Best 12 Inch Subwoofer to Purchase in 2022 – Honest Reviews + Buying Guide

Are you in search of the best 12-inch subwoofer? If, yes, then you have certainly come to the right place.

There are several subwoofers available in the market but the most commonly used is the 12 inch subwoofer.

With this, you can get a good boom bass all at a very affordable price without utilizing a lot of space.

Hence, after putting in hours of research, we have filtered out the list of the best 12 inch subwoofer available in the market.

In this way, you can save your time and perhaps invest your hard-earned money in the right place.

Furthermore, we have also mentioned a buying guide at the end such that you can bring home the best 12 inch subwoofer.

Top 10 – Best 12 inch subwoofers

Image	Product	Price
Top Pick	MTX Audio Terminator Series TNE212D	Check On Amazon
	Skar Audio EVL-12 D2 12-inch	Check On Amazon
	Rockford Fosgate P3D4-12, 12 inch subwoofer	Check On Amazon
	PIONEER TS-SW3002S4	Check On Amazon
	Dual Electronics BP1204 12-inch	Check On Amazon
	Audiopipe TXX-BD2-12 12″ car subwoofer	Check On Amazon
	Rockford Fosgate P300	Check On Amazon
	Rockville W12K9D2 12 inch subwoofer	Check On Amazon
	BIC America F12 subwoofer	Check On Amazon
	Klipsch Sub-12HG Synergy Series 12 inch subs	Check On Amazon

Let’s have a look into detailed review of each one.

1. MTX Audio Terminator Series TNE212D

This is the first product on our list of the best 12 inch subwoofer.

So, if you are someone who loves to have a powerful and deep audio experience, then the MTX Audio Terminator series is all you need.

With, 400 watts RMS and peak power of 1200 watt, you are going to get ample volume and vibrant bass for most of your requirements.

Furthermore, it comes alongside with 2-inch aluminum voice coil and rubber surroundings.

Also, the cones in this subwoofer are made using durable and tough polypropylene which ensures that it lasts for a long time.

Some of the other features of this product include slipstream port design which comes quite handy for making an easy connection and spider plateau which helps the subwoofer to run cool.

The best part is that it comes alongside a sealed enclosure and therefore you can experience a punchy, controlled and nuanced sound.

Pros:-

• Slipstream port design is available.
• It comes alongside a 1500 watt amplifier and installation kit.
• It is reasonably priced.

Cons:-

• The product is not tailor-made for commercial use.

2. Skar Audio EVL-12 D2 12-inch

Skar Audio is available in ten different styles and sizes. We have covered the 12 inches dual 2-ohm configuration but you can select anyone based on your requirement. 

You just need to keep a note of the fact that with this product, you need to purchase the amplifier and enclosure separately.

Further, SKAR is a renowned name in the car audio configuration and this 12-inch subwoofer is a perfect choice to incorporate into an already existing audio system.

The main benefit that you get with this product is the richness of sound and clarity.

It has the frequency range of 30-300 Hz and therefore it can easily handle a different variety of low end sounds alongside panache.

The best part is that it comes alongside a heavy-duty double stack magnet that helps the voice coil to move in an efficient manner such that top-notch sound response is achieved.

The heavy-duty magnet also synchronizes well alongside other features to ensure that the product produces the biggest bass and the loudest sound.

Pros:-

• This product comes alongside powerful sound production.
• It has a very efficient power handling capacity.
• It features punchy and deep bass.

Cons:-

• The sensitivity of this product is a bit low.

3. Rockford Fosgate P3D4-12, 12 inch subwoofer

Rockford Fosgate P3D4-12 is ideally one of the best 12 inch subwoofer for the money that you can ideally get.

The subwoofer delivers aggressive and deep bass and comes up with aesthetic features that are sure to make the interior of your car a lot more attractive.

Also, this subwoofer doesn’t heat up as it is equipped with superior heat dissipation. It is backed with aluminum metal that quickly evaporates the heat before building up on the voice coil.

The installation process of this product is also quite hassle-free.

The P3D4-12 makes use of VAST technology that helps in increasing the radiating cone area. Thus, it effectively produces better sound as compared to other models.

This product also has the power to handle 1200 watts and thus it can produce greater bass and louder noise.

Moreover, it has been designed in such a way that it can deliver a high-quality performance of sound.

Lastly, it has been built using good quality material and thus it can easily withstand high current, fatigue and perhaps the extreme duty cycles. also, this comes under $200 subwoofer.

