Top 5 Best Kicker Subwoofers (Updated 2023)
If you're thinking of upgrading your car audio system and making it a bit more performance-oriented, but you're not ready to splurge on high-end subs yet, the best Kicker subwoofer may be the answer.
The thing is, while there are other, far more powerful subwoofers out there, they typically come at a much higher price, too.
Kicker, however, has found a comfortable spot for its subs in the pocket-friendly segment of the car audio market, boosting your car stereo's bass without burning a hole in your wallet.
And today, we're getting up close and personal with the best of them!
In a hurry? After 34 Hours of Research, We Recommend:
90/100
our score
Kicker CVR124 12" Dual Series Subwoofer
Why it is better?
RESEARCHED SOURCES
REVIEWS CONSIDERED
hours researching
products compared
Last Updated: February 2023
By Barry Allen: This article has been updated to reflect the most accurate information regarding best kicker subwoofers available for those who are interested in boosting their car cockpit audio performance. The best 5 available have changed, and information has been added to assist individuals in finding the current kicker subwoofers currently available on the market. The FAQ has also been updated.
Top 7 Kicker Subwoofers – Comparison Table
Product | Dimensions | Driver Size | Power Rating | Frequency Response | Our Rating | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kicker CVR124 12" Dual Series Subwoofer | 14.3 x 14.1 x 8.5 inches | 12 inches | 400/800 watts | 25-500 Hz | 90/100 | |
Kicker 10C104 Comp 10-Inch Subwoofer  | 11 x 11 x 6.4 inches | 10 inches | 150/300 watts | 30 – 500 Hz | 85/100 | |
KICKER 2 New 10C104 Comp 10"  | 14 x 11.5 x 11.5 inches | 10 inches | 150/300 watts | 30 – 500 Hz | 85/100 | |
KICKER 43DCWR102 10" Dual Car Subwoofers  | 14 x 28.4 x 14.5/17.3 inches | 10 inches | 400/800 watts | 30 – 500 Hz | 88/100 | |
ASC Package Dual 12" Kicker Sub Box  | 34 x 13.25 x 16.25 inches | 12 inches | 150/300 watts | 27-500 Hz | 87/100 | |
Kicker 43C124 1000W 12-Inch Subwoofers (Pair)  | 32 x 14.25 x 12.25 inches | 12 inches | 150/300 watts | 27 – 500 Hz | 86/100 | |
KICKER 11HS8 8" 150W Hideaway Car Subwoofer  | 13.8 x 9.4 x 3.1 inches | 8 inches | 150 watts | 25-120 Hz | 84/100 |
Best 7 Kicker Subs Reviewed
Let's not waste any more time – here are my top picks for today!
1. Kicker CVR124 12" Dual Series Subwoofer
90/100
our score
I'll start things off with one of the best subwoofers that this brand has to offer in the round woofer department while still sticking to a relatively affordable range – the CVR124 CompVR Series car sub.
If you're thinking about upgrading your existing car audio system, there's pretty much no need to look any further. I mean, I'd appreciate it if you stuck around until the end, but I'm telling you right now that this is it as far as Kicker's car audio upgrades go:
You're getting top-notch construction, unmatched performance, and an overall value that's hard to beat!
The Design
Design-wise, this has to be one of the best 12-inch options in its class – and that's coming from someone who's tested tons of Kicker's best-selling speakers.
The new-and-improved SoloKon creates a cohesive system out of the injection-molded woofer and the back brace, ensuring rigidity and accurate response. At the same time, the advanced heat management system with perimeter venting keeps everything cool, even when you push it to its limits.
The red double stitching isn't there for show, either. It keeps everything together – even in high excursions – by creating a tight bond between the cone and the ribbed surround.
It's an extremely tough sub that's ready to keep on bumping as long as you need it to, whether it's fitted in a sealed or ported enclosure.
The Performance
Everything I talked about previously amounts to smooth, powerful, distortion-free bass. And labeled as the "Powerful Performer" by its creators, this 12-inch subwoofer does boast a relatively impressive round-up of specs to complement its outstanding construction.
Considering the 400-watt RMS rating – and the peak power of 800 watts – I can tell you that this is one power-hungry woofer.
And boy, does it kick hard!
Going down to 25 Hz, the focus of its response range is on the lower end – but with a peak frequency of 500 Hz. It's more than capable of bringing out the lowest of frequencies in a clean and hard-hitting manner, while also providing a boost for the mid and high notes, adding balance to your music.
