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6 Best Skar Audio Subwoofers On The Market In 2022 (Skarred For Life)
Updated on September 23, 2022 Robert Muñoz
When it’s 8 AM and traffic has ground to a halt, it’s easy to get frustrated.
You’re in for a long day at work, and the coffee hasn’t kicked in yet. Why is the commute such a drag?
But there’s another way to wake up in the morning that’s not about a caffeine hit. Crank the bass until you feel it in your bones!
Music makes every drive better – but factory speakers just can’t cut it. Your favorite bassy tunes are reduced to a whisper.
An aftermarket subwoofer takes your tunage to another level. Whether you upgrade your whole system or simply bring the lows to life with a sub, this is a must for anyone who spends time in the driving seat.
And if you’re serious about bass, a Skar Audio subwoofer brings some serious wallop into your system. Skar has been producing premium car audio equipment since 2012 and building a strong reputation for a balance of affordable price tags and quality sound. (1)
From compact 8-inch subs that pack a surprising punch to heavy-duty competition-level subwoofers, they’ve got it all. And we’ve compiled a list of their best subwoofers, just for you.
So let’s dive in for a deep look at the best Skar Audio subwoofers on the market.
The Best Skar Audio Subwoofers in 2022
1. Skar Audio Dual 12″ 2400W SDR-2X12D4 – Best Dual Sub Setup
2. Skar Audio EVL-12 D2 12″ 2500 Watt Max Power – Best For Deep Bass
3. Skar Audio Single 10″ 1200W SDR-1X10D2 – Best On A Budget
4. Skar Audio ZVX-12v2 D2 12″ 3000 Watt Max Power – Best For A Wide Frequency Range
5. Skar Audio VXF-12 D2 12″ 3000 Watt Max Power – Best For Maximum Power
6. Skar Audio Single 8″ 700W SDR-1X8D2 – Best For Smaller Spaces
Skar Audio Subwoofer Buying Guide
Is Skar Audio Any Good?
What Are The Other Top Rated Car Subwoofer Brands?
The Best Skar Audio Subwoofers in 2022
Get your head around Skar Audio’s varied selection of subs – here are the best of the best.
1. Skar Audio Dual 12″ 2400W SDR-2X12D4 – Best Dual Sub Setup
For serious bass without a seriously complicated installation, you can’t look past Skar’s loaded dual 12” subwoofers. The 12-inch size is the perfect balancing act between big sound and reasonable size, and the vented enclosure is optimized for bass that’s as accurate as it is deep.
Pre-loaded in a custom vented enclosure
Requires an aftermarket amplifier
Takes up a lot of trunk space
With a mean 2,400 watts of peak power and 1,200 watts of RMS (root mean squared) power on display here, you’ve got some room to crank it. The frequency response is from 32 Hz (hertz) to 200 Hz – so they don’t go as deep as other subs on the list but they still hit hard.
The loaded setup makes installation easy. While the dual voice coils are 4 ohms, the enclosure is pre-wired for a 1-ohm final impedance at the terminals to give you a wide range of options for an amp. The 5/8ths MDF outer is the perfect durable material, and there’s a clean finish for style points.
Attention to detail shows in the heat-resistant copper voice coil and the High Roll Surround that lets low frequencies roll off without distortion.
At over 3 feet wide (37.875”) and a foot tall (14.25” to be precise) you’re not going to slip these subs under your seats. Be prepared to sacrifice the trunk for all this junk!
Bottom Line This dual subwoofer set gives you a huge bass response without investing in a complex installation job. View Latest Price on Amazon →
2. Skar Audio EVL-12 D2 12″ 2500 Watt Max Power – Best For Deep Bass
Skar Audio’s single 12-inch subwoofer has an exceptional frequency range for the deepest bass and a low impedance to get all the power into your system. This is a subwoofer for the serious bassheads.
Impressive power for a single subwoofer
Super deep frequency range
Premium copper voice coil
Competition grade paper cone
You’ll need to find an amp and the perfect enclosure during installation
85.1dB sensitivity is middle-of-the-road
Packing a monstrous 1,250 watts of RMS power into a single subwoofer, this 12” sub makes an instant impression. The 2-ohm impedance ensures a smooth transition of power into sound.
