Best Car Speakers – Pump Up the Volume

We spend most of our day in our car. Without music and other media, driving will be frustratingly dull. That means your car’s sound system is an integral part of your vehicle.

Any audiophile will tell you that having the best car speakers can significantly improve your experience. While the built-in audio system in your vehicle may be good enough, it does not take that much to improve it substantially.

You do not have to upgrade the entire sound system of your car. You can start with the most important part of it: the car speakers.

10 Best Car Speakers

Car speakers come in different shapes, functions, brands, and sizes. You can easily get overwhelmed when choosing the best car speakers for your car.

In this article, we have done the work for you and tested the most popular brands of car speakers. Below are the ten best car speakers and sound systems around.

Do not miss out on our top pick at the end of the article!

1. Alpine SPR-60C 6.5” Audio Component System

Alpine SPR-60C 6.5” Audio Component System is perfect for anyone who is looking for an all-rounder speaker system. It delivers big, bold sound with a dynamic range and tons of bass. You can turn up the volume without losing the clarity of your music.

The Type-R speakers are crafted with high-quality parts to deliver premium sound quality, whether you are jamming on your own or having a party right in your car. The speakers are incredibly compact with neodymium magnet, small basket, and minimal network. This means you can install Alpine SPR-60C in practically any type of vehicle.

2. Kicker DS65 6.5″ DS Series Car Audio Speakers

Kicker DS65 6.5″ DS Series Car Audio Speakers was developed with quality and longevity in mind. The sophisticated motor structure in the speakers and its components allows the entire system to withstand various stress and pressure. This means you get to enjoy the best sound quality for years to come.

The speakers feature superbly clean bass delivered through its high-quality voice coils, which ensure minimal distortions. The surrounding polyester form improves the overall quality of sound while adding years to its lifespan. It generally requires less power, which ensures efficiency, especially if you have an older vehicle.

3. JBL GTO609C Premium 6.5-Inch Component Speaker System

JBL is known to produce the best sounds machines around, and JBL GTO609C Premium 6.5-Inch Component Speaker System is no exception. The speakers deliver high-quality performance with their loud sounds while maintaining clarity. Its versatile system gives you the options to connect the speaks to an amplifier or to a head unit.

The audio system balances soft highs using its 270W-capacity, oversized voice coils. The improved air circulation around the speakers created with a carbon-injected plus one cone delivers more bass. The soft-dome tweeters come with volume adjuster so you can further personalize your audio experience.

4. Pioneer TS6900PRO PRO Series

If you are looking for powerful bass that can wake up the entire neighborhood, then look no further than Pioneer TS6900PRO PRO Series. The speakers feature one of the best power handling mechanism among the audio systems in this list. That means you can crank it up to get the party going, and the speakers can handle it with no problems at all.

The mounted tweeters provide clean high-end even at its loudest. While most may find the woofers average, this tried-and-tested cone produces impressive bass. Because this speaker is meant to be enjoyed with a crowd, it was built with strong stamped steel frames that can last through rugged use.

5. Rockford Fosgate R165-S Prime 6.5” 2-Way Component Speaker System

Upgrading your stock speakers can be expensive, but with Rockford Fosgate R165-S Prime 6.5” 2-Way Component Speaker System, you do not have to shell out a fortune to improve your listening experience. While it does not have the same power handling as other speakers at 90W maximum RMS, its high-quality components more than make up for it.

The woofer includes a polypropylene cone with a silk dome midrange and tweeter. An affordable price does not mean a short lifespan. The speaker is protected by a robust steel basket, durable grilles, and rubber surround, which means you can expect years of high-quality sound experience.

6. Infinity KAPPA-86CFX 6″ x 8″ Two-way Car Audio

Infinity KAPPA is virtually a sister to JBL GTO609C as both Infinity and JBL are under The Harman Group of Companies. That means you get the same quality of sound on a different form factor. It incorporates plus one cone system resulting in a larger cone. The speakers can be hooked up to a head unit, but we highly recommend that you connect this audio system to an amplifier to take full advantage of its strengths.

