Attempting to receive a top-quality, detailed response from your speakers can become a bit annoying when you don’t have the best features. A booming, bass-filled solo, for instance, may not be possible when you merely have those eight-inch woofers. A few compromises may have been made in the past, and you’re about as ready to purchase a 12-inch subwoofer that may solve your problem once and for all.
Nevertheless, it may be frustrating to find the best 12-inch subwoofer, especially since many brands are out there, all with various sets of specifications to offer. Hence, to help you with your search, we did the job for you. We rummaged through the web to curate a detailed list of the best 12-inch subwoofers in the market. Take note that the list that’s about to follow includes each option’s essential features, price, and a brief discussion.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
Best Overall  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Best for Mashed-Up Features  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Best for Audio Precision  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
The Best 12-inch Subwoofer
Rockford Fosgate P3D4-12 Punch P3 DVC 4-Ohm 12-Inch 600-Watt RMS 1200-Watt Peak Subwoofer – Best Overall
Key Features
- Mounting Depth: 6.66 inches
- Power (RMS/Peak): 600 / 1200 watts
- Frequency Range: 28 – 250
- Sensitivity: 85 dB
- The P3 Series is Rockford Fosgate’s best performing Punch subwoofer delivering reference quality bass in our most popular models.
- The Punch P3D4-12 is a 12″ 4-Ohm DVC (dual voice coil) subwoofer with 600 Watts RMS / 1200 Watts Max power handling and custom 10-AWG nickel plated push terminals.
- Featuring anodized aluminum cones and dust caps, a unique spider venting design keeps the motor cooler and a new hybrid stamp-cast basket providing super strength while minimizing weight and resonance.
- Best used in standard sealed or vented enclosures {Sealed (Vb): 1.02 cu. ft. (28.8 Liters) / Vented (Vb): 1.79 cu. ft. (50.6 Liters) / Mounting Depth: 6.66 in. (169.3 mm) / Cutout Diameter: 11.25 in. (285 mm)
- Famous Rockford Fosgate builds quality with a full 1-year warranty when purchased from an authorized Rockford Fosgate reseller.
- 12-inch, dual 4-ohm subwoofer with 1200 watts maximum power handling (600 watts RMS)
- Anodized aluminum cone and dust cap with Rockford “VAST” (Vertical Attach Surround Technique) surround.
- High-temp voice coils with spun-laced Nomex re-enforcement collar.
- Flex fit basket for slight adjustments when mounted; cutout Diameter: 11.25 inches. (285 mm); mounting Depth: 6.66 inches. (169.3 mm)
- One-year limited manufacturer’s warranty
The Rockford Fosgate P3D4-12 Punch P3 Subwoofer is a definite powerhouse in the name of automotive speakers. Not only is it a top choice for many automobile enthusiasts but also among audiophiles. With this subwoofer’s cone made of solid anodized aluminum, its overall design provides you with the accurate impression of durability despite its lightweight material. Its dust cap is made with the same look and material, as well. Its vertical, surrounding mounting further increases the cone’s capacity by 25% as well. Its design can further complement your car’s clean, classic look—a look that’s been termed as FlexFit by this subwoofer’s manufacturer.
If you’re looking for a subwoofer that delivers what it promises, you shouldn’t have to look further. The P3D4-12 Punch P3 delivers what it promises, offering a solid low-frequency response with its capacity to use up a minimum of 600 Watts RMS. This feature allows the P3D4-12 Punch P3 to produce such loud audio reproduction and consistent performance even when it comes to the lowest frequencies.
Adeptly capable of using a maximum power of 1200 Watts, this solid subwoofer has a sensitivity capacity of 85dB. Nonetheless, we noticed with this product that it tends to be imbalanced at certain points.
