The 7 Best 12-Inch Subwoofer for Deep Bass (2023) – Ranked

Are you a car audio enthusiast? If so, you know that finding the right subwoofer is essential.

After all, it’s one of the most important factors in making sure your sound system is producing good quality bass and power. But with so many options out there, it can be hard to choose which subwoofer is right for you. That’s why we are here to help!

In this blog post we will provide an overview of some of the best 12-inch Subwoofers on the market. We will cover design features, sound performance, price ranges and much more – helping you make an informed decision about what subwoofer meets your needs and preferences best!

So if you want loud booming bass that fills up your vehicle cabin with the cleanest low-end sounds possible then this post is for YOU!

The 7 Best 12-Inch Subwoofers – Reviews

Rockford Fosgate P3D4 – The Overall Best 12-Inch Subwoofer

The Rockford Fosgate P3D4 is an outstanding 12-inch subwoofer that provides amazing sound quality and performance.

The P3D4 can handle 600 watts RMS and 1200 Watts peak, making it perfect for those who want to crank up the volume.

With a 25-250 Hz frequency response and a sensitivity of 86 dB, the P3D4 can reproduce the lowest frequencies effortlessly while staying cool with its anodized aluminum voice coil former.

The Flex Fit basket allows you to fine-tune the mounting position for the perfect sound. The compression speaker connector and voice coil make this subwoofer extra durable.

The high-temp voice coil and extended pole piece deliver fantastic sound quality and power handling. The protective PVC textured magnet cover and Diamond cut cast aluminum trim ring add extra protection and style.

You’ll experience deep, rich bass that will transform your music listening sessions and provide a new dimension to the sound.

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MTX Terminator TNE212D – Best 12 Inch Subwoofer For Deep Bass

The MTX Terminator TNE212D is one of the best 12-inch subwoofer for deep bass available today.

These Subs can handle up to 1200 watts of power. With a frequency response of 10 Hz to 150 Hz, these subwoofers are perfect for any type of music.

The sealed design ensures that none of the sounds is lost and delivers tight, accurate bass. It includes a built-in aluminum heat sink to keep temperatures low during heavy use and an impedance switch for optimal performance. 

Additionally, it has several other features, such as single voice coil input terminals and a push terminal for easy connection.

Installing the MTX Audio TNE212D is easy. It comes with a quick-connect wiring harness, making it even easier to set up. Before connecting the wires, you must securely mount the subwoofer using screws or bolts.

Note: This subwoofer does not comes with a built-in amp. Click here to buy the combo pack of MTX sub and amp.

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Alpine S-W12D4 – Best 12 inch Subwoofer for the money

The Alpine S-W12D4 12 inch subwoofer is a great choice for anyone looking to add deep, powerful bass to their sound system without breaking the bank.

This subwoofer offers the superior sound quality, excellent power handling, and flexibility to accommodate both sealed and ported enclosures.

With its enhanced magnetic field design, dual voice coils, and spring terminals, this subwoofer gives you the power and performance that other subs can only dream of.

It has an enhanced magnetic field design that increases its efficiency, allowing it to handle maximum power without sacrificing sound quality.

Additionally, the dual voice coils give you even more control over your listening experience. You can easily switch between different stereo setups for the ultimate sound experience.

The spring terminals provide a secure and ensure that your subwoofer stays in place, even when playing at high volumes. In addition, the subwoofer is designed to fit into both sealed and ported enclosures, providing you with more flexibility over how your setup will sound.

The subwoofer is also moderately priced, making it an affordable choice for anyone looking to upgrade their sound quality.

Finally, these 12 inch subwoofer has a moderate break-in time, so you can start enjoying your new subwoofer right away.

