It is a proven, well-known fact that a subwoofer can do wonders to improve your car’s audio experience. It provides that extra oomph factor missing from your car audio system.
But how much does it cost to install a subwoofer (and amp) in 2022? Here’s a quick answer:
A standard installation should cost you anywhere from $40-$200, depending on the type of subwoofer and the required labor. An amplifier, an essential part of the audio system, costs about $110-$130 for installation.
Read more on the costs involved in installing a subwoofer and amplifier in your car in this comprehensive article.
- 🤑 How Much Is The Cost Of Subwoofer Installation And Amp In Your Car In 2022?
- 💲 How Much Does It Cost to Install a Sound System in Your Car in 2022?
- 🤔 Which Is Better: Hiring A Pro For Sub (and Amp) Setup or Going The DIY Mode?
- 💭 Is It Worth Upgrading Your Car Audio?
- ✅ Do Not Install Subwoofer In Your Car Before You Read This! (Common Mistakes To Avoid)
- 💡 How Much Does It Cost To Install A Subwoofer FAQs
🤑 How Much Is The Cost Of Subwoofer Installation And Amp In Your Car In 2022?
Going by the analysis of price ranges on Best Buy, the average cost of the subwoofer and amp installation in your car should cost anywhere from an affordable price of $45 to as much as $200 for low-end systems, and up to a whopping $500 for more complicated high-end systems’ installation. On average, it should cost anywhere between $100-$200 at most.
And this is on top of buying the subwoofers and amplifiers. You might get a package deal from the place you bought your subs and amplifiers, which also covers the cost of installation. It could help you save money.
BestBuy offers deals that include installation and after-installation services. They are legit, and I’ve known a few people from the car audio community who’ve acquired their services. Most of them are satisfied with the services BestBuy has to offer.
The average subwoofer installation should cost should be around $100. $110-$130 is the median cost to install the amplifier. Remember, the amplifier needs to be installed perfectly since a lousy installation can severely damage the speaker system. So don’t be shy to fork out a little extra for better installation service quality.
Also Read: The Smartest Guide To Test Your Subwoofer In 2022 [New Tutorial!]
Let’s look at how the cost can vary depending on different models and subwoofer types.
💰 Affordable or Budget Subwoofers
Budget subwoofers, such as under-seat subwoofers like the JVC CW-DRA8, usually have less wiring with an in-built amplifier and are easy to set up. Although there is a slight compromise in sound quality, they get the job done.
Some budget subwoofers require an amp to provide a decent sound response. The labor cost should range anywhere from $45-$100.
🎆 Mid-range Subwoofers
Subwoofers that cost anywhere from $150-$300 are considered mid-range. These subwoofers are usually the perfect balance between cost and sound quality and are known to provide value for money.
Example
A prime example is the JBL BassPro Series L subwoofer. The installation cost for these models ranges from $80-$150.
Also Read: The Ultimate Comparison Between Rockford and Skar In 2022!
⭐ High-quality Subwoofers
A premium subwoofer that provides top-quality bass and is priced well above the $400 mark also needs a powerful amplifier to go with it. And these amplifiers themselves cost $500-$1000.
On top of that, the installation costs also exceed over $500 for premium setups, depending on the model. So you have to break the bank (seriously!) to buy and install premium subwoofers.
🔌 Active or Powered Subwoofer
These are the cheapest subwoofers to install since they already come with a built-in amplifier, making the setup easy and without additional wiring.
A powered subwoofer installation shouldn’t cost more than $40-$80 via a professional.
View the table below for hindsight about the subwoofer installation cost for different categories of subwoofers:
| Professional Quality | Low-end subwoofers | Mid-range subwoofers | High-end subwoofers | Active subwoofers |
| Self-installation | < $50 | approx. $100 | Professional installation advised | < $40 |
| Local everyday technician | $45-$100 | $80-$150 | $300+ | $40-$80 |
| Expert (like BestBuy) | $100-$150 | $300-$500 | $500+ | $80-$120 |
💲 How Much Does It Cost to Install a Sound System in Your Car in 2022?
