Listening to good music is like having medicine for the body. It quietens your body, infuses your mind with positive vibes, and soothes your heart. This is needed, especially when you are doing a stressful task, like driving down the road.
Whether it be to work, personal errands, shopping, or just a spin around the corner, there is never enough good music. This is when we might ask you, do you like to listen to music in your vehicle?
If yes, then have you installed car woofers in your vehicle? There is nothing like playing your favorite music track on a car subwoofer. You will be blown away by the smashing sound effects on the subwoofer.
Perhaps, you are planning to get one pair for your car. Whatever the reason, you are in the right place because today, we will see some of the best 12 inch subwoofers in the segment for 2022.
A subwoofer can enhance the music and liven the tone. You feel as if you are standing right in front of the music group at a concert. It is that good. Subwoofers come in different sizes, prices, and specifications.
Types of 12-inch subwoofers:-
When you want the best sound effects from your vehicle, your subwoofer must be compatible with your system. Only then can it do so. There are several types of subwoofers in the market.
However, you may be unable to find the best 12 inch subwoofer with all the attributes. We have briefly discussed some common kinds of subwoofers. This can help you enjoy your tracks better.
1. Dual vs. single voice coil subwoofers
A Voice coil is a wire that comes wrapped around the speaker. It helps in the connection of the subwoofer to the amplifier. There are two kinds of voice coils, single and dual voice coil subwoofers.
The single voice coil option is cheap, but it does not work well in most market amplifiers. That means that you will have to purchase your amplifier. That can increase the cost of installing a subwoofer in your car.
On the other hand, the dual coil subwoofer can work with a barrage of amplifiers. However, they are expensive and priced high. We recommend that you choose the dual voice coil subwoofer because of the flexibility you receive.
2. Sealed vs. ported subwoofers
The subwoofer is enclosed to produce clear, crisp, loud, and responsive audio quality in your vehicle. The control of the bass is essential for it to be able to do that. They consume a lot of power too.
The ported subwoofers enable the free movement of air in and out. These subwoofers do not consume more power, but the bass is not good enough. You can listen to rock and rap with it. Overall, your music preference and taste will depend on your choice.
3. Passive and powered subwoofers
The passive subwoofer runs with an external amplifier. It is similar to loudspeakers. These can produce ample noise and clean audio. But, their power consumption stands high because of the enhancement of the dull frequency sound.
On the other hand, powered subwoofers come along with the amplifier. They both can be found on the same setup. It enables you to operate it with ease. You may not prefer the quality of the audio coming out from them.
The main benefit of using it is that they do not need a lot of power to work on. Depending on your usage and necessity, you will want to decide on the choice. It is common to see many cars having either the passive or the powered subwoofer.
What to look for when buying a 12-inch subwoofer? 🤔
Using the best combination is essential when you want to listen to good audio quality from your vehicle’s music system. The main device that you must consider having is the right kind of subwoofer, along with the right features and specifications.
Good subwoofers produce bass and pleasant sound. That is crucial for your music listening sessions in your vehicle. Otherwise, what is the point of installing a subwoofer in the first place? The budget, size, and setup are essential factors; you have a few more considerations.
1. The handling of the power
Power handling is nothing but the power the device can handle over time. This is usually found on the RMS. When you read a higher RMS, it denotes that the subwoofer can handle loud and powerful sound.
If the subwoofer produces deeper bass, then it consumes more power. So, you will need to ensure that your music system can meet the power requirements of the subwoofer.
If your audio system cannot meet the criteria, then the coils can overheat, and the system may not be able to produce the desired sound quality.
2. Voice coils in the subwoofer
The voice coil in the subwoofer is indicated as DVC or SVC. Depending on your needs, you can purchase the coils. When you want to connect several devices to your music system, then you might go with the DVC.
But, when you are purely concerned about the device’s power, then SVC would be ideal for your cause. The ohm load of the coil wire that is taken should be considered. The lower the ohm count, the more power comes out from the subwoofer.
