Best 12 Inch Subwoofers

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How We Decided

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

A Detailed List of Best 12 Inch Subwoofers

First time buying a subwoofer? Check out our in depth buying guide first, so you can make the right decision.

Rockford Fosgate R2S – Best Budget 12 Inch Subwoofer

If you’re looking to add some massive and powerful sound to the car’s audio system but have limited space, this small 12-” sub, made by Rockford Fosgate, could be an ideal choice. It measures 13.5″ and 27.38″ 5.25″ x 5.25″ This makes it suitable for installation in smaller trunks.

It’s a subwoofer with a 2-ohm sensitivity and a power rating between 100 and 250 Watts RMS or 500 Watts at peak. While this isn’t good bass that will shake you to your core and make your windows shake however it’s a fantastic amount of power that’s plenty to be used for everyday listening by most people.

One of the most substantial advantages of this particular sub is how easy it is to set up and install. If your system is installed, you have to connect it to the amp, and you’re good to start.

This could be the perfect alternative for those who want to boost their system’s bass but can’t afford more of a unit and do not want to burn a hole into their pocket.

Although there may be better choices for those with a larger budget and space in your vehicle, it is aperfect solution for those with a limited budget on both. It is a recommended product from a reputable brand.

Pros

• Budget friendly
• Constructed using 5/8″ MDF
• Carpeted with high density
• Can fit into tight spaces

Cons

• No wireless remote
• If you like deeper bass, this is not the woofer you should select

Planet Audio Anarchy AC12D – Loudest 12 inch Subwoofer

Dual voice coils for the Subwoofer by Planet Audio offers a wide range of possibilities and versatility. It is possible to pair it with a Monoblock amp, with a second sub similar to it, or even different types of amplifiers. 

The DVC will open up a variety of possibilities. You can choose to keep it simple as well. You’re in charge and have many options.

It can produce a natural 32Hz bass frequency. However, you’ll need to be able to locate the RMS power. It can take the RMS power output of 900w from an amplifier, contingent on how it’s connected. It’s a lot, especially when compared with some of the other choices on this list.

However, it’s important to remember it’s a low-end subwoofer, so you’ll probably prefer to lower the volume slightly and not run the unit at a high constant 900w. This will increase the lifespan. 

If you’re looking for something that can push to the limit regularly, then you’ll need to consider some more expensive alternatives.

However, it sounds fantastic for its price and comes with a polypropylene cone. Experienced bass heads will be able to discern any areas it lacks through more refined listening. However, most people will feel the hefty bass and be thrilled with the DVC configuration. You can crank up the volume to listen and enjoy.

Pros

• A minimalist design that is great for virtually any enclosure
• Provides plenty of power at a reasonable amount (excellent dual 4 Ohms voice coils)
• voice coils can withstand high temperatures
• It is also wireless

Cons

• It has a lower power rating

Hifonics HFX12D4 Dual 4 Ohm – best premium subwoofer for car

These are an excellent option for those seeking that extra boost With a power rating of 800W RMS. These subs are able to handle the demands as a driver for the day. They’re not going to be the top choice in any competition for sound; however, they’re well-defined and unambiguous.

As with all subs, these also require an appropriate period of breaking in. If you don’t, it could result in both speakers quickly burning out.

 Though they’re constructed of industry-standard components, they’re not as durable as our top choice.

You’ll want to place these speakers into an excellent box. Unfortunately, they’re not supplied with a speaker, which means you’ll have searched for one or create one by yourself.

The voice coils in these speakers are reasonable; however, they tend to overheat at higher volumes. However, they should be okay so long as your goal isn’t to maximize the speakers’ power each time you switch them on.

Pros

• 800 Watt Max and 400 Watt RMS 
• It produces clear sound even at lower power ratings.
• Excellent for cars

Cons

• It has a weaker coil

Kenwood KFC-W3016PS

Another well-known brand in the field for car stereo equipment, with decades of experience backing the claims of Kenwood and it is a name that is sure to provide the highest quality, efficiency, and affordable prices.

This is a sub with a maximum power of 2,000 watts or 400 watts at the RMS. It comes with features that aid in building, including a durable polypropylene cone and a solid and durable rubber surround.

The best features of this sub are the high quality of the sound and overall dependability. 

If you’re looking to enhance the sound value and power of your bass to your car’s sound system, this will be the best choice while at the same time you’ll know that you’re getting an item you can count on.

Overall, it’s a fantastic quality sub for the money that will last for quite a while. For the price, it’s as reliable an alternative as you can get and looks attractive too.