Just like its JBL counterpart, it features a composite frame and rubber surrounds. However, unlike the former, it does not have the same bass response. On the other hand, its mids and highs are quite impressive. It has one of the most accurate and clear sounds among the speakers on this list.

7. JVC CS-J620 300W 6.5″ CS Series

If you are not exactly the audiophile type and you just want a decent upgrade to your current speakers, then consider JVC CS-J620 300W 6.5″ CS Series. The included Mica Core with Hybrid Surround is a significant step up to the standard OEM speakers. The shallow tweeter and mount design mean it will not take a lot of space. Consequently, installation is a breeze compared to the more traditional speakers.

The speakers’ 30W RMS power handling means you can connect it to a decent amplifier. Its Polyether Imide dome tweeter handles highs better than standard speakers. It is combined with a Mica Cone that incorporates a Cloth, Rubber, and Hybrid surround to achieve a full dynamic range of sound.

8. Pyle 6.5” Three Way Sound System

If you are looking for a step up from JVC CS-J620 but do not want to shell out for the premium audio system, Pyle 6.5” Three Way Sound System is a decent option. The company is known for producing the best woofers and drivers, and this system is a perfect example. The speakers will transform your usually audio experience into a complete high-quality, theater experience.

The impressive woofers are surprisingly light with its blue poly-infused cones without affecting the sound quality. The incorporated ASV voice coil can last through high-temperature and high-wattage conditions. It combines a neodymium film dome and Piezo tweeter to achieve a detailed range and smooth sound quality.

9. JL Audio C5-653 Evolution

JL Audio C5-653 Evolution was created with car audio enthusiasts in mind. The speakers deliver rich and loud bass combined with maximum sound quality. The system includes two woofers, two tweeters, two mid-range drivers, and two external crossover networks to provide the highest quality of audio experience.

The woofers include an amazing cooling technology resulting in a wide range of volumes and an extra thump on the bass. The 4-inch speakers handle the mids with an amazing audio definition. Finally, the silk dome tweeters provide the necessary sound details of the highest quality.

10. Hertz Audio DCX 165.3 6.5″ Coaxial Speakers

Hertz is a well-known company that produces premium car audio products. While they are mostly known for high-end speaker systems, Hertz Audio DCX 165.3 6.5″ Coaxial Speakers was crafted for budget-conscious enthusiasts who still want to experience the Hertz audio quality. While it does not match its much more expensive siblings, its pulp cone with integrated cotton fiber woofer delivers high-quality sound. The polymer rubber surrounds will prevent further distortions and improved bass quality.

To maintain the premium sound experience, Hertz incorporated an anti-vibration magnetic rubber cover, which significantly increases audio quality. Overall, the speaker system provides decent bass, reduced distortion, and clear highs.

Best Car Speaker Buying Guide – Choosing the Right Audio System for Your Car

Our picks are some of the best speakers systems around. But, buying the right one for you is not just a matter of randomly choosing from the list. Having the most expensive speakers do not even mean achieving the greatest sound right away.

Several factors should be considered when installing the correct speaker system to maximize the potential of your car.

First things first, let’s talk about a bit of speaker 101.

Types of Car Speakers

There are three basic types of speakers that you should know about to know the best set-up for your vehicle — having everything may not result in the best sound output. However, knowing the right combination of the basic elements ensures that you will have the best audio experience.

Woofers

Woofers are standard speakers in typical OEM sound systems. These speakers handle mid frequencies and are usually between 3.5 inches to 7.5 inches. 

Larger woofers typically handle bass frequencies to create an enhanced audio quality. Some systems also have smaller woofers to handle the highs with more accuracy.

If you have a high-end car, chances are you have multiple woofers that will handle various frequencies.

Subwoofers

Subwoofers are often considered upgrades to the stock sound systems in cars, as most do not include these. These are the largest speakers, which are usually around 10 inches to 15 inches. 

These bigger speakers handle the low frequencies that add quality to the audio output of any sound system. It adds clarity, depth, and richness, especially if you love listening to rock, EDM, or hip hop. 

