There are hundreds of subwoofers in the market.

People need clarification about which subwoofer will suit them perfectly.

Some people can’t bother to buy or design an enclosure for their subwoofers. Therefore they try to get a subwoofer which doesn’t need a box for mounting.

You are on the right page if you are one of them.

What is a Free Air Subwoofer?

A subwoofer which doesn’t need an enclosure and box to work correctly.

Simply put, free-air Subwoofers can easily be mounted anywhere without any insertion.

Explanation

As you know, when you buy a subwoofer company also suggests you buy an enclosure with it. So it can be placed in it and installed correctly.

But selecting a box is another level of anxiety.

Proper size, mounting depth, colour and material of the box are the factors which should be considered by one buying it.

Therefore, people pay little attention to boxes and like to buy a subwoofer that doesn’t need a box.

How does it work?

These subwoofers work uniquely when you mount them in a trunk in your vehicle or elsewhere.

Then the trunk acts as an enclosure for them, and because the trunk is sealed completely, its sound and bass quality become tremendous.

If you don’t have a trunk in your vehicle and anywhere you want to install it, then you should construct it for maximum performance from your subwoofer.

But because these kinds of subwoofers don’t consume much space to mount. Therefore you don’t need to worry about constructing a large trunk.

Can Any Subwoofer Act As Free Air Subwoofer?

This is the question we have gone through many times. The simple answer is no.

Reason

Before understanding its reason, let’s jump into the logic behind enclosed subwoofers.

The subwoofers, which are enclosed in the box, are specifically designed for a closed environment. You can experiment if you have an enclosed subwoofer.

Open the box and draw the subwoofer out from the box. Mount it in the open air, ON it and play some kind of music.

You will observe that its bass quality had become much worse than before (when it was in the box).

Why? Because this was made for an enclosed environment, not for open air.

Similarly, when you put an open-air Subwoofer in the box. You will observe that its sound quality has become worse than before.

In short, open/free-air subwoofers are designed for open air and enclosed or enclosed environments.

You can’t alternate them.

How can I Use My Enclosed Subwoofer as Air Free Subwoofer?

By the way, there is a way by which you can turn your enclosed subwoofer into an open-air subwoofer.

Suppose you will attach a powerful amplifier to it. It will give you an experience like an enclosed one because the amplifier will increase the power output efficiency of the subwoofer.

Reviews Of Best Free Air Subwoofers

Our Picks

• Pioneer TS-SW2002D2 – Our Winner
• CT Sounds Tropo V2.0 – Hard Hitter
• Infinity Kappa Subwoofer – Music King
• Alpine SWR-M100 – Marine Subwoofer
• Skar Audio SDR-10 D4 – Space Friendly
• Kicker 43CWR84 – The Bass King

In a Hurry! Check out these…

Mounting Depth:-

The shape of the subwoofer is designed so that its mounting depth is half that of others. This makes it beautiful and enhances the bass and sound quality.

Space Friendly:-

The mounting depth is a great feature. It not only improves the bass quality but also makes the subwoofer space friendly.

This is a shallow mount product.

Most people have confined spaces and want a subwoofer that can easily fit in their vehicles and consume less space.

If you are one of them, go for it.

Budget Friendly:-

Free-air subwoofers are comparatively more expensive. But this subwoofer has all the premium features you need on less budget.

More Surface Volume:-

The company make a vast cone structure to increase the surface volume of the subwoofer. It increases the surface volume and improves sound, bass quantity, and quality.

Besides this, a greater surface area tackles the air precisely and doesn’t let it distort the sound.

Unique Design:-

Our favourite feature of this product is its unique design.

Pioneer designed it so accurately that it supports its superb bass quality at low frequency and can also be fit in small enclosures.

What’s in the box?

• A Subwoofer
• Self-tapping screws
• Manual Guide book and many more

Conclusion

Due to its unique shape and design, it gives more sound.

The body is so compact that you can mount it without losing too much space.

