Imagine driving down an empty highway alone, with your favorite music track playing and acting as your only company. However, instead of enjoying the smooth ride and audio experience, you are constantly fixing the bass, adjusting the volume, and whatnot.
Sounds annoying, right? Conventional car speakers typically lack the capability to deliver booming and rich bass for an immersive experience. Nevertheless, you can elevate your car audio experience by replacing these conventional speakers with the best car speakers for bass.
Don’t worry; we are here to help. In this detailed guide, we will discuss car speakers for bass. We will talk about things to consider when buying car speakers for bass and list (and review) the top-rated car speakers with bass on the market. We will also answer some frequently asked questions about car speakers for bass. Read further to know more.
Roundup of the Best Car Speakers for Bass
| Overall Best Car Speakers for Bass | JBL GTO939 GTO Series 6×9″ 300W 3-Way Black Car Coaxial Audio Speakers |
| Best Car Subwoofer for Bass | Rockville WHEEL OF BASS 8″ Slim Under-Seat Powered Truck/Car Audio Subwoofer |
| Best Budget Car Speaker for Bass | Rockford Fosgate R165X3 Prime 6.5″ Full-Range 3-Way Coaxial Speakers |
| High-Power Car Speaker for Bass | Pioneer TS-A6990F 6×9″ 5-Way Car Audio Speakers |
| Most Durable Car Speaker for Bass | BOSS Audio Systems NX694 Car Speakers |
How to Find the Best Car Speakers for Bass?
Here are eight things to consider when looking for car speakers with good bass:
Speaker Type
You will find two types of car speakers on the market: Component and coaxial speakers.
In the case of component speakers, the tweeter and woofer are separate components. Therefore, the woofer is designed to focus only on producing and delivering low frequency sounds. This is why component speakers deliver exceptional bass performance.
On the other hand, in case of coaxial speakers, the tweeter and woofer are placed in the same unit. Therefore, they cover a broad range of frequencies (low, mid and high) and are not designed to focus only on low-end frequencies.
In conclusion, if you are looking for excellent bass performance, we recommend buying component speakers.
Speaker Size
The size of the car speakers you choose can also impact their bass performance.
Large speakers typically deliver deeper and richer bass as they can move more air, producing low-frequency sounds easily. However, that doesn’t mean you should buy the largest available car speakers.
You should also assess and evaluate the compatibility of the speakers’ size with your car’s make and model. Car speakers are typically installed in a car’s dashboard, doors, or rear parcel shelf. The size limitations of these spots may differ across car makes and models.
Speaker Enclosure
The speaker box, cabinet or enclosure of car speakers can also impact their bass performance.
Sealed car speakers deliver better bass performance than ported/vented speakers. In case of sealed speakers, the air inside the speaker enclosure controls the movement of the cone. This can lead to deeper bass and more accurate sound reproduction.
Speakers’ Frequency Response
Next, check the frequency response of the speakers you are planning to buy.
Car speakers with excellent bass performance can cover frequencies as low as 60 Hz. Even though the spectrum of sound the human ear can hear is 20 Hz to 20 kHz, car speakers rarely produce such low frequencies.
In fact, most car speakers on the market cannot deliver effective reproduction of sounds below 100 Hz. Therefore, many car owners install subwoofers for a good bass experience.
When looking for car speakers with bass, consider buying speakers that can reach at least 60 Hz or lower to provide decent bass performance.
Speakers’ Power Handling
Power handling refers to the power your car speakers can handle without damaging the speaker components or distorting sound. Therefore, it is an important consideration if you are looking for car speakers with excellent bass delivery. Moreover, low frequencies require more power to produce sounds than higher frequencies.
Speakers with higher power handling capability can produce great bass.
However, there are two power-handling specifications that you must address:
- Peak power handling: Maximum power the car speakers can handle in short spikes.
- Root mean square (RMS) power handling: Continuous power the car speakers can handle without getting damaged.
We recommend considering the RMS power handling to ensure the car speakers you are planning to buy can easily handle continuous power from the audio source.
For example, car speakers with a 60 watts RMS rating will be able to handle 60 watts continuous power from the audio system.
Speakers’ Sensitivity
Along with the car speakers’ power handling, you should also consider their sensitivity (measured in decibels).
The sensitivity of car speakers can help you determine how much sound level they will produce or how loud they will sound when provided with a specific amount of power.
Car speakers with high sensitivity (90 dB or above) need less power to produce higher volumes. Therefore, you can use them with low-power audio systems. On the other hand, car speakers with low sensitivity need more power to produce louder sounds.
