10 Best Car Audio Speakers in 2023

If you love to put the pedal to the metal while listening to some of your favorite tunes, having the best car audio speakers is essential. In this article, we'll show you our best car speakers so that you can be in a good position to invest your money wisely.

You don't need to be an expert in car speakers to gain the benefits of this article. We're well aware that the technical jargon can be confusing, so we'll keep it to a minimum. We'll give you all the key information and details in concise, clear language so you can work out what product best suits your needs.

We'll tell you all about the variety of classifications and provide you with choices in a range of price categories, too. Don't forget to check out our buyer's guide, where we'll answer any key questions you might have. By the end, you'll be ready to upgrade your car's sound system and set out on your next road trip, safe in the knowledge that your new speakers will deliver exceptional sound quality. Let's get started!

At a glance: Our top 3 picks

Our team's top 3 recommendations
Best Overall

Alphasonik 3-Way Car Audio Coaxial Speakers

  • 180 Watts
  • Well-built, durable design
  • Four speaker set

Click here for price

Premium Quality

KICKER 43CSC654

  • 180 Watts
  • Well-built, durable design
  • Four speaker set

Click here for price

Great value

JBL GTO609C

  • 180 Watts
  • Well-built, durable design
  • Four speaker set

Click here for price


View The Best Car Audio Speakers Below

1. Alphasonik 3-Way Car Audio Coaxial Speakers

Rockford Fosgate R165X3

This set of four awesome speakers from car audio legends Alphasonik easily packs a punch. Many vehicles have taken their sound to the next level with these. It's a set of four, three-way, coaxial stereo speakers with high-grade engineering and robust, rugged construction.

We were very impressed by the responsiveness of the drive. Each speaker offers a peak power output of 35w and an RMS output of 50w. The three-way system makes them a great upgrade on standard speakers, which tend to be a two-way system. With a three-way system like this, you have a dedicated tweeter designed for high-end frequencies, also known as trebles.

The tweeter that's part of this system is highly impressive. It's a polyetherimide tweeter that handles any high frequencies effortlessly. This translates into crystal clear, accurate audio.

Having dedicated drivers for low and high frequencies, as well as mids, is ideal, as it means that each driver can focus on one task, creating a fuller, more balanced, and natural sound around the spectrum.

Each speaker is 6.5 inches in diameter and has a mounting depth of 2-3/16 inches. Installation is easy right out the box; anyone can do it.

Pros:
+ 180 Watts
+ Well-built, durable design
+ Four speaker set

Why We Liked It - These three-way speakers provide distortion free, full-range sound. Thanks to the three-way system, they have an extended high and low frequency response. Take your listening to the next level with some of the best auto speakers around.

Head Units - Car speakers need to be wired to head units. You'll have to look closely at the wattage rating of your head unit's amp. Lower-powered amps will be able to drive most speakers, but you might not get much loudness. As a rule of thumb, your head unit output per channel should equal or exceed the RMS rating of your speakers.

Sam Jeans

Sam Jeans FOR MUSIC CRITIC

2. KICKER 43CSC654

KICKER 43CSC654

This two-way coaxial system features two speakers. It's part of Kicker's popular CS series that many customers have used to replace stock audio systems in their cars. Why? Because they feature an extended voice coil in each driver that delivers exceptional sound quality.

The woofers are made from polypropylene, which is sufficiently flexible to pick up vibrations while maintaining the necessary rigidity needed for optimal performance. It's ribbed to enhance the sound dispersion and UV treated for better longevity.

The 6.5" woofer is paired with a zero protrusion, 1/2" PEI tweeter for pristine audio clarity. The drivers feature a highly durable motor magnet structure. They offer significant power handling, with an astounding peak power of 600 watts per pair or 200 watts RMS per pair.

Pros:
+ Great sound quality
+ Exceptionally well made
+ Excellent power handling

Why We Liked It - This audio system is affordably priced and delivers premium performance. The two-way system delivers exceptional sound quality. We also think that these speakers are very durable, making them a safe long-term investment for all buyers. Certainly, they are a big improvement on stock speakers.

3. JBL GTO609C

Check out this good car speaker system from JBL. You might recognize this brand, as it produces a wide range of audio equipment and speaker systems.

