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Few things are better than turning up your car stereo and listening to your favorite songs as you drive. Sound is an important part of the driving experience, whether you’re listening to audiobooks and podcasts on your daily commute or cruising to your music playlists for fun. But the key to enjoyable, great sound from your car’s audio system is a good set of speakers. Your car speakers determine how good everything sounds and you can completely customize your speakers if you want better quality or unique sound features. You can easily swap out your factory speakers with ease and achieve the sound you’ve always wanted. Plus, it doesn’t have to cost you a lot. If you’re looking to customize your car with quality car speakers, check out our top options right here.
The Best Car Speaker
1
JBL GTO609C Premium 6.5-Inch Car Speaker
Looking for a great sounding speaker that will amp up your driving experience? The GTO are the ones to get. JBL is already popularly known for its phenomenal and top-class speakers. It is also a clearly affordable choice considering its high-quality and durability. The JBL GTO609C Premium 6.5-inch Component Speaker System delivers clear yet powerful sound which gives users the option of either connecting to a system powered by a head unit or an amplifier.
It features soft-dome tweeters that exquisitely supply high-frequency sound. Dome-tweeters have become the most reliable tweeters thanks to their compact size and low level distortions. The JBL has a 270W capacity via the oversized voice coils that produces soft and effortless highs. It comes designed with a carbon-infused plus one cone that enables greater air circulation thereby producing more bass. The tweeters also come with a volume adjustment option that definitely makes up for imperfectly placed speakers. This provides users with the luxury of personalizing the sound to their listening preferences.
Large carbon-infused plus one cones
Soft-dome tweeters for higher frequency sound
Original I-mount system
Dual-level tweeter volume adjustment
- BrandJBL
- Model GTO609C
- Weight 6.17 pounds
2
Rockford Fosgate R1675X2 Car Speaker
When looking to replace factory speakers with an affordable set of new ones, Rockford Fosgate R1675X2 is a great choice. The thing about replacing factory stereo systems is probably changing them out one by one which makes the cost much easier on your budget. The first and most significant pieces to swap out are the speakers and once done, there will be an extremely big difference in the sound quality after the speakers have been replaced.
The Prime Coaxial Speakers are remarkable replacements for factory speakers. They are full-range speakers with the capacity to produce almost all the audio frequencies without the need for subwoofers and the likes. They have polypropylene cones and silk dome tweeters for clear and pure sound quality. The polypropylene cones produce smoother high-frequency transmissions and have lower distortions.
Vacuum polypropylene cones
Silk dome tweeters for better frequency
Grilles and mounting hardware included
Rubber surround
- BrandRockford Fosgate
- Model R1675X2
- Weight 4.3 pounds
3
KICKER 43CSC654 CSC65 6.5 Car Speaker
This is yet another budget-friendly option that still delivers good sound. The KICKER 43CSC654 Car Audio Coaxial Speakers has a two-way design. They deliver top-notch performance and a clean, strong bass. Packing a peaked power of 300 Watts per speaker and a 4-Ohm that works best with 100 Watts of suggested power. It uses a strong motor and magnet construction with an Extended Voice Coil technology that is rarely found in other speakers. These speakers also utilize polypropylene woofer cones that are tough, textured, and UV-treated ensuring an accurate linear excursion and consistency.
Unlike other new-age speakers, the CSC65 uses foam woofer surrounds the product instead of rubber. Although rubber surrounds are usually more durable than their foam counterparts, this is not necessarily a let-down since surrounds can be replaced in cases of severe damage. What the Kicker lacks in a quality and durable surround they make up for in their premium materials. It has a frequency range of 40Hz-20kHz and mounting holes measuring 123mm; which proves to be quite compatible with most mounting stations. The non-protrusion PEI tweeters work hand in hand with the heavy-duty polypropylene woofers to provide a clear “boom” sound. It is best to use the C-Series speakers with 100 watts of power.
