What Are The Best 10 Inch Subwoofers? – 2022 Edition
Have you been wanting more from your car audio system? Trying to pack a little more punch when playing your favorite songs? Do you really want to feel your music, not just emotionally, but physically? Then you need to invest in some quality subwoofer. These bass thumping speakers will give you the boom you need to fully appreciate those lowest lows in your favorite music.
There are a lot of different characteristics to consider when deciding on what subwoofer you want to install. Some people want great sound quality no matter what and will shell out however much they need to get it. Other people want something durable that will last for a long time through a lot of use. Others still just want something cheap and easy to install.
Whatever you are looking for, we hope this list will show you exactly which 10” subwoofers are best for your needs.
See our picks for the best 10 inch subwoofers of 2022
Page Contents
- 10 Inch Subwoofer Reviews
- 1. Planet Audio AC10D
- 2. Pyle PLPW10D
- 3. Sound Storm SS10
- 4. Pioneer TSW261S4
- 5. Rockford Fosgate R1S4
- 6. Boss Audio CH10DVC 3000W
- 7. BOSS Audio P100F
- 8. PIONEER TS-SW2502S4
- 9. Rockford Fosgate P1’s
- 10. JL Audio 10W0V3-4
- FAQ
- What Do Subwoofers Do?
- Where Do I Place Subwoofers?
- What are the Different Containers for Subwoofers?
- What Are the Advantages of 10” Subwoofers?
- Is There Any Difference Between a Woofer and Subwoofer?
- Can I Customize my Subwoofer?
- Do Your Musical Tastes Matter?
- What is Your Budget?
- What Should You be Looking For in a Subwoofer?
- Power
- Sensitivity
- Frequency Response
- Impedance
- Durability
- Size
- Final Thoughts
10 Inch Subwoofer Reviews
1. Planet Audio AC10D
The Planet Audio AC10D 10” subwoofer is an inexpensive option that makes sure it does not sacrifice any power. The 1,500 wattage powers the bass so that it thumps hard, and the dual voice coil design promotes peak efficiency.
It needs to be broken in, but the Planet Audio has a strong 3 year warranty, so do not worry if something happens to it early on while you are still figuring it out.
Pros
- Low price
- High peak power handling level
- 3 year warranty
Cons
- Needs to be broken in
2. Pyle PLPW10D
The Pyle PLPW10D 10” subwoofer is another cheaper option that is still capable of producing great sound quality.
The Pyle has high sensitivity and a high peak power handling level, meaning you will get thumping bass and exquisite sound quality. That makes it a great bang for your buck buy. The only issue is that, depending on the type of enclosure you use, the sound quality might not reflect the Pyle’s capabilities, so make sure you have the right set up to get the most out of this sub.
Pros
- Low price
- High Sensitivity
- High peak power handling level
Cons
- Sound does not always reflect peak power handling level
3. Sound Storm SS10
The Sound Storm SS10 10” subwoofer also is a great option for those with a smaller audio equipment budget. It also comes with a three year warranty to help bring peace of mind to those worried about wasting their money on a faulty sub.
It has a lower peak power handling level and limited frequency response compared to some other 10” subs, but the sensitivity is high enough to help balance out the sound and still produce high quality bass.
Pros
- Low Price
- High Sensitivity
- 3 year warranty
Cons
- Low peak power handling level
- Limited frequency response
4. Pioneer TSW261S4
The Pioneer TSW261S4 is a fantastic sub when it comes to sound quality. It has a high peak power handling level, high sensitivity, and a good frequency range that reaches into those lower end sounds.
The Pioneer is fairly big and heavy for a 10-inch subwoofer, but this bulky option is up there with the best of them when it comes to sound, without being overly expensive.
Pros
- High peak power handling level
- High sensitivity
- Good frequency range
Cons
- Slightly larger and heavier than other 10-inch subwoofer options
5. Rockford Fosgate R1S4
The Rockford Fosgate R1S4-10 Prime 10-inch subwoofer is great deal for all you bargain hunters out there. This package comes with two relatively inexpensive subs that do a great job at complimenting the other sounds with bass.