This car speaker system is part of the highly-rated GT series that JBL produces for cars, and its coaxial setup features woofers and tweeters in separate enclosures. That allows for more flexibility in terms of speaker placement. For surround sound in your home, tweeters will typically be at ear level and can be directed to optimize the sound. Component bass speakers for your car enable the same effect.

The 6.5" carbon-injected woofer cone has been formed with JBL's proprietary Plus One technology. This provides a greater overall cone area. It also allows the woofer to move more air, delivering a more powerful bass response than other cones with the same dimensions.

The soft dome tweeters handle smoothly and efficiently thanks to their oversized voice coils, which also help to dissipate heat rapidly.

Thanks to dual-level, tweeter volume adjustment controls, you can accurately find the perfect volume inside your car - perfect for radios and music. They've also got an I-mount system that allows you to place them exactly where you want them for a more immersive and enjoyable listening experience.

Pros:
+ Flexibility with placement
+ Powerful bass
+ One of the best in its class.

Why We Liked It - Typically, we only see component speakers from high-end lines, which translates into a very high price tag. These speakers, however, are available for less than $100, which represents exceptional value for money. The Plus One technology also helps to deliver a huge amount of bass. It's certainly one of the best products in the budget price range, and has been made by a reliable brand.

Fitting Car Speakers - To fit car speakers properly, you'll need a good amount of acoustic foam and wadding to pad the rear of the speaker out. Otherwise, you'll lose the impact and warmth of the speaker's bass. Make sure the speaker fitting is very tight and secure so your speakers don't vibrate around.

Sam Jeans

Sam Jeans FOR MUSIC CRITIC

4. Kicker 41DSC654

Kicker 41DSC65

These Kicker car door speakers will ensure all your audio entertainment sounds great. This one is a set of four, thein-profile, coaxial speakers. It's a two-way system, which consists of a mid range woofer, as well as a tweeter, offering a great frequency response range. The power handling is 480w for the four, as well as 120w of RMS for the whole set.

The 6.5" mid-range polypropylene woofer cones are seated in an acoustic foam surround to maintain optimal performance. They are driven by highly sensitive motor structures, which deliver increased volume outputs despite lower power head units. They're also able to endure higher power from add-on amps.

The dome tweeters are made from polyethylene-naphthalate. They have close to zero protrusion, and they are just 13mm in diameter. They are easy to mount, with a drop-in speaker design, and are flexible enough to fit any vehicle door.

Pros:
+ Low profile
+ Rich sound with good depth
+ Four pack
+ Value for money
+ High sensitivity, motor structures

Why We Liked It - These reliable, hard-working speakers deliver a gorgeous, rich sound for an affordable price tag. Kicker is a company that can be trusted, and this product will offer a marked upgrade on stock speakers inside your vehicle.

5. Pioneer TS-A6886R

Pioneer TS-A6886R

So far, most of the products we've looked at have been circular, featuring standard dimensions. This product, however, is a little different. Each of the 6 x 8 inch speakers is oval-shaped. There are four of them in the set, providing you with complete surround sound.

This Pioneer product is very reasonably priced. In fact, it costs a similar amount as a two-way or a three-way system, despite being a four-way system. That means that you get a much more detailed and fuller sound quality. The system is composed of a woofer, a mid-range cone, a tweeter, and a super tweeter. These four drivers combine effectively to create a much wider frequency response, providing you with dynamic, natural audio with plenty of detail and depth.

The multi-later, mica matrix woofer handles the low-end frequencies, ensuring a rich, distortion-free bass sound. In addition, here's no unwanted resonance, as the elastic-polymer surround that the woofer is housed inside eliminates it. The mid-range driver is a 1-5/8" paper cone. The dome tweeter and the super tweeter are made from a polyethylene-terephthalate composite, which makes them perfectly reproduce crisp, clear high-end frequencies.

Each speaker offers a peak power handling of 350w, while they each offer 60w of RMS handling. They're powerful and great-sounding, making them one of the best audio car stereo speakers on the market.

