Best 10 inch Subwoofer – Read This Thorough Review Before Wasting Money

Do you want better sound when cruising around in your car? You likely need to add subwoofers.

Factory-installed car audio systems rarely give you a well-rounded sound. They tend to offer decent mid-range frequencies with limited bass.

The speakers need to fit into compact areas such as the door panels or dashboard. These spaces do not allow a large woofer.

Even with extra bass from the amplifier, a set of car stereo speakers still cannot faithfully reproduce the full range of audio frequencies. You can boost the bass while limiting the treble.

Subwoofers provide a solution. With one or more 10-inch subwoofers dedicated to delivering clean, powerful bass tones, you can instantly transform the quality of your car audio experience.

Adding the subwoofers also allows the amplifier to send the higher frequencies to the tweeters. When the tweeters handle the upper range and the subwoofers get the low range as intended, you get a fuller sound.

If you want more bass, let’s start searching for the best 10-inch subwoofer, beginning with these seven top choices.

1. Rockford Fosgate P3D4

To start the list, we give you our top recommendation. The Rockford Fosgate P3D4 subwoofer packs a punch and delivers warm, full bass tones. It’s a 10-inch subwoofer with 1000-watt peak power and 500-watt RMS, more than suitable for a typical car audio system or home theater.

The speaker includes an anodized aluminum cone and dust cap, shielding the speaker and helping eliminate interference. With this design, you shouldn’t notice any unnecessary pops or static when pumping the high-powered bass.

The aluminum cone also gives the speaker a bigger, rounder sound compared to vinyl or polypropylene cones. In fact, this is the only contender for the best 10-inch subwoofer with a metal cone.

Competition subwoofers tend to deliver enough power to shake your entire car. While the Fosgate subwoofer only offers 500 RMS watts and 1000 watts peak power, it’s still a great choice if you want a competition 10-inch subwoofer. When paired with the right amplifier, this powerful little speaker can get your car vibrating.

Installing the speaker does not require any special steps, other than the standard process for adding a subwoofer to a car audio system or home entertainment center. Keep in mind that you may need to add an amp to power the speaker if your car audio amp does not have the juice.

The speaker comes in two different versions. You can choose between 2-ohm and 4-ohm subwoofers. The 2-ohm subwoofers deliver more sound from the same wattage while the 4-ohm speakers give you a warmer, softer sound.

To provide more sound, the Rockford Fosgate P3D4 features VAST technology. Vertical attach surround technique (VAST) increases the radiating cone area 25%, giving the subwoofer more air for louder bass and more range.

While this subwoofer offers a lot of advantages, it has a couple of potential drawbacks. This speaker does not come with an enclosure. Some of the others come housed in boxes for easier installation in your trunk.

Instead of a two-year or three-year warranty against defects, this speaker comes with a one-year warranty. Luckily, these issues do not affect the performance of the speaker. As this subwoofer comes from a trusted brand, the chance of needing to use the warranty is small.

Overall, this subwoofer offers the best value and performance in its class. You get a solid subwoofer with loud, powerful bass. Just remember that it needs an enclosure.

What We Liked

• The 2.5-inch copper and aluminum voice coil deliver a full, warm bass sound.
• The 10-AWG nickel-plated push terminals help ensure a solid connection with the speaker wires.
• The flex-fit basket design and anodized aluminum cone are durable, protecting the speaker against damage.
• This subwoofer is one of the few options with a metal cone, giving it richer bass tones.

What We Didn’t Like

• This subwoofer does not come in an enclosure, requiring you to find a suitable speaker cabinet.
• It only comes with a one-year warranty when many of the competitors offer multi-year warranties.

See our more in-depth review of this subwoofer in this article.

2. JL Audio 10W0V3-4

JL Audio is a dependable manufacturer with decades of experience in the audio market. The company has several subwoofers that deserve spots on a list of best subwoofers but the 10W0V3-4 offers a good mixture of performance and value. The subwoofer is well built and produces exceptional bass.