3. The sensitivity of the device
This is the power the best 12 inch subwoofer requires for working on your vehicle. It can give out the sound based on the watt embedded in it. This is given as a dB on your product. The dB ranges from 80dB to 99 dB.
You will want to note that these subwoofers do not have to be sensitive to distortion for the audio. When you want to listen to smashing sounds from your car music system, the sensitivity must hover around 90 dB.
Best 12 Inch Subwoofer – Our Top Picks👌👌
In this review, we have taken the best 12 inch subwoofer because it is sturdy and captures the right tone of the music. Once you are done reading this post, you can choose the best subwoofer in the market.
1. Skar Audio SDR-12
Skar Audio SDR-12 is a product from the stable of the Skar audio company. The company is known for its smashing performance. The subwoofer is robust and designed well. It produces sounds that can kick-start any outdoor party.
The device has a massive 1200 watts for intense sounds and powerful bass audio. You can be assured that the sound quality is the best in the market. It can outdo any of the products currently sold in the market as of 2022.
It is designed to offer high sound reproduction, obtaining phenomenal low-note abilities. The device also comes with high-roll foam, which allows fantastic low-end bass. This is a unique feature that is not present on most of the subwoofers.
The SDR-12 has a 2.5 high temperature that comes four layered. You can find that it is attached to the red spider of the Skar Audio. As of now, the SDR-12 comes with an RMS power rating of 600 watts.
Finally, the device supports a frequency response of 22 Hz-300 Hz range. The sensitivity is also good at 84.7dB. It also comes with a dual 2-ohm 12-inch size, which is optional—all these features coupled together make it the best 12-inch product.
It is priced at less than $100.
Pros:-
- The design of the subwoofer is robust and durable.
- It is a value-for-money device.
- The power range is excellent and offers you ample sound quality.
- Its sizes are optional for a wide range of spaces.
- This is a 12-inch dual 2-ohm device.
- The power is at the peak of 1200 watts.
- The RMS power is 600 watts.
- The copper voice coil is 2.5″ 4-layer high temperature.
- It comes with a high-roll foam surround for protection.
- It also comes with an airflow cooling design feature.
- The frequency response of the device is 22 Hz – 300 Hz.
- The sensitivity is at 84.7 dB.
Cons:-
- Few users felt that the build quality is poor.
Skar Audio SDR-12 is value for money having several features like a peak power of 1200 watts and an RMS power of 600 watts. The copper voice coil is 2.5″ 4-layer, with frequency response at 22 Hz – 300 Hz, making it one with a decent performance.
Check Price on Amazon2. Dual Electronics SBX212i
Dual Electronics SBX212i is one of the best 12 inch subwoofer for deep bass in today’s marketplace. The SBX12i is a twin-turbo device designed by engineers suited for the task. We found reviews highly acclaiming the product.
When you truly want to experience the power of audio quality and enhanced music, you can steal the show effortlessly. The outstanding audio can make you happy with the pickup and eminent in the way it plays.
The device comes with 41-ounce magnets for you to enjoy the music. It also comes with supreme 1200 watts peak power. Two voice coils ensure you have exceptional music with high bass tunes.
The subwoofer’s design is also useful as it is covered with quality and peerless in-line carpet. It eliminates the movement of any vibration for a smooth sound. The body comes made from medium-density fiberboard.
This enables the body to appear strengthened and more trustworthy than plywood. Users also liked the trim rings that illuminate with blue, giving it a beautiful and serene music environment.
It helps you to enhance the mood of the music, especially at night. The device is priced at less than $130. Not to mention, you can enjoy the charming effect. Finally, you will be glad to know that it has a 1-year warranty.
That shows that the manufacturer is confident about the best 12 inch subwoofer for bass.
Pros:-
- The subwoofer is durable and reliable.
- It is suitable for beginners as it is easy to install.
- The sound quality is good as it provides you with an audio tune.
- The device comes with a computer-aided design.
- There are also 2-inch voice coils along with a 41-ounce magnet.