Pros:
+ High-performance drivers
+ Four speakers for surround sound
+ 4-way system
+ Next level audio quality

Why We Liked It - These speakers are low-priced, considering the huge amount of quality that they deliver. The four-way driver system means that they offer an extended frequency response that translates to crystal-clear sound quality. It's almost as good as you'd hear in a recording studio. Quite simply, these are fantastic, high-grade speakers that audiophiles will adore.

6. Kicker 43DSC504 D-Series

Kicker 43DSC504 D-Series

Now for a low-priced, entry-level option that's part of Kicker's D Series. It doesn't include as many fancy extras as some other products on our list, but it still features Kicker's high-grade engineering and circuitry.

It's a pair of surprisingly powerful, two-way speakers that deliver enough volume for many drivers. They feature 5.25" woofers that are composed of high-quality polypropylene cones, which is a component found in many more expensive models.

The cones are rigid and are housed in plaster-foam surrounds that dampen unwanted resonance. They offer a solid amount of bass, which combines perfectly with the crisp highs that the domed tweeters take care of. They've got oversized voice coils and cooling components that ensure quality sound and reliable, long-lasting performance.

The frequency response is impressive for speakers in this price range, and they offer a 4-ohm impedance. In terms of power, you get a peak output of 400w and an RMS output of 50w.

Pros:
+ Very affordable price tag
+ Ideal for replacing 5.25" speakers inside a car
+ Good crossover engineering

Why We Liked It - You can't go wrong with these speakers if you're looking for a small, budget choice. The sound quality far outperforms the low price tag. They also have excellent durability, so you can be assured long-lasting performance from this product. A great value-for-money option, we think.

7. JL Audio C2-650X

This superb, two-way model is made by JL Audio and is part of its Evolution Series. It features a standard two-way system - a woofer and a driver. As a result, it delivers well-balanced sound quality.

Thanks to the hardware, this product delivers an excellent frequency response, performing particularly well on the low end, thanks to the 6.5" woofer. It features an injection-molded cone composed of a mixture of polypropylene and mica. It has a butyl rubber surround that ensures there's no pesky resonance to ruin the sound.

To take care of higher frequencies, they've got silk dome tweeters. These 19mm, high-compression drivers deliver wonderfully crisp and vibrant treble.

Together, they run at 4-ohms impedance. As a result, this audio system delivers a peak power output of 100w per pair, which will be more than enough for most drivers' driving applications. Each speaker has a stylish frame and speaker grille and will look great in any car.

Pros:
+ Great two-way model
+ Butyl surround
+ Affordable price tag
+ 100w peak output

Why We Liked It - These stereo speakers are made from fantastic materials that help to deliver a wide frequency response with a full, powerful sound quality. The price is very affordable too. If you're looking for power on a budget, this product is perfect.

8. Kicker 43DSC69304

Kicker 43DSC69304

Next, we have a product that's part of Kicker's newest series. These coaxial car speakers are very reasonably priced. This three-way system includes a super tweeter, which produces pristine highs, allowing for a wider frequency range. Overall, these speakers deliver a full-bodied, well-balanced sound quality.

They are low profile with nominal tweeter protrusion. That means that they can effortlessly fit into your car.

They feature a robust design, and the basket surround helps to keep the compression driver parts cool. It also contributes to equally dispersing the sound in a wide radius for room-filling audio.

They handle a peak power of 360 watts with a max RMS power of around 70 watts. There is zero distortion on the low end. The circuitry is top-notch, the crossover is well refined to keep a great balance in the audio mix, and they are easy to install.

Pros:
+ Ultra high-frequency tweeters
+ Distortion-free bass
+ Affordably priced

Why We Liked It - We were blown away by how crisp and clear the highs were from these speakers. The ultra-high frequency tweeter ensures that vocals sound beautiful. As they're made with cutting-edge technology, they're likely to perform well in the long term. If you're looking for a bit more of a brighter sound, these are perfect for you.

9. Kenwood KFC-6965S

Kenwood KFC-6965S

This product is made by one of the world's most famous speaker brands regarding car audio equipment: Kenwood. There are four speakers in the set, and each speaker has a three-way system, which means you have a tweeter, a super tweeter, and a woofer.

The tweeter is a 2" PEI balanced dome component with a larger surface area than many standard tweeters. The super tweeter is made from ceramic to cope better with temperature build-up. In addition, they are housed in a steel, black basket to reduce noise for clearer sound quality.

