When it comes to picking the perfect subwoofer, the size is a major point of influence. Smaller means less bass output and often a lower price. Larger usually means more booming bass and high sound output.
Car subwoofers come in different sizes and usually range from 8" to 15". So how do you know how big you can go? Well, the short answer is as big as you want as long as you've got the space in your vehicle, and wallet. The longer answer depends on your vehicle, your musical taste, the amount of bass you want and of course your budget.
The first thing to do is to read our unrivalled car subwoofer buying guide in which we explained in details all the relevant specifications and guidelines of how to choose the best car subwoofer.
12 inch subwoofer are by far the most common subwoofers. They represent the perfect mix of accuracy and loudness, power and price. For the purpose of this article, we'll be reviewing a few of the best 12 inch subwoofer on the market.
So, without further any ado, onto the reviews...
Top 7 Best 12 inch Subwoofer Reviews
The P3D4-12 is one of the best 12 inch subwoofer under $200 on the market. It's the best performing subwoofer in Rockford Fosgate Punch series.
The Rockford Fosgate P3D4-12 is a very well-engineered 12 inch subwoofer. It's designed for deeper, louder bass, featuring a rigid anodized aluminum cone that keeps its rigidity even under heavy bass load.
Rockford Fosgate uses an advanced technique to attach the oversized rubber surround to the woofer cone that allows for a relatively larger cone area of up to 25% than competing models of the same size, so this sub can push more air for even bigger bass.
This subwoofer can handle up to 600 watts RMS. The higher the amount of power a subwoofer can handle, the more heat it can generate.
For this reason, the P3D4-12 is designed with special venting to keep the internal motor structure cool, so you get consistent bass performance.
This P3 sub features an extended pole piece and bumped vented backplate that leaves more room for heavy excursion, so it'll hit deeper lows without "bottoming out."
TECHNICAL FEATURES
- Size: 12 inches
- Sensitivity: 85 dB
- Power Handling: 1200 Watts (Peak) / 300-600 Watts (RMS)
- Frequency Response: 28-250Hz
- Top-Mount Depth: 6-11/16 inches
- Impedance: 4 ohm
- 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 dustcaps, with a unique spider venting design to keep 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 build quality with a full 1-year warranty when purchased from an authorized Rockford Fosgate reseller
Competition-grade car audio subwoofers don’t usually come this affordable.
The price point alone is more than enough to justify the inclusion of the Rockville Punisher 12D2 in our list, especially when it’s capable of punching well above its proverbial weight.
This 2800-watt (max power) 12-inch subwoofer has everything that you need.
For starters, the 3-inch and 4-layer black aluminium voice coil has been wound with OFC wire to guarantee that it can stand up to temperatures as high as 250 degrees celsius.
The cast aluminium basket is also black sanded for that added aesthetics, while the chrome-plated binding post terminals and black paper cone is non-pressed for optimal performance and durability.
Speaking of durability, the ultra-stiff cone is padded with a thick foam surround for as little distortion as possible.
To further improve the longevity of the subwoofer, it has an oversized aluminium heatsink, extra-thick T-yoke, and washers, for better cooling capabilities. In particular, for that of the voice coils.
Since it’s rated for competition, these subwoofers use high-quality black glue that can handle high temperatures. As an added bonus, the thick gauge material is tear-resistant and is expected to last, even when constantly exposed to SPL levels of volume.
