The 19 best sub boxes brands
Ground -Shaker, ZEnclosures and Q Power lead our ranking of 19 sub boxes brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Sub Boxes brands, ranked
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1
Ground -Shaker
Southern California speaker box builder supplying subwoofer enclosures meant to last, at prices most buyers can manage.
Website: ground-shaker.com |Brands like Ground -Shaker
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
ZEnclosures
Vehicle-specific sub boxes fitted to particular car models, with front-fire and ported options.
Top products: Mustang 2-12 Front Fire Subwoofer Box
Website: zenclosures.com |Brands like ZEnclosures
Popularity 3.6/10
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3
Q Power
Sealed and ported enclosures often bundled with its own speakers and subs for simple do-it-yourself installs.
Top products: HD12
Website: qpowerinc.com |Brands like Q Power
Popularity 3.0/10
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4
Rockville
Truck-bed and SUV enclosures, including dual-10 and dual-12 ported boxes, often with a bedliner-style finish.
Top products: RPORT-12· RQT10· REC96
Website: rockvilleaudio.com |Brands like Rockville
Popularity 2.7/10
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5
Atrend
US-made enclosures with bedliner-style finishes, often ported or vented, for trucks and power sports setups.
Top products: 12LSV
Website: atrendusa.com |Brands like Atrend
Popularity 1.8/10
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6
KICKER
Loaded sub boxes that come with a Kicker woofer already fitted, a quick option for truck installs.
Top products: 48CDF124
Website: kicker.com |Brands like KICKER
Popularity 1.5/10
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7
Skar Audio
Armour-coated ported boxes sized for its own subwoofers, including single-12 SPL tuned designs.
Top products: AR2X10V· AR1X12V-SPL
Website: skaraudio.com |Brands like Skar Audio
Popularity 1.5/10
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8
JL Audio
Tuned boxes matched to its own subwoofers, mostly sealed or ported for a snug fit.
Website: jlaudio.com |Brands like JL Audio
Popularity 0.8/10
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9
Q-Logic
Custom unloaded enclosures for trucks, built to fit a particular model's cab.
Website: qlogicenclosures.com |Brands like Q-Logic
Popularity 0.8/10
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10
Rockford Fosgate
Enclosures designed around its own subwoofers, usually sealed or ported for truck and SUV fits.
Website: rockfordfosgate.com |Brands like Rockford Fosgate
Popularity 0.6/10
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11
Belva
Belva sells car subwoofers, subwoofer boxes, subwoofer packages and amplifier wiring kits for car audio systems. Buyers can pair a subwoofer with an enclosure and wiring in a single purchase. The range covers the subwoofer, enclosure and wiring pieces that...
Website: belvaproducts.com |Brands like Belva
Popularity 0.6/10
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12
MTX
MTX Audio is a company making audio and sound systems for all devices. You can find the amplifiers for cars and all other accessories that you need to jam your music to. The company does not stop there since they...
Website: mtx.com |Brands like MTX
Popularity 0.4/10
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13
Orion
Orion, the company, not the constellation, was established relatively recently, in 2014. They sell IT products to the customers. The brand has a set of rules that they adhere to. All the best products are reserved for the customers, and...
Popularity 0.2/10
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14
JBL
Over-ear and on-ear headphones, portable Bluetooth speakers, and wireless speakers are the main focus of JBL. The brand is part of Harman and offers wired and wireless models, along with soundbars. Its speakers and headphones are sold for listening at...
Website: jbl.com |Brands like JBL
Popularity 0.2/10
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15
Boss
Compact stompbox effects for guitarists, from drive pedals to multi-effects units, make up most of what BOSS sells. BOSS is widely recognised as the first maker of compact guitar effects pedals, and it also produces synth systems and pedalboard solutions....
Popularity 0.2/10
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16
Infinity
Bright, clear sound defines the speakers and headphones in Infinity's line, which spans compact models to larger systems. The brand builds its products around technology, and its speakers and headphones aim for sound quality across different sizes. Home audio and...
