If you want to improve the performance of your car audio system but don’t want to spend a lot of money on high-end subwoofers, the finest Kicker subwoofer could be the answer. The problem is that while there are other, considerably more powerful subwoofers available, they usually come at a much higher price. Kicker, on the other hand, has found a sweet spot for their subwoofers in the budget-conscious part of the vehicle audio industry, allowing you to improve the bass of your car entertainment without breaking the bank.
Since the 1970s, Kicker has been producing vehicle subwoofers. With inexpensive, competition-level output, Kicker subwoofers give both performance and value. Kicker provides car audio subwoofer that perform, can handle considerable power, and are more competitively priced than other subwoofer options, whether you’ve never had a subwoofer before and just want to add some bass, or if you’re a vehicle audio veteran looking for some serious output. In order to help you choose the best Kicker subwoofer for your car, we will share with you some of our favorites.
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Kicker Dual 43DCWR122 12-Inch 2000W Loaded Subwoofer Enclosure
- Size: 12"
- Impedance: 2 Ohms DVC
- Power Watts: 2000W Peak / 1000W RMS
This Kicker sub is authentic. The power of this beast is terrifying. When this sub goes off, get ready to stretch your windows and roof. Look no farther if you want a powerful and loud bass. Even I, a seasoned audiophile, was taken aback when I felt the bass in my chest. After the first treatment, I had to double-check that all of my organs were in their proper positions.
Best of all, this Kicker subwoofer is compatible with all types of music. This baby will deliver no matter which type you like. The first time I turned on this voice coil subwoofer, it sounded like two silverback gorillas squabbling in the back. This isn’t a prank. It’s that strong. The beast, as I like to call it, is rated at 1,000 watts RMS, which translates to 500 watts RMS for each of these 12-inch subs.
It is now straightforward to install, in addition to giving great sound quality without any distortions. Everything is plug-and-play, so there’s no guesswork involved. The box has already been built for you, and it’s simple to set up. This is the Best Kicker Subwoofer in 2023.
KICKER 11HS8 8″ 150W Hideaway Car Audio Powered Subwoofer Sub Enclosure HS8
- 8" Powered Subwoofer Enclosure
- Ultra-compact powered subwoofer system designed for tight locations
- Just over three inches high
When I first thought of compiling this list of Kicker speakers, I wanted to concentrate on 10-inch and 12-inch models for the best audio experience. But then I came across this 11HS8 8-inch Hideaway speaker as I was conducting my research, and it hit me. A large sub requires a lot of space, which not everyone has. So, if space is limited and every inch counts, I strongly advise you to give this small powered sub a try.
The 11HS8 is only three inches tall and nearly 14 inches long, but it manages to fit a dedicated 150-watt amplifier and an 8-inch driver into its small housing. The housing is remarkably sturdy and durable, despite being small and designed for the under-seat region, where it is completely hidden – hence the name Hideaway.
Even better, the aesthetics were not sacrificed in the name of keeping a low profile. It was a well-deserved distinction for design and engineering. It also contains all of the wonderful finishing touches, such as a quick-connect power plug, Velcro straps to keep it secure, a remote bass control, variable bass boost, and high- and low-level inputs.
The built-in amplifier and tiny, sealed housing offer shockingly low frequencies without thinning out, resulting in an overall tight and balanced sound. It adds fullness and roundness to the lower end of the sound without overpowering the mid- and high-range. However, even with the rest of the speakers turned off, you can sense it lacks power, which is surprising given the price tag. The RMS power rating of 150 watts and the frequency response range of 25 to 120 Hz may be better.
However, this one was never intended to produce insanely high volumes or heart-stopping thumps; instead, it was designed to provide low-end balance, which it achieves admirably.
KICKER 43CWR124 12 Inch 1000 Watt 4 Ohm DVC COMPR Car Audio Stereo Subwoofer
- Size: 12"
- Impedance: 4 Ohms DVC
- Power Watts: 1000W Peak / 500W RMS
There’s no need to explore any farther if you’re thinking about updating your current automobile audio system. I mean, I’d appreciate it if you stayed to the end, but as far as Kicker’s car audio upgrades go, I’m telling you right now that this is it. You’ll get top-notch construction, unrivaled performance, and an unbeatable overall value!
This has to be one of the best 12-inch alternatives in its class in terms of design – and this is coming from someone who has tried a lot of Kicker’s best-selling speakers. The injection-molded woofer and the rear brace form a cohesive system in the new and enhanced SoloKon, delivering rigidity and accurate response. At the same time, even when pushed to its maximum, the innovative heat management system with perimeter venting keeps everything cool.
The red double stitching is also not for show. It creates a strong link between the cone and the ribbed rim, which maintains everything together even during high excursions. It’s a rugged sub that can keep bouncing for as long as you need it to, regardless of whether it’s in a sealed or ported enclosure.
