Top 10 Best 12 Inch Subwoofers 2021 – Complete Buyer’s Guide

I know very well that you being a music enthusiast want to get that feeling of deep bass while listening to different songs in your vehicle. However, the custom speakers can’t do justice to the bass no matter how premium they are. In this scenario, the only thing that can save you is the best 12 inch subwoofer.

Talking about such subwoofers, they have a large diameter and can produce bass in an unparalleled way. Customizing the audio system of your car with a 12 inch subwoofer will surely enhance your music experience and will make it entertaining as well.

In a hurry? Here are our top 3 best 12 inch subwoofers:

The top 3 recommendations based on my personal experience, quality, and budget are as follows:

• Skar Audio EVL-12 if you are looking out for a long-term investment.
• Rockford Fosgate P3D4 if you want to invest in a mid-budget 12 inch subwoofer.
• Dual Electronics SBX212i if your preference is to get a 12in subwoofer for enhanced music experience.

So, to help you find a suitable subwoofer for your vehicle, I’ve got a list of some of the best 12 inch subwoofers available in the market based on my personal experience and quality.

Let’s take a look at them one by one:

Top 10 Best 12 Inch Subwoofers of 2021 – Updated List

1. Skar Audio SDR-12 – Best 12 Inch Subwoofers Under 100

Okay, so we’ll be starting our review section with one of the best subwoofer brands in the market i.e. Skar Audio. This brand offers a premium 12 inch subwoofer that can enhance the bass levels in your car perfectly. First things first, it has an elegant and sleek design. Apart from that, the use of premium quality materials helps you to use this subwoofer for a long time without any worries.

Talking about some main features first. That is, the subwoofers have got a durable foam surround to ensure maximum bass response especially on producing low notes. Therefore, it is easier for you to listen to your favorite songs with an aesthetical pleasure for sure.

People who love extra bass will surely love these subwoofers as they’ve got a maximum wattage of 1200 watts which is simply phenomenal. It enhances the bass quality and helps to improve the low notes at the same time. Enhanced music experience is enjoyed by the user in this regard.

The voice coil installed in Skar Audio subwoofers is not ordinary at all. Yeah, it’s a high-temperature coil that doesn’t have any effect of the harsh circumstances as it helps the speakers to get the due bass without any worries.

In the end, what matters the most regarding these 12 inch subwoofers is that they’ve got a durable construction. All materials and technologies used in the subwoofer pair are rugged enough to be used for many years to come.

Downfalls:

Although there aren’t many downfalls available as the subwoofers have received a lot of appreciation from customers. However, as per my personal experience, these woofers still can’t manage to produce beats when the volume is set at an extremely high level.

2. Rockford Fosgate P3D4 – Best 12 inch Subwoofers 2021

Music enthusiasts who are well aware of the car audio systems know very well that what Rockford Fosgate offers in form of speakers or subwoofers. Same is the case here as P3D4 qualifies as one of the top-notch bass producing subwoofers in the market. They’ve been designed with a sleek and compact shape. So, you can easily adjust them to your vehicle. Besides, what matters the most regarding these subwoofers is that every music enthusiast will like the bass they produce as this bass is something out of this world. Don’t believe me? Try them out and you’ll see what I’m talking about.

Heading towards some important features, the subwoofers have got a dual voice coil construction with a peak wattage of 12,00 watts and an RMS value of 600 watts. These specs are perfect for producing the deepest bass possible.

Contrary to that, the heating of subwoofers is an issue for many people. However, with the subwoofers from Rockford Fosgate, you get anodized aluminum cones along with rugged dust caps that will surely keep the motor as cool as possible.

Compact shape and body is what I liked the most in these subwoofers. With such a small and lightweight body, one can easily adjust these subwoofers in their car audio system to enjoy that extra blend of bass.

Last but not the least, one of the best 12 inch subwoofers have been covered by a whopping 1-year limited warranty in case the motor doesn’t function properly. So, you’ll have peace of mind while trying out these subwoofers at least for a year.

Downfalls:

To be honest, these subwoofers have never caused me any problem as of yet. However, one thing that I will criticize this subwoofer pair is that it has an expensive price tag. That’s one of the reasons many mid-budget people don’t invest in them although the subwoofers justify the price perfectly.