Skar’s upgraded 3” copper voice coil is built to withstand the temperatures created by that power – copper’s high heat dissipation makes it the perfect material for the job, so you can rest easy when you crank this sub to the max knowing it has a long life ahead. The pressed paper cone is competition grade too – Skar hasn’t skimped on any materials here.
But what really stands out is the frequency response down to 25 Hz. That’s right down at the threshold of human hearing, providing incredibly deep bass.
This passive sub requires an amplifier to power it and you’ll need a custom enclosure. While that’s a bit more work at installation, it allows you to customize the sound towards tight and accurate or deep and loud, as well as letting you save on space with a smaller box.
Bottom Line An incredible frequency response gives you the deepest bass in this powerful 12-inch subwoofer from Skar. View Latest Price on Amazon →
3. Skar Audio Single 10″ 1200W SDR-1X10D2 – Best On A Budget
Skar Audio’s 10-inch subwoofer comes loaded into a custom vented enclosure built for easy installation. It’s exceptionally affordable for the unit and you can match it with a cheaper amp and it still sounds great.
Tight and accurate bass
Vented enclosure still manages to be compact
No need for a costly enclosure
10-inch subwoofers lack that punchy feeling
10-inch subwoofers naturally compromise on power, but with 600 watts of RMS contained in the custom vented enclosure, alongside a smooth 2-ohm impedance, you get plenty of bang for your buck here.
Long, deep bass notes are perfectly reproduced but the smaller size struggles to pack a punch for faster bass. Nevertheless, once you factor in the size and price it’s a great all-rounder.
The enclosure is built from a durable 5/8ths-inch MDF and finished with luxurious carpet. The countersunk sub design is stylish and it looks as good as it sounds.
The outputs are located conveniently together on one side and, with the custom internal wiring job providing a final impedance of 1 ohm at the terminals you’ll have an easy time installing this system. It’s great for newbies to the car audio upgrade world, or anyone looking for bass on a budget.
Bottom Line A compact and decently-powered subwoofer that comes with a really attractive price tag. View Latest Price on Amazon →
4. Skar Audio ZVX-12v2 D2 12″ 3000 Watt Max Power – Best For A Wide Frequency Range
Skar Audio’s big rig 12-inch subwoofer features incredible power, premium materials, and a wide frequency range so you know it can produce quality midtones as well as the deepest lows.
1,500 watts of RMS power
Air flow cooling system
With 3,000 watts of max power and a hefty 1,500 watts of RMS, this is a sub that you can push to the maximum. The dual 2-ohm configuration lets all that power reach the voice coil and gives you options for wiring in amps.
The frequency range really impresses – down to 30 Hz and way up to 400 Hz. As well as extraordinarily powerful deep bass you also get decent quality higher up the spectrum. The ZVX-12v2 excels in terms of SPL (sound pressure levels) – in basic terms, how flipping loud it gets.
The premium build includes a competition-grade pressed paper cone and an advanced air flow cooling system which will come in handy when you’ve got it blasting.
Of course, all this comes at a price – and don’t forget to factor in a powerful amp and a custom box to your budget. You have to do a sub like this justice.
Bottom Line With extraordinary power and a wide frequency response this is a subwoofer that means business. View Latest Price on Amazon →
5. Skar Audio VXF-12 D2 12″ 3000 Watt Max Power – Best For Maximum Power
Skar Audio’s competition-grade subwoofer comes with extraordinary power and premium materials. With this bad boy in your trunk, you can beat the best.
300 oz ferrite motor
All that power requires an investment in amp and wiring
Build quality is a little suspect
In terms of specs, it really is hard to beat. 3000 watts of maximum power, 1,500 RMS, and a sensitivity of 87.1 dB – this is one huge sub that you can push to the limit without losing out to distortion.
The powerful 300 oz ferrite motor is the beating heart of this sub and can keep up with any tune ensuring accurate and responsive bass. The 3” voice coil can handle whatever heat you throw at it. It’s been finished with a competition-grade pressed paper cone, with stitched high roll foam surround for performance.
All this for an exceptionally affordable price. Turn this subwoofer up and it’ll shake, rattle, and wake up your neighbors – but the one thing it won’t do is break the bank.
