The Best Car Amplifiers: Your Guide to the Best Sound and Volume

Upgrade your existing car stereo system with these efficient car amplifiers

bySarah Wynder|
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BYSarah Wynder/ LAST UPDATED ON November 10, 2021

The purpose of a car amplifier is to boost a small audio signal to a higher voltage to increase audio volume. In simple terms, it helps boost the signal from your car radio to larger speakers, resulting in louder audio inside the vehicle. Picking the right kind of amplifier can be a tricky task. Check out our top picks for the best car amplifiers.

Best Overall
Alpine MRV-F300 4-Channel Car Amplifier

Alpine MRV-F300 4-Channel Car Amplifier

Summary

Our pick for best overall amplifier because it’s easy to install, lightweight, and a powerful build. It offers a lot of power for its size.

Pros
  • This Class D amp is affordable, lightweight, and has a compact design
  • It’s really easy to install and is best for all four door speakers and a small sub
  • High-level speaker inputs
Cons
  • May experience slight hissing noise at some audio levels
  • Can potentially overheat and damage the channel inputs
Best Value

Planet Audio TR1500.1m Monoblock Amplifier

Summary

This is an affordable and clean-looking amplifier featuring Class A/B technology so it is efficient and distortion-free. 

Pros
  • Can work with factory and aftermarket stereos 
  • Features a low impedance for more power and more volume
  • Customizable for better audio quality
Cons
  • May experience overheating issues
  • Blue light can be distracting 
  • Average bass response
Honorable Mention

 Alpine PDX-V9, 5-Channel Extreme Power Density Digital Amplifier

Summary

This amplifier offers a lot of power in such a small package. It can power all four door speakers, as well as a subwoofer, with no problems.

Pros
  • It’s a Class D amp, which means more energy efficiency and less heat
  • Easy to install and compact design
  • Has a quick-connect speaker feature and a soft start turn on
  • Great sound quality
Cons
  • Mounting options are limited
  • Can potentially overheat
  • Slight hiss at a certain volume 
  • May have trouble powering high-wattage speakers and subwoofers at the same time if not bridged correctly

Benefits of Car Amplifiers 

  • Increased volume. Factory car stereos almost always have a weak audio signal. With a car amplifier, you increase the stereo signal and volume to levels the factory stereos and speakers can’t achieve. Car amplifiers also can produce that coveted bass boost. 
  • Better tuning options. Car audio amplifiers offer more tuning options than what your basic factory stereo would offer. If you’re a music connoisseur or just would like the best sound, amplifiers will help solve that problem. Some high-quality car amplifiers come with a USB port that gives you access to tuning options, and others have a control panel on the unit. With different amplifiers, you can have access to a range of 10 to 175 frequencies to personalize your sound.  
  • Power for aftermarket speakers and subwoofers. Without an amplifier, your car wouldn’t be able to handle the wattage needed to power any aftermarket speakers or subwoofers. Amplifiers help to control the power usage to safely run a new sound system. You will almost always need a high-quality car amplifier to have aftermarket speakers and subwoofers installed. They act as a battery for those two systems because your car battery alone would not be able to control the power input and output, making your car battery drain fast or blow your whole set of new speakers.

Types of Car Amplifiers

Mono Channel Amplifiers

Monoblock or one-channel amplifiers are very simple to use and typically only support a small set of speakers or one small subwoofer. These aren’t amplifiers that would typically work for all-around car audio systems. Though more affordable, they don’t always offer the power you may need. We recommend looking for a multi-channel amplifier if you’re powering more than just a small set of speakers or a small single subwoofer.  

Multi-Channel Amplifiers

Multi-channel amplifiers can range from two to six channels, with four channels being your most common model. Four-channel amplifiers are generally for pairing a set of aftermarket door speakers and/or a small subwoofer. Increasing the number of channels allows you to connect to larger speakers or add a larger subwoofer for a bass boost. If you are planning to add subwoofers, it is best to have a five- or six-channel amplifier.   

Class A

Class A amplifiers have the most accurate sound output and are very easy to control. It is, however, the least efficient when it comes to power usage. Class A amplifiers are constantly on at full power output, meaning it can generate a lot of heat and use most of the power from your car battery. These amplifiers are generally larger than other classes of amplifiers. 