The Rockford Fosgate has a comparably low peak power handling level when matched up with some other subs. However, it still produces quality sound, even if it does not overwhelm with bass like some other subwoofers can.
Pros
- Comes with two subwoofers!
- Compliment other sounds well
Cons
- Low peak power range
6. Boss Audio CH10DVC 3000W
The Boss CH10DVC 10-inch subwoofer provides another great bargain. This deal also offers two subs with very high power range, that when added up can blow other vehicles out of the water.
The Boss has a limited frequency range that prevents it from reaching some of the lower, grumbling tones, but it still provides tons of boom for those trying to shake their rearview mirror.
Pros
- High power level
- Comes with two subwoofers!
- Powerful sound
Cons
- Limited frequency
7. BOSS Audio P100F
The BOSS Audio P100F 10-inch subwoofer is a great deal on some deep bass. The low price and 3 year warranty makes this almost a risk free investment, not that you are likely to be disappointed at all.
The BOSS has a limited frequency range that cannot reach some of those lower, deeper tones, but its deep bass still thunders – after it has been broken in, of course. As long as you follow the instructions, you will have an incredibly powerful sub that will last for a long time.
Pros
- Low price
- High power level
- 3 year warranty
Cons
- Limited frequency range
- Needs to be broken in
8. PIONEER TS-SW2502S4
The PIONEER TS-SW2502S4 10-inch subwoofer is a fantastic combination of powerful bass and easy installation. It has a shallow mount that helps it fit into most enclosures without fear of it being too close to the back walls and corrupting the sound.
The smaller, shallower size might keep it from packing as much punch as some larger, deeper subwoofers, but it still has a very high power level and its design allows it move more air to help create louder and deeper bass.
Pros
- High power level
- Shallow mount for easier installation
- Moves more air for louder and deeper bass
Cons
- Not as powerful as larger, deeper subwoofers
9. Rockford Fosgate P1’s
The Rockford Fosgate P1S4-10 Punch P1 SVC 10-inch subwoofer is one of the most well-built, durable subs around. Its Kevlar reinforced materials and topflight cooling system creates an incredibly strong subwoofer that can hold up against just about anything you throw at it.
While it may have a lower power level compared to some other 10” subs, the Rockford Fosgate has VAST technology which is used to increase the surface cone area up to 25 percent. This creates stronger bass than would normally be achieved from its current power level. It also can be slightly adjusted after being mounted, meaning you can direct the sound directly where you want it to play.
Pros
- High quality durable materials – Kevlar reinforced
- Powerful cooling system
- Rockford Fosgate “VAST” technology increases surface cone area up to 25%
- Speakers still slightly adjustable when mounted
Cons
- Low power level compared to others
10. JL Audio 10W0V3-4
The JL Audio 10W0V3-4 10-inch subwoofer is a durable option that still sounds excellent. It is made from high quality parts that, when coupled with its elevated frame cooling system, allow the JL Audio sub to work well for a very long time.
While the JL Audio does not have the highest power level, it is still able to produce extremely deep and clear bass for its size. It is on the pricier end, but the JL Audio offers some of the best sound and highest quality materials, making it well worth the price.
Pros
- Quality durable parts
- High excursion
- Elevated frame cooling
- Very deep, clear bass for size
Cons
- High price compared to others
- Low power level compared to others
FAQ
What Do Subwoofers Do?
Subwoofers handle the lowest frequencies that a car stereo can produce. Often, people get subwoofers to broadcast sounds that are not in the usual range of factory-installed car audio system. Subwoofers ensure that your car audio system has a sufficient amount of bass. Even if you do not listen to music with prominent bass tones, you may wish to get a subwoofer to create balance with the other speakers.
Specifically, if you are building a car stereo system, you get subwoofers to balance out the tweeters, which handle the higher sounds of the musical spectrum. You might also want to get a subwoofer to add some bass to your existing factory stereo system.
Subwoofers come in different shapes and sizes. You might think of a large, boxy speaker that can only fit in your trunk. Though such bass-producing speakers do exist, you can also get a more-modest subwoofer to improve your car’s sound system and give it more power range.