The sound system comes with a complete package that includes a DIN head unit, speakers, subwoofers, and amplifiers.
The total cost of installing a sound system in your car will depend on the type of speakers you’ve chosen, the type of vehicle, and the required labor—the charges for which will also vary on where you live and the professional services that you acquire.
Let’s talk more in detail about installing specific sound system components.
🎧 Head Unit
The stereo head unit usually requires only a couple of extra wiring and does not take much labor. Although technical expertise is necessary, considering the price of the product and labor cost itself, it should cost approximately $100-$200.
🔊 Car Speakers & Subwoofers
The primary speakers paired with a subwoofer will vary in cost depending on the type of speakers and subwoofers that you buy. Their installation cost will change according to the type of components required, and the labor needed to install depending on the car’s make and type of system.
If the speakers are coaxial speakers, the cost will increase. If you have an active subwoofer, the cost will decrease. So, it depends. Generally, speakers will cost around $150-$300, and decent subwoofers will cost around $400.
📶 Amplifiers
Amplifiers are sometimes necessary for subwoofers and speakers to power them to protect the car’s battery from extra load. Amplifiers provide the speaker system with adequate power for all components. Good amplifiers cost well above $200 and $110-$130 for installation.
View this table for a better layout of the costs included in installing a sound system:
| Item | Price | Labor |
| Head Unit | $100-$200 | $50-100 |
| Speakers | $150-$300 | $80-$150 |
| Subwoofers | $100-$400 | $100-$200 |
| Amplifier | $150-$200 | $110-$130 |
| Total Approximate | $500-$1000 | $500-$600 |
🤔 Which Is Better: Hiring A Pro For Sub (and Amp) Setup or Going The DIY Mode?
For most people, this is a no-brainer. Not everyone is a car audio enthusiast and has all the skills to install a sub and amp in their car. Heck, I couldn’t even figure out how to connect the ins and outs of the subwoofer when I first tried my hands on installing it.
Though you can DIY by watching YouTube videos and with the help of Google, however, you’re risking damage to the sound system or the connections in your car if you do not know how to go about the technical aspects of the installation process.
So, before you decide to install a car sub and amp yourself, ask yourself these questions:
If you slightly feel less confident while answering any of these questions, it’s better to go with hiring a professional to do the job.
Sure, some pros and cons come with a DIY installation. You save a ton of money (primarily), and you learn so much about the technical stuff surrounding car audio that makes you closer to being an expert.
Additionally, it becomes easier for you to change your setup later if you feel like it.
Assume that the cost of a DIY build will reduce the cost significantly by $300-$400 compared to a professional installation.
But hiring a professional has better benefits:
The average car audio system installation cost by a professional range from $120-$500, depending on various factors.
Personally, I think it’s better to hand it over to the professionals. There is no workload on your end, no extra equipment to buy, and you get quality service that will probably last you until you decide to switch your car or change the system.
💭 Is It Worth Upgrading Your Car Audio?
A new car audio system will 100% enhance the listening experience in your car. Even a minor audio system upgrade like replacing the head unit or adding a subwoofer will substantially improve your experience.
The cost of upgrading your car audio depends on various factors, including the budget you decide. You may choose to upgrade a few components of the factory stereo system or upgrade the entire car audio system with aftermarket stereo components.
Upgrading the entire car audio system will be expensive, of course. But it depends on your requirements, how you build your setup, and your budget.
A car audio system will typically include:
The components of the car audio system will also vary according to the make and model of your car.
For example, if you drive an SUV, you need additional tweeters or a more prominent speaker set with a subwoofer with a complimenting amplifier that can power the system.
I haven’t forgotten the cost of installation from a professional technician. It is advisable that if you wish to upgrade your entire audio system, get it done by a technician.
