As a result, you only get to hear the notes that are supported by the primary drivers which are mids and highs. While there is still some amount of bass available, it is generally limited to 60 Hz and above. But with a decent 12 inches subwoofer, you can listen to the frequency as low as 15 Hz which is quite powerful. There are many other factors that affect the performance of a 12 inches subwoofer such as:
Frequency Response: When you are buying audio units, especially subwoofers, you should pay close attention to the frequency response available with the units. This rating will tell you how much deeper bass the subwoofer can create. Also, the range indicates the variation in output available with these units. Physical Size: 12 inches subwoofers come with a large sized driver that already makes it a comparatively larger unit. On top of that, if the outer housing of the subwoofer is also large, it becomes quite difficult to install it in a specific place. RMS Power Capacity: The RMS power capacity of a subwoofer is basically the power output you will be getting from the speaker at all times. It might go high momentarily up to its peak capacity, but it does not provide the same for long and returns back to its RMS value.
While these are some of the most important factors of a 12 inches subwoofer, there are a lot more that you need to study and verify before you actually buy one for your home or car. Today, we will be bringing you the best 12 inches subwoofer available in the market. We will provide you various options considering different budget ranges as well as performance levels. If you want to know more about the 12 inches subwoofer, kindly check our “Buying Guide” presented later in the article.
Best 12 Inch Subwoofers List 2023
Best 12 Inch Subwoofers Reviews
1. Polk Audio PSW505 12″ Powered Subwoofer
Best 10 Inch Subwoofers Best 18-inch Subwoofers Best 15 inch Subwoofer Best Powered Subwoofers Best Subwoofer Cable
We are putting the most popular 12-inch subwoofer on top of our picks. This option is coming from Polk Audio which is a current choice of thousands of users. Our 1st choice for the best 12-inch subwoofer is surely the most popular choice compared to other options. If you are a music enthusiast, you must have heard about the brand Polk audio and its high-quality audio devices. The Polk Audio PSW505 is one such option that offers 300 Watts RMS capacity and up to 460 Watts peak power. It is certainly designed for domestic application because it measures 15.13 x 18.19 x 18.28 inches and could not fit easily in a car. Once integrated with your current system, you can lower the frequency range of your system down to 25 Hz. It is a very versatile and highly efficient product as it has a decent build quality along with great sound performance. It is a dynamic balance woofer that definitely takes advantage of its high build quality to provide a high-quality sound output. On the exterior, you will find a detachable magnetic grill as well to suit multiple applications. If you are planning to connect multiple subwoofers, you can do that with Polk Audio PSW505, as it has a phase toggle switch. You will get 3 years of warranty with this subwoofer. Best Features
300 Watts RMS power capacity 460 Watts peak power capacity 13 x 18.19 x 18.28 inches in size 25 to 125 Hz frequency range 3 years warranty
Pros
Decent warranty period Popular 12 inches subwoofer Versatile and efficient choice
Cons
Large subwoofer
2. Klipsch R-120SW Subwoofer
Klipsch is yet another impressive brand to enter our picks today. It is also equally popular as our previous pick and has thousands of existing users. Moving towards premium choices, we have the Klipsch R-120SW as our 2nd pick for the best 12 inches subwoofer. It is a heavy-duty option, especially because of its premium build quality. The woofer is made up of spun copper and offers 29 to 120 Hz of frequency response. It has an RMS power capacity of 200 Watts but can rise up to 400 Watts which is its peak capacity. The loudest output that you can get from the Klipsch R-120SW is up to 116 dB which is more than enough for even large rooms. The Klipsch R-120SW has a very interesting feature called bass reflex. It offers the bass reflex feature via a rear-firing port that further increases the output quality of the subwoofer. As it is a higher premium and reliable option, Klipsch has warranted this unit with a 5 year long warranty period which is certainly not easy to get at this price range. And considering the product measures 19.2 x 14 x 16.5 inches, it will be a very nice choice for your living room Best Features