Everything I’ve said thus far has resulted in bass that is smooth, strong, and free of distortion. This 12-inch subwoofer, dubbed the “Powerful Performer” by its designers, has a really astounding set of stats to go along with its excellent build. I can tell you that this is one power-hungry woofer, with an RMS rating of 400 watts and a peak power of 800 watts.
Its response range is focused on the lower end, down to 25 Hz, with a peak frequency of 500 Hz. It’s capable of bringing out the lowest frequencies in a clear and hard-hitting manner, as well as delivering a boost for the mid and high notes, bringing your music into balance.
Kicker Comp 12″ Loaded Truck Subwoofer Box Enclosure (10C12-4)
- Peak Power Handling: 300 Watts
- RMS Power Handling 150 Watts
- Sealed Enclosure
If a two-in-one deal appeals to you, but you don’t believe the 10-inch drivers will enough for your car’s audio, fear not: I have something that might be just right. The ASC Package Dual Sub Box, which comes with two 12-inch woofer speakers, is the answer.
The vented MDF enclosure is 34 x 13.25 x 16.25 inches, so it’s not the smallest box you’ll find, but it should still fit behind the back seat of most pickup trucks. It’s also fully carpeted, so you won’t have to worry about slipping or scratching your furniture.
The woofers themselves have the brand’s characteristic design, which includes an exceptionally rigid, injection-molded cone, 360-degree rear bracing, a ribbed surround with signature double stitching, and a steel basket with perimeter venting. The woofers alone have a mounting depth of 5.87 inches if you skip the box and go straight to the door panels.
The ease of usage is just as vital as the design itself, and on that note, I’m happy to inform that these drop-in woofers are simple to install. If you’re upgrading your truck’s stock woofers for the first time, the simple installation will come in handy. When you turn them on, you’ll have two 150-watt RMS woofers, for a total of 300 watts RMS – or 600 watts peak output. Even if I would have preferred more, there are no issues at this price point. These gadgets can also provide glass-shattering sound levels if you connect them to the correct amp.
You’ll get a hard-hitting, distortion-free low end if you combine that with a frequency response of 27 to 500 Hz and the overall strength and stiffness of the speakers.
Kicker 43C124 12″ 300W 4-Ohm COMP Series Car Audio Sub Subwoofer C12
- 12" 4-ohm subwoofer
- power handling: 50-150 watts RMS
- peak power handling: 300 watts
What better way to finish out the bass-in-a-box section of the list than with a pair of 12-inch Kickers subwoofers housed in a bespoke enclosure?
The cabinet, two 12-inch speakers, the mono amplifier, and the wiring are all included in one compact package. This pair of 43C124 subwoofers can be an excellent choice if you’re new to the world of car audio upgrades. It eliminates the need to select a suitable amp and, more crucially, provides a significant low-end boost to your complete system on a shoestring budget.
A strong, injection-molded polypropylene cone, 360-degree back bracing, and a steel basket with a temperature-regulating mechanism distinguish the 43C124. When you combine the double stitching with the ribbed surround – which increases the surface area and helps with sound distribution – this item screams “Kicker’s design.”
The sound quality shouldn’t come as a surprise given the excellent build quality — a high-temp voice coil, cooling vents, and a solid cone. The polypropylene cone allows the subwoofers to take use of the 88.3-dB sensitivity, which is already improved by the increased surface area.
Although the system’s power handling isn’t very spectacular (I was anticipating more than 150 watts RMS per 12-inch sub), the clever design allows them to make the most of it, resulting in crisp, clear, and hard-hitting bass. With a frequency response range of 27 to 500 Hz, the frequency response is quite good. The high-frequency reach allows it to fill the mid-range frequencies as well, despite the fact that it doesn’t go all the way down.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Kicker subwoofer?
This brand has been around for a long time – its origins date back to 1973 – and most of you have undoubtedly seen it at least once. For automotive audio system modifications, Kicker subwoofers have become the go-to option.
They’re noted for their diverse wiring options, high power handling, and great thermal management, and they come in two separate designs – circular and square – in a variety of sizes and configurations. While the former ensures linear cone movement and stability, the latter has a 20% bigger surface area.
What is speaker sensitivity?
Aside from the subwoofer’s power handling capabilities, the sensitivity of the subwoofer is the second most important thing to consider when purchasing one. Sensitivity is a measurement of how efficient speakers are at converting power into output volume in decibels. It is directly related to the potential loudness of the speakers and the quality of sound they generate.
The better the output volume, the stronger the sensitivity of the subwoofer. Subs with higher sensitivity will produce higher volumes if given the same amount of energy as their low-sensitivity counterparts.
How much does a Kicker subwoofer cost?
We’re talking about a company that sells subwoofers with names like “Affordable Bass” and “Style and Value.” So, if you’re concerned that you’ll go broke, rest assured that there’s no need to be concerned. Kicker’s has earned a reputation for providing excellent value for money.
It’s a good alternative for automotive audio subwoofer improvements on a budget, as their subwoofers are some of the more competitively priced options on the market. Of course, the exact figures vary from model to model, but you should expect their subwoofers to cost anywhere between $100 and $400.