10 Best Shallow Subwoofers for Tight Spaces

Shallow subwoofers are an excellent option for those who want to add some extra bass to their car audio system but don’t have much space to spare. These subwoofers are designed to be compact, making them ideal for smaller cars or for those who want to preserve trunk space.

When looking for the best shallow subwoofers, there are a few important factors to consider. One of the most critical things to keep in mind is the size of the subwoofer. Since shallow subwoofers are designed to be compact, you’ll want to make sure that the size of the subwoofer is appropriate for your car. Additionally, you’ll want to consider the power handling capabilities of the subwoofer, as well as the type of enclosure that it requires.

After researching and testing a variety of shallow subwoofers, we’ve identified the top options on the market. These subwoofers offer excellent sound quality, impressive power handling capabilities, and are designed to fit in tight spaces. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the best shallow subwoofers available and help you find the perfect one for your car audio system.

Best Shallow Subwoofers

Looking for a subwoofer that can fit in tight spaces without sacrificing performance? Look no further than our list of the best shallow subwoofers on the market. These subwoofers are designed to deliver powerful bass in a compact package, making them perfect for small cars, trucks, and other vehicles where space is at a premium. Whether you’re a music lover or just want to add some extra punch to your audio system, these shallow subwoofers are sure to impress.

Hifonics BXS8D4 Brutus Shallow Mount Subwoofer

If you’re looking for a shallow mount subwoofer that delivers deep bass and takes up minimal space, the Hifonics BXS8D4 Brutus Shallow Mount Subwoofer is worth considering.

Pros

• With less than 3 inches mounting depth, this car subwoofer is ideal in sealed enclosure applications and makes for one of the most versatile subwoofers for cars in areas with limited space.
• Front and rear venting allows cooler air to be exchanged in the voice coil gap which helps the sub make deep bass and extend the life of the component and your subwoofer car audio.
• Heavy gauge powder coated stamped steel basket provides a solid base for the motor system and moving parts and delivers big bass in a small space that does not consume your cargo space.

Cons

• The 2 inch high temperature voice coil and former may not be suitable for larger enclosure volumes where the internal box temperatures can rob you of performance.
• The UV rubber surround may not be as durable as some other materials and may not hold up as well over time.
• The Hifonics BXS8D4 Brutus Shallow Mount Subwoofer may not be as loud as some other subwoofers on the market.

The Hifonics BXS8D4 Brutus Shallow Mount Subwoofer is a great option for those looking for a compact subwoofer that delivers deep bass and takes up minimal space. The front and rear venting system helps to keep the voice coil cool, which extends the life of the subwoofer. The heavy gauge powder coated stamped steel basket provides a solid base for the motor system and moving parts, delivering big bass in a small space. However, the 2 inch high temperature voice coil and former may not be suitable for larger enclosure volumes, and the UV rubber surround may not hold up as well over time. Overall, the Hifonics BXS8D4 Brutus Shallow Mount Subwoofer is a solid choice for those looking for a shallow mount subwoofer that delivers deep bass in a small space.

MB Quart DS1-204 Discus Shallow Mount Subwoofer

If you’re looking for a compact and versatile subwoofer for your car audio system, the MB Quart DS1-204 Discus Shallow Mount Subwoofer is a great option.

Pros

• With a mounting depth of less than 3 inches, it’s ideal for use in sealed enclosure applications where space is limited.
• The front and rear venting allows for cooler air to be exchanged in the voice coil gap, which helps the sub produce deep bass and extend the life of the component.
• The heavy gauge powder coated stamped steel basket provides a solid base for the motor system and moving parts, delivering big bass in a small space that won’t consume your cargo space.

Cons

• The subwoofer may not be as loud as some other options on the market.
• Some users have reported that the subwoofer is difficult to install.
• It may not be the best option for those who want a subwoofer with a lot of power.

The MB Quart DS1-204 Discus Shallow Mount Subwoofer is a reliable and durable subwoofer that’s built to last. Its compact size makes it a great option for those who want to add some bass to their car audio system without taking up too much space. The subwoofer is also designed to work well in both sealed and ported applications, giving you more flexibility when it comes to installation.

One of the standout features of the MB Quart DS1-204 Discus Shallow Mount Subwoofer is its deep bass capabilities. The front and rear venting allows for cooler air to be exchanged in the voice coil gap, which helps the sub produce deep bass and extend the life of the component. The 2 inch high temperature voice coil and former also provide high thermal stability in small enclosure volumes where internal box temperatures can rob you of performance.

