Do you know that the subwoofer is one of the most important components in your car audio system? This humble unit is responsible for giving sound depth and dimension. That low bass-laden end that you hear when you listen to EDM? That’s from your subwoofer.
Stock subwoofers are fine, but if you want a sound that is rich and dynamic, then you need to upgrade your subs. Subwoofers add power to the sound that the rest of the speakers cannot produce.
Hence, getting the correct subwoofer is important for a well-rounded audio system. Subwoofers come in various sizes. The most widely used one is the 12-inch size. It is an intermediate size that is not too small or not too large.
Selecting the right subwoofer is complicated because many high-end speakers provide features that cannot be used unless combined with other technologies. So, let me help you by listing down some of the best 12 inch subwoofer in the market.
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16 BEST 12 INCH SUBWOOFER REVIEW
1. PYLE PLPW12D - BEST BUDGET SUBWOOFER
PRODUCT DETAILS
Pyle is one of the best brands that curate different types of instruments and music equipment. Even though the company itself is not that old, they have made quite the name among musicians and music enthusiasts. And guess what? They make car speakers too!
Pyle is slowly becoming a go-to place for a wide range of car audio electronics, especially for its great collection of subwoofers.
One such subwoofer is the PLPW12D 12-inch 4 ohm subwoofer. Endowed with an impressive power handling capacity and sensitivity, the PLPW12D brings life to your audio system.
With the subwoofer’s high sensitivity combined with a double layer 4-ohm voice coil and a high-quality magnet, the unit delivers superior sound volume and impressive lows at any volume level. The subwoofer’s build quality is outstanding.
The subwoofer is built of specially treated foam surround which along with a sturdy paper cone seeks to deliver high-quality bass and clean sound. Additionally, the basket of the speaker is sturdy and offers protection to the unit. You wouldn’t probably expect such small speakers to have an extra oomph to it. Well, prepared to expect the unexpected!
PLPW12D offers impeccably loud audio. The small enclosure adds a “punchy” feel to the low-end bass and gives you a booming sound. Pyle offers way beyond what you would expect from an entry-level speaker and getting such great performance and sound at such an affordable price is unimaginable. If this doesn’t make PLPW12D one of the best 12 inch subwoofer, what will?
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2. PLANET AUDIO AC12D - BEST UNDER SEAT SUBWOOFER
PRODUCT DETAILS
When you are buying a low-end product to save money, you don’t expect much out of the product. However, in my opinion, if you are investing in something, it should be worthwhile.
Most car subwoofers out there either compromise on the quality to make it affordable or deliver excellent performance while keeping a big price tag. But don’t worry, you do not have to sacrifice one thing to get another.
The Planet Audio AC12D is a beautifully crafted car subwoofer that embodies impeccable performance and affordability. It has amazing durability, not often seen in low-end speakers. When you are buying a new speaker, you want them to last long before you replace them again.
Most of the subwoofers might give excellent performance but get damaged pretty soon after prolonged use. The AC12D, on the other hand, has an amazing power-handling capacity. The voice coils used in this subwoofer can withstand high temperatures while maintaining the strength and fatigue properties.
It gives the subwoofers the added advantage of playing longer with lower weights. The foam surround is very flexible and offers a better excursion while the strong basket allows a rigid platform for you to hear a clear music output. Using foam helps to keep the cone centred and adds self-dampening properties.
The only downside is that it is not compatible with high-end amplifiers. The subwoofers can get damaged, so try to use it with lower-end amps. Otherwise, it is indeed one of the best 12 inch subwoofer for car audio systems.
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3. ROCKFORD FOSGATE P3D4-12 - BEST CAR SUBWOOFER
PRODUCT DETAILS
The Rockford Fosgate P3D4 is one of the highly reviewed and popular choices among audiophiles. Rockford has been one of the big giants when it comes to car audio technologies. They have established themselves at the forefront of this industry, owing to their efficiency and affordability. But what makes the P3D4 one of the best 12 inch subwoofer? Let me explain.
The Fosgate P3D4 might seem like a simple and ordinary car speaker at first glance. However, it is far from being basic. The P3D4-12 is a part of the “Punch” series. The P3D4 is a shallow mount subwoofer which makes it an attractive option for those with smaller cars. The previous P3 models had overheating issues which have been resolved in P3D4.