- It also has a cooling system that ensures the subwoofer does not overheat.
- The embedded in-line automotive carpet ensures that the body appears elegant.
- The device has a 1-year warranty along with excellent customer service.
Cons:-
- Few users felt that the subwoofer was overpriced.
- It comes with no guide for customers.
The SBX212i comes with an enclosed in-line automotive carpet; it is simple to install and highly rated among all users. It offers you the ideal experience when you count all the features; it is to be counted in the market.
Check Price on Amazon3. Polk Audio PSW505
Polk Audio PSW505 is a fashionable subwoofer coming at a reasonable price. The Polk Audio has you covered with intense power and sophistication. The technology is coupled with an excellent design and is an ideal fit for a small environment.
Firstly, the design and size of the device are good. You can use it for indoor or outdoor usage. The cuts and the curves are well-designed. That gives it the appearance that a subwoofer should have.
The engineering and design of the subwoofer are also sound. You can hear the lows and highs. Supporting 460 watts of power, you can listen to the audible noise in this device. The PSW505 device comes with a back-control panel that is suitable for setup.
It comes built with a medium-density fiberboard coupled with a 1-inch front. The speaker at the front suppresses the panel, which gives the device noise from vibration. That is suitable for vehicles.
It is fitted with a magnetic shield. That ensures that it is safe to place near the screen or television. The circuit switches on and off have a sensing signal. You can easily integrate it with deep bass and integration with home theater.
Pros:-
- The sound and bass quality of the device are outstanding.
- It is safe to install on your vehicle.
- The sound reproduction is immensely accurate, and the audio blasts nicely.
- The 460-watt power provides adequate impact sound.
- Its front grille comes out quickly, and the rear is shielded nicely with an LFE input.
- Users can easily integrate with other systems.
Cons:-
- The device is not reliable in its pricing.
Polk Audio PSW505 is a cool-looking device suitable for your vehicle, home, or gym. You can use it both indoors and outdoors. This should be your best option when you want to use the best 12 inch subwoofer other than in your car.
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4. Klipsch R-120SW
Klipsch R-120SW is your best 12 inch subwoofer with value for money and performance. The R-120SW will not disappoint you because it easily blends with any indoor or outdoor decor.
You can keep it along with furniture and other elements outdoors with ease. The device’s design and practicality are what impressed us the most. The device comes with copper injection-molded graphite (IMG) cones.
They are rigid and lightweight, offering ample breakup in the cone and minimal distortion. It has a power of 400 watts and a frequency of 29Hz-120Hz that suits small and large rooms.
The body of the device is strong, thanks to the wooden frame. The material is a medium-density fiberboard (MDF), providing strength. This helps in the reduction of the vibration and the distortion that usually occurs in a woofer.
The shape, too, is superb to ensure that the sound is directly thrust upon the listeners. R-120SW can be placed in the gym, home, and any room. It has a grill, power cord, and manual for your perusal.
Many users felt the device was easy to set up in their vehicles. We were not surprised at seeing an excellent 4.8 rating out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Pros:-
- The sound quality of the device is outstanding.
- The material of subwoofer is made from high-quality wood.
- Its audio is useful in lows and highs.
- The spun copper is beautifully designed.
- The power of the subwoofer is at an outstanding 400 watts.
- Its output is at a high 116dB, smashing audio quality.
Cons:-
- Yes, it is not ideal for low sounds as they are not audible.
When you are wondering about investing in a product with excellent material and high-quality features, then the R-120SW comes to mind. This is a fantastic device that is banging on for the buck.
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5. Skar Audio EVL-12
Skar Audio EVL-12 is an iconic brand with some of the best products in this segment. Many users have sworn by their devices.
You will be surprised at the countless positive feedback received about their products from several online retailers.
The Audio EVL-12 brings you the best music experience, offering exceptional audio quality and base. Not to mention, it is priced affordably.
There is no denying you will be extremely impressed with its performance in your vehicle, with sensitivity coming at 85.1 dB.
