Best 12 Inch Subwoofer (Top Reviews & Buying Guide) 2023

Let’s face it, almost everybody that thinks about subwoofers is looking for the hardest punch in the market. That’s what is all about, right?

Upgrading your car’s audio system implies at least some basic knowledge about subs, speakers, amplifiers, and pretty much the whole setup.

A 12-inch subwoofer is a game-changer when it comes to hitting low end waves while keeping loudness, and avoiding distortions to get; as a result a clean, and clear bass. Lately, there has been a lot of questions about what is the best 12 inch subwoofer.

Plus, they look great in any vehicle and have many different features that make them worth it. Find out more by reading this blog post on what makes them so amazing.

Top 10 Best 12 Inch Subwoofers for the Money

We researched the brands with the highest reputation for providing outstanding resonant bass and top sound performance.

Within, we compiled a comprehensive list of the top 10 best 12 inch subwoofers for the money, so you can rest assured that here you can find big bangs, the lowest low’s, and longest operation for a fair price.

Pick the best subwoofer according to your needs, budget, time, and space availability of your vehicle. The following 12 inch subwoofers will allow you to achieve a better sound quality:

1. Skar audio EVL12 D2 – Best 12 Inch Subwoofer For Sound Quality

The Skar Audio EVL12 D2 is an absolute monster that delivers constant and tight bass at a whooping RMS of 1250 watts, with peak power reaching outstanding bangs at 2500 watts. With plenty of power to create those booming sound waves you are looking for, the possibilities seem endless!

If you love the bass quality in your music, this is a must-have. You don’t need to worry about the subwoofer reaching its max RMS power because it has a 3-inch high temperature dual voice coil with a black coating that maintains the subwoofer reproducing low tones easily.

The brand redefines the idea of low-end sound reproduction as it has a premium suspension and the EVL series signature red two-layer spider, which connects to coil former with premium stitched lead wires.

Advanced design allows for max power while protecting the 12 inch subwoofer at the same time. Moreover, the Skar Audio EVL12 D2 is a solid subwoofer for bass enthusiasts. The subwoofer offers anodized aluminum cones to help sustain maximum power during peak loads.

Its double stack ferrite motor structure and high roll foam surround provide deep lows with the highest sound possible. Experts recommend pairing this subwoofer with ported enclosure boxes. It is by far is one of the best subwoofers on the market.

2. Rockford Fosgate P3D4-12 Punch P3 – Best 12 Inch Subwoofers for a Car

As an industry reference, you have to be at your best when it comes to clean bass. Rockford Fosgate is recognized for their P3 Series of subs that use a unique aluminum voice coil former design which dissipates heat up to 100° during full high SPL conditions.

Rockford Punch P3 subwoofer is best used in standard sealed enclosures, but it can also be installed for other ones.  Plus, the lightweight anodized aluminum cone allows for a high power handling during an intense use.

The product comes with an included cast aluminum trim ring and meets CEA-2031 industry standards which means that it’s able to handle power under continuous demand. The new line of baskets from Fat Cat feature (Vertical Attach Surround Technique) VAST technology that increases surface cone area by up to 25%, the hybrid stamp cast basket.

It also helps the subwoofer hit those sounds located in the lower spectrum of the frequency range. The design allows for easy installation in difficult areas, and a brand-new hybrid stamp-cast design.

The P3D4-12 subwoofer is a masterpiece in the making, with a full one-year warranty and beautiful cosmetics to boot. With adjustable settings for sealed or ported boxes (or both!), this 12 inch subwoofer will reproduce that crystal clear deep bass sound thanks to its wide dynamic range.

3. Pioneer TSW3003D4 2000 Watt 12-Inch Subwoofer

Hip-hop and Trap enthusiasts can’t get enough of those booming bass lines that this subwoofer emits. And you don’t have to sacrifice sound quality for the low end, either! The 2000 watt subwoofer in our high-end list will give your ears a richer listening experience.

Pioneer is a Japanese company known for producing quality products since 1938. They recently designed the Pioneer TSW3003D4 2000 watts of max power to be an upgrade from standard car owner speakers with lower RMS power handling. This subwoofer can offer a wider bass response even though it has the low-RMS capability.