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Here is a comparison table between our top three picks

Feature	Rockford Fosgate P3D4	MTX Terminator TNE212D	Alpine S-W12D4
Peak Power	1200 Watts	1200 Watts	1,800 watts
RMS Power	600 watts	400 watts	600 watts
Sensitivity	85 dB	85 dB	86.4 dB
Frequency Range	28 to 250 hertz	10 Hz to 150 Hz	24 – 200 Hz
Voice Coils	Dual	Single	Dual
Impedance	4 ohm	2 ohm	4 ohm
Mounting Depth	6.18 inches	13.5 inches	6.59 inches
Cone Material	Anodized Aluminum	Polypropylene	Kevlar-reinforced pulp
Enclosure Compatibility	Sealed or ported	Sealed or ported	Sealed or ported
Price	Expensive	Affordable	Budget-friendly
	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price

PIONEER TS-A3000LS4 – Best 12″ Shallow Mount Subwoofer

The Pioneer TS-A3000LS4 is one of the best 12″shallow-mount subwoofers on the market. It offers great sound quality and impressive bass response for a unit its size.

It has a very reasonable price point and delivers excellent value for the money. The subwoofer itself is very well made and looks great. It’s a great addition to any car audio system. It is to have a great subwoofer on a budget.

This Pioneer 12 inch subwoofer are perfect for audiophiles who want to raise the level of bass in their music. With 400-watt continuous power output and 1500 watts of power peak, this subwoofer will do the job.

With a sensitivity of 88 dB and a nominal impedance of 4 ohms, this product is perfect for anyone searching to add maximum power to their car audio system.

These Pioneer 12 inch subwoofer is designed to reproduce frequencies from 20 Hz to 1 kHz. This high-performance subwoofer is designed to seamlessly integrate with your existing speakers for dynamic, powerful sound.

And with its compact design won’t take up too much space in your trunk or backseat. This subwoofer features a highly rigid cone made with MICA-injected molded resin, which makes it durable and able to produce exceptional audio quality.

These subwoofer features a 4-ohm single voice coil and reinforced IMPP cone for excellent audio quality. The double-reinforced spider ensures that the subwoofer can handle even the most strenuous bass.

Pros

• Great value for the money
• This product is made well and looks great!
• It can handle up to 400 watts of continuous power
• 8-AWG push terminals make it easy to connect your speakers
• Rubber surround ensures long-lasting durability

Cons

• Some customers have stated that the product is not as loud as advertised.

Skar Audio EVL-12 D2 – Best 12-Inch Competition Subwoofer

The Skar Audio EVL-12 D2 is a competition grade 12 inch subwoofers that is designed to deliver incredibly low frequency response and jaw dropping sound quality.

The advanced design features of this subwoofer allow it to produce clean and consistent sound even during extended use. This subwoofer also features a cooling system to keep it working correctly during long periods of use.

With a power peak of 2,500 watts and an RMS power of 1,250 watts, this subwoofer will give you the best audio quality possible. The high power handling of this subwoofer means that it can produce clean and consistent sound even when too high volume levels are turned up.

This subwoofer has a frequency response of 25 Hz – 250 Hz. It can reproduce frequencies from the deepest bass notes to the highest treble notes. This subwoofer provides a comprehensive frequency response, making it an ideal choice for those who want to add full sound to their music. It has a sensitivity of 85.1 dB.

It can accurately reproduce a wide range of frequencies. This competition-grade subwoofer features a paper cone and high-roll foam surround for the ultimate sound quality.

Additionally, the 3-inch high-temperature voice coil with black coating ensures that your subwoofer will last for years. Finally, the dual 2-ohm impedance makes this subwoofer compatible with various amplifiers.

Additionally, the voice coil size measures 3 inches. This makes it capable of handling high power without overheating, and the large voice coil size ensures that this subwoofer can quickly produce a wide range of frequencies. So, if you are looking for a subwoofer that can deliver accurate and powerful bass, the Skar Audio EVL-12 D2 car subwoofer is perfect.

Pros

• The power handling capacity is 2500 watts.
• It has a frequency response of 25 Hz – 250 Hz
• It has a sensitivity of 85.1 dB
• The voice coil size measures 3 inches

Cons

• Some customers complain about a rattling noise coming from the subwoofer.

