Finding the best subwoofer for under a truck seat is a different game than picking a regular trunk box. You are working with tight seat rails, shallow floor pans, factory storage trays, and a cabin where every inch matters. At the same time, trucks tend to have more road and tire noise, so you actually need usable output for the upgrade to feel worth it.
For this guide, I focused on powered under seat truck subwoofers that combine the driver, enclosure, and amplifier into one matched package. That keeps wiring simpler and makes it easier to integrate with modern factory head units. I also paid close attention to real RMS power, enclosure height, ease of mounting in common truck cab layouts, and long-term owner feedback.
Below, you will find my picks for the best under seat truck subwoofer options right now, along with where each one works best – from budget daily drivers to more refined OEM-plus builds.
In This Article
- 6 Best Underseat Truck Subs at a Glance - My Picks
- In-Depth Reviews of the 6 Best Underseat Truck Subwoofers
- 1. Best Overall: JBL BassPro SL2 Underseat Subwoofer for Truck
- 2. Best Budget: Rockville SS8P Under Seat Active Subwoofer
- 3. Best Low Profile: Kicker 51HS8 Hideaway Compact Subwoofer
- 4. Best for Deep Bass: Rockford Fosgate P300-8P Active Subwoofer
- 5. Best Stealth: Alpine PWE-S8 Powered Subwoofer
- 6. Best Plug and Play: Focal IBus-20 Underseat Powered Subwoofer
- What To Consider When Choosing the Best Under Seat Truck Subwoofer
- FAQs - Under Seat Truck Subwoofers
- Is an under seat subwoofer enough for a truck system?
- What is the best subwoofer size for under a truck seat?
- How much RMS power do I really need for a truck under seat sub?
- Can I add a powered under seat subwoofer to a factory truck radio?
- Will an under seat subwoofer take away my truck’s storage space?
- Is a ported truck sub box always better than a slim sealed one?
- Final Verdict - Which Under Seat Truck Sub Should You Buy?
6 Best Underseat Truck Subs at a Glance - My Picks
1. Best Overall: JBL BassPro SL
“Ultra-slim 8" powered sub that disappears under the seat while adding smooth, controlled bass that makes most truck cabins feel fuller and more balanced.”
2. Best Budget: Rockville SS8P
“Affordable 8" powered under seat truck sub with a slim chassis, full tuning controls, and a clear upgrade over stock systems for first-time buyers.”
3. Best Low-Profile: Kicker 51HS8 Hideaway
“Compact 8" Hideaway with strong, musical output for its size and a rugged low-profile enclosure that fits where many other boxes won’t.”
4. Best for Deep Bass: Rockford Fosgate P300-8P
“Ported 8" powered truck enclosure with a genuine 300W RMS amp that delivers heavier punch and low-end weight than typical flat under seat subs.”
5. Best Stealth: Alpine PWE-S8
“Shallow 8" powered sub aimed at fast, tight bass that tucks neatly under or behind seats and blends cleanly with factory or upgraded fronts.”
6. Best Plug-and-Play: Focal Integration IBus-20
“Low-profile 8" active sub with OEM-friendly integration and a refined, hi-fi-leaning sound that suits cleaner, OEM-plus truck systems.”
In-Depth Reviews of the 6 Best Underseat Truck Subwoofers
Powered under seat subs simplify truck audio upgrades by packaging the woofer, enclosure, and amp together, but they still differ a lot in design, low-end character, and how easily they integrate with specific cabin layouts. In the reviews below, I explore what each model does well, where it has limits, and which trucks and listening styles it suits best.
1. Best Overall: JBL BassPro SL2 Underseat Subwoofer for Truck
If you want a powered under seat truck subwoofer that balances fit, sound quality, and ease of use, the JBL BassPro SL2 is a very sensible place to start. It is built around a shallow 8 inch driver and a 125 watt RMS Class D amplifier inside an ultra-slim ABS enclosure that stands under three inches tall – exactly the kind of profile you need under many modern truck seats.