Pros
Cons
2. Kicker 10C104 Comp 10-Inch Subwoofer 4 Ohm
-Budget Pick-
85/100
our score
Considering that Kicker's speakers fall into the pocket-friendly price range – for the most part, anyway – talking about a budget pick feels a bit silly. But since we're here, I wanted to show you a model that's advertised as the world's best-sounding subwoofer for less than $100.
It comes with an upgraded look, proven construction, and a price tag that won't make you think twice.
If you want the best bass for your buck, the Kicker 10C104 Comp may be worth considering!
The Design
Even though it's easily the cheapest round-shaped woofer in the brand's line-up, this little guy – which, by the way, measures 10 inches in size – is very well engineered, indeed.
The Comp packs numerous innovative features that you would typically see in "premium" subwoofers, and at the same time, has a recognizable – yet upgraded – appearance.
The quality of the components used in its construction is undeniable.
The speaker sports a thick, injection-molded cone coupled with 360-degree back bracing and coil-cooling perimeter venting, which keeps it running smoothly even under extreme stress. The result is a versatile air woofer that can work with vented and sealed enclosures, as well as free-air applications if that's more up your alley.
The Performance
Now, you're probably trying to figure out what to expect performance-wise from a sub this cheap. And as shocking as this may be, I'm glad to report that it holds up pretty well in a side-by-side comparison with the others.
The smart construction and the flex-resistant cone add to its performance, ensuring that it hits the lows hard – but doesn't experience distortion along the way.
With only 150 watts of recommended power, it's safe to say that this one will go nowhere near bone-rattling bass levels. The 30 to 500 Hz frequency range doesn't dip as low as I would've hoped for, either.
But even though the actual specs don't sound that impressive, it's hard to deny that this one leads the way in the Kicker's line-up of round subwoofers when it comes to balancing value and performance.
Pros
Cons
3. KICKER 2 New 10C104 Comp 10" SubWoofer
-Budget Pair-
85/100
our score
If you'd like to go further down the budget-friendly rabbit hole, I'd suggest that you check out this next option – a pair of 10C104 10-inch speakers.
I mean, the only way that you can get a better bang for your buck is to get not one but two 10C104 Comp subwoofers.
That doesn't sound too bad, now, does it?
If anything, with a deal like this one, you can double the bass in your car's audio system – and you may still have some leftover cash for any other upgrades that you might have planned.
The Design
First off, the exceptional versatility is still there. You have the option to fit these in a sealed or vented enclosure, and with a mounting depth of 5.1 inches, you should be able to find a suitable spot for them fairly quickly.
The construction is what you would expect from Kicker's subwoofers, too:
The ribbed surround with signature double stitching binds the suspension and the thick, injection-molded cone – with 360-degree back bracing – together into a reliable 10-inch sub. And with a high-temperature voice coil and perimeter venting, these things can thump all day long.
The Performance
As for the audio performance of these subs, you're pretty much in for the regular 10C104 Comp performance that I already talked about – but double.
Individually, these woofers don't sound like much; the focus is mostly on providing an excellent price-to-performance ratio. But when they're teamed up like this, you're getting twice as much of power out of them:
The system's power rating as a whole goes up to 300 watts RMS – 150 watts per speaker – or 600 watts at peak performance.
That doesn't sound too shabby considering the price point that we're dealing with here.
The frequency response that ranges from 30 to 500 Hz is the one thing that bugs me about these subs. For a pair of 10-inch woofers, they don't dip as low as I'd like.
However, that doesn't mean that it won't be tight and crisp enough for most applications.
Pros
Cons
4. KICKER 43DCWR102 10" 2400W Dual Car Subwoofers
88/100
our score
As good as all these previous subs were – especially considering their price range – I'm ready to get to the real deal.
That's where the Kicker's 43DCWR102 dual subs come in:
Packing two CompR 10-inch woofers in one custom-fit enclosure, this is the easiest way to add booming bass in your ride – and a perfect example of what the "high-end" options bring to the table.
I should probably warn you that compared to what you've seen so far, these can seem pricey. But stick around, and I'll show you why they're worth every penny!
The Design
I want to address the build quality and the overall dimensions of the enclosure first. When you're dealing with bass-in-a-box models, it's one of those deciding factors.
I'm more than happy with its overall construction. It's made from thick, durable wood, fully carpeted – a plus when it comes to scratch-resistance – and shows off the new front-facing port, too.