Bottom Line An incredibly powerful sub for a modest price – that’s a lot of bang for your buck! View Latest Price on Amazon →
6. Skar Audio Single 8″ 700W SDR-1X8D2 – Best For Smaller Spaces
While size matters in a subwoofer, Skar has packed huge specs into a minuscule enclosure with this 8-inch 700-watt loaded subwoofer. It can’t be overlooked for a deep bass upgrade.
Just one cubic foot of internal air space
Powerful for its size
Limited power compared to bigger units
700 watts of maximum power and 350 watts RMS may not look like much on paper, but for an 8-inch subwoofer and an enclosure with just one cubic foot of air, it’s a decent amount of power. And as an upgrade on your factory sound system, it’s guaranteed to knock your socks off.
The solid frequency response of 30 Hz to 350 Hz ensures that the lows in your music are given a new lease of life, and the custom vented enclosure optimizes tight and accurate bass.
The voice coil is a 2” temperature-resistant affair, smaller than you find on Skar’s 12-inch subs but more than adequate to handle anything the heat and power of a smaller subwoofer.
The enclosure’s double front baffle and countersunk subwoofer mounting are aesthetically finished in all-black carpeting: style points as well as big sound.
Bottom Line You can’t expect an 8-inch subwoofer to blow anyone’s mind – but Skar Audio has optimized this little beauty so that it’s sure to get the party started. View Latest Price on Amazon →
Skar Audio Subwoofer Buying Guide
Since they emerged in 2012, Skar Audio have grown their range of subwoofers significantly. Here’s what you need to know to tell your VFX from your EVL.
Is Skar Audio Any Good?
Would they be here if they weren’t? Skar Audio blitzed onto the scene relatively recently but they’re fast growing into a major car audio brand thanks to their dedication to high-quality design and personalized customer service. While their subwoofers aren’t at the highest end on the market, they provide durable, great-sounding subwoofers for an affordable price.
When it comes to aftermarket subwoofers, power matters – something Skar Audio recognizes, because all of their subs are impressively powered for the size range. Power is measured in two ways: peak power and RMS power, rated in watts.
Peak power determines how much your sub can handle in short bursts, but RMS is the more important determiner of if your sub can blow your mind. It’s the measure of continuous power that your subwoofer can handle – and in Skar Audio’s best subwoofers it ranges from a decent 350 watts to an ear-whopping 1,500 watts.
8” Subwoofer – The best 8-inch subwoofers, like the Skar Audio Single 8″ 700W, are great for complementing your factory speakers or becoming part of a complete car audio overhaul. These smaller subs are easily squeezed into your vehicle and they produce tight and accurate bass – but they don’t blow your mind.
10” Subwoofer – 10-inch subwoofers bump up the power from their 8-inch little brother – they can still handle the punchiest rap and club music, reproducing tight bass, but they’ll be able to be cranked up a notch.
12” Subwoofer – No fewer than four of Skar’s 12-inch subwoofers made this list and that’s because this size of subwoofer is the perfect all-rounder. Top quality 12” subs produce extraordinarily loud and deep bass without completely dominating your vehicle’s interior.
15” Subwoofer – Skar makes some great 15-inch subwoofers, but we haven’t included any on this list because these are usually overkill in car audio setups. They have excess power and ear-wrecking bass, but they eat up trunk space.
Active vs Passive Subwoofers
At the time of writing, Skar doesn’t produce any active (also known as powered subs – but it’s important to know the difference when you’re shopping for the perfect sub. Powered subwoofers come with an in-built amp: they’re easy to install, but you’re less able to customize your system and they take up more space.
Passive subwoofers, like all of the best Skar Audio subwoofers, require a good aftermarket amplifier to power the subwoofer. You need an amp that’s power-matched to the RMS power of your subwoofer.
For optimized performance, all subwoofers need an enclosure that determines how they move air around to create the bass response. Enclosures are built on a range of designs, mainly sealed, vented (aka ported), and bandpass.
Sealed – Sealed enclosures separate the front and rear of the cone, preventing any air from escaping from the rear of the sub. Because the rear of the subwoofer isn’t contributing to the sound, they require more power – but they’re great at producing a tight and accurate bass response.
Vented – Vented enclosures, also known as ported enclosures, feature vents that let air escape from the rear of the box. They’re more efficient, and so with an equivalent power, you’ll get a louder subwoofer that packs one hell of a punch.