Effective frequency range
Peak power of 300 Watts per speaker
PEI Tweeter Dome
Polypropylene woofer cone
- BrandKICKER
- Model(2) 43CSC654
- Weight 8.8 pounds
5
JVC CS-J620 300W 6.5 Car Speakers
The JVC CS-J620 300W 2-Way Coaxial Car Speakers are great upgrade options from the factory speakers. They produce premium sound with low distortion. Each speaker has a peak power of 300 Watts and RMS of 60 Watts. The woofer cones are made with a durable elastic mica material with a ferrite metal design. This enables the speakers to supply smooth mid-range and low-end frequencies. The tweeters, on the other hand, are made of poly-Ether Imide and Neodymium magnets. These materials work together to ensure the JVC CS series have a functional and high performing lifespan while supplying sound reaching about 92-decibel sensitivity from the range of 30HZ-21,000 HZ frequencies.
These woofers feature a hybrid cloth and rubber surround. With a small impedance feature, it is very compatible with most types of amplifiers. Unlike OEM speakers, the amplifiers can actually work well in terms of enhancing the speaker’s audio sound and achieving adequate heat resistance. The voice coils are also made from high-quality aluminum. One of the best things about these speakers is how easy the installation is. These are definitely great for D-I-Y enthusiasts that may not fancy driving down to an auto-shop to have these installed. Luckily, the speakers also have pre-arranged hole patterns to simplify mounting. In case the installation is more complicated, the necessary hardware for a complete installation is readily provided.
Peak power of 300 watts each
90-decibel sensitivity
Aluminium voice coils for heat resistance
Poly-ether Imide tweeters
- BrandJVC
- Model CS-J620
- Weight 2.2 pounds
6
Rockford Fosgate R169X3 Full-Range Coaxial Car Speaker
This is another Rockford product that is making waves in the market. Rockford Fosgate’s audio products are known for their good quality and phenomenal performance. They come highly verified by Klippel, which is a high-end program that urges various audio hardware companies to produce auto speakers with quality sound. We have talked about how factory speakers may not live up to expectations in terms of sound quality and durability but the Rockford Company works hard to produce speakers that will efficiently take over and rule your stereo system. The Rockford Fosgate R169X3 Prime Full-Range Coaxial Speaker boasts of quality materials. Not only do they perform excellently, but equally look great thanks to the inclusion of the grilles.
The vacuum polypropylene cones provide adequate stiffness and flexibility when hitting those extra highs and lows. This results in extra smooth and clear treble frequencies and low bass frequencies to suit your preferred music tones. It also features a rubber surround that reduces internal loss which results in low distortion. The sounds are well delivered with accuracy and great sound clarity. The silk dome features a pole mounted piezo tweeter with an incorporated tweeter crossover.
Vacuum polypropylene cone
Rubber surrounds
Silk dome pole mounted piezo tweeter with midrange
Conform with CEA-2031 industry standards
- BrandRockford Fosgate
- ModelR169X3
- Weight 6 pounds
7
Rockford Fosgate P1650 2-Way Full Range Car Speakers
If you’re looking to replace all of the speakers in your car and want a premium, high-quality product, it’s hard to beat the Rockford Fosgate P1650 2-Way speakers. You get two pairs of 6.5-inch speakers that’ll take your audio system to new heights. Featuring cones that are made with injection molding and mineral-filled polypropylene, these speakers deliver high-quality sound. They feature a power handling maximum of 110 watts and RMS of 55 watts.
You’ll feel the difference in these premium car speakers as soon as you hold them in your hands. With solid construction and a quality feel, these speakers deliver great mid and high-frequency sounds. The low frequency can be a bit weak, so you’ll need to adjust your sound settings. They’re easy to install and include many hole choices as well as pre-drilled foam, making customization a breeze.
Maximum output power of 110 watts
Made out of injection-molded mineral-filled polypropylene
Each speaker measures 6.5 inches
Delivers crisp, clean sound
- BrandRockford Fosgate
- Model6096
- Weight 5 pounds
8
Kicker DSC650 DS Series 6.5 Car Speaker
This Kicker series is unquestionably one of the most famous of the Kicker products. Kicker is known for manufacturing some of the most phenomenal speakers and subwoofers in the market. However, and perhaps most importantly, their extra high-power management and strong bass resonance really make these speakers stand out.
