Size: If you are going with a shallow mount subwoofer, then you are most likely going for its compact form factor. Thus, checking its cone or driver size is quite important to check its form factor as well as audio quality. While a 12-inch subwoofer offers better audio quality, an 8 inch one is more ideal for easily fitting in tight spaces. Peak Power: You can also check the peak power rating of your shallow mount subwoofers to get an idea of their performance or loudness. It simply tells you the maximum power they can output and is given in watts. This includes peak power ratings like 400 watt, 800 watt, 1200 watt, 1500 watts, and others where 1500 watts will offer the best performance. Frequency Response: Similar to the speakers installed in your car, you would also want your shallow mount subwoofers to offer detailed audio quality. For the same, you can consider checking the frequency response of your subwoofers. It can include frequency response ranges like 20 Hz to 300 Hz, 30 Hz to 500 Hz, 60 Hz to 400 Hz, and others where a large range like 30 Hz to 500 Hz will offer the best audio quality.
While these features are some of the most important ones, there is still a lot to keep in mind while getting shallow mount subwoofers for your car. Therefore, all the best shallow mount subwoofers given down below also have their complete specifications and information well explained alongside a detailed “Buying Guide” to help you buy the best shallow mount subwoofers by going through this listicle.
Best Shallow Mount Subwoofers
Best Shallow Mount Subwoofers Reviews
1. Rockford Fosgate R2S-1X12 R2 12-Inch Subwoofer Enclosure
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Rockford Fosgate is a premium and high-end brand of subwoofers that you can consider if you are looking for something large and ideal for high-end audio output. The Rockford Fosgate R2S-1X12 R2 shallow mount subwoofer is present at the 1st position in this list since it can be a great large sized option for many. To be exact, you get a subwoofer cone size of 12 inches with it. And this subwoofer comes included with an MDF enclosure for easy installation. Talking about its performance, this is where this shallow mount subwoofer lacks a bit since it has a peak power rating of just 500 watts resulting in low audio levels. Thankfully, its frequency response of 29 Hz to 250 Hz does mean that you can expect great audio quality from it. Being a high-end shallow mount subwoofer, its given 1-year warranty is also to be expected. Best Features:
Rated subwoofer cone size of 12 inch Outputs a peak power of 500 watts Offers a frequency response range of 29 Hz to 250 Hz Comes with a 1-year warranty
Pros:
Large-sized shallow mount subwoofer Includes an MDF enclosure Great audio quality output
Cons:
Loudness output is quite poor
2. BOSS Audio Systems D10F Shallow Mount Car Subwoofer
Even though Boss Audio is a highly affordable and entry-level brand of audio products like speakers and subwoofers, most of its offerings are highly reliable, including the one given here. Boss Audio Systems’ D10F shallow mount subwoofer is present at the 2nd position in this listicle as this is the most affordable option given here. And even for its given price tag, you get a fairly large subwoofer driver size of 10 inches. Because this is a budget-friendly subwoofer, you do not get any enclosure with it, which is to be expected. Unfortunately, Boss Audio Systems does not mention any frequency response range rating with this subwoofer. That being said, you do get a peak power rating of 800 watts which is quite respectable, especially at the given price tag. Unlike what you would expect from a budget option like this one, Boss Audio Systems offers a 3-year warranty with this subwoofer making it perfect for long term usage. Best Features:
Rated subwoofer cone size of 10 inch Outputs a peak power of 800 watts Offers a resonant frequency of 50 Hz Comes with a 3-year warranty
Pros:
Ideal for long term usage Highly affordable shallow mount subwoofer Decently loud and powerful for the given price
Cons:
Does not mention a frequency response range
3. Alphasonik AS12DF 12″ Shallow Mount Subwoofer
Alphasonik is another high-end brand of car audio equipment which is known for offering high-performance speakers and subwoofers, including its full-size shallow mount subwoofer. This Alphasonik AS12DF shallow mount subwoofer is present at the 3rd position in this article because it is the perfect full-sized option given here. As you would expect from a full-size subwoofer, this one includes a cone or driver size of 12 inches. And to allow you to install this subwoofer with ease, it also comes with an included enclosure. And unlike the previously stated Rockford Fosgate subwoofer, this one also comes with a very high peak power rating of 1500 watts for proper audio output in terms of its loudness. Other than being loud, this subwoofer also offers a great audio quality thanks to its frequency response of 26 Hz to 500 Hz. Alphasonik also includes a decent build quality along with a 1-year long warranty in the case of this shallow mount subwoofer. Best Features:
