A great subwoofer can change your entire listening experience, regardless of whether you are using it with a home theater system or with the speakers you use to listen to music.
With a large number of sizes available — 8-inch versions, 10-inch versions, 12-inch versions, 15-inch versions and more — you will find yourself with a ton of options.
Many people opt for the 12-inch subwoofer when they want a subwoofer for their car or for a large room in their home.
But even just within the range of 12-inch subwoofers, there are many different options to choose from.
To help you narrow down your options and pick the best one for your needs, we have chosen some popular categories and the best 12 inch subwoofers within them.
Best 12 Inch Subwoofer in 2022
Top 12 Inch Subwoofer Reviews
Simply glancing through a list of 12-inch subwoofers may not be enough for you to make a decision.
You will need to delve deeper into what each of the above-mentioned subwoofers has to offer and the many advantages and drawbacks associated with each of these to be able to make a well-informed decision.
To help you through this dilemma, we have compiled some brief reviews of the subwoofers in each of the categories mentioned above. Keep reading to learn more!
7 Best 12 Inch Subs on the Market
1. SVS SB-1000 – Best 12-Inch Sub for the Money
- FEA-optimized motor for low distortion
- Long-throw suspension for high output at deep frequencies
The first option on this list — and also our pick for the best overall 12-inch subwoofer — is the SVS SB-1000 Subwoofer with its high-excursion 12-inch driver.
The company has paid good attention to detail in the construction of this product, keeping the overall weight quite low but functionality on the higher side.
With 300 watts RMS and a 720 watts peak power, you will be investing in a powerful subwoofer that allows you to take your music listening or movie watching experience to the next level. The subwoofer has an in-built amplifier to give you good control over the output at all drive levels.
The product is strongly built and enclosed in a customized sealed cabinet so that you can gain access to distortion-free bass even at all different reference volumes. If budget isn’t an issue, the SVS subwoofer is unparalleled in terms of quality.
Pros
- This is one of the most powerful subwoofers, giving an output of 300 watts RMS and a peak power of 720 watts for an exceptional listening experience.
- The sub is relatively lightweight when compared to a lot of the other options on the list.
- This product has one of the best low-frequency responses when it comes to subwoofers at this price point.
- The SVS works exceedingly well with your home theater setup as well as general speakers for music.
Cons
- The price of this product is definitely the biggest drawback, as it is more expensive than all the others on the list.
- The performance is slightly lacking when compared to the performance offered by the SB-2000 from the same company.
2. Skar Audio EVL-12 D2 – Best Sub for Car
- Peak Power: 2,500 Watts | RMS Power: 1,250 Watts
- 3" High Temperature Dual 2-ohm Voice Coil with Black Coating
The Skar Audio EVL range of subwoofers is one of the best options available for you if you are looking for a high-quality car subwoofer to elevate your music experience even when you are traveling.
With 1250 watts RMS and 2500 watts peak power, there is no product on this list that can meet the Skar Audio subwoofer’s power output.
But, there is a downside of powerful subs, which is that they tend to heat up pretty quickly. That isn’t something that you need to worry about with the EVL-12 D2 as it is designed with a high-temp, 4-layer aluminum voice call that prevents it from retaining heat in the long run.
The quality of the bass is impressive, which is the main reason why you will be purchasing subwoofers for the sound output of your car.
Pros
- The Skar Audio subwoofer gives you some of the most powerful sound production that you can expect from a car sub.
- The product comes with a strong voice coil, which is able to withstand even the most extreme performance conditions.
- The subwoofer is known for producing deep and impactful bass.
- You don’t have to worry about the unit heating up under different conditions.
Cons
- If you are one of those people who doesn’t like their music to be too loud, you may not like this product very much.
- It is slightly large and heavy, which can make it a little tiresome when it comes to installation.
3. PIONEER TS-SW3002S4 – Best Shallow Mount Subwoofer
- UPC: 884938234719
- Weight: 14.500 lbs
Pioneer is one of those companies that has made a name for itself in the range of car stereos and similar equipment because of years of innovation and steadily impressive service.
Another great product from the company’s stables is the TS-SW3002S4 12-Inch Shallow-Mount Subwoofer that allows you to save on some precious space while giving you great low-frequency bass to enjoy the music you are playing in the car.
With 400 watts RMS and 1500 watts of peak power, this is a highly powerful device that is also equipped with a single 4-Ohm voice coil, in addition to an injection molded SoloKon cone.