The Kicker DSC650 Coaxial Speakers definitely live up to the high expectations. With a 240Watt peak power that produces quite loud sounds compared to some other speakers with higher RMS. The high note of these speakers is their great bass response. For users that enjoy that low yet loud, deep, and clear sounding bass booming through their speakers, this is definitely the top choice. The DS65 is quite easy to install thanks to its low profile design; it suitably fits practically all mounting stations. For DIY enthusiasts, the Kicker speakers are relatively simpler to figure out.
2-way coaxial speakers
Polyethylene-Naphthalate dome tweeters
Polypropylene woofer cones with rubber surrounds
Great bass response
- BrandKicker
- Model43DSC6504
- Weight 4.6 pounds
9
Pyle 6.5” Three Way Sound System Car Speakers
The Pyle Company is known for its superb production of high-quality and technologically advanced woofers and drivers. With their ingenious designs and innovative engineering, they are a brand to beat. The Pyle 6.5” Speaker System transforms automobiles into the dream “in-car theater” It will have you listening to good quality music from the comfort of your car. And when you’re parked, it’s easy to drown out the rest of the world and get submerged listening to your favorite playlist.
The 6.5-inch Pyle speakers definitely create that cozy environment where users can enjoy a wide range of quality sounds, frequencies, and beats. This fairly priced speaker is a top choice for those on a tight budget. The signature blue label series is not only a great high-performance option but also a very beautifully designed one too. The speaker features a peak power of 360 Watt for each pair with 4ohm that compensates for inadequate car wires. It comes with grills, wires, and the necessary mounting hardware.
Triaxial speaker units
4 ohm low impedance
Butyl rubber surrounds
1” neodymium film dome midrange
- BrandPyle
- ModelPL63BL
- Weight 1.32 pounds
10
Alpine SPS-610C 6-1/2 Car Speaker
The Alpine SPS-610C 6-1/2 “Component 2-Way Type-S Speaker System is part of the Alpines quality S series. Another pocket-friendly option with premium quality speakers that would suit your car. This coaxial speaker is a great choice in replacing factory speakers in your car. This system comes with a peak power capacity of 240W, making it suitable for many types of vehicles.
With 1” inch silk dome tweeters that are multi-dimensional thanks to the included swivels, you can fine-tune the sound in the car. There is really no better option when it comes to woofer material. Manufacturers choose materials that they feel would best complement other component materials. Most importantly, the woofer material should be able to bring out excellent, clear, and crisp sounds. Polypropylene is a popular woofer material because it is easy to incorporate due to their rigidity and adequate dampness.
2-way speaker systems
1” Omni- directional silk dome tweeter swivels
Ultra-rigid voice coil for temperature and power handling
Peak power of 240 Watts
- BrandAlpine
- Model SPS-610C
- Weight 3 pounds
11
JBL GT7-6 6.5 Car Speaker
Another one of the best sounding auto speakers is the JBL GT7-6 6.5” 2-Way GT7-Series Coaxial Car Audio Speakers. These component speakers are also super affordable, making them a great option for replacing your speaker system piece by piece.
The GT7-6. 6.5-inch speakers are more liable to suit a wide range of cars, meaning that you will get superior sound even with minimal power output from your vehicle. The polypropylene cones feature reinforced foam surrounds to prevent cracks, resulting in both better durability and sound. With a peak power of 270 Watts per pair and an RMS of 90 Watts, these speakers certainly have efficient power handling. The woofers have a polypropylene plus one cone and a PEI balanced dome tweeter.
6.5 inch 2-way car speakers
Foam surrounds
Peak power of 270 Watts and RMS of 90 Watts per pair.
PEI balanced dome tweeter
- BrandJBL
- Model GT7-6
- Weight 3.94 pounds
12
Kenwood KFC-6965S 400W Car Speakers
The Kenwood Company has been in business since 1947. When considering the years they have spent in developing their products, they become the safest and more reliable choice. The Kenwood firm has channeled its technical know-how into developing top class audio systems. The Kenwood KFC-6965S 6×9 Inches 3-way 400W Speakers have to be one of the best 6×9 type speakers available in the market. The Kenwood 6×9 car door speakers provide extra crossover networks. These networks effectively enable different audio parts to receive certain frequencies and produce several sounds. Each speaker has a peak power of 400W and an RMS of 45 Watts for better sounding treble and bass. The frequency ranges from 30-25,000 Hz with 92 dB sensitivity to ensure all music will be produced at the optimal level.