The subwoofers have upgraded cooling technologies which allow them to remain cool even upon rigorous use. The voice coils used in this subwoofer is made of a unique material instead of the usual copper wire. There is spider venting on the flexible basket which lets the subwoofer handle even the most hard-hitting bass with ease.
It has a decent power-handling capacity and a good RMS which conforms to the CEA-2012 standards, which requires speakers to perform efficiently under constant demand without causing damage to the voice coils.
The downside is that it is difficult to set up. On the other hand, the subwoofers provide an aggressive yet clean bass. You will feel the hard-hitting bass in your bones, and if that’s what you are looking for, then the P3D4 is a perfect fit for you!
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4. SOUND STORM SS12
PRODUCT DETAILS
The Sound Storm SS12 is a pretty decent 12-inch subwoofer for your car audio system. As you know, just like the engine of a new car, a newly installed subwoofer must go through a short but highly crucial process of “break-in”. This process will ensure that your subwoofer can function the way it was designed to.
The process of “break-in” involves letting the subwoofer play in no more than low-to-medium volume levels for around 3-4 hours. This is generally sufficient enough to loosen the suspension to prevent the voice coil from heating up and getting damaged. The break-in process also plays a role in extending the subwoofer’s life.
Why did I explain all of these? It’s because the key to an efficient break-in process is the RMS or the power-handling capacity of the subwoofer.
The SS12 has a pretty decent RMS of 800 Watts, which is more than sufficient to make the break-in process a huge success. The cone of the subwoofer is made of a resilient and durable material which is superior to materials like cotton, wood, metal or rubber. The material provides all-round protection while simultaneously improving the subwoofer’s sound.
The stamped basket provides better resonant frequencies and provides good corrosion resistance and high electrical and thermal conductivity. You will not get a hard-hitting bass, but the sound quality is decent for the price.
Hence, if you are looking for a good upgrade for your stock subwoofers, the SS12 is one of the decent if not the best 12 inch subwoofer in the market.
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5. SKAR AUDIO SVR-12 - BEST CAR SUBWOOFER FOR DEEP BASS
PRODUCT DETAILS
The Skar Audio SVR-12 D4 is a decent dual 2-ohm subwoofer that seeks to deliver a good amount of bass while being lightweight and compact. Skar has yet again succeeded in delivering good performance while keeping their price-tag low. I will never understand how they sell their products at such a low price without compromising the quality.
It has a 2.6” four-layer copper voice coil with a conservative peak power of 800 Watts. Using any amp over that limit will stress the subwoofer out so be careful with that.
The Skar Audio SVR-12 D4 was built with performance in mind and worried about heating issues? Worry no more! The SVR-12 D4 has a powerful motor and a great cooling system that will make overheating issues a thing of the past!
The paper cone is made of high-quality material which is sturdy and rigid. However, it is not at all easy to set up. But then, the sound of the speakers blew me away. I was amazed by how clean and hard-hitting the low-notes were.
To be honest, you might even have to fix your rearview mirror constantly after cranking the volume up! It is ultra-responsive and brings a powerful sound in a small package. If you want a powerful & best 12 inch subwoofer at a low price, then check this out!
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6. KICKER 43CWR122 - 12" COMPR CAR SUBWOOFER
PRODUCT DETAILS
The Kicker 43CWR122 might not have the same quality as a high-end subwoofer, but it provides plenty of features if you consider its low price. The subwoofer has a peak power of 1000 watts and an RMS power of 500 watts. Not much right? Well, that is fine if you want to buy a replacement subwoofer for your car audio.
It has a stiff cone which allows for a punchy and clean sound that is controlled yet powerful. The body is built of hard plastic which intends to last long. It has a decent sensitivity and therefore can get loud without much distortion.
However, the subwoofers cannot handle too much pressure as it is prone to blowing up. Hence, rigorous use is not recommended. It is not the best 12 inch subwoofer, but if you want a low budget speaker with a clear sound, this is the one for you!
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7. ROCKVILLE PUNISHER 12D2 - 5600W PEAK CAR AUDIO SUBWOOFER
PRODUCT DETAILS
The Rockville Punisher series is designed to be heavy-duty and survive brutal abuse of overheating. The subwoofer has a great power handling capacity of 5600 watts and 1400 watts RMS. This is ridiculously high and by far the highest on this list. I wonder how they managed to design such a powerful beast at a price this low.