In a lot of double cab and crew cab trucks, the BassPro SL2 tucks under the front passenger seat or under a rear bench without getting in the way of feet, vents, or storage. That is one of the reasons I often recommend it for trucks that cannot spare space for a larger behind-seat box. The ABS housing is tough enough to live with work boots, gear, and daily use without looking tired after a few seasons.
On the sound side, the BassPro SL2 leans toward the classic JBL voicing – smooth, slightly warm, and controlled. It is not chasing maximum slam; instead it fills in the 40–80 Hz region so kick drums, bass guitar, and low synth lines have proper weight. If your truck’s factory system sounds thin or harsh at normal listening levels, this kind of tuning usually makes the biggest difference to how relaxed the system feels.
Integration is straightforward, which matters if you are keeping the stock head unit. The BassPro SL2 accepts both RCA and speaker-level inputs, has auto turn-on, and offers the core tuning tools: a variable low-pass filter, bass boost, gain control, and a wired remote level knob. In a truck, that remote knob quickly becomes something you rely on, because tire noise, load, and road surface change how much bass you want from track to track.
The limitations are predictable for a slim 8 inch truck under seat subwoofer. With 125 watts RMS and a compact sealed enclosure, it is not intended for very loud systems or heavy SPL builds. Its focus on warmth and smoothness also means kick drums have more body than sharp attack compared with some more aggressive-sounding options. Don't not choose it if your only goal was to rattle panels at every stoplight.
For most daily driven trucks, though, that is exactly the appeal. The BassPro SL delivers a meaningful upgrade in low-end presence, keeps the install neat and reversible, and behaves well with factory electronics. If you are looking for the best under seat truck subwoofer that simply makes the whole system feel more complete without drawing too much attention to itself, this JBL is an easy overall pick.
2. Best Budget: Rockville SS8P Under Seat Active Subwoofer
For truck owners who just want an affordable way into powered under seat bass, Rockville’s SS8P is a sensible option. It pairs an 8 inch driver with a built-in amplifier in a low-profile aluminum enclosure that is designed to slide under many front or rear seats, including in compact and mid-size trucks where height is limited.
I usually treat the published power numbers with caution – the 400 watt peak and higher RMS claims are more ambitious than what you should plan around. In real trucks, when set up correctly, the SS8P still delivers a clear step up over factory sound. Kick drums gain a defined punch, bass guitar lines are easier to follow, and modern pop or country tracks feel more grounded.
One of the strengths at this price point is the feature set. It offers both RCA and speaker-level inputs, auto turn-on, a variable low-pass crossover, phase switch, bass boost, and a wired remote level control. That means you can tie it into a factory truck radio or an aftermarket head unit and still have the tuning tools you need to blend it with door speakers.
The enclosure itself is slim and relatively tough. The aluminum housing helps with heat dissipation, which matters when the unit is working under a seat for long drives. In extended cab and crew cab trucks, placing it under the rear bench or behind the front seats generally keeps it out of harm’s way while still close enough to the cabin to feel effective.
The downsides show up when you compare it directly with the more expensive under seat truck subwoofers in this guide. The overall sound is less refined – there is a bit more congestion and less low-end detail when you play it near its limits, and panel quality is more utilitarian than premium. The rated power figures are also optimistic, so if you push gain and bass boost too far in search of big output, the sound can become boomy.
If you’re evaluating the SS8P as a budget powered under-seat truck sub, it’s a practical option. It’s affordable, relatively slim for tighter truck-seat areas, includes the core controls most users need for basic tuning, and typically delivers a noticeable bass improvement over many stock truck systems. Based on its design and price class, I recommend it most often for first-time buyers who prioritize value and simple daily performance, not maximum output or premium-level refinement.
3. Best Low Profile: Kicker 51HS8 Hideaway Compact Subwoofer
Kicker’s Hideaway line has been a go-to in the truck world for a while, and the 51HS8 version focuses on drivers who need an even slimmer package under the seat. It combines an 8 inch driver, a 150 watt RMS Class D amplifier, and a very shallow all-metal sealed enclosure that is built to survive life in work and family trucks.
