The 10 Best Shallow Mount Subwoofers – [Reviews & Rankings]

Shallow mount subwoofers are typically designed to reproduce bass, while remaining rather compact. Their biggest advantage is that they cover the lower range of frequencies that most small speakers struggle to reproduce.

The slim series subwoofers with a shallow depth have been designed to fit in tiny spaces on your truck, sports car, or a normal sedan.

With a shallow mount subwoofer, you can add an extra level of power and sound to your vehicle. The same can’t be reproduced by your conventional door speakers (Source).

Add a well-tuned, shallow mount subwoofer to your stereo and you’ll find yourself wondering why you didn’t do this earlier.

Looking for a car speaker that offers durability and an incredible? Consider buying the best 6×8 car speakers that offer sensory experience while listening to music, podcasts or the radio.

What Is The Best Shallow Mount Subwoofer?

Skar Audio makes a Shallow Mount Subwoofer that is powerful yet compact. The Skar Audio VD-10 Shallow Mount Subwoofers are 10 inches in diameter and have a maximum power of 800w. They’re relatively simple to install, come with an impressive warranty, and offer superior value for the quality.

What is a Shallow Mount Subwoofer?

A subwoofer is a speaker used to produce low-pitched frequencies from bass and sub-bass into a lower frequency than can generally be produced by a woofer. People generally seek after Shallow Mount Subwoofers to have a smaller subwoofer placed somewhere in their car.

It can be placed in their truck or in the rear speaker deck. A shallow mount subwoofer is perfect for a vehicle because of its small size and portability. The best Shallow Mount Subwoofers offer a small size with the same about of quality of sound you could expect from a larger model.

Do Shallow Mount Subwoofers Sound Good?

Shallow Mount Subwoofers add low-end sound to vehicle sound systems that might lack bass. While they don’t typically offer as much power as larger subwoofers, Shallow Mount Subwoofers are great for creating a richer audio experience while retaining space in your vehicle.

Comparing The Best Shallow Mount Car Subwoofers

1. Skar Audio VD-10 D4 10″ Dual 4 800W Max Power Shallow Mount Car Subwoofer –  Best Overall

Skar Audio’s VD-10 D4 10″ Dual 4 800W Max Power shallow mount car subwoofer is a remarkable piece of engineering. We find it is the best choice in this price range. The VD series 10-inch dual 4 OHM shallow mount subwoofers have been designed as a very versatile and powerful driver.

No Space Is Too Tiny

Where space or mounting depth is an issue, look no further. The VD-10 woofer is extremely powerful, rated at a conservative 500 watts RMS power and feature a high quality 2″ BASV voice coil. Furthermore, the VD series utilize only the best parts, such as a competition grade cone, high strength foam surround and a two-layer conex spider for high power handling.

These components, in combination with the advanced cooling design of this woofer, allow it to fit in much shallower enclosures. At the same time, they allow it to perform with attitude.

Features

RMS: power : 500 watts, max power , 800 watts, sensitivity: 86.3 DB, competition grade paper cone, foam surround material, 2-inch voice coil, resonance frequency: 41.9 hz, mechanical Q factor (QMS): 4.55, electrical factor (QES): 0.53, total Q factor (QTS): 0.47, Xmax: 11.5mm one-way, force factor: 22.9 N/A, magnet weight: 68 oz.

Warranty

All Skar Audio subwoofer and speaker products are covered by a two-year limited warranty. This, however, is not valid in cases of improper installation, misuse, running more than the recommend power, accidental damage, or improper wiring. The warranty becomes void if the product has been modified or repaired by any other third party besides Skar audio.

The company rigorously tests all of their subwoofers and speakers prior to shipment. Any misuse of a subwoofer or speaker that leads to a burnt voice coil or other damage from too much power is easily established. Consequently, such defects are not covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.

2. Pioneer TS-SW2502S4 10-Inch, 1.200 Watts Shallow-Mount Subwoofer – Best For Starters

Pioneer is quite rightfully considered to be the world leader in the field of car audio engineering and design. Their TS-SW2502S4 is a ten-inch, 1,200-watt shallow mount subwoofer that can literary blow your mind without breaking the bank.