3. MTX TNE212D – Best 12in Subwoofers Under 150

Another option that you can have a look at especially if you are looking for an enhanced bass musical experience is MTX TNE212D. One of the best subwoofers in the market has got elegant housing and they can easily be adjusted in old vehicle models as well. As far as the bass production is concerned, you’ll be getting a soothing and deep bass experience, especially on pop and jazz music. Apart from that, the subwoofers are confined in a rugged and durable housing to make sure that they remain away from accidents and or any kind of emergency. On the other hand, these subwoofers are available in a justified price tag of less than 150 bucks as well.

So, apart from an affordable budget, the subwoofers have got a plethora of features as well. For instance, the cone of these woofers has been made from polypropylene material to ensure maximum bass production.

Other than that, a frequency response of 37Hz to 150Hz is more than enough to let the subwoofers produce low notes quite easily. In this way, it becomes easier for you to listen to your favorite songs without any hassle.

MTX 12 inch subwoofers have a special, durable black carpeting to ensure maximum protection from dust and other foreign debris. Therefore, the pair can keep producing a deep bass effect on every song for a long time.

Last but not the least, one of the reasons I’ve liked these subwoofers is that they come with easy assembly. All guides and relevant information are available within the user manual to make sure that you install them with your audio system conveniently.

Downfalls:

There are no major issues as far as the subwoofers are concerned. In contrast, what has worried many customers is the awful quality of the amplifier available within them. So, it might be an issue for those who don’t have a custom amplifier to pair up these subwoofers easily.

4. Skar Audio EVL-12 – With Extremely Responsive Bass:

As I already mentioned above, there isn’t a worth competitive of Skar Audio in this bass production field especially in 2021. This statement although seems a bit subjective but it’s completely justified as I’ve never had any issues with any audio product I used by Skar Audio. For instance, EVL-12 is one of the favorite subwoofers that I used in my Sports Car for a long time. They didn’t cause any hassle while I was installing them with my car audio system. I still remember the goosebumps it gave me back in the days when I was a music enthusiast. So, even though they cost around 200 bucks, it’s worth every penny, especially for the music freaks.

First things first, the top rated 12 inch subwoofer have got a peak power of 2,500 watts. Not only that, but an RMS power of 1,250 watts means that no matter on which level you listen to the song, the bass production will be awesome.

On the other hand, I’ve tested these subwoofers on songs with different bass levels i.e. deep and low. To my surprise, the woofers were able to create a phenomenal bass effect on each level without any issues.

Durability is ensured as I’ve used these subwoofers for at least 5 years while testing out different songs and they never malfunctioned at any instance. So, that’s a guarantee given by me and you can trust me in this regard.

Lastly, Skar Audio subwoofers have a sensitivity level of 85.3 dB. On the other hand, a frequency response of 25Hz to 250Hz will make sure that the bass they produce literally shiver the hell out of you.

Downfalls:

Even though these subwoofers are my favorite, I’d like to explain some of the shortcomings as well. First of all, these subwoofers are expensive. There’s no chance you’d be getting them in an affordable budget. Apart from that I never had a good customer support experience with Skar Audio even though it’s a well-reputed brand.

5. Soundstream Tarantula – Best 12 Inch Subwoofer for the Money

Tarantula subwoofers from Soundstream is a budget choice for those who are unable to invest in expensive subwoofers from brands like Skar Audio or Rockford Fosgate. To be honest, these subwoofers are perfect for adding that extra blend of bass to enhance the overall music experience. On the other hand, a uniquely shaped cone and overall surrounding of the subwoofers make sure that car enthusiasts can take interest in the subwoofers. Besides, the durable and rugged body of the subwoofers let you use them in your car audio system for a long time without any hassle. In short, Soundstream Tarantula is a perfect alternative to expensive subwoofers available in the market in 2021.

Talking about some relevant features, the best 12 inch subwoofers have got unique sports like shape and body. So, it would be preferred by the likes of sports car enthusiasts the most.