With an sound output of 600 watts, these Champion Series PRO subs can produce loud and powerful bass. The design has a dual spider for improved linearity and bigger wires to make the bass more reliable. These subs are also capable of fitting into any size enclosure with ease- from 0.85 cubic ft. up to 1.75 cubic ft.- so they’ll fit in your car.

The Pioneer SW-8 DJ Style speaker has a powerful sound that is sure to make every bass lover happy. With its patented composite speaker cone, it produces an incredible amount of air movement for crystal clear and consistent bass with no distortion. A great option for those looking to produce big bass sounds at a decent cost.

4. Rockford Fosgate P30012 – Best 12 Inch Car Subwoofers

The Rockford P300-12 is the perfect all-in-one solution for your car, featuring a sealed 12″ subwoofer and 300-watt amp. Not only will you get loud bass from this little guy, but it’s also simple when it comes to installation! Simply run power, ground, and signal wires to start enjoying the sound of music louder than ever before.

It is not considered a high-power performance speaker, but it will satisfy those who want a louder sound. The closed-loop design guarantees top performance between the woofer and amp, as well as excellent tone quality from any instrument, plugged into it.

With adjustable 12db/Octave low pass crossover, over-voltage protection, remote bass level control, built-in adjustable bass EQ, you are going to get an excellent range of sounds from your new purchase. Even though it is a single voice coil subwoofer, the anodized aluminum cone and sealed enclosure makes all the difference when it comes to great sound quality.

Don’t feel overwhelmed or worried about accidentally buying an external amp that’s too powerful. Plus, It’s VAST (Vertical Attach Sound Technique) allows for quality power output at high volumes. These powerful subwoofers come at a very affordable price tag.

Rockford P300 subwoofer is very well made and is famous for its durability, simplicity, and the clearness of its sound, packing a lot more value than both cheaper and more expensive units out in the market. You can choose any subwoofer, but a sub like this is the best choice for you.

5. JL Audio 12W0V3-4 12 Inch Car Subwoofer With Build Quality

JL Audio is at the top of its class because it has excellent output, can be pushed hard before distorting, and produces a linear sound. It also comes with a 2-inch diameter voice coil equipped with their JL’s patented Elevated Frame Cooling for enhanced power handling.

The 12W0V3 gives you power, clarity, deep bass sounds, and great sound quality. Not only can it handle 300 watts of RMS and 600 peaks, but this subwoofer also gives you that booming bass with its wide frequency response range! It has a durable, tough injection-molded cone that maximizes sheer power, built to last for years to use.

It has an advanced cooling functionality for better power handling and reliability you can depend upon. The durable butyl rubber surround adds excellent quality with its ability to be pushed hard before distortion becomes audible. And it can be install easily too!

The sensitivity of this subwoofer is around 85 dB. While it takes a little more power to drive successfully, the benefit of such sensitivity ensures that it won’t easily distort or blow. Overall, the JL Audio 12W0V3-4 is an outstanding subwoofer for those who want cost-effective high-end audio performance.

6. Planet Audio AC12D Subwoofer High Quality

The Planet Audio 12 Inch 1800 watts subwoofer is all about resilience, durability, great sound, and long-lasting bass pumps able to handle 900 watts of RMS power rating. Its dual voice coil are technically designed to resist high temperatures while maintaining its strength and fatigue properties for extensive playtimes with lower weights.

The sub has overall dimensions of 13 x 6 x 5.375 inches and a 12-inch driver that is easy to install on compact spaces in any vehicle. It is designed for premium car stereo systems and delivers loud volumes in the low frequencies with its thumping 1800 watts peak power handling.

Planet Audio subs surround foam lasts longer and is a high-end product for sub drivers that need a large excursion. You’ll be able to find your sweet spot effortlessly without worrying about accidentally buying too much power!

This foam is flexible, highly efficient, and keeps the cone centered, and yields a high excursion, built over a stamped basket that is both strong and rigid, that allows spectators to listen to a clean output.

7. Kicker 43CVR124 4-Ohm Car Power Subwoofer

Kicker’s 43CVR124 4-Ohm car power subwoofer is described by users as a “hard-hitting responsive sub.” Indeed, the model brings raw power to the table thanks to its stamped steel basket, which holds most vibrations while its high-temp voice coils create a strong, distortion-free bass.

