Short answer: the Monoprice SW-15. It ranks #14 of 212 subwoofers by sound quality, rated 4.1/5, at $499.99. The BIC America F-12 ranks #163, rated 3.4/5, at $299, $200.99 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The Monoprice SW-15 is the better-sounding choice. A big 15 inch subwoofer with powerful, punchy bass at a budget price, great for movies in a large room. The tradeoff: Budget-tier design, ported room gain dependency, 66.1 lbs (30 kg) mid-size, and limited dynamic headroom.
Why pick the BIC America F-12: A budget 12 inch ported subwoofer with a long warranty for basic home theater bass. The tradeoff: Internal cabinet resonances show up around 50 to 60Hz, and its frequency response was less linear than the better 12-inch budget subs tested alongside it.
Buy the Monoprice SW-15. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $200.99 with the BIC America F-12 does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Want more options? Browse the full Subwoofers rankings.
A big 15 inch subwoofer with powerful, punchy bass at a budget price, great for movies in a large room.
A budget 12 inch ported subwoofer with a long warranty for basic home theater bass.
Prices on this page were last checked October 29, 2026 at 4:42 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-15 | BIC America F-12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499.99 | $299.00 |
| Ranked | #14 of 212 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) | #163 of 212 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) |
| Enclosure | ported, bottom | ported, rear |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 90.0 dB | 74.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 101.2 dB | 83.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 106.3 dB | 95.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 111.2 dB | 101.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 116.0 dB | 104.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 120.2 dB | 110.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 120.5 dB | 113.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 119.5 dB | 111.9 dB |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 119.0 dB | 110.1 dB |
| Dimensions | 18.1”H x 21”W x 22.7”D (459.7 x 533.4 x 576.6 mm) | 17”H x 14.7”W x 17.2”D (431.8 x 374.6 x 438.1 mm) |
| Weight | 66.1 lbs (30.0 kg) | 42.1 lbs (19.1 kg) |
| Warranty | 1 | 5 |
| Cabinet Color | black | black |
| Country | United States | United States |
| Measurement Source | Audioholics | ErinsAudioCorner |
| Frequency Response | 30-150Hz (-10dB) | 25-200Hz |
| Amplifier Power | 600W RMS / 800W peak | 150W RMS |
| Crossover Frequency | 40-150Hz, 18dB/octave | - |
| Phase Control | 0° or 180° | - |
| Inputs | Stereo line level and speaker level | - |
| Drivers | 15” (381mm) driver | 12” (305mm) driver |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | - | 110.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | - | 106.7 dB |
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