FAQs

Polypropylene Cone:-

This product has fantastic safety features from mechanical or physical damage.

Its cone is made up of polypropylene material which acts as a shock absorber and tends to mold instead of breaking.

Unique Spider:-

The design and material of the spider are so attractive that it attracts the buyer at one glance. It has Progressive Nomex Spider, which has excellent durability and provides outstanding sound and bass quality.

Due to this material, the spider provides its maximum output without any distortion. The material used is reliable and long-lasting.

Frame and Grille:-

The silver color grille is made of plastic which protects the upper frame of the subwoofer. In short, we can say that this product is designed for brilliant sound quality + living long.

Waterproof:-

Suppose you are looking for a subwoofer for your boat. Then select it blindly.

It is a waterproof marine product which will give you a chilling environment in your boat. Because Water and humidity can’t decrease the sound quality. So you can mount it outside without the fear of rain.

I think after buying it, you will definitely invite your friends to a music party.

Dual Mounting:-

This subwoofer can be used as free air Subwoofer and as well as mounted in an enclosure. Due to this, it is one of the most selling products of Alpine.

What’s in the box?

• A Subwoofer Allen Wrench
• Manual Guide and many more

Conclusion

The subwoofers, specially designed for the marine environment, are waterproof. You can order it even for your boat and house.

FAQs

Space Friendly:-

Most of Skar’s products are budget-friendly and don’t overeat space. This is one of them.

Its size is of inches, so you don’t need extra space to mount it.

Hard-Hitter:-

Most people think its size needs to be bigger to perform well on a hard-hitting. No, this is just a myth. The product performs extraordinarily.

Its bass and audio quality are marvelous.

If you are here to select a product with a punchy and ear-friendly sound, I suggest that you choose it.

You can also use it as an alternative to the 6- Alpine S-W12D2.

Breaking-in:-

For better performance, you should break it in before proper use.

The process of breaking in will polish and enhance its audio and bass quality.

Many users complain that, in the beginning, this product doesn’t perform well. This is because they don’t break into it.

Note:- Almost all the subwoofers and speakers need breaking in for better performance before regular use.

Best selling:-

This product is one of the Skar company’s most selling and cherished products. Due to its high bass quality and small size, people love it.

Mounting:-

You can install it even in your truck, car or any vehicle. This can also be mounted in the house.

What’s in the box?

• A Subwoofer
• A user manual and many more

Conclusion

This is one of the best products which gives you extraordinary bass quality at a significantly lower cost. You don’t need to sacrifice much space to install it.

FAQs

Comparison Between CT Sounds Tropo V2.0 and Infinity Kappa

Don’t Go; We Have Another Best Option For You

Outstanding Bass Quality:-

Like Skar Audio SDR-10 D4, this subwoofer is also of small size but doesn’t compromise on its bass quality.

It sounds just like a ten or 12-inch subwoofer.

In short, Kicker is providing a premium quality sub in less space and budget.

Budget Friendly:-

If you are thinking of buying a 12 or 10-inch subwoofer. I will recommend you try it first. Believe me; it will save money and give you the same results as 10 and 12 inches.

Dual Voice Coil:-

I think this is the smallest dual-voice coil subwoofer ever.

The company wants to give more entertainment to their customers at less price; therefore, they add dual coils to it.

Due to this, its sound quality beats the so-called best ones.

Powerful Subwoofer:-

Because its RMS power is 300 Watts (150 Watts per coil), you can imagine how power-efficient it is.

All its features combine to make it bass king.

Durable:-

The upper surface of this product is made up of polypropylene and hence making it long-lasting and reliable.

What’s in the box?

• A Subwoofer
• Logo sticker
• Guidebook and many more

Conclusion

This is the product which can replace the 10 and 12 inches subwoofers in the market.

A tremendous product with high bass quality on a very low budget.

FAQs

Buying Guide

These are some points you should keep in mind when you are buying an air-free subwoofer.

