Best Car Audio Equalizers: Top Picks To Improve Your Sound

Get the best sound from your vehicle’s audio system with these top audio equalizers

byNoelle Talmon|

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more ›

BYNoelle Talmon/ LAST UPDATED ON November 10, 2021

A vehicle's sound system can be affected by various factors, including engine noise, road noise, wind, glass reflectiveness, seat absorbency, and the size and shape of the car's cabin. The best car audio equalizers (EQ) allow you to boost or cut the tone of your system in ways not supported by standard treble, mid-range, and bass controls. An upgrade enables you to get a superior sound quality.

Best Overall
Clarion EQS746 1/2 DIN Graphic Equalizer with Built-in Crossover

Clarion EQS746 1/2 DIN Graphic Equalizer with Built-in Crossover

Summary
This seven-band graphic equalizer has six channels, seven-volt RCA outputs, adjustable master volume control, adjustable subwoofer level control, and a two-channel RCA AUX input.
Pros
The signal is clean; there is no popping or distortion. The knobs offer a nice resistance, and the volume control is smooth when turning. It's quick and easy to install and tune.
Cons
The subwoofer channel has a cutoff of 90 Hz. The equalizer has only one RCA input. The knobs are small and, after installation, you can't use the radio.
Best Value

Power Acoustik PWM-16 Pre-Amp Equalizer

Summary
This four-band 18dB parametric EQ has two selectable balanced inputs, front-panel AUX inputs, and independent volume/fader controls. 
Pros
You can adjust the subwoofer volume independently and control low-, mid- and high-range output. It has no Bluetooth or cell interference and has a crisp sound.
Cons
The volume controls only the front and rear outputs. The knobs are small, the unit may get warm, and it has been known to stop working after several.
Honorable Mention

Massive Audio EQ-7X Car Equalizer with 7 Band Graphic Equalizer

Summary
This four-band EQ features an adjustable master volume, adjustable subwoofer level, two-channel RCA AUX input, an eight-volt line driver, six-channel/seven-volt RCA outputs, and a selectable 12dB Low-Pass Crossover.
Pros
The EQ has good clarity and picks up the slack of lower-end head units. It fixes spikes and drops in sound, and you can change the LED color.
Cons
The device is heavy, and the knobs can be tough to turn. The lights are very bright, and it comes with an online fuse rather than one that is built in.

Why Buy a Car Audio Equalizer?

  • Get more options. Many stock head units contain basic bass, treble, and mid-range adjustments. An equalizer for car audio offers you more choices. For example, an EQ can be used to give more bass, less bass, more treble, and so on.
  • Improve the factory system. Even if your stock system is high-end, you can fine tune it even further by using a top-rated equalizer to make it sound crisper and clearer.
  • Drown out distracting sounds. Many sounds beyond your control, including those generated by your vehicle and the road, can affect your audio system's sound. An equalizer for car audio can resolve this.
  • Protect your audio system. The best car EQs can safeguard your sound system by providing higher, clearer volume without taxing components such as the speakers, which can only handle certain tones and levels of amplification. 
  • Customize your music. If you listen to a lot of electronic dance music, you may want to pull back the treble more than your stock system will allow so the bass becomes more prominent. 

Types of Car Audio Equalizers

Graphic Equalizer

A car audio graphic equalizer features a graphic presentation that allows you to visually adjust your audio system's frequency bands. They include several audio filters and have sliders that enable you to alter the sound by shifting the control buttons up or down. The left of the EQ is the low or bass side, while the right is the high or treble side.

Parametric Equalizer

This type of EQ is a step above conventional equalizers. Parametric equalizer devices enable you to control boost levels/widths and the center frequency. A parametric EQ allows you to select a focused boost or a more sweeping one around 35, 45, 65 or 80 Hertz (Hz).

EQ Booster

A car stereo equalizer booster is both an equalizer and an amplifier. They tend to be weaker than external amplifiers, but are a decent alternative to buying a separate amplifier and equalizer, which can be more expensive when bundled. The built-in amp is comparable to most aftermarket receivers, but it also has the bonus equalizer.

Digital Equalizer

Digital equalizers feature a menu screen instead of knobs or slide potentiometers, enabling you to adjust the audio system with precision. One benefit is they can save multiple EQ settings, which is particularly helpful if you listen to various genres of music that require different settings. Conventional equalizers don't have this function.

