirect passageways lead to the subwoofer.
Yet that is a basic summary of it. In the industry, bandpass means specialized and extensive. Sometimes, very large. For most cases, we suggest a single-layer, ported enclosure.
In case you’re wondering, yes, bandpass tops the charts in terms of “loudest.” Many hip-hop, trap, rock, metal, and electronic lovers own bandpass subwoofer enclosures.
Also Read: Sealed vs Ported vs Bandpass Subwoofer Enclosures — What’s The Difference?
Three Vital Questions Before You Buy
Here are three essential questions to consider before clicking “check out.”
What Size Is Your Subwoofer?
If you don’t know the exact size, buying the correct box is near impossible.
Typically, the market presents 8, 10, or 12 inches. When it comes to loud, bigger is better. However, the “cut-out” dimensions must match the sub for your loudest subwoofer box to function correctly.
Next, take note of what is called the “mounting depth,” or simply the depth of your subwoofer. If the box is too shallow, it’s not going to work. Some buyers prefer some extra space beyond the mounting depth for more vibration, yet try not to go overboard with this. You may lose too much in sound tightness.
Finally, how many subwoofers will you be installing? There is no need to buy a dual-sub box if you only have to install one sub.
What Is the Box’s Material?
Premium material leads to longer shelf life, higher durability, and optimized sound. Three common types you will come across include plywood, fiberglass, and MDF.
Generally, you’re going to want MDF because it is thick, durable, and affordable. Again, something of a no-brainer for sub box manufacturers, although fiberglass is okay and expensive plywood boxes can sound great.
The density and strength of the material can help maximize the bass. These elements essentially empower the sound.
However, most subwoofer boxes, especially the loudest, and all on our list, use MDF, of a width between 5/8th of an inch and 1-inch flat. Thankfully, you can still find quality products with various materials.
How Much Space Do I Have?
The loudest subwoofer box in the world would, in our estimate, require an oversized SUV or hatchback. The hunt for sound does take up space. We admit this is a crucial drawback.
Luckily, there are ways around this. For example, bandpass sub boxes tend to be infrequent, only for the super noise lovers. And ported enclosures can be constructed with space efficiency in mind.
Pickup truck sub boxes are specially designed to fit under the seats or upon the seatbacks. Of course, compact sedans are tough too, but fiberglass material can be used to create custom boxes to fit into the corners of your trunk.
Alternatively, a wedge-shaped box could work for you. If you want the loudest sound possible with a triple-sub box, it is possible by installing it in a trunk.
Wrapping Up…
Ported models trump sealed options when the subject is the loudest subwoofer box. Because as you turn up the volume, your sub needs more air to maximize the vibrations while keeping cool.
For standard subs in a smaller car or a dorm room, sealed provides a good option: minimizing shake while maximizing sound tightness. Ported subs work best to enhance your music’s loudness while not losing too much of this tightness. Consider bandpass if you want the “shake” from your music above all.
Dance, electronic, hip-hop, rap, rock, and metal deserve, at a minimum, a dual 10-inch ported subwoofer box. Of course, 12-inch, single vented is fine too, but consider using up to an inch in MDF wood.
Classical, country, jazz, and other softer-sounding genres are okay with a sealed enclosure. Although we’re biased to ported models for the loudness, classical string or wind instruments can benefit from the extra crispness.
Again, the more air a sub box has, the more the bass reverberates throughout your car. Conversely, the less air, the more you can focus on the dynamism of the sound. Music is personal, so choose what feels best for you!