General Features

This Pioneer 10 in. 1,200-Watt Shallow-Mount Subwoofer with Single 4ohm Voice Coil generates deep bass with top-notch sound quality thanks to features like mica injection-molded resin, which enable the device to produce highly accurate bass.

This subwoofer relies on oversized cone structure that provides greater cone and gasket surface without changing its standard external dimensions. The cone surface allows the subwoofer to emit louder and deeper bass by moving more air. The mounting depth is less than half that of a typical subwoofer in this class.

Power & Technical Specs

Although its peak power is 1,200 watts, the manufacturer recommends a working range of 100-300 watts, at which you will be enjoying a frequency response between 20 and 125 Hz. This model’s mounting depth ranges from three to just one-eighth of the inch.

Last but not least, TS-SW2502S4 features a sealed box volume ranging between 0.35-0.7 cubic feet, while the ported box volume is between 0.5 and 0.7 cubic feet.

3. Rockville RW8CA 8″ 600 Watt Low Profile Under-Seat Active Powered Car Subwoofer – Subwoofer With Simplest Installation

The RW8CA is a universal solution to give you great sounding bass in your hot rod or muscle car without taking up a ton of space. This sub enclosure is only 2.7″ thick, so it can easily fit under your seat.

Easy Installation

The amplifier is built in, so installation and wiring is easy and clean. This unit is designed with the user in mind from start to finish. The model is fitted with high level inputs, so you don’t need a remote wire from your receiver to trigger the unit on and off.

Using the high level input is also the fastest and easiest way to install an aftermarket amp subwoofer combination, since you do not have to remove the receiver. You simply use the high level input and wire it to one of your speakers.

The smart circuit will sense that an audio signal is present and turn on your radio. When you turn the music off, the amplifier built into this subwoofer system will automatically turn itself off. Another thing the manufacturer did to make installation a breeze is put all the inputs and outputs on one side.

Modest Power

This model sits at number 3 on our list, because for its relatively high retail price it generates only 600 watts of peak power and 150 watts RMS. It gives the end user little comfort knowing that RW8CA is CEA-2006 compliant, which means the ratings are approved by a third party, so its owner can be 100% sure that this item will produce the full power indicated by manufacturer.

Money Back Guarantee

If you are not happy with a given Rockville product, the company promises to take it back within 30 days of the reception date and fully refund the customer.

Some Extras

This model is fitted with some amazing controls, so you can tweak the sound to your liking. It has a level control for the volume, a subsonic filter to filter out the really low frequencies that the human ear cannot perceive. RW8CA also has a low pass crossover filter, phase control, and bass boost. A remote bass knob and some mounting hardware are also included in the package.

4. Planet Audio AC10D 1500 Watt, 10 Inch, Dual 4 Ohm Voice Coil Car Subwoofer – Most Versatile

The AC10D is a medium-tier product. It is designed to work in a sealed or ported enclosure. As the woofer is equipped with pole-vent, it needs a minimum clearance from the rear wall of the enclosure of 0.75-inch (19 mm). This model has been designed for maximum output, while retaining great sound quality.

Break-in Period

Planet Audio advises that their AC10D subwoofer go through a short but important process of ‘break-in’ before it is run under harsh conditions. The ‘break-in’ process will ensure the subwoofer is capable of performing as it has been designed to.

This process involves subjecting the subwoofer to no more than low-to-medium volume levels for a number of hours in the enclosure. Three or four hours are generally sufficient for the subwoofer’s suspension to loosen enough to prevent the voice coils from overheating and malfunctioning.

The break-in period is also essential for extending this subwoofer’s life. Overdriving the woofer before it has been properly broken in usually results in poor performance and early failure.

General Features

Once the break-in period is over, you can run this subwoofer at its peak performance. It’s made of a polypropylene cone that is resilient and durable to provide a great sound that will last for a long time.

