There’s nothing quite like a long drive…ok, well maybe that isn’t true, but music— and a high-quality sound system—make the trip so much better. Although, for your average audiophile, stock speakers may not cut it. Audio quality almost always has room for improvement. Below, we’ll cover some of the best car speakers available on the market, and how you can go about getting one for yourself.
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Car Audio System FAQ
1. What Makes the Best Car Speakers?
The best car speakers will vary, from person to person, and is definitely more of a subjective term. The most important first step when deciding what the best car speakers are for you is to identify your needs and desires for a car stereo system.
It’s also important to determine your budget, and plan out whether you want to acquire each component of your car stereo one at a time, or all at once. Determining your needs will depend on what type of car you have and the features you are looking for in your brand new set of high-quality car speakers.
2. How Do Car Speakers Differ From Normal Speakers?
Car speakers run on direct current, or DC power, while sound equipment wired for the home will use alternating current, or A/C power. Also, car speakers run usually run on 4 Ohms, while home stereo equipment tends to run on 8 Ohms.
What are Ohms?
An Ohm is a unit of electrical resistance. For each Ohm, it will require one volt of electricity to produce one ampere of sound. Meaning that a 4-ohm speaker will produce four amperes for each volt of electricity, and an 8-ohm speaker will produce eight amperes for each volt of electricity.
Why Is That Important?
Because of this, aftermarket car stereo systems typically require a low-voltage, high ampere, amplifier. Additionally, car speakers and home speakers have different design goals. While sometimes they can be used interchangeably, for best use, it’s important to get speakers specific to the environment in which they will be used.
3. Is This Article About Subwoofers?
While a subwoofer is a great addition to any car system, in this article we won’t cover much about subwoofers—it covers aftermarket audio systems and sound systems as a whole. It will cover how you can get the best sound from ALL of the speakers in your car, including super tweeters and high-frequency speakers—not just adding a new and improved low end.
4. What About My Stock Head Unit and Factory Speakers?
When you’re ready to install new speakers in your car, your factory head unit (aka “receiver” or “stereo”) should come out first. Removing your factory head unit is a fairly easy task—but if a youtube video isn’t enough, you might consider having a professional, or at least someone with a bit of experience, do it for you.
5. Do Aftermarket Car Speakers Need an Amplifier?
Absolutely. Even stock car stereo systems come with an amplifier, even if it is a weak one, built into the stereo deck or head unit.
This is because the sound signal produced by the deck is too weak to be heard without at least some level of amplification. Most of the time, the goal of installing an aftermarket sound system is a result of louder, clearer-sounding music.
Our Buying Guide
When it comes to finding the best car speakers, there are a handful of great options available. The best speakers for you will depend upon the price point you’re looking at and the features that you value most in car speakers.
Power Handling
When buying your amplifier and speakers, pay attention to power handling. Power handling (measured in watts or watts max) refers to the amount of power that a speaker can handle.
If you have a low-powered system, your speakers will not need to handle too much power. However, a powerful system will require speakers that can handle that level of power.
There is a difference between RMS power-handling and peak power-handling.
RMS, or Root Mean Square, measures the power that a speaker can handle on a continuous basis. A system rated at 2-50 watts RMS will make a better match for your low-powered stereo than another system rated 10-80 watts RMS.
Other Factors
It is important to consider how much energy, time, and money you are willing to invest into your new car audio system. The first decision after figuring out your car stereo system goals and price range, is whether to purchase component speakers or full range speakers.
Component speakers will come separately, and will generally be a little more high quality, as well as more costly when added together. Going with the decision for component speakers will involve a little more time and research, since you will be choosing each type of speaker individually.
Another good reason to go the route of component speakers is that maybe you are only looking to replace one component of your car stereo system. Another question to consider when deciding between a component system and full range speakers is what frequency range you are looking to improve.
What About Low-End or High-End?
Are you looking for a bass boost, with louder low-end frequencies? Consider looking into aftermarket subwoofers. Maybe the sound in your car is fine, but the high notes are not sounding as crisp as you’d like. Maybe it’s time for new aftermarket tweeters.