Bandpass – Bandpass enclosures are a hybrid box featuring a dual chamber that is half sealed and half vented. They’re power-efficient, loud, and produce an excellent bass response but they’re hard to build and come with a premium price tag.
Skar Audio produces loaded subwoofer enclosures in 8-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch versions, and they’ve opted to make all of these enclosures vented because they’re a little more efficient and produce an explosive sound.
If you’re buying a Skar Audio subwoofer without an enclosure, there are plenty of great subwoofer boxes for deep bass on the market.
Also Read: Sealed vs Ported vs Bandpass Enclosures — Which One is Best for Bass?
When it comes to bass, we’re talking about the lowest of the low. Frequencies, that is: anything from around 60 Hz (hertz) to 250 Hz (hertz). The range of human hearing goes down to around 20 Hz – and anything below that will be felt, not heard.
Frequency response tells you how low your sub can go. While most bass frequencies in our music hit around 90 Hz, for the deepest bass look for a frequency response that bottoms out around 20 – 25 Hz.
Impedance, measured in ohms, tells you how much resistance the subwoofer puts up to the power provided by the amp. Amongst our Skar Audio subs, it’s either 2-ohms or 4-ohms like the Skar Audio SDR-2X12D4.
A lower resistance will mean more power getting to your speakers. But take Skar Audio’s advice not to get too hung up on ohms – primarily, this impedance will be a guide to how you choose your amp and wire your subs.
Sensitivity, measured in decibels (dB), tells you how loud your subwoofer is going to be with the given power, and the higher sensitivity, the more volume you’ll get. Sensitivity runs from the low 80s dB to the mid-90s dB, and a higher sensitivity means you don’t have to crank the volume – so it can improve sound quality at the same level too.
If you’re new to the world of car audio upgrades you’ll be wondering how do I install a Skar Audio subwoofer? Remember – you’ll need an amplifier and an enclosure to accompany your subwoofer.
But don’t be intimidated: Skar Audio sells handy wiring kits to help you hook up your sub and amp – and their loaded subwoofers come pre-enclosed in custom vented boxes. Skar is also renowned for their customer support, so if you have a question, just ask!
What Are The Other Top Rated Car Subwoofer Brands?
There are a lot of great car subwoofer manufacturers out there, but some are known for quality, durability and sound more than others. While a brand name can add a few bucks to the price tag, it can also give you peace of mind about quality build.
We know a thing or two about subwoofers, and we never recommend a sub that doesn’t live up to the hype. But there are some brands that just keep on producing the goods.
Kicker – Kicker makes exceptionally high-quality speakers and KICKER subwoofers that offer concert-arena sound for your car. Despite the premium build, they have few affordable subs for first time buyers.
Rockford Fosgate – Rockford Fosgate are committed to building high quality products and, since they stopped producing head units in 2011, have focussed on producing subwoofers with impressive power handling – they always sound huge.
Rockville – Another rockin’ brand of car subwoofers is Rockville. They have some great easy-installation subwoofers that first-time audio upgraders will appreciate.
MTX Audio – MTX Audio put sound quality first in their subwoofers so you can always appreciate tight and accurate bass. In terms of SPL (sound pressure level) they aren’t always the loudest – but for affordable, quality sound they’re hard to beat.
Skar Audio can offer premium quality products at affordable prices thanks to their model of selling directly to consumers online. While online shopping for a sub was risky back in the day, Skar’s customer support network gives you instant access to their deep subwoofer knowledge – just like in the car audio stores of old.
Skar’s subs are perfect for anyone who wants to customize their system – the fully loaded subwoofers come with a custom enclosure while their unenclosed subs let you choose from sealed, ported, or bandpass.
And from 8-inches all the way up to earth-shattering 15-inches they have a sub of every size. Turn these subwoofers up to the max and you’ll be Skarred for life!
I’m Robert, a US-based auto electrician, auto mechanic, trained engineer and fanatic about all things motor vehicle. After studying engineering in college I returned to my original passion - car mechanics - and I ran a garage for a number of years serving my local community. Through my garage, I got involved in numerous road safety campaigns in my local area until eventually, I decided to share what I've learned with the world. Know more about me... You can follow me on LinkedIn.