If you’re here, it’s clear that driving without great sound just isn’t an option for you. You want to feel the thumping bass, crisp highs, and balanced mids as you cruise down the road. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best car speakers that will take your in-car audio experience to the next level.
Whether you’re stuck in traffic or on a long road trip, great music can make all the difference. Upgrading your car’s speakers can turn your vehicle into a rolling concert, making every drive more enjoyable. Whether your old speakers are showing their age or you just want a richer sound, the right upgrade can breathe new life into your daily commute.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about car speakers, including how to choose the right ones for your vehicle and the top options available today. Get ready to transform your car into the ultimate sound machine with our top picks for the best car speakers!
Roundup of the Best Car Speakers
| Overall Best | Focal ICU-165 Integration Series |
| Best for Clarity | Kicker 46CSC654 CSC65 |
| Best for Bass | Morel Tempo Ultra 572 |
| Best for Sound Quality | Alpine S2-S65C – Next-Generation |
| Best for Value | PIONEER TS-A1301C |
| Best for Performance | Kenwood KFC-651 Concert Series Car Speakers |
10 Things to Consider When Looking for the Best Car Audio Speakers
Here’s a quick list of things to consider when looking for the right car speakers.
1. Car Speaker Types
The first and foremost thing to consider before buying a speaker system for your car is the type of speaker. You can choose between a coaxial speakers or a component speaker system.
Coaxial Speakers
These are the most basic speakers and the most common on the market. They are also known as coaxial speakers. The speakers have a tweeter and a woofer, with the former handling higher frequencies. Woofers deal with lower and mid-range bass frequencies.
Because these models are so simple in design, they require fewer modifications and are less expensive. As a result, you can get up to four-way coaxial speakers to control the flow of the soundwaves, which significantly improves the sound.
Component Speakers
Component speakers consist of separate parts that can be positioned throughout the vehicle, allowing for customized music flow based on their placement.
By correctly wiring the tweeters and woofers, you can ensure that they channel different frequencies to their strengths, resulting in optimal music quality due to the additional control.
However, component speakers may require vehicle modifications and take significantly longer to install compared to other types of speakers.
2. Material
Several factors contribute to a speaker’s quality, but one of the most important is the material used. Rubber-encased speakers are among the best available because the material is stiff, lightweight, long-lasting, and durable.
Rubber is also an excellent option due to its extreme flexibility and ability to withstand high temperatures. Other materials, such as foam and cloth, can produce a more refined sound, but they are usually less expensive and do not last nearly as long as rubber speakers.
When it comes to speakers, you get what you pay for. While some options may be more costly than others, the more expensive option often provides the best value in terms of durability and overall quality.
3. Installation
Installation of the speakers is generally behind the protective grill, and the size of the speaker you can get depends upon the amount of space you have to work with (unless you want to make modifications).
The more room there is, the higher the audio quality. The best speakers come with a manual that makes the installation process easier.
4. Range of Frequency
The frequency range determines the overall sound quality and how you hear it in your vehicle. For example, you can increase the effect of the sound by adjusting the frequency within the speakers.
To achieve an even frequency distribution, you’ll need crossovers between the woofer and tweeter to capture what would otherwise be wasted power.
5. Sensitivity of the Speaker
The speaker sensitivity rating refers to the volume loudness of the car speaker system and is an important indicator to look for.
For example, if the speaker has a higher decibel rating, it will produce a louder sound, measured in decibels (dB). If you’re looking for the best car speakers, you’ll want to look for ones with a sensitivity rating of at least 88 decibels, which will produce clear sound even at high volumes.
6. Power Rating
When selecting a speaker system, pay attention to the maximum wattage (which indicates how many watts the speakers can handle) and the power rating. This is the most shown-off attribute because they usually think of bass when someone thinks of speakers.
Your speakers don’t need to be able to handle a lot of power if you have a low-powered system.
A system with powerful external amps, on the other hand, will necessitate speakers with power handling close to the amps’ output. For medium-volume music listening in the car, 10-15 watts per channel is usually sufficient.
7. RMS Index
If you want your in-car music to be loud but clear, you should compare the speakers’ power handling capability and sensitivity rating. Watts (or W) displays this factor, and the most critical rating is RMS. This is the Root Mean Square power rating, and it represents the maximum continuous power that the speaker can handle.