Let us discuss briefly its features that may get you hinged. The peak power of this starling device is 2500 watts. It also has an RMS of 1250, which means your speakers can handle loud sounds seamlessly.
It comes with a temperature-resistant dual 2-ohm voice coil, ensuring you receive top-of-the-world audio quality. The design of the subwoofer appears elegant because of them. You will be delighted to know that it has high-roll foam material for controlling those high-level sound effects.
There is also a competition-grade paper cone, which is quite an underestimated feature. You will love the high gross flux, and the double-stack structure of the motor enabling awesome sound. The sound can be produced during low pitches too.
We were taken aback by that. Finally, it comes with a frequency response of 25Hz—250Hz, which makes it one of the best 12 inch subwoofers you can get on the market. It has a product rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars and is priced at less than $200.
Pros:-
- The design of the product is great.
- The sound quality produced is magnificent.
- Users have said that it is easy to install both indoors and outdoors.
- Its peak power comes at 2,500 watts with an RMS power of 1,250.
- The dual 2-ohm voice coil controls very high temperatures effortlessly.
- With high-roll foam material, sound effects are easily managed.
- The bass is low, deep, and very responsive, with a sensitivity of 85.1 dB.
Cons:-
- Poor quality can annoy some of you.
The Audio EVL-12 is a worthy consideration for your vehicle when looking for affordable, good-quality bass. This is a sublime product for car owners who want to enjoy the cutthroat sound experience for a low price.
Check Price on Amazon6. Rockford Fosgate P3D4-12
Rockford Fosgate P3D4-12 is a product made by a reputed manufacturer in the form of the Rockford Fosgate. They are known to deliver some out-of-the-world devices in the segment. The subwoofer P3D3-12 series is one of the most widely used in America.
This serious contender is capable of providing you with excellent high-quality performance in audio quality. The best part is that it comes at a good price too. There is no reason why you won’t enjoy this massive subwoofer in your car.
The P3D4-12 comes with an anodized aluminum cone. It is lightweight and comes with a duck cap providing heat dissipation for more than 100 degrees. Not to mention, the coil is strong and enables you to prevent getting blown out.
We thought that this subwoofer was easily capable of handling anything that was thrown at it. Most subwoofers struggle in that aspect. We are talking about continuous power handling, a crucial feature in any device.
It adheres to the CEA-2031 standards ensuring a continuous flow. The speaker has a peak power of 1200 watts and an RMS of 600. There is a flex-fit basket that enables you to make adjustments when installing it.
This best 12 inch subwoofer has a diameter of fewer than 12 inches. A manufacturer that gives a product warranty is meant to be respected, and so is Rockford Fosgate. They have offered the P3D4-12 with a 1-year customer warranty.
We were not surprised by the high product rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. It is reasonably priced at less than $220.
Pros:-
- This is a lightweight device.
- You can install it anywhere you want.
- The pricing is affordable.
- It comes with a 1-year customer warranty.
- The durability of this product is good.
- The material used to build it is robust.
- Its bass and sound quality are some of the best.
Cons:-
- For the price, they could have included some more features in it.
The P3D4-12 is a decent product with all the features you can expect. The pricing is good and affordable; the building structure is fantastic, and so is the sound quality. When you want an awesome performance, then you know what to do.
Check Price on Amazon7. Skar Audio Single SDR-1X12D2
Skar Audio Single is another product we will see from the Skar Audio Company. When you want a high-performance subwoofer that is durable, then this is it. We were instantly surprised by its powers.
The SDR-1X12D2 comes with an enclosure that is suitable for audio professionals. This enables you to cut out the frame again. You need to install it where you want to. The sound system is simple to install as all the necessary work is embedded.
We wanted to point this out at the beginning itself. The device’s enclosure comes with a thick black carpet with the logo on top of it. This immensely reduces the sound distortion and enhances the looks of the subwoofer.
It supports 1200 watts at its peak, which is good enough, and has an RMS of 600 watts. The handling of power is smooth. The front side of the subwoofer has a 1.25-inch thickness that comes with a sublime appeal.
