Finding the right set of car speakers can be tough since there are so many on the market. If you’re not in the know, it can be hard to discern between all of the speakers, their different types, and really figure out which ones are high quality. The built-in OEM speakers often don’t do the trick, especially for audiophiles who listen to the volume on high, leaving you to try and find a better set.
It can be difficult to find the perfect car speakers, so we reviewed dozens of car speakers to find the best, highest quality, and most durable car speakers based on their prices, design, Amazon ratings, and functionality. We narrowed our search down to 5 of the top-rated car speakers for great audio.
The Pioneer 3-Way Car Speakers offer 320 watts of power and lightweight elastic polymer sound. There’s a multilayer mica matrix cone that brings deep bass, and an improved tweeter that keeps the audio crisp at high volumes. They have an aesthetically appealing design and are an exceptional value, given their reasonable cost. If you want to play popular music loud and with high-quality audio, these are your speakers.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Car Speakers
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Pioneer 3-Way Car Speakers | 4.4 |
| Runner Up | Rockford Fosgate Punch Coaxial Speakers | 4.2 |
| Best Budget Buy | Pyle 3-Way Sound Speaker System | 3.8 |
| Best Component Speakers | Pioneer TSA1606C Component Speaker Package | 4.6 |
| Best Subwoofer | MTX Audio Terminator Series TNE212D | 4.4 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Our Top Pick: Pioneer 3-Way Car Speakers
If you’re looking for high-quality speakers at an exceptional price, the Pioneer 3-Way Car Speakers might be for you. This speaker is built with a multilayer mica matrix cone structure that delivers a deeper bass than other speakers. There’s a newly designed twitter that produces powerful sound while maintaining a crisp audio quality. Regardless of what you listen to, whether it be hip-hop or dubstep, you can listen in style.
These speakers are lightweight and aesthetically pleasing, looking very modern. They have a layer made of water-resistant material, and are able to reproduce sounds as they originate. Regardless of the stage size and intricacies of the musician, the speakers capture it.
With a heat-resistant voice coil wire, the speakers dissipate heat and are durable, withstanding high power. The spider design offers stiff suspension and an accurate response. With the cooling basket and air vent, they cool quickly and won’t overheat.
Pioneer 3-Way Car Speakers Key Features:
- Delivers optimized sound and high volumes
- Lightweight elastic polymer
- 320 watts of power
- Aesthetically pleasing design
Our Runner Up Pick: Rockford Fosgate Punch Coaxial Speakers
This set of coaxial speakers is the perfect speaker to replace the OEM-installed speakers. The Rockford Fosgate Punch Coaxial Speakers have a flexible basket that fits into the factory speaker location, allowing the speaker to fit into more types of cars. There’s also an integrated concealed crossover that creates a cleaner look and makes the speakers easier to install.
With an OEM adapter, the speakers can be used in many different makes of vehicle. The PEI dome tweeter produces high quality audio that stays crisp at all times. The Fosgate also produces powerful bass and are well-balanced.
Rockford Fosgate Punch Coaxial Speakers Key Features:
- PEI dome tweeter
- FlexFit basked allows the speaker to be adjusted
- Multi-OEM adapter enables the speaker to fit most vehicles
- High quality audio
Best Budget Pick: Pyle 3-Way Sound Speaker System
For the audiophile who’s on a budget, the Pyle 3-Way Sound Speaker System is a triaxial speaker system that includes a 6.5 inch woofer. There’s a blue poly-injection cone that gives the woofer some stiffness without weighing it down. There’s also a one-inch, high temperature ASV voice coil that provides rich, crystal clear sound that eliminates distortion.
Pyle’s four-ohm component speaker works well with the wires in most of today’s cars. It takes advantage of the power that your car stereo can deliver, all 360-watts of it. With your purchase, you get grills, wires, and mounting hardware, all you need to install them.