The JL Audio 10W0V3-4 is a shallow-mount 10-inch subwoofer. With 4-ohm impedance. It gives you 600 watts of peak power and 300 watts RMS, more than adequate for a typical audio system. The frequency range is standard, covering 25 to 250 Hz. It also gives you a standard sensitivity with a maximum sound level of 84.07 decibels.

While this speaker offers a few standard features, it also includes several advantages. You can power the subwoofer with just 75 watts of power but you get the best performance with amplifiers that can drive 200 watts to 300 watts.

Dynamic motor analysis (DMA) optimization gives the sub a tighter, cleaner sound. With DMA, the motors maintain a stable magnetic field, resulting in less distortion when pushing the limits of your audio system. You can learn more about JL Audio’s proprietary technology here.

The 10W0V3-4 is a durable piece of equipment. For the cone, JL Audio used quality polypropylene. The speaker has an elevated motor to give the voice coil more ventilation.

The polypropylene cone helps prevent flexing while the foam surround shields the speakers. These features ensure that this subwoofer should last a long time.

The main benefit of the 10W0V3-4 is the deep, distortion-free bass. This carefully designed product gives you superior sound in a shallow-mount design.

To boost the richness of the bass, the subwoofer has a patented elevated frame, allowing more air flow to the voice coil. This protects the cone while also giving it greater power handling. The result is a fuller sound with deeper bass tones.

With the shallow design, you can also install this subwoofer in almost any enclosure. With easy installation, deep bass, and reliable sound, this subwoofer is a solid option for any car audio system.

What We Liked

• There is a wide range of voltage options, allowing you to use these subwoofers with a 75-watt amplifier.
• It includes DMA optimization to increase stability and reduce distortion.
• If you plan to install this in a door panel or open space, the manufacturer produces optional grills that easily install over the face of the sub box.

What We Didn’t Like

• While this subwoofer fits almost any space, the height may keep it from fitting in some enclosures.
• You may need a powerful amplifier to hear the full range of this quality subwoofer.
• It only comes with a one-year warranty.
• The subwoofer does not come with a grill but grills are available through the manufacturer.

3. Alpine S-W10D4

Another great value, the Alpine S-W10D4 offers decent power and range in a shallow-mount 10-inch subwoofer. You get quality bass in less space. This is an affordable subwoofer but it includes many features and technologies found in high-end subs.

With the S-W10D4, you can drive up to 600 watts RMS through the speakers. The sound is clear and deep without distortion. With a more powerful amplifier, you can get up to 1800 watts. At 1800 watts, you are pushing the limits of this subwoofer and are likely to hear distortion and clipping.

To help create superior sound, the subwoofer includes a Kevlar cone that stays completely rigid under heavy pressure. Speaker cones come in a wide variety of materials but most people agree that Kevlar offers superior durability. It also includes a rubber surround, giving the speakers maximum excursion.

Installation is easy and the subwoofer works great in either ported or sealed boxes.

Thanks to the dual voice coils, you can easily add another subwoofer to the lineup. If you want help wiring your dual voice coil subwoofer, check out this short video on dual voice coil configurations.

These details give you more flexibility in choosing where to place your new sub. However, if you run into any problems installing or setting up the subwoofer, it comes with a detailed instruction guide.

When searching for a quality shallow-mount 10-inch subwoofer, pay attention to durability. You do not want a speaker that will give out within a year. The S-W10D4 includes a reinforced parabolic cone structure to increase stability and reduce wear and tear, giving you many years of deep bass tones.

The frequency response is on the low end, which is helpful for driving a deeper bass sound. It has a frequency response of 28 Hz to 200 Hz, covering the lower end of the bass spectrum.

As a shallow-mount subwoofer, this S-Series speaker has a shallow design allowing you to install it almost anywhere. Compared to previous Alpine subwoofers, the S-W10D4 is an inch shallower.

