12 Inch Subwoofer: 11 Best Compared and Reviewed [2023]
Those with less room in their car to house a 15-inch unit might prefer a 12 inch subwoofer.
Recently, I was asked to pick the best 12 inch subwoofer available, which gave me the perfect opportunity to carry out another of my in-depth product review missions.
I tested out different 12 inch subwoofers with my car audio system. As a result, I narrowed down the selection to 11 winners!
Before we go on the list, let us first look at some crucial points.
Factors to Consider Before Buying a 12 Inch Subwoofer
A dedicated bass unit is required to get a loud low-end sound from your system. A 12 inch subwoofer is a pretty powerful device that generates low-end sounds. Therefore, your speaker system may not come with a dedicated bass unit that generates low-end sounds by default.
The limited frequency range of 15Hz to 60Hz is because you only hear the low and high frequencies, which the primary drivers provide. On the other hand, a decent subwoofer will give you frequencies as low as 15Hz, which is quite powerful. Other 12 inch subwoofer factors that affect performance are:
RMS Power Capacity:
Typically, the RMS power capacity of a subwoofer indicates the amount of power the speaker produces throughout the day. It may rise to its peak capacity momentarily, but it will not maintain that level for long and will return to its RMS value.
Physical Size:
A subwoofer with a significant driver is usually equipped with 12 inches subwoofers, making it a rather large unit. Furthermore, if the outer housing is also large, it isn’t easy to locate a suitable place to install it.
Frequency Response:
It’s important to carefully examine the frequency response of audio components, particularly subwoofers, when shopping. The range indicates the range of bass output these units can produce.
It’s crucial to research and verify these aspects of a 12 inch subwoofer before buying one for your home or car, but there are a lot more that you must examine and confirm. Today, I will present you with the greatest 12 inch subwoofer available on the market.
Comparison of Best 12 Inch Subwoofer
IMAGE | MODEL | FEATURES | COST | RATING |
 | Klipsch R-120SW Subwoofer | RCA (Wired) connectivity, 29 hertz – 120 hertz +/- 3 dB, Max acoustic output 116dB | CHECK PRICE | 4.8 / 5 |
 | BOSS Audio Systems CXX12 Car Subwoofer | 4 Inch round inch port circumference, 4.8 Inch mounting height, 11 Inch mounting hole diameter | CHECK PRICE | 4.1 / 5 |
 | Skar Audio EVL-12 D2 | 25 Hz – 250 Hz frequency response, High roll foam surround, Wired connectivity | CHECK PRICE | 4.7 / 5 |
 | Rockville RV12.2B Dual Car Subwoofer | 35Hz – 500Hz frequency response, Quasi transmission line cabinet design, Aluminum Voice Coil | CHECK PRICE | 4.1 / 5 |
 | Monoprice Powered Subwoofer | 50 ~ 250 Hz Frequency Response, RCA connectivity, 150 Watts RMS | CHECK PRICE | 4.3 / 5 |
 | SVS PB-2000 Pro Ported Subwoofer | Fully discrete MOSFET output, 16 to 290 Hz frequency range, Wired connectivity | CHECK PRICE | 4.7 / 5 |
 | Polk Audio PSW505 Powered Subwoofer | 25-125 Hz frequency response, 300 Watts RMS power capacity, 460 Watts peak power capacity | CHECK PRICE | 4 / 5 |
 | Pyle Car Audio Speaker Subwoofer | 1600 watt power output (maximum), 800 Watts RMS power capacity, 2 inches 4 dual layer voice coil | CHECK PRICE | 3.9 / 5 |
 | Planet Audio AC12D Car Subwoofer | 1800 Watts peak power capacity, 900 Watts RMS power capacity, 32 Hz resonant frequency | CHECK PRICE | 4.2 / 5 |
 | Dual Electronics SBX212i Subwoofer | Compatible with a personal computer, 2” Voice Coils and 41-ounce magnets, 30Hz – 250Hz frequency range | CHECK PRICE | 4.5 / 5 |
 | KEF KUBE 12b Subwoofer | 3 pre-programmed custom EQ settings, KEF Smart Compression limiting, 300 Watts RMS power capacity | CHECK PRICE | 4.5 / 5 |
Let us explore each of the listed 12 inch subwoofers.