It measures 14 x 28.4 inches, with a 14.5/17.3-inch top and bottom depth, respectively; make sure that you have enough room for it!
Also, the 10-inch woofers – with each featuring a rigid polypropylene cone, extensive venting, and heavy-duty steel basket – are pretty hard to ignore, too.
The Performance
What makes this an exceptional choice for audiophiles who may not have a ton of experience with installing car audio is that it comes with a 3000-watt mono MOSFET amplifier as an add-on. If anything, you don't have to bother with finding the right amp for these power-hungry beasts.
These bring ready-made bass to a whole new level with 800-watt RMS – and peak power handling of 1600 watts – for the entire system. It doesn't end with the higher-than-average power ratings, either:
These Kicker subwoofers boast a pretty impressive sensitivity, as well, clocking in at 96.5 dB for maximum efficiency.
The sound quality and the high-level bass that you get to enjoy with this one are phenomenal! It's crisp, clean, and it hits hard; and even though the frequency response range bottoms out at 30 Hz, this is one big and powerful sound machine.
Pros
Cons
5. ASC Package Dual 12" Kicker Sub Box
87/100
our score
If a two-in-one type of deal seems like something that's more up your alley, but you don't think that the 10-inch drivers would fit the bill for your car's audio, worry not – I have something that might be perfect for the job.
Enter the ASC Package Dual Sub Box, complete with two 12-inch woofer drivers.
Let's see if these subs have what it takes to rock your world without burning a hole in your wallet!
The Design
Let's talk about the space that you may – or may not – have available in your car. Considering that it comes loaded with two 12-inch woofer drivers, it's bound to take up some room.
The vented MDF enclosure measures 34 x 13.25 x 16.25 inches, so it's not the most low-profile box that you'll come across – but it should still fit behind the back seat of most trucks. Also, it's fully carpeted, so you don't have to worry about slips and scratches.
As for the actual woofers, they feature the brand's recognizable design, with an extremely rigid, injection-molded cone, 360-degree back bracing, ribbed surround with signature double stitching, and a steel basket with perimeter venting.
If you decide to forgo the box and go straight for the door panels, the woofers alone have a mounting depth of 5.87 inches.
The Performance
Ease of use is every bit as important as the actual design, and on that note, I'm glad to report that these drop-in woofers boast a straightforward installation process. If this is your first time upgrading your truck's factory woofers, the effortless installation will be a life-saver.
And once you power them up, you'll be looking at two 150-watt RMS woofers, which amounts to 300 watts RMS – or 600 watts peak power. Even if I would've preferred more, at this price point, there's no room for complaints.
Plus, if you hook them up to the right amp, these things can deliver glass-shattering sound levels.
Pair that with a frequency response of 27 to 500 Hz and the overall strength and rigidity of the drivers, and you'll get a hard-hitting, distortion-free low end!
Pros
Cons
6. Kicker 43C124 1000W 12-Inch Subwoofers
86/100
our score
What better way to wrap up the bass-in-a-box portion of the list than with a pair of 12-inch Kickers subs fitted inside a custom enclosure?
What you're getting is a complete kit – the cabinet, two 12-inch drivers, the mono amplifier, and the wiring are all wrapped up in one convenient package!
If you're relatively new to the world of car audio upgrades, this pair of 43C124 subwoofers can be an excellent choice:
It eliminates the need for finding a suitable amp and, more importantly, gives your entire system a big low-end boost on a budget!
The Design
Just as you would expect from a Kicker speaker, the 43C124 sports a rigid, injection-molded, polypropylene cone, 360-degree back bracing, and a steel basket with a unique temperature-regulating system.
Add the double stitching along with the ribbed surround – which expands the surface area, contributing to better sound distribution – and this thing screams "Kicker's design."
And you get two of them to fit inside your sealed enclosure!
Granted, I don't consider this the most attractive box out there – it's a bit too boring for me – but the build quality is there, and that's what counts.
What you should be more concerned about is finding the right spot for the enclosure inside your vehicle, because this thing measures 32 x 14.25 x 12.25 inches.
The Performance
Considering the impeccable construction – a high-temp voice coil, cooling vents, and a rigid cone – the sound quality shouldn't come as too much of a shock.
The larger surface area already offers an audio performance boost, and the polypropylene cone further allows the subwoofers to take advantage of the 88.3-dB sensitivity.
