Short answer: the Monoprice SW-12. It ranks #6 of 212 subwoofers by sound quality (rated 4.2/5) at $364.99 and is still sold new; the Monitor Audio RXW12 ranks #135 (rated 3.6/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The Monoprice SW-12 is the better-sounding pick. A budget 12 inch subwoofer that hits hard with clean, tight bass and easy connections. The catch: Entry-level build quality, ported enclosure room interaction, and lower 112.3 dB output capability.
What the Monitor Audio RXW12 does well: A sealed 12 inch subwoofer with a strong amplifier for small to medium rooms, now discontinued. The catch: Output drops to 97.9dB at 31.5Hz and 88.9dB at 20Hz, so deep bass is limited.
Buy the Monoprice SW-12. It is rated higher for sound quality; the Monitor Audio RXW12 is no longer sold new.
Want more options? Browse the full Subwoofers rankings.
A budget 12 inch subwoofer that hits hard with clean, tight bass and easy connections.
A sealed 12 inch subwoofer with a strong amplifier for small to medium rooms, now discontinued.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Monoprice SW-12 | Monitor Audio RXW12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $364.99 | $799 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #6 of 212 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) | #135 of 212 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) |
| Enclosure | ported, bottom | sealed |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 102.7 dB | 88.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 111.1 dB | 92.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 115.2 dB | 97.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 119.0 dB | 111.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 119.7 dB | 114.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 122.9 dB | 106.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 123.0 dB | - |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 121.2 dB | 110.9 dB (avg of 3/4 bands) |
| Dimensions | 14.9”H x 18.3”W x 19.1”D (378.5 x 464.8 x 485.1 mm) | 15”H x 16.9”W x 16.9”D (381.0 x 430.0 x 430.0 mm) |
| Weight | 50.7 lbs (23.0 kg) | 49.8 lbs (22.6 kg) |
| Warranty | 1 | 5 |
| Cabinet Color | black | - |
| Country | United States | United Kingdom |
| Measurement Source | Brent Butterworth | Brent Butterworth |
| Frequency Response | 35-150Hz, -10dB | 21-40Hz |
| Amplifier Power | 400W RMS / 600W peak | 500W RMS |
| Drivers | 12” (305mm) driver | 12” (305mm) driver |
| Output SPL at 16 Hz | 90.6 dB | - |
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