Rated subwoofer cone size of 12 inch Outputs a peak power of 1500 watts Offers a frequency response range of 26 Hz to 500 Hz Comes with a 1-year long warranty
Pros:
Excellent high-performance subwoofer Great audio quality Fairly wide frequency response range
Cons:
A bit large in size for compact spaces
4. MB Quart DS1-204 Discus Shallow Mount Subwoofer
MB Quart and its audio equipment, like its shallow mount subwoofers, can be another option for those of you who are on a tight budget. Despite having a low price tag, you get a decent subwoofer size of 8 inches with this subwoofer. As for its enclosure, you will need a separate one making it ideal for compact spaces. However, if you want a shallow mount subwoofer that offers loud audio output, you should look elsewhere since it includes only a 400-watt peak power rating. It also lacks any form of frequency response rating, which is an issue if you want to get an idea of its audio quality. Thankfully, MB Quart does offer a great build quality along with a 1-year long warranty. Best Features:
Rated subwoofer cone size of 8 inch Outputs a peak power of 400 watts Comes with a 1-year warranty
Pros:
Budget-friendly shallow mount subwoofer Fairly large subwoofer cone size Decent build quality and warranty
Cons:
Not a loud shallow mount subwoofer Does not mention a frequency response range
5. Skar Audio VD-10 D4 10″ Shallow Mount Car Subwoofer
Just per the name, Skar Audio is primarily a brand of a wide range of audio products, which also includes its high-quality shallow mount subwoofer stated here that is great for compact spaces. Skar Audio’s VD-10 D4 shallow mount subwoofer can be a great powerful option for its given size. Even though it has a driver size of 10 inches, this shallow mount subwoofer is still fairly compact. And when it comes to using it, you can easily install it in any enclosure of your choice for versatility and easy installation in compact spaces. You also get a fairly decent and high peak power rating of 800 watts with this subwoofer resulting in a decently loud audio output. One of the best things about this shallow mount subwoofer is that it features a frequency response of 30 Hz to 350 Hz, which makes it one of the best sounding options out there. Because Skar Audio is fairly reputable, it also comes with a 2-year long warranty. Best Features:
Rated subwoofer cone size of 10 inch Outputs a peak power of 800 watts Offers a frequency response range of 30 Hz to 350 Hz Comes with a 2-year warranty
Pros:
Decently long warranty with great build quality Fairly powerful and loud for the given size Superb audio quality with high detail
Cons:
Not the loudest option out there
6. Infinity Reference REF1200S 12″ Shallow Mount Subwoofer
Infinity is a sub-brand of Harman and JBL, which makes it a great option if you are looking for high-quality audio solutions like a shallow mount subwoofer for your car. This Infinity Reference REF1200S shallow mount subwoofer is one of the best value for money options available out there. Starting with its subwoofer cone size, it is a large 12-inch subwoofer making it perfect for loud audio output. Although being a value for money pick, it does not come with an enclosure, and you need to get one separately. While it may not be the highest for the given price, its peak power rating of 1000 watts makes it perfect for all kinds of heavy-duty usage. You also get a fairly great frequency response of 27 Hz to 175 Hz with it resulting in great audio quality. Since Infinity is a sub-brand of Harman, its included 1-year warranty is to be expected. Best Features:
Rated subwoofer cone size of 12 inch Outputs a peak power of 1000 watts Offers a frequency response range of 27 Hz to 175 Hz Comes with a 1-year long warranty
Pros:
Great value for money shallow mount subwoofer Fairly large with a high peak power rating Decent audio quality for the given price
Cons:
Required an enclosure separately
7. MB Quart DS1-254 Discus Shallow Mount Subwoofer
MB Quart also offers more options when it comes to buying a budget shallow mount subwoofer which even includes a few large-sized options like the one given here. The MB Quart DS1-254 shallow mount subwoofer is one of the largest options available out there when you are talking about affordable subwoofers for cars. To be exact, this budget-friendly shallow mount subwoofer features a subwoofer cone or driver size of 10 inches. And similar to most other shallow mount subwoofers, this one also comes without an enclosure. Despite the larger size, MB Quart still features a very limited peak power rating of 400 watts which means that its loudness is pretty low. Not only that, but this shallow mount subwoofer from MB Quart even lacks any form of frequency response rating. However, you still get a 1-year long warranty with this budget-friendly shallow mount subwoofer. Best Features:
Rated subwoofer cone size of 10 inch Outputs a peak power of 400 watts0 Comes with a 1-year warranty
Pros:
Quite large in size for the given price Decent build quality and warranty Versatile installation with lack of any included enclosure
Cons:
Poor loudness output Lacks frequency response range
