Even if you have the highest-quality sound system on the market, it can always be a little bit better. Without a good subwoofer, any sound system will be lacking in the tone and body that it could have. Regular car stereo speakers have a hard time with low-frequency sound such as heavy bass. Subwoofers are meant to correct this problem.
Even if you don’t particularly enjoy heavy bass, your musical enjoyment will be enhanced by a fuller, deeper sound. They usually range between 8 and 15 inches in size. A high-quality subwoofer can be quite expensive, but you can save a lot of money by building a speaker box. By simply purchasing one of these speakers and constructing your enclosure, you can get the results you want for less than $200.
Top 15-inch Subwoofers Under $200
1. Rockville W15K9D2 K9 Series 15 – Best 15 inch Subwoofer
2. CT Sounds Strato 15 Inch Car Subwoofer – Extremely Low Impedance
3. Audiopipe TXXBD315 15 – High Power Level
4. Skar Audio SDR-15 D2 15 – Most Affordable
5. QPower QPF15 15 – For The Serious Bass Enthusiast
Below is the list of the best 15 inch subwoofers under 200 that provide hard hitting bass.
1. Rockville W15K9D2 K9 Series 15″ Dual 2-Ohm – Best 15 inch Subwoofer
Rockville W15K9D2 has a very rough and rugged look, and it certainly has the power to match. With an RMS power rating of 1250 watts, this thing can definitely handle the larger amps. With only two Ohms of impedance, it is also pretty efficient on power. The cones are very thick, so thick that they don’t even look or feel like paper.The Rockville gets some serious points in the durability department. The housing is made out of thick metal, the cones are sturdy, and even the magnet has a rubber boot to protect it from accidental damage. The only defect that has been reported with these speakers lies in the voice coil. A few users have reported that the voice coil can come unwound very easily.
- Very sturdy construction
- Very low impedance
- Very high wattage
- Possible voice coil issues
- Kind of heavy (31 pounds)
- 8-inch mounting depth might be too much for some setups
2. CT Sounds Strato 15 Inch Car Subwoofer – Efficient In The Extreme
This might be the most attractive specimen on our list. The shiny chrome look of these speakers makes them look very appealing. In terms of power, they lack a little bit, with an RMS rating of 800 watts. However, the 1 Ohm impedance should help to offset that factor.When we look for a downside, we see that some customers complain of poor customer service and little to no chance of replacement in the event of a defective product. Durability is difficult to gauge on this one, but it seems sturdy enough.
- Nice looking
- Extremely low impedance
- Dual voice coil
- Poor customer service
- Limited warranty
- Relatively low power
3. Audiopipe TXXBD315 15″ 2400W Car Audio Subwoofer – The Big Beast
This is a high-powered option that is rated for 1200 watts of RMS power. In the impedance department, this one suffers a little bit due to its slightly higher rating. If you need maximum power efficiency, this might not be the one to buy.That being said, this model sells very well, and there are definite reasons for that. It’s big and heavy, but also very durable. I feel that I could drop this thing several times without worry. Sound quality is stellar, especially in a well-sealed box.
- High power level
- Durable construction
- Great sound clarity
- Dual voice coil
- High impedance rating
- Somewhat expensive
4. Skar Audio SDR-15 D2 15″ Dual 2 Ohm Car Subwoofer – Dynamite In A Small Package
At 600 watts RMS, this is the lowest-powered option on our list, but not everyone needs a supercharged speaker. The Skar is a good fit for smaller spaces and smaller vehicles, offering a durable and attractive package.This model has an airflow cooling system that helps it to avoid overheating during periods of prolonged use. It also helps that the cone is made of very slick paper, but it seems sturdy and able to withstand serious abuse.
- Airflow cooling system
- Good for small spaces
- Well-sealed
- Durable housing
- Very low power
- Only one voice coil
5. QPower QPF15 15″ Car Audio Subwoofers Subs (2 Pack) – The Serious Option
When you look at Q-POWER QPF15, you can tell it was made for the serious bass enthusiast. This is a very high-powered model, rated for about 1100 watts of RMS power. It has dual voice coils for maximum versatility.The frame and housing are made of very sturdy die-cast steel, with an aluminum former and a Dupont fiber spider. All of this combines to create a pretty good speaker.
As we have been unable to find a single negative review for this product, we see no real criticisms other than a relatively high price range that is right at the cusp of our self-imposed $200 limit.
- Rated for high-power use
- Dual voice coils
- Very sturdy steel construction
- Very good padding all around the sensitive areas
- Slightly expensive
Choosing The Best 15-inch Subwoofer Under $200 – Buyer’s Guide
The following is a quick and easy guide to the things you should look for when choosing your speaker. Be sure to check out this handy glossary if you are confused about any of the terminologies.
Wattage
This is usually the first thing to check. Higher wattage equals more power for the sub to process, resulting in louder sounds with better clarity. A higher wattage also allows the speaker to work with a more powerful amplifier.
One important thing to remember is to look at RMS power rather than peak power. Manufacturers will try to fool you by citing the peak performance numbers, but the RMS power figure is a more realistic one.
Impedance
To put it simply, this measures the level of resistance that the electricity meets as the device takes it in and processes the power. Because of this, a lower level of resistance (measured in Ohms) equals a more efficient machine. A woofer with a low level of impedance can produce the same results with less power.
Voice Coils
Some woofers have a single voice coil, while others have two. This makes little to no difference in terms of sound quality, but it makes a big difference in terms of versatility. Depending on what kind of amplifier you are using, you may be forced to wire your system in an uncommon way. Since dual voice coil subwoofers allow for more ways to hook them up, they may be your only option in certain instances.
Sturdy Construction
Good sound quality isn’t worth a whole lot if it doesn’t last. When you are examining a potential buy, make sure that it looks good and strong. A company that doesn’t take the time or effort to create a durable product is likely to be a company that skimps on all kinds of other things as well.
Thick metal housings should be expected, and thick paper for the cones as well. Some cheaper models have cones that are little better than standard cardboard. The cones will almost always be the weakest part of a speaker, so pay special attention to that area.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your choice of a subwoofer will need to be a reflection of your amplifier. If there were only one kind of amp in the world, there would be no need for all these different kinds of subwoofers. As such, your main priority is finding the best thing that will work with your system. Don’t be afraid to consult a qualified expert who can help you achieve the best bump for your bucks.