And guess what? The voice coil is capable of handling up to 250-degree celsius! It’s crazy, right? It has double stacked powerful magnet, two chrome-plated binding post terminals and an ultra-stiff paper cone. The cone allows great durability, and the thick foam surround provides incredible sound quality.
You can turn the volume up to the highest and still not get much distortion. The beefy dust cap and oversized aluminum heatsink ring help to keep the voice coil cool and absorbs heat. This is a powerful speaker is one of the best 12 inch subwoofer out there!
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8. ALPINE S-W12D4 S-SERIES SUBWOOFERS
PRODUCT DETAILS
Coming up next in this best 12 inch subwoofer list is Alpine S-W12D4, which is a dual 4-ohm subwoofer. It is built of high-quality materials. The Alpine S-Series brings you technology that is usually found in high-end subwoofers.
Moreover, these subs are an inch shallower than the Alpine’s predecessors, which makes it a great choice for places where regular subwoofers won’t fit.
The S-W12D4 can handle up to 1800 watts and has an RMS power of 600 watts. It has a cutting edge cone that is capable of staying rigid under pressure. The rubber surround enables high-level of excursion to deliver a powerful sound. It cannot handle too much power but is a decent entry-level subwoofer.
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9. BOSS AUDIO CXX124DVC CAR SUBWOOFER - 1200 WATTS
PRODUCT DETAILS
The Boss Audio CXX124DVC is a 12-inch car subwoofer that is made to be long-lasting. It is made of polypropylene which provides resilience and durability. An added advantage of this is good sound quality. The voice coil is made in a way to endure high temperature while maintaining its strength.
It claims to play for a longer time with lower weights. The rubber surround can endure rough use without any damage. The basket absorbs and transfers energy with ease and makes the subwoofer resistant to corrosion.
However, the speakers have a low power handling capacity and can easily blow up upon rigorous use. It is not the best 12 inch subwoofer, but it is okay as an entry-level speaker.
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10. PIONEER TS-D12D4 D-SERIES SUBWOOFER
PRODUCT DETAILS
The Pioneer TS-D12D4 is a 12-inch car subwoofer with dual 4-ohm voice coils. It handles up to 600 watts of RMS. If you are looking for a subwoofer that delivers excellent low-frequency depth with high accuracy, then look no further.
The TS-D12D4 is designed to deliver rich and bold bass. It features a butyl rubber surround for providing rigid support during cone excursion.
This adds a hard-hitting, chest-thumping bass to the sound. Just like many low-end subs, the TS-D12D4 cannot handle rigorous use. However, if you want a decent upgrade for your stock subwoofers, then this is a good choice.
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11. KICKER COMPC 12-INCH SUBWOOFER
PRODUCT DETAILS
The CompC™ from KICKER® is a huge value, high-performing subwoofer available in the 12-inch size. This subwoofer forces out the bass with such a high intensity that no human ear is capable of listening. These subwoofers are not only good in stock automobiles but also suitable for home theatre, taxis, trucks, and other huge vehicles.
The 12-inch CompC has DVC outside venting that keeps the motor running smoothly and prevents the system from getting overheated even after extended time use.
For power-pack performance, the subwoofer must be protected, and for that purpose, the subwoofer has a dual 4-ohm voice coil with a PP cone, perimeter venting, additional rugged venting surrounding with their yellow monogram name, and the outermost layer of stamped steel basket.
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12. ROCKFORD FOSGATE R2D4 12-INCH SUBWOOFER
PRODUCT DETAILS
Rockford Fosgate has come up with a new technologically advanced sub named Prime R2 that is capable of delivering strong bass response in your car or home. The subwoofer is very rigid and safe every day.
The R2D4 series is a 12-inch subwoofer that features a 12-inch mica-injected PP cone that goes with thick poly foam to control deep beats or notes in your music. In Rockford’s model, the tinsel leads that pass on the signal to the voice coil are directed connected to the polypropylene cone.
The entire set-up is then stuffed in a stamped steel frame that provides proper venting, so your system stays cool even after long hours of use. The voice coil used here are 2 4 ohm voice coils that, when connected to the subwoofer, give superb flexibility for better performance. I recommend you this subwoofer if you are specifically looking for the best 12 inch subwoofer.
