It’s no secret that regular car stereo speakers have trouble reproducing lower frequency sounds. That can make your car’s stereo system plain and downright boring. So how do you spice up your vehicle’s somewhat generic sound system? The best way to do that is by adding a dedicated 15-inch subwoofer to your car stereo system. A good 15-inch subwoofer can turn any boring car sound system into one with deep rich bass that has you dancing in your seat.
In this article, we will take a look at several of the best 15-inch car subwoofers. We will present this in a series of 15-inch car subwoofer reviews. In these reviews, we will highlight each 15-inch vehicle subwoofer’s good and bad points and tell you a little more about them. After you are done reading you will have more knowledge about these great working 15-inch car subwoofers and what makes one worth buying.
PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
---|---|---|---|
Skar Audio ZVX-15v2 15 Inch 1500 Watt Car Subwoofer |
| View On Amazon | |
Kicker S15L7 Car Audio Subwoofer |
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Rockford Fosgate P3D2-15 Punch P3 DVC Subwoofer |
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Rockford Fosgate P3D4-15 Punch P3 DVC Subwoofer |
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Skar Audio EVL-15 D2 Car Subwoofer |
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Skar Audio DDX-15 D4 Dual Car Subwoofer |
| View On Amazon |
Best 15 Inch Car Subwoofer Reviews (Updated List)
1. Skar Audio ZVX-15v2 15 Inch 1500 Watt Car Subwoofer
If your sound system needs a pick-me-up this 15 inch Skar Audio subwoofer for cars will do the trick very nicely. It can take a very ordinary vehicle sound system and instantly turn it into a much more dynamic one.
This 15-inch car subwoofer is jam-packed with nice features. It has a 1500 watt true RMS power and can handle up to 3000 watts peak power input. The Skar Audio ZVX-15v2 also features a huge triple stacked magnet and great quality pressed paper cone for improved low-frequency sound reproduction.
You will be rocking in your car seat to the rich bass sound that comes from this subwoofer.
One of the things that we really like about this Skar audio product is the way they stand behind it. It comes with a full 2-year warranty which is unusual for a subwoofer because of how easily that can be damaged if not hooked upright.
Pros:
- 1500 Watt RMS power
- 3000 Watt peak power
- Triple stacked magnet
- High quality pressed paper cone
- Dual 1-Ohm voice coil configuration
- 2-year warranty
Cons:
- Needs 24 hour break-in time
- Would have liked to seen a slightly lower frequency response from it
2. Kicker S15L7 Car Audio Subwoofer
The next subwoofer we will review for you is the Kicker S15L7 Car Audio Subwoofer. The description notes that it peaks at 2000W and functions on an everyday basis at 1000W. Nevertheless, the recommended power range is between 500 and 1200 Watts RMS. Stick to this range to protect your subwoofer. It can fit in various car models as long as it has a custom cutout box or spot where it can fit. Go for a bigger box if you have to choose because it will eventually blow in a box that is too small. The voice coils are not made from the most durable material, but they provide good sound. It can reach a very high volume. At low volume, however, the sound could be distorted, making it difficult to listen to mellow or lighter notes. The speaker can wire 2ohms and 4ohms. What you choose depends on the amplifier and how much power it will put out. Ohms are related to resistance: the more resistance, the lower RMS Watts you get.
Pros:
- Nice sound on high volume
- Compatible with multiple car models if placed in the right box
- Can wire 2ohms and 4ohms
- Affordable
Cons:
- Distorted sound at low volume
- Could blow easily if overpowered
3. Rockford Fosgate P3D2-15 Punch P3 DVC Subwoofer
Here is yet another high quality 15 inch car subwoofer from Rockford Fosgate that has made our list of the best models. This one does a little better job with the ultra-low frequency bass tones than the other Rockford Fosgate 15 inch car subwoofer that we previously reviewed. It has a very sensitive 22-250 Hz frequency response range.