Pros:-
- This is very easy to install a subwoofer.
- The sound quality is quite audible and enjoyable.
- It comes with a single 12-inch dual 2-ohm loaded enclosure.
- The peak is fantastic at 1200 watts and RMS at 600 watts.
- It comes pre-wired internally.
- The front face of the device has an attractive look and design.
Cons:-
- Some users have questioned the durability of the subwoofer.
Skar Audio Single is one of the best 12 inch subwoofers in the market for 2022. The sound quality is out of the world, it is nicely designed and priced reasonably well, and we cannot think of any other reason you do not want to buy it.
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8. KICKER 12 Inch CompC
KICKER 12 Inch CompC are not your usual subwoofers that give high audio. This gives you a sublime sound experience compared to other 12 inch subwoofers. They give you sound quality in a new dimension.
The peak power of the 12 inches CompC is 600 watts, and RMS is at a decent 300 watts. Please do not get misled by these average figures because performance matters in the end. The quality of the sound will make you spellbound.
We were initially surprised at the level of smooth audio quality from the subwoofer. The injected mold is made from polyurethane, which gives yellow stitching. It provides adequate performance and quality to the subwoofer.
This subwoofer is fitted with spiral leads stamped with steel baskets that provide audio sound for those jam sessions. The sounds are just crisp and flawless. We also found perimeter venting keeping the air flow continuous.
This is an important feature for ensuring that the device does not overheat. You can operate it during high temperatures without compromising performance. The 1200-watt 4-ohm voice coil offers an excellent bass sound.
The product comes with a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Pros:-
- It is a durable subwoofer that can easily last more than eight years.
- The sound quality is excellent and audible for jamming sessions.
- It is simple to install too.
- The 600 watts 4 Ohm voice coil offers you high-quality sound.
- The bass emitted from the speakers is one of a kind.
Cons:-
- Few users were not happy with the customer service meted out to them.
KICKER 12 Inch CompC is a praiseworthy device for anyone wanting to dance to the grooves. The device comes with decent sound quality, giving you a new dimension to the world of car music beats.
Check Price on Amazon9. Kenwood KFC-W3016PS
Kenwood KFC-W3016PS is a widely used audio brand globally. The name Kenwood commands respect from music lovers all over the world. The manufacturer has been around for several decades and has mastered producing quality music devices.
Like most Japanese products, the subwoofer can be considered a durable and reliable device. The audio quality is superb, and we were left astounded by it. The same can be said once you install them in your car.
The KFC-0W3016PS has a decent peak power of 2000 watts and an RMS of 400 watts. This kind of power is sufficient to quell your thirst for suitable music. It has a single 4-ohm voice coil and an 8 AWG push terminal.
It also has a polypropylene cone, which is textured with a surround made from rubber. That provides a quiet moment in the cone when the music is played. The seamless audio quality was excellent, with lows and highs on the right note.
The robust design quality of the subwoofer is something that we were impressed with. It enables it to remain that way for several years without any change in sound quality. Unlike other 12-inch subwoofers, this is built to last.
The subwoofer’s weight is less than 4.5 pounds making it quite light. The installation does not have to be cumbersome. It comes with a decent product rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.
Pros:-
- The peak power of the device is 2000 watts.
- It has an RMS power of 400 watts.
- The device comes with a polypropylene cone.
- The surround is made from a rubber material.
- The quality of the audio is good.
- The subwoofer is simple to install.
- It is priced well, and even students can afford it.
Cons:-
- Sadly, the after-sales is left wanting.
Our final opinion on this product is that those who want to enjoy quality audio in their car can use this subwoofer. It is one of the best subwoofers because it comes with polypropylene woofers having rubber for enriched bass.
Check Price on Amazon10. Skar Audio VXF-12
Skar Audio VFX-12 is another product from the makers of Skar. You might probably be wondering why that is so because they manufacture some of the best subwoofers in the music industry.
