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10 Best Shallow Mount Subwoofers 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.8 score

Pioneer TS-A2000LD2 8” Shallow Mount Component Subwoofer, 700 Watts Max Power

Power Handling: 250 watts nominal, 700 watts max
Sensitivity: 83 dB
Frequency Response: 1.4 KHz
Impedance: 2 ohms
Mounting Depth: 2.625 inches
Voice Coil Configuration: Single

Chosen by 1384 this week

Kicker 48CWRT82 CompRT 8" Subwoofer, DVC, 2-ohm

Power Handling (RMS): 600 Watts
Frequency Response: 500 Hz
Impedance: 2 Ohm
Mounting Depth: 6 inches
Voice Coils: Dual

Kicker 48CWRT122 CompRT 12" Subwoofer, DVC, 2-ohm

Power Handling: 500 watts
Frequency Response: 500 Hz
Impedance: 2 Ohm
Voice Coil Configuration: dual

Kicker 48CWRT104 CompRT 10" Subwoofer, DVC, 4-ohm

Power Handling (RMS): robust
Frequency Response: 500 Hz
Impedance: 4 Ohm
Mounting Depth: shallow
Voice Coils: dual

CT Sounds Hydro 10” Dual 4-Ohm 1000-Watt Shallow Mount Car Subwoofer

Power Handling (RMS): 500 watts
Frequency Response: 39.37 Hz
Impedance: 4 Ohm
Mounting Depth: 3.90 inches
Voice Coils: Dual 4-ohm
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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Pioneer TS-A2000LD2 8” Shallow Mount Component Subwoofer, 700 Watts Max Power

The Pioneer TS-A2000LD2 8” Shallow Mount Component Subwoofer offers an impressive 700 watts of maximum power, which ensures powerful bass output. Designed to fit in tight spaces, its slim profile with a mounting depth of just 2.625 inches is perfect for under-seat or behind-seat installations in various vehicles. The subwoofer's Glass-Fiber & Mica Reinforced IMPP cone adds rigidity and strength, enhancing sound quality with deep bass that remains clear and dynamic.

With a nominal power of 250 watts and an impedance of 2 ohms, it efficiently pairs with compatible amplifiers, delivering reliable performance. The sensitivity rating of 83 dB is somewhat lower than some competitors, meaning it may require more power to achieve higher volume levels. The single voice coil design simplifies wiring, making installation straightforward.

While the recommended 0.5 cu. ft. sealed enclosure means it’s best suited for specific setups, this might limit flexibility for custom installations. Users who value space efficiency, strong bass performance, and compatibility with Pioneer’s A-series speakers will find this subwoofer a highly suitable choice.

#2

Kicker 48CWRT82 CompRT 8" Subwoofer, DVC, 2-ohm

Rating
9.6
Frequency Response

Most important from
154 reviews

Frequency Response
Produces much clearer and deeper bass, even with stock wiring and amplifier.

The Kicker 48CWRT82 CompRT 8" Subwoofer is designed to meet the needs of those looking for a shallow-mount option for their car or truck. One of its significant strengths is its dual voice coils which provide installation flexibility, making it easier to fit into various car setups. The 2-ohm impedance is another advantage, ensuring it can deliver more power from your amplifier for deeper bass performance.

The subwoofer’s frequency response of up to 500 Hz supports a good range of low frequencies, enhancing your audio experience. This model can handle up to 600 watts of power, making it potent for its size, and the forced-air cooling feature means it remains reliable by running 20% cooler, which is great for long-term use. However, it's important to note that the mounting depth, while shallow, might still be a tight fit for some vehicles.

Additionally, while it’s lightweight at 7.89 pounds, the subwoofer’s dimensions need to be considered during installation. Although the subwoofer is not waterproof, which limits its use in certain conditions, its build quality with plastic and metal components is solid. This subwoofer is ideal for those who need a powerful, space-saving solution for their car’s audio system.

Rating
9.6
Frequency Response

Most important from
154 reviews

Frequency Response
Produces much clearer and deeper bass, even with stock wiring and amplifier.
#3

Rockford Fosgate P3SD2-8 8" Dual 2-Ohm Punch Series Shallow Mount Car Subwoofer

Rating
9.4
Voice Coils

Most important from
333 reviews

Voice Coils
The dual 2-ohm voice coils perfectly replaced the OEM 1.2-ohm subwoofers in my 2013 Explorer Limited.