Pros

• 2000-watt peak power
• powerful, reliable bass 
• It is inexpensive

Cons

• It is not wireless
• not the highest sound quality
• low RMS range

JBL CLUB WS1200 –  Best 12 Inch Subwoofer under $200

JBL is a brand that regularly produces high-quality speakers that offer a tremendous amount of power and different sound levels but remain on the budget side in the marketplace. 

If you’re looking for an inexpensive 12″ sub that falls in this segment, this one ought to be worth your consideration.

The unit only requires three 5/16″ in-depth, making it simple to be fitted into even the small of vehicles. We also love how it comes with an impedance selector switch which lets you choose between 2 and 4 ohms. This makes it simpler to connect and optimize it with a broader array of other devices.

The sub comes with a maximum power rating of 1000 Watts or an RMS rating of 25 watts. The thing we love about this model is that when used in conjunction with a system that provides the power and the quality that these speakers require to give thunderous, resounding, and deep bass. It’s higher than the subs of comparable models provide.

JLB can be viewed as a cheap brand, but we would instead think of JLB as a brand that is an excellent value for the money. This unit will provide you with plenty of extra power at lower frequencies, but it will cost you much less than similar models. It is the reason it is highly recommended.

Pros

• It is very sleek and stylish
• offer installation flexibility
• their shallow designs allow them to fit in tight spaces

Cons

• Low-quality voice coils

Rockville W12K9D – Best subwoofer for deep bass

If you’re looking for an extra whammy to add to your bass, there are numerous choices available. If you’re asking us, we’ll recommend this for that extra bass.

It’s a great deal. Rockville is genuinely bringing the heat. The unit has an RMS rating of 1000W, and the peak power is 4000W. This should be enough power to take on most audio surges and provide a stable bottom end with minimal distortion.

The thing we love most about this particular subwoofer is how authentic the sound quality is. Every component is constructed of the highest quality materials to provide the highest quality sound and give the Subwoofer long-lasting durability.

Cones are built using ultra-stiff, uncompressed paper that allows for the most incredible range. It’s also covered with a highly thick foam surround that helps reduce distortion. A premium rubber protects the magnet itself to make it appear better and shield your speaker against shock.

There are a few complaints. When they’re breaking in, there’s a scent of something a bit sour emanating from the glue. However, that smell will disappear. The second thing to note is that, even though they’re highly rated, we advise not to boost them above 600W.

Pros

• It has 400W Peak Dynamic Power
• Digital Amplification
• 29 to 120 Hz Frequency Response

Cons

• relatively large
• sounds below 29 Hz are a little unclear

Klipsch R-120SW Subwoofer – best option overall

If you want to elevate your gaming to a higher level, the Klipsch R-120SW subwoofers are essential. It features 12 inches of the driver, perfect for home theater systems for a tremendous space-filling experience. A further important feature is its robust and acoustically balanced structure. It is equipped with Injection Molded Graphite (IMG) and spun copper cones that are durable and extremely lightweight. This characteristic significantly boosts the volume of low frequencies and reduces distortion to a minimum. In turn, it gives deep bass levels with a wide frequency range.

They are front-firing, which means they can be placed anywhere in the bookcase or a wall corner. There is no need to bother for distortion or overly vibrations.

Another feature that is worth mentioning is the inbuilt digital amplifier. It can produce a powerful energy output, ranging from 200 to 400 watts, and a maximum power output of around 400 Watts. The power output is sufficient to provide precise tones and low-pitched sound. This is why it can deliver powerful bass when at its maximum. The maximum output of the acoustic is 116dB. Additionally, it has a fantastic frequency response that ranges from 29 hertz to 120 hertz. The features are all desirable to make the most of the experience of your home theater.

The bass level can be easily adjusted through gain, low pass crossovers, and phase control. They let you keep lower frequencies that can blend into the sound of the pair of speakers.

Pros

• the power output of 200 watts/400 watts
• easy placement
• frequency response of  29– 120 hertz

Cons

• It weighs around 31 pounds

Fluance DB12 12 inch subwoofer

Bring soul to your standard music by purchasing Fluance DB12 Subwoofer. It offers the most refined sound experience and room-filling.

Externally, it has modern designs; the classic matte black ash shade is a pleasant sight for tired eyes. Additionally, it’s constructed with high-end MDF wooden cabinets that help reduce resonances and increase bass levels. In addition to its gorgeous appearance and design, it also houses 12 inches of the long-throw driver. The front-firing driver lets you hear each frequency clear and delivers booming bass with minimal distortion. It’s perfect for high-end features as well as a stunning performance.

It’s designed to create high-quality bass and provide a considerable frequency range so that you will enjoy a more immersive audio experience. It can deliver a substantial maximum power output of up to 400 Watts, with virtually no distortion in sound quality. 