For an enhanced listening experience, they come with a 2-inch polyetherimide cone tweeter, a 1/2-inch ceramic super tweeter. The cone has a fabric surround to helpfully lower distortion. To replace your existing 6×9” factory speakers you have to ensure the KFC 3-way speakers fit on correctly. Speakers that are not well installed will end up worsening your sound system.
2-inch polyetherimide cone tweeter
½” ceramic super tweeter
400W peak power
60-day money back warranty
- BrandKenwood
- Model KFC-6965S
- Weight 4.67 pounds
13
Pioneer TS-G1620F G-Series Full Range Car Speakers
If you’re looking for some seriously powerful sound from your car’s audio system, consider customizing your vehicle with Pioneer TS-G1620F G-Series. These three-way speakers take sound to new heights and measure 6.5 inches each. They deliver a maximum power of 300 watts and 50 watts RMS. They can handle a peak power of up to 600 watts for each pair. Each individual speaker is made with an injection-molded polypropylene cone and rubber-coated cloth. The speakers include balanced dome tweeters measuring 1-3/16 inch.
When it comes to sound, the Pioneer TS-G1620F speakers are hard to beat, particularly due to their power capability. They’re built with Pioneer’s unique Progressive Flex Suspension System, which supports voice coils and dampens vibrations in the large cone. This creates clear, smooth sound while preventing interruptions or flaws caused by movement and vibration. They’re a great addition to any car sound system.
Frequency response of 31 to 18,000 Hz
Maximum power of 300 watts with peak power of 600 watts per pair
Three-way speakers designed with molded, multi-layer cones
6.5 inches with 1.75 inch mounting depth
- BrandPioneer
- ModelTS-G1620F + ALPHA
- Weight 2.92 pounds
14
BOSS Audio CH6520 2-Way Full Range Car Speakers
The Boss Audio CH6520 2-Way Full Range Car Speakers are great looking — and quite beastly — sound speakers. Popularly nicknamed Chaos Exxtreme due to clear, crisp, and loud boom sound, these speakers won’t be causing any damage to your windows. However, the clear and powerful sound will definitely shut out any intruding outside noises. You will absolutely be able to enjoy a selection of good music comfortably in your car with its sturdy and durable construction.
The red metallic polymer-infused woofer features a rubber surround to protect your speakers against external elements while enhancing quality sound. It also features a 1-inch tweeter and a 2-inch polyamide cone which works as a mid-range speaker. The peak power has a 250 Watt capacity with a 125 Watt RMS. With a sensitivity of 90dB, it is relatively louder than most 6.5 speakers that have higher sensitivity.
Full range 250 watt peak power
Voice coils for temperature control
Red metallic polymer-injected woofers
Rubber surrounds
- BrandBOSS Audio Systems
- Model CH6520
- Weight 2.8 pounds
15
Infinity Coaxial Car Speaker
Even though it’s last on our list, this next product is one of the best sounding car speakers. Infinity has a great reputation for manufacturing premium quality speakers. The Primus series is no different; it definitely lives up to the hype. This 3-way speaker features a 6×9-inch woofer, 1-inch tweeter, and a 5/9-inch super tweeter. With the handling capacity of 300W maximum power, the Primus series has one of the highest power handling capacities.
Like other high-end models, the JBL Infinity 6×9-inch 360W 3-way features a plus one technology. This enables extra allowance for a larger woofer without tampering with the frame size. With a polypropylene woofer cone and strong rubber surrounds, be rest assured that these speakers will last long. They offer 3-ohm impedance that takes on more power and facilitates wide range compatibility.