The key advantage is the physical profile. At under three inches tall, the 51HS8 can live under many modern truck seats where cross braces and brackets rule out taller enclosures. In crew cab and double cab trucks, it often ends up under the rear bench or the front passenger seat, leaving the rest of the cabin and bed free for tools, gear, and passengers.
For such a compact box, the Kicker delivers convincing output. It does not pretend to be a big ported twelve, but within its lane it produces tight, musical bass with enough punch to make rock, country, and modern hip hop feel alive at normal and moderately loud levels. It works well when paired with upgraded front speakers and a modest four-channel amp, keeping pace without feeling like the weak link.
Kicker includes the integration features you expect at this level: high- and low-level inputs, auto turn-on, a variable low-pass filter, phase adjustment, bass boost, and a wired remote level control. That makes it easier to dial the sub in so it supports the front stage instead of drawing attention to its location under the seat.
Build quality is a plus. The all-metal chassis is rigid enough to keep resonance under control and doubles as a heat sink for the amplifier, which helps during long drives or hot weather. The Hideaway series also has a solid reliability track record, which is not a small thing if your truck sees rough roads or year-round use.
You still have to respect the limits of the sub The 51HS8 costs more than many budget under seat subs, so it is not aimed at lowest-price builds. And while it reaches deeper and plays cleaner than cheaper slim units, the small enclosure volume means it will not match a large behind-seat or under-rear-bench enclosure in sheer low-frequency extension.
If you are chasing the best subwoofer for under truck seat for tight spaces and want a low-profile box that feels like a proper part of the system rather than an afterthought, the Kicker 51HS8 is a great choice I'd recommend.
4. Best for Deep Bass: Rockford Fosgate P300-8P Active Subwoofer
If a slim flat box is not giving you enough impact, Rockford Fosgate’s P300 8P is the natural step up. It is still a powered enclosure aimed at trucks, but instead of chasing the thinnest profile, it uses a slightly larger ported cabinet and a 300 watt RMS amplifier to extract more output and low-frequency weight from an 8 inch driver.
In many trucks, the P300 8P is better suited to behind-seat or under-rear-bench locations than directly under a front seat. The enclosure profile is shaped with trucks in mind, so it often tucks neatly behind the rear seat back or against the back wall of an extended cab. That placement also gives the bass more room to develop, which you notice when you turn it up.
The ported design is a key part of its character. Compared with sealed ultra-slim under seat truck subwoofers, the P300 8P moves more air with less effort in the 30–60 Hz range. That translates into deeper, more authoritative bass on hip hop, EDM, modern country, and rock with heavy kick-drum content. It feels closer to a separate amp-and-sub setup than most of the flatter boxes in my list
Rockford includes the integration tools you need: both high- and low-level inputs, a variable low-pass filter, phase switch, bass boost, and a wired remote level control. The amplifier is matched to the enclosure and driver, which helps keep performance consistent and reduces the guesswork that comes with piecing a system together from separate components.
The main drawback is size. This is not a slim, slide-anywhere active under seat truck subwoofer. If you drive a very small truck or need maximum storage space under the rear bench, the P300 8P may feel too bulky. It also offers more output than some casual listeners really need; if you mostly cruise with background levels, you might never tap into what the 300W RMS amp can actually do.
For truck owners who want deeper, stronger bass without giving up the simplicity of a powered enclosure, the P300-8P hits a sweet spot. If you’re searching for the best truck under seat subwoofer for deep bass, this model stands out when you have a bit more room and want low-end performance closer to a traditional amp-and-sub setup.
5. Best Stealth: Alpine PWE-S8 Powered Subwoofer
Alpine’s PWE S8 shows up in a lot of stealth truck builds for good reason. It combines an 8 inch high-excursion driver, a 120 watt RMS Class D amplifier, and a cast-metal sealed enclosure that is just under three inches tall. That form factor makes it a natural fit under many front seats, under a rear bench, or tucked behind the seats in extended cab and crew cab trucks.