This subwoofer has an UniPlate tech that dissipates heat from the vented motor construction and an RMS power of 400 watts and peak power of 800 watts. This allows it to handle all types of music genres with ease by its dual voice coils and the 4-ohms impedance.

With its special cone and red knit surround stitching, this sub will give you powerful audio quality with just the right amount of control in either closed or ported enclosures. Car audio enthusiasts tend to use this sub because of its overall sound performance.

Meanwhile, the unique SoloKon™ cone marries the woofer thanks to its 360-degree back bracing for one cohesive device. People purchase the Kicker 43CVR124 model because of its affordable price while it still gives plenty of value. In other words, more bass on a budget.

8. Kenwood KFCW3016ps 12 Inch Subwoofer

Kenwood Subwoofers are known for their reliability and quality sound, so it should be no surprise that the KFC-W3016PS 2000 Watts 12 Inch subwoofer is just as good. Not only does this sub produce recording studio-quality sounds, but it also gives a better experience than other speakers of its size.

The powerful 2,000-watts subwoofer is juicy enough to fill any passenger area with a rich sound, mainly because it has an oversize diaphragm that reproduces the sound while its rubber surround minimizes vibration.

Each speaker is built on a shallow 5.19 mounting depth and has a dual ventilation feature for maximum productivity over long periods of playing time, especially in the heavy use of serious bass. Put this sub in a sealed box, get a proper amp to power it, and get ready to turn some heads around.

The KFCW3016ps 2000 watts subwoofer improved a previous model by adopting a “Stress-free Spider” and a “Thermal Efficient System” that increased its mechanical and thermal durability for a smooth and plenty of thunder under the trunk of your car.

9. Pioneer TSW126M 1500 Watts 12-Inch Subwoofer Cars Sound Quality

Pioneer scored a big one with the TSW126M. To start, the parameters provide superior audio quality and reliability over a composite seamless cone woofer that offers listeners a deeper bass and generous amounts of excursion thanks to its urethane surround.

Overall power capabilities include a respectable 350 watts of continuous power for a deep blasting bass, while its vented pole yoke allows better heat dissipation and increased power handling.

Its low-frequency response enables you to feel and hear a better bass response, much more accurately than other budget subs. Fills great inside either a sealed or ported box. No matter what box you choose, this speaker will add a powerful bass to your system.

If you are looking for a high-quality subwoofer on a budget, you need to consider purchasing the Pioneer TS-W126M. It delivers high value in terms of power, efficient design, and overall good quality of sound.

10. Audiopipe TXXBD212 Subwoofer for Car Stereos

Users enjoy their favorite tracks with the Audiopipe TXXBD212 subwoofer. It has a reputation for delivering hard-hitting yet crystal clear, high quality bass performance. The dual ventilation system allows proper cooling and, thus, a longer unit operation time.

According to the manufacturer, a vented enclosure is best to maximize SPL levels and efficiency. The vented design is less linear in response than the sealed box but with unmistakable added output at the tuning frequency, which by the way, is easy to adjust depending on the port length.

Audiopipe TXXBD212 subwoofer has a 150-ounce dual-stacked magnet design for an extreme excursion, a 2.5-inch 4-layer voice coil for an intense rather clear bass, a woven fiber cone with durable foam surround, and a vented pole piece for more efficiency. The 750-watt RMS power makes this one of the best subwoofers for hard-hitting bass.

The subwooder comes with a cast aluminum basket, an extensive rubberized grill for durability and protection of the 12-inch woofer parts. It is manufactured at the Audiopipe factory location by skilled technicians and engineers.

Best 12 Inch Subwoofers Buying Guide

Adding a 12-inch is a great choice for those who want to pack the hardest lower frequencies and have enough space in their trunks.

Any of these subwoofers, combo or not, deliver hard-hitting pumps, build quality, clean sound, and almost all have high-end technology for louder pumps and subwoofer lifetime.

What to look for in a 12-inch subwoofer for a car?