Class B

Class B amplifiers are smaller in size than Class A amplifiers and produce less heat. It is also more efficient, unlike Class A. Class B amplifiers only use half the output of power at any given time because it is on a push/pull system. Instead of two full-power outputs functioning at the same time, they switch outputs, making power usage most efficient. Unfortunately, a common problem with Class B amplifiers is that they can distort the audio quality.  

Class A/B

Class A/B amplifiers combine the best of both Class A and Class B amplifiers. It is more efficient than Class A and there is less distortion in the audio than Class B. Some car amplifier companies have technology that prevents the unit from overheating, but Class A/B amplifiers can build up heat.

Class D

Class D amps, also known as switching amplifiers, work in a continuous, fast-paced output of electronic on and off signals, making them up to 90 percent more efficient. These amplifiers tend to be smaller in size and produce little to no heat. There may be some distortion in higher frequencies, but they produce the best audio quality.     

Top Brands

Alpine

Alpine is a subsidiary of Alps Electric that specializes in manufacturing consumer electronics, including car audio and navigation equipment. It traces its history back to 1967, and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Some of its car-related audio equipment includes speakers, amplifiers, subwoofers, stereos, and head units. 

Boss Audio Systems

Boss Audio Systems was founded in 1987 by Sam Rabbani, and is headquartered in Oxnard, Calif. It specializes in manufacturing high-quality audio and video equipment for marine, power sports, and automotive applications. Check out the Boss Audio Systems R1100M Monoblock Car Amplifier if you want to experience a noticeable improvement in your subwoofer’s performance. 

JVC/Kenwood

JVC/Kenwood, founded in the United States in 1961, was the first company to make home theater amplifiers and anti-theft car cassette decks. Among many of its popular products is the best-selling KS-DR3005D 1000W Peak 5-Channel DR Series Class-D Power Amplifier.

Car Amplifier Pricing

  • $100-$250: In this price range, you will commonly find Class A/B amplifiers with a different range of channels. This is the price range to be looking at if you are on a budget. The amplifier will still do its job boosting audio signals, but you may notice more distortion in the audio.  
  • $250-$550: This is a great price range for a mono or multi-channel amplifier that has little or no audio distortion. In this price range, you can also find added features like more tuning and higher-efficiency options.  
  • $550 and up: High-end car amplifiers can end up costing up to $1,500. When considering higher-end quality amplifiers, check out any added features they have. Some amplifiers can have many features you don’t necessarily need if you want a simple sound system.   

Key Features  

Bridgeable 

The best car amplifiers will be bridgeable, meaning that you can add more amplifiers to increase power supply. By bridging more amplifiers, you can add larger speakers, more speakers, or larger subwoofers for a better bass boost.

Low-Pass Filter

Almost all of the best car amplifiers have a low-pass filter that will help prevent higher frequencies from reaching the speakers or subwoofers. Essentially, it will filter signals higher than the selected frequency and prevent the high frequencies from reaching the speakers or subwoofers.  

High-Pass Filter  

This filter works in conjunction with the low-pass filter, working in the opposite way by preventing lower frequencies from reaching the speakers or subwoofers. It passes signals lower than the selected frequency and eliminates higher frequency signals. 

Band-Pass Filter

Band-pass filters work with both high-pass and low-pass filters to create a continuous frequency range. It keeps the signals constant between high-pass and low-pass filters to maintain the best audio quality. 

Other Considerations

  • Wattage: Every amplifier has a wattage rating. It is important to note, never run your amp to its maximum wattage. For example, if you have a 1000-watt amp and four speakers that require 350 watts per speaker, the amplifier would not be able to provide the power needed, and your speakers might short out.  
  • Size: You’ll want to make sure that you have room in your car for an amplifier, new speakers, and/or a subwoofer. Some amps are very compact, while others can get pretty large. 
  • Wiring: Always make sure you have quality copper condensed wiring to power your amp. The quality of wire will decide whether your amp will run smoothly or not. The standard consumer wire is a 4-gauge wire with copper condensed wire, not aluminum. Bad wiring can cause electrical shortages, overloaded wires, and electrical fires.  
  • RMS: RMS is the consistent wattage your amplifier requires to stay powered on. Every amp and subwoofer will have an RMS rating somewhere on the device; always check this rating.