To keep the cone centered, self-damping foam surround has been used to reduce standing waves. The voice coil is made of aluminum, so it is of low density and resists corrosion.

5. BOSS Audio P100F 1200 Watt, 10 Inch, Single 4 Ohm Voice Coil, Shallow Mount Car Subwoofer – Most Affordable

For a relatively cheap product, the P100F model by Boss Audio kicks really damn hard! However, do not be tempted to max it out from the start, as an initial break-in period is recommended by the manufacturer.

Tremendous Bass Output

With its wicked design and frightening 1,200 watts of bass output, the P100F 10″ Phantom Series Low-Profile Subwoofer from Boss Audio Systems is a striking upgrade to your car’s audio system.

The 4ohm single voice coil has a free air resonance of 48Hz. With a metallic black finish that accents any interior and a poly injection cone, the P100F produces both looks and sound that impress. The 3″ mounting depth is a nice extra.

Three-Year Warranty

You get a three-year Platinum Online Dealer Warranty that is valid only on products sold or shipped by Amazon.com. This offer is not valid on purchases made from third party market place retailers.

6. Rockford Fosgate P3SD2-8 8″ Dual 2-Ohm Punch Series Shallow Mount Car Subwoofer – Most Innovative

Low Weight and High Wattage

This subwoofer is perfect for both sealed and vented enclosures, weighing in at an impressive 8.8 pounds and outputting about 300 watts. It requires 1 12V battery to work correctly and comes with a nice 2.5 inches of depth.

1-Year Warranty

As always, Rockford Fosgate comes with a helpful 1-year warranty, so don’t worry if this subwoofer turns out to not be the correct one for you and your needs. This unit also comes with a new venting system. This is created to keep the motor running cool and undisturbed by outside forces.

Hybrid Design

It also comes with a new hybrid design meant to give optimal strength without sacrificing the small amount of weight to the subwoofer. The amp you use is up to you, but most reviewers recommend JL audio.

7. Kicker 8 Inch Dual 600 Watt CompRT 2 Ohm Shallow Slim Car Subwoofer | 43CWRT82 – Best Compact Subwoofer

7.3 pounds and 600 Watts

A good amount of kick for such a small sub, weighing in at about 7.3 pounds this subwoofer is able to pump out about 600 Watts. It is equipped with Santoprene surround and the impressive SoloKonTM technology setup.

Standard Screen

This does not come with a standard screen or cover for the front to block from damage, but most users don’t have too much trouble with using this product.

Fits Like a Charm

You may need to play around with the screws on this subwoofer to make sure it fits well on the machine that you are attaching it to, but once it goes on it stays on like a charm. For its size and weight, this is a great choice for anyone who has the ability to expand their budget a bit.

8. Kicker CompR 8″ 2-Ohm Subwoofer – Best For Every Budget

Good on a Budget

Coming in at the decent pricing of $75, this is a great choice for anyone’s budget. It deals the same amount of wattage of 600 watts when compared to the more expensive units, and it weighs in at about 7.2 pounds.

All-Polypropylene Cone

This subwoofer comes with an all-polypropylene cone, ribbed Santoprene Surround, and a stamped steel basket for protection. This subwoofer is wired for 2-ohm in parallel and 4 ohm in series. Be sure to know exactly what your needs are beforehand and what your car needs as well before you invest in this product.

Does Well in the Trunk

This subwoofer should do well if placed in the trunk of your car but for several reasons would not do as well in the side door of your car, as it is not built for those capabilities.

9. Skar Audio IX-8 D2 8″ 300 Watt Max Power Dual 2 Ohm Car Subwoofer – High-Performance Subwoofer System

Amazon’s Choice

This one has been made Amazon’s Choice for a reason. Coming in at an impressive $40 and weighing in at 7.2 pounds, this is a great choice for anyone. Skar Audio is a very trustworthy brand as well, as many customers on Amazon can attest to.

300 Watts

The peak power of this small subwoofer is about 300 watts, but many say that it is able to outperform 1000-watt subwoofers with the right setup and car.