Together, the four speakers can handle a peak power output of 800w. Their RMS power is 45 watts each, with an impedance of 4 ohms.

Pros:
+ Four speakers
+ High power-handling
+ Super tweeter for high frequencies
+ Great value for money

Why We Liked It - This car sound system has everything you need to take your car's audio to the next level. It features an excellent super tweeter that delivers gorgeous, crisp highs that are well-suited to vocals. Each loudspeaker is also are free from distortion and muffling when reaching loud volumes. Kenwood is also a reliable brand, so they're a safe investment.

10. JBL GT7-60

This set of rugged coaxial speakers is worthy of your attention and guaranteed to impress. They're part of JBL's GT7 Series, a reasonably priced range. They deliver well-balanced, crisp sound quality, which will please most drivers.

The woofer measures 6.5". It features JBL's Plus One technology, which is something they use on many of their premium line models. Its cone is made from polypropylene. The Plus One tech helps it achieve a wider surface area for better projection, audio dispersion, and wave cancellation.

The woofer is paired with a PEI, balanced dome tweeter. Together, they deliver a wide frequency response and well-balanced audio. In addition, they handle exceptionally well with a combined peak power of 270 watts and 90 watts per pair of RMS power.

Pros:
+ Great bass dispersion
+ Plus One technology
+ Low priced option

Why We Liked It - They provide great value for money, in our opinion. They are a high-performance, two-way class system with a great design and perform just as well as you'd expect from JBL speakers.

Car Speaker Wiring - Fitting car speakers DIY is fairly straightforward depending on your car. It depends whether you're making a straight swap for pre-existing factory speakers or are fitting totally new speakers into a new location in your car. The latter is much harder to do DIY without previous experience (but still possible if you're pretty handy with tools).

Sam Jeans

Sam Jeans FOR MUSIC CRITIC

Car Audio Speakers Buying Guide

There are many reasons why you might want to replace your stock speakers with aftermarket ones, but the most obvious is they sound so much better. If you've just bought a Honda or a Toyota, and you're purchasing car speakers for the first time, you might be overwhelmed with the amount of information out there. To make things easier, we've provided you with this buyer's guide. From crossovers to the difference in speaker size, we'll cover everything you need to know. By the end of it, you'll be ready to make a purchase.

What to Look for in Car Audio Speakers

The most important factor to remember when buying a car speaker is whether your amplifier is compatible with it in terms of power handling. It's also important to understand how the channels of your amplifier operate. For example, some amps will have impedance options that restrict the power. So, check what impedance your amp is compatible with before choosing your new aftermarket speakers. Once you know this, you can focus on products with the same impedance and create the perfect sound stage.

Once you've worked out your amp's specs, consider sizes. Unless you want to modify your car, you'll want to choose a set you can mount into the space where the stock speakers are. Check the size of your current devices, then choose replacements of the same size. 6 x 9 is one of the most common sizes.

Think about your desired sound quality. Many of us will find that a standard, two-way system with a woofer and a tweeter will provide the best results, as it should deliver full-range, balanced sound.

Some people, however, may prefer a subwoofer setup, as this will give you powerful bass. If this is the case, you can find a three-way option that includes a fairly reasonable subwoofer, or, if your amplifier can support it, get a separate subwoofer altogether. If the amp is unequipped to support a sub, you could invest in a mono-block amp as a dedicated subwoofer power supply.

You might have noticed that we've included a component speaker option in our reviews. This was to demonstrate another audio setup option. It places tweeters at a preferable level for directional audio dispersion aimed at the driver and passengers' ears.

This type of speaker creates a much improved sound quality that audiophiles will enjoy. It gives more of a sense of surround sound. It also adds extra dimensions to the sound, providing a more dynamic and authentic sound, enhancing the music you're listening to. Some would compare it to the sound you'd get in a recording studio - it's simply that good. Of course, choosing component speakers means you'll need to pay more than you would for coaxials, but the benefits are evident. If you're not put off by higher prices, and you want the best quality audio, we think a component speaker is a good option.