When looking for car speakers with powerful bass, you need to consider both their power handling and sensitivity together. Bass notes or low frequencies require higher power for accurate sound reproduction.
Therefore, if you have a low-power audio system, consider buying car speakers with high sensitivity for good bass performance, and vice-versa.
Speakers’ Impedance
Car speakers with lower impedance can tackle more power and deliver better bass response than car speakers with high impedance.
Most car speakers typically have a 4-ohm impedance.
Also, when looking for car speakers with bass, ensure the impedance of the speakers’ matches the output impedance of the audio source.
Car Compatibility
Once you are satisfied with the car speakers’ specifications, it’s important to ensure they are compatible with your car’s make and model.
Consider checking the following:
- Size of your car’s existing speaker openings
- Compatibility of the speakers’ power requirements with your car’s amplifier/stereo
- Available depth for the speaker
5 Top-Rated Car Speakers With Excellent Bass
1. JBL GTO939 GTO Series 6×9″ 300W 3-Way Black Car Coaxial Audio Speakers
Overall Best Car Speakers for Bass
- Excellent bass performance
- Durable and sturdy
- Crisp and clear audio
- Wide frequency response
- Easy to set up and use
- Adjustable tweeter and subtweeter for optimal sound performance
- Make require modifications for some car models
- Somewhat expensive
Out of all the bass-rich car speakers we evaluated, we found the JBL GTO939 GTO Series 6×9″ 300W 3-Way Black Car Coaxial Audio Speakers to be the best in a variety of aspects. These include power handling, bass depth and richness, ease of installation, sound quality, sturdiness, and more.
The JBL GTO939 Speakers comprise a 6-inch x 9-inch woofer with JBL Plus One Cone technology. This technology provides the speakers with larger cone surface area, resulting in enhanced bass response and greater efficiency. To further tune up the bass response, these speakers have a 300-watt peak power handling capacity.
We could feel the vibrations hitting our body while increasing the volume. The adjustable mylar-titanium tweeter and supertweeter enabled us to modify the sound experience per our requirement. Overall, the sound delivered by the JBL GTO939 GTO Series 6×9″ 300W 3-Way Black Car Coaxial Audio Speakers was clear and detailed for an immersive listening experience.
We were also impressed by these speakers’ frequency response (46 Hz to 21 kHz) and impedance (3 ohms). They reproduced powerful low-frequency sounds without any distortion.
If you are a bass lover and audiophile, we bet you won’t regret buying these speakers!
In terms of installation, we did not experience any issues. It was pretty straightforward and hassle-free to replace our car’s pre-installed speakers with these JBL speakers.
However, please ensure you check the compatibility of the JBL GTO939 GTO Series 6×9″ 300W 3-Way Black Car Coaxial Audio Speakers with your car’s make and model. You may need to modify the speakers to fit them in your car.
In conclusion, the JBL GTO939 GTO Series 6×9″ 300W 3-Way Black Car Coaxial Audio Speakers sound great and deliver powerful bass. Even though we have other car speakers on our list with lower frequency responses and slightly better bass performance, these speakers impressed us with their all-round performance. They are durable and suitable for extended use. However, they are somewhat expensive. Also, if you feel they are too large for your door, don’t discard them instantly. Consider using adapters or spacers to achieve the right fit.
View on Amazon: JBL GTO939 GTO Series 6×9″ 300W 3-Way Black Car Coaxial Audio Speakers
2. Rockville WHEEL OF BASS 8″ Slim Under-Seat Powered Truck/Car Audio Subwoofer
Best Car Subwoofer for Bass
- Great bass performance
- Crisp and clear audio
- Compact and sleek design
- Easy to install and use
- Durable and sturdy build
- Intuitive bass control feature
- Powered subwoofer with built-in amplifier
- 4-ohm impedance
- Expensive
- May not be suitable for those looking for a thundering bass experience
If your car does not have a lot of space and you are looking for space-saving car speakers, we highly recommend checking the Rockville WHEEL OF BASS 8″ Slim Under-Seat Powered Truck/Car Audio Subwoofer. A subwoofer is also a type of car speaker designed specifically to focus on the lower end of the audio spectrum.
We were highly impressed by the compact design and sleekness of this car speaker. You can easily slide this speaker under your car seat and enjoy non-stop bass-heavy music as you drive. Even though this car speaker is small, it delivers great bass performance. So don’t get fooled by its size!
In terms of sound performance, Rockville WHEEL OF BASS 8″ Slim Under-Seat Powered Truck/Car Audio Subwoofer exceeded our expectations. It comes with a wide frequency range (20 Hz to 180 Hz). Therefore, it produces spectacular bass response.