This will keep you bumping in your seat as you ride along listening to your car stereo too. It’s a subwoofer that operates best around the 600-watt power range but you can put as much as 1200 peak watt power into it without hurting this subwoofer.
What else does it have built into it that greatly enhances its bass producing capability? It has such well-designed features as cool running thermal anodized aluminum cone and dual 2-ohm voice coil too. Its flex fit basket help makes its installation much easier too.
Pros:
- 600 Watt RMS power
- 1200 Watt peak power
- The thermal anodized aluminum cone
- Flex fit basket
- 22-250 Hz frequency response
- Dual 2 ohm voice coil
Cons:
- Slightly bulky
- Short 1-year warranty
4. Rockford Fosgate P3D4-15 Punch P3 DVC Subwoofer
People like us who know car stereo systems well feel you can rarely go wrong by purchasing a Rockford Fosgate component for your car audio system. Excellent working products like this nicely designed 15 inch car subwoofer are the reasons why this is true. This superior quality subwoofer delivers some deep, rich bass and then some.
This excellent quality 15-inch subwoofer from Rockford Fosgate operates best at 600 watts true RMS power but can easily handle up to 1200 peak watt power. Its 2.5” hybrid copper clad/aluminum voice coil really adds to the richness of the bass it produces. Its increased anodized aluminum cone area helps it stay cooler as this subwoofer runs too.
This is a very easy 15-inch car subwoofer to install also. One of the reasons for that is it features what Rockford Fosgate calls a ‘flex bit basket’. That means during installation you can bend the edges of the subwoofer shroud slightly to make them fit easier if you need to.
Pros:
- 600 Watt RMS power
- 1200 Watt peak power
- 2.5” copper clad/aluminum voice coil
- Increased anodized aluminum cone area
- Flex bit basket
- Double stacked magnet
Cons:
- Missing a little something when it comes to ultra-low frequency bass notes
- Only a 1-year warranty
5. Skar Audio EVL-15 D2 Car Subwoofer
Here is yet another Skar Audio 15 inch car subwoofer that many of us here really like very much. It has that certain ‘IT’ factor you want from a subwoofer when it’s providing the much-needed bass to your car’s stereo system. The Skar Audio EVL-15 D2 subwoofer will really take your car audio listening pleasure to a whole new level.
This 15-inch subwoofer has a very dynamic low-frequency response range of 15 – 250 Hz. It really handles this low-frequency range with authority when playing music on your sound system too.
Other great features on it include the advanced airflow design that helps keep it cool even when it runs for long periods of time. It includes such premier parts as a high flux double stack ferrite motor and a 4-Layer black aluminum CCAW voice coil which only serves to enhance it is bass reproducing capability.
Like all scar 15” subwoofer products this one is backed up by a generous 2-year warranty.
Pros:
- 1250 Watt RMS power
- 2500 Watt peak power
- Impressive frequency response (15 – 250 Hz)
- High flux double stack ferrite motor
- Advanced airflow configuration
- 4-Layer black aluminum CCAW voice coil
Cons:
- At 18” x 18” x 13” it’s not easy to fit in smaller vehicles
- Works best if you make a custom box for it
6. Skar Audio DDX-15 D4 Dual Car Subwoofer
As we have reviewed each of the three Skar Audio 15 inch car subwoofers that have made our list of the best ones we can’t help be impressed with the quality of them. The Skar Audio DDX-15 D4 is easily as impressive as the other two 15 inch subwoofer products that made our top review list.
Skar Audio promotes this subwoofer as competition quality and it really comes close to that. Features like its 2.5″high-temperature voice coil, high quality pressed paper cone and dual 4-ohm voice coil all combine to produce some rich, deep bass with this subwoofer. It’s also one of the most energy-efficient 15” car subwoofer models you can buy.