Cooling System

It comes with a 2-inch BASV premium voice coil and with an advanced airflow cooling design. Overheating is not something to worry about with this little machine. This is a fine choice for anyone looking to up the bass in their car, preferably a smaller car that does not need as much power as others.

10. Skar Audio EVL-65 D2 6.5″ 400 Watt Max Power Dual 2 Ohm Car Subwoofer – Small And Lightweight

Cheap and Compact

Another great choice from Skar Audio, this $60 subwoofer weighs in at about 7.8 pounds. It gives out an impressive 400 watts while being about 6.5 inches wide, an incredible feat.

2-Year Warranty

It is an extremely small and compact subwoofer with hard hitting bass, with a 2-inch copper voice coil, giving it a sensitivity of 83.1 dB. It comes with a 2-year warranty, so there is plenty of time for you to play around with this device to make sure that is the right one for you.

Good Choice

It is one of the lightest and smallest subwoofers with 400 watts on the market. As it is a dual 2-ohm subwoofer, it is a good choice for any vehicle that needs a bass boost.

How To Install a Shallow Mount Subwoofer

The first thing to consider when installing your Shallow Mount Subwoofer is to make sure that you have a good place to install it in your vehicle.

Large trunks make the best homes for these subwoofers, although many models are fairly small so this should not be too much of a problem for you.

The biggest concern is the heat that is generated from the subwoofer, so make sure that the woofer has breathing room and is away from anything that could catch a flame. This is extremely unlikely, but in the spirit of fair warnings I want to make that clear.

You may need to buy a wiring kit online in order to start the process. When you are ready, disconnect the negative battery terminal. You will then run the power cable to the subwoofer.

Some kits have the connection assembly put together already, but if not, you can crimp the terminal ring and attach the fuse holder to the other end of the battery.

You will then run the turn-on wire and signal cables to your stereo. The next connection is the ground wire, which should be connected to something called the chassis. At this point you can mount your subwoofer in the proper location and make all of your connections.

Turn the subwoofer all the way down before you give it a test and gradually turn it up. This should be all it takes to set up your subwoofer!

Factors To Consider Before Purchasing A Shallow Mount Car Subwoofer

The following factors should be taken into consideration if you are planning to start shopping around for a shallow mount car subwoofer:

1. Price

As with any other purchase, budget planning is crucial for making the right product choice. Please note that the top-tier products are relatively pricy, but this does not necessarily mean they produce the best sound.

2. Frequency Of Use

If you are planning to use your shallow mount subwoofer every day, we recommend that you purchase it from a reputed manufacturer, even if the retail price may be a bit high. On the other hand, if you are going to use the subwoofer occasionally, then you can shop around for a medium-tier product and save a ton of cash.

If you want an extra subwoofer in your car, consider buying a 15-inch subwoofer. It produces a sound that appears to come at once from all directions. It changes fluctuating electric audio signals to airwaves, which is perceived as sound by the ear.

3. Warranty

This factor is not to be underestimated. As with any other product, some shallow mount automobile subwoofers are manufactured with higher quality components. Thus, the manufacturer is inclined to provide longer warranty on them. If you pay less for a medium-class product, the best you can expect is average warranty length.

4. Installation

For ultimate performance, we recommend that all products reviewed above are installed by a qualified professional. Please, do not try to install your shallow mount car subwoofer yourself, unless you have the necessary training.

Ready To Buy The Best Shallow Mount Subwoofers?

Thank you for reading our review dedicated to this year’s top five best shallow mount car subwoofers. All of the products discussed above are engineered with safety and high performance in mind.

As with any other item, your shallow mount car subwoofer will need regular cleaning and maintenance, so as to serve you over a longer period of time.

However, you will most certainly want to return it and have it replaced in case it suddenly breaks down, so our final tip is to find a seller that covers such costs, at least partially.

If you want full, quality sound from your vehicle audio system, consider adding the best under seat subwoofers. It will give you some of the basses that’s been missing. They’re designed for smaller, enclosed spaces.