| Pros • Rock-solid features • FlexFit design permits further adjustment after mounting • Loud and precise audio output • Powerfully built | Cons • It can be way too loud • Limited frequency range |
Skar Audio EVL-12 D4 12″ 2500-Watt Max Power Dual 4 Ohm Car Subwoofer – Best for Mashed-Up Features
Key Features
- Speaker Maximum Output Power: 1250 Watts
- Peak Power: 2,500 Watts
- RMS Power: 1,250 Watts
- 3″ High-Temperature Dual 4-ohm Voice Coil with Black Coating
- Competition Grade Paper Cone & High Roll Foam Surround
- Fs: 40 Hz
- Premium Suspension Featuring the EVL Series Signature Red Two Layer Spider
- Deep, Low, Extremely Responsive Bass
- Sensitivity: 85.3 dB
- Frequency Response Range: 25 Hz – 250 Hz | Xmax: 23.5 mm (one-way)
A brand that needs to be discovered by more audiophiles, Skar proves to be another of the best subwoofers currently out in the market. At first look, the Skar Audio EVL-12 D4 Subwoofer already does its job to scream hardcore. This subwoofer is incorporated with an advanced cooling appearance that permits you to maximize its sound output capacity without worrying about it overheating. Integrated with a high-temperature three-inch voice coil, the manufacturer guarantees its customers excellent low-frequency reproduction. This subwoofer’s overall look, from its premium-grade cone to its durable foam surround, is impressive.
As to its performance, this beast can use up to 1250 Watts of RMS power. It can even peak at 2500 Watts. Its frequency response is also pretty spectacular as it can provide a frequency response of up to 25 Hz.
The lowdown, however, is seen in how this beast handles these fantastic specs. The system has issues in terms of its durability. Customers complain about having problems when pushing this subwoofer’s limits.
Nevertheless, the product is consistent when you merely use it for regular sub-woofing. Its bass output is precise, and its mid-range sounds offer gentle, satisfying quivers.
| Pros • Precise bass output • Effective cooling capacity • Incredible core specifications • Solid built appearance | Cons • The output begins scattering when you push the system to its limits • Not the most durable product |
Kicker CompVR 12″ 4-Ohm Subwoofer – Best for Audio Precision
Key Features
- Item weight: 6.57 Kilograms
- Speaker maximum output power: 800 Watts
- Injection-molded Polypropylene Cone
- Power Handling: 50-400 Watts RMS (200 Watts Per Coil)
- 800 Watts Peak Power Handling
- Sensitivity: 86.9 dB
If you want to make a striking first impression, the Kicker CompVR 12″ 4-Ohm Subwoofer should be your best option. Along with its injection-molded polypropylene cone, this product looks like it can seriously throw a good punch. This subwoofer’s speaker is even designed with high-temperature dual coils.
Like other subwoofers of this two-hundred-dollar price range, the Kicker CompVR 12″ 4-Ohm Subwoofer is incorporated with top-quality specs. With an RMS power handling of 400 Watts, 200 Watts for each coil, its peak power permits you to experience rare opportunities of pure bliss. This product’s frequency response range is 25 to 500 Hz, but faster outputs at about 30 Hz are problematic. It makes up for that with its sensitivity capacity of 86.9 dB, however.
A bit average for its attractive price, the Kicker CompVR 12″ 4-Ohm Subwoofer provides consistent audio reproduction as long as you know how to handle it well.
| Pros • Impressive design • Solid built appearance • Decent overall features • Excellent loudness capacity and precision | Cons • A bit average for its price • The package comes with no mounting screws |
Kenwood Excelon KFC-XW1200F 12in Mount Subwoofer Car – Best for Smaller Vehicles and Spaces
Key Features
- 12″ 4-Ohm shallow-mount subwoofer
- Carbon-glass fiber composite cone with butyl rubber surround
- Cast aluminum basket
- Power range: 50-350 watts RMS
The Kenwood Excelon KFC-XW1200F 12in Mount Subwoofer Car offers a reliable yet simple design. Thus, this subwoofer is much more appropriate for a smaller car than the other subwoofer offerings in the market. Without being overly expensive, this subwoofer provides a fantastic listening experience as it is capable of an RMS power handling of 50 to 350 Watts which can go up to 700 Watts. Easily installed, the Kenwood Excelon KFC-XW1200F is also easily adjustable. Accompanied by an extremely user-friendly instructional manual, you won’t have any trouble at all when installing this subwoofer into your vehicle.
Clocked at a peak of 700 Watts power, this product is not as powerful as its counterparts. However, it can still provide you with deep bass reproduction. Equipped with a Carbon-glass fiber composite cone, it also has a butyl rubber surround that further improves its capacity to reproduce precise low notes effectively.