If you install aftermarket tweeters, you may need a subwoofer so that your sound system is balanced correctly.
Where Do I Place Subwoofers?
Larger subwoofers produce more bass. If this is important for you, then you may wish to get a large subwoofer that you can place in your trunk. Can you still hear the subwoofer even when it is in the trunk? As long as your trunk is not specially sealed or soundproofed, you can listen to the bass just fine. Some luxury car brands may have soundproof cabins, but for most vehicles, you will not have to worry about this issue.
Smaller subwoofers can get placed anywhere in the car. Smaller models do not necessarily mean less bass. Keep in mind that you are not limited to one subwoofer. You can get two smaller units to help create a well-balanced sound system.
What are the Different Containers for Subwoofers?
Subwoofers in a sealed enclosure are typical because they are more compact and, therefore, easier to install. A sealed enclosure is airtight, and helps produce a cleaner sound, and music enthusiasts think they play bass frequencies more accurately. If you want a well-balanced stereo system that can handle bass ranges, this type of speaker might be your best option.
Subwoofers in vented boxes, also known as ported boxes, produce a deeper bass sound. You get more volume out of these speakers, but some users do not think that the music that gets emitted is as accurate as sealed boxes.
Bandpass boxes have two chambers, one sealed and one vented. They provide the ultimate combination for those who want the best of both worlds. Bandpass boxes have some disadvantages, however. For one thing, they are usually quite large.
What Are the Advantages of 10” Subwoofers?
For most people, smaller subwoofers, such as 10” models, provide enough coverage of the lower end of the sound spectrum. One of the main advantages of 10” subwoofers is that they are easy to install. Secondly, you can combine two 10-inch subwoofers to create more volume than one larger speaker (say, a 12” subwoofer). You can also spread them out to get a more balanced sound system.
Speaker manufacturers have produced a variety of 10” subwoofer models, so you can find speakers that meet your power specifications and casing needs. You can also find shallow models that you can install in more-compact-vehicles.
Also, while power requirements vary for speakers depending on a variety of factors, 10” subwoofers are often more practical for cars because their power requirements are more modest than larger subwoofers. If you are adding them to an existing system or
Is There Any Difference Between a Woofer and Subwoofer?
These terms get used interchangeably by many people. In most cases, products that manufacturers market as subwoofers only handle the lowest part of the sound system. Woofers have a slightly more comprehensive power range but may require more power when working with sounds at the high end of the spectrum.
Can I Customize my Subwoofer?
Component subwoofers are speakers where the casing and cone come separately. You can then get the subwoofer that you need for a highly customized vehicle sound system. For example, if you want ported subwoofers, you can get a vented enclosure and pair it with a type cone that meets your power requirements. You can also get subwoofers that already come in a box.
You can still customize these by adding a separate amplifier outside of the box. The least customizable, but most convenient, are powered subwoofers, which come with an amp and all components in one casing.
While you can customize car subwoofers, there are so many options on the market that manufacturers design specifically for automobiles that you can surely find something that fits your needs without having to get a custom-made speaker.
Do Your Musical Tastes Matter?
Some drivers create customized stereo systems based on their musical preferences. For example, vented subwoofers are a popular choice for fans of heavy metal or hard rock. Those who like bass-heavy genres like hip-hop often prefer two smaller subwoofers instead of one larger model. For example, they place two 10” subwoofers in their car so that they get a more-balanced bass sound.
Even if you have varying musical tastes, you may want at least one small, 10-inch subwoofer in your car to balance out the other speakers in the system and to handle music that has prominent bass notes.
What is Your Budget?
One of the other advantages of smaller subwoofers, such as 10-inch subwoofer models, is that you can find quality speakers at lower prices. One of the most common strategies for building a customized car sound system involves purchasing multiple speakers. If you get two quality 10” subwoofers, for example, you can place them on opposite sides of your vehicle to create a surround-sound dynamic.