8. Labels
Do not rely on the labels on the packaging of speakers of questionable origin – keep in mind that a single pair of speakers cannot reproduce qualitatively the entire frequency range of sound perceived by the human ear (from 20 Hz to 20 kHz). This necessitates at least a three-way system, which includes:
- High-frequency speakers (tweeters) capable of reproducing frequencies ranging from 4 to 20 kHz
- Speakers in the midrange (500 Hz to 5 kHz)
- The mid-bass (80 to 1kHz)
- Woofers (from 30 to 100 hertz) – subwoofers
9. Size
The size of the car speakers you select will significantly impact the sound quality of your vehicle. Not every car speaker will fit in your car. If you buy the wrong size speaker, you may have to modify the existing speaker ports to fit the new replacement speaker.
So, when you go shopping for your car speakers, make sure that your replacement car speakers can fit in your car. This is why understanding the various car speaker sizes available today is critical. You must check what size speakers are in my car to determine the right size and make an informed purchase.
10. Maneuverability
There are two types of maneuverability in a car speaker system. A speaker system with pivoting tweeters allows you to easily adjust the speakers to direct sound toward you or your passengers in various directions.
For example, if you need to place the speakers in a tight spot or a difficult-to-access area, pivoting tweeters can be a lifesaver. Component speaker systems are another effective solution to this problem.
Additionally, you might find it convenient to install a detachable tweeter in a modular system if you have more than one vehicle or if you want to easily remove your speakers when you buy a new car.
Top 6 Speakers for Car Audio
Here are the 6 best car speakers from top car audio brands that we’ve discovered. This detailed review will help you understand why these speakers stand out. Let’s dive in.
1. Focal ICU-165 Integration Series
Overall Best
What Impressed Us
- Superior materials and design
- Easy to install and use
- Adjustable tweeter
- Durable build
- Good bass response
What Disappointed Us
- Expensive
- May require an amplifier for optimum performance
We selected the Focal ICU-165 Integration Series as the overall best due to its superior sound quality and versatile performance. These speakers deliver exceptional clarity and detail, making every drive an enjoyable audio experience.
The Focal ICU-165 Integration Series stands out due to its impressive power handling and audio performance specifications. With a peak power rating of 140 watts and an RMS power rating of 70 watts, these speakers are capable of delivering robust and consistent sound output.
The frequency response range of 60 Hz to 21 kHz ensures comprehensive coverage of lows, mids, and highs, providing a balanced and dynamic audio experience. This combination of power and frequency response makes the Focal ICU-165 the best on the market for high-quality car audio.
The ICU-165 excels with its high-quality materials and advanced design, providing clear and dynamic sound across all frequencies. The integration design ensures easy installation in most vehicles, making it a versatile choice for car audio enthusiasts.
In addition to its impressive sound quality, the ICU-165 features durable construction that ensures long-term reliability. The speakers’ sleek design complements any car interior, enhancing both audio and aesthetic appeal.
In conclusion, the Focal ICU-165 Integration Series is the best choice for those seeking high-quality car speakers. Its exceptional sound, durability, and easy installation make it a top pick for any car audio system.
View on Amazon: Focal ICU-165 Integration Series
2. Kicker 46CSC654 CSC65
Best for Clarity
What Impressed Us
- Clear and detailed sound with good bass response
- Durable construction with moisture-resistant materials
- Easy to install with included accessories
- Good value for the price
- Wide range of models to fit different vehicle configurations
What Disappointed Us
- May not provide the same level of bass as larger speakers or subwoofers
- Some users have reported issues with the tweeters being too bright
We selected the Kicker 46CSC654 CSC65 Car Speakers as the best for clarity due to their excellent sound performance and clear audio reproduction. These speakers are designed to provide high-quality sound with a focus on clarity, making them ideal for music enthusiasts.
The Kicker 46CSC654 CSC65 excels in delivering crisp and clear highs, thanks to its balanced dome tweeters. The polypropylene woofer cones provide a solid midrange and bass response, ensuring a well-rounded sound. The high sensitivity rating allows for great performance even with low-powered factory radios.
In addition to their impressive sound clarity, these speakers feature a durable construction with a UV-treated poly-foam surround that resists heat and humidity. The slim profile design ensures easy installation in most car models without requiring modifications.
The Kicker 46CSC654 CSC65 speakers offer a peak power rating of 300 watts and an RMS power rating of 100 watts, ensuring robust and consistent sound output.
With a frequency response range of 40 Hz to 20 kHz, these speakers cover a broad spectrum of audio frequencies, delivering a balanced and dynamic listening experience.
