When it comes to subwoofers, bigger almost always means better.
If you are looking for a speaker that moves tremendous amounts of air, produces the lowest and deepest bass possible, and delivers a listening experience you can actually feel resonate through your bones, then you need to consider getting an 18-inch subwoofer.
These speakers are the absolute best when it comes to power and depth, producing monstrous levels of sound that can be heard from several blocks away.
We’ve rounded up the best 18 inch subwoofers on the market to help you decide which one is right for you.
Quick List: Best 18-inch Subwoofer in2024
- Skar Audio ZVX-18v2 – Best Overall Car Subwoofer
- CT SOUNDS Tropo 18-Inch Subwoofer D4
- Skar Audio 18 inch Loaded SDR Series Subwoofer Enclosure
- Rockville RVW1800P8 – Best Budget Component Subwoofer
- Rockville PBG18 18-inch Pro Subwoofer – Best Budget Cabinet Subwoofer
- Sound Town METIS-18SDPW – Best Powered Subwoofer
- JBL EON618S Portable 18-inch Self-Powered Subwoofer
18-Inch Subwoofer Reviews
Not everyone wants or needs an 18-inch subwoofer. 18 inch subs deliver unparalleled power but consume a great deal of energy and take up a lot of space. For the majority of people who just want to enhance the quality of their existing audio system, these massive speakers are simply too much.
However, there are lots of people who are willing to sacrifice energy consumption and space to obtain the tremendously deep and hard-hitting bass that only an 18-inch subwoofer can provide. In putting together this list, I looked for the subwoofers that delivered the most on this promise, producing the strongest bass and achieving the highest possible power ratings.
I also paid a lot of attention to build-quality. Because 18-inch subwoofers consume more energy than other sizes, it is especially important that they be made with quality materials that can withstand high temperatures and hold up over time.
Finally, I considered the affordability and cost-value ratio of each subwoofer. One of the primary concerns with larger subwoofers is that they are typically more expensive than smaller alternatives. These 18 inch subwoofers offer a user-friendly experience and high sound quality at an affordable price.
The Best 18 Inch Subwoofers
1. Skar Audio ZVX-18v2 Car Subwoofer – Best Overall Car Subwoofer
- 18-inch Dual 2 Ohm SPL Car Subwoofer
- Peak Power: 3,200 Watts | RMS Power: 1,600 Watts
- Massive Triple Stack Magnet & High Temperature 3" 8-layer Copper Voice Coil
The Skar Audio ZVX-18v2 component subwoofer is our top overall pick because it combines a reliable, sturdy build quality with excellent power and performance. It also offers tremendous value for a relatively affordable price, making it a great option for anyone looking for some seriously low bass.
Pros
- Advanced cooling design for reliable long-term use
- Sturdy construction
- Powerful and consistent bass
- Good value
- 8-layer Copper Voice Coil
Cons
- Rubber cone prone to melting in heat
- Requires a custom box
- Complex installation
A lot of subwoofers with really high peak power handling will sacrifice sound clarity in order to achieve volume and raw output. This is not the case with the Skar Audio ZVX-18v2. This component subwoofer utilizes a simple design and high-quality materials, including a competition grade cone and high roll foam surround, in order to deliver clear and consistent bass at even the lowest frequencies and highest volumes.
The ZVX-18v2 also employs a fully integrated cooling system and intelligent heat dissipation to avoid potential blow outs at high amplifications. All of these design considerations ensure that you will be able to enjoy the deepest and loudest bass notes for hours on end without having to worry about wearing out your audio system.
The biggest downside to the ZVX-18v2 is that it requires a custom box and utilizes an older wiring system that may be a little bit complicated for some users to install. Additionally, the rubber cone may melt if exposed to high temperatures and sunlight for prolonged periods of time. All this really means is that you may need to park in the shade during the hotter months.
But for the performance, reliability, and affordable price point, you can’t really do better than the Skar Audio ZVX-18v2.
2. CT Sounds Tropo D4 18-inch Car Subwoofer
The CT Sounds 18 inch Car Subwoofer is a solid component subwoofer suitable for car audio systems. Although this subwoofer comes at a budget price point, it is well made and can be easily mounted into the trunk of your car so you can start listening to music right away.
Pros
- Affordable, low cost
- Compact size
- Suitable for free-air applications
- Easy to install
Cons
- Low power
- Sounds best with custom box
Unlike a lot of component subwoofers, the CT Sounds 18-inch Car Subwoofer is designed with free-air application in mind. Not everyone has the ability or desire to build a custom box for their subwoofer speakers. If you want a heavy, rich-sounding bass but aren’t willing to spend hours on construction and custom modifications, then this sub is a fantastic choice. Although, like all speakers, it sounds best in an enclosure, the CT Sounds 18 inch Car Subwoofer is made of sturdy, durable materials that still sound good in free air.
Where this sub starts to fall behind is overall power. With only 600 Watts RMS and 1200 Watts peak power, this subwoofer produces a level of bass that is akin to a lot of 15-inch models. Still, it outperforms many similarly priced, budget options and produces a loud enough sound to completely transform most car audio systems.