It is paramount that you don’t face any problems down the line with your audio system that requires you to keep servicing or replacing it from time to time. And a professional installation will ensure that you do not need to.
At a minimum cost with a mid-range setup, a professional upgrade will cost you approximately $600-$800. That is inclusive of the labor cost.
If you choose to hire cheap services, that will only cost you more money in the long run. Plus, you can’t risk damaging your speakers or the wiring connections when the installation is not done correctly or haphazardly.
You may even choose to splurge more money on an even better-sounding audio system for your car. At around $1800-$2000, you can get a top-of-the-line car audio system with top-class installation services.
At least for most audiophiles, this should be enough to get an audio system that satisfies their hunger for exceptional audio experiences.
You can increase your budget if you feel like you could get better quality sound with a higher budget.
Finally, it is best to do adequate research and decide what works best for you and your vehicle.
✅ Do Not Install Subwoofer In Your Car Before You Read This! (Common Mistakes To Avoid)
Subwoofer installation is a pretty delicate task and, if not done correctly, can cause unwanted damage to your car’s audio system.
Make sure you avoid these costly mistakes before installing a subwoofer in your car:
KEY POINTS
Not using the correct tools
Make sure you have the right equipment needed to install the subwoofer, or else there is a risk of damage.Not using the correct subwoofer box
Although most subwoofers come in a factory-made subwoofer enclosure, double-check to ensure you have the correct type of enclosure that is the right fit for the subwoofer in terms of size and sound quality.Settling for cheaper subwoofers
Cheaper subwoofers may prove to be costly later down the road due to constant servicing and replacement since they aren’t designed to last.Not using an amplifier
An amplifier is necessary to provide the required power to the subwoofer and car stereo.Using improper wires
Ensure you are using the recommended speaker wires suitable for the system. It would be best if you avoided thin wires.Not following the manual
Manuals can be boring, but you need to follow the instructions because every subwoofer is different and requires different installation approaches.Check the subwoofer before use
This is just for confirmation that the subwoofer is working.
⭐ BONUS – Tips to Help Save Money in the Long Run!
💡 How Much Does It Cost To Install A Subwoofer FAQs
1) Does Best Buy install car amps and subs?
Yes, they offer car amplifier and subwoofer installation services that cost around $150. You will also have an option to become a BestBuy Total Tech member for $199, which comes with various benefits on protection services, repairs, and installations.
2) Are car subwoofers easy to install?
I wouldn’t go as far as to say it is “easy” since it does require a lot of hard work and some knowledge of the working of sound systems to install a subwoofer properly. Although, it is not impossible. Provided you have the proper guidance and information, installing a car subwoofer is pretty doable.
3) How long does a subwoofer installation take?
It takes anywhere from around 1 to 4 hours to install a subwoofer. It can vary depending on the work that is required. You can reduce installation time with more people working on it. Installing a subwoofer in larger vehicles like SUVs or vans usually takes longer, since vehicle-specific parts may increase the time needed to install the subwoofers. Larger subwoofers also take more time.
4) Is installing a subwoofer worth it?
It is definitely worth installing a subwoofer because it provides a massive enhancement in the bass of your car stereo system and gives a clear, distortion-free bass response. Moreover, the longevity of your stereo car speakers will also increase due to the subwoofer being responsible for the harder hitting low frequencies. It is not necessary to install a subwoofer, but if you like an added punch to your car audio experience, go for it.
5) Can you put a subwoofer under a seat (and what does it cost)?
Yes, you can have under seat installation of a subwoofer. There are under seat subwoofers available on the market that you can install below the rear passenger seats. Typically, the minimum price you have to pay is $100, and installation of expensive subwoofers can go as high as $350.
About the Author
Rach Wellard
Rach Wellard is the driving force behind Sound & Solitude. Her mission is to help you discover the profound impact of sound in your daily life and to explore the beauty of solitude. With a deep passion for the connection between soundscapes and emotions, she brings a unique blend of expertise and personal dedication to our platform.
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