Top 5 Subwoofers Under $100 (2021)

Affiliate links for the top 5
Sundown Sa 6.5
lddy.no/11c8vS...
LCS 10
lddy.no/11c8w
CT Sounds Tropo 10
amzn.to/3zsP2Yp
rb.gy/xbak9x
Kicker Comp c 12
amzn.to/3EpSPJQ
Skar ix12
amzn.to/39j5Fez
Rockville k6 12
amzn.to/3zu9SHe
Get your HIFIVEGA big 3 kits and merch here
www.hifivega.com/
Help support my channel
/ hifivega
Check out my podcasts
12vTalk
/ 12vtalk
Reverse Polarity
bit.ly/3q7Gz8Z
Sound Advice
bit.ly/2Xs21Jp
Affiliate store links
Parts Express
bit.ly/3kFYj9Z
Down4Sound
lddy.no/vhqa
Car Audio Products I've Tested & Dig
Sonic Barrier MX-4
rb.gy/tkfyjb (affiliate link)
Sundown LCS 12
lddy.no/vjfg (affiliate link)
Certified Basshead 1/0 OFC Amp Kit
lddy.no/vjfi (affiliate link)
Knu Konceptz 1/0 OFC Amp Kit
amzn.to/3uO6gP3 (affiliate link)
Sundown SA 6.5 Subwoofer
lddy.no/vjfz (affiliate link)
Savard Hi-Q 6.5
amzn.to/3q8lsTG (affiliate link)
Duratex Enclosure Paint
bit.ly/3qbTaHG (affiliate link)
Video gear and tools I use and love (Affiliate Links)
Canon M50
amzn.to/35qR6UE
Sigma 30mm f1.4
amzn.to/3i45xU2
Ring light
amzn.to/35w75RE
Ulanzi cube light
amzn.to/35sHklg
Shipping Addrerss
Robert Vega
4300 Rogers Ave STE 20 - 137
Fort Smith Arkansas 72903
Instagram: bit.ly/39cMNiN
Facebook: bit.ly/373yWs8
bit.ly/2HtnRYM

[@wal]

Solid list! Love this format too 🤙

[@HifiVega]

Appreciate that big homie!

[@HifiVega]

Affiliate links for the top 5 Sundown Sa 6.5 lddy.no/11c8vSundown LCS 10 lddy.no/11c8w CT Sounds Tropo 10 rb.gy/xbak9x amzn.to/3zsP2Yp Kicker Comp c 12 amzn.to/3EpSPJQ Skar ix12 amzn.to/39j5Fez Rockville k6 12 amzn.to/3zu9SHe

[@Supercharged1976]

Deaf Bonce Machete Lite 12". 500w RMS, 2" coil, 12mm one way xmax, $89.90 each.

[@zeth15943]

I got to say I owned a lot of budget subwoofers and for under $100 audiopipe txx-bd2-12s all day long ran triples for over a year passed them on to my son he's still abusing them I upgraded to the audiopipe bdc4 12s absolutely love them compared to anything I ever owned

[@HifiVega]

Stayed tuned! Audiopipe might have made another upcoming list 😉

[@MyBlowncobra]

Great list .I ran the Rockville k6..a pair on a Memphis mc1000 got me a 140db..kicker stunned me with the kicker rt 8 downfire with passive radiator...

[@JacobFrey]

Kudos to you, Vega, for using and testing the products that you're recommending.

[@willy3sticks647]

I have 1 kicker comp c 12" in a ported box tuned to 34Hz on a little Kenwood kac-511 and it's awesome

[@dustinfrancis560]

Always has to be one hated that doesn’t really know anything. Don’t pay any attention to him vega. That’s all he is wanting. You do a great job man

[@HifiVega]

Appreciate ya!