The system's power handling isn't impressive – I was expecting more than 150 watts RMS per 12-inch sub – but the smart construction enables them to make the most of it, and deliver crisp, clear, and hard-hitting bass.
The frequency response range is pretty decent, going from 27 to 500 Hz. Even though it doesn't dip that far down, the high-frequency reach does allow it to fill the mid-range frequencies, too.
Pros
Cons
7. KICKER 11HS8 8" 150WCar Audio Powered Subwoofer
When I first got the idea of putting together this round-up of Kicker speakers, I wanted to focus on 10-inch and 12-inch options. But as I started doing my research, I came across this 11HS8 8-inch Hideaway speaker – and it hit me:
Not everyone has the space needed for a large sub.
So, if available space is an issue and every inch counts, I highly recommend that you give this compact powered sub a shot!
The Design
The 11HS8 stands a mere three inches tall and nearly 14 inches long, but still manages to pack a dedicated 150-watt amplifier and an 8-inch driver within its compact enclosure.
Besides being small and designed for the under-seat area, where it's entirely out of sight – hence the name Hideaway – the housing also feels surprisingly rigid and durable.
Even more so, the aesthetics weren't compromised for the sake of maintaining a low profile. The award for design and engineering was a well-deserved one.
Plus, it has all these nice final touches, like the quick-connect power plug, Velcro straps for securing it, a remote bass control, variable bass boost, as well as high- and low-level inputs.
The Performance
I love that it allows for plug-and-play installation thanks to the quick-connect Molex plug. I had a chance to test it both as a part of the system and with the sub isolated.
The small, sealed enclosure and the built-in amplifier deliver surprisingly low frequencies without thinning out for an overall tight and balanced performance. It fills out the lower end, rounding out the sound and adding fullness without overwhelming the mid- and high-range.
However, with the rest of the speakers disconnected, you can tell that it lacks in the power department, especially considering the price tag. The 150-watt RMS rating and the frequency response range of 25 to 120 Hz could stand to see some improvements.
Then again, this one was never about crazy-high volume or heart-stopping thumps – it's made to add low-end balance, and that it does rather well.
Pros
Cons
Kicker Subwoofers - Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a Kicker subwoofer?
A: This brand has been around long enough – the brand's history stretches back to 1973 – and most of you have probably seen the name pop up at least once. Kicker subwoofers have become the go-to choice for car audio system upgrades.
They're known for their multiple wiring options, high power handling, and excellent thermal management, offering two distinct designs in various sizes and configurations – circular and square. The former ensures linear cone movement and stability, while the latter packs a 20-percent larger surface area.
Q: How much does a Kicker subwoofer cost?
A: We're talking about a brand that has subwoofers named "Affordable Bass" and "Style and Value" featured in its product line-up. So, if you're a bit worried that you might break the bank, know that there's absolutely no reason for concern. Kicker's built a reputation for itself by delivering exceptional value for money.
With their subwoofers being some of the more reasonably priced options on the market, it's an excellent choice for car audio subwoofer upgrades on a budget.
Of course, the actual numbers vary from model to model, but you can expect their subwoofers to cover a price range from less than $100 and up to $400.
Q: What is speaker sensitivity?
A: When considering which subwoofer is right for you, speaker sensitivity should be taken into account. This metric directly affects the loudness and quality of sound produced by speakers due to its ability to convert energy into output volume in decibels.
The higher the subwoofer's sensitivity, the better the output volume.
If given the same amount of energy, subs with higher sensitivity will generally produce higher volumes compared to their low-sensitivity counterparts.
In a hurry? After 34 Hours of Research, We Recommend:
90/100
our score
Kicker CVR124 12" Dual Series Subwoofer
Why it is better?
Conclusion
After putting these subwoofers to the ultimate test by hooking them up to my car's audio system, I'd say that the title of the best Kicker subwoofer should go to the Kicker CVR124 12" CompVR Series Car Subwoofer.
That said, you've got quite a few options worth considering here – and none of them will eat through your budget!
If you don't feel like Kicker subs are the right fit for your car stereo and want to keep on looking, I suggest that you continue your search with the best 12-inch subwoofers, instead!
About the author:
Barry Allen
I grew up to be a self-proclaimed stuck-up audiophile, and I – partially – blame Pinnacle Speakers for it.
The whole point of me starting this website was to keep the tradition going. Although the means have changed, the mission remains the same: Bringing „sterling sound“ as they once put it into home theaters and sound systems worldwide!