The Rockford Fosgate P3SD2-8 is an 8-inch shallow-mount subwoofer designed for car audio enthusiasts looking to add bass in tight spaces. With a power handling capacity of 150 Watts RMS and 300 Watts Max, it offers a decent punch for its size. The dual 2-Ohm voice coils provide flexibility in wiring options, allowing for customized setups based on your amplifier.

One of its standout features is the low mounting depth of just 2.66 inches, making it suitable for vehicles with limited space for subwoofers. The anodized aluminum cones and dustcaps, along with a hybrid stamp-cast basket, enhance durability and reduce resonance, contributing to a better sound quality. The unique spider venting design helps keep the motor cool during extended use, ensuring longevity and consistent performance.

The frequency response starts at 38 Hz, which might not capture the very lowest bass frequencies some users seek. The build quality is robust and backed by a full 1-year warranty. This subwoofer excels in smaller, sealed or vented enclosures, making it a great choice for those who need to maximize space without compromising too much on bass quality.

Rating
9.4
Voice Coils

Most important from
333 reviews

Voice Coils
The dual 2-ohm voice coils perfectly replaced the OEM 1.2-ohm subwoofers in my 2013 Explorer Limited.

Buying Guide for the Best Shallow Mount Subwoofers

Choosing the right shallow-mount subwoofer can significantly enhance your audio experience, especially if you have limited space in your vehicle. Shallow-mount subwoofers are designed to fit in tight spaces without compromising on sound quality. To make an informed decision, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they align with your needs. Here are the key specs to consider when selecting a shallow-mount subwoofer.
Power HandlingPower handling refers to the amount of power a subwoofer can handle without getting damaged. It is usually measured in watts and is divided into two values: RMS (continuous power) and peak power. RMS is the amount of power the subwoofer can handle continuously, while peak power is the maximum power it can handle in short bursts. If you enjoy loud, powerful bass, look for a subwoofer with higher RMS power. For moderate listening levels, a lower RMS rating will suffice.
SensitivitySensitivity measures how efficiently a subwoofer converts power into sound. It is expressed in decibels (dB) and indicates how loud the subwoofer will be at a given power level. Higher sensitivity means the subwoofer will produce more sound with less power. If you have a low-powered amplifier, choose a subwoofer with higher sensitivity (above 90 dB). For high-powered systems, sensitivity is less critical, but a higher value can still improve overall efficiency.
Frequency ResponseFrequency response indicates the range of frequencies a subwoofer can reproduce, measured in Hertz (Hz). A wider frequency range means the subwoofer can produce both deep bass and higher bass notes. For deep, rich bass, look for a subwoofer with a lower minimum frequency (around 20-30 Hz). If you prefer a balanced sound that includes mid-bass, consider a subwoofer with a broader frequency range.
ImpedanceImpedance is the electrical resistance of the subwoofer, measured in ohms. Common values are 2 ohms, 4 ohms, and 8 ohms. The impedance affects how much power the subwoofer will draw from the amplifier. Ensure that the subwoofer's impedance matches your amplifier's specifications for optimal performance. If you plan to run multiple subwoofers, consider how their combined impedance will affect the overall load on the amplifier.
Mounting DepthMounting depth is the distance from the mounting surface to the deepest part of the subwoofer. This spec is crucial for shallow-mount subwoofers as they are designed to fit in tight spaces. Measure the available space in your vehicle to ensure the subwoofer will fit. Shallow-mount subwoofers typically have a mounting depth of 3-5 inches, making them suitable for under seats or in slim enclosures.
Voice Coil ConfigurationVoice coil configuration refers to the number of voice coils in the subwoofer and their impedance. Subwoofers can have single voice coils (SVC) or dual voice coils (DVC). DVC subwoofers offer more wiring flexibility, allowing you to achieve different impedance levels to match your amplifier. If you need more flexibility in your setup, consider a DVC subwoofer. For simpler installations, an SVC subwoofer may be sufficient.

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