Best 15 Inch Subwoofer: More Bass and Better Sound From Your Audio System
For you, loudness is cool.
You can’t imagine what enjoyment there is in listening to music without monster bass. Small subs don’t hit the mark of sound quality you want.
15–inch subwoofers are made for you. They give out that crazy, amazing bass that will make your car the sound benchmark. Big box, big bass, and loud sound are the deal with these massive subs. If you are tired of the mid-tier bass in your car today, have bigger subs installed. They will rock your music with voluminous bass and give you the best listening experience you’ve ever had.
We reviewed the best 15 inch subwoofers to make sure you make no mistake when upgrading your system to produce heavier bass. Not all subwoofers are able to balance precision and power and that’s where our task was.Find out which ones do as you review the following top models one by on.
Comparison Table of Top 15 Inch Subwoofers 2020
Subwoofer Name | Power handling | Sensitivity | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
[Overall Best] | 1000w RMS; | 92dB | ||
2000w RMS; | 87.2 dB | |||
1250w RMS; | 86.2dB | |||
800w RMS; | 92.2dB | |||
1000w RMS; | 89.4dB | |||
500w RMS; | 100dB | |||
600w RMS; | 86dB | |||
600w RMS; | 86dB | |||
250w RMS; | 90.2 dB |
How We Chose the Top Subs
As we reviewed the 8 top rated 15 - inch subs, we paid keen interest on power handling qualities. You already know that without higher power output you cannot get a heavier and deeper bass. Also, big subs require a higher power capability because they often work with amplifiers in the audio system to give loud sound.
It’s also noteworthy that sensitivity and sound output are closely related. We therefore didn’t ignore subs that users cited as great even though they have lower comparative power handling. We tried our best to balance all the factors that determine bass and sound performance in a sub and our efforts bore 8 subs.
As usual, our review team comprised of highly-experienced sound engineers and installers, real users who are well-versed with car subwoofers and seasoned car audio equipment reviewers.
See how the best subwoofer brands are faring in 2020.
1. Pyle PLPW15D – Best Overall
Pyle PLPW15D gives you the best of what Pyle can offer in terms of bass quality, efficiency, and durability. The sub’s 2000w peak power handling is a strong promise of serious, head-turning bass. This 15-inch sub will provide a praise-worthy upgrade to your car, motorcycle, boat, or RV sound system.
Unique Features of Pyle PLPW15D
Pros
Cons
Verdict
Pyle rose above the bar to make this new and highly versatile subwoofer model a bass champion. Pyle PLPW15D is the best choice for audiophiles and serious bass fans.
2. Orion HCCA152
The HCCA152 is one big rugged box of powerful sound. It produces music with the punch and depth only a few of its competitors would achieve at their best. This booming bass beast comes in heavy and has capacity to reach 5000w of peak power.
Orion HCCA152 Features:
Pros
Cons
Verdict: Orion HCCA152 has an outstanding build quality and gives really loud but precise bass notes. If you are in for crazy powerful bass, this competition subwoofer will definitely delight you.
Discover Orion’s dedication to big, sweet bass in the HCCA152. Check price on Amazon.
3. Skar Audio EVL-15 D2
Skar Audio EVL-15 D2 is the true redefinition of low-end sound reproduction. The presence of advanced features makes this EVL unequivocal choice when looking for a subwoofer for your car. It has been designed to play the low notes with precision and extreme power handling for a lengthy period. All these features makes EVL-15 D2 unique and in a class of its own.
Skar Audio EVL-15 D2 Features:
Pros
Cons
Verdict: The engineering of Skar Audio EVL-15 D2 is just amazing. It is a representation of sound quality and performance that a 15-inch sub should offer. Also, it has advanced features that enable it to deliver incredible and powerful bass.
Overall this is a great subwoofer that is worth every penny. Buy it on Amazon
4. American Bass TNT1544
American Bass TNT1544 is the perfect combination of solid construction and incredible power handling. It has a max power of 1600 watts to give you the maximum sound that you desire. The seamless design will ensure that your sub will last longer as well as adding to the general outlook of your car.
American Bass TNT1544 Features and Benefits
Pros
Cons
Verdict: With TNT1544, you can redefine your music experience, especially if you are inclined towards loud bass. It sounds great in both sealed and ported enclosures, and it is one of the most reputable subs on the market.
Try American Bass TNT1544 if you want an enriched sound to rule your airwaves. Check price on Amazon
5. Stillwater Designs 11S15L72
Stillwater 11S15L72 is the newest giant on the market and it doesn’t disappoint when it comes to loud bass. Its frequency response is unmatched, and also it can handle considerable amounts of power. Although it comes at a slightly more expensive price tag, it is relentless, and the sensitivity rating is exceptional.
Stillwater Designs 11S15L72 Highlights
Pros
Cons
Verdict: Stillwater Designs 11S15L72 is a five-star sub that is capable of handling some serious power. This power is coupled with fidelity to ensure that you are satisfied with its performance.