Pros:-

• It comes up with CEA- 2031 certification.
• The built quality is superb.
• The product can produce power up to 1200 watts.

Cons:-

• It has a lower sensitivity.

4. PIONEER TS-SW3002S4

If you are looking for the best 12 inch shallow mount subwoofer, then this product from Pioneer is all you would need.

It is equipped with a great space-saving design and offers low-frequency bass beats that are sure to make you groove on the music.

Besides this, pioneer TS-SW3002S4 comes with an RMS power factor of 400 watts with a peak power rating of 1500 Watt.

The product also comes alongside with 4-ohm single voice coil and a SoloKon cone.

This particular subwoofer produces a low-frequency response rate between 25 – 350 Hz and thus it is responsible for producing rich bass and deep tones.

The best thing about this product is that it needs just about 8 inches of space to recess it. Hence, you can easily accommodate it even in a space-challenged vehicle.

Pros:-

• It has an RMS power of 400 watts.
• The product is equipped with a sturdy steel bucket.
• It features a voice coil of 4-ohm.

Cons:-

• It is a bit heavier in weight.

5. Dual Electronics BP1204 12-inch

This is another best cheap 12 inch subwoofer product on our list. The following product is sure to grab a lot of eyeballs thanks to the bright glowing light and the dual 12-inch drivers that it possesses.

What sets this product apart from the rest is the illuminate lighting system and the stylish design that it has.

It also offers great sound and at the same time makes the interior of the vehicle look quite good.

Also, the product produces the peak power of 1100 watt and the frequency range between 30 Hz to 200 kHz and therefore you are guaranteed to have good sound experience.

Besides this, they are also quite easy to operate and install. They are equipped with a 45-ounce magnet for fine-tuning purposes.

The best part about this subwoofer is that it comes alongside with MDF construction and ventilated control that helps to remove all the noise that may hamper the sound quality.

Pros:-

• The product is enhanced digitally such that the bass quality is improved.
• It offers a peak power of 1100 watt.
• It comes with a very impressive design.

Cons:-

• The product is not suitable for the extreme enhancement of bass.

6. Audiopipe TXX-BD2-12 12″ car subwoofer

Audiopipe woofers are quite trending in the market these days thanks to the affordability and performance that it brings to the table.

Additionally, it is backed with a wide frequency range and some cool features that will make your purchase worth the money.

The Audiopipe TXX-BD2-12 offers an RMS of 750 watts & the maximum power rating of 1500 watt and therefore it is regarded as the best sub for hard-hitting bass.

Adding to it, the product features 2.5-inch dual 4-ohm voice coils as well as double-stacked strontium magnet such that the reproduction of detailed and clean sound is achieved.

It also has the frequency range of 20-900Hz which is considered quite impressive.

Lastly, it comes with a sturdy aluminum basket that increases the durability of the product as well as enhances the look.

Hence, you can conclude that at this price point, it is one of the most reliable subwoofers that you can ideally get.

Pros:-

• It is efficient to handle high power levels.
• The product has a very strong built quality.
• It is equipped with hard-hitting bass.

Cons:-

• The enclosure is not present with this product.

7. Rockford Fosgate P300

Rockford Fosgate has been providing good quality car audio products for over 40 years.

So, if you are looking for the best 12 inch Subwoofer that comes alongside with enclosure, then the Rockford Fosgate P300 is all you need.

Moreover, with this product, you also get amplifier and enclosure and thus you won’t need to purchase them separately.

Also, the amplifier and subwoofer are properly balanced and thus you can get the combination of powerful bass and crisp sound quality.

The exterior is also built alongside good quality materials which ensure that the product lasts for a long time.

Furthermore, it also comes with built-in thermal and over-voltage protection.

also, you will find a similar subwoofer under $300, there are more options available under 300 dollars.

Lastly, it offers a remote control which is sure to make your life quite easy while you are operating this product.

Pros:-

• It is a very cost-effective product.
• The product comes alongside with closed-loop design.
• The 300-watt amplifier is included with the product.

Cons:-

• It comes with a paper cone which is surely a let-down.

8. Rockville W12K9D2 12 inch subwoofer

Rockford Fosgate W12K9D2 certainly packs a punch in terms of the bass boost that it offers.

The look and feel of this product are excellent and it is sure to offer good quality sound.

It is a bit pricy but you are sure to get complete value for your money.

The best thing that we liked is the consistent clear bass tones that it delivers on every single use.

Further, this subwoofer works at 600 watts while offering the max allowance of 1200-watt.

This product is equipped with a dual-voice coil and a 10-AWG plated nickel.