Power handling is well managed by the subwoofers as there is a special 4-layered aluminum voice coil available. Therefore, no matter how much you increase the volume of the song, these subwoofers won’t get blown in any case.

Tarantula from Soundstream has got a 2000 watt peak power to ensure maximum bass production. You can literally feel the bass right in your heart while you have set the bass volume to an extreme level.

Lastly, what you will like the most regarding these subwoofers is the presence of a Polyether foam surround which helps the subwoofers to offer a perfect bass production on low notes. Therefore, a 360° musical experience is ensured with that extra taste of mind-blowing bass.

Downfalls:

As much as I like Soundstream Tarantula subwoofers, I want y’all to know that these subwoofers can’t match the quality offered by the likes of Skar Audio and Rockford Fosgate. So, even with a 2000 watt peak power and improved bass production, it still can’t match the responsiveness of subwoofers from famous brands.

6. Massive Audio GTX122 – Best Affordable 12 Inch Subwoofers 2021

Massive Audio has done a stupendous job by making sure that the GTX122 meets the demand of music enthusiasts even with such an affordable price tag. Yeah, you heard that right. These subwoofers are going to cost you a little bit more than 100 bucks which is extremely justified considering how premium their shape is. Regardless of the price, the subwoofers from Massive Audio are capable of producing responsive bass along with a deep or low effect to ensure a whole new music experience. Apart from that, the main reason I liked them was that they got easily adjusted in my vehicle even though there was a little space available. So, that’s something exceptional by the subwoofers even though they are available at an affordable range.

The best 12 inch subwoofers, first of all, are compatible with most of the vehicles available regardless of the model. So, no matter if you’ve got an old model or a newer one, the subwoofers will get installed and will work perfectly as well.

Regardless of the compatibility factor, these subwoofers also have got a heavy-duty 2.5″ aluminum voice coil and have a peak power range of 1400 watts. This is something extraordinary from the subwoofers that cost around 100 bucks only.

Responsive bass production is what I liked the most in these subwoofers as all technologies used in them are up to date. Therefore, you’ll be experiencing a whole new level of music, especially on low notes.

With subwoofers from Massive Audio, there are no worries of snapping, crackles, or popping issues no matter how much you increase the overall volume of the song. The subwoofers are designed to give peak performance without any malfunctioning.

Downfalls:

For a low-budget car music freak, these subwoofers are a treat for sure. However, those who are looking for long-term investment are advised to check out the expensive brands such as Skar Audio or Rockford Fosgate.

7. Orion XTR124D – With 1200W Peak Power:

Another low budget choice for those who are unable to enjoy that extra blend of bass in their vehicles is none other than Orion XTR124D. As far as I know about these subwoofers, they are quite simple as compared to all other subwoofers that we have discussed until now. Contrary to that, the bass production of these subwoofers is simply phenomenal. Yeah, even with an affordable price tag, you’d be enjoying a wholesome blend of extra bass while listening to music in your car. Well, one thing that impressed me a lot regarding the best 12 inch subwoofers is that they have a durable construction regardless of the price they’ve got. I mean, you simply can’t find a rugged, durable and responsive subwoofer within a 100-dollar range with ease. However, Orion subwoofers have made it sure that people with a short pocket can now also enjoy improved bass perfectly.

One of the major features available within the subwoofers is that it comes with a peak power handling of 1200 watt which is awesome. So, no matter how much you increase the volume of a song, the subwoofers will produce an enhanced bass for sure.

Besides, the paper cone design available in subwoofers also improves the bass, especially on low notes. Hence, perfect musical experience with the right balance of bass will surely cheer up your mood without any worries.

Ruggedness and durability are some traits that I didn’t expect from Orion subwoofers. However, a protective surround along with the use of premium materials ensures maximum performance for a long time.

In the end, special arrangements have been made to keep the motor as cool as possible. Orion subwoofers have got a dual cooling system in this regard to let you enjoy a perfect music experience without any hassle.

Downfalls:

There are some consequences of investing in low-budget subwoofers no matter how perfect they are. Same rule applies in case of Orion as the bass production is limited to a certain level only and you shouldn’t cross it by any means.