With a midrange tweeter, this three-way sound system includes a one-inch neodymium film dome tweeter that provides smooth yet loud audio. For the low price, you still get powerful speakers, and the standardized sized fits most OEM speaker locations. Lastly, there is a butyl rubber surrounding the speaker that prolongs the lifespan of this set.
Pyle Three Way Sound Speaker System Key Features:
- Triaxial speakers
- Mid-range tweeter
- High-temperature voice coil
- Non-fatiguing butyl rubber
Best Component Speakers: Pioneer TSA1606C Component Speaker Package
With 350-watts of maximum power, the Pioneer TSA1606C Component Speaker Package are the perfect component speakers for those looking to balance high quality audio with affordability. They’re the perfect replacement for stock speakers, and because they’re 6.5-inches, they fit most standard vehicles without any problems.
They’re simple to install, based on the reviews, and feature a new multi-layer mica matrix cone design that produces optimal sound that’s crystal clear with no muddiness or distortion. Of course, they’re better off when paired with a high quality amplifier, but they work just fine with a stock amplifier too. While the cone delivers a deeper bass, the tweeter provides stunning mid to high frequencies and works well at high volumes.
The cosmetic design will look good in any vehicle. Whether you’re looking to play hip hop, dubstep, or R&B, these speakers will deliver the high fidelity audio you’re looking for.
Pioneer TSA1606C Component Speaker Package Key Features:
- 350-watts maximum power
- 2-way design
- 6.5-inches
- Great price for component speakers
Best Subwoofer: MTX Audio Terminator Series TNE212D
For powerful base, you’ll love the MTX Audio Terminator Series TNE212D. The TNE212D houses two 12-inch subwoofers and delivers powerful bass to any car. It delivers up to 1200 watts of power at its maximum, though the recommended is 400 watts.
The subwoofer is internally wired to a 2-ohm final load and has an aluminum voice coil that doesn’t overheat. It’s a sealed box, which works well with all types of music and never sounds muddy. They are cosmetically designed and won’t become a sore spot in your car. If you’re looking for a simple to set-up subwoofer, all you need to do is plug this one in and it’s ready to go.
MTX Audio Terminator Series TNE212D Key Features:
- Equipped with two 12-inch subwoofers
- Delivers powerful bass
- Rubber surround
- Polypropylene cone
Who Should Buy a Car Speaker
The main reason that people buy new car speakers is to replace their OEM speakers. Factory speakers are often weak, and replacing the speakers is the easiest way to improve your car’s sound. OEM speakers often lose clarity when the volume is high and are muddy or muffled. Car speaker manufacturers focus solely on producing high fidelity audio, whereas vehicle manufacturers often aren’t concerned with that.
A new set of car speakers can refresh your old vehicle, making it feel new and up to date. And if your existing set is about to kick the bucket, you’re probably looking to replace them.
Important Features to Consider
A car speaker should have a few important features. Here’s what to consider when selecting a car speaker:
- Sensitivity. This refers to how much power your speakers need to put out a certain level of volume. Speakers that are very sensitive require less energy. To figure out what level of sensitivity the car speaker you purchase should have, you need to know how powerful your external amp is. If you still use your factory stereo, you’d benefit from a speaker that has a high sensitivity level.
- Power-handling. How much power can your speaker handle? That’s what power-handling refers to. To maximize the effectiveness of your external amp, your speakers must be able to handle that power. Most people buy an external amp beforehand.
- Type of speakers. There are two categories of car speakers: component speaker systems and full-range speakers. Full-range speakers include a woofer to produce the lows, and a tweeter mounted to the woofer to create the high volumes. All of the elements of the speaker are in one basket. Component speakers, on the other hand, includes separate components that work together to produce the highest quality audio possible.
- Build quality. Factory speakers are often made with poor quality materials that break down quickly. Upgrading your OEM speakers is the easiest way to improve your sound quality. Some materials that you should look for when purchasing speakers include rubber surrounds, stiff and lightweight woofer, and polyblend tweeters.