200 Watts RMS power capacity 400 Watts peak power capacity 2 x 14 x 16.5 inches in size 29 to 120 Hz frequency range 5 years warranty
Pros
Premium and reliable 12 inches subwoofer Frequency response goes quite low Bass reflex technology
Cons
Low power capacity
3. Pyle 12′ Car Audio Speaker Subwoofer
Now that you are familiar with the larger subwoofers that are designed for domestic installation let’s take a look at some special subwoofers that are made for cars. Out of which, the subwoofer from Pyle is quite an interesting choice. Installing an enclosed 12 inches subwoofer in a car is nearly an impossible task. Thus, you will have to go with a shallow mount subwoofer like the Pyle 12′ Car Audio Speaker Subwoofer. Even without an enclosure, it offers a peak power capacity of up to 1600 Watts which is immensely powerful for a car. Furthermore, the nominal operating power capacity of this subwoofer is 800 Watts that will definitely provide you a glass vibrating bass output. And as the rubber on the driver is a non-fatigue rubber, it will surely last a lot of seasons. The Pyle 12′ Car Audio Speaker Subwoofer has 4 ohms of impedance paired with 90 dB sensitivity that makes it a perfectly compatible option for a car. It will also reduce the distortion in the output and provide crystal clear sound from the subwoofers. There are dual voice coils present inside the Pyle 12′ Car Audio Speaker Subwoofer that are 2 inches each to enhance the overall performance of the subwoofer. And with the 12.75 x 13 x 6 inches size, it will easily fit in most modern cars. Best Features
800 Watts RMS power capacity 1600 Watts peak power capacity 12.75 x 13 x 6 inches in size 40 to 2000 Hz frequency range 4 ohm impedance
Pros
Compact shallow mount 12 inches subwoofer Peak capacity is very high Nominal capacity is comparatively better
Cons
Reliability might be an issue
4. BOSS Audio Systems CXX12 Car Subwoofer
Now that we are talking about shallow mount subwoofers, we simply cannot proceed without the subwoofer from BOSS. BOSS has a variety of car subwoofers that are currently being used in thousands of vehicles. High sensitivity is a very important factor, especially in car-based audio equipment. Thus, the BOSS Audio Systems CXX12 features 85 dB sensitivity with the lowest possible frequency response of 32 Hz. It has a polypropylene cone with a rubber surround and a 2.5 inches voice coil to support its performance. You will be getting 500 Watts of general output from the BOSS Audio Systems CXX12 and nearly 1000 Watts peak power output. The sealed enclosure surely helps with the sound quality. The BOSS Audio Systems CXX12 measures only 13 x 13 x 5.4 inches in size, which is not too bad for a car and definitely great considering its power capacity. The port on the subwoofer has 4.8 inches circumference and measures 21 inches in length. If you are concerned about the installation of the 13 x 13 x 5.4, don’t be. It comes with a 4.8 inches mounting height as well as an 11 inches diameter mounting hole. Even though it is the cheapest 12 inches subwoofer, it still offers 3 years of warranty which should be appraised. Best Features
500 Watts RMS power capacity 1000 Watts peak power capacity 13 x 13 x 5.4 inches in size 34 Hz minimum frequency response 3 years warranty
Pros
Most affordable 12 inches subwoofer Comes with a long warranty period Peak power is great
Cons
Build quality could have been better
5. Planet Audio AC12D Car Subwoofer
The following 12 inches subwoofer from Planet Audio is quite literally the best-selling car subwoofer so far on our list. Planet audio has made sure that you get all of the necessary features packed into one device. Up next, we are presenting one of the most popular 12 inches subwoofers on the market, which is the Planet Audio AC12D. It has a polypropylene-built cone that contains 12 inches driver. This is a highly durable and resilient material that is proven to be 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 that is covering the subwoofer, being highly flexible and granting 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 capable of supporting 32 Hz frequency output. Planet Audio AC12D is not only a budget-friendly choice it is also highly reliable with 3 years of warranty. Best Features