One noticeable exception on this 15-inch car subwoofer as opposed to the others on the list is the fact its peak power is not double its true RMS watt power. That shows how Skar Audio was able to maximize the true RMS watt input on this 15-inch vehicle subwoofer. Its RMS power is in the 1000 watt range and it can handle up to 1500 watt peak power input.
Pros:
- 1000 Watt RMS power
- 1500 Watt peak power
- Very energy efficient
- 2.5″high-temperature voice coil
- Superb pressed paper cone
- Dual 4 ohm voice coil
Cons:
- Heavy and bulky
- Push terminals are a little small
PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
---|---|---|---|
Kicker Comp 43C154 Car Subwoofer |
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DS18 EXL-B15.2D Competition Car Subwoofer |
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Rockville RVP15W8 15” Pro Subwoofers |
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Stillwater Designs 11S15L72 Dual Car Subwoofer |
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Rockville RWS12CA 12″ Car Subwoofer |
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7. Kicker Comp 43C154 Car Subwoofer + Single Vented Sub Box Enclosure
Here is a nicely designed 15 inch car subwoofer from Kicker Comp. It won’t blow your windows out with the bass notes it reproduces but it will definitely enhance your car audio listening experience. This is a budget-friendly 15-inch car subwoofer that is a nice entry-level subwoofer product into bass enhancing subwoofers.
This is a very energy efficient 15-inch car subwoofer. What it lacks in bass volume it is able to make up for with the clarity of the bass notes it reproduces in the 25-500 Hz range. Among its other nice features are its injection molded cone and its 90.3 dB sensitivity.
One of the great things about this 15-inch car subwoofer is that it already has a case built around. So that is one less installation step you need to take on before you can use it. It just makes the installation of this 15-inch car subwoofer that much easier.
Pros:
- 250 Watt RMS power
- 500 Watt peak power
- Highly energy efficient
- Already enclosed/easy installation
- Injection molded cone
- Good 25-500 Hz frequency response for the price
Cons:
- Only has a single voice coil
- It comes with only a 1-year warranty
8. DS18 EXL-B15.2D Competition Car Subwoofer
Affordable subwoofer which comes in couple different variants and has decent specifications. With the 3000 watts max power and 1800 watts, RMS power it is not the most powerful around but RMS power is solid. Red color aluminum basket with large foam edge and paper with glass fiber cone are the basic specifications of construction but using paper is really outdated but it offers some advantages.
The big magnet and dual coils work perfectly in delivering the sound and at this price, this is a good proposition for starter users.
9. Rockville RVP15W8 15” Pro Subwoofers
The Rockville RVP15W8 is a pair of 15” Subwoofers. They have single voice coils that are capable of supporting a peak power of 1000W. However, do not try and reach this number before subjecting the subwoofers to a break-in process. Begin with the RMS of 500W and increase after a couple of weeks. When it comes to installation, the operation is fairly easy to perform. This model subwoofers perform well in a large sealed enclosure. You will need it to be at least 3.0 cubic feet. Note that it should not be a ported box as the sound will not be as good in one. These subwoofers produce moderate amounts of bass. You will like the result if you like more hit or punch type of sound. It is loud and overpowering so it will not be suitable for you if you prefer a deeper, lower bass. This unit comes at a reasonable price for a pair of two subwoofers. For optimal sound, purchase a powerful amplifier.
Pros:
- Good for loud, thumping bass
- Two single voice coil subwoofers
- Straightforward to install
- Decent sound for both the car and the house
Cons:
- Not good for lower bass
- Need relatively ample space
10. Stillwater Designs 11S15L72 Dual Car Subwoofer
This is one subwoofer you might not want to go totally by the specs when you are evaluating. Those who have purchased it rave about how great it sounds. They often say the bass that it produces is so rich and deep that you can’t turn the volume all the way up without it hurting your ears. In short, that means this 15-inch car subwoofer delivers all the bass you will ever need in your vehicle.
