8 inch subwoofers are perfect for adding bass to your vehicle but without going over the top. The 8" subwoofers typically handle less power than 10 inch and 12 inch subwoofers but they also require less air space and mounting depth. Adding an 8 inch subwoofer to your vehicle will give you enough bass that you will know that you have a subwoofer, but it's not going to be anything crazy unless you opt for a higher end product that can handle some decent power.

We break down our favorite 8 inch subwoofers based on hearing them ourselves and actual feedback from our customers. We are not a media company that is looking for affiliate links to send you somewhere else. We are an authorized online dealer for the brands and products we sell and this information is based on real world experience, not just what some other site may or may not have in stock today. Also, none of these products are junk. These are the best products from trust brands in car audio.

If you need help determining the right 8 inch subwoofer for your vehicle, our staff and experts are available to answer your questions. We are available via phone, email and chat, Monday through Friday, from 8am to 5pm PST.

Best Overall

JL Audio 8W3v3-4

$329.99

If you want maximum performance from an 8" subwoofer without going over the top, the JL 8W3v3 can't be beat.

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Best Entry Level

Kicker Comp C

$329.99

If you need to add some bass, and want an affordable solution, the Kicker Comp C delivers clean, tight bass at an affordable price.

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Best Low Profile

Kicker Comp RT

$169.99

If you want a shallow mount 8 inch subwoofer, the Kicker Comp RT is the way to go and don't waste your time with other options.

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#1 Best Overall 8 Inch Subwoofer

JL Audio 8W3v3-4

The JL Audio 8W3v3-4 is the best overall 8 inch subwoofer. Yes, there are others out there that are less expensive that can handle similar or more power, but there is something about the output of this subwoofer that defies the specs. JL Audio is known for car audio subwoofers and the 8W3v3-4 lives up to the reputation and then some. If you aren't building a custom box, check out the CP108LG-W3v3 or the powered version,ACP108LG-W3v3. Both of those loaded enclosures use a ported box design and hammer. You get the output similar to a 12 inch subwoofer from a super compact, 8 inch subwoofer.

The only drawback of the 8W3v3-4 is that it is only available with a single 4 Ohm voice coil. This works well if you are bridging an amplifier, but otherwise, you likely need a "500 watt amplifier" to get 250 watts of output at 4 ohms. We like the JD500/1 or the RD500/1 to power the 8 inch W3.

Best Entry Level Value 8 Inch Subwoofer

Kicker Comp C

The Kicker Comp C 8 inch subwoofers handle 200 watts RMS and are available in both single and dual 4 ohm voice coils. This allows for maximum flexibility when deciding on an amplifier regardless of the number of subwoofers you are powering. The Kicker Comp C 8 inch subwoofers are the best entry level 8 inch subwoofers because of the price point, the power handling, and the output. If you are getting an 8 inch subwoofer and looking to add bass without breaking the bank, you get legendary Kicker performance for $329.99. You can't beat that value. Kicker has been making subwoofers since car audio began and they are known for hard hitting, reliable bass. You can't go wrong with an 8 inch Comp C.

Best Step-Up Value 8 Inch Subwoofer

Kicker Comp R

If you are looking to maximize your dollar and you want something better than an entry-level 8 inch subwoofer, the Kicker Comp R 8 inch subwoofer is the best choice. With 300 watts RMS power handling, the 8 inch Comp R can handle enough power to deliver hard hitting output yet the price point makes it very affordable. It was hard choosing the 8W3v3-4 as the best overall subwoofer when you look at the specs and the price point of this subwoofer, but the W3 gets the nod because it's a better performer, but you can't deny the value here. 300 watts RMS power handling and it only costs $99.99?

The Comp R 8 inch subwoofers come with dual voice coils and you can select between 2 ohm DVC or 4 Ohm DVC. This allows you to maximize the amplifier output regardless of the number of subwoofers you are installing. The excursion on these subwoofers is really good for an 8" and the only drawback is the amount of air space required when comparing it to the other options, but it is still pretty minimal in the grand scheme of things.

Best Low Profile 8 Inch Subwoofer

Kicker Comp RT

The Kicker Comp RT 8 inch subwoofer is the best choice if you need a low profile 8 inch subwoofer. If you are trying to install a subwoofer under a seat or if you still need your trunk space, a low profile subwoofer will allow you to add bass without a big bulky box. The Kicker Comp RT 8 inch subwoofers come in dual 2 Ohm or dual 4 Ohm voice coils to allow you to get to the optimal impedance load for your installation. For a small, low profile subwoofer, the Comp RT handles more power than you would guess at 300 watts RMS. This is the same amount of power as the full-size Comp R, but the Comp RT is 1.5" shallower and needs less air space. The entire Comp RT product line is surprising given the low profile design, power handing, and output. Many shallow subwoofers sound shallow. The Kicker Comp RT subwoofers do not.

Best 8 Inch Subwoofer for Loud Bass

JL Audio 8W7AE-3

The JL Audio W7 8 Inch Subwoofer is the biggest and baddest 8" subwoofer you can buy. With 500 watts RMS power handling, the 8W7AE-3 handles more power than virtually any other 8 inch subwoofer in the world and it's 19mm of excursion are unmatched. If you want maximum bass output but due to physical limitations, you can only fit 8s, this is the best option. Now, the output doesn't come cheap, but you are going to get it.

The JL Audio W7 subwoofers go insanely low for their respective size, they handle power, and they are accurate. So you not only get the output you want, but it also sounds good. The 8W7AE-3 is only avalable with a single 3 Ohm voice coil. You will want to make sure you give the amplifier the power it wants and be sure to check the amplifier's rating at 3 ohms. We like the XD600/1v2 to power a single 8 inch W7.

From an enclosure standpoint, these subwoofers do require more air space than other 8 inch subwoofers, but that's because you are getting more output. With 6.83" mounting depth, make sure you have enough depth for your enclosure.