Because the overall surface area of these two speakers is larger than, say, one 12” subwoofer, you also get more-prominent bass tones as well.
Furthermore, smaller, cheaper subwoofers often fit in your car without any alterations or modifications.
What Should You be Looking For in a Subwoofer?
There are a lot of things to consider when choosing the right 8” subwoofer, and it can get very confusing to decipher all the different technical terms. Sometimes it feels like you need an advanced physics degree just to get some extra bass in your car. The main things to pay attention to are power, sensitivity, frequency response, impedance, durability, and size.
Power
Power in subwoofers is very important if you are trying to achieve that classic, earth-rattling bass. The power level refers to how much power the subwoofer can handle. The higher the power, the more bass you are going to get out of your subs. The power is measured in watts (w), and any sub with over 1,000 watt capabilities will be able to give you that powerful thump you desire.
However, it is important that your sub is hooked up to an amp that can handle its power. If you have a 1,200 watt sub hooked up to a 350 watt amp, you will not be able to take your bass to those extreme levels you are looking for. That is why it is important to have an amp that has equal (or ideally greater) wattage to your subs so you can fully take advantage of your equipment.
Sensitivity
Sensitivity in subwoofers refers to how much power it needs to produce a certain volume. It is often referred to as the sound pressure level, or SPL. It is measured in decibels (db), and a good sensitivity range for subwoofers is between 85 and 100 db. A raise in just three decibels means the subwoofer needs half as much power, so what seems like just a slight change can actually make a huge difference, Subs that have high SPL values do not require as much power as those with lower SPL values. That’s why if you have an amp with a lower power level, you should make sure you get a sub with high sensitivity so you can still reach those high volumes.
Frequency Response
Frequency response in subwoofers refers to the range of sounds the sub can produce. It is measured in hertz (Hz). The range of frequencies that can be heard by the human ear is 20 to 200 Hz. Anything lower will not be heard, but you will feel the vibrations. Bass is as much about feeling as it is sound, so it is important to get subwoofers that can reach the lower end of the frequency response range so you can get that bass you feel in your bones. However, frequency response is also greatly affected by the type of enclosure you put your subwoofer in, so your frequency response numbers might not totally reflect its real world level.
Impedance
Impedance is the measure of electrical resistance in the subwoofer, measured in ohms(Ω). You want less resistance, so you should be looking for subs with low ohms. This allows it to run more efficiently, using the power more effectively.
Durability
Durability is obviously important for anything you buy, but it is especially key for subwoofers because of how much stress all that thunderous bass puts on them. That is why it is important to make sure that the subs are made of quality materials so that they do not crack or blow right when your favorite bass drop is about to hit.
It is also important to know if your subwoofer needs to be broken in. Some subs can handle the stress right away, but if yours needs to be broken in and you crank everything up to 11 right away you can ruin the expensive piece of equipment you just got, or at least shorten the lifespan significantly.
Size
Subwoofer size is important for a variety of reasons. The most obvious reason is that your subwoofer needs to fit the size available in your vehicle, otherwise it will not fit and it will be a waste of money.
Installing subwoofers in your vehicle can be very difficult, so unless you are a particularly handy person who knows there way around their car, you probably want to make sure that your subwoofer is easy to install and fits well. You should also pay attention to the mounting depth of your subs, because they need at least .75” of space from the back wall to be able to produce the right sound. Size is also important for sound.
Bigger subs produce louder, more powerful bass, so if you are really trying to shake things up you should aim for bigger sizes of subwoofers.
Final Thoughts
Deciding on the right 10” subwoofer can seem like a lot at first. Finding that perfect sub that hits the sweet spot of all your various audio needs often seems impossible. But with this helpful guide you should be able to find a subwoofer that not only meets your needs, but also you will love and use it for years to come.
Whether you want to shake the mirrors of your car or just want a little bit extra oomph in your tunes, any of these subwoofers would work excellently in your vehicle. The only question is which one works best for you.
Sources
https://www.parts-express.com/resources-subwoofer-faqs
https://m.wikihow.com/Choose-Subwoofers-for-Your-Car-Stereo