TECHNICAL FEATURES
- Size: 12 inches
- Sensitivity: 85.3 dB
- Power Handling: 5600 Watts (Peak) / 2800 Watts (RMS)
- Frequency Response: 32 - 500 Hz
- Top-Mount Depth: 7.48”
- Impedance: 2 ohm
- Features: Rockville PUNISHER Series 12" Dual 2-Ohm Car Subwoofer, Peak Power Handling: 5600 Watts, Program Power Handling: 2800 Watts, CEA Rated RMS Power Handling: 1400 Watts, 3" 4-Layer Black Aluminum Voice Coil Former Wound with OFC Wire, This voice coil is stable up to 250 degrees celsius! The voice coil windings are made in the USA, Double Stacked 246 Oz Y35 Magnet, Cast Aluminum Basket With Black Sanded Finish, Two Chrome-Plated Binding Post Terminals, Black Non-Pressed Paper Cone
- Ultra-Stiff cone is extremely thick and strong, Thick Foam Surround Provides Incredible Sound Quality With Minimal Distortion, Black stitching reinforces the cone and ensures long life, New Ultra-stiff PolyPropylene (PP) Dustcap is 0.9mm thick (Extremely, thick, beefy, and stiff), Oversized aluminum heatsink ring keeps the voice coils cool by absorbing and dissipating heat, Extra thick T-yoke and washers assist in keeping the voice coils cool by absorbing and dissipating heat
- This series was engineered from the ground up to keep the voice coils cool so that even if you play test tones for long periods of time in a competition atmosphere the sub can handle it, Impedance: Dual 2-Ohm Voice Coils, Vented Holes on T-yoke Enhances Heat Dissipation, Custom Rubber Boot Magnet Cover, Custom Rockville Mounting Gasket makes it Easy To Mount the Subwoofer Air-Tight, High BL Magnetic Motor Gap
- We use the highest grade black glue that handles extremely high temperatures which allows our woofer to handle even more power than they are rated, 3 layer spider made with thick gauge material that is resistant to tearing even at extreme SPL levels, Easy to install recone kits are available, Cutout Diameter:11.22 inches, Mounting Depth: 7.48 inches, Frequency Response: 32.769 Hz -500Hz, 15mm T-Yoke + 12mm Washer, Sensitivity:85.3 dB, Sealed Enclosure Volume: 1.24-2.12 Cubic Feet
- Vented/Ported Enclosure Volume: 1.94-2.83 Cubic Feet, 1-Way XMAX: 28 MM, 2-Way XMAX:56 MM, Weight: 41.08 lbs., Shipping Weight: 43.28 lbs., Shipping Box Dimensions: 15.75” x 15.75” x 13.58” Inches
The MTX Audio TNE212D is one of the best dual 12" subwoofer packages on the market. It's an ideal solution for anyone looking to add bass to their car audio system without shelling out a ton of cash or going over the top.
The MTX Audio TNE212D saves you from the hassle of purchasing subwoofers, building the right enclosure, wiring and mounting these subs into that enclosure.
The MTX TNE212D combines great subwoofer design with perfect enclosure design to deliver bass that far exceeds expectations.
This package houses two 12 inch Terminator subwoofers that can handle up to 200 watts RMS each, say 400 RMS for the entire enclosure.
This sealed dual enclosure is ruggedly constructed. It's made using extra-strength 5/8" MDF (medium density fiberboard) which is the preferred material for subwoofer enclosures. And in order to contain the massive low frequencies generated by the subs, the TNE212D uses the MTX 5/8" board which is relatively stronger than 1/2" board used by other manufacturers. All in all, the build quality is great and the enclosure looks really clean.
The bottom line is that if you're looking for big and heavy bass and don't want to splurge on the most expensive subwoofers, the MTX Audio TNE212D is a great deal for the buck. That aside, we've come a cross a ton of people - seasoned audiophiles and bass lovers - who have bought the MTX Audio TNE212D and swear buy it.
P.S : If you haven't purchased a car amplifier yet, consider one with a bass control knob. The reason being, if you are a normal bass lover and don't require competition sounding bass in your every day music listening, the MTX TNE212D can be overwhelming at times, so using a bass control knob will make it easy for you to adjust the bass level on the fly and prevent headaches.
TECHNICAL FEATURES
- Size: Dual 12 inches
- Power Handling: 800 Watts (Peak) / 200-400 Watts (RMS)
- Frequency Response: 1012 inch-150Hz
- Impedance: 2 ohm
- Width : 29.63"\
- Bottom Depth : 13.5"
- Top Depth : 11.13"
- Weight : 56 lbs.
- 5/8" MDF Construction.Impedance: 2 ohm.Power source type:Corded Electric.Speaker size:12 inches
- Frequency response: 10Hz - 150Hz. Aviation Grade Carpet
- Embroidered Terminator Logo; Impedance: 2Ω
- Combines the sleek looks and power of a Terminator mono block amplifier with either a sealed enclosure
- Houses two 12-Inch Terminator subwoofers, TNP212D2, or a vented enclosure
One 12-inch subwoofer is loud enough on its own.
Now, imagine if you had two, and not just any kind of subwoofer, but one of the best one the market.
Well, that’s exactly what you’re getting with the Kenwood KFC-W3016PS.
But, even if you had only one, it’s well worth the cost, and it’s not even that expensive!
What has made us sing praises towards the Kenwood KFC-W3016PS is a relatively simple reason -- it’s a performance-oriented 12-inch subwoofer that comes with a tough rubber surround padding for its polypropylene cone and a dual-ventilation system that guarantees that the subwoofers remain cool despite constant use.
The KFC-W3016PS also comes with a reinforced cone. This helps make sure that there’s very little flexing happening when you’re pushing the subwoofer hard.
Paired with a nice amp and installed in a customized enclosure, the KFC-W3016PS is an excellent value for the money with the kind of performance that you can often only see in much more expensive offerings.