Tweeters

Tweeters are small speakers that are usually mounted in the middle of a woofer. These mini speakers are usually under 1.5 inches in size. They handle the highs in a complete sound system to increase the sound range that you can hear.

Types of Car Audio Systems

Hold on for a minute!

You are not ready to choose your next speaker upgrade. There’s still the issue of the speaker system types and what you should know about them. 

Here are the two most common car audio systems around.

Coaxial Speakers

Coaxial speakers are also known as full-range speakers. That means every component needed for your system is integrated into the speakers. It is common to see woofers and tweeters to achieve a wider range of frequencies.

Other coaxial speakers include more drivers that will handle the mids for better sound. Full-range speakers offer the easiest installation and the least fuss. It is the best option if you want to upgrade without the bells-and-whistles. 

Some coaxial speakers offer some type of customization. Tweeters can be removed so you can install it elsewhere in your vehicle. Others may have tweeters with mechanical swivels that you can angle so you can maximize the sound quality.

Component Speaker Systems

If you are willing to shell out the necessary bucks and significant effort for the best audio quality, then component speaker systems are ideal for you. Each component is separate so that you can achieve the highest customization.

Woofers, subwoofers, tweeters, and other parts are installed separately. That means you will need a considerable amount of technical knowledge to properly set-up this type of system. Additionally, component systems are significantly more expensive than coaxial speakers. But, they do provide the best audio quality possible.

What to Consider When Buying The Best Car Speakers

Ok, a few more things before you purchase your speakers.

Now that you have the basics of speakers at hand, here are a few considerations to determine the perfect model and brand. 

Build and Form

The build quality and material used in the speakers have a significant effect on the sound that they produce. Rubber surrounds are the best option for durability without affecting the audio quality. 

Additionally, your vehicle is subject to extreme changes in temperatures. That is why your speakers should be able to handle any condition without significant effects on performance and longevity.

Woofers and subwoofers made from rigid and light materials often last longer. High-end brands use metal fibers infused into polypropylene for enhanced quality. 

On the other hand, tweeters can be made from a wide range of materials. They come in both tough and soft materials such as graphite or silk. Both types of tweeters offer superb sound quality, so it boils down to your preference. 

Hard materials create highs with more punch and crisp. On the other hand, those made with soft materials produce more detailed and refined audio quality.

Power Handling

The speakers’ power handling is critical to choosing the best ones that fit your vehicle. Your speakers should be able to handle the power that your head unit or amplifier put to the system. Overloaded power to the speakers will result in significant distortions, or worse, blown speakers. 

Always check the power output of your head unit before even buying a speaker system. This information can usually be found in the manual under power specifications.

The most common terms that you will hear are Root Mean Square (RMS) and peak power. RMS refers to the level of continuous and uninterrupted power that the system can handle. On the other hand, peak power means the max power output in short intervals. 

We highly recommend that you base your next purchase on the RMS rating. This usually indicates the quality of the speaker system.  

Connectivity

All of the components will go to waste if you do not have the proper connections and wiring. Cables handle the flow of electricity, and these should be balanced to avoid significant issues.

As mentioned in the previous section, burn out will happen if your amplifier or head unit put outs more power than the audio system can handle. This is where your knowledge of RMS ratings comes in. 

While you will not usually have issues if the wiring and cables are already included in the set, you may need to pay close attention if you are customizing your system.

Conclusion

Upgrading your car’s sounds system can be as simple or as complicated as you want. Whether you want just a step up from your stock audio system or take your sound experience to a whole new level, having the right information is essential to buy the right speakers for your car.

If you ask us, our best pick is Alpine SPR-60C 6.5” Audio Component System. It provides premium sound without breaking the bank. The speaker system fits both casual listeners and audiophiles alike. 

Alpine speakers do not need an amplifier to achieve the highest quality of sounds. Additionally, you can pump up the volume without distortion or losing the sound details. Additionally, the compact form factor means you can install this audio system in most types of cars. 

While it is not the cheapest option out there, it is not far from budget-priced speakers with far better sound quality. You will get the most of your savings as these speakers are built to last even with extreme conditions and changes in temperature. Installation is not as complicated as other systems as well.