Top 12 Inch Subwoofer You Can Buy Right Now
Klipsch R-120SW Subwoofer
Great for both music and home theater
SPECIFICATIONS
- RCA (Wired) connectivity
- 29 hertz – 120 hertz +/- 3 dB
- Max acoustic output 116dB
- 200 watts output wattage
- 31 pounds weight
- 5 years warranty
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
There are thousands of Klipsch users, so I chose another unique brand to enter your picks today.
Klipsch R-120SW is a premium construction & a durable choice. This 12 inch subwoofer is constructed using spun copper, and its frequency response ranges from 29 to 120 Hz.
The Klipsch R-120SW can produce up to 400 Watts of power, with an RMS capacity of 200 Watts. Even large rooms can be sufficiently noisy with an output of 116 dB, more than enough.
The Klipsch R-120SW subwoofer has a great feature called bass reflex. This feature enables the subwoofer to deliver higher quality bass by using a rear-firing port.
Klipsch has provided a 5-year extended warranty to this product because it’s a premium, reliable choice, and because it measures 19.2 x 14 x 16.5 inches, it will be excellent for your living room.
BOSS Audio Systems CXX12 Car Subwoofer
Sounds great and amazing
SPECIFICATIONS
- 4 Inch round inch port circumference
- 4.8 Inch mounting height
- 11 Inch mounting hole diameter
- 32 Hz resonant frequency
- 2.5 Inch voice coil
- Rubber surround
- Car mount
- 6.54 pounds weight
- 3 years warranty
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
There’s no way we can skip over BOSS car subwoofers, which are currently used in thousands of vehicles.
High sensitivity is an essential quality, especially in vehicle-based audio equipment. Because of this, the BOSS Audio Systems CXX12 offers an 85 dB sensitivity level with a 32 Hz minimum frequency response.
The BOSS Audio Systems CXX12 has a 500-watt general output and nearly 1,000-watt peak power output thanks to its polypropylene cone with a rubber surround and 2.5-inch voice coil. Its sealed enclosure improves sound quality.
This 12 inch subwoofer is an excellent little car subwoofer, measuring 13 x 13 x 5.4 inches. Its 21-inch length and 4.8-inch circumference port are impressive, given its power.
The 13 x 13 x 5.4 is easy to install. It has a 4.8-inch mounting height and an 11-inch diameter mounting hole. Even though it is the least expensive 12 inch subwoofer, it still has a 3-year warranty, which I believe is essential.
Skar Audio EVL-12 D2
Great 12 inch subwoofer for a great price
SPECIFICATIONS
- 25 Hz – 250 Hz frequency response
- High roll foam surround
- Wired connectivity
- 1,250 Watts RMS power
- 85.1 dB sensitivity
- 33.4 pounds weight
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
I chose the Skar Audio EVL-12 D2 regarding my setup and preferences. There were many reasons why I did so.
When choosing the EVL-12 D2 subwoofer, I was pleased to discover that it had the highest power-handling rating out of the subs on this list. This was particularly beneficial since I frequently play loud music and have a high-output multi-channel amplifier.
The subwoofer has a durable build with a treated paper cone and high roll foam surround (which made the bass sound particularly substantial).
With an RMS of 1250 watts, the Skar Audio EVL-12 D2 is the only subwoofer on this list with the greatest power-handling rating. It will work with practically any subwoofer amplifier.
The EVL-12 D2 from Skar Audio has an excellent sensitivity rating of 85.1 dB. This 12 inch subwoofer can still get loud, mainly driven by a powerful amplifier.
The Skar Audio EVL-12 D2 subwoofer demands more power from the amplifier than any other sub on this list, thanks to its 2-ohm impedance.