We particularly loved the bass boost feature in this subwoofer, which allows us to modify the speaker’s bass per our requirements. Per our evaluation, Rockville WHEEL OF BASS delivers great bass performance when listening to a variety of music genres. Therefore, it is perfect for casual listening. However, we felt the subwoofer lacked punch when we played heavy metal and rock music. The ultra-low notes were not precisely captured.
In terms of power handling, the subwoofer comes with 500 watts peak power handling and 125 watts RMS power handling. Per our experience, these readings are suitable for daily use; however, they may not be enough if you are looking for a ground-shaking bass experience.
We also felt the subwoofer’s installation is pretty straightforward and easy as it comprises a built-in amplifier. Therefore, we did not have to invest time in finding an external amplifier.
In conclusion, the Rockville WHEEL OF BASS 8″ Slim Under-Seat Powered Truck/Car Audio Subwoofer can be a suitable choice if you are looking for a compact car speaker for bass. Its enclosure and build is pretty durable and sturdy. However, its expensive and may not be a good buy for those on a shoestring budget. Even at higher volumes, we did not experience any sound distortion whatsoever.
View on Amazon: Rockville WHEEL OF BASS 8″ Slim Under-Seat Powered Truck/Car Audio Subwoofer
3. Rockford Fosgate R165X3 Prime 6.5″ Full-Range 3-Way Coaxial Speakers
Best Budget Car Speaker for Bass
- Wide frequency range
- Deliver crisp and clear audio
- Good bass performance
- Easy to set up and install
- Good upgrade to factory speakers
- Affordable
- Robust and aesthetically pleasing design
- While the bass output is good for coaxial speakers, it doesn’t compare to the thundering bass delivered by a dedicated subwoofer
- Minor sound distortion at higher volumes
If you are looking to upgrade your car speakers and give them a bass-friendly makeover without breaking your bank, the Rockford Fosgate R165X3 Prime 6.5″ Full-Range 3-Way Coaxial Speakers can be a great choice.
In terms of sound quality, these car speakers are pretty impressive. They come with a wide frequency response (52 Hz to 20 kHz) and deliver crisp, clear, and precise sound performance. Per our experience, the mids were clear, highs were crisp, and low-end notes were rich. For budget speakers, their sound quality and bass performance is great.
When we tested these speakers with pop and rock music tracks, we loved the richness and depth of the bass. However, their bass performance is not as powerful as the bass delivery of a dedicated subwoofer. Therefore, if you are looking for budget-friendly car speakers with rumbling bass, these speakers may not be a suitable choice.
In terms of build quality and design, we would give the Rockford Fosgate R165X3 Prime 6.5″ Full-Range 3-Way Coaxial Speakers an 8 on 10. These speakers are durable and sturdy for continuous use. The installation was also pretty hassle-free and straightforward. Thanks to Rockford for combining all the elements (mid-range driver, tweeter, and woofer) into a single enclosure.
In conclusion, the Rockford Fosgate R165X3 Prime 6.5″ Full-Range 3-Way Coaxial Speakers can be a perfect pick for those looking for a decent and budget-friendly upgrade from factory speakers. They are affordable and durable, and offer decent bass performance (considering they are coaxial speakers). We did not experience any major issues with these speakers. However, we noticed slight audio distortion at higher volumes.
View on Amazon: Rockford Fosgate R165X3 Prime 6.5″ Full-Range 3-Way Coaxial Speakers
4. Pioneer TS-A6990F 6×9″ 5-Way Car Audio Speakers
High-Power Car Speaker for Bass
- Wide frequency range
- Excellent bass performance and power handling
- Great overall sound quality
- Durable and sturdy
- 5-way design for a well-rounded audio experience
- Budget-friendly price
- May need an external amplifier or high-power head unit for optimal performance
- Slightly complex installation
If you are looking for the perfect combination of bass and power for your car audio experience, you can never go wrong with the Pioneer TS-A6990F 6×9″ 5-way Car Audio Speakers.
We were stunned by the sound performance of these speakers. Their power handling is simply phenomenal. After all, these speakers come with a peak power handling capacity of 700 watts. We enjoyed distortion-free audio at maximum volume, without losing audio fidelity.
The bass output was simply outstanding. The Pioneer TS-A6990F 6×9″ 5-way Car Audio Speakers come with a frequency response of 22 Hz to 25 kHz. Therefore, they can reproduce low frequency notes effortlessly, delivering deep and rich bass. Listening to EDM tracks on these speakers feels heavenly. Moreover, the bass was not just powerful but also clear and precise.
The mids and highs were also pretty impressive. All in all, these 5-way speakers deliver an immersive audio experience.