The subwoofer does not come with a grill and only comes with a one-year warranty. These are minor drawbacks considering the cost of the subwoofer. This low-cost option saves you enough money that you should have no problem adding a grill without surpassing your budget.

The one-year warranty is a little disappointing as many manufacturers offer a two-year or three-year warranty. With the durability of this compact subwoofer, the warranty may not make a major difference.

What We Liked

• This affordable subwoofer gives your audio system a nice boost of bass, especially for its price.
• The durable design increases the potential life of this subwoofer.
• The mounting depth is just 4-11/16 inches, giving you a versatile option for creating a custom car audio system.

What We Didn’t Like

• It does not come with a grill to protect the speaker cone.
• It only comes with a one-year warranty, which may not matter.

4. MTX Magnum MB210SP Dual 10-Inch Enclosure/Amp Combo

If you do not want to deal with the process of installing a speaker in an enclosure, the MTX Magnum MB210SP has you covered. This subwoofer set includes two powerful 10-inch speakers in a solid enclosure. The enclosure also houses the amplifier, making installation simple and quick.

The subwoofers feature lightweight polypropylene dust caps and rubber surrounds, giving the speaker set a fuller sound. The combination of speakers, amplifier, and enclosure make this a top option when looking for the best 10-inch subwoofer.

If you want lots of noise, you should enjoy this speaker. It produces up to 115 decibels of deep bass. Keep in mind that you will need a powerful amplifier to drive the subwoofers close to that decibel level without major distortion or clipping. Click here to learn more about clipping and how to adjust your levels.

With less power, you still get a solid performance from the setup. The medium-density fiberboard used for the enclosure can handle the powerful bass response without the excessive vibration that leads to distortion.

You also get a great range with this subwoofer/amp combo. Drive the frequencies as low as 20 Hz to get deeper bass tones. If you do not know much about audio frequencies, take a moment to explore the audio spectrum.

The subwoofer also features three-way protection circuitry. You have less of a risk of blowing the speakers when testing the limits of your audio system.

What We Liked

• The amplifier comes in the enclosure, helping you avoid the need to purchase an additional piece of equipment.
• With the enclosure, two subs, and amplifier, this set provides an all-in-one solution for upgrading your stereo system.
• The amp and subs can reach frequencies as low as 20 Hz, giving the system deeper bass.
• The enclosure includes dedicated heat sinks to help keep the components cool.

What We Didn’t Like

• While this set offers great value, the cost of this subwoofer may place it out of reach for some.
• Some customers have received defective units but the company addresses these issues quickly with refunds or replacements.

5. Planet Audio AC10D 10-Inch Subwoofer

For the best budget option, consider installing the Planet Audio AC10D 10-Inch Subwoofer. Capable of delivering up to 1500 watts of power, this dual 4-ohm subwoofer packs a lot of sound in one of the most affordable packages.

When looking at the specs, you may assume that this is a competition 10-inch subwoofer. It delivers 1500 watts peak power and 900 watts RMS power. However, it has a wider range compared to a typical subwoofer.

If you still do not know the difference between RMS and peak power, here is a helpful explanation.

Instead of sticking to the bass range of 250 Hz or less, this speaker has a frequency response between 23 Hz and 3 kHz, offering sub-bass, bass, and mid-range tones.

The subs include foam surrounds for a better excursion. The foam is self-dampening, helping to eliminate the wooden sound that you sometimes get with inferior subwoofers. While these materials help improve the sound, they are not the most durable materials.

The rest of the features are standard. The speaker includes two-inch voice coils surrounded with foam while the cone has polypropylene material. However, the combination of features makes this is the perfect option for many audio setups.

The subwoofer does offer several additional benefits. It has a compact design, making it easy to install in a variety of spots. Besides installing it in the trunk, you may want to add it to the rear door panels. No matter where you place the sub, you get clear audio with phenomenal bass.