This product is encased in an aluminum finish, providing it with a sturdiness rarely seen in other subwoofers in the same price range. More appropriate for regular listening, this subwoofer, however, cannot handle extreme high loudness.
| Pros • Durable cast • The compact shape is suitable for smaller spaces • Effective bass reproduction • Durable cone | Cons • Peak power handling is low • Problematic with audio composed of too much bass notes |
Infinity Reference REF1200S 12″ Shallow Mount Subwoofer, Black – Best Budget 12-Inch Subwoofer
Key Features
- Low-profile design
- Harman-proprietary SSI (Selectable Smart Impedance)
- OEM-level reliability testing
- Frequency response 27Hz -175Hz
- 12″ shallow-mount component subwoofer
- Polypropylene cone with rubber surround
- Handles up to 250 watts RMS (1000 watts peak)
- Impedance: 2 or 4 ohms (selectable)
- Sensitivity: 92 dB
- Top-mount depth: 3-1/4″
- Sealed box volume: 0.75 cu. ft.
- Ported box volume: 1.75 cu. ft.
- Grille not included
- Warranty: 1 year
Most modern cars are into smaller, more compact features. Hence, they cannot be installed with gigantic subwoofers that may only let these cars look imbalanced and laughable on the road. If you have a compact car and would still want to have a subwoofer installed into it, the Infinity Reference REF1200S should be an excellent option for you. Designed to fit smaller spaces, this subwoofer perfectly epitomizes the adage, “big surprises in small packages.”
This subwoofer offers up to 92 dB sensitivity—a remarkable feature in such a tiny beast. Without dual coils that allow you to different impedances, this product provides a flip switch that permits you to use either 2 or 4 Ohms. Hence, you get to maximize your amplifier’s capacity without having to compromise your thermal safety boundaries and stability.
Indeed, it has a low-profile look, but it makes up for that by providing you with 250 Watts RMS, which can go as high as 1000 Watts. Also, the manufacturer guarantees lasting durability. This product is fully tested for its capacity to handle various environments and temperatures.
| Pros • Superb for small spaces • Can detect as low as 27 Hz frequency response • Sensitivity up to 92 dB • Handles both 2 and 4 Ohms • RMS Power handling of 250 to 1000 Watts • Durable built • Affordable | Cons • It can be challenging when pushed to its system limits |
Skar Audio SVR-12 D2 12″ 1600-Watt Max Power Dual 2 Ohm Car Subwoofer – Best for Overall Appearance
Key Features
- Item Weight: 25.5 Pounds
- 12-inch Dual 2 Ohm Voice Coil Configuration
- Peak Power: 1,600 Watts
- RMS Power: 800 Watts
- Competition Grade Pressed Paper Cone
- High Roll Foam Surround
- Advanced Airflow Cooling System
- 2.6″ High-Temperature Copper Voice Coil
- Motor Weight: 153 oz
- Frequency Response: 22 – 300 Hz
- Sensitivity: 86.1 dB
- Fs: 36 Hz
- Re: Dual 2 Ω
- Qms: 7.05
- Qes: 0.56
- Qts: 0.52
- Mms: 255.6 gr
- Nref: 0.245%
- Cms: 0.073 mm/N
- Bl: 19.77 n/a
- Vas: 29.2 L
- Sd: 530.9 cm²
- Xmax: 15 mm
The Skar Audio SVR-12 D2 provides you with compelling subwoofer specs incorporated into one beastly package. With its RMS power handling clocked in at 800 Watts, which can go up to a maximum of 1600 Watts, this product provides you with as much endurance as its counterparts.
Designed with a premium-grade cone, it also has a high roll foam surround that ensures added quality audio reproduction consistency and also packages durability. It also has a 2.6-inch high-temperature copper voice coil that allows you to enjoy longer and louder audio output without compromising its heat capacity. It is also developed with an advanced cooling capacity.
