Top 5 Best 10-Inch Car Subwoofers (2021 Review)

While they’re typically thought to be less powerful, 10 inch subwoofers are actually a great happy medium between 8 inch subs and 12 inch subs. But there’s a lot to factor in here. It all depends on your 10 inch sub’s configuration, specs, and enclosure type.

We’ve gone over some of the best vehicle subwoofers on the market in order to find the products that really offer the best features and sound quality.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• The benefits of buying 10 inch subwoofers over other sub sizes
• How to pick the best 10 inch subwoofers for your vehicle
• And much more!

Below is a quick list of my favorite 10 inch car subwoofers. Keep scrolling to learn more of my top tips to choose and use the best 10 inch car subwoofers.

Our Overall Top #1 Pick: Kicker 10″ 600 Watt 4 Ohm Vented Thin Profile Subwoofer Enclosure

This 10 inch sub enclosure is our top choice for a few reasons. Its ported enclosure helps it produce deep, heavy bass you can feel in your chest.

It’s even small enough to fit under the seat in some cases, depending on your car’s design. It also fits in most trunks without hogging all of your space.

Since it’s pre-enclosed, it’s also very easy to install. If you’re looking for a quick fix for low-quality stock bass without overspending, this Kicker subwoofer enclosure is your best bet. 

I also really appreciate that this design is an affordable option that still provides high quality sound. I really didn’t want to recommend anything that didn’t produce high quality audio, but I also know that it’s important not to spend too much on optional sound equipment.

Top 5 Best 10-inch Car Subwoofers

In a hurry? Check out our top 5 picks below! Keep reading to learn more about these best subwoofers for cars. 

1. Kicker 10″ 600 Watt 4 Ohm Vented Thin Profile Subwoofer Enclosure (Our Top Pick)
2. Skar Audio Dual 10″ 2400W Loaded Sdr Series Vented Subwoofer Enclosure (Best High-End)
3. Rockford Fosgate R1S4-10 10″ 800 Watt 4 Ohm Car Audio Subwoofers Subs (Best Budget)
4. Alpine SWT-S10 1200W Max (250W RMS) Single 10″ Sealed Subwoofer
5. Planet Audio AC10D 10 Inch Car Subwoofer – 1500 Watts Maximum Power, Dual 4 Ohm Voice Coil

What are the Advantages of 10-inch Car Subwoofers?

Affordable Yet Effective

The smallest subwoofer sizes are 8 inch and 10 inch. While you may be tempted to opt for the 8 inch sub because it’s cheaper, know that the 10 inch sub’s sound is noticeably better than the 8s.  

That affordability combined with high quality sound is part of what makes 10 inch subwoofers a good option. They offer a higher value in terms of audio quality than 8 inch models, but you don’t have to break the bank to get them. 

On the same note, 10 inch subs are more affordable than their 12 inch variants. Their size doesn’t change how loud they can get, either. A 10 inch sub can sound as loud as a 12 or 15 inch one. 

Sound Versatility

The main difference here is frequency. If you like a punchy bass, 10 inch subs are ideal. They’re still capable of hitting low, too, but they’re better at hitting higher frequencies than larger subs. That versatility and range really maximizes the value of a 10 inch sub. 

Plus, using a 10 inch subwoofer creates better bass and a fuller sound than two 8 inch subs. A single 8 inch subwoofer won’t do much on its own, and it’s only 10 dollars cheaper than a 10 inch sub if you look at Skar Audio’s examples.

Installation Space

10 inch subwoofers actually take up less space than a pair of 8 inch subs. This is because a pair of subwoofers requires a larger enclosure.

That means that these subwoofers are easier to install even in smaller spaces. This size is a good option for everything from compact commuter sedans all the way through to oversized trucks and SUV’s. 

They Work Excellent When Paired

If you want the full 10 inch subwoofer experience, it’s best to choose dual subs. Or, you can simply buy two of the same subwoofer if you prefer, but you’ll often save money by purchasing dual sets. 

It’s best to choose dual subs if you want to feel fully encompassed in your music. Multiple subwoofers have been shown to produce a fuller sound with less “holes” or empty hits. 