Rockville RV12.2B Dual Car Subwoofer
Fantastic sound, quick responding subwoofer
SPECIFICATIONS
- 35Hz – 500Hz frequency response
- Quasi transmission line cabinet design
- Aluminum Voice Coil
- RCA connectivity
- 1200 watts peak power
- 53 pounds weight
- 1-year warranty
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
Several types of subwoofers are available from Rockville, and everyone is of excellent quality. Whether you want a 10-inch, a 12-inch, or an underseat compact subwoofer, you’ll find one from Rockville.
Many have prioritized Rockville RV12.2B subwoofer enclosures due to their premium build quality and cost-effective pricing. The enclosure, amplifier, and amplifier kit are all included in one shipment with this option, so you are confirmed to get your money’s worth.
The RV12.2B from Rockville is significantly more massive and less mobile than other comparable models. It is 20 inches wide, 20 inches tall, and 31.5 inches long.
In case you haven’t already figured it out, the Rockville RV12.2B is a comprehensive package that includes everything you need. Its frequency ranges from 15 Hz to 20000 Hz, so you’ll get perfect low-, mid-, and high-frequency output without hesitation.
The RV12.2B from Rockville is perfect for listening to bass-focused tracks, music, or vocal-centric material. This kit operates at 400 continuous watts and 1200 watts peak in case you need more. It’s also worth noting that this kit has a one-year warranty.
Monoprice Powered Subwoofer
Incredible value for money
SPECIFICATIONS
- 50 ~ 250 Hz Frequency Response
- RCA connectivity
- 150 Watts RMS
- 200 Watts Peak
- 41.7 pounds weight
- 2 years warranty
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
Monoprice creates a variety of equipment, primarily budget-friendly ones. For example, you can get everything from Monoprice, from headphones to cables to subwoofers.
Monoprice Subwoofer is one of the few reliable options despite having a budget-friendly price tag.
Despite its RMS power capacity of 150 Watts, this 12 inch subwoofer can deliver up to 200 Watts momentarily. It provides a 50 to 250 Hz frequency response range, making it suitable for casual users. Users do not usually require a very low-frequency range.
Furthermore, the subwoofer includes a 10-meter operating range splitter to make installation and use easier. Dedicated knobs for bass and frequency gain control will be beneficial while using the device available.
You can connect this subwoofer to the amplifier’s left and right outputs to provide balanced audio performance. Since this subwoofer has dedicated right and left speaker units, you can connect this subwoofer to the amplifier’s right and left outputs. It has a two-year extended warranty despite being inexpensive.
SVS PB-2000 Pro Ported Subwoofer
Natural, deep, accurate bass
SPECIFICATIONS
- Fully discrete MOSFET output
- 16 to 290 Hz frequency range
- Wired connectivity
- 550 Watts RMS
- 1,500 Watts Peak Power
- 64.7 pounds weight
- 5 years warranty
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
SVS is a top-notch, premium brand that makes almost exclusively high-performance products. This subwoofer is no exception.
If you are already familiar with different subwoofers and want to make a long-term investment, then I recommend this option.
The SVS PB-2000 provides 500 Watts RMS of power, which is pretty impressive compared to other options. Furthermore, you can enjoy vibrating bass levels up to 1,500 Watts of peak power. The SVS PB-2000 is fully discrete, thanks to its MOSFET output.
This unit produces the same quality sound as other 12 inch subwoofers but is more expensive.
This subwoofer produces crisp, distortion-free sound at high volumes with a frequency response of 16 Hz to 290 Hz.
You’ll be surprised to know how good it sounds, considering it has a frequency response of only 12 inches. Furthermore, this subwoofer is smart and supports the SVS subwoofer smartphone app, enabling you to control it remotely.
Polk Audio PSW505 Powered Subwoofer
Excellent quality for the best price
SPECIFICATIONS
- 25-125 Hz frequency response
- 300 Watts RMS power capacity
- 460 Watts peak power capacity
- Compatible with TV
- 460-watt power
- 43 pounds weight
- 3 years warranty
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
This is a list of the top 12 inch subwoofer, and the one I’ve chosen is from Polk Audio. It’s currently a favorite of thousands of people.
You probably know about the Polk Audio company and its high-quality audio equipment if you are an audiophile. The Polk Audio PSW505 is one of the most popular choices among 12 inch subwoofers because it is so popular. This 12 inch subwoofer has a 300-watt RMS capacity and a 460-watt peak power.