The product also has a very sophisticated and sleek look which is sure to impress everyone.

Also, the basket of this product has been designed using flexible materials and thus speaker can be adjusted accordingly just in case you want it to mount on the vented or sealed enclosure.

Lastly, it offers a warranty of 1 year which dictates the fact that it is going to last for a long time.

Pros:-

• The voice-coils in this product has been designed to easily withstand high heats.
• The subwoofer basket is flexible and thus it can be adjusted according to your listening preferences.
• It is a premium quality product backed with 1 year of warranty.

Cons:-

• The voice coil is made using cheap quality adhesive.

9. BIC America F12 subwoofer

If you are looking for the best 12 inch subwoofer home theatre, then BIC America F12 is worth buying.

The company BIC America is well known for manufacturing excellent quality speakers and subwoofers at a very competitive price.

The BIC America F12 subwoofer is backed with a powerful amplifier through which deep bass is produced which you may not find in similar home subwoofers.

It also offers a frequency range between 25Hz -200Hz and therefore you are going to witness top-quality audio listening experience.

The volume control and the adjustable crossover are some of the other features that you get with this product.

One thing you should keep in mind that the size of this subwoofer is quite large than it is.

So, it is recommended that you check the dimensions of the place where you want to fit this product before actually buying it.

Lastly, it is a beast home subwoofer for music and it is sure to shake you off with its earthmoving beats.

Pros:-

• It offers great sound quality.
• A 5-year warranty is offered on this product.
• It produces a very powerful bass output.

Cons:-

• If you lack space, then this product might not be an ideal option for you.

10. Klipsch Sub-12HG Synergy Series 12 inch subs

This is the last product on our list with regards to the best 12 inch subwoofer.

Klipsch Sub-12HG comes alongside a bash amplifier that provides low-frequency reproduction through which music and sounds come to life.

Besides this, it also features a realistic and clean bass.

This subwoofer is suitable for big rooms as it comes with a built-in amplifier having an RMS power of 300 watts.

Klipsch Sub-12HG Synergy Series also comes alongside with speaker level inputs as well as RCA inputs such that connection to any audio system can be executed in a hassle freeway.

Additionally, it has a frequency range of 24Hz-120Hz which is considered quite good. 

It comes alongside with high gloss black finish having titanium accents that can surely match any interior decoration.

Lastly, it is backed with an aesthetic design that is sure to leave everyone impressed.

Pros:-

• It comes with excellent power and sound.
• It is backed with a very good design.
• It is available at a very competitive price.

Cons:-

• It is not suitable for smaller rooms.

Buying guide – Best 12 inch subwoofer

Subwoofers offer great sound and they are quite trending these days in the market. But, selecting the best 12 inch subwoofer can at times get quite tricky.

There are probably thousands of options available in the market which can be at times quite confusing.

Hence, with the help of this buying guide, you can bring home the best 12 inch subwoofer according to your need and budget.

So, before we move to other aspects of the buying guide, let us first understand what exactly is a subwoofer.

What is a Subwoofer?

A subwoofer is a loudspeaker that aims at reproducing the low-pitched audio frequencies.

They work parallel to other speakers such that you can experience both higher frequency as well as low-frequency sounds.

So, once you get your subwoofer installed, then you are sure to experience a difference in the quality of sound.

Hence, you can enjoy a lot more while you are at home or driving.

What are the key specifications to keep in mind before buying the best 12 inch Subwoofer?

Once you have aware of the product that you want to purchase, then the next thing that you need to do is to compare the specification.

So, here are some of the specifications that you should keep in mind before buying the best 12 inch Subwoofer.

• Power

If you want a sound system to produce excellent sound, then it must have a lot of power.

Good attention should be paid to RMS power ratings rather than peak power ratings.

RMS ratings are used to measure continuous power handling and it is considered a lot more realistic measure as compared to peak power.

• Sensitivity

Sensitivity goes parallel alongside power such that high output is achieved.

So, if a subwoofer is equipped with a higher sensitivity rating, then it will arguably need less power to produce a substantial amount of sound as compared to a model that has a low sensitivity rating.

• Frequency range

With frequency range, you get a fair idea about how low a subwoofer would ideally play.

But, you should keep in mind, that the performance of a subwoofer would be dependent on many variables such as the type of the box it is mounted in, etc.

• Type of enclosure

The enclosure type on which a subwoofer is mounted would have a significant impact on the kind of sound that it would produce.

Generally, sealed boxes are the ones that can produce the most accurate and deepest sound while bandpass and ported enclosures produce much more volume.