Analog Equalizer 

The major things that set analog equalizers apart are the physical dials or sliders that allow you to control frequency settings. These contrast with other equalizers, such as graphic EQs, that allow you to adjust frequency bands using a touch screen. 

Top Brands

Clarion Co. Ltd. 

Clarion was established in 1940 in Tokyo, Japan. They developed and launched Japan’s first car radio and first car stereo. In addition to car audio, Clarion covers safety and information systems, cloud-based information network services for vehicles, commercial vehicle management systems, and car navigation systems. One popular product is the Clarion EQS755 7-Band Car Audio Graphic Equalizer.

Massive Audio Inc.

Massive Audio, located in Commerce, California, was founded in 1999. They focus on quality audio products, including in-vehicle, professional/personal audio items. It also has partnerships with the BBC and CBS for audio electronics and figures. One of their top products is the Massive Audio EQ-7X Car Equalizer with 7 Band Graphic Equalizer.

Boss International Group

Boss Audio is the umbrella group for three major car audio brands: Boss Audio, Planet Audio, and Sound Storm Laboratories. The Oxnard, California-based organization has been around for 30 years. They make subwoofers, speakers, amplifiers, mobile video products, and off-roading gear. One popular system is the Sound Storm S4EQ 4 Band Pre-Amp Car Equalizer.

Car Audio Equalizer Pricing

  • Under $30: There are a select few equalizers available at this price, but some are of decent quality. They typically don't offer as many features as pricier EQs.
  • $30-$100: The most popular equalizers fall into this category, likely due to affordability. They tend to be higher quality, last longer, and give you more options to control your audio system than cheaper EQs.
  • Over $100: Serious audiophiles should consider purchasing an equalizer in this price range. These options come with the best features to shape the sound to your preferred liking.

Key Features

Number of Bands

The average five-band graphic equalizer has five sliders with the following fixed frequencies: 30 Hz (low bass), 100 Hz (mid-bass), 1 kHz (midrange), 10 kHz (upper midrange), and 20 kHz (treble or high-frequency). A 10-band equalizer has 10 sliders with 10 fixed frequencies. The more sliders available, the more control you have over the frequencies. Graphic equalizers have fixed frequencies, while parametric equalizers give you even more options, allowing you to select the center/primary frequency.

Other Considerations

  • Front-to-rear faders. Some equalizers include a front-to-rear fader to balance dual amps. This function can also be used with receivers that have just one pair of preamp outputs. In addition, the fader can be used to adjust the system so it provides the perfect amount of rear fill.
  • Bandwidth/range: A parametric equalizer can control a system's bandwidth/range, which affects adjacent frequencies. This type of EQ allows you to further fine-tune specific frequencies without bothering nearby frequencies. For example, if a center frequency is 30 Hz, the wide bandwidth would also affect 15- and 45-hertz frequencies. Typically, this type of tuning and adjusting is used for mixing and recording purposes.
  • Subwoofer output. Filters on the front and rear channels kick in when the subwoofer output is used. They permit certain frequencies to travel through them—i.e. high for smaller speakers and low for subwoofers—so the speakers and subwoofer aren't forced to recreate sounds they were not constructed to produce.
  • Controls. Different equalizers have different controls for things such as the master volume, subwoofer volume, fader, main or AUX inputs, etc. Some EQs don't have a power button and are only turned on when the head unit is powered on.
  • Line drivers. This feature is included in some EQs and boosts the voltage from the receiver to the highest level that the amp can sustain.
  • Mounting area. Some EQs are designed to be installed next to the amplifier in the trunk or cargo area, while others can be mounted onto the dashboard. These are typically placed below the receiver in the factory radio space or below the dashboard with the aid of special brackets.
  • DIN: In the mid-eighties, Germans began standardizing radios to use in vehicles such as Audi, BMW, Mercedes, and Volkswagen. They created Deutsche Industrie Norm (DIN), a term that refers to the 2-inch-by-7-inch opening where radios are inserted. A double DIN is 4 inches by 7 inches wide.

Best Car Audio Equalizer Reviews & Recommendations 2020

This seven-band graphic equalizer features six channels, seven-volt RCA outputs, adjustable volume control, adjustable subwoofer control, and a two-channel RCA AUX input with a 12dB low-pass crossover (60Hz or 90Hz). The device is gold-plated and is intended for vehicles with the negative ground and 12V battery system.