While the subwoofer may not be as loud as some other options on the market, it’s still a great choice for those who want a reliable and durable subwoofer that won’t take up too much space. The heavy gauge powder coated stamped steel basket provides a solid base for the motor system and moving parts, delivering big bass in a small space that won’t consume your cargo space.

Overall, the MB Quart DS1-204 Discus Shallow Mount Subwoofer is a great choice for those who want a compact and versatile subwoofer for their car audio system. Its deep bass capabilities, durable construction, and versatile design make it a great option for any car audio enthusiast.

Skar Audio VD-12 D2 12″ Subwoofer

If you’re looking for a shallow mount subwoofer that packs a punch, the Skar Audio VD-12 D2 12″ Subwoofer is a great choice.

Pros

• The shallow mount design makes it easy to install in tight spaces.
• The high performance pressed paper cone delivers great sound quality.
• The dual 2 ohm voice coils allow for flexible wiring options.

Cons

• The subwoofer may not be as durable as more expensive options.
• The sensitivity rating is slightly lower than some other shallow mount subwoofers.
• The frequency response range is not as wide as some other models.

If you’re looking for a subwoofer that can fit in a tight space without sacrificing sound quality, the Skar Audio VD-12 D2 12″ Subwoofer is a great choice. The shallow mount design makes it easy to install, and the high performance pressed paper cone delivers great sound quality. Plus, the dual 2 ohm voice coils allow for flexible wiring options.

However, it’s important to note that this subwoofer may not be as durable as more expensive options, and the sensitivity rating is slightly lower than some other shallow mount subwoofers. Additionally, the frequency response range is not as wide as some other models. Overall, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly shallow mount subwoofer, the Skar Audio VD-12 D2 12″ Subwoofer is definitely worth considering.

PIONEER TS-A2500LS4 1200 Watt 10″ Shallow Mount 4 Ohm SVC Subwoofer

If you’re looking for a powerful subwoofer that can fit in tight spaces, the PIONEER TS-A2500LS4 is a great option.

Pros

• The unique design with just 3-3/8 in. mounting depth makes it ideal for small enclosures.
• With 1,200 watts max and 300 watts RMS, it delivers powerful and clear bass.
• The frequency response of 20 Hz to 900 Hz ensures that it can handle a wide range of music genres.

Cons

• Some users reported that it stopped working after a short period of time.
• The sound quality may not be as good as some higher-end subwoofers.
• It may not fit in all types of vehicles.

The PIONEER TS-A2500LS4 is a great choice for those who want a powerful subwoofer that can fit in small enclosures. Its unique design and shallow mounting depth make it ideal for tight spaces, and its high power output ensures that it can deliver clear and powerful bass. However, some users have reported issues with durability, and the sound quality may not be as good as some higher-end subwoofers. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option that can fit in tight spaces, the PIONEER TS-A2500LS4 is definitely worth considering.

PIONEER TS-A3000LS4 12″ Shallow-Mount Subwoofer with 1,500 Watts Max. Power

If you’re looking for a powerful and shallow subwoofer, the PIONEER TS-A3000LS4 is a great option.

Pros

• Unique design with just 3-1/2″ mounting depth.
• Glass Fiber and Mica Reinforced IMPP Cone.
• Handles small enclosure use (0.5 ~ 1.0 cu. ft.).

Cons

• May not be powerful enough for some users.
• Some users report that the previous model sounded better.
• May not fit in all vehicles due to size limitations.

The PIONEER TS-A3000LS4 subwoofer is designed with a unique shallow-mount design that allows it to fit in smaller enclosures. Despite its small size, it packs a punch with 1,500 watts of max power. The glass fiber and mica reinforced IMPP cone ensures that the sound quality is top-notch.

One potential drawback of this subwoofer is that it may not be powerful enough for some users. Additionally, some users report that the previous model sounded better. Finally, it’s important to note that due to its size, it may not fit in all vehicles.

Overall, if you’re looking for a shallow subwoofer that provides great sound quality and fits in a smaller enclosure, the PIONEER TS-A3000LS4 is a great choice.

PIONEER 8″ Slim 700W 2 OHM SUBWOOFER

If you’re looking for a shallow subwoofer that’s both powerful and compact, the PIONEER 8″ Slim 700W 2 OHM SUBWOOFER might be a great option for you.

