12-Inch Car Subwoofers Compared: JL Audio, Kicker, Alpine and Focal

What to compare

A component sub is the driver alone, so it needs a box and a mono amp. Match the sub's RMS power to the amp, wire the voice coils to a load the amp handles, and build or buy the box size the maker recommends. If you would rather skip the box, see our loaded subwoofer enclosure comparison.

Every sub here is on our listings. We are an authorized JL Audio, Kicker, Alpine and Focal dealer, and Tony installs subs in our own bay at 8696 Atlantic Ave in South Gate.

Side by side

This table is built only from our own product listings. Where a listing does not state a spec, the cell says so instead of guessing.

Power is RMS as each maker rates or recommends it. Sensitivity is at 1 watt where the listing gives it, and a higher number plays a little louder on the same power.

12-inch component car subwoofers compared, from our product listings. "Not in our listing" means our product page does not state that spec, so ask us before you count on it.

Budget 12s for a first sub

The Alpine W12S4 handles 250 W RMS on a single 4-ohm coil, and Alpine recommends a 1.09 cu ft sealed or 1.91 cu ft ported box. The Kicker 50CWCD124 takes 150 to 300 W RMS on dual 4-ohm coils, and the JL Audio 12W0v3 handles 300 W RMS in a 1.375 cu ft sealed or 1.75 cu ft ported box.

The JL Audio 12W1v3-2 is optimized for a compact 1.10 cu ft sealed box, per its listing, which makes it an easy fit in a smaller trunk.

Shallow 12s for trucks and tight spaces

The Alpine RS-W12D4 mounts only 3.25 inches deep and handles 600 W RMS. The JL Audio 12TW3-D4 is 3.5 inches deep at 400 W RMS, and the 12TW1-2 is 4.62 inches deep in a 0.65 cu ft sealed box. The Kicker 46L7T124 square sub needs 4-1/8 inches at 600 W RMS, and the Kicker 52CVT124 needs 4-3/8 inches at 225 to 450 W RMS.

Shallow subs go behind truck seats, under seats and in thin boxes where a standard sub will not fit. Measure the space, then text us a photo so Tony can confirm the box will fit.

Mid-power and high-power 12s

The Kicker 48CWR122 and JL Audio 12W3v3-4 handle 500 W RMS, and the Alpine S2-W12D4 handles 600 W RMS. The Alpine R2-W12D4, Kicker 50CVX124 and Kicker 44L7S122 square sub step up to 750 W RMS, and the Kicker 51CWQ122 takes 500 to 1,000 W RMS with 23 mm of one-way excursion.

At the top, the JL Audio 12W6v3-D4 handles 600 W RMS with dual 4-ohm coils that wire to 2 or 8 ohms, and the 12W7AE-3 handles 1,000 W RMS on a single 3-ohm coil. The Alpine HDZ-W12 and Focal SUB 30 KXE are rated 800 W RMS, and the Kicker L7X and L7XS square subs call for 1,000 to 3,000 W RMS in a 3 cu ft vented box tuned to 31 Hz. Pair any of these with a mono amp from our mono subwoofer amplifier comparison.

How to choose, and how to get one

Start with the space and the amp: pick a shallow sub if depth is tight, then match RMS power and impedance to the mono amp. Text (213) 674-9042 with your year, make and model and a photo of the trunk or cab, and Tony will tell you what fits.

Everything is bought and installed or picked up at the shop at 8696 Atlantic Ave in South Gate, and you can ask about our Payment Plan. Stock moves, so call (323) 944-7844 to confirm the sub is on the floor before you drive over.