900 Watts RMS power capacity 1800 Watts peak power capacity 13 x 13 x 6 inches in size 32 Hz minimum frequency response 3 years warranty
Pros
Best value for the money option Capable of low-frequency output 88 dB sensitivity
Cons
Power capacity might be too high for new users
6. Rockville RV12.2B 1200W Dual 12″ Car Subwoofer
Rockville is a well-known brand as they have a decent subwoofer available for every category. You can find a subwoofer from Rockville whether you are looking for a 10 inches, 12 inches, or an under-seat compact subwoofer. Rockville has been a prioritized option for many due to its premium build quality as well as reasonable price range. The Rockville RV12.2B is basically a complete kit that includes the subwoofer enclosure, a mono amplifier, and an amplifier kit bundled into a single shipment. Thus, you are surely getting your money’s worth with this selection. But, the major difference is its size and form factor. The Rockville RV12.2B measures 31.5 x 20.75 x 20, which makes it a bulky and potentially non-portable option unless installed permanently. As you might have guessed, the Rockville RV12.2B is an all-in-one option, and you won’t require any additional accessories if you get this kit. It has a frequency range starting as low as 15 Hz and going all the way up to 20000 Hz. Thus, it will provide you perfect low-end, mid, and high-range frequency output without any hesitation. In simpler words, this kit is perfect for listening to bass, music, or vocal-focused tracks. The Rockville RV12.2B works at a continuous power output of 400 Watts and goes up to 1200 Watts if necessary. There is also a year of warranty available in this kit which is noteworthy. Best Features
400 Watts RMS power capacity 1200 Watts peak power capacity 5 x 20.75 x 20 inches in size 15 to 20000 Hz frequency range 1-year warranty
Pros
All in one kit Best frequency range amongst our choices 15% tilted alignment for better performance
Cons
Not an ideal choice for just a subwoofer
7. Dual Electronics SBX212i 12-inch Subwoofers
In the end, we are presenting yet another renowned choice for a subwoofer from Dual Electronics. If you want a balanced output, you should definitely check out this subwoofer. There are not a lot of subwoofers that operate with a dual driver setup like the Dual Electronics SBX212i. It is a fairly powerful unit as its peak capacity goes as high as 1200 Watts for powerful notes. And there are special ports that support 2 inches coils to increase the efficiency of the machine even more. At a normal rate, it works at a power capacity of 400 Watts. Both of the subwoofers present on this unit are power efficient and offer 2 ohms impedance. The frequency range, on the other hand, ranges from 30 Hz to 250 Hz, which is surely sufficient for bass enthusiasts. And if you like some illumination on your audio system, Dual Electronics has taken care of that. Both of these drivers are illuminated with an array of LED lights to provide a decent view of the units. On top of that, there is also a dedicated cooling system that manages the temperature of the system and keeps it under control. You will get a year of warranty on the Dual Electronics SBX212i. Best Features
400 Watts RMS power capacity 1200 Watts peak power capacity 32 x 17 x 17 inches in size 30 to 250 Hz frequency range 1-year warranty
Pros
It has a warranty period Illuminated exterior design High peak power capacity
Cons
Build quality is considerably weak
8. Monoprice 12 Inch 150 Watt Powered Subwoofer
Monoprice is primarily a budget-friendly brand that designs a variety of equipment. You can get different types of products from Monoprice, such as headphones, cables, and even subwoofers. In the 3rd position, we have a cheaper variant for a 12 inches subwoofer. There are only a handful of options that are reliable even with a budget-friendly price tag, and Monoprice Subwoofer is one of them. It is a high-performance subwoofer as it features an RMS power capacity of 150 Watts that could be increased up to 200 Watts momentarily. Most users do not require an extremely low-frequency range. This is the right option for casual users as it has a 50 to 250 Hz frequency response range. Monoprice also includes a 10 meters operating range splitter with the subwoofer to make it easier to install and use. Moreover, there are dedicated knobs given for bass and frequency gain control that will come in handy while using the device. The subwoofer has dedicated units available for right and left speakers. Thus, you can connect this subwoofer with the left and right output of the amplifier to provide you a balanced audio performance. Even though it’s cheap, it has a 2-year long warranty available. Best Features