- Size. The most basic thing you need to know is the size of the speakers that are already in your vehicle. You need to make sure the new speakers you buy easily fit into your vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a speaker work in cars?
Car speakers are air pistons that move back and forth, altering air pressure to create frequencies that your eardrum interprets. An amplifier creates electrical impulses that create an electromagnet. When this electromagnet hits the voice coil, it’s either attracted or repelled. The voice coil moves the speaker back or forth accordingly. This is what creates the sounds.
What is the difference between 2-way and 3-way car speakers?
Two-way car speakers are also known as coaxial speakers. They include a woofer and a tweeter. The woofer produces low audio frequencies, while the tweeter creates high audio frequencies.
Three-way car speakers, on the other hand, are tri-axial speakers. They have a woofer, a tweeter, but also include a mid-range that produces mid-range frequencies.
What does it mean when a speaker is 4-way?
A 4-way speaker contains a woofer, a mid-range cone, as well as two tweeters, meaning there’s an extra tweeter. This gives the audio better high-range audio. However, they typically aren’t that superior to 3-way speakers.
How many watts is a good speaker?
This measurement tells us the upper limit of how loud the speakers can play. The higher the watts, the louder you can safely play your audio without having to worry about distorting the speakers. High watts don’t necessarily mean the speaker is better. The sensitivity is what determines how many watts are needed to produce a certain volume.
Other Car Speakers We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other car speakers. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best car speakers list, they’re the best of the best and each is still a great option for your vehicle. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
Component Speakers
Alpine Type-E Component 2-Way Speakers
This set of 2-way speakers is a cost-efficient set of component speakers. They produce high quality audio and are 6.5 inches, fitting most vehicles.
Key Features:
- 90dB sensitivity
- 6.5 inches
- 45-watts per pair RMS
Cost: $38
Cerwin-Vega 2-Way Component Speakers
With butyl rubber surround, these 2-way component speakers not only give you crystal clear audio, but they are durable and last a long time.
Key Features:
- Butyl rubber surround
- Curvilinear poly cone
- RMS of 30 watts
Cost: $42
Infinity Component Speaker System
The trademarked Plus One woofer cones produce a deeper bass than conventional speakers thanks to the larger cone radiating area, and the tweeter is just as good.
Key Features:
- Power handling
- Produce a deep bass
- Trademarked Plus One woofer cones
Cost: $68
JBL Premium 6.5-Inch Component Speaker System
Carbon-injected cones move more air than conventional cones, producing deep basses. And with the I-Mount system, these speakers are highly flexible.
Key Features:
- Dual-level tweeter volume adjustment
- Patented I-Mount system for flexible mounting
- Carbon-injected cones
Cost: $79
JL Audio 6.5-Inch 2-Way Speakers
For those who are willing to invest in the best, these speakers have an adjustable tweeter level for the high frequencies and a mice-filled polypropylene cone for the bass.
Key Features:
- Mice-filled polypropylene cone
- Adjustable tweeter level
- 200 watts per pair
Cost: $159
Polk Audio 2-Way Component System
The 2-way component system uses liquid-cooled dome tweeters to produce crisp highs, as well as a Kapton voice coil for clear lows.
Key Features:
- Liquid cooled dome tweeters
- Adapter rings make it easy to fit into your vehicle
- Kapton voice coil
Cost: $119
Rockford Fosgate Component Speaker System
These are quite pricey, but you get top-of-the-line audio with the FlexFit basket design. The concealed crossover ensures a clean look, and their aesthetically pleasing too.
Key Features:
- FlexFit basket design
- Integrated concealed crossover
- Vertical attach surround technique
Subwoofers
Dual Electronics illumiNITE Enclosed Subwoofer
This beautiful subwoofer has a curved plexiglass viewing window and LEDs for that sporty look. Aside from that, there are 2,5″ voice coils and it’s capable of creating 1100 watts of power.