This product is beautifully-crafted, as well. It has a solid, built look that outrightly screams durability and power. However, this subwoofer is best used for regular listening and should not be pushed to its limits.
| Pros • Precise bass output • Effective cooling capacity • Outstanding core specifications • Solid built appearance | Cons • The output begins scattering when pushing the system to its limits • Not the most durable product |
Pair of Gravity G3 12 Inch 4000-Watt Package Car Audio Subwoofers w/ 4 Ohm DVC Power (2 Woofers) – Best for RMS Power Handling
Key Features
- 4000 Watts High-Performance Car Subwoofer Packages with 4 Ohm DVC
- Peak Power: 2000 Watts for each subwoofer
- Competition Grade Pressed Paper Cone
- High Roll Foam Surround
- Advanced Airflow Cooling System
- Frequency Response: 30 – 500Hz
- Sensitivity: 87 dB
However, if you want something that’s even more powerful, you should take a look at this pair of Gravity G3 12 Inch 4000-Watt Package Car Audio Subwoofers. This pair’s primary attraction is their capacity to handle 4000 Watts of power with 2000 Watts for each subwoofer. Best for big, muscle cars, this pair is designed with high-grade paper cones. They also have advanced airflow cooling systems that allow you to enjoy your bass notes for as long as you want.
Able to handle a frequency response range of 30 to 500 Hz, this pair is worth your money. It also has a sensitivity rate of up to 87 dB, a decent offering for those who require subwoofers capable of surround sound for large vehicles.
| Pros • An excellent pick for huge vehicles • Comes in pairs • Handles up to 4000 Watts, 2000 Watts for each subwoofer • Advanced Airflow Cooling System | Cons • It takes up too much space |
Best 12-inch Subwoofer Buying Guide
Buying an efficient 12-inch subwoofer can be merely accomplished when you get to find one that has all the different features you want. Below are several tips that you should bear in mind when shopping for one:
RMS Power Handling
Subwoofers are built with differing RMS power handling capacities. If you want a subwoofer that can consistently handle continuous loud bass music without compromising sound quality and power safety boundaries, find one that can take higher levels
Frequency Response
An excellent subwoofer should be able to handle low and deep notes smoothly. Most subwoofers can run as low as 30 Hz. A product that can effectively detect lower bass notes down to 27b Hz is a rare find.
Sensitivity
Aside from frequency response, another prominent feature that you should look for in a subwoofer is its sensitivity capability. A subwoofer that can manage high decibels can more appropriately offer you louder volume capacity without compromising audio solidity.
Size and Durability
You should also opt for a subwoofer that isn’t easily damaged. A subwoofer with an efficient airflow cooling system is much more preferable, especially if you are the type that continuously listens to heavy, loud music. Its size must also be noted as most modern vehicles are small and are thus far better with compact subwoofers.
Best 12-inch Subwoofer FAQs
What size subwoofer is best for bass?
The best size for an effective subwoofer is 12 inches, as it can efficiently handle a wide variety of audio options. People with substantial bass appetites attest to the efficiency of this ideal subwoofer size.
How do I get more bass out of my subwoofer?
To get more out of your subwoofer, these tips can help:
- Remove distortion.
- The low-pass filter must be opened and the signal made flat.
- Adjust its low-pass filter and subwoofer gain.
- Adjust subsonic filter and bass boost.
- Match the receiver volume to the subwoofer level.
Are subwoofers worth it?
Absolutely. If you want a tremendous surround sound experience, a subwoofer helps provide that. Also, low-frequency sounds can be effectively heard with an efficient subwoofer.
Conclusion
Summing up our discussion, here are the top subwoofer products we found:
- Best Overall—Rockford Fosgate P3D4-12 Punch P3 DVC 4-Ohm 12-Inch 600-Watt RMS 1200-Watt Peak Subwoofer
- Best for Mashed-Up Features—Skar Audio EVL-12 D4 12″ 2500-Watt Max Power Dual 4 Ohm Car Subwoofer
- Best for Audio Precision—Kicker CompVR 12″ 4-Ohm Subwoofer
- Best for Smaller Vehicles and Spaces—Kenwood Excelon KFC-XW1200F 12in Mount Subwoofer Car
- Best Budget 12-Inch Subwoofer—Infinity Reference REF1200S 12″ Shallow Mount Subwoofer, Black
- Best for Overall Appearance—Skar Audio SVR-12 D2 12″ 1600-Watt Max Power Dual 2 Ohm Car Subwoofer
- Best for RMS Power Handling—Pair of Gravity G3 12 Inch 4000-Watt Package Car Audio Subwoofers w/ 4 Ohm DVC Power (2 Woofers)