10 inch subwoofers are one of the most popular subwoofer sizes for cars. These subs deliver tight, punchy bass, and handle enough
power to deliver true, sub-bass output. There are so many different options out there and it can be a challenge to determine which subwoofer is right for your vehicle
and your installation.
There are several different tiers and types of subwoofers and the right subwoofer will depend on your budget, your amplifier, your vehicle, and how much
cargo space you want to keep or sacrifice for the sake of bass. We are here to provide an honest opinion and to also steer you in the right direction. We aren't a media company
or an affiliate site that is trying to redirect you somewhere to sell you something because that's what the "other guy" sells or stocks. Instead, we are online authorized to sell the best products from
the best car audio brands in the world. If a list is linking to a Boss, Pioneer, or Pyle subwoofer in their "Best Of" List, are those really the best?
In this guide, we will walk you through our favorite products and you can always call, email, or chat with us if you have any further questions with choosing the right 10 inch subwoofer
for your vehicle.
Best Overall
JL Audio 10W6v3-D4
$799.99
A 10" subwoofer that absolutely hammers from the most iconic name in car subwoofers. 600 watts of RMS power handling and very little air space required.
Best Value
Rockford Fosgate P3
$199.99
Affordable performance. The P3's are the "go-to" subwoofer in Rockford Fosgate's product line. Great power handling, great output, priced right.
Best Low Profile Value
Kicker Comp RT
$199.99
This is our favorite low profile subwoofer. Yes, there are better options, but not for the money. The CompRT is close to the TW3 and half the cost.
#1 Overall 10 Inch Subwoofer
JL Audio 10W6v3-D4
The JL Audio 10W6v3-D4 is our favorite 10 inch subwoofer. JL Audio is known for their subwoofers and the 10W6v3-4 is our favorite. Yes, the W7 is the top of the line and it handles more power it's more expensive, but it lacks the "punch to your chest" that the W6 offers. These subwoofers hit incredibly
hard and need very little air space when you compare them to other subwoofers with similar power handling. The JL Audio subwoofers just sound better. You get what you pay for and
the output from this subwoofer is simply unmatched. These subwoofers only come in a single 4 ohm voice coil, so you will need a high power amplifier if you are only running 1 subwoofer or you can run 2 subwoofers to a 2 ohm load
and a 1000 watt JL amplifier will sound incredible.
- Price: $799.99
- RMS Power Handling: 600W
- Voice Coils: 4 Ohm DVC
- Mounting Depth: 6.89"
- Xmax (Max Linear Excursion): 19mm
- Sealed Enclosure Volume: .55 cu. ft.
- Ported Enclosure Volume: .75 cu. ft.
Pros:
- Feel it In Your Chest Output
- Super Accurate
- 600W RMS is Really Good for a 10"
- It's JL Audio. It's Going to Sound Incredible
Cons:
- Only available in 4 Ohm DVC
- 2 Subwoofer Application Limit JL Audio Amplifier Choices
- Fairly Expensive
Best 10 Inch Subwoofer Value
Rockford Fosgate P3
It is really hard to pass on the Rockford Fosgate P3 10 inch subwoofers. These subwoofers can handle a ton of power and for the money, you will not find better output. Yes, the 10W6 is probably more accurate, but
if you are a bass head and looking for the hardest hitting bass for your money, the Rockford Fosgate P3 10 inch subwoofers will deliver. The P3 is available in both 2 ohm and 4 ohm DVC models, allowing you to wire your subwoofer(s)
to 1, 2, or 4 ohms, regardless of how many subwoofers you install. This will allow you to maximize the power output of your amplifier and you have the option if you want to go down to a 1 ohm stable amplifier with a single subwoofer.
From an enclosure standpoint, the P3's work with both sealed and ported enclosures and while they need some air to breate, it isn't any crazy.
- Price: $199.99
- RMS Power Handling: 500W
- Voice Coils: 2 & 4 Ohm DVC
- Mounting Depth: 6.18"
- Xmax (Max Linear Excursion): 15.2mm
- Sealed Enclosure Volume: .59 cu. ft.
- Ported Enclosure Volume: 1.4 cu. ft.