150 Watts RMS power capacity 200 Watts peak power capacity 5 x 17.3 x 17 inches in size 50 to 250 Hz frequency range 2 years warranty
Pros
Comes with a warranty period A decent choice for casual users 10-meter operating range splitter
Cons
The frequency range could have been better
9. KEF KUBE 12b Subwoofer
Kef is the most premium brand to enter our selection today. With just a look, you can determine that the subwoofer from Kef is an elegant choice that is built to last for a very long time. The Kube 12 inches subwoofer from Kef is quite literally a cubical subwoofer that is designed to suit home theatre systems and soundbars. It is probably the only device from our list that has the identical RMS and peak power capacity, which is up to 300 Watts. Thus, you can expect a uniform performance from the Kef Kube 12b that will not vary with every different type of song. It is a completely sealed box so that it is much safer from external anomalies. If you like to dwell deep into personalization with your audio equipment, you will be glad to know that the Kef Kube 12b has 3 different preset EQ settings that are designed for different types of installations. You will get a free-standing, corner mounted, and cabinet installation profile that pretty much covers all installation types. There is also a built-in smart compression technology that offers louder output at all times. It has a 5 year long warranty period which is perfectly suitable for its expensive price category. Best Features
300 Watts RMS power capacity 300 Watts peak power capacity 5 x 15.5 x 16.5 inches in size 22 to 140 Hz frequency range 5 years warranty
Pros
Highly premium 12 inches subwoofer Comes with Kef smart connect technology Preset EQ settings
Cons
Not suitable as an entry-level choice
10. SVS PB-2000 Pro 12″ Ported Subwoofer
Now that we are discussing premium options let us take a look at yet another premium and reliable brand called SVS. Almost all products from SVS are built for heavy performance, including this subwoofer. Coming in the last position, we have the most premium 12 inches subwoofer the market has to offer. We will recommend going with this option if you are already familiar with various subwoofers and willing to go with a long-term option. The SVS PB-2000 features 500 Watts RMS capacity, which is quite strong considering other options. On top of that, you will be able to experience a vibrating bass level with a peak power capacity of up to 1500 Watts. And the output of the SVS PB-2000 is fully discrete, thanks to the MOSFET output. You might be wondering why this 12-inch subwoofer is so expensive even though it has the same 12 inches driver as other options. Well, the answer lies in the sound quality available with this unit. Along with disruption-free output at high sound volume, you will also experience very high-quality output as its frequency response ranges from 16 Hz to 290 Hz. This is one of the lowest frequency responses available with 12 inches drivers. It is also a smart device as it supports the SVS subwoofer smartphone app that allows you remote control over the device. Best Features
500 Watts RMS power capacity 1500 Watts peak power capacity 32 x 23.62 x 20.94 inches in size 16 to 290 Hz frequency range 5 years warranty
Pros
Smart 12 inches subwoofer Most premium device One of the lowest frequency responses available
Cons
Needs high input power
Buying Guide For The Best 12 Inch Subwoofer
Subwoofers are a great addition to high-end audio systems and can be coupled with almost all types of systems, such as car speakers, home theatre units, reference monitors, and many others. If you want the best listening experience, you must add a subwoofer to your existing system. There are many types of subwoofers, such as enclosed subwoofers, tube subwoofers, compact subwoofers, etc. In order to get the best version for yourself, you need to carefully consider its power requirements and make sure that it is compatible with your application. Furthermore, you need to check whether it performs up to your expectations or not before you buy it. Today, we will be walking you through these factors and many others in our buying guide for the best 12 inches subwoofers.