[@herbb6813]

Great list with a few pleasant surprises, and thanks for the thorough specs (cue cards were on point lol)

[@HifiVega]

Haha I love the cue cards! Thanks for watching

[@MAD450r2]

Back in the late 80s and early 90s i had cerwin vegas at15 handled 300 RMS and pyle pounders 15s handled 150 RMS I bwlieve replaced my blown at15 (just one blew was my fault using a car amp on my main preamp) with MCM electronis 15s got them for 20$ each they handle 200RMS

[@johndoe..THE_REAL_JOHN-DOE]

Power acoustic gothic 12s....80 bucks each..I got 2 in bout 5 cube box tuned to around 32hz and for the money they can not be beat!!! I know they're not the best brand but really for the price they're awesome 💯

[@HifiVega]

I’ve heard that from a dozen people now. I really need to check them out

[@martinez1701a]

I have two Skar IX-12 and they do perform very well had them in my yukon but I recently swapped them out for four skar IX-8's, those little guys are just as good as they're big brother. They're wired at 1ohm on a Orion xtr650.1 but im about to swap that out for a dual Taramps MD1800.1 1ohm setup and a Timpano crossover, just finishing the rack probably have it in this week.

[@dna59]

That's a nice list for sure. Solid vid 👍🏽

[@LivinLoudwithAndy]

Between the kicker and the Rockville I think those would be the loudest for the dollar 👍🏼

[@tatialo37]

Great list!!! A single 10 or 12 is enough for me!!! Sealed, of course!!!

[@HifiVega]

Ruben over here Sq’n

[@travisabrahamson5092]

Sealed all the way 👍 I'm running two 10s and one 18. All sealed 😎

[@semikotyrell6901]

What is the difference between sealed and ported?

[@tatialo37]

@@semikotyrell6901 sealed is more for sound quality, tight low bass, ported is for louder looser bass. Sealed, small box. Ported, bigger box tuned at certain frequency.

[@freeradical431]

You can get two EMF Ghost 8s for 99. Be nice to see a test on those.

[@randallp2144]

I got my 4 rockford prime 10's for just over $200. Just over $50 a speaker and i was suprised in what they could do in the custom enclosure i had them in.

[@HifiVega]

Solid pick!

[@cartruck1070]

That rockville basket reminds me of the old re audio basket on my sxx v2 15. Seems like im seeing it more and more on certain subs these days. Nice vid man. Good review of each sub and glad u showed the stats on each sub too. 😎👍👍

[@HifiVega]

Thanks

[@TurboJohn74]

Good lineup, and honest presentation. Cheers from Virginia

[@jondoe6618]

Crossfire c3 12 is 99$. Really great sub. Good throw at the price

[@HifiVega]

CF is legit

[@dilbeckskate]

Solid video, I like the editing and color/lightning. Also I had a 4 IX 10 setup and liked it at time

[@HifiVega]

Thanks man

[@TomMcclain-zj3xu]

Please test the mofo type s 12 2 ohm. I am building a system in the trunk of a 2004 Monte Carlo with two of these power acoustics. I am going to be driving them with the stinger 1500 watt amp. I also have the pioneer 1000 watt 4 channel for my door speakers. Will video it when I get it all hooked up up. No one else has tested the power acoustik 12s and tortured it. Would like to know how much power it can actually handle. The specs say that it can handle 1200 watts.

[@themantheman-vo7wd]

Thanks for these videos I look for the The deals of the year from your videos and wilston audio labs big Every year to find the greatest deals it's Dale's from the bloutput subwoofers to the Polk Audio amplifier you both always have the best content

[@HifiVega]

Thanks I appreciate ya watching

[@themantheman-vo7wd]

@@HifiVega keep up the good work

[@edwintyree7947]

Great report and sweet line up of budget subwoofers. I wouldn't hesitate to string up a couple of any of these drivers. That Sundown LCS that you commented on at the end is possibly the buy of them all. I'd love to hear three LCS 10's on 1200-1500 K.

[@HifiVega]

The lcs are great fo sho

[@alphaomega8373]

That kicker will out like your grandkids if you keep it dry! Also Sundown SAs are all good and all sizes... can't speak for the 15inch.

