5 Best 12-inch Subwoofers in 2023 – Reviews and Buying Guide

You need to particular set of skills if you want to place the home subwoofer in the car. There is because the home subwoofer made for only home rather than a compact area like the car. The design is also different.

Every car comes with its unique design and it is challenging to choose perfect subwoofer for the highest audio experience.

A car subwoofer can get you the best experience if you choose the right one. Playing low-end bass for normal regular speakers is hard.

The sheer volume of air required for the woofer to move. For an examples wavelength for 20Hz frequency is 50ft. Standard cars speaker can not handle this wavelength.

If you put the best subwoofer in your vehicle, then you can hear every beat of the audio. A good subwoofer can handle high and mid-range frequency. It can experience more details of the audio.

You would feel like you are in a live concert with your favorite band.

In the market best brands for the subwoofers are, JBL GTO, Pioneer, Infinity Reference. These are high-quality and still top-rated in the market.

The diameter of the car speakers usually between 8-15 inches. The low-frequency subwoofer gets bigger, and the high frequency gets smaller.

In this case, size doesn't matter for your vehicle. The matter is accurate sound capabilities. Among customers, 10-12 inches subwoofers are the most likable size.

They can provide effortlessly 20 Hz frequency which is suitable for human hearing. The subwoofer needs more power from the regular car speaker.

Subwoofer tasks are to move air, for this they require more power. Pay close attention to the subwoofer system you are about to buy.

Then analysis your car's power system and then decide you need additional power or not. Most of the subwoofer don't need additional power but few needs.

Editor's Recommendation: Top 12inch Subwoofers in 2023

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  Preview
  Product
  Rating
• Bestseller No. 1
  
  Skar Audio Single 12" 1200W Loaded Sdr Series Vented Subwoofer Enclosure | SDR-1X12D2
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• Bestseller No. 2
  
  MTX Audio TNP212DV Dual 12" Subwoofer Vented Enclosure with Amplifier, Black
  Rating:

  
  
• Bestseller No. 3
  
  Rockville Punisher 12D2 12" 5600w Peak Car Audio Subwoofer Dual 2-Ohm Sub 1400w RMS CEA...
  Rating:

  
  
• Bestseller No. 4
  
  MTX Audio TNP212D2 Terminator Power Pack Subwoofer System - Set of 2,BLACK
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• Bestseller No. 5
  
  Alpine SWT-12S4 Car Speakers, Black
  Rating:

  
  
• Bestseller No. 6
  
  KICKER 44CWCS124 CompC 12 Inch 600 Watt 4 Ohm Single Voice Coil Car Audio Subwoofers with...
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5 Best 12-inch Subwoofers Reviews With Editorial Ratings [2021]

Also Read: 10 Best Keto Maple Syrups 2023 – Reviews and Buying Guide

1. Pioneer TSW126M 12″ Subwoofer with IMPP Cone:

There is no another option of a good subwoofer if you want to experience an excellent sound quality.

It will provide you the best experience, and they produce the best quality product.

You would feel like you are at a live concert. This product has the highest power handling option as well as frequency response. Even they are highest in the market, and power is 350 watt.

The champion series of pioneer champion brand gives you 3 subwoofer sizes. Each one provides excellent low-end audio experience.

12-inches subwoofer comes with the largest woofer, and it allows to experience deeper bass.

It's all about producing the lowest sounds. Depends on the bass frequency your subwoofer will provide you performance. Subwoofer pioneer can provide the narrowest frequency, it's 150Hz maximum. Higher frequency doesn't matter much; because car frequency can provide more than 80Hz.

Also, this product sensitivity rating is 96dB. Pioneer product considered as the most efficient product on the market.

For example, if a sub rated 87dB which provides 200 watts for generating a certain amount of volume, pioneer product would need 25Watts to produce the same amount of volume.

Its excellent power handle capability makes this top of the brand in the market. 12-inches subwoofer models RMS power rating is 600w, and the peak power rating is 2000w.

You can push your sub little further without any hesitation to burst or any other damage. This power handle capabilities can boom other cars window when cars drive by.

The enclosure size here will not matter if inside construction has not any space.

2. Infinity Reference 6030cs 6.5-Inch 270-Watt Two-Way Component System

This subwoofer model produces excellent quality low-end sounds you would ever experience.

This product efficiency level is 92dB. Frequency response is 67Hz - 21kHz.

For this high-frequency range, you can crossover some low-frequency signals. The rhythm metal and hard rock can be tested with this product.

This subwoofer has strong and firm of polypropylene woofer, which can provide low-end sound at high decibel.

Biggest advantage of this product is 92dB sensitivity. It is higher than an average subwoofer. Sensitivity measured how 1m volume needs of power 1watt.

It decreased half when you increase sensitivity 3dB. The Infinity subwoofer needs power 12.5w.

The high-quality output of bass can be produced from this product without any distortion or any damages. Still, your rearview mirror will rattle when you go with this product. Peak power handling capability is 225w.