Pros

• With 700 watts max and 250 watts RMS, this subwoofer can deliver a lot of power despite its small size.
• The unique design with just 2-5/8 in. mounting depth makes it easy to install in small enclosures.
• The frequency response of 20 Hz to 1.4 kHz means that you’ll get a wide range of sound from this subwoofer.

Cons

• This subwoofer might not be the best choice if you’re looking for a subwoofer with a lot of bass.
• Some users have reported that the subwoofer can be difficult to install in certain vehicles.
• The price point might be a bit high for some users.

Overall, if you’re looking for a shallow subwoofer that’s both powerful and compact, the PIONEER 8″ Slim 700W 2 OHM SUBWOOFER might be a great option for you. With its unique design and wide frequency response, this subwoofer can deliver great sound in a small package. However, it might not be the best choice if you’re looking for a subwoofer with a lot of bass, and the installation process can be challenging for some users.

Infinity REF1200S Reference 12 Inch Low Profile Subwoofer with SSI (Selectable Smart Impedance)

If you’re looking for a shallow subwoofer that offers great installation flexibility, the Infinity REF1200S Reference 12 Inch Low Profile Subwoofer with SSI (Selectable Smart Impedance) is a great option.

Pros

• The low-profile design allows for easy installation in even the most compact cars.
• The Harman-proprietary SSI (Selectable Smart Impedance) feature allows the subwoofer to present the amplifier with either a 2 or 4 ohm load at the flip of a switch, offering greater flexibility in terms of compatibility with different amplifiers.
• With a sensitivity of 92dB, these subs deliver exceptional bass response at frequencies as low as 27Hz.

Cons

• Some users have reported that this particular series of subwoofers is not loud enough.
• While the OEM-level reliability testing is impressive, some users have noted that the subwoofer may not be as durable as some of its competitors.
• The frequency response range of 27Hz -175Hz is good, but not as wide as some other subwoofers in this category.

The Infinity REF1200S Reference 12 Inch Low Profile Subwoofer with SSI (Selectable Smart Impedance) is a great option for those looking for a shallow subwoofer that offers excellent installation flexibility and delivers exceptional bass response at frequencies as low as 27Hz. While some users have reported that this particular series of subwoofers is not as loud as they would like, the Harman-proprietary SSI feature allows for greater compatibility with different amplifiers, making it a versatile choice for those looking to upgrade their car audio system.

Rockford Fosgate P3SD4-12 Punch P3S 12″ 4-Ohm DVC Shallow Subwoofer

If you’re looking for a powerful subwoofer that doesn’t take up too much space, the Rockford Fosgate P3SD4-12 Punch P3S 12″ 4-Ohm DVC Shallow Subwoofer might be just what you need.

Pros

• Punchy bass that delivers a big sound in a tight space
• Anodized aluminum cones and dustcaps provide durability
• Hybrid stamp-cast basket provides strength while minimizing weight and resonance

Cons

• Some customers have reported that it took a long time for the product to arrive
• Some customers have reported that the subwoofer could hit harder
• Some customers have reported that they had doubts about a shallow mount subwoofer sounding good

This slim 12″ subwoofer is optimized for both sealed and vented enclosures, making it a versatile choice for your car audio system. With 400 Watts RMS / 800 Watts Max power handling and custom 10-AWG nickel plated push terminals, it’s a powerful subwoofer that doesn’t take up too much space. The unique spider venting design also helps to keep the motor cooler, so you can enjoy your music for longer.

In terms of build quality, the Rockford Fosgate P3SD4-12 Punch P3S 12″ 4-Ohm DVC Shallow Subwoofer is famous for its durability. It comes with a full 1-year warranty when purchased from an authorized Rockford Fosgate reseller, so you can have peace of mind knowing that your investment is protected.

Overall, if you’re looking for a powerful subwoofer that doesn’t take up too much space, the Rockford Fosgate P3SD4-12 Punch P3S 12″ 4-Ohm DVC Shallow Subwoofer is definitely worth considering. With its punchy bass, anodized aluminum cones and dustcaps, and hybrid stamp-cast basket, it’s a great choice for car audio enthusiasts who want a big sound in a tight space.

KICKER CompRT 10″ Subwoofer

If you’re looking for a thin but powerful subwoofer for your truck, the KICKER CompRT 10″ Subwoofer is a great option.