360 Watts per pair power handling
Plus one Polypropylene with rubber surrounds
3-ohm impedance for extra power
Frequency Response: 53-21,000 Hz with 93dB sensitivity
- BrandInfinity
- ModelPR9603IS
- Weight 5 pounds
Best Car Speakers Buying Guide & FAQ
If you want to update the stock speakers that your auto comes with, then it’s a good idea to spend some time doing a little bit of research. It can be difficult to compare different audio speakers for your vehicle. Every driver is looking for something different from their speakers, but there are certain qualities that set some speakers apart from the rest. From power to sound quality to size, a lot of different features can impact the capabilities and performance of your audio speakers. If you’re looking for the best car speakers available, take a look at our buying guide to make an informed choice.
Best Car Speakers for Bass and Sound Quality
If you’re looking for better sound overall, then these will give you the best bang for your buck. They connect to your car stereo easily, provide better sound without additional hookups (like bigger amps or subwoofers), and offer a wide range of sound.
- JBL GTO609C Premium 6.5-Inch
- Rockford Fosgate R169X3 Full-Range Coaxial
- Kicker DSC650 DS Series 6.5
- Pyle 6.5'' Three Way Sound System
- JBL GT7-6 6.5
- Kenwood KFC-6965S 400W
- BOSS Audio CH6520 2-Way Full Range
Best Car Speakers for Bass (Without Subwoofer)
A subwoofer picks up super low-frequency sounds that your car audio would otherwise miss, but can be expensive to install. Unlike component speakers, which require you to install each component of the speaker individually, these speakers include woofers right within their systems, giving you the quality bass response you’re looking for.
- KICKER 43CSC654 CSC65 6.5
- Rockford Fosgate R1675X2
- Alpine SPS-610C 6-1/2
- Pioneer TS-M650PRO Mid-Range
- JVC CS-J620 300W 6.5
- Kicker DSC650 DS Series 6.5
- Pyle 6.5'' Three Way Sound System
- Infinity Coaxial
Best Car Speaker Brands
These tried-and-true car audio brands offer some of the best sound on the market. No matter which brand you go with, these brands are guaranteed to build quality speakers for your car.
- JBL Speakers
- Bose Auto Speakers
- Rockford Fosgate
- KICKER
- Pioneer
- JVC
- Infinity
- Pyle
- Alpine
- Kenwood
- BOSS
Features to Consider When Buying Speakers for Cars
One of the best ways to determine which car speakers suit your preferences and needs is to take a close look at certain features. Each feature can directly affect the quality of sound, so it’s important to consider the following when you’re comparing different speakers and different brands.
Power Handling
Power handling refers to the number of watts that can pump through the speakers. To enjoy good sound, the speakers must be capable of handling the power (measured in watts) the head unit or amplifier transmits. The amount of power a speaker can handle is very important, especially if you will be using the existing head units when replacing the factory speakers.
In cases where the power transmitted from the head units is not compatible with what the speakers can receive, it will result in distortion. Eventually, this may blow out the speakers. To be safe, ensure you know the head unit's capacity before purchasing new speakers.
Build Quality
It is equally important to check the quality of the individual speaker components. This determines the overall speakers’ performance and durability. When your car is parked, especially during the summer, the heat level in the car intensifies. During the winter the car could also get extremely cold. These extreme temperatures could ultimately affect the speakers.
To prevent damaged speakers, it is best to look out for good quality speaker features. The first feature to look out for is the surrounding material, rubber surrounds are more durable. For the woofer cone materials, a stiff and lightweight material provides more durability and the best sound quality. Paper, polypropylene, and metal will all do a great job as long as they have the aforementioned properties. For the tweeters, a hard material like graphite or a soft one like silk is both durable.
Sensitivity
Speaker sensitivity refers to the amount of power the speaker should receive to produce sound at a certain volume. High sensitivity speakers do not require much power, especially if you are just replacing some components of the stereo system. So high sensitivity speakers require little wattage to produce high decibels of sound, whereas low sensitivity speakers require slightly more wattage to produce the same decibels. High sensitivity is especially useful for woofers and subwoofers, where you get more bang for your buck when it comes to sound output. If you're replacing all the components at once, however, low sensitivity speakers will work just fine.