The seven-volt output at 105dB carries a clean signal to the amp. You can tune the EQ to your preference while having an auxiliary input. When adjusted correctly, the subwoofer output is really good, and the signal to other outputs is clean. It is quick and easy to install and tune even for amateur audiophiles.  


The EQ only has one RCA input, which may be problematic if your head unit doesn't have the main output. The subwoofer channel has a cutoff at 90 Hz, which may leave a gap in the lower mid-range if you use smaller main speakers that can't do much in the 90-200 Hz range. The knobs are small and may be tough to adjust if you have big fingers. When installed, you can no longer use the volume on your radio.

This four-band, 18dB parametric EQ features two selectable balanced inputs and front-panel AUX inputs, independent volume and fader controls, and an isolated power supply. It has a maximum eight-volt output. This unit allows for independent control of up to four channels of full range amplification (two front and two rear) as well as a subwoofer amplifier.


The Power Acoustik unit allows you to adjust the subwoofer volume independently from the volume of the full-range speakers. It enables you to control your low-, mid- and high-range output. You can adjust the bass boost frequency and get more volume out of the entire system. While considered a low-end brand, it provides a lot of bang for the buck. The seven-volt preamp output provides plenty of signal to the amplifiers for a crisp sound. It has no Bluetooth or cell interference.


It does not have a power button and is turned on via the head unit. The volume control is limited since it controls only the front and rear outputs. The knobs are quite small, hard to grab, and are stiff to turn. Finally, the unit may get very warm during operation. 

This seven-band EQ features an adjustable master volume level, adjustable subwoofer level, two-channel RCA AUX input and adjustable gain, 1/2 DIN, eight-volt line driver, six-channel/seven-volt RCA outputs, selectable 12dB low-pass crossover (60Hz or 90Hz), and gold-plated terminals.


The Massive Audio equalizer brings out the sound in your amp and picks up the slack of lower-end head units. The equalizer fixes spikes and drops that come from most vehicle interiors.  It has a quality sound and is comparable to more expensive brands. With this one, you have the option of changing the LED from orange to blue. 


Some downsides: The device is a little heavy, the knobs can be tough to turn, the lights are very bright, and it comes with an online fuse rather than one that is built into the unit. If used incorrectly, it may blow out factory speakers.

Gravity has designed a seven-band equalizer with a 11-15V DC power supply and a 7V RMS pre-graph frequency of 50Hz-16kHz. It also features a selectable subwoofer (60Hz or 90Hz), an equalization range of plus/minus 12dB, an input impedance of 15K ohms, and a frequency of 10Hz-50kHz.


This equalizer is well built, and the sound quality is clean and impressive for the price. It's an excellent choice if you own a head unit that you can't quite adjust to achieve the tone quality you want in your vehicle. The equalizer is nice and heavy, and the knobs feel good. It's also easy to make quick adjustments on the unit.


The biggest complaint about this equalizer is that the blue lights are a little too bright, particularly at night, which can be distracting. Some people also note that it's similar to the Clarion, but that brand may perform a little better.

Rockville's equalizer has seven adjustable bands, a built-in crossover, and subwoofer controls. It also accommodates Bluetooth audio streaming. The unit has a frequency response of 20Hz to 20KHz and an input impedance of 10K. The device also has microphone volume control and microphone echo control.


The great thing about this equalizer is its seven bands allow you to quickly fine tune different music without needing to use the head unit, which can be a pain. It is also small enough to easily mount and/or conceal in your car. The adjustability and sound quality are excellent. And it's made out of high-quality components, so it's built to last.


However, Bluetooth connectivity isn't the greatest. It's slow, takes a while to connect, and the range isn't very good. The logo on the unit also rubs off easily, and it may be shipped without the promised mounting hardware.

This seven-band equalizer has a digital display and a maximum output voltage of 7V RMS. It has a subwoofer frequency of 30Hz-300Hz, a 15K input impedance, a frequency response of 10Hz-50KHz, an equalization range of plus/minus 12dB, and a 90dB S/N ratio.


The mids and highs on this high-quality unit are very clear, and the LCD voltage display is excellent. When you turn the knobs, the display tells you the frequency. It produces great bass and even includes an independent bass knob. The sound is very transparent, and the unit is very impressive for the money. Overall, it provides more clarity, control, and signal compared to many of its rivals.