It is intended for domestic use since it measures 15.13 x 18.19 x 18.28 inches and would be challenging to fit in a vehicle. By integrating your existing system with this one, you may reduce the frequency range of your system down to 25 hertz.
It is a very efficient and versatile product because it has good sound and excellent build quality. The high build quality of this dynamic balance woofer is sure to provide excellent sound output.
The Polk Audio PSW505 subwoofer offers phase-toggle operation to facilitate the connection of multiple subwoofers. A detachable magnetic grill is provided on the outside to suit various applications. You’ll receive a 3-year warranty with this subwoofer.
Pyle Car Audio Speaker Subwoofer
Great budget speaker
SPECIFICATIONS
- 1600 watt power output (maximum)
- 800 Watts RMS power capacity
- 2 inch 4 layers dual voice coil
- 60 oz magnet structure
- Dual 4-ohm impedance
- Waterproof feature
- 5.1″ mounting depth
- 7.5 pounds weight
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
Let’s examine some exciting subwoofers designed for cars since you now understand the larger subwoofers suitable for domestic installation. The Pyle subwoofer is one such option.
Installing an enclosed 12 inches subwoofer in a vehicle is nearly impossible, so you must settle for a shallow mount subwoofer such as the Pyle 12′ Car Audio Speaker Subwoofer. Even without an enclosure, it provides up to 1600 Watts of peak power, which is considerable for a vehicle.
In addition to providing a glass-shattering bass output, this subwoofer’s nominal operating power capacity is 800 Watts. The non-fatigue rubber on the driver will last for many seasons.
The Pyle 12′ Car Audio Speaker Subwoofer is an excellent choice for a car, thanks to its 4-ohm impedance and 90-dB sensitivity. Reduced distortion and flawless audio from the subwoofers are also guaranteed.
The Pyle 12′ Car, Audio Speaker Subwoofer, contains dual voice coils that measure 2 inches each to improve the subwoofer’s performance. It is 6 inches tall and 12.75 inches long, and 13 inches wide, making it suitable for most modern vehicles.
Planet Audio AC12D Car Subwoofer
Excellent sound quality
SPECIFICATIONS
- 1800 Watts peak power capacity
- 900 Watts RMS power capacity
- 32 Hz resonant frequency
- 88 Db sensitivity
- 8 pounds weight
- 3 years warranty
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
The following 12 inch subwoofer from Planet Audio is the best-selling car subwoofer on our list. Planet audio ensures you get all the necessary features packed into one device.
Next, we are presenting one of the most popular 12 inches subwoofers on the market, the Planet Audio AC12D. It has a polypropylene-built cone that contains 12 inches driver. It is a highly durable material proven reliable in the long term.
Even the embedded voice coils of the Planet Audio AC12D Car Subwoofer are resistant to high temperatures and maintain high strength in all seasons. The same goes for the foam covering the subwoofer, which is highly flexible and gives it higher efficiency.
Coming to the technical specification of the Planet Audio AC12D Car Subwoofer, it has a peak power capacity of 1800 Watts while it nominally runs at a power capacity of about 900 Watts. Still, it is only 13 x 13 x 6 inches in size and can support 32 Hz frequency output. Planet Audio AC12D is not only a budget-friendly choice but also highly reliable, with 3 years of warranty.
Dual Electronics SBX212i Subwoofer
Great hard-hitting bass for the price
SPECIFICATIONS
- Compatible with personal computer
- 2” Voice Coils and 41-ounce magnets
- 30Hz – 250Hz frequency range
- 1200 Watts of peak power
- 400 watts RMS
- 39 pounds weight
- 1-year warranty
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
Dual Electronics is once again providing an excellent 12 inch subwoofer choice. If you want a balanced output, you should consider this subwoofer.
The Dual Electronics SBX212i is a reasonably powerful subwoofer with a dual driver setup. Its peak capacity goes as high as 1200 Watts to deliver powerful notes.