• Voice coils number

Dual voice coil subwoofers are considered as quite a popular choice among the music enthusiasts who are looking to have a lot more flexibility in the sound systems wiring.

Typical subwoofers, in general, possess single voice coil while on the other hand, DVC subwoofers make use of two separate coils.

DVC subwoofers have their own connections and they are mounted on a single cylinder.

• Woofer Size

A lot of people have a very common question i.e. the size of the subwoofer that is lowest and loudest.

To figure out, you need to look out for several factors which include enclosure type, sensitivity, and the available power.

Just in case you want to have a system that plays loud, then it is recommended that you opt for the biggest subwoofers.

On the contrary, if a product has the right enclosure and it is powered properly, then you can also try out small subwoofers.

• Impedance

Most subwoofers that are available these days come at 4 ohms impedance but there are also 8-ohm, 2-ohm, and dual voice coil products available in the market.

So, whenever you are selecting a subwoofer, then you need to look for an amplifier that can match with the product of your choice in terms of impedance and power rating.

What are the Benefits of Subwoofer?

In this section, we would cover some of the benefits that you can get with a subwoofer. Let us have a look:-

• It can prevent distortion

If a normal loudspeaker is used, then the bass range is likely to feel quite distorted.

The main reason is irrespective of how strong the sound is, the speaker is more or less underperforming.

On the other hand, if a subwoofer is used, then you can get a wider range and you can easily get rid of all types of distortions.

• It can help to increase the lifespan of the speakers

Playing music on high bass is considered good if you are looking for good sound quality. But, in the process, it can damage your speakers.

So, if subwoofers are not present, then the speakers can easily wear off as they might not be able to handle powerful sounds.

• It can enhance audio system experience

This is one of the prominent reasons why people would like to invest their hard-earned money in subwoofers.

A regular speaker, in general, has a small audio system and therefore it doesn’t deliver a very good audio quality.

But, with a subwoofer, you can get better bass and you can also easily adjust the frequency tones.

What are the types of the subwoofer?

Before buying a subwoofer, it is important to understand the type of subwoofer that you would ideally need.

So, in this section, we would be covering the three popular types of a subwoofer.

• Powered Subwoofers

Powered Subwoofers are also commonly referred to as active subwoofer. It has its own amplifier and therefore the inadequate power problem is resolved.

Besides this, it can produce a more booming sound and provide you with a  greater sound experience.

The best part about powered subwoofers is the ease of connection that you get with it which unarguably makes it ideal for most of the people.

• Component subwoofers

This type of subwoofer comes alongside with just a speaker.

With this, you can easily customize your audio system as you get to select your own parts.

One disadvantage that component subwoofers have that you would have to purchase the amplifier and enclosure separately.

• Enclosed Subwoofers

Enclosed subwoofers are particularly beneficial for beginners as they are available in the pre-mounted state.

One major advantage associated with Enclosed Subwoofers is the ease of installation that it offers. 

Also, it is quite ideal just in case you don’t have much of a space in your car/home.

What are the important factors to look while buying the best 12 inch subwoofer?

• Power

Power is one of the most important factors to look while you are purchasing the best 12 inch subwoofer.

If a product has more power, then it would be able to produce more bass.

But, one thing that is worth noting is that a powerful subwoofer may come at a hefty price tag.

• Voice coils

Voice coils are quite popular feature among a lot of music enthusiasts.

The reason behind this is that the more the number the voice coils, the more wiring options and flexibility you would get.

• Budget

Before purchasing a subwoofer, the first and foremost thing that you need to do is to set a budget such that various options can be easily narrowed down.

Besides this, if you want to invest in an advanced subwoofer, then be prepared to spend extra money.

• Reviews

If you are not sure about the subwoofer to select, then make sure to read online reviews given by users. In this way, you can easily figure out the advantages and disadvantages that are associated with each product.

• Installation

Before purchasing the product, keep in mind to go through all the specific components and instruction manual that is needed for installation.

If you can figure out those things, then the installation process would become a breeze.

There can be some products that might need assistance from the stereo system installer but you can always select the product that can be self-installed.

• Power handling

Power handling is an important factor to look out for as it would determine the number of watts the product can easily accommodate.

Some products offer 1000 watts but they may not be able to deliver the bass as you may expect.

So, look out for the speakers that are reliable and durable.

