Are You a Fan of JBL? Then Check Out the Best JBL Subwoofers for the Ultimate Sweet Sounding Ride
Welcome to the Best JBL Subwoofers Awards
After spending the last 11 days running wires, soldering, testing, mounting and skipping on my favorite TV series, which was cruelly spoiled by my wife (we will get even missy…), I’m ready to show you the best JBL subs on the market.
To make a choice as easy as possible, I’ve picked the 3 very best from all, and I’m ranking them by bass, power needs, installation ease and price.
Look:
It’s quite easy to find the perfect JBL woofer. All you need to know is the space in your vehicle and your budget. Once these are clear, finding the best-sounding sub will be a breeze.
For more than 20 years, I’ve been upgrading car audio systems, and I’ve seen my fair share of duds. This is why I’ve decided to save you time by picking the 3 very best that JBL has to offer.
Since I don’t know what kind of car or truck you have, I’ve only chosen the most popular woofers, 8”-12”. Also, there are normal and enclosed subs on the list.
Let’s enjoy some bass already!
#1 JBL S2-1224 – Best Overall Subwoofer
And we have a WINNER!
The best way to describe this JBL subwoofer is by saying it’s a hard-hitting loud 12” sub affordable. It’s rated at 275 Watts RMS at 4 Ohms and 582 Watts RMS at 2 Ohms, and boy, this sub delivers.
Do you love music with deep lows? Then this sub is the perfect one for you because it can go low as 20 Hz. Yes, many others can’t even reach 30 Hz, and this JBL can reach 20 Hz.
I’ve pitted this sub against Pioneer and Kicker, and it came out as the winner. The bass is simply perfect because it’s powerful, and it can be felt in your chest.
Here is the reason why it’s the top pick on my list:
Beasts a Kicker and a Pioneer: it’s true, and I don’t mean by price only it’s louder and harder than those other brands
Hits harder than Tyson on Steroids: did someone open a window? The cabin pressure just change. Oh, it’s the sub
For Bass lover: this sub delivers the perfect bass that you can feel in your chest
I have found a few drawbacks you have to see:
I know, I know I shouldn’t be picky at this price range; however, it would’ve been extra nice if they would’ve included a grille for protection.
I’ve experienced it as well that during the break-in period, there was a burn-off smell; after that, it was all good.
I have had a few installs for this sub, and it was a 03’ Jetta and an 89’ Chevy Caprice. Both owners were more than satisfied with their new sound system.
If there are space limitations, check out #2 on my list; it’s smaller and still packing a punch.
Warning! Stocks will be empty soon. So makes sure you move with haste and grab one before they are gone.
Pros:
It hits harder than a Pioneer or even a Kicker
Deep and clean bass that you can feel in your chest
The looks are just breathtaking
Cons:
It definitely needs a grille for protection
There’s an initial burn off smell
#2 JBL Stage810 – Best 8 Inch Sub
This JBL sub is 8”, and it’s rated at 200 Watts RMS. That’s quite decent if you ask me, and the price is a steal.
We know that most 8” subs are weak, and this JBL is the exception. Of course, this does not knock your teeth out bass, and still, it delivers quite a punch.
The best way to describe this woofer is by saying cheap, clean, and simple bass. It’s a great way to round out the sound experience in your ride. Plus, it has a shallow design so that it will fit in the tightest places.
Make sure you do a proper break-in so you will enjoy those lows with no distortions.
Here are the top reasons why it’s a must-buy:
Amazing Sound Quality: the SQ is crisp as clean as it should sound
No distortions: This sub is one of the best because the sound is not distorted whatsoever
Great sound at a Great price: by having the right expectations, you will enjoy an amazing commute every day
See more: Best slim subwoofers revealed
There are a few drawbacks that I would like to mention:
It’s not easy to line up the screws in a few cars. This means the installation will take some extra time.
I’ve noticed that this sub is not exactly 8” but 0.25” smaller it’s weird.
Even so, it’s a popular choice amongst drivers. I’ve installed it in Toyota Avalon, Explorer, Accura, Mitsubishi Endeavor and Tahoe, to name a few.
The last time I’ve checked, there were only a handful of units left in stock, so you have to move, or you will have to wait for weeks on end.
Pros:
Great sounding bass without spending the big bucks
After the break in the lows are hit perfectly
The sound quality is crisp and clean
Cons:
It’s a bit smaller than a regular 8”
It’s harder to mount
#3 JBL GT5-12 – Best 12 Inch Sub
Wow, simply wow, the box is a beauty, and when you peek under the hood, you will be shocked. This 12” enclosed sub is rated at 275 Watts RMS at 4 Ohms and 582 Watts RMS at 2 Ohms.
This baby can go as low as 25 Hz. So it’s ideal for a home theater system. The sound effects will come alive as soon as you install this JBL sub.
This sub has some big magnets, so no wonder that it can take down a Pioneer and a Kicker. Best of all, you don’t have to remortgage your house to get this sub. Better yet, it doesn’t make a dent in your wallet.
The bass is strong as it should be. It’s a beast in disguise.
It’s built like a rock. The construction is robust, and you’re getting all this on a huge bargain.
Here are the top reasons why it’s a must-buy:
No dent in the wallet: this 12” sub is super affordable. You will hardly feel it.
Beats Kicker: not only is it way cheaper than Kicker, but it kicks a lot harder too.
Every music goes: no matter your preference, this sub can handle any music genre with ease.