Moreover, it typically produces the power of 240 watts which has crystal clear audio. It is capable of producing a remarkable frequency response of 36 Hz- 180 Hz. This means you will be able to hear every single note of the track with clarity.

It has an individual control panel in the rear. The control panel includes volume as well as gain and crossover controls. You can adjust the bass frequency to a level that can seamlessly blend with your speakers’ sound. In addition to the controls, it comes with Line/Low Level and RCA L/R as well as Speaker outputs. They allow you to connect the subwoofer to the home theatre system with ease.

Pros

• smooth bass level with no distortion
• the power output of 400 watts
• impressive frequency response of 36 Hz – 180 Hz

Cons

• it has no feature for port noises

12 Inch Subwoofer Buyer’s Guide

When buying the best subwoofer for your needs, you must consider a few key things.

Box and mounting options

If your vehicle has a spot where your subwoofer can be mounted, look for the right thing to match with the mounting holes.

In addition, the most commonly used configuration for a subwoofer is to mount them inside boxes. 

There are many different types of boxes; therefore, make sure to choose the best one that meets your requirements.

Amplifier option

The amp used in the amplifier system will affect the output of the subwoofers as well.

There are many amps, from small, battery-operated amps to large, electronic amplifiers suitable for home theatre systems.

Choosing an amplifier with the appropriate power output is crucial to handle the subwoofer’s size and power requirement.

Pay special attention to the amp’s operating conditions, including maximum wattage, minimum wattage, current draw, noise level, RMS, distortion, and others.

Enclosures

Ported or open enclosures allow more amplifier headroom allowing for a better performance from the subwoofer.

The best-ported enclosures usually have a ported box sealed at the top to let the sound pass through a box to the speaker without disturbing the sound of the outside environment.

A few manufacturers have a unique tweeter mount that allows the tweeter to be mounted appropriately without interference from the outside. Ported enclosures are very efficient and powerful and can provide a highly realistic and deep bass.

Cone construction

The kind of cone within your subwoofer is crucially in the quality of sound produced and the endurance of the speaker. 

Polypropylene and paper cones are among the most commonly used. They’re cheaper than other choices, but they do are less durable. However, that doesn’t mean they don’t make a good sound, however. 

More substantial materials like magnesium and aluminum are used to create even more robust cones. In the most expensive subwoofers, you can even find cones constructed out of carbon fiber, as well as Kevlar.

Frequency band

The frequency is determined in Hertz, and, in instances of subwoofers, it determines the bass level. 

The lowest frequency that our ears can hear is 20Hz, and the frequency felt to the body’s ear is 16Hz. 

Choose the subwoofer with low-frequency responses as it produces all high and low sound frequencies, exactly how an artist wants listeners to experience it. 

Some of the latest subwoofers have such bass frequencies, they cannot be felt and are strong enough to strike your gut.

Ported vs. Non-ported

Ported models feature ports (ports) in their outside that lead to the interior of subwoofers. 

However, non-ported subwoofers are enclosed from their exterior. Many top brands produce subwoofers with no ports, but that isn’t a good thing because it’s not a plus feature. 

Surprisingly, ported subwoofers are superior because they permit more excellent airflow, which keeps the internal coolers even at high frequencies. However, they cost a lot.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hardest-hitting 12-inch Subwoofer on the market?

The most powerful and hard-hitting 12-inch subwoofer is the Planet Audio AC12D 12 inch car subwoofer. It can have a maximum capacity of 1500 watts with 750 watts RMS. The AC12D offers a powerful bass and a unique overall sound combined with cushioned foam enclosure and propylene coil.Are 12 subs loud?

12-inch subs deliver an impressive bass and high-quality sound effects. It’s perfect for the floor-standing speaker; this is why it is the ideal choice for your home theatre system. The 12-inch subwoofers have greater power. They play louder, and they sound boomier, and many users discover that they sound better. This is the reason these subs are highly suggested for large or average-sized rooms.

What’s better, 2 10 inch subs or 1 12 inch sub?

If they are adequately powered and given enough power, with enough power. In that case, the2 10 inch subs are likely to sound cleaner and have a more robust punch because their cone surface produces more significant sound pressure. The single 12″ sub will, however, be a little more pronounced and deeper.

What size subwoofer has the deepest bass?

15-inch subwoofers have the robust and most deep bass because of their vast dimensions. They do not have the suppleness and responsiveness of their slim counterparts. They will occupy a lot of your cargo or passenger space, which is why they are often employed in large trucks and SUVs.

Conclusion

So in conclusion, the first step you need to do before buying a car subwoofer is to find out what kind you want. Once you know that, you can calculate how many watts RMS you will need, what size, and where you will place them. You can then buy your car subwoofers as per your liking and get started!

However, watch out as car audio also comes with its share of scams, just like any other product.