Its most impressive feature is its low-frequency response range. The Stillwater Designs 11S15L72 can even reproduce the lowest frequency sounds in what’s considered the audible frequency spectrum. Its low-frequency response rate is a better than average 18 – 100 Hz.
This 15-inch subwoofer is rated at 1000 watt RMS power and can handle up to 3000 peak watt power being supplied to it. That is a lot of basses that you will get from this patented square subwoofer technology.
It runs cool too thanks to its heat-reducing T-cut top plate and its cast-aluminum basket.
Pros:
- 1000 Watt RMS power
- 2000 Watt peak power
- Great low-frequency response (18 – 100 Hz)
- Unique square subwoofer technology
- Dual 2-Ohm voice coil configuration
- Heat-reducing T-cut top plate
Cons:
- Short 1-year warranty
- Very heavy at 35.7 pounds
11. Rockville RWS12CA 12″ Car Subwoofer
The Rockville RWS12CA 12” Car Subwoofer is a useful addition to your car. This isn’t a replacement speaker. It’s designed to be an add on. It has a built-in amplifier so you will have to provide 12V power and audio source. The amplifier is a valuable advantage because you will not need to purchase it separately. Moreover, the product comes with everything you need to install it. Mounting is fairly easy, but you need to make sure that you have enough space for it if you want it under your seat. The depth of the subwoofer is 12”; however, it is slightly longer because the cover adds a little more to the depth. It does not draw too much power, and it creates a decent sound. When it comes to frequencies, this subwoofer does not capture lows as well as it does mids and highs. This item is heavy enough that you might even not need to secure it. It will stay in one place. It would still perform well in a box. Nonetheless, the protective grill is plastic instead of metal, which automatically means that it does not make for the most solid construction.
Pros:
- Decent sound
- Good price
- Heavy and stable
- Built-in amplifier
- All hardware and wiring included
- Easy installation
Cons:
- Plastic protective grill
- Cover adds more to the depth
- Weak low frequencies
12. Hifonics BRZ15D4 Brutus Dual Subwoofer
The Very cheap offering is Hiltons’s BRZ15D4 with a price well under 100$. For that cash you will get dual flat Nomex spider with integrated tinsel leads Polypropylene cone and Nickel-plated push and insert speaker terminals and double-stack magnet assembly with heat-dispersing ported nickel plated back plate and ultra-rigid stamped steel basket. This is nice specifications for a budget price and power level is also good – 1200 watts max and 600 watts RMS.
Looking at the specifications sheet and price tag it is easy to recommend this product however you should hear it in action before you make a decision on buying it.
Some Key Spec To Consider Choosing A 15 Inch Subwoofer
- Strong Sound Isn’t Always The Best Sound
The reason why you should buy the 15-inch subwoofer is the sound. The power and the thump of might bass. But, there is a catch. No doubt that the 15-inch subwoofers are the most powerful on the market but they are also known for having the biggest problems during sound reproduction. Since the cone and the magnets of the 15-inch subwoofer are very big they need a lot of time to move and produce the sound. In the case of playing a song with a fast beat, the subwoofer hasn’t got the time to play all the notes and keeps getting late, ruining the experience of the song. That is why when you are listening to a very powerful system you can still hear sounds from the subwoofer moments after the song has ended. So, the main thing in choosing 15-inch subwoofers has to be the sound and the reaction time. You need a speaker that is capable of playing all the notes as fast as smaller subs or speakers. - Space Is Scarce
Obviously, the 15-inch subwoofers need the biggest space and you need a box for them. If you pack everything correctly, you will lose your trunk or most of it. That is why you should choose 15-inch subwoofers only if you have a car big enough to carry all of that and still gave you some space for your stuff. - The Vibrations Could Be Too Strong
Since the 15-inch speakers have a big power they also produce a lot of very strong vibrations. You will notice that your car will shake and vibrate when you put the big power. However, the vibrations are much more dangerous than you think and the shared power of it can loosen your bolts, interior panels and even damage your car. So if you are planning to equip your car with full audio power and use it often, you might tighten your bolts and check them out occasionally just to see if everything is nice and tight you would have any problems. - The Price Is Important
Be ready to spend big if you are going for 15-inch subs. Some of the speakers are well over 1000$ and that is just the sub itself and you still have to build the box or enclosure, buy the cables and etc. So, think again, do you really need and can you afford this kind of power in your trunk?