Resonant frequency measured how much your woofer resonates with the air before it enclosed. It is important when you will tune your enclosure. It won't affect audio quality.

1.25cu is for an ideal sealed enclosure of 12-inches subwoofer.

It will give you accurate base. Clear sound and rattle window can give you another level of pleasure.

3. Kicker VL7S122 L7S 12″ Subwoofer in Vented Enclosure 2-Ohm:

Adding subwoofer in your car's comes with several issues. It generates the low-end frequency. So you need to place a speaker which can move air frequently.

Low-end kicker subwoofer will produce booming sound around you. Low frequencies come from it only 25Hz. Also, it can reach 500Hz of frequency.

That's mean this subwoofer can boost its low-end frequency.
Rating of sensitivity is 86.9 dB. Sensitivity measures which subwoofer can convert power into volume.

It's poor sensitivity rating replace by its excellent power handling capabilities. Top-level volume can be performed. It is rated at 1500w.

This Kicker CompRT designed for the compact place. It doesn't matter if it has a lack of depth or sensitivity, but the full sound makes you dance in the car.

4. Polk Audio db1240 12-Inch Single Voice Coil Subwoofer (Single, Black):

This product is best for, a low-profile model with good specification. Seals enclosure and tight areas make it waterproof.

It can be used in a marine application. This is the only product in the market which has every necessity things you need.

The company made this subwoofer keep in mind of customers demand. This is most popular among customers. Some company offers different models at the same price.

Tight space installation makes them waterproof. So you can easily use it besides water. Any accident makes it safe.

The Polk Audio subwoofer furnished with the carbon frame with an alloy wheel. It contains only one magnet. It uses a single layer voice coil. For the coolness, it has radial vents in the frame.

For thermal and mechanical power handling this subwoofer rated 360 watts continuous, 720 watts peak. Front spider and plate at the back heavily bumped when you play your favorite audio.

It has push terminals which provide 8 AWG cable. The plain cable can do the job also.

This low-profile solution surely can be made your car title and your glass and mirror surely title with its booms.

5. MTX Audio Terminator Series TNE212D 1,200-Watt Dual 12-Inch Sub Enclosure:

MTX Audio Terminator can provide you two subwoofer of crazy bass.
This product is noticeable in the market.

Product power rating is 1200w max. It is not maybe most powerful but sufficient to play low-bass.

If you consider power rating then maybe it will not go top of your list, but if you look it from the price, then I can assure you it is worth to buy it. It is enough to rattle your car than the two subwoofers.

It is built with solid materials. Standard medium-density of 5/8 inches fireboard used. This will give you less protection but give you good vibes.

You can confidently place it without losing anything around the unit.
It is affordable and the centerpiece of attraction. Because of its size, you need to make sure you have enough space in your trunk to place it.

Which Subwoofer is Loudest?

The Loudness of the subwoofers refers to the terms of SPL( Sound Pressure Level). If you want maximum SPL from your subwoofer, then you need to consider sensitivity, available power, and enclosure types. High-efficiency rating subwoofer is a good start.

The next step is the power of the subwoofer with its amplifier. Make sure that amp of your subwoofer within the recommended power range of your sub.

Go for 1/3 range subwoofer it's not a good idea to go for lower. Multiple subwoofers would give you more sound and more power needed.

Which Subwoofer is Deepest And Different Materials

As I told you before large size subwoofer in a sealed box would give you low frequency or low bass tones. It an ideal way to get the low-frequency response. Adequate watt power needs if you want to listen to the low-frequency response.

Power :

Power requirements depend on the subwoofer you are about to buy. The power is usually rated in terms of RMS. The lowest number indicates that it needs a minimum wattage to produce a decent result.

You may choose the high rating subwoofer but make sure that you are buying decent rating woofer. Turn your subwoofer volume to keep safe your woofer. But remember that high-volume can't harm your sound woofer.

Subwoofer Box - Trunk Placement

Unless your trunk is sealed and soundproof, then there is no reason that you can't hear the bass. Bass sounds can pass through the material which keeps separate from the trunk and passenger.

Don't worry about rear deck materials and backseat. You can make a few small holes and also cover those with transparent materials.

Cone Materials

Cone is made of synthetics. This is high Oriented Polyolefin treated paper. A composite which is injection molded quartz or even aluminum.

These materials can make quick response than other materials. It is also lightweight and durable.

Treated Paper

Treated paper is lightweight and has a faster response than other materials. Many substances can be used to increase your paper durability.

Also, it helps to prevent damage by moisture and also other environmental damages. Paper is an ideal treatment for the subwoofer.

#Carbon Fiber Paper:

Carbon fiber is a popular coating for paper. It resists moisture if temperature changes, also it improves sound quality.

#CSX:

This is also known as the sandwich cone. Some manufacturers make sure that it contains minimum decay and get the exact sound of the subwoofer.