Peak Power: Peak power is the most power an amp can put out before shorting out or failing. You can usually only run an amp at peak power for a couple seconds before it is damaged. 

Best Car Amplifier Reviews & Recommendations 2021

Alpine is a leader in-car audio systems. This Class D, four-channel amp has great quality sound. A huge selling point is the compact design and weight: It weighs just a little under five pounds. This amplifier is very easy to install and control. 


This Class D amplifier design is highly efficient because it doesn’t require as much power as a Class A/B amp would. It also results in less heat when in use. Even though it is small, it is very powerful and there is little to no audio distortion. It is best paired with car speakers that require up to 75 watts RMS each. The audio is very crisp and clear as expected from Alpine. The audio controls are very easy to use and clearly labeled. 


Unfortunately, at high volumes, you may notice a slight hissing sound. This amplifier can potentially overheat and cause damage to the channel inputs. It will also only provide a total of 400 watts, which can power a maximum of four small speakers. 

 

This Class A/B, Planet Audio amplifier is designed for anyone who loves loud music. It’s part of the Torque series amplifiers, which are affordable and still don’t compromise on power. This monoblock option can push out a maximum power of 1,500 watts at two ohms, and is designed with a MOSFET power supply. 


For installation flexibility, the unit includes high and low-level inputs, while the compact design makes it easy to install in almost any vehicle. A switchable bass boost and a variable low pass crossover let you customize your listening experience so you can have a more detailed and accurate sound. Additionally, a remote subwoofer control lets you easily adjust the volume.  


Admittedly, the blue light on the Planet Audio logo does add an elegant touch to the amplifier, but some drivers may find it a bit distracting. 

This Class D compact car amplifier is very easy to install. It can power most, if not all, of the car’s speakers and a subwoofer if you have one. This amplifier is about the size of a standard school notebook, making it ideal for smaller cars or tight spaces. 


The Alpine PDX-V9 offers impressive power; 100 watts to each—front and rear—speaker and 500 watts to a subwoofer. Being a Class D amplifier, it doesn’t produce as much heat, which is an added bonus for such a powerful amp. This amplifier is stackable, so if needed, you can add more amplifiers without worrying about overheating or not having enough room. Controls for the amp are front-facing which makes it really easy to tune and change the audio sound even if it’s stacked with other amps. 


If you are planning to bridge another amplifier, if not done correctly, it can permanently damage the channels or cause it to overheat. There is also a slight hissing noise at some audio levels. Unfortunately, mounting options are limited.

Get the most out of your subwoofer by pairing it with this Boss Audio Systems Riot series amplifier. This is a class A/B amplifier that utilizes a MOSFET power supply and high-quality linear circuitry so it can handle high power outputs. It delivers 1,100-watt maximum power output at 2 ohms and 550 watts at 4 ohms.


The unit is fitted with both high- and low-level inputs so you can connect it to either an aftermarket or stock stereo. A low-pass crossover filters out the higher frequencies for an accurate sound, while the variable bass boost lets you boost the low frequencies for deeper bass. What’s more, this amplifier is backed by a three-year manufacturer's warranty.


Just as with most Class A/B amplifiers, overheating could be a concern. Therefore, keep this in mind when installing it, and opt for a well-ventilated mounting space. 

Power Acoustik’s offering is a Razor series amplifier that’s built to last. It features a military-grade construction that can resist damage from being exposed to the elements or excessive vibration in its mounting space. Additionally, it’s designed with a three-way protection circuitry, including thermal, overload, and speaker short-circuit protection.


The performance is not too shabby either; it’s a Class D amplifier so it provides more efficiency even at low power. Its peak power output is 2,500 watts and it’s compact enough to be installed almost anywhere. 


While it may be a decent amplifier with both a high- and low-pass crossover, it’s not foolproof against sound distortion, especially when you are tuned to FM radio. 

The Rockford Fosgate R500X1D is an affordable car amp that operates at 300 watts (at 4 ohms) or 500 watts (at 2 ohms) with a frequency range of 20 to 250 hertz. Boasting a small form factor, the amp is designed to fit into most vehicles without spacing issues.


The overall sound quality of the amp is quite respectable for its size and price. Better still, the design of the amp is small enough to fit into tight spaces around a vehicle, like the underside of a seat.


