Car subwoofers come in various shapes, variants and sizes. That’s the reason why even the most knowledgeable person in this field feels a bit overwhelmed. However, it’s also the reason why everyone can get exactly what they want.
Bear in mind that size is an important key to consider when considering buying a subwoofer for your vehicle. The ideal subwoofer’s size depends on many factors, including your music taste, vehicle, and sound application.
For example, certain subwoofer sizes are better for a particular type of music. Additionally, some subwoofer sizes, especially the largest ones, might cause some problems during installation, leading to undesirable performance trade-offs.
The four most common subwoofer sizes are 8, 10, 12, and 15 inches.
In this article, we’re going to focus on 12-inch subwoofers.
12 Inch Subwoofers are by far the most common subwoofer size available on the market. If you’re seeking deeper and better overall sound, and more importantly, if you want to give your music a deep bass tone without sacrificing too much space, a 12-inch subwoofer is your best bet.
These 12-inch subwoofers generate a lot more bass than 8 and 10-inch subs, making them ideal for listening to various music, including but not limited to country, metal, blues, and rock. However, they’re also not as large to install compared to 15 inches and larger subs, making them the perfect compromise that combines ease of installation with optimal audio quality.
Disclaimer on Our Best 12 Inch Subwoofers
This is not by any means a comprehensive list. There are tons and tons of great 12″ inch subwoofers out there. If you’d like more information, you can check out the lists on PriceGrabber and Wikipedia (car audio manufacturers and brands), both of which are excellent resources.
However, we did want to give you a few good options. These 12-inch subwoofers represent different price points, specifications, and performance.
With any luck, you’ll find something that meets your needs and works for your sound system.
If we missed a 12″ inch subwoofer you love, let us know in the comments!
>>Click here to see prices, specs, and reviews of the top-rated 12-inch subwoofers<<
Top 7 Best 12 Inch Subwoofers for 2020
Dual BP1204 – Illumination Bandpass Subwoofer
We weren’t too familiar with this brand before using it, but we couldn’t resist not putting it through its paces after taking a look at the specs.
The Dual’s BP1204 bandpass subwoofer enclosure showed a perfect set of advantages and only minor disadvantages. We dare say that it might even be one of the best dual 12-inch subwoofers out there.
Besides pumping out great bass, Dual’s BP1204 bandpass subwoofer enclosure comes with an “Illuminate” bulb system. This allows the enclosure to emit a cool blue glow to help improve your vehicle’s interior aesthetics.
If you’re looking to make your vehicle look as good as it sounds, then this is the way to go.
This dual-chambered enclosure also packs two 12-inch subwoofers with a total RMS of 600 watts. It may not seem like much, but at the end of the day, it’s way more than enough power to satisfy most people’s cravings for heart-thumping bass.
Of course, no product is perfect. However, this one definitely isn’t. However, the only drawback we found about this enclosure is its sensitivity rating that could use some improvement.
Outside of this sensitivity, or lack thereof, the Dual BP1204 is the closest thing that you can get to a perfect 12-inch subwoofer today that has the looks to match its audio quality.
Pros:
- Illuminated and packed in enclosure for easy mounting
- One of the prettiest subwoofers around, thanks to the “Illuminati” bulb system
- Plexiglass windows
- A set of two subwoofer speakers
Cons:
- Underpowered at 250 watts RMS
- Can get a little too bass-heavy
- INCREASED OUTPUT CAPABILITY – specialized tuned port with computer aided design and 2.5” Voice Coils vastly increases output efficiency for your subwoofers providing you with consistent low sounding bass
- DIGITALLY OPTIMIZED SUBWOOFERS – are carefully crafted for efficient and accurate bass, providing power handling up to 1100 Watts of Peak Power, 600 Watts RMS at a 4 Ohm impedance. Built in crossovers and Frequency Range between 30Hz – 200kHz for unrivaled sound superiority
- CURVED PLEXIGLASS VIEWING WINDOW – Blue illumiNITE LED's and Brushed Aluminum subwoofer cones create a surreal viewing experience
- SOUND MDF CONSTRUCTION – and top grade in-line carpet eliminates the vast majority of enclosure movement for streamlined sound quality via both 12 inch subwoofers for unmatched sound superiority on the road
- DIMENSIONS – 30” W X 14.4” D X 14.4” H. Built in crossovers for ease of installation
Rockford Fosgate P3D4-12 Punch P3
Rockford Fosgate is an American manufacturer of aftermarket and OEM car audio and In-Car Entertainment (ICE) products and accessories. They were founded in 1973, and they offer a wide variety of subwoofers. This particular subwoofer is one of the higher quality subs that RF offers.