Stacking subs is the best way to achieve peak sound quality. It’s best to use matching subs, though, as different sizes and types may clash. On the other hand, choosing a single sub is still largely beneficial if you want a simple sound enhancement, and it offers the perk of being more affordable. 

How to Pick the Best 10-Inch Car Subwoofers?

Choosing the right subwoofer can be a challenge on it’s own. Getting a good deal from your subwoofer is another thing entirely. Here are the features you should pay the most attention to if you want to make sure you’re getting a great subwoofer for your car and a great deal. 

Plain Subwoofer or Pre-Enclosed?

You can purchase subs without enclosures, or, you can buy them pre-enclosed. If you decide to purchase them without enclosures, you’ll either have to build your own or hire someone to build an enclosure for you. 

It’s also possible to let the subs reign free, but the enclosure is what really emphasizes the sub’s sound, so we don’t recommend it. 

Ultimately pre-enclosed subwoofers are usually the better deal. They sometimes cost a little more upfront, but you’ll recoup those costs when you don’t have to pay for a custom enclosure. 

Vented Or Sealed Enclosures?

If you purchased an enclosed sub, keep in mind that these subs are typically either ported (vented) or sealed. To emphasize the 10 inch sub’s lower frequencies for a deeper bass, the ported enclosure is ideal. However, it will take up more space. 

If you want to save space and really emphasize that punchy, higher frequency bass hit, a sealed enclosure will work nicely. There’s also the option for a passive radiator enclosure, which allows smaller enclosures to tune into those lower bass frequencies. Passive radiators aren’t as bass-heavy as a ported enclosure, but they do provide a nice balance between sealed and ported options. 

Ideal Subwoofer Location

You’ll also want to consider your subwoofer’s design style based on whether you have a car, truck, or SUV. Developers make subwoofers that fit specifically under your seat, or in your spare tire. This helps if you don’t have available trunk space. 

Smaller subwoofers like these have the option of being installed in more places in your vehicle. That means that you have the versatility to choose the best location for your sound quality and acoustics instead of just sticking the subwoofer wherever it fits.

Ohm Rating

If you’ve spent much time at all looking for a good subwoofer you’ll probably have noticed that reviewers come back to the ohm rating quite a bit. Ohm is a measure of how much impedance the subwoofer is dealing with. Ohms are complicated, and the number is a simplification of a mathematical algorithm that tells you what kind of amplifier your sub will work with. 

4-ohm subs are relatively common, so you’ll be able to save a little on the amplifier you choose. On the other hand, 1- and 2-ohm subs tend to be a bit more expensive and offer better sound quality. However, the cost increases even more when you consider that you’ll need an upgraded amplifier to work with them. 

Power Rating

There are two stats to consider when you’re looking at a great subwoofer’s power, it’s Peak Watts and It’s RMS. Ultimately, even though peak watts tells you the absolute maximum your sub can handle, RMS is a better gauge of what it can handle on an ongoing basis. 

Good RMS is critical because the more power your subwoofer can handle the more volume it can get from those rich low notes. 

Also, looking at RMS can help you avoid the high costs of a sub with a high peak watt performance that doesn’t always offer the same power and efficiency during normal function. 

It’s all about maximizing performance, sound quality, and volume.

Our Reviews of the Best 10-Inch Car Subwoofers

1. Kicker 10″ 600 Watt 4 Ohm Vented Thin Profile Subwoofer Enclosure

We choose the Kicker as our number one pick due to how well-rounded and universal it is. Other subs may produce even louder, deeper bass, but this sub enhances your listening experience just the right amount. 

You’ll get fantastic performance from this sub, and it’s well balanced to work in a range of different audio setups. It’s also affordably priced so you’ll know you’re getting your money’s worth. 

PROS (+)	CONS (-)
+ Great for trucks and SUVs + Produces a vibration-level bass response + Uses heavy MDF material for enclosure	– 4-ohm impedance

2. Skar Audio Dual 10″ 2400W Loaded Sdr Series Vented Subwoofer Enclosure

If that’s not powerful enough, this Skar Audio Dual 10 inch sub is pre-wired to produce a final impedance of 1 ohm. This is the highest possible ohm output, meaning you’ll get the deepest possible bass you can get out of 1- inch subwoofers.

That does mean you’ll need to spend a little more on the amplifier to get the full benefit of this sub, but the added sound quality may be worth it.