3. Skar Audio 18-inch Loaded SDR Series Subwoofer Enclosure
- SDR Series Single 18-Inch Dual 2-ohm Loaded Subwoofer Enclosure
- Peak Power: 1,200 Watts, RMS Power: 600 Watts
- Pre-wired Internally for a 1 Ohm Final Impedance Load at the Terminals for an Easy Installation
Another great option for anyone intimidated by component subwoofers and the hassle of putting together your own custom audio system is the Skar Audio 18-inch Loaded SDR Series Subwoofer Enclosure. This subwoofer offers remarkable power is one ready-to-go box.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Low frequency response
- Premium design finish
Cons
- Lower audio specs in comparison to other Skar Audio products
- Heavy
- Prone to overheating
This pre-loaded 18-inch subwoofer makes getting the perfect custom sound system easier than ever. Eliminating the need for complicated mounting or building, the Skar Audio 18-inch Loaded SDR Series Subwoofer Enclosure is designed for instant playing capability. All you have to do is plug it in, and you’ll immediately get a reliable, loud, and crisp bass.
Although this subwoofer is designed for use in car audio systems, it also works well as a home speaker. The carpeted finish is sleek and attractive, so it looks just as good in your living room as your backseat.
Unfortunately, this 18 inch subwoofer consumes a lot of energy and is prone to overheating. At 91 pounds, it is also extremely heavy. The Skar Audio 18 inch Loaded SDR Series Subwoofer Enclosure is powerful enough to cause your whole car to vibrate, but because it is so heavy and inefficient, you likely won’t be able to bring it with you on long road trips or commutes.
4. Rockville RVW1800P8 18-inch Pro Subwoofer — Best Budget Component Subwoofer
- Rockville RVW1800P8 1800 Watt 18" Raw DJ 8 Ohm Subwoofer.
- Power Rating: Peak Power: 1800 Watts. Power RMS: 900 Watts.
- Kevlar Reinforced Ultra Stiff Paper Composite Cone.
Rockville is a well-respected car subwoofers brand known for producing high-quality products for inexpensive and affordable prices. The RVW1800P8 is an exceptional budget option that delivers phenomenal sound quality for such an incredibly low price.
Pros
- Very low cost
- High quality materials
- Resists high temperatures
- Easy to install
- Kevlar Reinforced Paper Cone
Cons
- Requires time to warm up when turned on
- Low power
What really sets the RVW1800P8 apart from other budget subs is its durability and strong construction quality. All of the subwoofer’s components are made from high-quality materials on par with those of high-end and professional models. This impressive build-quality ensures that this subwoofer will hold up well with extended use, so you won’t find yourself regretting choosing the budget option in a few months’ time.
Additionally, the RVW1800P8 subwoofer includes nickel plated banana plug terminals for easy installation. If you are new to the world of aftermarket car audio, then this is a user-friendly subwoofer that won’t leave you scratching your head. Because it is so lightweight and easy to work with, the RVW1800P8 also makes a great component replacement for home speaker systems.
Unfortunately, the maximum power handling on this model is very low for an 18-inch subwoofer. With only 900 watts RMS, this sub will not give you that chest-thumping, glass-shattering bass most people look for and expect in a larger sized cone. If power is your primary concern, then you might be better off paying a similar amount of money for a higher end, smaller sized subwoofer that can deliver a stronger punch.
5. Rockville PBG18 18-inch Pro Subwoofer — Best Budget Cabinet Subwoofer
- Rockville PBG18 18" 2000 Watt Passive Pro Subwoofer w/ MDF Cabinet and Pole Mount.
- 18" Pro audio woofer. 1,000 Watts RMS Power. 1,500 Watts Program Power Handling.
- 2,000 Watts Peak Power. 4" KSV voice coil. 100 oz. woofer magnet. Vented Enclosure for Improved Bass Response.
Rockville also makes superb audio equipment for home and event use. The Rockville PBG18 18 inch Pro Subwoofer is a fully enclosed, cabinet subwoofer that delivers tremendous power at a remarkably low price point.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Easy to Carry
- Suitable for Live Performances
Cons
- Doesn’t reach lowest frequencies
- Midrange notes sound muffled
One of the major selling points of the Rockville PBG18 18-inch Pro is that it is suitable for both home speaker systems and live gig setups. The ergonomic handles make it is to carry this sub from gig to gig, and the sturdy pole mount and rubber feet keep it firmly in place no matter how much power is being run through it.
These user-friendly features are great for aspiring or starving musicians who will appreciate the multifunctionality of a subwoofer that can be used for practice sessions and home listening as well as live performances.
This subwoofer is our top pick when it comes to budget cabinet subwoofers because it incorporates all the design considerations we expect from high-end models, but at a fraction of the cost. The PBG18 is highly sensitive, so you can achieve a really loud bass even if you don’t have access to a high-quality amplifier.