Sound Quality

Of course, this is the most important point anyone should keep in mind while buying an audio-related product.

Always choose a subwoofer with high and punchy bass at the lowest frequency. Most companies give one year warranty and 60 days replacement warranty.

So you can easily test your product and figure out whether it is fulfilling your hopes or not.

If you are still facing a sound problem, change its position and frequency.

Space Friendly

Almost 98 per cent of air-free subwoofers are too small that you can adjust them anywhere in the vehicle or your room.

But some companies compromise on design and make a huge double subwoofer which demands more space to mount.

So be sure to pick a smart one.

Budget Friendly

Some of the 8 inches subwoofers are so cost-effective that their features are equal to the 10 or 12 inches subwoofers.

I suggest you grab that one.

You will enjoy healthy music on a smaller budget.

Easy to Mount

The biggest problem with subwoofers is their mounting issues.

Almost in every subwoofer, there is a guidebook in which the whole process of mounting has been written step by step.

Try to follow each and every step carefully.

Always choose a subwoofer which doesn’t demand any extra technical skill to install it.

Compatible Amplifiers

As you know, free-air subwoofers are not as powerful as many other subwoofers. You definitely need an amplifier with it to boost its bass.

The selection of a compatible amplifier is much necessary. Otherwise, it may badly affect your subwoofer and music experience.

By the way, we have mentioned the compatible amplifier of every subwoofer in their respective FAQs section.

Impedance

We are therefore emphasizing the compatibility of amplifiers because it has a strong relation with impedance.

As you know, mostly under discussion subwoofers have an impedance of 2 to 4 Ohms. Some are switchable, and some are not.

You should buy a compatible amplifier to match your subwoofer’s impedance with your amplifier for the best results.

Long Lasting

This is an underrated point. Most people don’t take the materialistic quality of the subwoofer too seriously.

As you know, these subwoofers don’t require any box or external covering to work. They are mounted in an open environment.

There are high possibilities of physical damage to the subwoofer.

So always buy a subwoofer made of durable material that lasts long. Polypropylene material is something that you can consider as durable.

Mounting of Free Air Subwoofer – Step by Step

Some Tips

• If you have a sports car, install your subwoofer in its boot or leg space. Because in the rear trunk, there will not be enough space to install a subwoofer.
• If you have an SUV or a Sedan car, you can install it in the rear deck.
• If you want to install it in your boat, floor spacing and the first compartment are the best places. (In Infinite Baffle’s case) After complete mounting, ensure that your rear sound waves shouldn’t cancel the front waves. They should mix with each other to produce a booming effect.
• For this purpose, you have to install the subwoofer in an empty trunk/space.

Adjustment

Subwoofer adjustment is the key point.

Some people claim that their subwoofers are not sounding well. Actually, they don’t adjust them properly.

Here are some tips for the better adjustment of F.A Subwoofers:-

Don’t place it too close to the wall and corner.

Always try to change its position and check where it sounds good. Always keep its face towards the listeners.

Free Air Subwoofer vs Enclosed Subwoofer

Free Air Subwoofers

As I discussed earlier, a subwoofer which doesn’t need an enclosure to mount and function properly is called free air subwoofer.

But they need a small trunk space where they should be mounted.

Advantages

Easy to install

All the free-air subwoofers are much easier to install.

You don’t need any extra technical knowledge to install them.

Space Friendly

These subwoofers are too small that you can even mount them in a small trunk. People love them because they don’t want to sacrifice their space.

Budget Friendly

Suppose you are looking for a subwoofer that gives you more in less. Then you should select these.

They don’t come with an enclosure and built-in amplifier; therefore, they cost less than enclosed subwoofers.

Great Power Output

Despite their small size and without enclosure, their sound quality is marvellous.

They give maximum power out according to their RMS Watts, and sometimes they defeat the sound quality of enclosed subwoofers.