[@davidmarles9409]

The surround always rots away eventually

[@charliefrancis6438]

You should measure the top plate and pole piece , that gives you a better idea of the max excursion ,also the impedance rise of the sub from 20hz-60hz , would also help for picking an amp to power them

[@lamontbeverly7374]

Sundown and audio pipe for the budget will get you right

[@kswis]

Decent list but far as Rockville specs, I don't believe a damn thing they claim their subs will do. It's safe to say it's got at least 11mm Xmas one way. Keep em coming bro and thanks for takin the time

[@HifiVega]

Yeah the 22mm gotta be both ways, but I can say that it’ll handle the 600 watts rms

[@MrGetYouLoud]

Good list bro, keep up the great work

[@HifiVega]

Thanks

[@Furybeatsgme]

Lanzar max 15 should be on the list as well as qpower deluxe and and super deluxe if u can find it on sale for the 15.

[@HifiVega]

Those Lanzar Max are pretty dang good for the money. I’ve got the 6.5 here I’ve been playing with

[@BericBuilds]

Good list Rob! You forgot the Pyle 12” though… 😜

[@HifiVega]

Hey man Pyle had some decent woofers at one point they were made by eminence

[@BericBuilds]

@@HifiVega those days are long gone 😌 but I bet I could still pull off a 145-150 dB system with Pyle lol

[@ketondugas8614]

Rockville over ct sounds? 😂... and how you put a 6.5 in there .. apples to oranges

[@curtisstratton8390]

I really took a gamble buying the gravity warzone g3's but they were two for 159 and one of my bass buddy has power acoustic gothics and I think they are a heck of a budget sub but they do get slightly muddy at extreme volume and the gravity's I got not quite as loud but in my opinion they don't get muddy and have a better sound quality. Definitely worth the gamble. It would be awesome if you would check them out.

[@jdizzle3740]

Great list. I picked up a Massive Audio Shallow Mount 10 to replace a JL 10WX that blew and i was hella surprised. Picked it up from Sonic Electronix scratch and dent packaging for $67 and metered it at 116Db using the JL Powerwedge Max box (had to expand the mounting hole by about 1/8 " total) and it seems to have better low end than the JL. Absolutely shocked by that. I had it on the JL J2 250 amp that came with the Powerwedge setup and it sounded decent, but said, LET'S JUST SEND IT and hooked it up to my Audiopipe APMI 1500 (Yes gain is way down, maybe between 1/16 and 1/8 gain) and got the 116 Db with that and it sounds 100% better than using the JL amp. In summary that little shallow mount shocked the hell outta me for SQ and single sub bump. Maybe an idea for a list would be best shallow mount subs.

[@joshalsip9441]

You preferred the ma audio eco over the jl?

[@jdizzle3740]

@@joshalsip9441 SQ was pretty impressive in the same box...The JL seemed a little underperforming compared to the Massive UFO

[@johnsheetz6639]

It's crazy. Weed, and components. Around half the price of what they cost per quality from 20 years ago. Not even including inflation. Kind of reminds me when I saw ataris at the store for $129 1983 money.

[@paulgood2218]

Great list great video !!

[@HifiVega]

Thanks Paul

[@bAc0nBoY755]

Hey Vega, love the vids. Im doing a low budget build. Would you recommend I get one higher powered beefier 12 (like the Rockville) or 2 lower powered 12s that add up to similar RMS (like the scars)? I want something loud enough that I can really feel but anything louder than that I would start to prioritize sound quality. Ill probably do a sealed box with the manufacturer recommended dimensions because Ive heard they have a 'tighter' sound than ported, but open to your opinion on that as well. Thank you!