Best 15 Inch Subwoofer Comparison Chart
PRODUCT | PRICE | DIMENSION | POWER | Nominal ImpedancE | Frequency Response | Sensitivity |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Skar Audio ZVX-15v2 Dual 2 Ohm Subwoofer | $$$$ | 18 x 18 x 16” | 1500 W RMS / 3000 W peak | 2 Ohm | 25 - 400 Hz | 86.3 dB |
Stillwater Designs 11S15L72 15 in. Dual 2ohm Car Subwoofer | $$$$ | 18.8 x 18.5 x 12.8” | 1000 W RMS / 2000 W peak | 2 Ohm | 18-100Hz | 89.4 dB |
Skar Audio EVL-15 D2 Max Power Dual 2 Ohm Car Subwoofer | $$$ | 18 x 18 x 12.5” | 1250 W RMS / 2500 W peak | 2 Ohm | 15 - 250 Hz | 86.2 dB |
Rockford Fosgate P3D4-15 Punch P3 DVC Subwoofer | $$$ | 18 x 18 x 11.5” | 600 W RMS / 1200 W peak | 4 Ohm | 22-250 Hz | 86 dB |
DB Drive WDX15 2K WDX Series Competition Subwoofer | $$ | 17.7 x 17.4 x 11.6” | 1000 W RMS / 2000 W peak | 4 Ohm | N / A | N / A |
Rockford Fosgate P3D2-15 Punch P3 DVC Subwoofer | $$$ | 15 x 18 x 11.5” | 600 W RMS / 1200 W peak | 2 Ohm | 22-250 Hz | 86 dB |
Skar Audio DDX-15 D4 Car Subwoofer | $$$ | 19 x 18 x 11.5” | 1000 W RMS / 1500 W peak | 4 Ohm | 30 - 400 Hz | 90.6 db |
Kicker Comp 43C154 Car Subwoofer + Single Vented Sub Box Enclosure | $$ | 16 x 16.5 x 9” | 250 W RMS / 500 W peak | 4 Ohm | 25-500 Hz | 90.3 db |
DS18 EXL-B15.2D Extremely Loud 15-Inch Competition Subwoofer | $$$ | 15 x 15 x 9.8” | 1800 W RMS / 3000 W peak | 2 Ohm | 44-1,300Hz | 92 dB |
Alpine Type-R SWR-1542D - 15" Car subwoofer driver | $$$$ | 8.7 x 3.9 x 7.1” | 750 W RMS / 2000 W peak | 4 Ohm | 20-400 Hz | 87 dB |
Hifonics BRZ15D4 Brutus 15-Inch Dual Subwoofer | $ | 22 x 22 x 15.5” | 600 W RMS / 1200 W peak | 4 Ohm | N / A | 86 dB |
A Few Final Thoughts on 15 Inch Car Subwoofers
This is definitely one of the more impressive lists of top quality stereo components we have ever taken a look at. Each and every one of these 15-inch car subwoofers reproduces some great low-frequency bass notes. There were also very few complaints on any of these subwoofer products from the many that wrote about their experiences with them.
If you are in the market for a new 15 inch car subwoofer (and you should be if you like good crisp bass and you don’t now have a subwoofer on your car’s audio system) any one of these best 15 inch car subwoofers we took a look at here would be a very good purchase. As you read our 15-inch car subwoofer reviews you would have noticed that each subwoofer we reviewed has many outstanding features. So consider them if you are now ready to purchase your new 15-inch car subwoofer so you can add some dynamic bass to your car stereo system.