If you are looking to keep costs to a minimum and just want a simple quick improvement to the sound quality and volume, it may be best to save yourself some hassle and just go with full-range speakers.
How Big?
No matter if you decided to go with a component system or full range speakers, the next question to ask yourself is what size speakers you will be looking for. Generally speaking, larger speakers of the same quality and brand will have a higher quality sound, but also cost a little more.
Something else to take into consideration when it comes to size in a component system, is keeping correct proportions when comparing the different types of speakers in the car. How big are the door speakers you have now? What frequency range are you looking for? Do you just want overall louder volume, or are you seeking a cleaner sound as well?
Overall Price Range
Depending on the types of features you are looking for, you can expect to spend somewhere from around $60 all the way up to $200 per speaker on the top-of-the-line best car speakers.
What We Reviewed
- Polk Audio DB651s Slim-Mount 6.5-Inch Coaxial Speakers
- Pyle 4” x 6” Three Way Sound Speaker System
- Infinity Kappa 60.11CS 6-3/4″ component speaker system
- JBL GTO629 Premium 6.5-Inch Co-Axial Speaker
- Kicker DS65 6.5″ Coax Speakers
- BOSS Audio CH6530 Car Speakers
- Kicker DS693 6″x9″ 3-Way Speakers
- Rockford R169X2 6 x 9 Inches Full Range Coaxial Speaker
- Alpine SPS-610 6.5-Inch 2-Way Type-S Series Coaxial Car Speakers
- Infinity PR6510CS Primus 6 1/2″ Component Speaker System
Polk Audio DB651s Slim-Mount 6.5-Inch Coaxial Speakers
Features
This Polk Audio Slim-Mount uses durable butyl rubber surround that can stand up to the stress of extreme temperatures and sunlight, as well as UV radiation that cars endure.
This speaker is equipped with a dynamic balance polymer/mica composite, mineral filled cone for a big sound that’s as bold as you. It uses a 3/4 inch liquid-cooled silk polymer composite dome tweeter. It has a maximum input power of 165 watts.
- Durable butyl rubber
- Built to handle extreme temperatures and UV radiation
- Equipped with a dynamic balance polymer/mica composite
- 165 watts of power
Pros
- Dynamic balance polymer/mica composite mineral filled cone
- 3/4 inch liquid cooled silk polymer composite dome tweeter
- Max power of 165 watts
- Can take the heat, sunlight, and other environmental stressors
Cons
- Money can get you a better sound. But overall, good value
Price $
Pyle 4” x 6” Three Way Sound Speaker System
Features
This three-way sound speaker system features an eye-catching blue poly injection cone for all the stiffness without the added weight. It uses a 1-inch ASV voice coil that can handle high temperature and high wattage situations.
It has low impedance with a Pyle 4-ohm component audio speaker that compensates for the undersized wire found in today’s cars.
This speaker makes the most out of every one of the 240 watts the car stereo can deliver. It uses a 20-ounce magnet structure and a 1-inch neodymium film dome midrange, along with a 3/4 inch piezo tweeter to power the sound. It uses non-fatiguing butyl rubber surround that keeps the speakers secure to give them a longer life and protect them from the shocks of driving along the road.
- Aesthetically pleasing
- 1-inch ASV capable of handling high temperatures
- 250 watts of power
Pros
- Extremely affordable
- Eye-catching blue polly injection cone
- Low impedance, Pyle 4 ohm component
- Makes the most out of each 240 watts
- 20-ounce magnet structure
- 1-inch neodymium film dome midrange
- 3/4 inch piezotweeter
- Non-fatiguing butyl rubber surround
Cons
- Value of other speakers on this list could be greater
Price: $
Infinity Kappa 60.11CS 6-3/4″ Component Speaker System
Features
This Infinity Kappa car speaker is one of the best car speakers available. It utilizes a pair of 6.5-inch car audio 2-way component systems. It has a peak of 270 watts each, which is 540 watts per pair of Infinity Kappa speakers. It has great frequency response and impedance of approximately 2 ohms.