[@HifiVega]

I’ve you’re going sealed I’d recommend a pair of subs so you can still reach your desired output level

[@bAc0nBoY755]

@@HifiVega thanks for the advice that helps a ton! I couldn't find an answer online

[@gregblau8082]

Kicker or Sundown I wouldn’t worry about but with some of the budget brands I wonder if they can take constant rms or are rated to work with an amp with the same rms, assuming the speaker would never see that much power with impedance rise

[@HifiVega]

The CT is a beast and will handle rated all day. The IX will do the same and the K6 will take the 600 watts rms fo sho

[@gregblau8082]

I don’t doubt it. CT & Skar both have some legit higher end lines. I got the fsx mids after seeing Craftchest’s videos and they’re very nice for $40

[@girthquake9655]

You need to test American Bass. They get slept on. The AB xr is the best well rounded sub I've ever owned. And ive had a lot of subs.

[@se_sleep_r8926]

I got the 12” Rockville and it blew after a week

[@nathanmyles3785]

How do you like these "Black Diamond DIA-R12D4". Do you think 2 of those can handle the sub channel of a D4S J95 that dyno'd at 1200 at 1 ohm?

[@gregblau8082]

Nice list. I don’t know if they put out a revised model but I saw Rockville had 2 k6’s for $69 or something like that a few months ago. They were out of stock or I would have given them a shot

[@HifiVega]

They go on sale from time to time

[@deviant4life25]

Power Acoustik Gothic 10” is my daily’s. Like them better than my alpine type-R’s…. Facts. Look em up, rubber surround? $80 each…. And gorgeous 14.4V TALK APPROVED

[@gregblau8082]

I got a used 12” just to try out box building and have something till I decided what I really wanted. It lacks a little sq but hits harder than the American Bass and SSA I’ve had since

[@deviant4life25]

@@gregblau8082 I love em! And on Amazon I added the three year warranty for a bag of peanuts, and already returned one

[@gregblau8082]

I got the warranty on my razor amp. I’ve been impressed with that too besides the bass knob not being very linear

[@motorcitysobie2824]

I'm running 6 Power Acoustic gothic 12s Along with 3 RzR2500 amps.. just added 3 Pioneer 1000 watt amps for my mids & highs ... All from Wal-Mart lol Budget to the fullest 💪 I posted a couple vids

[@christopherparis6841]

Best deal ive seen in years was the wlldse cvl 12. Rated 750 aluminum basket dual spider dual tinsel on each wire. Sent 1200 to each n they only began to smell when on test tones for 30 to 40 min. Fkrs were 99 soon as i find others again i will buy them. Id love to find how to order them direct.

[@HifiVega]

I remember seeing those on eBay and was always curious about them

[@curtisstratton8390]

I really like the gravity warzone G3-12D2 12 inch sub all though I don't think it will handle 1000 watts more like 500 to 600 watts rms

[@MullinPerformance]

Solid choices

[@RyanBassForLife]

I like the Skar SDR

[@workingclassperson2124]

To many don’t go by what reserve power they have from there STOCK ALTERNATOR and get crappy sound. Just stick to what you can power get decent quality amps BUILD you own boxes then get budget subs, you may be satisfied if not leave your GAINS ALONE save up and get an upgraded alt and go from there. And don’t be afraid to use KZbin to get info and see what others are doing.

[@keithhumphries5067]

Audio legion gladiator series 15inch 800 watts rms 98 dollars get them while they last

[@billy3650]

Good list. Rockville is actually better than people thing. Audio Legion are great bang for the buck too but they're going out of business, I just got 2 of their 10s.

[@HifiVega]

I was impressed with the audio legion wire

[@SithBladez]

Which ones did you buy.

[@DIYAudioGuy]

Who doesn't love budget subwoofers?

[@HifiVega]

Rich guys? 😂

[@koolBOY8323]

ever wonder if our boy does the CCA/Rockville thing for the hater fuel/ troll food part of the internet?

[@HifiVega]

I never recommend cca, but I legitimately like the k6 & K9 subs.

[@SteeltechPC]

Love to see those skar IX-12's compared to the JBL GX1200's which are 2 for $99. They look pretty close in specs.