If you are trying to add real bass to a truck without making the install obvious, the PWE S8 is often one of the first models I recommend. The compact design keeps passengers comfortable and leaves storage solutions intact, while the cast housing is tough enough for daily use in work and family vehicles.
Sonically, the focus is on tight, accurate bass rather than sheer volume. The PWE S8 is particularly good at filling in the 35–80 Hz band with speed and control, so kick drums hit cleanly and bass lines gain body without smearing into the midrange. If your truck’s current setup sounds thin or a bit harsh at normal listening levels, this kind of compact, fast sub can make it feel far more complete.
Integration is simple whether you are running a factory radio or an aftermarket unit. Alpine gives you speaker-level and RCA inputs, auto turn-on, a variable low-pass filter, gain control, a phase switch, and a wired remote level knob. That makes it straightforward to tie into stock wiring and then trim the bass from the driver’s seat as conditions and tracks change.
The limitations are mostly about output expectations. This is not the right tool if you are chasing very high SPL or want your truck to be heard from the next block. If you crank the gain and bass boost aggressively, the PWE S8 will start to sound strained and lose some of the tightness that makes it appealing. Setting gains conservatively and letting the sub work in its comfort zone produces the best results.
For drivers who prioritise clean, well-controlled bass and want a truck subwoofer under seat or behind seat that blends in visually, the PWE S8 is a very good choice. It behaves like an OEM-plus upgrade: you notice the system sounds fuller and more relaxed, but you do not have to give up usable space or deal with a bulky enclosure.
6. Best Plug and Play: Focal IBus-20 Underseat Powered Subwoofer
Focal’s Integration IBus 20 is aimed at drivers who want an under seat active subwoofer that slots into a system cleanly and leans more toward sound quality than brute force. It uses a flat 8 inch driver, a compact Class D amplifier, and a tough low-profile metal enclosure that is sized for under seat and behind-seat installs in many trucks.
One of the main appeals here is how plug-and-play-friendly the IBus 20 can be in the right application. Focal’s Integration line is designed around OEM-style upgrades, and the sub works well when paired with factory head units or Integration-series speakers up front. In many trucks, the chassis fits neatly under a front seat, preserving legroom and storage while still placing the bass close to the cabin.
In terms of sound, the IBus 20 leans toward a more refined, hi-fi character. Output levels are sensible rather than extreme, but within that window you get controlled, musical bass that complements upgraded front speakers. It fills in the low-end foundation without drawing too much attention to itself, which suits truck owners who want better sound without turning the vehicle into a rolling demo.
The built-in amplifier provides the core controls you expect on an active subwoofer: gain, low-pass crossover adjustment, phase, and a remote level option. That is enough to blend the sub with your door speakers and give you quick access to level changes from the driver’s seat.
The compromises are mainly about output and cost. The IBus 20 does not hit as hard as the Rockford P300 8P or Kicker Hideaway options when you push things, and it sits above basic budget subs like Rockville’s SS8P in price. If your priority is maximum slam per dollar, this is not the obvious choice.
If you are building a more OEM-plus style truck system and want an underseat truck subwoofer with built-in amp that favours control and integration over raw output, the Focal IBus 20 fits that brief well. I tend to recommend it to drivers who are already investing in better front speakers and want the low end to match that step up in quality.
What To Consider When Choosing the Best Under Seat Truck Subwoofer
A powered under-seat truck subwoofer already takes care of driver, enclosure, and amp matching. In my reviews, what separates a smart buy from a frustrating one is practical fit: clean fitment, preserved cabin space, seamless system integration, and consistent bass at your everyday listening level. So let’s focus on the factors that matter most before you buy.
Cab Type and Mounting Location
In a truck, extended-cab and crew-cab layouts give you different mounting options: under your front seats, under your rear bench, or behind your rear seatback. Before you choose, measure your available height, depth, and width at the exact install point. If your front-seat space is tight, you will usually get better fitment from an ultra-slim enclosure. If you have more room behind your rear seats, a larger ported box will often make more sense.
Enclosure Height and Design
Seat rails, cross braces, vents, and factory storage trays can all reduce your usable space. The fastest way to eliminate poor options is to confirm the maximum height available under your truck seats before you shop. Even if a subwoofer technically fits on paper, it is usually not worth choosing if it cuts into rear passenger foot room.
Real RMS Power vs Cabin Size
RMS power tells you how much continuous output the built-in amplifier can provide. In smaller truck cabs, 100 to 150 watts RMS is usually enough for a clear low-end upgrade. If your cab is larger, or you listen at higher volume for longer periods, 150 to 300 watts RMS is typically a better target, especially when your available space can support a slightly larger enclosure.
Bass Character - Tight, Deep, or Both
If you listen to a mix of rock, country, and talk, a tight and fast subwoofer usually keeps the low end cleaner and more controlled. If you play hip-hop or modern electronic music more often, a deeper-voiced system will usually give you stronger sub-bass presence. In most truck setups, ported enclosures emphasize weight and punch, while slim sealed designs prioritize control and speed.
Integration With Your Truck’s Head Unit
If you are keeping the factory radio, make sure the sub has speaker-level inputs and reliable auto turn-on. That is how most active under seat truck subs tie into OEM systems. With aftermarket head units, RCA sub outputs and on-screen sub level controls make the whole setup easier to manage.
Durability and Daily Use
Under-seat and behind-seat areas deal with boots, tools, spills, and constant temperature changes. That is why you should prioritize enclosure strength, proper heat management, and proven reliability over minor spec-sheet differences.
From my experience, applying these checks first will quickly narrow your shortlist to models that fit properly, install cleanly, and perform reliably every day.
FAQs - Under Seat Truck Subwoofers
Is an under seat subwoofer enough for a truck system?
For most daily driven trucks, yes. A good powered under seat truck subwoofer takes care of the lows so your door speakers can handle mids and highs more cleanly, even if they are still on head-unit power.
What is the best subwoofer size for under a truck seat?
Most truck under seat locations favour shallow 8 inch subs. They are easier to fit and can still provide solid output. Larger 10 inch units often work better under rear benches or behind the seats where you have a bit more space.
How much RMS power do I really need for a truck under seat sub?
I usually treat 100–150 watts RMS as enough for everyday listening in a typical truck cab. Stepping up to 200–300 watts RMS makes sense if you listen louder or drive a larger crew cab and want more headroom.
Can I add a powered under seat subwoofer to a factory truck radio?
Yes. Just make sure the sub you choose has speaker-level inputs and auto turn-on. All of the models I've reviewed are designed to integrate with OEM head units without needing dedicated pre-amp outputs.
Will an under seat subwoofer take away my truck’s storage space?
Under seat subs are specifically designed to minimise space impact, but you still need to check height and seat travel. Some installs work better under the rear bench or behind the seats to preserve front-seat storage.
Is a ported truck sub box always better than a slim sealed one?
Not always. Ported enclosures like the Rockford P300 8P provide more output and low-end weight but take up more room. Slim sealed under seat truck subwoofers are easier to fit and usually sound tighter, but they will not hit as hard.
Final Verdict - Which Under Seat Truck Sub Should You Buy?
If you want one simple starting point, I recommend the JBL BassPro SL2 for most daily-driven trucks. It gives you useful bass in a compact under-seat format, simple controls, and an easy upgrade path from stock audio.
From there, let your own priorities sort the rest. The budget pick makes sense if you just need a clear step up over factory sound, the low-profile option is ideal for tighter under seat clearances, the deep-bass-focused enclosure suits heavier low-end listening when you have more room, the stealth under/behind-seat choice works well when you want the install to disappear, and the plug-and-play model fits best into cleaner OEM-plus style builds.
Before buying, match the enclosure height, design, RMS power, and sound style to your truck and listening habits. Then verify fitment for your exact cab and compare final price. If you do that, you will end up with a setup that feels right in daily use, not just on paper.