Website: my.infinityspeakers.com |Brands like Infinity
Popularity 0.2/10
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17
Dual Electronics
Car stereos, marine electronics and home turntables sit side by side in the Dual Electronics range. The brand makes in-dash vehicle entertainment systems, premium speakers and PA systems, and its record players and remote control products extend into the home....
Website: dualav.com |Brands like Dual Electronics
Popularity 0.2/10
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18
MB Quart
MB Quart, founded in Germany in 1962, started with microphones and headphones before expanding into amplifiers and subwoofers. Its car speakers, bass speakers, amplifiers and full car audio systems are built for drivers who want clearer, louder sound. Its speakers...
Website: mbquart.com |Brands like MB Quart
Popularity 0.2/10
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19
Diamond Audio
Diamond Audio is the result of the combined efforts of some of North America's most accomplished audio experts. They believe in continual innovation and improvement, and they strive to meet the demands of their clients with goods that are effective,...
Website: diamondaudio.com |Brands like Diamond Audio
Popularity 0.2/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ground -Shaker | ground-shaker.com | /TheOriginalGroundShaker | groundshakerusa | @GroundShakerUSA | – |
| ZEnclosures | zenclosures.com | – | – | – | – |
| Q Power | qpowerinc.com | – | – | – | – |
| Rockville | rockvilleaudio.com | /RockvilleAudio | rockvilleaudio | – | RockvilleAudio |
| Atrend | atrendusa.com | /AtrendUSA | atrend_usa | @atrendusa | featured ( |
| KICKER | kicker.com | /KICKERaudio | kickeraudio | @KICKERaudio | KICKERFANATIC |
| Skar Audio | skaraudio.com | /SkarAudio | skaraudioofficial | @skaraudio_ | skaraudio |
| JL Audio | jlaudio.com | /jlaudio | jlaudioinc | @jlaudio | – |
| Q-Logic | qlogicenclosures.com | /qlogicenclosures | qlogicaudio | @qlogicaudio | – |
| Rockford Fosgate | rockfordfosgate.com | /rockfordfosgate | rockfordfosgate | @RockfordFosgate | rockfordfosgate |
Sub Boxes Buying Guide
If you are looking to improve the sound quality of your car's audio system, getting a sub box is a great place to start. A sub box is an enclosure that houses a subwoofer and enhances the bass output of your sound system. Sub boxes come in different shapes, sizes, and materials, and choosing the right one can be tricky. This buying guide will help you navigate the market and pick the best sub box for your needs.
Types of Sub Boxes
There are four basic types of sub boxes: sealed, ported, bandpass, and infinite baffle. Each type has its unique characteristics and strengths, and you should choose one that complements your subwoofer's performance and your preferred music style.
Sealed Sub Boxes
Sealed sub boxes are the most common type of sub boxes and provide the most accurate and tight bass response. They are sealed enclosures with no ports or holes, which means the air inside the box compresses and expands with the subwoofer's movement. Sealed sub boxes have a flat frequency response, which means they reproduce lows, mids, and highs equally. They also require less power and are more forgiving of subwoofers with limited power handling capability.
Ported Sub Boxes
Ported sub boxes contain a vent or port that allows air to flow in and out of the enclosure. The ported design enhances the bass output by allowing the subwoofer to move more air without over-excursion. Ported sub boxes are less efficient than sealed boxes but offer a more extended frequency response and more output below the tuning frequency. They require more power and work best with a subwoofer that can handle high power levels.
Bandpass Sub Boxes
Bandpass sub boxes consist of two chambers, one sealed and one ported, connected by a tunnel. The subwoofer sits in the sealed chamber facing the ported chamber. The design of the bandpass sub box allows the subwoofer to work within a narrow frequency band and provide maximum output within that range. Bandpass sub boxes are the most efficient type of sub box and can produce the most powerful and tight bass. However, they are also the most complex to design and build, and are often more expensive.