- 540 watts of power
- 270-watt peak
- Frequency response: 45Hz – 35KHz
- Impendence of 2 ohms
Pros
- Pair of speakers
- 6.5 inch 2-way component system
- 270 watt capacity per speaker
- Frequency response of 180 watts per pair
- About 2 ohms impedance
Cons
- Slightly higher price than the others
Price: $$
JBL GTO629 Premium 6.5-Inch Co-Axial Speaker
Features
This JBL option is one of the best car speakers available on the market because it uses carbon-injected Plus One cones that are larger than others in their size class, so that they are able to move more air and give you a stronger bass.
It uses a patented UniPivot tweeter that allows you to aim the sound directly at your ears, even when the speakers are mounted down low, giving you a much more lifelike sound.
The dual-level tweeter volume adjustment can be set to suit your personal listening preference and musical taste. These speakers are low impedance and have a maximum of three ohms that compensate for the undersized wires found in many cars today.
- Great for handling more bass
- Design aims sound directly at ears
- Dual-level tweeter
- More volume control
Pros
- Carbon injected Plus One cones larger than other
- More air movement and stronger base
- Patented UniPivot tweeter that allows sound to be aimed
- Dual-level tweeter volume adjustment
- Low impedance, 3 ohms
Cons
- Holes aren’t predrilled
Price: $$
Kicker DS65 6.5″ Coax Speakers
Features
This pair of speakers is one of the best options because they are so affordable. Their 6 1/2 inch woofer and 1/2 inch tweeter give your sound the strength it needs.
It features a heavy-duty motor structure for improved performance and Extended Voice Control (EVC) woofer technology to give you an ultra-clean bass. It uses a protected rubber ribbed UV treated surround sound for precise linear excursion and optimum sound quality. The titanium dome tweeters with oversized voice coils make for an outstanding definition.
- Heavy duty
- Design delivers clean bass
- Durable materials
Pros
- 6.5-inch woofer
- 1/2 inch tweeter
- Heavy-duty motor structure for improved performance
- Extended Voice Control technology
- Protected rubber ribbed UV treated surround sound
- Titanium dome tweeters with oversized voice coils
Cons
- No cons worth noting
Price: $
BOSS Audio CH6530 Car Speakers
Features
This car speaker from Boss Audio is made from polyurethane and gives you a resilient and durable material that can give you great sound quality and long life.
It uses Boss voice coils that are able to withstand high temperatures while maintaining their strength and sound quality. The speaker also uses a rubber surround that has the ability to take a beating without showing any signs of damage.
- Built with durable materials
- Withstands the elements
Pros
- Rubber surround for protection
- Polyurethane makes it resilient and durable
- Voice coils that can withstand high temperatures
Cons
- No cons worth noting
Price: $
Kicker DS693 6″x9″ 3-Way Speakers
Features
This speaker utilizes a pair of 3-way coaxial car speakers that run on 70 watts of RMS power and 140 watts of peak power. It has a 4-ohm impedance and a sensitivity of 92 decibels. It comes with mounting hardware so you can easily attach them to your car.
- Easy mounting
- Speaker wire included
- 70 watts RMS, 140 watts peak
Pros
- Pair of speakers
- 3 way coaxial
- 70 watts of RMS power and 140 watts of peak power
- 4-ohm impedance and a 92-decibel sensitivity
- Comes with mounting hardware
Cons
- No cons worth noting
Price: $$
Rockford Fosgate R169X2 6 x 9 Inches Full Range Coaxial Speaker
Features
This Rockford Full Range Coaxial Speaker features a compact speaker size, uses a vacuum polypropylene cone to deliver a stronger sound than competitors.
It utilizes a rubber surround to protect the hardware of the speaker and to support a clear sound. It has a silk dome flush mounted tweeter and an integrated tweeter crossover. There are grilles and mounting hardware included.