The only downside is the PBG18 18 inch Pro Subwoofer is frequency response. The subwoofer only reaches a low frequencies of 35Hz, meaning you will miss a lot of the deepest, lowest bass notes present in Hip Hop, Rap, and R&B music.
Additionally, midrange notes tend to sound a little muffled. Fortunately, this can easily be fixed with a powered mixer that can help clarify and adjust the sound to accommodate all your favorite genres of music.
6. Sound Town METIS Series 18-inch Powered Subwoofer — Best Powered Subwoofer
- MASSIVE POWER: Powered by a built-in Class-D amplifier, the subwoofer handles 700 Watts RMS / 1400 Watts Program / 2400 Watts Peak Power and generates punchy and tight bass
- HIGH-PERFORMANCE AND LIGHTWEIGHT: The Class-D amplifier efficiently provides enormous power without weighing you down. Thanks to the Class-D topology, the high-output 18” PA subwoofer is powerful...
When it comes to powered subwoofers, our top pick goes to the Sound Town METIS Series 18-inch subwoofer with a built-in Class-D amplifier. This subwoofer delivers enormous power but remains lightweight, making it great for use on the road or for PA applications at social functions.
Pros
- Sturdy construction
- Lightweight
- Versatile input and output connections
Cons
- Very narrow frequency response range
- Prone to distortion
The Sound Town METIS Series 18-inch Powered Subwoofer delivers tremendous overall power and volume. It reaches 700 Watts RMS and 2400 Watts Peak Power and includes its own built-in Class-D amplifier. If you are looking for a powered subwoofer that will deliver a truly thunderous sound, then this is the model for you.
Thanks to the 4″ voice coils the Sound Town sub has a punchy bass and delivers on the low frequencies.
Furthermore, the cabinet is made from sturdy, high-quality materials, so you can rest assured it will hold up on long tours. The metal corners and a heavy-duty metal grille ensure you won’t damage the equipment carrying it back and forth between gig halls, and the lightweight design guarantees you won’t throw out your back doing it.
Unfortunately, this 18-inch Sound Town METIS series subwoofer has a very small frequency response range. While it is great for PA use and for delivering large volume, it lacks the responsiveness necessary for many genres of music.
Although this won’t be an issue for amateur musicians playing social events like weddings, church gatherings, and school functions, it will be a major problem for more serious artists and DJs as a lot of the musicality in genres like Jazz, R&B, and hip hop will be lost.
7. JBL EON618S Portable 18-inch Self-Powered Subwoofer
- JBL premium transducers
- 1000-Watts Highly efficient Class-D amplification
- Maximum SPL output: 134 dB
Another well-known and trustworthy brand for speakers and other home audio equipment is JBL. The EON618S Portable 18-inch Self-Powered Subwoofer utilizes JBL’s proprietary wave technology to deliver a fantastic sound that is responsive to a wide range of frequencies, so you’ll be able to experience the nuances of your favorite song like never before.
Pros
- Highly responsive
- Bluetooth capability
- Lightweight and portable
- Easy to integrate with complete audio system
Cons
- Lower amplification
- Expensive
The EON618S can be easily integrated into any existing home audio system. Its streamlined design and Bluetooth compatibility make it easy to pair with other JBL products like speakers and tweeters, so you can perform live gigs with a studio-quality sound or simply listen to classic tracks the way they were originally intended to be heard.
The other benefit of the JBL Bluetooth system is that it simplifies the process of customizing and fine tuning your audio settings. You can control the master volume or adjust the parametric EQ so no matter the venue, you’ll be able to get the acoustics just right. You can even save EQ pre-sets, so the subwoofer is automatically tailored to your living room or favorite concert venue.
Compared to other enclosed or powered subwoofers, the EON618S is quite compact and highly transportable. It’s rugged enclosure and indexed feet allow for convenient storage and safe transport, so you can feel secure taking it on tours or cross-country moves.
Sadly, the EON618S Portable 18-inch Self-Powered Subwoofer is expensive. Although it offers decent value for a fully enclosed, powered subwoofer, there are many 12 and 15-inch subwoofers that are able to offer similar audio specs and user features at lower prices, simply because they are smaller.
Sound That Will Knock Your Socks Off
18-inch subwoofers are not for everyone. They are typically larger, heavier, and more expensive than smaller woofers, and don’t always offer the best audio quality or user experience.
Still, if you are looking for a sound that will knock your socks off, shatter your windowpanes, or just plain blow you away, then you should consider going for one of these monstrous 18-inch subwoofers.
Although each subwoofer in this list has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, they all offer an amazing listening experience, and you really can’t go wrong with any of them.
Further Reading:
- 7 Best Under Seat Subwoofers for Car Owners
- 7 Best 18-Inch Subwoofers for Monstrous Sound Levels
- Best Subwoofers for Music – 7 Great Subs To Enhance Your Listening Experience
- 9 Best Car Subwoofers – ALL Budgets & Sizes
- 10 Best 8-inch Subwoofers (All Budgets & Uses)
Trent is a music lover, musical instrument player and passionate audio afficionado.