The subwoofers have an impressive low-frequency response rate of between 25 Hz and 350 Hz so that you can enjoy a good selection of rich bass tones with a lot of depth. As you need very limited space to install this unit — just 3 ⅜ inches — this can fit in any car that you’d like.
Pros
- The power output of this shallow mount subwoofer is amazing, standing at 400 watts RMS and 1500 watts peak power.
- The product comes with a single 4-Ohm voice coil for more consistent performance in different conditions.
- The TS-SW3002S4 has an impressive low-frequency response rate, catching everything between 25 Hz and 350 Hz.
- The price is unmatched when it comes to 12-inch subwoofers.
Cons
- While this is relatively light compared to the other products on this list, it is still quite heavy for the category.
- The warranty offered by the company is quite limited at just one year.
4. Polk Audio PSW505 – Home Audio Subwoofer
- HEART-THUMPING MUSIC WITH DEEP, POWERFUL BASS – Polk's 12-inch Dynamic Balance Woofer sounds better because it is built better. Make your movies, music & sports experience thrilling
If you want to take the experience of watching a film or your favorite show at home to the level of an actual theater, you need to invest in a good quality subwoofer that gives you an elevated sound quality.
Our pick for this category is the Polk Audio PSW505 12 Inch Powered Subwoofer.
There are many reasons for this, but we can start off by discussing the high power performance that the product delivers while minimizing the distortion that comes with higher sound output.
The sub is able to work in tandem with your home audio system or speaker for accurate sound reproduction which is good. With a decent low-frequency response rate, this subwoofer is very easy to integrate with your existing sound system, reducing the amount of work you need to put in.
Pros
- You get some of the best features — usually available only in the high-end products — with this powered subwoofer.
- The 5-year warranty period is a definite plus point.
- It is very easy to integrate with your existing speakers or home theater system.
- The Polk subwoofers give you a continuously variable 60-120 Hz crossover and an impressive frequency response between 25 Hz and 125 Hz.
Cons
- The price is a little on the higher side when compared to the other options on the list.
- The dynamic power output isn’t too impressive.
5. Rockford Fosgate P3D4-12 Punch P3 DVC – Best Subwoofer Under $200
- 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
If you are looking for a good quality product that packs a punch without poking holes into your budget, you do not need to look beyond the Rockford Fosgate P3D4-12 Punch P3 DVC 12-Inch Subwoofer.
With 600 watts RMS and 1200 watts peak power, this is an incredibly powerful option, but you will not have to worry about it heating up too much, as it comes with anodized aluminum voice coil formers that help in dissipating heat.
While you do get a lot of features with this particular model, you don’t have to worry about complex installations, as it is very easy to fix. It has also passed all the industry standards which is good.
Pros
- The power output is astounding with 600 watt RMS and 1200 watts peak power, which translates to a great listening experience.
- The FlexiFit basket makes for an overall flexible installation process.
- The product is built very well and allows for quick dissipation of heat, which can be a problem with other large subwoofers.
- The features offered by Rockford Fosgate make this one of the ideal options for a high-value product.
Cons
- The subwoofer does not come with an enclosure so you may have to purchase one separately.
- The sensitivity is relatively low, especially when compared to some other options on the list.
- You may need a separate amp to get the best performance out of this product.
6. Audiopipe TXX-BD2-12 – Best 12 Inch Subwoofer Under $100
If you don’t want to spend too much money on a high-quality subwoofer to improve your listening experience, the Audiopipe TXX-BD2-12 12 Inch 3000W Subwoofer is a great option.
With an impressive frequency range between 2o Hz and 900 Hz, the unit gives you the maximum feel for the bass being produced by the subwoofer. The power output is also impressive — 750 watts RMS and 3000 watts maximum output — making this one of the most impressive budget options on the list.
However, it may be lacking some of the more sophisticated features that are available in the other more expensive subwoofers. It is also a little tougher to set up, as the wiring process can get a little tiresome. Despite this, it is probably the best cheap subwoofer for people who have a budget to stick to.
Pros
- One of the most affordable options, this product gives you the look of a more expensive subwoofer.
- The Audiopipe subwoofer is designed to handle even the higher power levels and produce very loud audio.
- If you are looking for impressive bass, this is a good product worth giving a shot.
- The product is built strongly and won’t give you the problems that some of the cheaper options do.