Passive Vs Powered Subwoofer

The operation of subwoofer takes place in two different ways i.e. powered and passive. Let us have a look at the differences:- 

Passive subwoofer	Powered subwoofer
Passive subwoofers come alongside with enclosed woofers that can be powered using an external amplifier.	The powered subwoofer also has enclosed woofers but the fact is that they power it on their own.
The quality of sound is better in the passive subwoofer.	In powered subwoofer, you won’t get the same quality of sound as compared to the passive subwoofer.
They are slightly difficult to operate.	They are quite easy to operate.
They are a lot flexible concerning overall wiring configurations.	They are not quite flexible with regards to overall wiring configurations.

Sealed Enclosure Vs Vented Enclosure

Subwoofers Boxes, in general, are enclosed in two ways i.e. Sealed enclosure or Vented enclosure. Let us have a look at the difference between the two.

Sealed Enclosure	Vented Enclosure
Sealed Enclosure tends to offer a more controlled and clearer bass.	Vented Enclosure doesn’t offer a very clear sound as compared to the sealed enclosure.
The sealed enclosure is used for jazz and classical music.	The vented enclosure is used for rock, rap, and other raw-sound music.
They need a lot of power to operate.	They don’t need a lot of power to operate.

FAQs – Best 12 Inch Subwoofers

Q) How much power a 12 inch subwoofer can handle?

– There are predominantly two major factors that determine the sound that would be produced by the sub-woofer i.e. sensitivity rating and RMS power handling.

RMS power is basically the power that a subwoofer can handle continuously in an efficient way.

So, the more the RMS power, the better a 12 inch subwoofer would handle the power.

Q) How much space is required for a 12-inch subwoofer installation?

–  It is recommended that you create a requirement list before you purchase a subwoofer product.

Once you are aware of the requirement, then it is most likely that you would be able to pick up the right product.

Further, you need to consider the space available in your car/ home for the subwoofer installation.

Just in case, you have a lot of space available, then you get a lot more freedom in terms of selecting the product.

On the contrary, if a lot of space is not available, then you need to consider installing a 12-inch shallow mount subwoofer.

Q) What is a Shallow-mount subwoofer?

– The working of a shallow-mount subwoofer is similar to that of a traditional subwoofer but it is just that they come in a smaller size.

Besides this, they are shallow and lightweight as compared to regular subs that are heavy and deep.

Hence, due to their small size, the installation in small spaces become relatively easy.

Moreover, numerous shallow-mount products have come up in the market which offers the mounting clearance of just 4 inches.

Q) Can two 12-inch subs run in a car?

 12-inch subs typically occupy some space. Each sub in general needs about 14 inches to function without actually heating up. So, if you are thinking to place it under the car seat, then you need to ensure that there is about a 4-inch throw.

 Q) How to select the amplifier for the 12-inch sub?

RMS power rating should be practically used with your sub to match with the right amplifier.

You should ideally select an amplifier that has an RMS power rating between 75- 150 percent of the RMS rating of the product that you might be having.

Q) How to ensure that I get deep bass that is earth-shattering in my subwoofer?

– Look out for the best 12 inch subwoofer that has high power handling and at the same time uses high-quality surround material and woofer cone.

With the high power handling capability, the subs would be able to deliver hard kicks while the sturdy materials would ensure great sound quality.

Q) Do I need to hire a professional for installing a 12-inch subwoofer?

 If you have the necessary experience and skillset in car audio customization, then the installation process would become easy.

On the other hand, if you don’t have the necessary experience, then the best bet is to hire a professional who can get the installation job done for you most efficiently.

Hence, a Subwoofer installed correctly is important just in case you want to have a flawless audio experience.

Q) How to find a matching subwoofer if I already have an amplifier?

To start, you need to check for the amplifier RMS power output at different impedance levels.

Further, the power output of the amplifier needs to be divided by the total number of subwoofers that you want to add.

The result that you would fetch would be the optimal RMS power for each subwoofer. 

Also, not to forget to match the impedance of the subs and amplifier.

You should also keep a note of the fact that if a subwoofer wiring has more than one voice coil, then the sub’s impedance would be affected. 

Final verdict

We have brought up the list of the best 12 inch subwoofer for our users such that they can have hours of fun while listening to their favorite radio or music.

Besides this, we have personally tested all the products that we have listed before bringing in front of our customers.

Therefore you should be rest ensured of the fact that all the products are of top-notch quality and indeed it would offer you complete value for your money.

Moreover, we have also attached an exclusive buying guide that will help you to select the right product for you.

So, just in case you have any queries/questions, then don’t hesitate to let us know in the comment box below.

We will try our best to help out with all your queries.

Happy shopping! 🙂