Pioneer TS-WX1210A (Built-in Amplifier)

The Pioneer TS-WX1210A Sealed Subwoofer is an excellent addition to any car audio system. Its slim design, lightweight construction, and durable material make it easy to install and highly efficient in transporting powerful bass sound.

The features of this subwoofer are what set it apart from its competitors. It has a 10-gauge amp wiring kit, a trapezoidal shape that prevents it from tipping, and an adjustable level knob for easy volume control.

The Pioneer TS-WX1210A Sealed Subwoofer also has a heavy-duty mounting bracket so that you can attach it to your vehicle without worry. Additionally, the speaker is nicely mounted, and the grill is tough enough to withstand all sorts of wear and tear, even groceries. The input/control panel also has all the necessary adjustments, including a phase reverse switch.

The Pioneer TS-WX1210A Sealed Subwoofer produces fantastic sound quality with an impressive range from 35 Hz to 140 Hz. Despite its compact size, it produces a powerful and rich sound that will impress even the most critical music lover.

The subwoofer also has plenty of punch, providing audio richness with its impressive range. This lets you hear all the details in your favorite music, giving you an immersive listening experience. The adjustable level knob also makes it easy to find the perfect volume for your needs, whether you’re looking for a relaxed background sound or an intense listening experience.

Pros

• It’s slim design, and lightweight construction makes it easy to install.
• Durable material ensures long-term performance.
• Grill is tough enough to withstand wear and tear.
• Impressive range from 35 Hz to 140 Hz.
• Maximum audio richness with its remarkable range.
• The adjustable level knob makes it easy to find the perfect volume.

Cons

• Some users have reported issues with the wiring.
• The subwoofer may take up more trunk space than expected.
• Matching the subwoofer’s frequency response with other speakers can be challenging.

Rockford Fosgate P3D2-12 Punch Subwoofer

The last and the best 12-inch subwoofer in our list is again from Rockford

This 12″ subwoofer in a durable yet lightweight polypropylene cone. The P3D2-12 subwoofer features VAST technology, which increases the surround’s effective cone area by up to 25%.

The P3D2-12 can handle up to 600 watts RMS, making it one of the most powerful subwoofers in its class. With its anodized aluminum cones and dust caps, the P3D2-12 is built to last. 

The P3D2-12 has a frequency response of 25 Hz – 250 Hz and an impedance of 2 ohms. This makes it the perfect subwoofer for any car audio system. With its high-quality construction and powerful sound, the P3D2-12 will give you the best deep bass.

It features a Flex-Fit basket for maximum compatibility, a protective PVC textured magnet cover, and a diamond-cut cast aluminum trim ring with the optional grille.

The anodized aluminum cone is designed to be lightweight and durable, preventing any flex under high-power applications. This maintains the woofer’s bass response while improving its handling of more power overall.

Pros

• The build quality is fantastic, as expected from Rockford Fosgate
• It handles a lot of power very well
• Excellent bass response

Cons

• It’s a bit pricey

Best 12-Inch Subwoofer Buying Guide

This guide will examine some of the main features you should consider when purchasing.

Power rating

The first thing you’ll need to consider when choosing a subwoofer is how much power it can handle. You’ll want to ensure that the subwoofer can handle the amount of power your amplifier can deliver.

Look at the manufacturer’s specifications to see how much power your amplifier can deliver. Most subwoofers will have a power rating expressed in watts RMS (root mean squared).

The RMS power rating is the power the subwoofer can handle continuously. It’s important to note that the RMS power rating differs from the peak power rating.

The peak power rating is the power the subwoofer can handle for short bursts. For example, if the RMS power rating of a subwoofer is 200 watts, the peak power rating might be 400 watts.

When choosing a subwoofer, it’s generally best to choose one with an RMS power rating similar to the amplifier.

If you are unsure about the power output of your subwoofer, you should consult with a car audio specialist.