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13. ROCKVILLE K5 W12K5S2 12-INCH SUBWOOFER
PRODUCT DETAILS
Rockville has the most amazing subs with different diameter ranges. The new launch in the K5 series is the W12K5S2 model, which is on the market to boost up your car’s audio system performance, and it comes with an attractive price tag.
If you are a music freak and looking forward to upgrading or modifying your car’s audio set-up, this Rockville’s base model is all you need. The W12K5S2 model is built to last and withstand maximum power handling.
There’s plenty of features you must catch on, like this sub has a frequency response of 28.6-1000kHz and a sensitivity range of 90 dB, but the speakers might perform at an even higher range if you wish to do so.
The features and specifications of this subwoofer are intruding and are truly a feast to deep bass lovers as it delivers thumping and deep low-ends to get crisp and loud sound with perfection. So, give this powerful K5 series a try and enjoy the rest of the ride grooving in your favorite car.
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14. KENWOOD KDC-W3041 12-INCH SUBWOOFER
PRODUCT DETAILS
KENWOOD ®KFC series is capable of bringing out the best from your music because this subwoofer has got a good reputation for performing high-quality sound combined with advanced technology.
The KFC-W3041 model is a best 12 inch subwoofer that features a sturdy PP cone with an X-motif design and spiderweb-like pattern to add extra rigidity to the set-up, so you do not get any sound distortion in the middle of your fun car trip.
This sub is capable of handling up to 300 watt RMS and 2000 watt peak performance to give you a good low-end punch in your music. These 12-inch subs are designed to fit in 1.25CuFt enclosures. It can be either ported or sealed.
The steel mesh grille in this sub protects your set up from dust or any other environmental factors to affect the performance or rigidity of this 12-inch subwoofer. You should get this subwoofer for yourself or should recommend it to friends who have extra room in their car and wish to upgrade the quality of their sound system under an affordable price range.
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15. PIONEER TS-A300D4 12-INCH SUBWOOFER
PRODUCT DETAILS
The Pioneer TS-A300D4 subwoofer is a mixture of technology and the latest design made with good materials. This 12-inch subwoofer provides an amazing bass response. IMPP cone construction with 12-inch crystal fiber and mica intertwined injection Polypropylene.
With this subwoofer, you get access to CarSoundFit from Pioneer® that lets you experience in-car sound right from your phone. This app is also downloadable.
Besides the high-end features, this 12-inch subwoofer can be used for many purposes. If you are a strong bass lover and looking for an upgrade of the audio system, then this is the best 12 inch subwoofer. The woofer composition in this subwoofer is different from other subwoofers in my list.
The best thing I liked about this product is it offers maximum benefits to their customers and at a reasonable price. Plus, it is lightweight and easily mountable, so it wouldn’t use much space in your car.
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16. AUDIOPIPE TSPP312D4 12-INCH SUBWOOFER
PRODUCT DETAILS
The popular 12-inch subwoofer TS-PP series from Audiopipe® could be a great companion to your pre-installed audio system. Audiopipe provides world-class audio system services to professional music artists or anyone who is truly a music enthusiast.
This 12-inch woofer 1600 Watt maximum performance potential with 600 watts RMS handling. The frequency range it can offer is 25-1000Hz which is preferably good for a medium-level application or use.
If you are planning on buying a best 12 inch subwoofer for your home theatre system, then it works for that too. The construction of this TS-PP series is outstanding as it involves the use of good and high-quality materials in their design, such as Polypropylene cones, rubber outer, and triple-loaded magnets that contribute to delivering perfect low-end and works perfectly under any frequency response range.
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CONCLUSION
Getting the wrong and incompatible subwoofer can cause damage to the car audio system, so you need to be aware of that. If you are building your enclosure, try to seek some advice online. Sometimes less is more when it comes to audio quality. Getting a subwoofer with a bunch of features but lacks clear audio is a loss.
Just make sure that the sub is made of durable materials and has a good power handling capacity. That is all you need to know to get started on building your dream car audio system. Hope my list of best 12 inch subwoofer has guided you in choosing the best one. Cheers!
Gibson is a blogger and reviewer, whose passion is helping people with all the aspects of music through the blog he provides. Also, he is an artist and loves to create his own tunes by purchasing good quality musical tools. With his own experience, he has provided a great list of tools for you in this blog. Seeking the best quality musical tools? Read this blog and end your music thirst!