This device includes two subwoofers with 2-inch coils to increase its efficiency. Its standard operating power is 400 watts. The subwoofers are power efficient and have an impedance of 2 ohms.
On the other hand, an audio system with some lighting is available in a frequency range from 30 Hz to 250 Hz, sufficient for bass enthusiasts.
The SBX212i & the SBX214i both feature an array of LED lights to offer a good view of the devices and a dedicated cooling system that controls the temperature. You’ll receive a year of warranty with the Dual Electronics SBX212i.
KEF KUBE 12b Subwoofer
Excellent subwoofer with amazing bass
SPECIFICATIONS
- 3 pre-programmed custom EQ settings
- KEF Smart Compression limiting
- 300 Watts RMS power capacity
- 300 Watts peak power capacity
- 22 to 140 Hz frequency range
- 44 pounds weight
- 5 years warranty
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
Among all our choices today, Kef’s 12 inch subwoofer is one of the most premium brands. It’s an elegant, long-lasting choice.
The Kef Kube 12b subwoofer is a home theater system or soundbar compatible subwoofer that offers up to 300 watts of RMS and peak power. It is the only device on our list with the same RMS and peak power ratings, making it a uniform performer that performs the same regardless of which song is playing. It is much safer because it is sealed from external hazards.
If you want to go deep down the rabbit hole of personalizing your audio equipment, the Kef Kube 12b has 3 different preset EQ settings to choose from.
Three different types of installation are covered, from free-standing, corner-mounted, to cabinet installations.
The compression technology is built-in and ensures loud output at all times. It comes with a 5-year warranty & is in the higher-end price range.
Buyer’s Guide For The Best 12 Inch Subwoofer
You can enhance your high-end audio system by adding a subwoofer. Subwoofers are an excellent addition to car speakers, home theater systems, reference monitors, and other systems. If you desire the finest listening experience, you must include a subwoofer in your existing setup.
Subwoofers can be divided into several categories: enclosed subwoofers, tube subwoofers, and compact subwoofers. Choosing the right subwoofer for yourself requires calculating its power needs and ensuring its compatibility with your application.
Furthermore, you should ensure that the subwoofer you buy meets your needs before buying it. In this buying guide, I will walk you through various factors to consider when purchasing a 12 inch subwoofer.
Size and Form Factor
It’s safe to say that you have enough space in your room to install a 12 inch subwoofer since you’ve already decided to purchase one. However, the size and shape of the subwoofer might come as a surprise to you if you don’t have enough space.
Before you buy a subwoofer, you must ensure that it is the right size and shape for your needs. A subwoofer can be enormous if enclosed, making it more challenging to install in a car. These factors are not very important in domestic scenarios but vital in car installations.
Frequency Range
The most significant aspect of a 12 inch subwoofer is the frequency range. This range differs from product to product and depends on its design and power capacity. Generally, subwoofers with higher power capacities produce lower-frequency sounds at higher volumes.
This subwoofer’s minimum frequency is 30 Hz, which is pretty good for bass lovers. If you want to hear deeper bass than this subwoofer offers, you must get one with the lowest frequency output. Furthermore, you should also consider the higher frequencies if you want to use the same speaker for midrange and treble frequencies.
RMS Power
Subwoofers usually advertise their highest power capacity as a clever marketing tactic. Remember, however, that the highest power capacity is not always available. Instead, the subwoofer briefly achieves this power level before returning to its usual RMS level.
To understand the subwoofer’s strength, you should focus on the RMS power level instead of the peak power level. It will give an idea of the subwoofer’s usual power level.
Amplifier
These devices supply the necessary power to subwoofers and amplify input audio signals to ensure that even the tiniest detail in an uncompressed track is not missed. An amplifier is a crucial part of any audio system. You may not consider it critical, but you will once you have a chance to handle a decent one.
An equally powerful amplifier is essential if you plan to use a powerful subwoofer. A subwoofer that comes with an amplifier or an amplifier built into the subwoofer for the best results is what you should look for.
Warranty Period
No matter how great the subwoofer is for your needs or how well it works, it will be worthless if it is internally broken. Subwoofer drivers, in particular, are vulnerable to internal damage, which severely impairs their performance or makes them useless, resulting in no output.
