Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Step1
Measure out your space. Subwoofers come in all shapes and sizes, so the first thing to consider as you compare different subwoofers is the space where you will install your subwoofer. Measure the height, width and depth. Also make notes of location, such as the trunk or back of an SUV, and diagram the basic shape of the area.
Step2
Decide on an enclosure type. You can find many subwoofer packages comprised of both the subwoofer and an enclosure. If you want to customize, you can buy separate subwoofers and enclosures so you can mix and match. You can also buy tube subwoofers and thin subwoofers that don't require traditional enclosures. Remember that the enclosure can really affect the sound, so listen to whatever type of enclosure you're considering to make sure it satisfies your ears.
Step3
Find the best size of driver for your needs. The driver size is the dimension of the woofer. Larger drivers provide more bass, cleaner sound and potential for more volume but are usually more expensive. 8-inch subwoofers are pretty standard and a good place to start. Larger subwoofers come in the 12 to 15 inch range, and you can get smaller subwoofers that are around 6 inches.
Step4
Check the power needs. If you already have an amplifier for your car stereo system, be sure to check the power ratings for the subwoofers you're comparing. You may have to buy an amp to power your subwoofer.
Step5
Pick a subwoofer that fits your budget. The biggest consideration for comparing subwoofers is prioritizing your needs and finding the subwoofer with the best value. If you have a large budget, consider a subwoofer with a larger driver, constructed with high quality materials and that has multiple voice coils. If your budget is more limited, pick the qualities that are most important and find where you can make sacrifices.