Speaker Size
Before purchasing new speakers, it is best to measure out the factory speakers to determine the exact size. Only speakers that are compatible with the power output on your current system will deliver superior sound quality. Otherwise, you may need to purchase an amplifier that connects your car stereo with your new speaker system.
Types of Speakers
If you’re a serious audio enthusiast, you know that there are different types of speakers. The specific kind of speakers you choose for your car to determine your sound and they can shape the quality of sound details like bass, clarity, and different frequencies. Consider and compare the following different types of auto speakers to figure out which kind is the right pick for you.
Subwoofers
Subwoofers serve as the speakers that take care of the lower range sounds, such as bass. They range from 10-15 inches in size. A subwoofer adds great depth to the music you listen to. Especially if you love rock or hip hop, the bass sounds come out clear and very enhanced.
Woofers
Woofers are more averagely sized measuring 3.5-7.5 in size. Practically all car audio systems have them as they handle the mid-range frequencies. Larger woofers are better at handling lower frequencies while smaller ones handle frequencies close to the high-end range better. In some cars, both a large and a small woofer are present.
Tweeters
Tweeters are the smallest units measuring about 1.5 inches. They handle the high frequencies in your music. They are mounted in the middle of the woofer and take care of the treble sounds.
Different Types of Speaker Systems
Component Speaker Systems
Component speakers are designed to provide an optimal listening experience. Each part of the speaker is made separate. The woofers are installed separately from the tweeters to enhance the individual frequencies they provide. Crossovers are needed to direct the proper audio frequencies to their respective speakers. Component speakers usually use the best quality components and offer more customization options. These speakers involve professional installation as they are more complicated to set up.
Full Range Speakers
These are also known as coaxial speakers. All components are incorporated into the speaker. They have a woofer that handles lower frequencies and tweeters that handle higher frequencies. For a simpler installation process, full-range speakers are the best to get and most will have additional customization options and drivers to handle mid-range frequencies. Customizations, such as swiveling tweeters that can be turned in different directions, and can significantly improve sound quality.
Best Car Speakers FAQ
Q: How do I install car speakers?
A: If you love to do technical things like this yourself, it should be quite easy to install a full range speaker. Component speakers are best installed by a professional.
Q: How much power do I need for my new speakers?
A: Power levels from 4-50 watts should do just fine.
Q: Do speakers with a higher efficiency rating sound better?
A: Higher sensitivity speakers produce louder sounds. With higher power capacities the speaker will definitely sound better and louder
Q: How many speakers can I connect to a 2 channel amp?
A: You can connect two-to-four speakers to a power output system. This requires an ohm load ranging from 4 and 16, the speakers should also be arranged in parallel. The attached speakers should also be 8 ohms to support this.
Q: What size car speakers are there?
A: There are a few different sizes for car door speakers. The most common sizes are 3.5-inch car speakers and 6.5-inch car speakers. You will also find 5x7 speakers and 6x9 speakers options available. You can also opt for 6 and ¾ inch speakers or 6x8 speakers if you want a truly surround sound experience.
Q: What is the difference between a 2-way speaker and a 3-way speaker?
A: The difference between a 2-way and 3-way speaker comes down to what is included in the system. A 2-way speaker consists of a tweeter and woofer, which will cover the most basic sound ranges that your car stereo can produce. A 3-way speaker will have the tweeter and woofer, as well as a mid-range, which picks up even more sounds. The 3-way speaker will give you greater depth in the sound produced.
Our Top Pick
Our top pick for quality car speakers is the JBL GTO609C Premium 6.5-Inch Car Speaker. This product’s name implies the kind of quality you’ll get if you choose to upgrade or update your car’s speaker setup. It delivers excellent audio that’s clear and powerful, and it includes separate tweeters and woofers that can enhance both sound and bass. You get crisp, clear results that please your ears. This car speaker also wins points for giving you options — you can connect it to an audio system that’s powered by a head unit or one that’s powered by an amplifier. No matter what works for you, this JBL car speaker delivers an exquisite sound that’s quality by just about anyone’s standards.
Sources:
- How to Install Car Speakers - wikiHow
- Car Audio Speakers - Car Audio Help