[@HifiVega]

Would probably be a solid head to head

[@Bennyfinklestienfurtrapper]

You and big d need to do so e vids on audio legion since they are doing a blow out sale I believe do to going out of biz they had amps but there gone but there is a shit ton of subs left

[@HifiVega]

I did one of the 1/0 amp kits, but I hate to do the video and people not be able to pick something up for themselves.

[@lylegoodluck]

What are good pair of 8" subs that will go hard in a 1.75 enclosure? In a silverado.

[@HifiVega]

Savard Hi-Q, Kicker L7’s, Sundown SA’s, CT Sounds Meso

[@edud8452]

Good list👍

[@HifiVega]

Thanks bro heem

[@mverseaz7523]

I had the skar 12 inch subs they were hitting well for awhile and then they blew after 4 months my question is what's the best subs I can get for for around 100$ thay will be able to take my pioneer 2300 watt amp without blowing the subs can anybody help debating on re ordering the skar car audio 12s again

[@jayallison3538]

What about the crossfire c3 12 for 99.00 it Handel's 400 watts rms and the ampere audio rve 8 that is 300 watts

[@HifiVega]

They could have easily made the list. Great subs fo sho I just don’t have as much personal experience with em yet.

[@JAM-ur8tj]

Really good list, i think any of those would be solid subs for cheap. Keep up the good content bro!

[@HifiVega]

Thanks for watching homie!

[@williamtoth6186]

You will need atleast 2 of those sundown 6.5s. One will not cut it my man.

[@HifiVega]

I ran a single in the suburban for a while it’s just a matter of having the proper expectations of you expect big bass like you’d get from a 12 or larger you’d be disappointed for sure

[@Mr.boxxchevy]

Audio Legion gladiator subs 800watts rms 10"-15" under 100 bucks

[@deenice513]

What do you think about the sundown audio e12

[@HifiVega]

The E12 is great. I haven’t gotten to try out the newest revision and I’ve heard it’s even better

[@shonuff601dj]

So have they fixed the Rockville coils yet?

[@HifiVega]

Yes, but the subwoofer rms is still over rated. They handle around 750w rms really

[@charleswilliams5668]

You would take the Rockville k6 over the skar sdr 12

[@HifiVega]

Depends on the situation

[@anthonypeterson584]

Skar sdr subwoofer is under 100.00. I have 2 12 and they sound good.

[@nicoledeidre36]

What amp u running

[@Mr_BUSINESS_24_7]

get (4) of the IX ... still cheap. .... 7 mm x max.. .. probably respectable sq, teamed up with (4) subs bet it's plenty of thump for the money if you have the space for (4) subs.

[@angsieverz4938]

How about Subs that don't eat up the whole trunk space in real world scenario. About 1 to 2 cubic range?

[@beardedforlife3740]

Without checking I believe all of the ones he listed shouldn't require more than 2cuft

[@HifiVega]

That Sundown SA 6.5 would be the sub for you

[@ganeshnarayan5505]

Hey bro i'm new at car audio what is x-max. just asking

[@HifiVega]

The total distance the coil can move one way without leaving the magnetic gap. In simpler terms it’s related to subwoofer excursion.

[@ganeshnarayan5505]

@@HifiVega thanks

[@L-Noble.YT_Hi.Res-Soundminds]

Easier to understand, it's how far up or high the cone can move up in millimeters from its neutral resting spot.

[@elroycooley398]

What about Jensen 12s

[@HifiVega]

Haven’t used any in a long while

[@TurboV8boi]

What Skar went from $52 to $70

[@MyBlowncobra]

Lcs it way overlooked..

[@HifiVega]

Agreed

[@allmotorhash]

Let me guess a kicker?

[@bobkeller8383]

3, 4, and 5 should be 1,2, and 3 respectively and sundown should be 4 and junkville ends at 5.

[@frankoquade7gmail]

👍👍👍👍👍😎

[@allmotorhash]

Walmart ghoth s