See more: [Revealed] Best 12 inch subwoofer for the money list
There are a few drawbacks that I would like to mention:
This is a first-world problem of mine. There’s no lid for dust protection, and again, for this price, it’s still a steal
It lacks on the power side. Even though it’s in the budget category, more power would’ve been well appreciated
Even so, I had some very happy customers who were driving a Pontiac Grand AM and a Tahoe.
The hard truth is that stocks are running out. Now, if you want this 12 inch sub, you need to step on it, or someone else will beat you to it.
Pros:
Amazing sound quality at an affordable price
It can go as low as 25Hz
It moves a lot of air, and it can be used for your home theater
Cons:
A lid would be nice to protect against dust
It’s a cheaper brand, so not a lot of power needed
Related article: Best 8 inch subwoofer for bass
Conclusions
We have reached the end of the JBL subwoofer awards. By now, you probably picked out the sub that you like the best. As you have seen, JBL delivers big time, and your car won’t sound the same after installing one of these babies.
No matter if you’re looking to get some earth-shattering bass or just enjoy your daily commute with an excellent thump, thump, I’ve only selected winners above. Picking any of them will give you an amazing sound experience.
And you need to move because stocks were seriously low the last time I’ve checked. Just in case they are out, check back later, so you don’t forget about it.
Check out the best small subwoofer for car page to see the top-ranked subwoofers.
If you have questions or tips, feel free to contact me.
Roger and Out.
You may also want to read: Are kicker subs good?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Best JBL Subwoofers in 2024
There are many good brands in the subwoofer market. Also each brand has a blockbuster series that is above the rest. From my personal experience you can’t go wrong with JBL, Rockford Fosgate and Rockville.
What are the top 5 subwoofers?
The top 5 subwoofers would be:
- Rockford Fosgate P300-12
- MTX Audio Terminator Series
- JBL S2-1224
- Kicker 44DCWC122 12″
- Rockville RWS12CA
Which is best JBL or Sony subwoofer?
Sony speakers are better than JBL when it comes to bass and clearness. However JBL subs are better by being more affordable car audio system.
Why are JBL car audio equipment so expensive?
JBL car audio is so expensive because of the high quality materials they use. Some JBL products are considered as competition grade car audio. To get the best SPL or SQL you have to pay for it. Even though JBL car audio isn’t as expensive as other competition grade it’s price tag is quite high.
What is the best overall JBL subwoofer?
The best overall JBL subwoofer is the S2-1224. It has the most powerful sound quality, able to hit harder than any other Kicker or Pioneer sub, and provides deep bass that can be felt in your chest.
Is a grille necessary for protection?
Yes, a grille is necessary for protection on all three of these subs: the S2-1224 (Best Overall Subwoofer), Stage810 (Best 8 inch sub), and GT5-12 (Best 12 inch sub). Without a grille, the subs are susceptible to scratches or dirt on their surface.
What is the frequency range of a JBL BassPro subwoofer?
The JBL BassPro subwoofer has an impressive frequency range of 20 Hz – 200Hz.
How much power can a powered JBL subwoofer handle?
A powered JBL subwoofer can handle up to 500 watts RMS of power.
What is the biggest size for a JBL 12 inch subwoofer?
The biggest size for a JBL 12 inch subwoofer is 30 inches in diameter and 11.5 inches deep.
Are JBL Subwoofers good for cars?
Yes, many car enthusiasts opt for high-quality and powerful sounding JBL Subwoofers because they are renowned for their sound quality and reliable performance.
What is the best overall JBL subwoofer?
The S2-1224 is the best overall JBL subwoofer, as it offers great sound quality and affordability at an unbeatable price.
How do JBL subs compare to Kicker or Pioneer subs?
JBL subs hit harder than Kicker or Pioneer subs, providing deep bass that can be felt in your chest. They are also more affordable than their competitors.
Does a grille need to be used with JBL Subs?
Yes, a grille should be used with JBL Subs for protection against dust and debris.
What is the best JBL car subwoofer?
The JBL GT-BassPro12 12 inch car subwoofer produces powerful bass with a frequency range of 32Hz–150Hz and is capable of handling up to 600W peak power. It also has an optimized compact design and high-quality sound for superior performance.
Are JBL subs good?
Yes, JBL has a reputation for producing some of the highest quality subwoofers available today. Their products are designed to deliver clear, powerful sound with deep bass and smooth highs, as well as excellent durability and reliability.
What type of subwoofer enclosure is best for a JBL 12 inch subwoofer?
A sealed box enclosure is recommended for the 12 inch JBL subwoofer to get optimal sound performance. The box should be sturdy enough to keep the woofers in place while providing enough space so there’s no restriction on air movement inside it.
What is a small subwoofer?
A small subwoofer is a type of loudspeaker component that’s designed to reproduce low-frequency sounds, typically in the range of 20 to 200 Hz. Small subwoofers are often used in car audio systems or home theater systems to supplement the bass response provided by regular speakers.
What kind of subwoofer enclosure should I use for my JBL BassPro?
It’s important to choose the right enclosure for your Powered Subwoofer system to ensure optimal performance. The recommended enclosure for the JBL BassPro is an “enclosure within an enclosure” design; this type of construction helps isolate vibrations from inside and outside sources while still allowing air movement around the speaker. Additionally, you should also consider using acoustic foam insulation inside the cabinet to reduce resonance further if needed.”
Last Updated on November 5, 2023 by Brian Beasley