On the other hand, the company has brought radical changes to the industry by introducing several new approaches to the differences between mobile and home audio.
By running audio in both stereo and mono modes simultaneously, Rockford Fosgate’s amplifier models are the first to feature this approach, which results in more accurate and clearer audio quality.
The most remarkable aspect of this sub is that it’s available in both 2 and 4-ohm impedance configurations. It can also be ordered in various sizes, including 10″, 12″ and 15 inches (Please note that the specs vary from one size to another). And while you will always have to match your amplifier to your car subwoofer, be sure to know the impedance of your subwoofer and try to match your amplifier’s impedance accordingly.
Despite its lower sensitivity rating, the Rockford Fosgate P3D4-12 Punch P3 car subwoofer produces some impressive sound levels. In addition, the accuracy of its sound is noticeable.
These 12-inch subwoofers might not pack as much power as some of the other models we’ve reviewed, but its sound reproduction is exceptional, and it’s truly a great deal for the money.
Pros:
- FlexFit basket for multiple installation options
- CEA-2031 industry standard certification
- Can accommodate as much as 1200 watts
- Available in 2 ohm and 4 ohm configurations
Cons:
- Enclosure not included
- You’ll need a powerful amp to make the most of its features
- 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
- Featuring anodized aluminum cones and dustcaps, with a unique spider venting design to keep the motor cooler and a new hybrid stamp-cast basket providing super strength while minimizing weight and resonance
- Best used in standard sealed or vented enclosures {Sealed (Vb): 1.02 cu. ft. (28.8 Liters) / Vented (Vb): 1.79 cu. ft. (50.6 Liters) / Mounting Depth: 6.66 in. (169.3 mm) / Cutout Diameter: 11.25 in. (285 mm)
- Famous Rockford Fosgate build quality with a full 1-year warranty
Pioneer TS-W309D4 Champion Series
Founded in 1938, Pioneer has long staked its reputation as one of the most authoritative brands in the audio industry.
At just under $80 and with a name like Pioneer backing it, the Pioneer TS-W309D4 is easy to recommend. In fact, this beautiful sub is one of the best at its price point and above it.
The Pioneer TS-309D4 features dual 4-ohm voice coils, giving you the flexibility and control to wire the sub for 2 or even 8-ohm impedance. But, that’s not all. It’s capable of handling as much as 1400 watts of power, which is A LOT, all things considered. Plus, it has a very high sensitivity rating, making it a pretty yet functional subwoofer that’s capable of delivering heart-pumping beats anytime you want it to.
Another thing, the Pioneer TS-W309D4 sub is made to last and sound good for a long time. The new IMPP composite seamless cones are durable and yet, at the same time, design to allow the subwoofer to maintain its powerful bass and accurate sound for many years.
Pioneer also used a dual-layer elastic polymer surround to enhance the sub’s durability and lightness, resulting in superior response and louder volume.
The only pitfall with this sub is that it doesn’t quite dip into the subsonic frequencies that some other car subwoofers do. But, other than that, it’s as good as you’d expect, if not better.
Pros:
- Dual 4-ohm voice coils for wiring flexibility
- Uses double magnet design for maximum bass performance
- Can handle up to 1400 watts of power
Cons:
- Doesn’t really dip into subsonic frequencies
Kicker 10C124 Component Subwoofer
We have reviewed various Kicker audio equipment on this site before, and the story hasn’t changed. Kicker produces quality products for a reasonable price.
If you want to keep your box set under $80, we can’t think of a better option for a subwoofer than Kicker 10c124.
The Kicker 10C124 subwoofer is a smart alternative for people on a budget. The bass is excellent, and it’s affordable. Although the power handling is a bit lacking, it’s not half-bad and is still fairly capable of bringing out the depth of your music. Not to mention, the sub also comes with flexible wiring configurations, thanks to its 4-ohm impedance load.
Again, the only downside is Kicker 10C124’s continuous power handling at 150 watts. However, at $80, you’d have a hard time looking for anything that’s remotely as good, let alone better.
It’s one of the best 12″ inch subwoofers at this price point, and it’s a good entry-level sub if you want to test the waters before upgrading to something a little more sophisticated.