Pros:
- 500W RMS
- Available in 2 Ohm & 4 Ohm DVC
- Very little air space required for sealed enclosures
Cons:
- Vented enclosure requirements are create a bulky box.
JL Audio W3v3
So if you are ready to move out of entry-level subwoofers and get yourself something that can handle some power, the JL Audio W3v3 is an ideal step-up subwoofer. The 10W3v3 comes in a single 2 ohm or single 4 ohm voice coil and can handle 500 watts RMS.
The 10 inch JL Audio W3 subwoofers have been around forever and this is JL's third version of these proven performers. With 500 watts RMS power handling, a rubber surround, and a clean appearance with just a small emblem at the bottom,
the JL Audio W3 10 inch subwoofers not only perform, but they look super clean when installed.
- Price: $399.99
- RMS Power Handling: 500W
- Voice Coils: 2 & 4 Ohm SVC
- Mounting Depth: 5.93"
- Xmax (Max Linear Excursion): 14mm
- Sealed Enclosure Volume: .625 cu. ft.
- Ported Enclosure Volume: 1.25 cu. ft.
Pros:
- 500W RMS
- Available in 2 Ohm & 4 Ohm SVC
- JL Audio quality is unsurpassed
Best Value Mid-Level 10 Inch Subwoofer
Kicker Comp R
The Kicker Comp R 10 inch subwoofer deliver incredible value. You could easily put these up with the Rockford Fosgate P3, but we like the P3 a little bit more because of the increased power handling.
When you look at the power handling and price point of the CompR subwoofers, it's hard to justify not stepping up to these versus some of the lower end, entry level subwoofers. The 10 inch CompR costs $149.99 while the CompC, which handles less power costs $109.99. You get way more subwoofer
for only a little bit more money.
- Price: $149.99
- RMS Power Handling: 400W
- Voice Coils: 2 & 4 Ohm SVC
- Mounting Depth: 5.25"
- Xmax (Max Linear Excursion): 14mm
- Sealed Enclosure Volume: .8-1.25 cu. ft.
- Ported Enclosure Volume: 1.25-1.75 cu. ft.
Pros:
- Great sounding woofer
- Available in 2 Ohm & 4 Ohm DVC
- Price Point
Cons:
- Enclosure requirements are larger than comparable subwoofers.
Best Entry Level 10 Inch Subwoofer
JL Audio W0
The JL Audio W0v3 10 inch subwoofers are the gold standard among entry-level subwoofers. You might even consider these step-up subwoofers when you compare specs with other entry level products. But, there's a reason
these aren't necessarily the cheapest subwoofers and that's because the W0s hit hard, they sound great, and they last. There's something about JL Audio subwoofers and they simply out perform
their power handling when compared head to head against other subwoofers with similar specs. The 10 inch W0 is not exception. If you are buying your first subwoofer(s) and you want to do it right the first time,
cry once and go with the W0.
- Price: $129.99
- RMS Power Handling: 300W
- Voice Coils: 4 Ohm SVC
- Mounting Depth: 4.90"
- Xmax (Max Linear Excursion): 11.4mm
- Sealed Enclosure Volume: .625 cu. ft.
- Ported Enclosure Volume: 1.25 cu. ft.
Pros:
- The gold standard for entry level subwoofers
- Reliable, hard-hitting performance
- Entry level subwoofer with step-up subwoofer specs
Cons:
- Expensive for an entry level subwoofer
- Only available in 4 ohm SVC
Best Cheap 10 Inch Subwoofer
Kicker CompC
If you are looking for cheap 10 inch subwoofers, we recommend the Kicker Comp C 10 inch subwoofer. Kicker offers their Comp line which is a step-down from CompC, and they are slightly cheaper, but the CompC is definitely the way to go for a "cheap" 10 inch sub. Now, you may be saying, "That's not a cheap subwoofer." Let us explain. You don't want to deal with a $50 10-inch subwoofer. It's that cheap for a reason. How many times do you want to go back and
forth, taking the subwoofer out, replacing it, and installing the new one. How much is your time worth? How annoyed will you be when you are driving around hearing your subwoofer fart because it's blown, but you haven't had time
to take it out and get it warrantied? How many times are you going to go through that process? We say "Zero!" Go with the Kicker CompC, give it the power it wants, and get a good, cheap subwoofer.