Infinite Baffle Sub Boxes
Infinite baffle sub boxes are designed to work with the natural acoustics of a car's trunk or rear deck. These sub boxes do not have a sealed or ported enclosure and work by firing the subwoofers into the rear of the vehicle. The trunk or rear deck acts as a natural enclosure, providing the necessary air volume and sound wave reflection. Infinite baffle sub boxes are the easiest to install and can produce excellent bass output with minimal power. However, they require a specific car model and are not suitable for all vehicles.
Size and Shape
The size and shape of your sub box play a critical role in the performance of your subwoofer. The sub box's internal volume determines the air movement and pressure behind the subwoofer cone, which, in turn, affects the output level and frequency response. The shape of the sub box should also complement your car's trunk or cabin and minimize any rattling or resonances.
Internal Volume
The internal volume of your sub box should match your subwoofer's requirements and your preferred music style. A larger sub box provides more air volume and allows the subwoofer to move more air, resulting in louder and more extended bass. However, a larger sub box also requires more power and can be less accurate. A smaller sub box provides tighter and more accurate bass but may lack the output level of a larger one. Make sure to check your subwoofer's manual for the recommended sub box size and adjust accordingly.
Shape
The shape of your sub box should fit your car's trunk or cabin and reduce any rattling or vibrations. If your car has limited space, a compact sub box with a shallow depth may be ideal. If you have a larger car, a more substantial sub box can provide better performance. In general, square and rectangular sub boxes are the most common and practical, while custom shapes may add visual appeal but may not offer any acoustic benefits.
Materials
The materials used in your sub box construction affect its durability, strength, and acoustic properties. The most common materials used in sub boxes are MDF, fiberglass, and plastic.
MDF
Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) is the most popular material used in sub boxes. It is a type of engineered wood made by breaking down hardwood or softwood residuals into wood fibers, combined with wax and resin binders, and formed into panels using heat and pressure. MDF is durable, strong, and easy to work with, making it the preferred material of many sub box builders.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is another material commonly used in sub boxes. It consists of a plastic resin reinforced with glass fibers, providing exceptional strength and lightness. Fiberglass sub boxes can be molded into custom shapes and sizes, providing optimum internal air volume and reducing vibrations and rattles. However, fiberglass sub boxes can be more expensive and challenging to work with than MDF ones.
Plastic
Plastic sub boxes are lightweight, durable, and waterproof, making them ideal for marine and outdoor environments. They are not as common as MDF or fiberglass sub boxes, but they offer an excellent compromise between durability, ease of installation, and performance.
Compatibility
Compatibility is an essential factor to consider when buying a sub box. Your subwoofer's size, impedance, and power handling capability are critical factors that should match your sub box's design and specifications.
Subwoofer Size
The size of your subwoofer should match the internal volume of your sub box. A larger sub box may look impressive but can cause your subwoofer to bottom out if it is not designed to work in a larger enclosure. A smaller sub box can result in distorted and under-powered bass output. Always check your subwoofer's manual for the recommended sub box size and adjust accordingly.
Impedance
The impedance of your subwoofer affects the power handling capability and the final impedance load seen by your amplifier. Most subwoofers are available in two or four ohms, and your sub box should match your subwoofer's impedance to avoid overloading your amplifier or damaging your subwoofer. Always check your subwoofer's manual for the recommended impedance and adjust accordingly.
Power Handling
Your sub box should match your subwoofer's power handling capability to avoid underpowering or overpowering your subwoofer. If your subwoofer can handle 500 watts RMS, make sure your sub box can handle the same amount of power. A subwoofer with limited power handling capability may work best in a sealed sub box, while a high-power subwoofer may require a ported or bandpass sub box design. Always check your subwoofer's manual for the recommended power handling and adjust accordingly.
Conclusion
Choosing the right sub box can make a big difference in the sound quality and bass output of your car's audio system. Whether you prefer tight and accurate bass or powerful and extended bass, there is a sub box design that can match your needs. Make sure to consider the type, size, shape, materials, and compatibility of your sub box before making a purchase. Finally, always consult your subwoofer's manual for the recommended sub box design and adjust accordingly. With the right sub box, you can elevate your car audio experience to the next level.