Pros:
- Arguably best bass at its price point
- Can handle 4-ohm impedance load for flexible wiring configurations
- 88dB sensitivity
- Double Spiralead tinsel leads for added durability
Cons:
- Meager power-handling at only 150 watts
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CT Sounds Strato
There’s good; there’s better, and then there’s the best, which is exactly what we would describe the CT Sounds Strato as.
Equally as powerful as it is durable, the CT Sounds Strato was designed not just to shake your very core while listening to your favorite tunes but also last year and years’ worth of car meets, and sound offs.
Capable of handling 1,600 watts of peak power, the CT Sounds Strato is a beast of a 12-inch subwoofer.
Mind you; it’s not just powerful, nor strong. Thanks to its double-stitched paper cone design, the music, regardless of the genre, coming out of the subwoofers will be incredibly nuanced, perhaps the most nuanced you’ll ever hear in your entire life. Or, at least, as far as subwoofers go.
The CT Sounds Strato can also be mounted inside ported and sealed enclosures and sports dual voice coils to further strengthen the deal.
So long as you’re willing for the price of admission, the CT Sounds Strato will treat you to one hell of a show.
Pros:
- One of the most powerful 12-inch subs out there
- Punchy but detailed sound even at maximum volume
- Nuanced sound
Cons:
- Need a high performing amp to accommodate the sub
- Double stitched treated non-pressed paper cone
- Composite foam - made in the use
- 2.5" Dual voice coil
- Mounting depth 6.5"
- Grade Y35 magnet
JL Audio 12W0V3-4
Not everyone can afford to spend money for the best 12-inch subwoofers that money can buy, but even though you’ll have no choice but to buy something less expensive, that doesn’t mean that you’ll have to compromise power and sound quality.
Featuring top-end quality at a mid-level price, the JL Audio 12W0V3-4 is for those who want more without having to spend for it.
The 600 watts of peak power isn’t much, but it’s enough. Also, because of its 85 dB-ish sensitivity, you can rest easy knowing that the sound quality won’t distort easily. Additionally, it would help if you didn’t let the single voice coil configuration fool you. At the end of the day, it’s still a 4-ohm subwoofer.
The JL Audio 12W0V3-4 is not a high-end subwoofer, but it’s close.
Considering its affordable price, “close” is more than enough.
Pros:
- Well-constructed and feels premium
- Compatible with both sealed and ported enclosures
- Patented optimized motor system technology for precise, linear cone movement
- Patented elevated frame design for better cooling and power handling
Cons:
- Lacks power compared to its contemporaries
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Power Acoustik MOFO-124X MOFO Pro Subwoofer
Talk about punching above its weight; the Power Acoustik MOFO-124X Mofo Pro Subwoofer literally acts like a 15-inch car subwoofer even though it’s technically just 12 inches.
The attempt alone is impressive enough, but the fact that it delivers is even more commendable. Rated at a 2700 Watt peak power, the 12-inch car subwoofer can really perform, and thanks to its die-cast aluminum frame, you won’t have to worry about its durability at all.
With a cast aluminum heatsink for maximum heat dissipation, a non-pressed pulp cone for enthusiast-class performance, and finally, a dual 4-hm 4-layer voice coil, the Power Acoustik MOFO-124X-MOFO is a no-brainer for enthusiasts who just got to have more.
Pros:
- 2700 Watt peak power
- Die-Cast aluminum frame and cast aluminum heat sink
- Relatively inexpensive for its power
- Double coils
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with an enclosure
- Lacks that premium-quality finish
- 2.5" Dual 4-Ohm 4-Layer Voice Coil, Royal Blue Finish with Diamond Cut Accents, Die Cast Aluminum Voice Coil Heatsink
- Non-Pressed Pulp Cone, Polyether Foam Surround. RMS power handling: 1,500, efficiency (1w/1m): 85.40
- Nickel Plated 8ga Compression Wire Terminals, Dual Poly-Cotton Spiders, Die-Cast Aluminum Frame, Vented Pole Piece
Conclusion
Subwoofers make a huge difference in the sound quality of your car’s audio system. But, if you make the right choice, you don’t have to worry about that at all, especially when you choose any one of the models that we have recommended above.
Any one of the car audio systems we rounded up above is all designed to satisfy even the finicky of car enthusiasts.
So, regardless of which one of these you choose, you’re definitely going to be happy.
Of course, if you really want your car’s audio system best, make sure that you pick one that actually fits your current set-up and the future setup that you have in mind.