The 10 Best Marine Subwoofers
Special Honors
MTX JackHammer If you consider hi-fidelity audio a religion, and you're not afraid to make some major modifications to your ride to accommodate the equipment, the MTX JackHammer should be on your bucket list. Weighing over 400 pounds, this built-to-order "super woofer" is equipped with a sand cast aluminum basket and 56-pound magnet structure that causes it to stand over three feet tall. It can deliver a power output of up to 4,000 watts and has both an aluminum shorting and progressive roll spider, which significantly reduce distortion. The stiffness-to-weight ratio of its carbon and glass fiber dust cap allows for increased sensitivity so that the unit can deliver high sound pressure at low power levels. mtx.com
Editor's Notes
October 02, 2020:
We've removed the Alpine SWR-M100, JL Audio M10IB5, and Rockville MS10LW due to availability issues.
As mentioned last year, a consideration for the elements and their effects on various audio equipment is an important part of choosing the right marine subwoofer, something that doesn't always come into play when investing in a studio or car-installed device.
Newly added this year are the Pyle Hydra and Lanzar Mariner, the former of which has a shallow mounting depth for easy placement in sealed or vented enclosures while the latter works as both a subwoofer and amplifier.
We've also included the Rockford Fosgate PM210S4 for its corrosion-resistant grille cover and basket with a slot-mounted frame for easy adjustments to its mounting position.
Finally, I'd like to clarify what I said last year about the Polk MM1 Series. While I mentioned its "dynamic balance" technology, I didn't really explain why that matters. The goal with a marine subwoofer like this one is to create a composite structure composed of materials with differing characteristics that essentially work in tandem to control resonance from vibrations. Doing so essentially eliminates resonance output from the subwoofer, resulting in the reproduction of clean and clear bass without any distortion. In that sense, the materials inside the subwoofer are "dynamic" due to their constant action to reduce resonance during audio playback. Such technology can definitely come in handy on a noisy boat.
April 01, 2019:
For any audiophile who expects heart-thumping bass when rocking out to their music, the values of durability, ease of installation, and stable low-frequency sound are among the most important values to consider when selecting an appropriate subwoofer, both for automobile use and boat installations. With this topic, however, an additional challenge involves ensuring that a marine-grade subwoofer is well-protected from both saltwater and freshwater environments as well as extreme UV exposure, considerations that some car aficionados may not have to think about when their speaker equipment is installed inside a vehicle instead of the bulkheads of a ship. That said, I tried to select options that take both durability and a superior listening experience into account.
The injection-molded polypropylene frame, thermal management system, and waterproof rubber mounting gasket on the Alpine SWR-M100, for example, keep this powerhouse well-shielded from rough seas, while the patented motor minimizes distortion at high volumes. I also included the Rockford Fosgate Punch Series for its anodized aluminum construction, which prevents the internal voice coil from overheating, so I figured it was ideal for parties. For boats with limited storage space, I thought the Bazooka MBT1014 was a formidable option, as the handy tube design and stainless steel enclosure protect its internal components from harsh outdoor conditions, while allowing it to operate without an amplifier. For vessels that receive an excessive amount of foot traffic from party guests, I included the Rockville MS10LW for its sturdy molded ABS plastic material. Also added the Kenwood P-WD250MRW, as this package includes a dedicated amplifier and dual voice coils. Included the Boss MR101 for its open-air basket, dome tweeter, and ability to deliver wide audio dispersion. Also included the powerful DS18 Hydro for its 600-watt peak power output and built-in RGB lighting. The Polk MM1 Series rivals the quality of many studio subwoofers, while its patented Dynamic Balance technology works to keep distortion to a minimum.