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

An 8 fits where a 10 or 12 will not. For a modest amp, look at the Kicker CompC 50CWCS84 or 50CWCD84 (100 to 200 W RMS) or the JL Audio 8W1v3 (150 W RMS) and 8W3v3 (250 W RMS, in a 0.3 cu ft sealed box). For the thinnest installs, the Kicker 48CWRT8 mounts 2-11/16 inches deep and the 46L7T8 square sub 2-3/4 inches. For more output, step up to the Alpine R2-W8, the Kicker 44L7S8 square sub (450 W RMS) or the JL Audio 8W7AE-3 (500 W RMS).

Car audio · · DJ Custom Audio, South Gate

When an 8 makes sense

An 8-inch sub fits under seats, behind truck benches and in small hatchbacks. Most of these work in sealed boxes well under 1 cubic foot, per their listings. It still needs a mono amp matched to its RMS power and impedance.

Every sub here is on our listings. We are an authorized JL Audio, Kicker and Alpine dealer, and Tony installs subs in our own bay at 8696 Atlantic Ave in South Gate. For bigger drivers, see our 10-inch and 12-inch subwoofer comparisons.

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. Several models come in a dual 2-ohm and a dual 4-ohm version, listed on their own rows.

Power is RMS as each maker rates or recommends it. Sensitivity is as the listing gives it.

8-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.

ModelVoice coilsPower (RMS)SensitivityMounting depthBox per the listing
Kicker 50CWCS84Single 4 ohm100-200 W recommended83.3 dB4-3/16 in0.5-1.2 cu ft sealed or 0.66-1.2 cu ft vented
Kicker 50CWCD84Dual 4 ohm100-200 W recommended83.6 dB4-3/16 in0.5-1.2 cu ft sealed or 0.66-1.2 cu ft vented
JL Audio 8W1v3-4Single 4 ohm150 W84.8 dB3.86 inAbout 0.35 cu ft sealed
JL Audio 8W3v3-4Single 4 ohm250 W83.2 dB4.63 in0.3 cu ft sealed
Alpine S2-W8D4Dual 4 ohm300 W82.7 dBNot in our listingSealed or ported
Alpine S2-W8D2Dual 2 ohm300 W82.6 dBNot in our listingSealed or ported
Kicker 48CWR84Dual 4 ohm300 W82.1 dB4-1/8 in0.4-1.0 cu ft sealed or 0.8-1.2 cu ft vented
Kicker 48CWR82Dual 2 ohm300 W82.1 dB4-1/8 in0.4-1.0 cu ft sealed or 0.8-1.2 cu ft vented
Kicker 48CWRT84Dual 4 ohm300 W81.8 dB2-11/16 in0.2-1.0 cu ft sealed or 0.8-1.2 cu ft vented
Kicker 48CWRT82Dual 2 ohm300 W81.8 dB2-11/16 in0.2-1.0 cu ft sealed or 0.8-1.2 cu ft vented
Kicker 46L7T84Dual 4 ohm350 W84.8 dB2-3/4 in0.2-0.75 cu ft sealed or 0.8-1.2 cu ft vented
Kicker 46L7T82Dual 2 ohm350 W84.8 dB2-3/4 in0.2-0.75 cu ft sealed or 0.8-1.2 cu ft vented
Alpine R2-W8D4Dual 4 ohm350 W83.5 dB4-3/8 inNot in our listing
Alpine R2-W8D2Dual 2 ohm350 W83.5 dB4-3/8 inNot in our listing
Kicker 44L7S84Dual 4 ohm450 W83.6 dB4-3/4 in0.5-0.75 cu ft sealed or 0.66-1.0 cu ft vented
Kicker 44L7S82Dual 2 ohm450 W recommended83.6 dB4-3/4 in0.5-0.75 cu ft sealed or 0.66-1.0 cu ft vented
JL Audio 8W7AE-3Single 3 ohm500 W82.7 dB6.83 inSealed or ported, plans starting under 1 cu ft

Entry 8s

Kicker recommends 100 to 200 W RMS for the CompC 50CWCS84 (single 4-ohm) and 50CWCD84 (dual 4-ohm), in sealed boxes from 0.5 to 1.2 cu ft. The JL Audio 8W1v3-4 handles 150 W RMS with 84.8 dB sensitivity in a sealed box of about 0.35 cu ft, and the 8W3v3-4 handles 250 W RMS in a sealed box of only 0.3 cu ft.

Shallow 8s

The Kicker CompRT 48CWRT82 and 48CWRT84 mount only 2-11/16 inches deep at 300 W RMS, and the Kicker L7T 46L7T82 and 46L7T84 square subs mount 2-3/4 inches deep at 350 W RMS. Their listings name spots like under seats, behind truck benches and shallow under-floor builds. Measure the space, then text us a photo so Tony can confirm the box will fit.

More output from an 8

The Alpine S2-W8 handles 300 W RMS and the R2-W8 350 W RMS, each in dual 2-ohm and dual 4-ohm versions. The Kicker L7S 44L7S84 and 44L7S82 square subs handle 450 W RMS in a 0.5 to 0.75 cu ft sealed box.

The JL Audio 8W7AE-3 handles 500 W RMS with 19 mm of one-way linear excursion, and JL publishes sealed and ported box plans starting under 1 cubic foot. 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 8 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 spot, 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.

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Questions on 8-Inch Car Subwoofers Compared: JL Audio, Kicker and Alpine

Is an 8-inch sub worth it?

When space is tight. An 8 fits under seats and behind truck benches, and the JL Audio 8W3v3 works in a 0.3 cu ft sealed box, per its listing. For more bass in a bigger space, see our 10-inch and 12-inch comparisons.

Which 8-inch sub is the shallowest?

The Kicker CompRT 48CWRT82 and 48CWRT84 mount 2-11/16 inches deep, and the Kicker L7T 46L7T82 and 46L7T84 2-3/4 inches.

Which 8-inch sub handles the most power?

In our table, the JL Audio 8W7AE-3 at 500 W RMS, then the Kicker 44L7S84 and 44L7S82 at 450 W RMS.

Dual 2-ohm or dual 4-ohm?

Pick the version that wires to a load your mono amp handles. Several of these subs come in both, and Tony matches the wiring to the amp.

Can you install it?

Yes. Tony installs subs, boxes and amps in our bay at 8696 Atlantic Ave in South Gate. Call or text first to set up a time.

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