- Price: $109.99
- RMS Power Handling: 250W
- Voice Coils: 4 Ohm SVC & DVC
- Mounting Depth: 4.8125"
- Xmax (Max Linear Excursion): 10.3mm
- Sealed Enclosure Volume: 1.0-2.4 cu. ft.
- Ported Enclosure Volume: 1.25-1.75 cu. ft.
Pros:
- Price point
- Available in 4 Ohm SVC & DVC configurations for installation flexibility
- Legendary Kicker performance
Cons:
- Large enclosure requirements given the power handling and output
Best Overall 10 Inch Low Profile Subwoofer
JL Audio TW3
10 inch low profile subwoofers are perfect for installing under the rear seat of a crew cab truck, behind the seat of a single cab truck, or in any car or SUV where you want bass, but you want to keep your cargo space.
The JL Audio 10TW3 10 inch subwoofers deliver superior output while taking up very little space. The sealed enclosure specs on these subwoofers is incredible. The boxes are super compact, the subwoofers can handle 400 watts of power,
and you get output that is very similar to that of a W3 with a subwoofer that takes up significantly less space. The JL Audio 10TW3 subwoofers aren't necessarily cheap, but you get what you pay for.
- Price: $499.99
- RMS Power Handling: 400W
- Voice Coils: 4 & 8 Ohm DVC
- Mounting Depth: 3.25"
- Xmax (Max Linear Excursion): 15.2mm
- Sealed Enclosure Volume: .5 cu. ft.
- Ported Enclosure Volume: .6 cu. ft.
Pros:
- 400W RMS
- Available in 4 Ohm & 8 Ohm DVC for installation flexibility
- Very little air space required for sealed enclosures
- Full size output in a low-profile subwoofer
Best Low Profile 10 Inch Subwoofer Value
Kicker CompRT
If you want a low profile 10 inch subwooofer but the JL Audio TW3 is not within your budget, the Kicker CompRT subwoofers are a close second and the best value among shallow mount 10-inch subwoofers.
The CompRT kicks ass and while the TW3 is better, we admit that it is tough to pass on the CompRT to go with the TW3 when you just get so much more for your money. The 10 inch CompRT can handle 400 watts RMS, it can fit virtually anywhere, and if you don't need to build your own box, the down-firing enclosures with these subwoofers are incredible. The TW3 is better than the CompRT, but the CompRT gives it a good run for its money.
- Price: $199.99
- RMS Power Handling: 400W
- Voice Coils: 2 & 4 Ohm DVC
- Mounting Depth: 3.4375"
- Xmax (Max Linear Excursion): 10.5mm
- Sealed Enclosure Volume: .4-1.25 cu. ft.
- Ported Enclosure Volume: 1.25-1.75 cu. ft.
Pros:
- Price point for the performance
- Available in 2 Ohm & 4 Ohm DVC for installation flexibility
- Can work with extremely small enclosures
Best Cheap Low Profile 10 Inch Subwoofer
Rockford Fosgate R2S
If you need a low-profile subwoofer because you are limited on space, but you need the cheapest, "good" option available, the Rockford R2S 10 inch subwoofers
are our choice. These subwoofers deliver good bass while taking up minimal space and cost $129.99. When looking at low-profile subwoofers, there's nothing else out there
that offers a similar price point, that is going to handle the power, last, or sound as good as the Rockford Fosgate R2S.
- Price: $129.99
- RMS Power Handling: 200W
- Voice Coils: 2 & 4 Ohm DVC
- Mounting Depth: 3.417"
- Xmax (Max Linear Excursion): 8mm
- Sealed Enclosure Volume: .7 cu. ft.
- Ported Enclosure Volume: 1.4 cu. ft.
Pros:
- Price point
- Available in 2 Ohm & 4 Ohm DVC
Cons:
- Only handles 200W RMS
- Enclosure requirements are somewhat large.