RMS Power
You might find the peak power capacity mentioned on most of the subwoofers as it is a clever marketing tactic to show the highest power capacity available with a unit. But, the important thing to keep in mind is that the peak power capacity is not available at all times. Instead, it is present for a very short amount of time before the subwoofer returns to the RMS power level. Therefore, you should pay more attention to the RMS power level instead of the peak power level to get a better idea about the power level of the subwoofer. This will be the nominal power level of your subwoofer, at which it will perform the majority of the time.
Size and Form Factor
Considering you have already made up your mind to buy a 12 inches subwoofer, it is safe to assume that you have plenty of space available for installation. If not, then the size and form factor of the subwoofer might be a surprise for you. Generally, the 12 inches subwoofers are already quite large in size. And if the subwoofer is enclosed, it further increases its size. These factors won’t matter a lot for domestic applications but definitely affect car installations. Thus, you need to make sure that you are buying the subwoofer of the correct size and form factor before you place your order.
Frequency Range
Coming to the most critical factor of the 12 inches subwoofer, we have the frequency range. This range is different for different units and changes depending upon its construction and power capacity. Generally, the subwoofers with higher power capacity are capable of producing lower-frequency outputs at a higher volume. As you are getting a 12 inches subwoofer, you will at least get around 30 Hz output frequency which is pretty good for bass lovers. If you wish to enjoy deeper bass than that, you will have to get the subwoofer that offers the lowest frequency output. Along with that, you should also pay attention to the higher range of frequency if you are planning to use the same unit for mids and highs as well.
Warranty Period
Even if you get the ideal subwoofer for your application and it performs exactly as you wished, it would be of no use if it is internally damaged. In the case of subwoofers, any sort of internal damage will hamper its output quality severely or simply render the driver useless, which will result in no output from the subwoofer. Considering you are going to invest a significant sum on the 12 inches subwoofer, you should consider buying the one that is reliable for a longer period of time. For that, you should pick up the one that has a durable build quality and comes with a long warranty period. With that, you can have peace of mind as you will get free repairs or replacement if something were to happen to your subwoofer within the warranty period.
Amplifier
The amplifier is a very important part of any audio system. You might not think of it as a crucial part as of now, but you will definitely change your mind as soon as you get your hand on a decent amplifier. These devices basically provide the necessary power to the subwoofers and also amplifies the input audio signals so that even the smallest detail in the uncompressed track does not go unnoticed. If you are getting a powerful subwoofer, it is equally important to get a powerful amplifier if you wish to use the subwoofer up to its full potential. You can either choose a subwoofer that comes with an amplifier or get the one that has a built-in amplifier for best results.
Conclusion
Installing a subwoofer is not an easy task, especially if it’s your first time buying a subwoofer. The subwoofer looks quite similar to a speaker but differs in many factors such as size, price, and performance. While a regular speaker provides output with respect to the mid and high frequency, a subwoofer only focuses on the low-end frequencies and generates low-frequency output according to that. You can easily get a great 12 inches subwoofer from our picks provided here today. In case you are not sure which one suits your application the best, check out our recommendations right here.
If you’re not an extreme bass head and looking for an entry-level subwoofer to install in your car, simply go with the BOSS Audio Systems CXX12 Car Subwoofer. This is the cheapest 12 inches subwoofer available for cars that offer 500 Watts power capacity and provide as low as 32 Hz frequency output. But, if you simply love bass and are looking for the deepest and richest bass experience, then Rockville RV12.2B is the way to go for you. This is the only subwoofer on our list that goes as low as 15 Hz to produce the deepest low-end output. Also, it is basically an all-in-one option that can also be used as regular speakers as the frequency range goes up to 20 kHz. Finally, we will recommend getting the SVS PB-2000 if you wish for more of a permanent upgrade to your sound system. This 12 subwoofer is the most premium option and has a 5 year long warranty period. On top of that, it has 550 Watts power capacity coupled with 16 to 290 Hz frequency range.
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