Key Features:
- Curved plexiglass viewing window
- 2.5″ voice coils
- 1100 watts of peak power
Cost: $200
Kenwood Compact Powered Enclosed Subwoofer
With a built-in amplifier, this enclosed subwoofer is a great deal. The aluminum enclosure is durable and you get a wired remote to control volume level and other functions.
Key Features:
- Aluminum enclosure
- Compact powered subwoofer
- Wired remote
Cost: $129
Being only 12-inches, this compact subwoofer is great for smaller cars or for those with not a lot of trunk space. And you’re not sacrificing quality for size, either.
Key Features:
- Max power of 1200 watts
- Compact, uses little trunk space
- 12-inches
Cost: $280
Pioneer 10-Inch Shallow-Mount Enclosure
With a small form factor, this unit is compact. It provides a tight bass thanks to its shallow design, and has a maximum power of 1200 watts.
Key Features:
- Pre-loaded enclosure
- Only 10 inches
- Shallow design provides a tight bass
Cost: $92
Rockford Fosgate 300-Watt Powered Subwoofer
Rockford’s subwoofer is sealed, providing accurate bass. There are 12 AWG input terminals and the unit is covered with head-activated vinyl.
Key Features:
- Remote bass control
- Sealed enclosure
- 12 input terminals
Cost: $190
Rockville 600-Watt Slim Low-Profile Subwoofer
This tiny is the smallest of the bunch, coming in at only 8 inches. It fits under the seat, but provides just as high quality audio. There’s adjustable input sensitivity and overload protection too, features that some bigger subwoofers don’t have.
Key Features:
- Fits under the seat
- Adjustable input sensitivity
- Overload protection
Cost: $102
Sound Storm 600-Watt Amplified Subwoofer
Sound Storm’s amplified subwoofer has both low and high level inputs. With remote subwoofer control, you can adjust the sensitivity and there’s variable bass boost too.
Key Features:
- Low and high level inputs
- Remote subwoofer control
- Soft turn-on circuit
Coaxial Speakers
Alpine 6.5-Inch 2-Way Coaxial Speakers
Alpine’s coaxial speakers are 6.5 inches and the peak power is 240 watts. The depth is 2.25 inches, and they’ll fit into most car doors.
Key Features:
- 240 watts peak power
- 2-way
- 6.5 inches
Cost: $60
CT Sounds Full Range Coaxial Speakers
These coaxial speakers feature a glass fiber cone that is durable and creates high quality audio. There are spring terminals for easy connectivity.
Key Features:
- Glass fiber cone
- Silk dome tweeter
- Spring terminals for easy connectivity
Cost: $95
JBL Premium 6.5-Inch Coaxial Speakers
With the patented UniPivot tweeter, this coaxial speaker can be adjusted and aimed in the direction you want the sound. They’re low-impedance and three ohm too.
Key Features:
- UniPivot tweeter for adjustable sound
- Low impedance, three ohm speakers
- Carbon injected cone
Cost: $84
Kenwood 300-Watt 6.5-Inch Coaxial Speakers
Kenwood’s coaxial speakers are built to output 300 watts of power. With the purchase, you get a 1 inch balanced dome tweeter and a 6.5 inch polypropylene cone for powerful bass and high highs.
Key Features:
- Power handling
- 1 inch balanced dome tweeter
- 6.5 inch polypropylene cone
Cost: $27
The titanium-dome tweeters have large, extended voice coils that produce crystal clear audio and vocals and a high quality bass. There’s a heavy duty motor structure that enables the speakers to perform better than others.
Key Features:
- Heavy duty motor structure
- Titanium dome tweeters
- Extended voice coil
Cost: $56
Pioneer A-Series 4-Way Speakers
This speaker set offers dynamic range and a powerful bass. There’s a cosmetic design that looks good and they fit in most car doors.
Key Features:
- Multilayer mica matrix cone
- Lightweight elastic polymer
- Heat resistant voice coil
Cost: $49