One downside with this equalizer is it is very sensitive when you play your system at a low frequency. This can cause the knobs to vibrate a little bit. Also, the connector is a little weak and may snap off.

This 30-band equalizer features 1/3 octave spacing and a frequency of 20Hz to 20KHz. There are separate left and right input and output controls to adjust input sensitivity and channel balancing. You can also set the input gain controls using the left and right LED visual indicators. In addition, it has a mono/stereo selector, Tiffany RCA jacks, and an EQ/bypass switch.


This equalizer is great if you run several amplifiers, speakers, and subwoofers in your vehicle. You can choose to listen solely to your front or rear speakers or subwoofers and independently adjust the crossover and gain. The DS18 also has a remote bass adjustment control. It provides good definition, especially in the mids, and nice overall control. It's very easy to use, sounds very clear, and is great for the price.


One problem with this product is the directions are a little confusing. There have also been some complaints about white noise and static with this equalizer. In addition, the channel buttons could be a little more solid.

This half din, four-band equalizer features a selectable 12dB low-pass crossover (60Hz/90Hz), nickel-plated terminals, adjustable master volume and adjustable subwoofer levels, two-channel RCA aux input, and adjustable gain. You can also change the LED color from red to blue.


Massive Audio's equalizer really brings out the sound in your amplifier. It is loud and clear, and the sub output is separate so you can fine tune the bass. It gives your subwoofers an extra bump, delivers the right amount of added gain, and takes a good sounding system and makes it great. It can even make a stock audio unit come alive if you are stuck with OEM speakers.


One complaint about this unit is the lights are a little too bright and may start to fail after a short period of time. Also, the equalizer may distort a little at high volume, and the knobs can be a little hard to turn.

Tips & Advice for Car Audio Equalizers

  • Invest in good-quality wiring. Cheaper RCAs may result in humming, buzzing, hissing, static, or popping sounds in your system. Your audio system will perform better if you spend a little bit more on better cables.
  • If the unit hums after installation, check all the connections. Usually, it's not the unit itself but improper installation that creates unwanted noises. Make sure the screws and cables are tight.
  • Don't be afraid to play around with your EQ. The best way to find the top-quality sound is by experimenting with the system through trial and error. Over time, you'll know how to make the best sounds come out of your audio system.
  • The position of your vehicle's speakers may affect the sound of the audio. If you have small front speakers, consider using bass blockers to filter lower frequencies in order to get louder and clearer music.
  • If your speakers are located in the rear of your vehicle, faders on your receiver can either bring the music forward or further back, depending on where you want it to come out.

FAQs

Q: Do I need an amp to use an equalizer?

A: You don't necessarily need to have an amp installed to use a car equalizer. Most car stereos have built-in amplifiers, but it's possible to have a standalone equalizer that works in conjunction with the car stereo.

Q: Can I install an equalizer by myself? 

A: If you are tech savvy and are good at following directions, you can install an equalizer by yourself. If you're not very confident with electronics and wiring, you may want to ask a knowledgeable friend or hire a professional to do the job.

Q: What is the difference between an equalizer and a crossover? 

A: A crossover caps the range of frequencies that are sent to a speaker or amplifier. You can adjust the strength of the signal that's sent to the speakers. An equalizer allows you to cut and boost the frequency output.

Q: Do I need a spectrum analyzer?

A: A spectrum or real-time analyzer (RTA) measures and displays the frequency spectrum, visually demonstrating the amplitude of the frequency bands in real time. They can be fun but aren't necessary because you can adjust your system by the sound alone.

Q: Should I use the factory presets? 

A: Factory presets include options such as "rock" and "jazz" to get you started. The presets probably won't produce the precise sound that you want, but you can customize them to your standards. Some EQs feature a frequency curve on the presets, which can help you to visualize the various EQ settings.

Final Thoughts

Our top pick for the best car audio equalizer is the Clarion EQS746 ½ DIN Graphic Equalizer with Built-in Crossover. It has a clean signal, smooth volume control, and it's quick and easy to install.

If you're looking for something less pricey, consider the Power Acoustik PWM-16 Pre-Amp Equalizer

Why Trust Us

Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.

Learn more
stripe