To protect the speakers, the setup features thermal and voltage protection circuits, protecting the amp and speakers during current spikes and overheating. You also get no distortion even at higher decibel levels.

The flexibility and overall sound quality make this one of the best buys. You can adjust the input sensitivity and the low-level and high-level inputs. The subwoofer also features a remote knob for regulating the bass from the comfort of your seat.

The Planet Audio AC10D is best suited for those who want the easiest upgrade for their audio systems. The subwoofer is easy to install and available at an affordable price. If you want deep, distortion-free bass, you should enjoy the results that you get with the AC10D.

What We Liked

• This is the most affordable subwoofer that still offers quality performance.
• It comes with a three-year warranty in case you detect any defects.
• It handles a lot of power for a budget 10-inch subwoofer.
• The compact size makes it easier to fit in smaller spaces.
• Installation should not require professional assistance.

What We Didn’t Like

• The basket design requires a slightly larger enclosure compared to some of the other 10-inch subwoofers.
• The frequency range extends beyond the lower bass tones.

6. Kicker CompRT 43CWRT102

With the Kicker CompRT 43CWRT102, you get a 10-inch shallow-mount subwoofer with two voice coils. The 2-ohm coils offer a well-rounded sound in a compact design. You can add this subwoofer in any vehicle without any issues whether you are upgrading the audio system in your car, truck, or SUV.

This is one of the shallowest subwoofers in our list with a total depth of just 3.5 inches. It beats some of the previous options by almost three-quarters of an inch. You have endless installation possibilities. If you are not sure whether you need a shallow design, click here to learn more about the pros and cons of shallow-mount speakers.

The cone features stable injection-molded polypropylene, helping to prevent the subwoofer from experiencing flex or vibrations that cause distortion at higher volumes.

The polypropylene cone goes with a rubber surround, helping to round out the bass tones for a warmer sound. The surround also adds to the overall durability of the subwoofer and should hold up to repeated use at full blast.

For the best sound from this compact subwoofer, use a 300-watt to 600-watt amplifier rated for 1-ohm or 4-ohm speakers. With the dual voice coils, you can easily wire additional speakers and choose between 1-ohm and 4-ohm impedance.

As with a few of the other subs, the Kicker CompRT 43CWRT102 comes with a limited one-year warranty. However, it also comes with a money-back guarantee so you have less of a risk when purchasing this reasonably-priced subwoofer.

This sub also lacks a grill. Luckily, grills do not cost a lot if you want a basic cover for the speaker.

One issue that may affect performance is the frequency response. This subwoofer gives you a range between 25 Hz and 500 Hz. With the extra mid-range sound, the sub does not offer the deeper tone that you typically get with a powerful subwoofer.

After tweaking the settings, the frequency response should not pose too much of a problem, especially for experienced audiophiles. Using a preamp also gives you more control over the tone, eliminating any issues with this wider frequency range.

What We Liked

• It features a durable design that should hold up to heavy use.
• This is a versatile and flexible subwoofer, thanks to the shallow depth and dual voice coils.

What We Didn’t Like

• It only comes with a one-year warranty.
• It has a wide frequency response that allows more of the mid-range tones.

7. Sound Storm LOPRO10 Amplified Car Subwoofer

Rounding out the list, the Sound Storm LOPRO10 Subwoofer includes its own built-in amplifier with remote subwoofer control. While most people may not recognize this brand name, Sound Storm should gain more attention for this convenient subwoofer.

The LOPRO10 comes ready to connect to your audio system, housed inside a rectangular enclosure that you can place in the trunk without a complicated installation process. The speakers are relatively small and lightweight. No professional installation is needed.

To connect the subwoofer, you can use the RCA high-level and low-level inputs. While the LOPRO10 works best in the trunk, everyone has his or her own preferences and speaker layout. Thanks to the compact design, you can place it almost anywhere.

This subwoofer comes with a remote, giving you tuning controls that you can operate from the driver’s seat. Adjusting the audio from the front seat is the best way to get the speakers to sound perfect. This is true for any audio system.