In summary, the Kicker 46CSC654 CSC65 Car Speakers are the best choice for those seeking clarity in their car audio system. Their crisp highs, balanced sound, and durable build make them an excellent addition to any vehicle.
View on Amazon: Kicker 46CSC654 CSC65
3. Morel Tempo Ultra 572
Best for Bass
What Impressed Us
- Detailed and balanced sound reproduction
- Crisp and clear high frequencies
- Smooth mid-bass response
- Solid build quality
- Compatible with a variety of amplifiers
What Disappointed Us
- May not produce deep bass without a subwoofer
- Requires proper sound deadening and tuning for optimal performance
The Morel Tempo Ultra 572 is our top pick for bass due to its powerful low-frequency response and high-quality components. These speakers are designed to deliver deep and punchy bass, making them perfect for bass enthusiasts.
The Tempo Ultra 572 excels in providing powerful bass with its large 5×7-inch woofer and high-grade voice coil. The speakers are built with a paper composite cone and a soft dome tweeter, ensuring a smooth and detailed sound across all frequencies. The high power handling capability allows for enhanced bass performance without distortion.
In addition to their impressive bass response, these speakers feature a durable design with a rugged construction that can withstand high power levels and extended use. The easy installation process makes them a great upgrade for any car audio system.
The Morel Tempo Ultra 572 speakers offer a peak power rating of 220 watts and an RMS power rating of 110 watts, ensuring powerful and consistent sound output.
With a frequency response range of 55 Hz to 22 kHz, these speakers cover a broad spectrum of audio frequencies, delivering a balanced and dynamic listening experience.
In summary, the Morel Tempo Ultra 572 speakers are the best choice for those seeking powerful bass. Their deep bass response, high-quality components, and durable build make them an excellent option for bass lovers.
View on Amazon: Morel Tempo Ultra 572
4. Alpine S2-S65C – Next-Generation
Best for Sound Quality
What Impressed Us
- Excellent sound quality with clear highs and strong bass
- Durable construction with carbon fiber reinforced plastic cones
- Wide range of models to fit different vehicle types and audio preferences
- Affordable pricing compared to other high-performance car speakers
What Disappointed Us
- May require additional amplification for optimal performance
The Alpine S2-S65C – Next-Generation speakers stand out as the best for sound quality due to their exceptional audio performance and advanced features. These speakers are designed to deliver high-fidelity sound with precision and clarity.
The S2-S65C excels in providing superior sound quality with its high-performance woofers and silk dome tweeters. The speakers are engineered with a multi-layer hybrid fiber cone that enhances sound clarity and reduces distortion. The wide frequency response ensures detailed audio reproduction across all ranges.
In addition to their exceptional sound quality, these speakers feature a robust design with a neodymium magnet structure and a high-temperature voice coil. The easy-to-install design makes them a great upgrade for any car audio system.
The Alpine S2-S65C speakers offer a peak power rating of 240 watts and an RMS power rating of 80 watts, ensuring powerful and consistent sound output.
With a frequency response range of 70 Hz to 22 kHz, these speakers cover a wide range of audio frequencies, providing a well-rounded and immersive listening experience.
In conclusion, the Alpine S2-S65C – Next-Generation speakers are the best choice for those seeking high-fidelity sound. Their superior audio performance, advanced features, and durable build make them an excellent investment for any car audio enthusiast.
View on Amazon: Alpine S2-S65C – Next-Generation
5. PIONEER TS-A1301C
Best for Value
What Impressed Us
- Excellent sound quality with clear highs and deep lows
- High power handling for dynamic sound
- Wide frequency response range for immersive sound reproduction
- Easy installation with multi-fit adapters and tweeter mounts
- Competitive pricing
What Disappointed Us
- May require additional adapters for certain vehicle models
The PIONEER TS-A1301C is our top pick for value due to its excellent performance at an affordable price. These speakers offer great sound quality and durability without breaking the bank, making them a perfect choice for budget-conscious buyers.
The TS-A1301C excels in delivering balanced and clear audio with its mica-reinforced cellular aramid fiber cone and soft dome tweeter. The speakers provide a wide frequency response, ensuring detailed sound reproduction. The high sensitivity rating allows for efficient performance even with lower-powered car stereos.
In addition to their impressive sound quality, these speakers feature a durable design with a heat-resistant voice coil and a sturdy frame. The easy installation process makes them a convenient upgrade for any car audio system.
The Pioneer TS-A1301C speakers offer a peak power rating of 300 watts and an RMS power rating of 50 watts, ensuring powerful and consistent sound output.