8. Kicker 43C104 10-Inch Shallow Mount Subwoofer
You can also consider Kicker and its shallow mount subwoofer units if you are looking for something reliable that also offers great audio quality at the same time. Kicker’s 43C104 shallow mount subwoofer is one of the best picks if you are looking for subwoofers made for long term usage. But other than being reliable, it also offers great audio quality with its 10-inch subwoofer cone size. And the only issue with this shallow mount subwoofer is that it lacks any form of included enclosure. Coming back to its performance number, this is a decently powerful 300-watt shallow mount subwoofer. You also get a fairly decent frequency response range of 30 Hz to 500 Hz which translates to superb audio quality. As for the key feature of this shallow mount subwoofer, you will be glad to know that you get a 1-year warranty with it for peace of mind. Best Features:
Rated subwoofer cone size of 10 inch Outputs a peak power of 300 watts Offers a frequency response range of 30 Hz to 500 Hz Comes with a 1-year warranty
Pros:
Excellent audio quality Fairly powerful and large for the given price Superb for long term usage
Cons:
Requires a separate enclosure for installation
9. JBL Club WS1000 – 10” Shallow Mount Subwoofer
JBL is one of the most popular audio brands out there that most likely needs no introduction since it offers all kinds of audio products and accessories, including shallow mount subwoofers made for cars. This JBL Club WS1000 shallow mount subwoofer can be another decent-sized option for many users looking for car subwoofers. With this JBL subwoofer, you get a driver or cone size of 10 inches which is on par with most other options. Just like the other subwoofer options out there, this one also does not come with an included enclosure. When it comes to the output loudness of this shallow mount subwoofer, it is rated for a decent 800-watt peak power which should be good for most. However, if you want good audio quality, then you should look elsewhere since it has a frequency response of 35 Hz to 175 Hz results in average audio quality. Because JBL is such a popular audio brand, its shallow mount subwoofer comes with a great 2-year long warranty for your peace of mind. Best Features:
Rated subwoofer cone size of 10 inch Outputs a peak power of 800 watts Offers a frequency response range of 35 Hz to 175 Hz Comes with a 2-year long warranty
Pros:
Ideal for long term usage Decently loud and powerful Quite small and compact in size for given driver size
Cons:
Audio quality could have been better
10. Alpine S-W10D4 S-Series 10″ Dual Subwoofer
Alpine is a high-end brand of car audio accessories that you can keep in mind if you are looking for high-performance options when it comes to shallow mount subwoofers. The Alpine S-W10D4 S-Series shallow mount subwoofer is the most powerful option listed here in this listicle. For starters, you get a subwoofer cone size of 10 inches with it which offers a great balance between compactness and performance. And just like many other shallow mount subwoofers, this one also allows you to use it with any enclosure of your choice. But the best thing about this shallow mount subwoofer is that you get a superb peak power output of 1800 watts, making it the loudest option out there. In fact, you also get a pretty good frequency response of 28 Hz to 200 Hz making it one of the best sounding options. And being a high-end shallow mount subwoofer, its given 1-year long warranty is to be expected. Best Features:
Rated subwoofer cone size of 10 inch Outputs a peak power of 1800 watts Offers a frequency response range of 28 Hz to 200 Hz Comes with a 1-year warranty
Pros:
Extremely powerful and loud shallow mount subwoofer Quite great audio quality Very easy and versatile to install in tight spaces
Cons:
Not a budget-friendly option
Buying Guide for the Best Shallow Mount Subwoofers
If you are looking for subwoofers ideal for installing in your car, you can find all kinds of options. While some of them are tube subwoofers, and others are large box enclosure subwoofers, you can also find a few compact options for easy installation. One such viable option can be the best shallow mount subwoofers discussed earlier in this article. This discussion includes all the important features and options offered by these shallow mount subwoofers properly explained. However, if you are still confused, consider checking out our ideal picks for the best shallow mount subwoofers:
1. Size
No matter which type of subwoofer you are buying for your home or car, checking its size is highly important. This is important as not only does the size of our subwoofer affect its audio quality, but in a car, it can also affect its dimensions which is very important for proper installation. Due to this, you can find shallow mount subwoofers of all sizes, including options like 8 inch, 10 inch, and 12 inch. Even though a 12-inch subwoofer may offer better audio quality and louder audio output, smaller 8 inch and 10-inch options are much more practical for easy installation while offering decent audio quality at the same time.