Cons
- The wiring process is fairly complicated so you may need to enlist the help of someone with experience.
- You will be required to look for a separate enclosure for this subwoofer.
- When it comes to very deep lows, the performance leaves something to be desired.
7. Definitive Technology Descend DN12 – Best High End
- MORE BASS FROM THE SAME SPACE - Featuring dual 12" radiators and the new 3XR Architecture that offers triple the bass-producing surface area of a traditional ported sub, the Descend DN12 performs like...
- PLAYS WELL WITH OTHERS - Features Intelligent Phase Control with 360 degrees of customizable phase adjustment that enables you to tune the DN12 sub to seamlessly blend with your system, delivering a...
Definitive Technology has a 12” subwoofer that triples the bass radiating surface area. In short, it has 3XR Architecture that allows it to perform like a 15” ported sub – probably even better.
3XR Architecture consists of an active 12” subwoofer coupled with two 12” passive bass radiators for reaping in the benefits of both sealed and ported cabinets. Because it isn’t ported, it does away with the distortion.
What I was left with during my hands-on testing of the Descend series DN12 subwoofer is the pounding and thundering of the bass with even tonal handling, dialogue, and highs that are not overwhelmed or crushed by the bottom end.
It has a 56-bit DSP that moderates cone movement and the Class H amplifier keeps things at an even and impressive keel during low demand conditions with 500W continuous RMS.
For those high amplitude transients, rail voltage is increased so that you can hear every note and the sub is able to sustain quality during high-packed action scenes and various musical instrument solos.
In the EQ Deep mode, the bass slams like a champ and I was afraid to max out the volume for the sake of both mine and the sub’s well-being.
There’s a lot to gain from having a high-end subwoofer as part of the chain in your home theater sound system. To reap the rewards, it requires a decent amount of cash up front.
Though not cheap, the Descend DN12 is constantly compared to SVS alternatives, and it’s often said that it can give them a run for their money.
Pros
- High-end quality with Class H amplifier
- Powerful output with 500W continuous RMS with high transient peak power of 1500W
- 3XR Architecture, Intelligent Phase Control, and Remote Control with On-sub LED Display
- IR pass-through for remote control syncing to a master remote
- 12V Trigger input for simultaneous activation and seamless blending of a multi-speaker system
Cons
- No wireless connectivity
- Weak bass in the very lowest volume levels
12-Inch Subwoofers: Comparison Table
| Product | Power Handling | Price Range | Our Pick For |
|---|---|---|---|
| SVS SB-1000 | RMS: 300W, Max: 720W | Under $500 | Best for the Money |
| Skar Audio EVL-12 D2 | RMS: 1250W, Max: 2500W | Under $200 | Best for Car |
| PIONEER TS-SW3002S4 | RMS: 400W, Max: 1500W | Under $100 | Best Shallow Mount |
| Polk Audio PSW505 | RMS: 300W, Max: 460W | Under $300 | Best for Home Audio |
| Rockford Fosgate P3D4-12 Punch P3 | RMS: 600W, Max: 1200W | Under $200 | Best Under $200 |
| Audiopipe TXX-BD2-12 | RMS: 750W, Max: 3000W | Under $100 | Best Under $100 |
| Definitive Technology Descend DN12 | RMS: 500W, Max:1500W | Under $1500 | Best High End |
Tips for Choosing the Best 12 Inch Subwoofer for You
At this point, you have already gone through the best 12-inch subwoofers available in the market currently, but how are you supposed to make the decision when it comes to choosing between such good subwoofers?
There are a number of considerations that need to be included in your assessment of the subwoofer before you purchase one.
To make it easier for you to pick one, we have listed the main factors that need to be given some thought before you purchase a subwoofer for use at home or outside. Keep reading to find out all you need to know!
Budget Considerations
First and foremost, your budget is the first major consideration when it comes to purchasing subwoofers. While some people don’t want to spend too much money and are okay with the average bass quality that is provided by the cheaper, under-$100 subwoofers, there are others who give a lot of importance to the power output and bass quality that is promised by the more expensive products.
Some of the more expensive 12-inch subwoofers can set you back by over $1,000, which means that it will be a big investment on the part of the consumer. You can get a good quality sub in the $200-$600 price range, which can be considered a steal for bass enthusiasts.