Investing a lot on a 12 inch subwoofer, you should ensure it will last a long time. Durable build quality and a lengthy warranty period are therefore good choices. If something goes wrong with your subwoofer, you will have peace of mind knowing that you will get free repairs or replacements within the warranty period.
FAQs on 12 inch subwoofer
1. What is the hardest hitting 12 inch subwoofer?
The 2400-watt peak power, 1200-watt RMS Skar Audio Dual 12” Subwoofers deliver the most thumping bass when used in a vented enclosure.
2. Are 12-inch subs loud?
12 inch subwoofer usually have higher RMS power ratings than 8 and 10-inch subwoofers. It depends on the RMS power rating, but most think 12 inch subwoofers provide more booming bass sounds than smaller subwoofers.
3. Are 10- or 12-inch subwoofers better?
A 12 inch subwoofer handles more power than a 10 inch subwoofer and produces a louder, more powerful bass sound, all other things being equal. Many people feel that they sound better.
4. What size subwoofer is best for bass?
Subwoofers come in three popular sizes: 8-, 10-, and 12-inch. Many people believe that a 12 inch subwoofer provides a sufficient bass response in addition to extra bass output.
5. Does the size of a subwoofer matter?
It is essential to consider sound quality aside from volume when choosing a speaker. A speaker’s frequency range, power, and sensitivity, in addition to quality, are equally important.
6. Which is better: a 12- or 15-inch subwoofer?
A 12 inch subwoofer is frequently considered a superior choice for cars due to space constraints and enhanced audibility. However, satisfaction is subjective and based on individual preference and available space.
7. What’s the best subwoofer for deep bass?
Subwoofers particularly well suited for sub-bass or ‘deep bass’ have rigid cones and a frequency response extending to 20 Hz. Given these specifications, I would suggest the Skar Audio EVL-12 D2 and the JL Audio 12W0V3-4, for example.
8. How to get more bass out of my subwoofer?
You can improve your subwoofers’ bass response by a few methods. For example, you can turn down the amp’s gain knob to avoid excessive distortion. You may also increase the low-pass filter, so it doesn’t filter out any bass frequencies. Alternatively, if your amplifier includes a bass boost function, turn it on as well.
9. What size box do I need for a 12 Inch subwoofer?
When choosing an enclosure, the front panel should be no less than two to three inches larger than the subwoofer. A 15-inch front panel, for example, is required if you have a 12 inch subwoofer.
Related Topics:
Summary
My picks today provide you with an excellent 12 inch subwoofer. If unsure what would be best for your application, check out our suggestions.
The BOSS Audio Systems CXX12 Car Subwoofer is an excellent choice for installing in your vehicle if you are on a budget. If you want the deepest and richest bass experience possible, the Rockville RV12.2B subwoofer is the way to go.
On the other hand, if you want a long-term upgrade to your sound system, I recommend the SVS PB-2000 12 subwoofer.
![12 Inch Subwoofer: 11 Best Compared and Reviewed [2023]](https://marketintuitive.com/wp-content/uploads/thumbs_dir/Black-White-Elegant-Phone-Review-Blog-Banner-2-2-q0cq8pqmmpmot12ata7vzchf206b7ou3i9ribvgg1o.jpg)
![12 Inch Subwoofer: 11 Best Compared and Reviewed [2023]](https://marketintuitive.com/wp-content/uploads/thumbs_dir/Black-White-Elegant-Phone-Review-Blog-Banner-4-2-q0cq8k3lhpeyvdahq7s4kdwnhoy3xi7phhulg7ot30.jpg)
Mark Dalio
Mark is a tech-obsessed serial entrepreneur who also enjoys reading and writing. He has a strong urge to keep learning and talking about technology, which led him to become an author. Mark has co-founded two successful startups, one of which was acquired in 2018.
![7 Best Record Player With Speakers in 2023: [Tested & Reviewed]](https://marketintuitive.com/wp-content/themes/rehub-theme/images/default/noimage_336_220.png)