Thanks to their pre-enclosed and pre-wired design, these subs are easy to install, and they’re visually appealing to boot. This design helps cut installation costs to make up for the added amplifier costs. 

This visually appealing design also means that you have a lot more options when it comes to subwoofer placement.

PROS (+)	CONS (-)
+ Dual subwoofers produce fuller, deeper bass + Wiring producing a 1-ohm final impedance + Easy to install + Visually appealing	– May require an upgraded amplifier

3. Rockford Fosgate R1S4-10 10″ 800 Watt 4 Ohm Car Audio Subwoofers Subs

They’re optimized for the airtight, sealed enclosure style, which helps them hit higher bass frequencies. However, since they don’t come with their own enclosure, this design will need a little more investment if you want to protect the sub and get its best performance. 

These subs meet the CEA 2031 standards, proving that their stats are confirmed and not exaggerated. 

Their wattage output isn’t as high as our Skar Audio dual subs, which is good or bad depending on your amplifier’s capabilities. 

Similarly, these have a 4 ohm impedance. That means you can save a little extra cash  by getting an affordable amplifier. You’ll definitely experience a boost in sound quality with these. However it’s lower power rating means that this subwoofer doesn’t offer quite as much volume.

If you want something that shakes the entire car, our High-End choice is more your style.

PROS (+)	CONS (-)
+ Dual subwoofers + CEA 2031 compliant + Good for sealed enclosures	– Less wattage – 4 ohm impedance

4. Alpine SWT-S10 1200W Max (250W RMS) Single 10″ Sealed Subwoofer

The lower the number, the better when it comes to a sub’s frequency response. These typically aren’t lower than 24hz, so this sub’s 35hz frequency is very good. This means you’re getting more bass than if the sub only reached 100hz, for example.

However this design doesn’t offer quite the crisp sound quality or booming volume of some of my other picks.

This sub is rounded, so you’ll want to use straps or some sort of anchoring. Otherwise, it may roll around. 

Quality installation is really key with this design to maximize it’s potential. 

PROS (+)	CONS (-)
+ Diverse cylinder shape fits about anywhere + Frequency response maxes at 35hz + Works well with smaller amplifiers	– Not “fixed, so it may move around

5. Planet Audio AC10D 10 Inch Car Subwoofer – 1500 Watts Maximum Power, Dual 4 Ohm Voice Coil

However, this is a great starter sub if you’re just now getting into the bass scene and you don’t want to dump a ridiculous amount of cash into your setup. 

You just need to be extra cautious when installing the Planet Audio sub. Follow the instructions and watch the Youtube tutorial we include above for guidance. 

Overall, if you’re comfortable with a complicated installation this sub offers incredible sound quality, power, and durability for the price.

PROS (+)	CONS (-)
+ Extremely affordable + Great output despite low price + A great starter sub + Impressive warranty	– No mounting screws included

Our Top Pick: Kicker 10″ 600 Watt 4 Ohm Vented Thin Profile Subwoofer Enclosure

If you’re looking to enhance your vehicle’s bass without blowing the doors off your car, the Kicker 10 inch 600 watt vented subwoofer is for you. It’s easy to install, it’s pre-enclosed, and it can produce bass that’s just as good as an average 12 inch sub. but for a lower cost. 

Of course, the real advantage here is that by going just a little smaller you get a subwoofer that’s easy to install in almost any vehicle, in almost any location inside that vehicle.

We especially like this sub for single-cab trucks, as it’s easy to fit behind the back seat. It may be small, but this ported enclosure paired with a 10 inch sub helps it produce a crisp, clean, yet deep bass sound. 

These features combined make this an obvious top pick for the best 10-inch subwoofers for your car.

Final Thoughts On The Best 10-Inch Car Subwoofer

Don’t just assume that small means ineffective. 10 inch subs can really get the party going. It’s just a matter of choosing wisely, and pairing your sub with a good amp and a proper enclosure. By focusing on the features I’ve outlined in this article you’ll know what matters and what you can compromise on. 

The subs we showed you today provide you with options for either car-thumping heavy bass, or something that will simply enhance your listening experience. Whichever route you go, these subwoofers won’t let you down. 

Plus, they’ll sound even better knowing what a great deal these car subwoofers really are!