Subwoofer Location
One of the most common tricks employed by people while setting up subwoofers in their houses is putting the sub against the wall so that it can sound a little louder than it would if it was placed in a regular setting. If you put it in a corner, the volume will be increased even further. However, neither of these positions will give you the best bass response.
If good bass is what you are looking for, you need to sit in the spot that you will be occupying most frequently — your listening spot — and move the subwoofer around. Or you could place the unit in one spot and move around the room as you note the bass quality, which will change significantly with every few feet.
Watts of Subwoofer
Powered subwoofers come with in-built amplification so that you don’t have to purchase one separately to drive it. The wattage is an important consideration when you are looking for powerful subs.
While there is no single answer for what the ideal wattage or power is, the general rule is that the higher the wattage of the amp, the more power and impact your bass will provide.
However, this does not mean that you should stretch your budget too much just to get more wattage. The subwoofer’s continuous power or RMS rating is what you need to look at carefully. You will also see a “peak power” rating with the product, but that is more of an on-paper assessment and doesn’t have too much of a role to play in the overall performance.
EQ (Equalization)
Another feature that you can look out for while assessing subwoofers is room EQ processing. This means playing different test tones through the speaker and subwoofer so that an equalizer setting specific to the particular room can be generated. This allows for the minimizing of peaks when it comes to the frequency response, which means that you will be able to avoid over-accentuated notes.
However, you must keep in mind that this feature will not be able to fill any gaps that are occurring because of the room acoustics, as that is out of the ambit of a subwoofer. This feature will also not be able to make up for a poor-quality subwoofer that is low on power.
Sealed vs Ported Subwoofers
There are two main types of subwoofers available for purchase when it comes to distinctions based on the enclosures that they are placed in — sealed and ported. The first 0f these are known as sealed subwoofers or acoustic suspension, where the air doesn’t move in or out of the box. This makes them quicker and more responsive, with the resulting bass being very tight and more accurate.
On the other hand, ported subwoofers or bass reflex enclosures have an air vent built into the subwoofer itself. This allows for better reinforcement of the low bass output. While there is no correct answer to what is a better option of the two, ported ones give you a more powerful bass but are larger than the sealed options, which may be a drawback.
Wireless Connectivity
When you think of attaching a subwoofer to your home theater system or speaker, it usually involves dragging out a long wire that needs to be plugged into either system. There are some options that allow you to wirelessly connect the subwoofers to other sources and control them through a remote or app.
While this is the age of wireless connectivity, a large number of subwoofers have still not jumped onto the wireless bandwagon. However, this doesn’t mean that some of them cannot be upgraded if you purchase some separate equipment to enable its wireless features. Keep in mind that a wireless subwoofer, or one that has been upgraded for wireless use, will cost you more than a simple wired version.
Good Bass Vs More Bass
The main decision you need to take after looking at the many features offered by the different subwoofers is whether you are ready to compromise on getting good quality bass for more bass altogether.
These are two different things. More bass does not mean good bass.
Those cars that you hear thumping out loud sounds are probably going for more bass but bad bass. Good bass will make you feel the music or the film without rushing you around to find cover. While there are still people who look out for more bass, good bass should be the ultimate aim that you are looking to achieve with the subwoofers.
Make a Well-Informed Choice On Your Next Subwoofer Purchase
Our main recommendation is this, don’t choose blindly or follow a fad when deciding which 12-inch subwoofer best fits your needs! Doing so will make it highly likely that you will not get the best value for the money that you have spent!
For example, if you are new to the entire concept of subwoofers and just want to try one out, investing in a $600 subwoofer doesn’t make the most sense — unless you have that much extra cash to throw around. In this case, you may want to try the affordable Audiopipe or Rockford Fosgate options first.
For people who want more sophisticated equipment to elevate their listening experience, an investment in the SVS subwoofer may be a better choice.
Whatever model you choose to go for, remember that it is supposed to aid your speakers to bring out their best performance and not be a replacement!
Further Reading:
- Definitive Technology Descend DN12 Subwoofer Review (Tested)
- Definitive Technologies Studio 3D Mini Review (Soundbar & Sub)
- 10 Best Shallow Mount Subwoofers (8, 10 & 12-inch Options)
- 7 Best In Wall Subwoofers (Under $100 to Over $1000)
- 8 Best Free Air Subwoofers (Includes Sub For Boat)
Trent is a music lover, musical instrument player and passionate audio afficionado.