This subwoofer does not disappoint if you are after loud bass only. Check out 11S15L72 on Amazon for the latest prices.
6. (2) New Rockville RVP15W8
This raw professional subwoofer is packed with power, and it adds a natural effect to your sound. These subwoofers erupt with power from the moment you add them to your car sound system. Installation is not an issue although some adjustments may be required in small cars. Also, it has been tested for durability, and it has been proved unbreakable.
New Rockville RVP15W8 Key Features
Pros
Cons
New Rockville RVP15W8 is just excellent. You can fit in your car without any difficulty and without consuming a lot of space. All you have to do is choose the optimal placement position that will enable you to enjoy high-quality music.
You can depend on RVP15W8 for punchier and meaty bass production.
7. Rockford Fosgate P3D2
Rockford Fosgate P3D2 design is interesting and unique and is probably one of the best for subs this class. It has passed the reliability test, and it is made with high-quality materials. With 1200 watts peak, and 600 RMS it is on the lower end, but it is still a good choice if you are working with limited power supply but still want punchy bass.
Features of Rockford Fosgate P3D2
Pros
Cons
Verdict: This masterpiece is an excellent tradeoff for deep bass, although it is not the most powerful unit out there. However, it presents a great way of achieving a super system with a more limited source of power.
Pick our P3D2 on Amazon and experience its superb quality for yourself.
8. Hifonics BRZ15D4
Here is yet another high performer that comes with a tempting price tag. The Hifonics BRZ15D4 Brutus seems to be making a strong debut into the league of best subs. With premium features and modest power handling, this sub is designed for production of a robust sound.
Why Choose the Hifonics BRZ15D4 Brutus subwoofer
Pros
Cons
Our say: This Hifonics sub ranks almost the same with Pyle but scores higher in sound performance and heat dissipation. It gives great value for your money and we think many users will find it a great bass upgrade.
Pick Hifonics BRZ15D4 if you are on a budget and want one of the strongest and loudest 15-inch subs on the market.
9. Pyle 15 Inch 8-ohm Woofer
Is a low-frequency upgrade to your car audio system the only thing lacking in your system? We noted a rather strong engineering and satisfactory bass from this sub.Its power handling may be lower than for most of the 15-inch subs we’ve reviewed here but you’ll realize it produces the greatest bass you can get at that price.
Pyle 80-Ohm 15-inch Sub Highlights
Pros
Cons
Verdict: Pyle 8-ohm 15-inch subwoofer can give you clearer and deeper bass if well mounted on an appropriate enclosure. It’s rugged and highly durable; thus giving you a long lasting solution to the weak bass currently ailing your system.
Its price on Amazon will surprise you. You’d only be lucky to have these in your car.
Things to Consider Before Buying the Best 15-Inch Subwoofer
Why do you need a 15-inch subwoofer buying guide?
Big subwoofers are designed to reproduce low frequencies. When these frequencies are delivered properly, they improve the overall listening experience. And this is for all music types. So whether you like soft or rocky or metallic jams, 15-inch subs can really improve sound depth and give your music the realism that lacks when played through small speakers.
So what should you focus on when selecting a 15-inch sub to make a great-sounding system?
Technical Specs to Check in Every Sub
However simple or complicated you want your 15-inch sub to be, there are a few key specs that you must understand. You’ll have to consider the power, sensitivity, frequency range, enclosure type and number of voice coils when comparing different subs।
Let’s consider each of these specs individually.
Power – Big boom equals plenty of power. The RMS power rating indicates the continuous power output/handling of the speaker. Check this rating to ensure that the 15-inch sub you choose has power handling that matches your system and important components such as the amplifier.
Frequency range: Low frequencies produce bass. If you are comparing two subs using this criterion, a sub whose frequency range includes lower frequencies can produce more bass, assuming all other factors such as enclosure type are held constant
This brings us to the type of enclosure।
How enclosure type affects bass production: Sealed boxes produce the deepest and most accurate sound. But if you are looking for more volume then you will be well suited for ported and bandpass enclosure types.
Sensitivity: Measured in decibels(dB), sensitivity measures the efficiency of a sub to produce sound at a given power level. If you have a low-powered stereo, a sub with high sensitivity rating is better because it requires less power to perform. High-powered audio systems can work well with low sensitivity subs.
The number of voice coils: Many users prefer dual voice coil (DVC) subs to those with single voice coils. Dual voice coils allow more wiring flexibility. Most high-end 15-subs have DVC; check the performance of such subs in the list of best subwoofers of this category above.
What are You Looking for in a 15-inch Sub?
The perfect 15-inch sub for a truly personalized system
Component subs can be mounted in a box of your choice. They allow you to add an external amplifier to increase the sound production potential.