On the negative side, the amp does tend to run a little hot, despite the aluminum heatsink. The blue interface light is also too bright to have on while driving at night.

The DB15 is one of the most powerful amplifiers in Rockville's line of DB series amplifiers. It delivers a peak power of 6,000 watts and 1,500 watt RMS power. It’s a Class D amplifier that’s designed to provide a high power output at a low impedance of just two ohms. This unit is also integrated with a high-speed MOSFET power supply so it can deliver more power with minimal signal distortion. 


To ensure you experience distortion-free music, the unit is designed with a low-pass filter (50 to 250 hertz frequency response) and a subsonic filter (15 to 55 hertz frequency response). A soft start system ensures that your speakers don't start at the high volume they were switched off at so they don’t startle you. Also, for a customizable music experience, it's integrated with a fully adjustable bass equalizer and a phase control switch so you can synchronize your subwoofer to the other speakers in your car.  


However, a few users have had issues installing this amplifier on account of the large screws that come with the unit. Consider hiring a professional to install it for you to save time.

If you are looking for an amplifier with a small footprint, MTX’s Thunder lineup offers this compact option measuring 12 x 7.5 x 4 inches so it can fit in almost any vehicle. It’s a Class D system that delivers 1,000 watts peak power and 500 watts RMS power at 2 ohms. It’s also designed to resist overheating so it can minimize power loss. 


A variable low pass filter and subsonic filter help to provide smooth sounds from your subwoofer by cutting off higher frequencies, while a selectable bass boost amplifies the low frequencies for deeper bass. The unit provides a frequency response of 20 to 200 hertz, so it's a great option for boosting an aftermarket subwoofer.  


Unfortunately, despite the overheating protection feature, several users have noted that this amplifier may still overheat during extended playtime or when playing music at loud volume. Also, it doesn't come with a remote subwoofer bass control as with similar-priced amplifiers.

This 4-channel amplifier from JVC features a MOSFET power supply to provide high-quality sound. At a maximum of 800 watts, this unit is able to provide a decent amount of power. It features bass boost and helps create cleaner, more lifelike sound. It also has protection circuitry for minimal overheating issues. 


The unit is also bridgeable so you can add more amplifiers in the setup to boost the audio quality. It has a frequency response of 5 to 50,000 hertz. 


However, its power rating is a bit low in comparison to most of the subwoofer amplifiers on our list. For this reason, it may not be the best for bringing out a loud sound.

Tips

  • Get professional opinions when picking out wires and speakers to make sure your car amplifier has the right wire gauges and enough wattage to support your speakers. 
  • Look for amplifiers with a DSP (digital signal processor). DSP helps increase the quality of your audio system to near-perfect sound. 
  • Tune your audio system after installation so you don’t cause any fuses to short. 

FAQs

Q: Will an amp affect my car battery? 

A: If wired correctly, you won’t need to worry about killing your battery. Car amplifiers will always pull power from your battery, but with newer more efficient technology, it requires less energy. Getting your system professionally installed is your best option to make sure all wiring is done right.    

Q: How much air space do I need for my amplifier?

A: Most car amplifiers are very compact. If you are looking to install your car amplifier under your seats, watch out for how much heat it will produce. Class D amplifiers are your best option for little to no heat. 

Q: Do I need to use an extra fuse on my battery?

A: Yes, adding an extra fuse is recommended. A fuse is designed to take the punch if anything fails, so nothing else in your vehicle gets damaged. Most car amplifiers will come with a fuse already installed in the unit; this will only protect the amplifier itself. Adding an extra fuse to the wiring for the rest of the car will protect your battery and other wiring throughout the vehicle.   

Q: How much power supply is required from my vehicle to power an amplifier?

A: Depending on what you are trying to power, there could be more than one answer. If you have a 12-volt battery hooked up to a 1000-watt amp requiring no more than 200 watts per speaker, you should have no problem. It really depends on what your goal is when installing a system.  

Final Thoughts

The Alpine MRV-F300 4-Channel Car Amplifier earns our top spot for its compact and lightweight profile that allows installation flexibility, and its reliable power output that can be used to power up to four speakers. If you are looking for an even more affordable option that can also fit in small spaces, consider the Planet Audio TR1500.1m Monoblock Amplifier

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.

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