- Grills and mounting hardware included
- Silk dome flush mounted tweeter
- Integrated tweeter crossover
Pros
- Coaxial speaker
- Vacuum polypropylene
- Rubber surround
Cons
- No cons worth noting
Price: $
Alpine SPS-610 6.5-Inch 2-Way Type-S Series Coaxial Car Speakers
Features
This is one of the best car speaker options available on the market because it uses carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic woofer cones that give you next-level sturdiness but are also agile enough to deal with the complexities of the midrange.
The silk dome tweeters give you a clear, clean sound and the high amplitude multi-roll rubber surround helps to reduce distortion. It can handle up to 80 watts RMS or 240 watts of peak power.
- 80 watts RMS and 240 watts peak power
- Silk dome tweeters
Pros
- Carbon fiber-reinforced plastic woofer cones
- Extra sturdiness with agility
- Silk dome tweeters deliver a clean, clear sound
- High amplitude multi-roll rubber surround that reduces distortion
Cons
- No cons worth noting
Price: $
Infinity PR6510CS Primus 6 1/2″ Component Speaker System
Features
This powerful Infinity Primus Component Speaker System will give you crisp and well-defined bass, vocals, and midrange that you’ve been seeking. It employs an edge-driven design in their soft dome tweeters that offer a smoother, more open response and minimal distortion, even at high volumes.
This component speaker system will make your music come to life. It uses a Primus polypropylene woofer that delivers solid and punchy bass due to its patented PlusOne+ technology. Infinity extends the cone right up to the edge of the basket, so you have more surface area and a better sound.
It uses infinity’s special true 4-ohm architecture that uses a low impedance voice coil to safely draw out low levels of power, so you’ll get a stronger and clearer sound.
- Speakers have undergone extensive testing
- More durable than most speakers
- Edge-driven tweeters
Pros
- Edge driven design in their soft dome tweeters
- Minimal distortion even at high volumes
- High sensitivity component speaker system
- Primus polypropylene woofer
- PlusOne+ technology that gives you the best bass
- 4-ohm architecture
- Low impedance voice coil
Cons
- No cons worth noting
Price: $
The Verdict
When it comes to making a big purchase, it is important to do a lot of research, and really consider all of the options available to you before making the long-term investment of buying car audio equipment. It’s no surprise that price is one of the primary determining factors for many of us.
Start Small if You Need To
Depending on our budget, we may not be able to justify replacing and upgrading each individual component of our existing car stereo systems. As much as anyone would love to be on those country roads with their windows down and blaring their favorite music with perfect sound, or shaking the whole city block and turning heads with the deafening bass from your brand new subwoofers, there is still a practical side when talking about what you are willing to spend for that luxury.
Hopefully, the information provided here has helped you narrow down your needs, and given you some ideas for the best options to go with for optimizing your own car stereo system.
Your Best Options on a Budget
If you’re looking to get quality speakers at a lower price, you should look into the following:
- Infinity PR6510CS Primus 6 1/2″ Component Speaker System
- Alpine SPS-610 6.5-Inch 2-Way Type-S Series Coaxial Car Speakers
- Rockford R169X2 6 x 9 Inches Full Range Coaxial Speaker
- BOSS Audio CH6530 Car Speakers
- Kicker DS65 6.5″ Coax Speakers
- Pyle 4” x 6” Three Way Sound Speaker System
- Polk Audio DB651s Slim-Mount 6.5-Inch Coaxial Speakers.
Best Middle-of-the-Road Options
No pun intended. If you are looking for a car speaker option that is a bit more middle of the road, you should look into the following options:
- Kicker DS693 6″x9″ 3-Way Speakers
- JBL GTO629 Premium 6.5-Inch Co-Axial Speaker
- Infinity Kappa 60.11CS 6-3/4″ component speaker system
Remember, the best way to give your car speakers a longer life and keep them working at their best, it’s important to use the equipment as instructed.
Other Great Speaker Brands and Models to Consider
Here are a couple of other great speakers and speakers series we didn’t get around to covering in this article:
