Understanding the Different Types of Subwoofer Boxes and Their Best Subwoofer Options

When building your own subwoofer box, choosing the right type of enclosure is crucial. The box affects how your subwoofer sounds, how loud it gets, and how deep the bass goes. Different box designs suit different listening preferences and music styles. This guide explores four popular subwoofer box types: sealed, ported, 4th order bandpass, and 6th order bandpass. For each, you will find clear explanations of their unique features and a list of recommended subwoofers that work best with each design. This will help you make an informed choice and build a subwoofer box that delivers the sound you want.

Sealed subwoofer box with subwoofer mounted

Sealed Subwoofer Boxes

Sealed subwoofer boxes are the simplest and most common type. They are airtight enclosures that trap the sound waves inside. This design provides tight, accurate bass with quick response. Sealed boxes do not produce the loudest bass but offer excellent sound quality and control. They are ideal for music genres that require precision, like jazz, classical, and rock.

Features of Sealed Boxes

• Airtight design for clean, controlled bass

• Smaller size compared to other boxes

• Smooth frequency response with less distortion

• Requires more amplifier power for loud output

  
  

Best Subwoofers for Sealed Boxes

Sealed boxes work well with subwoofers that have a strong motor and can handle power efficiently. Here are some popular options:

• JL Audio 10W3v3-4

• Rockford Fosgate P3D4-12

• Kicker CompR 12" (CWR12)

• Sundown Audio SA-10

• Alpine SWR-12D4

• Polk Audio DB104

• Infinity Reference REF1200S

• MTX Audio Terminator TNE212D

• Dayton Audio RSS315HO-4

• BOSS Audio Systems CXX12

  
  

Sealed boxes paired with these subwoofers deliver tight bass with good punch, perfect for detailed listening.

Ported Subwoofer Boxes

Ported boxes, also called vented boxes, include a tuned port or vent that allows air to move in and out. This design increases efficiency and produces louder bass with more low-end extension. Ported boxes are larger than sealed boxes but can deliver booming bass that fills a room or car.

Features of Ported Boxes

• Tuned port enhances bass output and efficiency

• Larger enclosure size

• Bass sounds louder and deeper but less precise

• Best for bass-heavy music like hip-hop, EDM, and reggae

  
  

Best Subwoofers for Ported Boxes

Ported boxes require subwoofers that can handle high excursion and power. These models are popular choices:

• Rockford Fosgate P3D4-15

• Kicker Solo-Baric L7 12"

• JL Audio 12W7AE-3

• Sundown Audio X-12 V.3

• Alpine SWR-12D2

• Skar Audio EVL-12 D2

• MTX Audio Thunder 9500

• Polk Audio MM1240

• Infinity Kappa 1200W

• Sony XS-L121P5

  
  

Ported boxes with these subwoofers produce powerful, room-shaking bass that suits party environments.

Ported subwoofer box with port tube visible

4th Order Bandpass Boxes

A 4th order bandpass box has two chambers: one sealed and one ported. The subwoofer sits between these chambers. This design focuses the sound through the ported chamber, creating loud, punchy bass with a narrow frequency range. It offers more output than sealed boxes but with less accuracy.

Features of 4th Order Bandpass Boxes

• Two chambers: sealed and ported

• High efficiency in a specific frequency range

• Louder than sealed boxes but less precise

• Can be tricky to design and tune correctly

  
  

Best Subwoofers for 4th Order Bandpass Boxes

Subwoofers that handle high power and excursion work best here. Recommended models include:

• Sundown Audio SA-12 V.2

• Rockford Fosgate T1D412

• Kicker CompRT 12"

• JL Audio 12W3v3-4

• Skullcandy Crusher ANC (for casual use)

• Alpine SWR-12D4

• MTX Audio Jackhammer 12"

• Polk Audio DB122

• Infinity Reference REF1200S

• Dayton Audio RSS390HO-4

  
  

These subwoofers deliver strong, focused bass when paired with a well-built 4th order bandpass box.

6th Order Bandpass Boxes

The 6th order bandpass box has two ported chambers, one in front and one behind the subwoofer. This design can produce extremely loud bass with a narrow frequency range. It is the most complex box type and requires precise tuning to avoid distortion.

Features of 6th Order Bandpass Boxes

• Two ported chambers surrounding the subwoofer

• Very high output in a narrow frequency band

• Larger and more complex to build

• Best for SPL (sound pressure level) competitions and bass enthusiasts

  
  

Best Subwoofers for 6th Order Bandpass Boxes

Subwoofers with high power handling and durability are essential. Consider these options:

• Sundown Audio X-15 V.3

• Rockford Fosgate T3D415

• Kicker Solo-Baric L7 15"

• JL Audio 15W7AE-3

• Skar Audio VPX-15 D4

• MTX Audio Jackhammer 15"

• Alpine SWR-15D4

• Polk Audio MM1240

• Infinity Kappa 1500W

• Sony XS-L121P5

  
  

These subwoofers can handle the intense demands of a 6th order bandpass box and deliver massive bass output.

6th order bandpass subwoofer box with dual ports

Choosing the right subwoofer box depends on your sound preferences, space, and power availability. Sealed boxes offer tight, accurate bass in a compact size. Ported boxes deliver louder, deeper bass for bass-heavy music. 4th order bandpass boxes provide focused, punchy output, while 6th order bandpass boxes push bass to extreme levels for enthusiasts.