In cars, our radio often has to compete with all sorts of driving conditions; the sound of traffic, wheels crunching against the ground, and the purr of the engine. Car speakers are typically mounted into doors or other parts of the car's interior. They will have an enclosure around them, which can impact the speaker's sound quality. If you want to avoid rattling, check that the enclosures and surrounds are made from high-grade materials.

It's not all about the complexity of the sound - durability and strength are important things to look out for, too. You don't want to replace your speakers after only a few years of use. Therefore, look out for a sturdy build quality and durable components built to last. Consider the cases or enclosures of the device, as well as the speaker grilles.

Most brands offer a warranty. So if there are any issues with your new product, all you have to do is call their number or send them an email, and they should fix the problem. If there are a number of problems or the issue can't be easily fixed, they'll usually replace the speaker. (Keep in mind that they may not if you were the one to cause the damage.)

If you want reliability, we recommend choosing products made by well-known manufacturers, like JBL, Kicker, or Pioneer, as you'll be more likely to get a durable, long-lasting product.

What is the Best Way to Install Car Audio Speakers?

We recommend you go to a mechanic or engineers to get the speakers installed. These professionals can swiftly and correctly fit your new speakers in your car for long-lasting performance.

If you don't want to spend the money on a mechanic, you could also look online for a guide on how to do it yourself. As long as you're not a stranger to DIY, you can do it easily without needing a lot of tools. You simply need to remove the old speakers, wire in the new ones, and mount them in the gap left by the old ones. That's it.

What Car Audio Speakers are Best for my Car?

This is a tricky question to answer, depending on several factors. First, you need to consider the car you have and its specification. You'll also need to consider what amp your vehicle has. Next, think about the type of music you enjoy listening to. Then, we need to know what power you want and how loud you like to play music. Fortunately, you're sure to find a product on our list that will cater to your needs (and price point!)

If none of the items on our list meet your needs, we recommend looking at the top manufacturer's websites to see if you can find one with the right specifications. However, all the products on our list are made by reputable and reliable brands and would make great additions to all car stereos, so we suggest you focus on these manufacturers. Others include Boss Audio Systems, Infinity, Kevlar Audio, and Polk Audio.

From today's reviews, the best speaker in terms of performance and audio quality is the four-way TS-A6886R set from Pioneer's most popular range. They serve up the best sound of the bunch. Their oval shape needn't put you off, as it only enhances the audio quality. Pioneer also makes the same speaker in a traditional circular shape as well.

The best in terms of value for money is the speaker made by Kenwood. It is a fantastic, three-way set with crisp trebles that produce optimum vocal clarity.

If budget is of key concern, we recommend you order the JBL GT7-6 kit. These speakers provide decent two-way audio that is well balanced and widely dispersed thanks to its Plus One technology.

You can also shop for speakers for all types of vehicles, from boats and motorcycles to your SUV, truck, or jeep.

Conclusion

Updating your car's speakers is never a bad decision. Unfortunately, most vehicle manufacturers install stock systems that don't deliver the same quality as an affordable upgrade can offer. You'll notice a marked improvement if you replace these stock speakers with one of the products on our list.

Remember, the amplifier will also have an impact on sound quality. Consider upgrading your amp at the same time as the speakers. That way, you'll also have complete freedom when choosing speakers, as you won't need to worry about finding a set compatible with the stock amp inside your car.

For all the audiophiles out there, we suggest the four-way system. It delivers the widest frequency range, meaning you get the fullest, most detailed sound quality. If your budget doesn't stretch to a four-way system, all the three-way speakers on our list will do a decent job. The best two-way option is the component speakers with their flexible mounting capabilities that optimize the tweeter position. This feature can help to enhance the audio quality.

That's it. We've provided you with ten awesome products and a very useful buyer's guide. You're now ready to go out and buy some new speakers for your car.

Expert Tip

If you want to beef up your bass levels and rattle the windows, consider adding a dedicated subwoofer to your setup. There's no need to purchase a hugely powerful one that will make the ground rumble as you drive. Many subs out there focus on clarity above volume, and they won't set you back too many dollars either. Adding a sub to your sound system will simply increase depth, which is something that rap, electronic, and techno fans will certainly appreciate.

Did you Know?

If you're unsure of your amplifier's specs or have an older car, it might be worth finding a new amplifier and installing a sound system from scratch.

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