We want to ensure that our readers have the best music experience. The device has a world sound experience with special features that can hit very low notes. Its unmatched features enable you to experience sublime audio performance.
The copper voice coil in the VFX-12 is 3 inches. The 4-layer spider with roll foam surround is also featured on it. The peak power comes at an awesome 3000 watts and RMS of 1500 watts.
It is designed to offer you optimum performance and excellent power. The subwoofer comes produced with high-quality audio features. The depth to mount the subwoofer is less than 9 inches.
It comes with a frequency response of 22-300 Hz. The device has excellent feedback about it. VFX-12 has a 4.7 out of 5 stars and is priced at less than $300.
Pros:-
- The device comes made from durable material.
- The product offers you accurate audio quality.
- It has the best sound.
- The peak power comes at 3000 watts, and RMS at 1500 watts.
- There is a copper voice coil with a sensitivity of 87.1 dB for sublime music.
- The paper cone is robust and has a high-roll foam surround.
- The frequency response is 22 Hz -300 Hz.
Cons:-
- It weighs close to 50 pounds, which makes it quite heavy.
Skar Audio is one of the subwoofers for sound quality and price. When you want to experience nirvana in your car, then you might as well choose this fantastic product. It is worth your time and money.
Check Price on AmazonTips for buying used subwoofers in the market
Yes, you can purchase 12-inch subwoofers without worry or concern. As we said, subwoofers come in various sizes, models, and shapes. The main thing that you must think about is the type of subwoofer you prefer to have installed in your car.
The amplifier, enclosure system, and subwoofer come separately. Do you want them in a single setup? This is when you should decide between a passive or powered subwoofer. You must know that the subwoofer only does not determine sound quality.
Other considerations must be taken, such as the audio system’s compatibility, the amp’s power, and sufficient power supply. All these factors have to be thought about before you make the installment.
- You must ensure that the device is compatible with your stereo system.
- The amp can supply 125 and 200% RMS on the subwoofer installed in your car.
- When purchasing a high-end subwoofer, it should have a cooling system to ensure it does overheat.
📗FAQs
(Q) What are shallow-mount subwoofers?
A shallow-mount subwoofer is a device that comes in a small package. It is lightweight and shallow when compared to regular subwoofers.
Though you have to compensate for the audio quality, you can easily install them in small spaces.
(Q) How to find out if the device provides air-moving bass?
Using a subwoofer that offers you air-moving bass gives you quality audio. This is when you must check the power abilities of the subwoofer. You can do that by checking the material of the cone, rubber surrounding, and power handling.
(Q) What is the ideal amplifier for a 12-inch subwoofer?
When buying an amplifier, you need to check its RMS rating. It must come around 75 and 150% of the RMS of the subwoofer. Only then will it be compatible and produce excellent quality audio for your vehicle.
(Q) Should you do the installation yourself?
We would not recommend you to do the installation all by yourself unless you are familiar with these gadgets. As you know, electrical accidents can end very badly. You would have heard of vehicles catching fire due to short circuits.
So, the answer is no. Instead, you might want to purchase the subwoofer from a reliable online seller from Amazon and get it installed by a professional mechanic. They can do an excellent job on the subwoofer installation.
Summarizing up what is the best 12-inch subwoofer list
So, this is it. We have ended our discussion on some of the subwoofers in the market for 2022. You can go ahead and purchase any of these superb products. They come with a sublime performance.
When you are keen or decide to upgrade your vehicle’s music system, this post will help you make the right decision.
We highly recommend the Skar Audio SDR-12 and Dual Electronics SBX212i. The devices are reliable and durable. It costs slightly higher than the others, but they come with exceptional bass production.
You can expect audio in low frequency. We also liked the fact that the power handling in them is smashing. Other subwoofers are good too, and you may want to try them out. They are worth your time, and money, and give you a new dimension to music.
Have you already used any of the subwoofers mentioned above in your car? How was your experience with it? We want to hear all about it.
Please let us know if you have suggestions or thoughts about these subwoofers in the comment section.
Happy listening and safe driving.