You can find 15-inch subs with different types of enclosures, varying voice coil and impedance setups, and operating on low or high power. Choose the model that most closely matches your audio system design or suits the requirements of your desired stereo.
Simple, space-efficient bass system
In case you have a small car and the space you have is inadequate for installation of the biggest subs, look for powered, compact 15-inch subwoofers. These are usually designed with a woofer and in-built amplifier in one enclosure. So, you only have one equipment to install.
Compact speakers don’t take a lot of space in the vehicle.
Are compact subs still effective in bass production?
With the built-in amplifier, compact 15-inch subwoofers are still highly effective in producing low frequencies. They are also simpler to install which makes them the perfect subwoofer choice if you want a great but quick bass upgrade.
You can get what the subwoofer you need to add deeper and stronger bass to your listening experience. The above tips should land you to the 15-inch sub that will best fulfil your requirements.
Best 15-inch Subwoofers 2020 FAQs
Q1. What type of box will make my 15-inch subwoofer deliver the best sound?
A: There are three main types of subwoofer boxes – sealed, ported, bandpass boxes.
Sealed boxes are compact, have one opening for the speaker’s head, and don’t allow air in or out. They give a clean and precise sound and fit in any vehicle. One downside of using sealed boxes is that the speaker will need more power for it to play higher volumes.
Ported/vented boxes have air spaces. A vented sub box will give out bigger bass than a sealed box assuming you are using the same amplifier. These boxes also have better airflow, which helps to keep the sub cool for longer. If you love playing heavy metal and such types of music, a ported box is probably your best option.
Bandpass subwoofer boxes are a variation of vented boxes, only that they deliver louder sound. A bandpass box is set up with two parts – one chamber with an opening, and another side that it enclosed. It is basically a dual subwoofer box. These boxes are excellent for aggressive music like rock, rap and reggae.
Q2. Which direction should my 15-inch subs face?
A: You can place your sub in any direction that suits your music preferences and your car’s interior configuration.
Place it facing the boot against the last row of seats for more pronounced and evenly distributed bass. This placement works best for listening to bass-focused music genres such as trap, rap, and dubstep.
You can also place the sub facing upwards toward the trunk hatch if you want big bass without eating too much into the cargo space in the trunk. This position allows the sub to deliver crisp sound with super high frequencies and treble. The sub doesn’t rattle any loose car parts as the bass is smooth.
Challenge convention and place your sub facing the front, in an inverted position and pushed inwards towards the hood. This placement allows the bass to spread so that you can feel it from every part of your car.
Q3. What is the difference between a 2-ohm and a 4-ohm subwoofer?
A: First, why does subwoofer impedance (ohm) rating matter?
Impedance rating represents the electrical resistance of the voice coil(s), which in turn affects sound volume. At the same power consumption level, a sub with lower impedance tends to produce louder sound than one with higher electrical resistance. Considering sound quality, subs with higher electrical resistance produce more compact, better quality sound.
Q4. How do I match the impedance of my sub with that of the amplifier?
A: Pairing a subwoofer with the right amp is simple. A 4-ohm speaker should be connected with the 4-ohm speaker outputs of an amp. The same goes for 2-ohm and 8-ohm speakers. A mismatch of amplifier and speaker impedances can cause damage to the amp’s circuits, which could lead to significant distortion and loss of sound quality.
Q5. Which is the best 15-inch car competition subwoofer?
A: Not all 15-inch subs can win the first place in a car audio competition. If you want to awe everyone at an auto sound fair, look for a bass beast that will give you booming bass. We are talking massive power here - something like 5000W+ of peak power.
Besides, the sub has to be strongly built. Evidence for sturdy construction includes features such as a dual conex flat spider, loop-stitched tinsel leads. The sub should be able to pump out gigantic kicks without getting hot. Also, make sure the sub has attractive looks.
Why Pyle PLPW15D is Our Pick for the Best 15-inch Subwoofers
15-inch subs are all about the bass. In terms of bass quality PLPW15D’s has no competition in the market in this segment. This sub is built for an exceptionally balanced bass output. Adding the sub to your audio system spells new life for the system. If you are a lover of loud, distinctively articulate bass, you can be sure that a 2000W MAX power handling is up to the task. Another surety of cutting-edge performance is the way a heavy-duty magnet works with a high-temperature, corrosion-resistant dual voice coil. These two features ensure that you always get big and crystal-clear sound for years and years.
Such qualities have been the preserve of the most expensive subs. However, Pyle is different. The company has dug deep into its innovative reserves to give you a premium-performance sub at an unbelievably favorable price. Check the current price of this sub today.
Premium price…yes, and you get premium-grade bass and an extraordinary bass upgrade for your audio system. If you are not limited by budget, this is definitely the best 15-inch sub to have in your car. This thing is a real bass monster. After installing it, you’ll consider sound dampening your truck for it will make you feel like you are swimming in a pool of bass kicks.