Zero Distortion

If you think that because of open-air flow may cause distortion in the sound.

No, it doesn’t. These are designed to accommodate to give their best EQ with the pressure and flow of air.

Disadvantage

Need Regular Maintenance

These are mounted in open-air spaces so that they may get dirty daily.

You just need to keep them clean periodically.

Their physical damage chances increase if you install them in a peaceful place.

Enclosed Subwoofer

Meanwhile, an enclosed subwoofer is the one that needs a box or enclosure for mounting and working precisely.

These types of subwoofers are enclosed in a box of wood etc.

Advantages

Powerful

Enclosed subwoofers are made more potent than others.

Because they have built-in amplifiers and more RMS power output, their power efficiency is much better.

Tight Bass

Not only their power output but the bass quality is also unrivalled. They give very tight and punchy bass at low frequencies.

Need No Maintenance

Because these are fully packed and covered in a box, they don’t need regular maintenance and dusting.

Their chances of physical damage are also negligible.

Disadvantage

Consume More Power

Because their RMS and peak power output are very high, they utilize a lot of battery or electric power.

Ported Subwoofer Vs. Bandpass Subwoofers

Ported Subwoofers

The subwoofers enclosed in the boxes with ports or large cylindrical holes through which the sound comes out are called ported subwoofers.

Ported subwoofers are more efficient than enclosed subwoofers. Because in this, the rear sound waves of the speaker combine with front waves to give a great bass.

Advantages

More Efficient

In this, the sound waves in the box combine to give a perfect bass experience.

Distortion Reduction

The whole subwoofer is enclosed in a box, and only its spider is visible through ports. Therefore, the sound doesn’t distort and disturb at any frequency.

Frequency Control

If you change the subwoofer’s frequency according to your need, you will observe that the bass is still qualitative and doesn’t shake.

Disadvantage

Port Size

If the port sizes are incompatible according to your subwoofer, you may feel some kind of disturbance in sound quality.

So be sure to design the ports according to the size of your subwoofer.

Bandpass Subwoofers

The subwoofers completely closed or hidden in the box are called bandpass subwoofers.

In this, we kept the subwoofer in a box and closed it completely. We can’t see it from outside. There are only ports from which sound comes.

Advantage

Hard-Hitter and Most Powerful Than All Others

The subwoofer is entirely hidden, and its sound waves intermix each other to produce booming bass quality.

You can say that its bass quality is number one and top.

Disadvantage

Hard To Design

The box is too hard to design and mount. You should be an expert or take proper guidance before mounting it and making its box.

What is Infinite Baffle? Difference from Free Air Subwoofers

Infinite Baffles are the subwoofers, the same as free air subwoofers but only differ in mounting. Infinite baffle subwoofers always require a baffle box on which a subwoofer has been tightened.

But on the other hand, free air may or may not need a board for mounting.

It can mount anywhere.

Can any free-air Subwoofer be Infinite Baffle?

Yes, definitely; when you tighten or mount a free-air subwoofer on the baffle board (made up of wood), it will be named an infinite baffle.

Remember:- The way of installation is the same for both types of subwoofers.

Solutions to Some Common Problems

Smell

If you recently unpacked your subwoofer and smelled some burn-off odour. Then be patient. It will vanish after one or two hours.

Not sounding good

There are many reasons why your subwoofer is not sounding well.

For Example:-

• You have not placed and mounted it well. There may be some wiring issues.
• You don’t select the proper gauge. You may not break it in before use.
• You may not select the compatible amplifier. Your stereo system may have an issue.
• The subwoofer might be damaged.
• If you have a warranty, claim it immediately and contact its respective manufacturer.

Conclusion – THE BEST ONE

All the subwoofers are great. They have their own unique features. You can go with any of them according to your needs.

But please be sure to check their fundamentals before ordering. Our favourite is Pioneer TS-SW2002D2.

It has almost every feature which you should keep in mind before buying.

Frequently Asked Questions