Subwoofers come in many different sizes, but out of all, the most popular size is 12 inches. In general, a subwoofer helps emit a more vibrant, cleaner, and harder sound. If you are looking for maximum bass production, then go over all these specs in detail.

Peak power rating

Every user looks for a stable and long operation of a subwoofer. You may have noticed that all subs have an RMS power rating and a peak power handling capacity. In contrast to the RMS, the peak power speaks of how much power the sub can handle. But, this is only for short periods.

For example: if the peak power rating of a sub is 1,000 watts, that means that the unit can reach that much power, but is it not something that you can access on a continuous, daily basis, rather for a quick burst.

Frequency response

People can hear sounds in the range of 20 to 20,000 Hz. Frequency response is present in every single piece of audio equipment that you purchase, at least as subs, speakers, and amplifiers are a concern.

It is the audible periodic vibrations measured in hertz, and the higher the frequency, the sharper the sound is. Subwoofers are capable of producing waves from 20 to 200 Hz, but you should use a crossover filter to limit the frequency response to 100 Hz or lower, as recommended by audio experts.

Sensitivity rating

The sensitivity rating is defined as the speaker’s ability to convert power to sound. In other words, it is how effectively the speaker converts power or watts into sound (decibels).

Sensitivity is not necessarily used to measure loudness rather the productivity of the speaker. The higher the number, the better with 92 decibels, or dB.

Now, a low sensitivity does not mean a bad subwoofer is just less efficient. There are very high-quality subwoofers that have a low sensitivity rating on the 85 dB because they require a lot of power.

Injection molded polypropylene cone

A injection molded polypropylene cone is the number one pick for subwoofers and other speakers and home theaters and is responsible for reproducing any sound.

The bests features about polypropylene cones are their high damp and looseness, which translates into a smooth sound because of their flexibility.

High roll foam surround

The usage of High roll foam surround, a denser foam material, is a popular choice in the realm of loudspeaker technology. By enveloping the speaker cone, it leads to an elevated level of sound output efficiency and response.

Different type of subwoofer enclosure

The enclosure is the icing on the cake when it comes to sound quality. If you don’t set your subwoofer to the proper enclosure, then there is no way they can deliver the best bass possible.

The sealed enclosure provides a good transient response and is the simplest enclosure to build for your subwoofers, and it brings a tighter, more accurate bass. However, they need more power from an amplifier if you are looking for louder bass output.

Shallow mount subwoofers

A shallow mount subwoofer is easy to install and provides hard-thumping bass without an powerful amplifier.

Made with portability and space-saving features, a shallow mount sub is usually placed on the rear speaker deck.

Component subwoofer

First and foremost, the sound quality depends on the kind of enclosure in which the sub is mounted, which is mostly either sealed or a ported enclosure.

A component subwoofer is just the speaker itself. With that said, the unit needs to be placed in an enclosure for proper operation and maximum efficiency.

This subwoofer is designed to operate in different types of enclosures and requires an external amplifier for power. Component subwoofers are a great choice for those who want to build and customize their car sound system.

To produce a high-quality sound altogether, a component subwoofer is complemented by tweeters, crossovers, and woofers.

Summary

A couple of 12-inch subwoofers (or even one) makes a HUGE difference in your car audio sound. Any of the subwoofers reviewed is the real deal when it comes to a serious basses that rattles your mirrors and just makes you feel good about your driving experience.

An all-in-one solution subwoofer, which also includes the amplifier and the enclosure, is one of the most valuable deals for those who don’t have the skills and the time to assemble their own customized car stereo systems.

Last Updated on: February 7, 2023

Related posts:

Best Powered Subwoofer Car Audio (Top Reviews & Guide) 2023 How to Adjust Car Stereo for Best Sound? [6 Tune EQ Settings] Best 8 Inch Subwoofers (Top 10 Reviews & Buying Guide) 2023 Best 15 Inch Subwoofer (Top Reviews & Buying Guide) 2023 Best 10 Inch Subwoofer For The Money (Reviews & Guide) 2023 Best Under Seat Subwoofer [Top Reviews & Buying Guide] 2023 Best Bass Tube For Car [Top Reviews & Buying Guide] 2023 Best 18 Inch Subwoofer [Top Reviews & Buyers Guide] 2023