You should try to tweak the sound from the same area where you plan to listen to the sound. For example, when adjusting your home audio, it helps to make changes from your sofa or chair. If you try to tweak the settings from the backseat, you will notice that the music sounds different when you sit up front.

The remote control and the easy installation make this a user-friendly choice. It is a convenient solution for your next car audio upgrade.

What We Liked

• It comes with remote control for adjusting the settings from your seat
• It is available at an affordable price, giving you a wonderful combo of quality sound and value.
• As with many of the subwoofers, it includes thermal and short circuit protection.

What We Didn’t Like

• It does not offer the most power, especially compared to some of the other options in your search for the best 10-inch subwoofer.

Comparison Chart

Product	Price	Dimension	Weight	Power	Frequency Response	Design
Rockford Fosgate P3D4-10 Punch	$$$	12 x 12 x 9 inches	18.5 pounds	1000 W peak / 500 W RMS	28 to 250 Hz	Anodized aluminum cone and dust cap
JL Audio 10W0V3-4	$$$	11.6 x 11.5 x 7 inches	7 pounds	600 W peak / 300 W RMS	25 to 250 Hz	Shallow-mount with a polypropylene cone
Alpine S-W10D4 S-Series	$$	16.1 x 12.7 x 7.3 inches	8.5 pounds	1800 W peak / 600 W RMS	26 to 200 Hz	Shallow mount with a Kevlar cone
MTX Magnum MB210SP	$$$$	32.5 x 15.75 x 16.25 inches	48 pounds	800 W peak / 400 W RMS	20 to 300 Hz	Dual subwoofer enclosure
Planet Audio AC10D	$	11 x 11 x 5.3 inches	9.6 pounds	1500 W peak / 900 W RMS	23 Hz to 3 kHz	Stamped basket with foam surround
Kicker 43CWRT102 CompRT	$$$	11.3 x 11.3 x 3.7 inches	11.16 pounds	800 W peak / 400 W RMS	25 to 500 Hz	Shallow mount with a polypropylene core
Sound Storm LOPRO10	$$	15.2 x 11.2 x 2.8 inches	13 pounds	1200 W peak / 600 W RMS	50 Hz to 150 Hz	Rectangular enclosure

Final Verdict

With seven of the best 10-inch subwoofers, you should have no problem finding the right option for your audio system. Remember to consider the ohms of the existing speakers and the total watts available from the amp.

For the best budget choice, go with the Planet Audio sub. While the price tag is incredibly low, you still get a great sound. The subwoofer delivers clear bass and a surprising amount of power.

As the runner-up for the best budget subwoofer, the Sound Storm LOPRO10 also provides clear sound and convenient installation. The lightweight design and provided enclosure can fit almost anywhere. You also get a remote for adjusting the settings from your seat.

If you want the most bass with the least amount of work, consider choosing the MTX Magnum MB210SP. This set includes two subwoofers, an amplifier, and an enclosure. While this subwoofer has a higher price compared to the other options, you need to keep in mind that you get a complete car audio upgrade solution.

For those searching for a shallow-mount 10-inch subwoofer, the Alpine S-W10D4, Kicker 43CWRT102 CompRT, and JL Audio 10W0V3-4 are the top choices. These three subwoofers pack a punch but feature shallow designs for more installation options.

The Alpine sub is a little cheaper yet offers the most power. Drive up to 1800 watts through the speakers at peak power. With RMS, you get up to 600 watts.

At the top of the list, the Rockford Fosgate P3D4-10 Punch is the winner for the best 10-inch subwoofer. It may only offer up to 500 RMS watts of power but you can get warm, rich bass tones at close to full power with no distortion. With the right amplifier, you cannot get better sound from a 10-inch sub in this price range.

If you are looking also for other subwoofer sizes, don’t forget on articles on 12 inch and 15 inch woofers.

You may also want to check our article on studio headphones if you are into these types of applications.