2. Peak Power
The peak power rating of your shallow mount subwoofers can be another great way to get an idea of the power output of your subwoofer. This is due to the reason that with a subwoofer that offers a high peak power rating, you can expect to get loud audio output. Because of this, you can find peak power ratings like 400 watts, 800 watts, 1200 watts, 1500 watts, and others. And when compared with each other, the highest peak power rating of 1500 watts will offer the highest loudness making it the best high-performance options.
3. Frequency Response
When you are talking about audio equipment like speakers and woofers, the loudness or the performance is not everything that matters. If you wish to buy a high-quality shallow mount subwoofer to improve your car’s audio system, then it is equally important to check its audio quality as well. One easy way to go for high detail shallow mount subwoofers is to check their frequency response. This simply tells you about all the different frequencies your shallow mount subwoofers can produce. For the same, you can find frequency response ranges like 20 Hz to 300 Hz, 30 Hz to 500 Hz, 60 Hz to 400 Hz, etc. And out of all these different options, the frequency response of 30 Hz to 500 Hz is going to offer the best overall audio quality.
4. Enclosure
Unlike the subwoofers that you may buy for use at your home, shallow mount subwoofers made to be used in cars may or may not come with included enclosures. Even though a subwoofer which comes included with an enclosure is great for easy and quick installation, it might not be ideal for using in compact spaces. On the other hand, if your shallow mount subwoofer does not come with an enclosure, it can be installed in any place or custom enclosure of your choice.
5. Warranty
Upon choosing the right shallow mount subwoofer for your car’s audio system, you would want it to last for as long as possible. For the same, it is always a great idea to check the warranty included with your shallow mount subwoofer. Generally, you will find most subwoofers to include either a 1 year or a 2-year warranty. And if you want something more reliable, then you can also find some options with a 3-year long warranty for your peace of mind.
Conclusion:
In case you want to upgrade your car’s audio system, then there are a lot of upgrades you can consider. Although, one of the simplest and easiest upgrades you can consider is installing a subwoofer. And even if you do not have a lot of space for a subwoofer, you can simply get one of the best shallow mount subwoofers given up above. To help you in going with the right subwoofer, all of these different options have been given alongside their features and factors, as well as a complete buying guide. And on the basis of all these various details, here are our favorite recommendations for the best shallow mount subwoofers:
Even though the Boss Audio Systems D10F is the cheapest option given up above, it is the most reliable shallow mount subwoofer stated here, thanks to its 3-year warranty. For the given price, you also get decent audio quality from its 10-inch subwoofer cone, which is powered with a maximum peak power rating of 800 watts, making it fairly loud. Talking about the peak power rating, the Alpine S-W10D4 S-Series shallow mount subwoofer happens to be the most powerful option present here. Thanks to its 10-inch subwoofer size and an excellent peak power rating of 1800 watts, you can expect superb performance from it. Being a high-end option, its included 1-year warranty is also to be expected. If you want a shallow mount subwoofer that not only comes with an included enclosure for easy installation but also something that is large in size for high performance, then the Alphasonik AS12DF might just be for you. This shallow mount subwoofer has a pretty large size of 12 inch which is paired along with a pretty high peak power rating of 1500 watts. You also get a 1-year long warranty with it, making it fairly reliable.
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