Frequency Response

Another important consideration when choosing a subwoofer is the frequency response. The response is the subwoofer’s capability to produce a range of frequencies.

The average response for subwoofers is 20 Hz to 200 Hz. This means that they can reproduce frequencies in the low bass range.

Some subwoofers have a higher response, which means they can reproduce frequencies in the mid-bass range. These types of subwoofers are sometimes referred to as midrange subwoofers.

If you want to reproduce frequencies in the high bass range, you’ll need a subwoofer with a high-pass filter. A high-pass filter is a device that allows only high frequencies to pass through while blocking low frequencies.

Sensitivity

A car subwoofer’s sensitivity denotes how much noise the speaker creates from a set amount of power. A higher sensitivity means that the subwoofer will be louder. Most car subwoofers have a sensitivity of 80 dB to 95 dB.

Impedance

The impedance is how much electrical resistance there is in a circuit. The lower the impedance, the easier it will be for an amplifier to drive the speaker. Most car subwoofers have an impedance of 4 ohms to 8 ohms.

Number Of Voice Coils

The number of voice coils on a subwoofer determines how many wires are wrapped around the cone. More coils mean more surface area for the cone to move, which means more power handling.

Size

Next, you need to consider the size of the subwoofer. The size is measured in inches, indicating the speaker’s diameter.

Choosing a subwoofer that is the right size for your car is essential. You will not need a large subwoofer if you have a small car. However, you will need a bigger subwoofer if you have a large vehicle.

The size of the subwoofer also determines the amount of bass it can produce. A larger subwoofer can produce more bass than a smaller one.

FAQs Related to 12-Inch Subwoofer

Which Is The Best Subwoofer For Deep Bass?

The MTX Audio TNE212D is definitely the one you should consider. This 12″ Subwoofer offers an impressive 1200 watts of power, allowing you to enjoy deep bass sound with minimal distortion.  It features a 2-ohm dual voice coil for superior sound quality and a Kevlar reinforced cone for maximum durability.

Is One 12 Inch Subwoofer Enough?

If you have primary speakers and want an extra bit of “oomph” in the bass, then a single 12 inch subwoofer may be enough.  However, if you’re looking for earth-shattering bass or actual home theater experience, consider adding an additional subwoofer or even a dedicated subwoofer amplifier. Additionally, if you’re hoping to get a balanced sound in your car audio system, you should generally have at least two subs.

What Size Of Enclosure Is Needed For A 12-Inch Subwoofer?

The size of the enclosure needed for a 12 inch subwoofers will depend on several factors, such as the efficiency of the Subwoofer and the desired sound output. 
Generally speaking, look for an enclosure with at least 1.25 to 1.75 cubic feet. However, if you want to achieve maximum performance from your Subwoofer, a larger enclosure may be necessary. It is best to consult with an audio expert or the manufacturer of your Subwoofer for the most accurate information.

Which Company Makes The Best Subwoofer?

That depends on your specific needs and budget. Some of the most popular subwoofer brands include Pioneer, Rockford Fosgate, Skar Audio, Alpine, Kicker, and MTX.  Each brand has unique features that make it a better choice for some customers. However, regardless of which brand you choose, ensuring your Subwoofer is appropriately installed and tuned to get the most out of it is important.

Bottom Line – Best 12-Inch Subwoofers

In conclusion, both the Rockford Fosgate P3D4 and MTX Audio TNE212D are excellent choices for 12 inch subwoofers. The Rockford Fosgate is perfect for anyone looking for a high-quality and powerful sound system, while the MTX Audio is ideal for those who need deep bass and a stylish design.

Final Verdict

• Best Overall: Rockford Fosgate P3D4
• Best For Deep Bass: MTX Terminator TNE212D
• Best for the Money: Alpine S-W12D4
• Best Shallow-Mount: PIONEER TS-A3000LS4
• Best Competition Grade: Skar Audio EVL-12 D2
• (Built-in Amplifier) Pioneer TS-WX1210A
• Also Great: Rockford Fosgate P3D2