Pros

• High Mass, Solid Pole Piece for Superior Heat Dissipation
• Dual Voice Coils for Installation Flexibility
• Unique Heat Management for a Thin but Powerful Sub

Cons

• Some users have reported that the subwoofer blew out after a few months of use
• May not be as powerful as larger subwoofers
• Some users have reported that the subwoofer is difficult to install

The KICKER CompRT 10″ Subwoofer features forced-air cooling, which makes it 20% cooler for increased reliability. It also has a solid pole piece for superior heat dissipation and unique heat management for a thin but powerful sub. The dual voice coils provide installation flexibility, allowing you to wire the subwoofer in a variety of ways.

While some users have reported that the subwoofer blew out after a few months of use, many others have had no issues with reliability. Keep in mind that this subwoofer may not be as powerful as larger subwoofers, but it is a great option if you’re looking for a thin subwoofer that won’t take up too much space in your truck. Some users have reported that the subwoofer is difficult to install, so you may want to seek professional installation if you’re not experienced with car audio.

Overall, the KICKER CompRT 10″ Subwoofer is a solid choice if you’re looking for a thin but powerful subwoofer for your truck.

Skar Audio VD-12 D4 12″ 800W Max Power Dual 4 Ohm Shallow Mount Subwoofers, Pair of 2

If you’re looking for a shallow mount subwoofer that can handle ample amounts of power and sound great, the Skar Audio VD-12 D4 is a great choice.

Pros

• Sold as a package, includes (2) Skar Audio VD-12 D4 12-inch Dual 4 ohm shallow mount subwoofers
• Powerful, yet low profile single stack ferrite magnet
• Great under seat subwoofer or for use in applications where mounting depth is limited

Cons

• May not be suitable for those who are looking for a subwoofer that can handle extremely low frequencies
• Some users may find the subwoofer to be too large for their needs
• May require professional installation

The Skar Audio VD-12 D4 subwoofer is a great choice for those who are looking for a shallow mount subwoofer that can handle ample amounts of power. With its high temperature 2-inch voice coil and powerful single stack ferrite magnet, this subwoofer can perform with dominance. Additionally, this subwoofer has a great frequency response range of 35 Hz – 300 Hz, making it suitable for a wide range of music genres.

One of the best things about the Skar Audio VD-12 D4 is that it comes as a package deal, which includes (2) Skar Audio VD-12 D4 12-inch Dual 4 ohm shallow mount subwoofers. This makes it a great value for those who are looking to install two subwoofers in their car.

Another great thing about this subwoofer is that it has a shallow mount design, which allows it to be installed in applications where mounting depth is limited. This makes it a great choice for those who are looking to install a subwoofer in their car but don’t have a lot of space to work with.

However, it’s worth noting that this subwoofer may not be suitable for those who are looking for a subwoofer that can handle extremely low frequencies. Additionally, some users may find the subwoofer to be too large for their needs and may require professional installation.

Overall, the Skar Audio VD-12 D4 is a great choice for those who are looking for a shallow mount subwoofer that can handle ample amounts of power and sound great.

Buying Guide

When looking for the best shallow subwoofer, there are several features to consider. These features will help you find a subwoofer that meets your needs and provides the best sound quality for your car.

Size and Depth

The first thing to consider when buying a shallow subwoofer is the size and depth. Shallow subwoofers are designed to fit in tight spaces, so it’s important to find one that fits your car’s dimensions. Measure the available space in your car before buying a subwoofer to ensure that it will fit properly.

Power Handling

Another important feature to consider is power handling. This refers to the amount of power a subwoofer can handle without distorting the sound. Look for a subwoofer with a high power handling rating to ensure that it can handle the power from your amplifier.

Sensitivity

Sensitivity is another important feature to consider. This refers to how efficiently the subwoofer converts power into sound. A high sensitivity rating means that the subwoofer will produce more sound with less power. Look for a subwoofer with a high sensitivity rating to ensure that it produces clear, powerful sound.

Impedance

Impedance is also an important consideration. This refers to the resistance of the subwoofer’s voice coil to the electrical current from the amplifier. Look for a subwoofer with an impedance that matches your amplifier to ensure that it produces the best sound quality.

Frequency Response

Finally, consider the frequency response of the subwoofer. This refers to the range of frequencies that the subwoofer can produce. Look for a subwoofer with a wide frequency response range to ensure that it can produce deep, powerful bass.

In summary, when looking for the best shallow subwoofer, consider the size and depth, power handling, sensitivity, impedance, and frequency response. By taking these features into account, you can find a subwoofer that provides the best sound quality for your car.