TECHNICAL FEATURES
- Size: Dual 12 inches
- Power Handling: 2000 Watts (Peak) / 50-400 Watts (RMS)
- Frequency Response: 27-300 Hz
- Top-Mount Depth: 5-3/16"
- Impedance: 4 ohm
- Bundle Includes You will receive 1 PAIR a total of two speakers
- 2 X Kenwood KFC-W3016PS 12" 4 Ohm Performance Series Car Subwoofers with 2000 Watt Peak / 400 Watt RMS
- 12" Performance Series Car Subwoofer - Polypropylene Cone Woofer with Diamond Array Pattern
- Dual Ventilation System - 8 AWG Speaker Wire Capable - Long Stroke Structure
- Power Handling 50-400 watts RMS EACH - Peak Power Handling 2000 watts EACH - Frequency Response 27-300 Hz
This is what you can get if you're willing to shell out a few hundred dollars. This beast is going to be the most expensive pick of the lot by far. It's one of the best 12" inch subwoofers in its category.
The X-12 D2 is a very well-engineered subwoofer. It features an ultra-high excursion suspension and frame designs.
It's designed for the lowest level of bass extension possible while maintaining significant low levels of distortion.
The X-12 subwoofer requires a ton of power. It can handle up to 1250 watts RMS, which is really high.
That said, you should consider a powerful amplifier that can deliver and send enough wattage to this sub for optimal results.
You might also want to consider a car audio capacitor for that amp.
If I had to pick some criticisms for this subwoofer, It would be its fairly steep price tag. However, something this good is naturally expensive.
TECHNICAL FEATURES
- Size: 12 inches
- Power Handling: 2500 Watts (Peak) / 1200-1500 Watts (RMS)
- Top-Mount Depth: 9.67 inches
Affordable and powerful never looked so good.
Offering the same sound quality commonly found only in expensive subwoofers, but at a price point that’s considered affordable to most people, the Kicker 43CVR124 is one of the best 12-inch subwoofers today.
It's equipped with a dual voice coil with a stiff polypropylene cone for the kind of nuanced punchy bass associated usually with more expensive audio quality. It’s also quite versatile. You can put it in a ported or sealed enclosure and you should be fine. Not to mention, the build quality is amazing as it’s made out of the kind of plastic that’s built to last,
Speaking of build quality, the dual voice coils can withstand a lot.
Because it has an 87dB sensitivity, you can drive a lot of power to the 43CVR124 with minimal distortion.
If you’re looking to get a lot of value out of your money, the 43CVR124 is your pick.
TECHNICAL FEATURES
- Size: 12 inches
- Sensitivity: 87 dB
- Power Handling: 800 Watts (Peak) / 400 Watts (RMS)
- Frequency Response: 25-500Hz
- Top-Mount Depth: 6-1/4"
- Impedance: 4-Ohms
- Size: 12"
- Impedance: 4 Ohms DVC
- Power Watts: 800W Peak / 400W RMS
- Sensitivity: 86.9 dB
- Mounting Depth: 6-1/4"
When it comes to versatility, the Alpine Type-R subwoofer is hard to beat.
Equipped with a Kevlar treated pulp cone, the same material used and found in bulletproof vests, as well as a HAMR Santoprenee for maximum excursion.
The Type-R and its 2250-watt peak power handling is perfect if you want a loud yet accurate bass response.
TECHNICAL FEATURES
- Size: 12 inches
- Power Handling: 2250 Watts (Peak) / 500-750 Watts (RMS)
- Frequency Response: 24-200Hz
- Top-Mount Depth: 6-3/8"
- Impedance: 4 ohm
- Power Range: 500W-750W RMS. Power Handling: 750W RMS / 2250W Peak.
- Parabolic Cone Structure with Pulp/Kevlar Cone & PP/Mica/Talc Dust Cap.
- High Amplitude Multi-Roll surrounds (HAMR)
- Magnet Weight: 127oz. Voice Coil Diameter: 65.5mm / 2.6".
- Sealed Box Net Internal Volume: 0.55-1.0 ft^3 Ported Box Net Internal Volume: 1.0-1.5 ft^3
Final Thoughts
Nothing really hits like some heart-thumping bass.
While 12-inch subwoofers are not the most affordable nor the most portable, they are popular for a reason. They possess the ideal combination of performance, price, and size.
Larger subwoofers cost more, while smaller subwoofers don’t perform as well – its all about balance. And that’s exactly what you get with a 12 Inch Sub!
With that said, our list of the best 12-inch subwoofers in 2021 should help you make the right choice. If it doesn’t, then it’s at least filled with the necessary information to help you find the ideal subwoofer! Happy hunting!
Last update on 2021-12-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