8. Dual Electronics SBX212i

Although our main focus here is to discuss 12 inch subwoofers, here is a treat for the peeps who are looking for an elegant and durable studio subwoofer pair. Now let me make one thing clear here. Dual Electronics SBX212i are advertised as studio subwoofers.

However, they can easily get installed in a vehicle as well. So, don’t get confused in this regard at all. Talking about the design, two subwoofers are already confined in a protective housing. Plus, one thing that has fascinated me a lot regarding these subwoofers is the presence of illumination around the cones. It makes the subwoofer box look more elegant and beautiful than ever for sure. Lastly, the subwoofers from Dual Electronics are priced at less than 100 bucks which surely is a win-win situation for music freaks.

2″ durable and effective voice coils being installed in the subwoofers ensures an exceptional music experience with the production of extra bass. You can thus get entertained with soothing bass effect while listening to music in your studio.

Power handling is also up to the mark. That said, the best 12 inch subwoofers have got a 1200 watt peak power to ensure the production of a deep bass effect no matter how high the volume is. Low notes are also performed perfectly by the subwoofers.

Keeping everything aside, the addition of these subwoofers to your studio or vehicle will increase the beauty of your area for sure. Both subwoofers are illuminated with blue light for an aesthetical view.

Last but not the least, the best 12 inch subwoofers are extremely easy to assemble. Quick-connect terminals are available in this regard to make sure that you can quickly install them to get a perfect music experience without any worries.

Downfalls:

Well, Dual Electronics subwoofers are perfect for studio use. However, the bulky housing might cause issues for the drivers who are already facing adjustment issues while adding a 12 inch subwoofer to the car audio system. So, if you are planning to invest in 12in subwoofers, then I won’t be referring these subwoofers at any cost.

9. Kenwood Excelon KFC-XW1200F – Perfect for Small Vehicles

Kenwood Excelon are the second last subwoofers available on our list with a simple yet sturdy design. That being said, one of the reasons I refer them to the people with small vehicles is that they have a comparatively compact shape as compared to other 12 inch subwoofers in the market. Plus, with an affordable budget and the presence of latest technologies, you’ll be getting that extra bass on the deep beat songs for perfect music experience. Kenwood 12 inch subwoofers, on the other hand, are extremely easy to adjust and install in car audio systems. In this case, all relevant information has been given on the user manual that comes with the package to let you understand all the essentials perfectly.

Talking about some main features first, the power handling offered by Kenwood subwoofers is rated at 700 watts which is slightly lower than expected. However, it still produces an effective bass with a deep effect.

Moreover, the presence of a special Carbon-glass fiber composite cone with a butyl rubber surround allows the subwoofer to perform perfectly while converting the low notes into responsive and soothing bass.

An aluminum cast basket ensures sturdiness as well as longevity. With this protective basket, the subwoofers will remain protective of different accidents and will continue to produce extra bass for an immersed music experience.

Downfalls:

Power handling is rated at low wattage which means that the subwoofers won’t be performing as expected on high volumes. Other than that, Kenwood 12 inch subwoofers can get blown on songs with extremely deep bass effect.

10. Kicker 43CVR124 – With Improved Sensitivity Levels:

We’ll be wrapping up our review section with the Kicker 12 inch subwoofers that have already got the attention of so many bass-loving peeps for sure. These subwoofers are available at a reasonable rate and they can enhance your music experience with the addition of a deep bass effect respectively. Plus, the overall design and shape look sturdy and promising. In fact, with the installation of these subwoofers, you can enjoy bass-boosted songs for a long time without any hassle. Kicker subwoofers, with all the latest technologies available, are compatible with most of the vehicle models no matter if they are new or old. So, peeps with an old car model can get the advantage of Kicker subwoofers for a long time for sure.

First of all, one of the best 12 inch subwoofers have for a peak power handling of 800 watts which means that they’ll be performing better even with increased volumes. Hence, you’d get to enjoy bass-boosted songs on a whole new level.

What interests many people in getting the best 12 inch subwoofers from Kicker is that they’ve got a special injection-molded polypropylene cone. Thus, an enhanced and effective bass can be enjoyed with different songs for sure.