In terms of build, the Pioneer TS-A6990F 6×9″ 5-way Car Audio Speakers feel robust and sturdy. They are truly built to last. Installation was also pretty straightforward as we could easily fit these speakers in our car’s existing 6-inch x 9-inch locations. However, if you are not well-versed with car audio systems, you may find the installation a daunting experience owing to the 5-way speaker design.
In such cases, we recommend consulting a professional for installation of these speakers.
In conclusion, the Pioneer TS-A6990F 6×9″ 5-way Car Audio Speakers can easily handle high power while delivering excellent bass performance. Their 5-way design, wide frequency response, and sturdy build deliver an outstanding audio experience. However, it’s important to note that to make the most of these speakers’ potential, consider pairing them with an external amplifier or high-power head unit.
View on Amazon: Pioneer TS-A6990F 6×9″ 5-way Car Audio Speakers
5. BOSS Audio Systems NX694 Car Speakers
Most Durable Car Speaker for Bass
- Excellent durability
- Made from high-quality materials
- Budget-friendly price
- Great bass performance
- Overall good sound quality
- High power handling
- Easy and quick installation
- Mid-range and treble slight lack detail
- May require an external amplifier to unlock their full potential
If you are looking for durable and sturdy bass-heavy car speakers, the BOSS Audio Systems NX694 Car Speakers. Even though all the car speakers on our list have a sturdy build, there’s something unique about the construction of these BOSS Audio Systems speakers.
The moment we unboxed these speakers, we could see and feel the finesse in their craftsmanship. The poly injection speakers feel rough and tough, and the rubber surround feels both flexible and resilient. Therefore, these speakers are built to design the thumping and rumbling of bass beats. After almost a month-long usage, we did not experience any wear and tear issues with these car speakers.
In terms of sound performance, these speakers will not disappoint you. They come with a wide frequency range of 45 Hz to 20 kHz; therefore, they reproduce powerful bass as well as sharp highs. We did not experience any bass distortion at high volumes.
Thanks to another impressive aspect of these speakers, i.e., their power handling at 800 watts, which minimizes distortion at maximum volume.
However, if you are an audiophile, you may find the audio experience delivered by these speakers slightly lacking toward the mid- and high-frequency side. Therefore, if you are looking for audiophile-grade car speakers, the Pioneer TS-A6990F 6×9″ 5-way car audio speakers may be a better choice.
In conclusion, the BOSS Audio Systems NX694 Car Speakers can be a great choice for those looking for durable car speakers with great bass. They can be a budget-friendly upgrade to your existing car speakers. We installed them in the rear doors of our vehicle and the installation experience was pretty straightforward and hassle-free. If you want to make the most of the power delivered by these speakers, we recommend using an external amplifier or high-power head unit.
View on Amazon: BOSS Audio Systems NX694 Car Speakers
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Speakers for Bass
A car’s built-in amplifier can provide enough clean power to speakers with low to medium power handling capacity. However, if you have car speakers with high power handling, using an external amplifier can be a good idea. The additional power can help your car speakers produce more pronounced bass.
To avoid your car speakers from getting damaged, ensure the RMS output power of the external amplifier is equal to the RMS power handling of the speakers.
Yes, the material of a car speaker’s cone can impact its bass output. Therefore, for excellent bass performance, the cone’s material should be lightweight, rigid, and properly damped.
The cone’s material must be rigid to ensure it doesn’t bend or flex when moving. Bending or flexing of the speaker cone can lead to sound distortion. The cone’s rigidity is highly critical in the case of bass frequencies as they involve a lot of cone movement.
Next, the cone should be lightweight to easily move back and forth for accurate sound reproduction.
Lastly, the cone should be properly damped to ensure it stops vibrating as soon as the audio signals stop. Continued resonance of the cone can lead to sound distortion.
Speaker cones are typically made from materials, such as aluminum, polypropylene, treated paper, and so on.
A subwoofer can help a great deal in enhancing the bass performance of a car audio system as it focuses on producing low frequency sounds. However, it’s not a necessity, especially with car speakers that can reproduce low frequency sounds easily.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the right car speakers for bass can transform your road trips or daily commute into a bass-rich and immersive audio experience.
Ensure you prioritize the speakers’ specifications over other factors such as brand and price to enjoy your favorite beats with optimal thumping and thundering.
Out of all the car speakers for bass we tested, we found the JBL GTO939 GTO Series 6×9″ 300W 3-Way Black Car Coaxial Audio Speakers to be the overall best pick. Everything about these speakers speaks highly of bass richness and accurate sound reproduction.