#Polyglass:

This is made of tiny glass microspheres. Which used to coat over a lightweight paper. Its improves stiffness and improve the Cone performance.

#Kevlar Paper:

This combined with paper fiber and increase the cone durability and more stiff than just paper.
Polypropylene

This is another lightweight subwoofer cone material. This paper coated subwoofer which protects from moisture, mildew or mold.

This has high demand cause its natural sound. Other subwoofer materials give you certain sound but polypropylene won't. This is the cheapest material used in subwoofers.

Aluminum and Magnesium

Both material used for the subwoofer and also on the speakers. Aluminum and magnesium prefer better sound than most other materials product.

Other material could make resonance at a higher level which can affect the speakers sound quality. For the low frequency, this material is ideal for the woofer.

Kevlar

This enclosure metal material used in bulletproof vests. Kevlar has also been used in subwoofers and speakers for several decades now.

Kevlar provides better sound dispersal. It is strong, flexible, and lightweight - all desirable qualities for an ideal speaker cone. It has the ability to preserve its shape even with constant exposure to stress.

Carbon Fiber

Carbon fiber is popular cause it is lightweight and durable in any condition. Flexible this material can reach high output level without damaging your subwoofer.

Triangular or Square vs. Round Subs

Shapes depend on your preference. Square and triangle shapes are stylish and have eye-catching looks. This also has good bass sound.

The traditional round shape is more accurate. Triangles can fit easily in a tight space, so it gives more space around it.

Enclosures

For the best output, you need a tight, strong enclosure of subwoofer. Without the enclosure, you can't reach full bass from your subwoofer. This helps to cancel out low-frequency sound generated at front-end of the speaker.

Sealed boxes:

The enclosure is usually airtight. This is ideal for playing tight bass. The sealed box can allow excellent power handling and deep bass extension.

This kind of box needed more power than ported boxes. Recommended using an amplifier to get sufficient wattage at optimal performance.

Ported boxes:

The box uses as the vent is known as a Ported box. This can use for low bass response. You can use this in any wattage amp and can give you more output response than a sealed box. This also can provide deeper bass than a sealed box.

Bandpass boxes:

Bandpass boxes are special kind of the ported box. It is used for an ultimate bang. It is installed with two chambers inside the box.

One is ported, and another one is sealed. So both can give you the ultimate satisfaction of bass. Sound range emits from the ported side.

Port usually produce an extra loud sound within a narrow range frequency. This bandpass box tends to Boom when you play audio. It would be better if you can talk to an expert before buying the box.

Important Things to Consider

Power

If you are looking for the booming system, then you need to add the power system with that system. Check out very carefully for the RMS power rating rather than peak power rating.

RMS ratings allow you to understand the power handling capabilities. Your amplifier power output must be the same as a subwoofer power output.

Power handling performance:

The measure of efficiency is one of the most important matters before you buy your subwoofer. It is measured by dB outputs. For example, a subwoofer which has 90dB sensitivity rating can use 25 watts.

The continuous power supply is another important factor. Pick power handle capabilities to give you an idea about when your subwoofer goes short burst at peak power. An ideal subwoofer handles a notable amount of power.

Frequency range

The frequency range usually let you know how low your subwoofer can play. Subwoofer performance depends on various variable which I described earlier.

Enclosure type

Enclosures make sure quality of the subwoofer. As told before in the article sealed boxes provide you accurate and deepest sounds.

The number of voice coils

For the flexible sound system, the dual voice coil is the ideal choice. It is also a popular subwoofer system in the market.

The normal subwoofer has one voice coils, but this has two.
Each coil has different connections, and they mounted each other in a cylinder.

Impedance

In the market, you can find many subs with 4 ohms impedance ratings. Also, you can find 2 and 8-ohms impedance subwoofer.

Many subs come with 4 ohms impedance ratings. 2 and 8-ohm, as well as DVC subwoofers, have started to become prevalent on the market.

Once you have decided on a subwoofer model, find a matching amplifier in terms of impedance and power rating. It should be relatively easy to find a match since there is an abundance of amp types today.

Buy them at eBay, Walmart, Etsy (quality guaranteed)

Skar Audio Single 12" 1200W Loaded Sdr Series Vented Subwoofer Enclosure | SDR-1X12D2 - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

MTX Audio TNP212DV Dual 12" Subwoofer Vented Enclosure with Amplifier, Black - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Rockville Punisher 12D2 12" 5600w Peak Car Audio Subwoofer Dual 2-Ohm Sub 1400w RMS CEA - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

MTX Audio TNP212D2 Terminator Power Pack Subwoofer System - Set of 2,BLACK - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Alpine SWT-12S4 Car Speakers, Black - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay

KICKER 44CWCS124 CompC 12 Inch 600 Watt 4 Ohm Single Voice Coil Car Audio Subwoofers with - Walmart, Etsy, eBay