We hope you have found this information helpful. We have a complete list of comparison articles if you have narrowed your search down. If you have any further questions
or if you need help finding the right subwoofer for you, please let us know and we will help you find the right product.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an amplifier for my 10 inch subwoofer?
You will need an amplifier to power your subwoofer in some fashion or another. There are two ways to do it. You can buy a subwoofer or a loaded enclosure and use an external amplifier to give the subwoofer the power it needs to perform. The other option is to choose
a powered subwoofer enclosure where the amplifier is built-in to the subwoofer enclosure. Either way, you will still need an amplifier.
Do I need an subwoofer box?
Most car subwoofers require a box or an enclosure to work properly. The subwoofer box, or enclosure, provides the subwoofer with a fixed amount of air space to optimize performance. Virtually all of the car subwoofers we sell require an enclosure. You can purchase a 10 inch loaded subwoofer enclosure to take the guess-work out of the box building process and ensure that you get a box that is perfectly designed and engineered for that specific subwoofer(s).
Are low profile subwoofers as good as full-size subwoofers?
Low profile subwoofers are typically not quite as good as their full-size counter parts, but there are some exceptions to the rule. It used to be that thin-woofers sounded thin. The engineers have since found ways to make them significantly better so that you get full sized output from a low-profile subwoofer, but in general, the full size version will just sound better, all other things being equal. The low profile subwoofers mentioned above are the ones we like. There are a few others, but if you stick to products menioned above in this article, you won't be disappointed. We recommend the models we just listed if you are tight on space.
Should I wire my subwoofers to 1 ohm or 2 ohms?
Double check your amplifier first! You want to make sure your amplifier is 1 ohm stable before wiring your subwoofers to a 1 ohm load. Many JL Audio, some Rockford Fosgate, and some Kicker amplifiers are NOT 1 ohm stable. You risk over-heating your amplifier if you wire your subwoofers to a 1 ohm load and the amplifier can't handle it.
There is no right or wrong answer, as long as your amplifier is 1 ohm stable. You can save some money buy purchasing a 1 ohm stable amplifier and wiring
your subwoofers to 1 ohm. However, the amplifier is going to pull twice the current at 1 ohm
than it would at 2 ohms. More current means more heat. If you are all about power and your amplifier is 1 ohm stable, go ahead and wire you amplifier to a 1 ohm load. It's not that 1 ohm is bad, it's just that 2 ohms is just easier on the amplifier. If you have the budget to properly power the subwoofers at 2 ohms instead of 1 ohm, get the voice coils that allow you to wire to a 2 ohm load. If you don't want to spend the extra money
for the amplifier and wire it to a 2 ohm load, wire it to a 1 ohm load and you should be fine, once again, as long as your amplifier
is 1 ohm stable.
How do you choose between 2 ohm or 4 ohm subwoofers?
The right 10 inch subwoofer model will depend on your amplifier and how you wire your speakers. Check out our subwoofer wiring wizard to determine how to properly wire
your subwoofers to the correct impedance. But, as a cheat sheet, you can use the following as well:
- (1) 2 Ohm DVC - 1 Ohm or 4 Ohms
- (1) 4 Ohm DVC - 2 Ohms
- (1) 8 Ohm DVC - 4 Ohms
- (2) 2 Ohm DVC - 2 Ohms
- (2) 4 Ohm DVC - 1 Ohm or 4 Ohms
- (2) 8 Ohm DVC - 2 Ohms
- (1) 2 Ohm SVC - 2 Ohms
- (1) 4 Ohm SVC - 4 Ohms
- (2) 2 Ohm SVC - 1 Ohm or 4 Ohms
- (2) 4 Ohm SVC - 2 Ohms
For more than 2 subwoofers, please check out our subwoofer wiring wizard.
Is a loaded enclosure better than buying or building my own box?
We wrote an entire article on this topic, which you can find below. The advantage of a loaded subwoofer enclosure is that the box is designed by the same engineers
that designed the subwoofer. Everything is optimized, the subwoofer is pre-installed, the box has the right air space, and you know that the box and subwoofer are sealed properly. The downside is
that the loaded enclosures are one-size-fits-most. If the box size or shape doesn't work with your vehicle and the way you use it, you will likely have to buy a custom box or make one yourself.