With a frequency response range of 34 Hz to 49 kHz, these speakers cover a wide range of audio frequencies, providing a well-rounded and immersive listening experience.
In summary, the PIONEER TS-A1301C speakers are the best choice for value. Their excellent performance, affordability, and durable build make them an ideal option for those seeking quality sound on a budget.
View on Amazon: PIONEER TS-A1301C
6. Kenwood KFC-651 Concert Series Car Speakers
Best for Performance
What Impressed Us
- Excellent sound quality with clear highs and deep lows
- Easy to install with a heavy-duty magnet design
- Affordable price point
- High-quality materials, including polypropylene woofer cones and balanced dome tweeters
- Handles up to 320W peak power
What Disappointed Us
- May not be suitable for those seeking an advanced audio system sound
The Kenwood KFC-651 Concert Series Car Speakers stand out as the best for performance due to their high-quality sound and robust build. These speakers are designed to deliver exceptional audio performance, making them perfect for audiophiles.
The KFC-651 excels in providing clear and powerful sound with its polypropylene cone and balanced dome tweeter. The speakers offer a wide frequency response, ensuring detailed sound reproduction across all ranges. The high power handling capability allows for enhanced performance without distortion.
In addition to their impressive sound quality, these speakers feature a durable design with a steel frame and a rubber surround, ensuring longevity and reliability. The easy installation process makes them a great upgrade for any car audio system.
The Kenwood KFC-651 speakers offer a peak power rating of 320 watts and an RMS (Root Mean Square) power rating of 100 watts, ensuring powerful and consistent sound output.
With a frequency response range of 75 Hz to 24 kHz, these speakers cover a broad spectrum of audio frequencies, delivering a balanced and dynamic listening experience.
In conclusion, the Kenwood KFC-651 Concert Series Car Speakers are the best choice for performance. Their high-quality sound, robust build, and reliable performance make them an excellent option for audiophiles seeking top-notch audio in their vehicle.
View on Amazon: Kenwood KFC-651 Concert Series Car Speakers
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Speakers
The suitable wattage or output of the car speakers varies from car to car. For example, if you have a hatchback or small car, speakers with a top RMS rating of at least 50 watts RMS to the amp are sufficient. On the other hand, if you enjoy driving a big pickup or an SUV, then look for at least a 75 watts RMS per channel setup. In either case, a difference of 5 or 10 watts will not be noticeable. Matching speakers must have a top RMS rating of 75 watts RMS or higher.
If you want to go even higher, look for an amp with 100 watts RMS or more per channel. However, we would not recommend doing so because prolonged exposure to such high-intensity audio can harm your ears.
Installing speakers in your car is not a Herculean task. But still, a person with average intelligence can install the speakers on his own. Let’s walk you through the process of installing speakers:
– First and foremost, you should unplug the power supply battery.
– Then, disassemble the doors you want to install the speakers.
– Remove the default speakers.
It also necessitates the removal of the dash or back shelf interior boards to access the speaker mounting location.
If you are comfortable repairing the speakers yourself, you may go for it; however, fixing them is not a good idea since it is an expensive job, and you can get a new one with the money you are spending on the repair.
And one more thing, after repair, the speaker’s sound quality diminishes. Therefore, never go for restoration; it is best to replace them with a new one.
As a general rule, all car speakers run on alternating current (AC) because the alternating signal from the amplifier powers them. A change in polarity of the current produces the sound.
Speakers can attract dust, dirt, and debris. If you do not clean them, the dust or debris will eventually affect the speaker’s performance. The installation of car speakers is in places prone to dust. So, to extend their lives and ensure that they perform well at all times, you need to clean them by following the steps:
– Brush the speakers’ grills
– Remove the grills
– Brush the speakers’ cones
– Use a vacuum cleaner with low pressure
– Clean the grills using a mild soap and damp cloth
– Screw the grills and the speakers back in place
Final Words
After analyzing the reviews, we highly recommend the Focal ICU-165 Integration Series and the Morel Tempo Ultra 572.
The Focal ICU-165 Integration Series stands out for its exceptional sound quality and advanced features. It delivers high-fidelity sound with precision and clarity, making it perfect for audiophiles who want superior audio performance in their car.
The Morel Tempo Ultra 572 is the best choice for bass enthusiasts. Its powerful low-frequency response and high-quality components provide deep and punchy bass, ensuring an immersive listening experience.
Both of these speakers offer outstanding performance and durability, ensuring you get the best audio experience in your vehicle.