The presence of dual voice coils also allows the subwoofers to offer responsiveness, especially in low notes. So, apart from enjoying high notes, music freaks can also enjoy a 360° music experience without any hassle.

In the end, one of the reasons I liked these subwoofers is that they are durable and sturdy enough to endure extremely high volumes without snapping. So, it’s simply a perfect choice for peeps with a short pocket.

Downfalls:

An affordable budget is one of the reasons you can rely on these subwoofers for more than 4 months especially if you are into listening music on extremely high volume. I’ll refer you to put your money into something else in this regard.

Complete Buyer’s Guide About the Best 12 inch Subwoofers in 2021:

Most powerful 12 inch subwoofers are in the limelight from past few years and now car owners or studio musicians are paying good heed towards getting an improved subwoofer to meet the extra bass demands.

However, one thing that worries me is that many people are unaware of the traits that they should be looking for in a 12 inch subwoofer. To save you from the consequences of getting a cheap subwoofer, I’ve got a brief overview of some notable features to consider before you make the final decision.

So, it’s my request that you give this section a thorough read to ensure a perfect music experience with that extra bass.

How to Select the Best 12 inch Subwoofer in 2021?

1. Power Handling

The first thing that matters the most regarding a 12 inch subwoofer is its power handling. There is a simple rule in this regard i.e. the more the power handling is, the more bass it will produce.

Subwoofers with 2000 watt power will simply explode your car especially if you’ve set the volume at a higher level. So, in short, power handling matters the most and you should invest in a subwoofer with at least 1200 watt peak power for improved music experience.

However, for that purpose, you also need to keep in mind that subwoofers with more power handling will cost you a handful of money. That’s the main reason you’ll find the subwoofers from Skar Audio with a relatively expensive price tag as mentioned on our list.

2. Easy Installation

No one likes to get into complexities especially while installing different audio components such as speakers or subwoofers. So, to avoid this scenario at any cost, you should make sure that the subwoofers you are getting can be adjusted easily inside the vehicle.

For this purpose, I always invest in the subwoofers that have quick-connect terminals as they are easy to install. One other thing that might help you in this regard is the presence of a comprehensive user manual with the subwoofer package.

Don’t invest in subwoofers that require complex installation or else it will forcefully cost you extra money to get them installed from an auto-technician.

3. Durability Matters

Subwoofers are relatively bought by the car owners keeping longevity in mind. However, most of them end up purchasing a cheap subwoofer and it ether gets blown or starts developing crackles under harsh circumstances.

So, what should you do in this regard? Let me make it easier for you by telling you one simple fact. That is, never ever invest in cheap brands. I’m not talking about the brands mentioned on our list as they are all perfect one way or the other.

Always lookout for a well-reputed brand if you expect the subwoofers to work for at least a year without any hassle. Skar Audio is a preferred subwoofer brand. However, the products it offers are relatively expensive as compared to other subwoofers in the market.

Well, the choice is yours to make. But never ever compromise on durability or else you will have to face the consequences one way or the other.

4. Budget

Last but not the least, budget matters while you are choosing the best 12 inch subwoofer in the market. A good subwoofer costs around 100 to 150 bucks. However, if you are aiming for a long-term replacement, then keep at least 200 bucks in your pocket to enjoy an enhanced music experience for a long time.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Are 10 inches or 12 inch subwoofers better?

Considering the size, a 12-inch subwoofer has an upper hand in producing a deep bass effect as compared to a 10-inch subwoofer. However, a 10 inch subwoofer performs better when it comes to clean sound production.

2. What is the best brand of subwoofers?

Skar Audio is the best subwoofer brand as it offers a plethora of features in different subwoofer models. Plus, the subwoofers introduced by this brand are also durable.

3. What 12in subwoofer has the deepest bass?

Skar Audio EVL-12 has the deepest bass among all the 12 inch subwoofers mentioned on our list.

Summarizing Things Up:

Well, that would be all regarding the best 12 inch subwoofers. Make sure that you go through the buying guide before checking out the above-mentioned list. Get a subwoofer ad you’d be enjoying a deep bass music experience for quite a long time.

Comment down any question you have, regarding the main topic and I’ll get back to it as soon as possible!