If you have ever had an older car or you like blasting your music often, you probably know that most factory car speakers can die or lose most of their power pretty quickly.
The simplest fix can be a simple factory replacement, but if you want a clearer sound and longer-lasting pair of speakers, then take a look at the buying guide down below to find the best car speakers for you. Below that is also the top 8 best car speakers that you can get right now.
Number of speakers
Sound range
Volume Range
The simplest fix can be a simple factory replacement, but if you want a clearer sound and longer-lasting pair of speakers, then take a look at the buying guide down below to find the best car speakers for you. Below that is also the top 8 best car speakers that you can get right now.
Buying Guide
How to choose the best car speakers.
Size
This is one of the first things you should look at before you look at any of the other features if you do not want to break a speaker that is too large by forcing it into the hole in your car or have it dangling by the wires and hitting everything while you are driving.
Many speakers can come in a variety of sizes, but the most standard ones are 3, 4, 5 1/4, 6 1/4, and 6 1/2 inches in diameter for those that are circular. However, there are also oval-shaped speakers which are not as common as circular ones, but they are still pretty popular in some models. These are usually 6 by 8 inches or 6 by 9 inches.
It can be a little difficult to get an exact measurement from your current speaker, and it can be easier and simpler to either ask at a car shop or google your question.
Number of speakers
Some cars just have the door speakers, but there are some models that also have smaller speakers that are either on the dashboard, beside the door speakers, or are in other locations in the car.
If you are planning on replacing a single speaker, regardless of what size it is, it can be less common to find a single pack of one size. If you do end up getting a pair instead of a single pack, which is usually more cost-efficient depending on the speaker and brand, then you may want to just replace two speakers so that the difference in sound quality does not drive you insane.
The newer speaker will have a naturally higher sound quality when compared with your other speakers unless the new speaker has lower specs than your old ones, which is what we will talk about next.
Sound range
We are talking about the frequency range that the speaker is able to handle. Sound frequencies are measured in Hertz and the higher the frequency, the higher the pitch is. Most speakers, car or otherwise, usually can handle frequencies up to 40,000 Hertz or so, which is pretty standard.
The thing many people take a look at is how low the speakers can go; the lower frequency range, the better the change that can support a strong bass. Many speaker frequencies usually go as low as 100, but there are a few very high-quality speakers that can support frequencies as low as 30 or so.
Volume Range
If you have ever had an older car or you like blasting your music often, you probably know that most factory car speakers can die or lose most of their power pretty quickly.The simplest fix can be a simple factory replacement, but if you want a clearer sound and longer-lasting pair of speakers, then take a look at the buying guide down below to find the best car speakers for you. Below that is also the top 8 best car speakers that you can get right now.Full-range vs component vs factory
Things to look for that differentiate them.
What is the best way to install car speakers?
When it comes to speakers, if you cannot test the volume yourself when you are picking one or two out, which is pretty common, the easiest way for you to understand how loud they can get is by looking at the decibels(dB). The average car speaker has a max dB range of 80 to 100, which is about the same as other kinds of speakers. For comparison, the average car horn is between 105 and 110dB, which can be one reason why they do not make louder car speakers.
Full-range vs component vs factory
Depending on the make and model, factory car speakers are generally the cheapest and have the lowest quality sound; these are the speakers that came with the car. The next best kind is full-range speakers, and they are usually the simplest to install and are a little more expensive than factory ones. The last kind, component speakers, are usually the highest quality, more expensive, but they tend to carry sound better and last longer.
Things to look for that differentiate them.
One of the biggest things to look at is the mounting components. Because there are many different car designs but only so many speaker sizes, many speakers can components that are not enough or too few for your car. The most common components that get in the way during this process are the screw holes, the rim, and the body. Be prepared for these parts of the speaker to get in the way while you are trying to install them, because sometimes, even though the speaker size is correct, the design of the speaker can cause them not to fit properly.
What is the best way to install car speakers?
First, make sure the speakers are the correct size by comparing them to the old ones or the hole they are about to be installed in. If they look like they are the same size and will fit, follow the instructions on the box if instructions came with them. If they did not and your car manual does not have steps to change your speakers, then you will probably want to find a video on how to do it.
Always make sure to handle them with care, avoid getting them dirty, and be especially careful of the connection area to prevent ruining the speaker before/as you install it.
Precautions for using this type of product.
If you have never installed speakers before and you are unable or uncomfortable with handling electronics, then you should have a professional or mechanic change the speakers for you. If something were to go wrong, you may end up getting seriously injured or damaging your car and/or the speakers, so better safe than sorry.
How to care for your car speakers.
If you have ever had an older car or you like blasting your music often, you probably know that most factory car speakers can die or lose most of their power pretty quickly.The simplest fix can be a simple factory replacement, but if you want a clearer sound and longer-lasting pair of speakers, then take a look at the buying guide down below to find the best car speakers for you. Below that is also the top 8 best car speakers that you can get right now.
When you are cleaning the inside of your car, you can spray your cleaning cloth with the same cleaner you use on your vinyl. Using this or a car cleaning wipe (they are similar to baby wipes), gently brush over the metal speaker grate. If your speaker does not have this protective grate, you can use a can of air to spray any dust off, but make sure it is at least several inches away from the speaker to prevent damaging it.
Top 8 Car Speakers
#1
While these may be one of the most expensive bundles on this list, the main reason is because it comes with 2 sets of 6.5-inch and 2-inch speakers for a total of 8 speakers in the bundle. It also comes with 4 packs of crossovers that help to provide higher quality sound filtering when compared to the factory speakers.
They are a little less durable than other speakers because none of them come with a metal covering/grate, but they are still very easy to keep clean and install. In terms of style, the larger speakers are nearly all black and would blend in well with a black interior. The smaller speakers, on the other hand, are mostly silver, making them stand out more in a car with a dark interior.
When it comes to sound quality, these are one of the better choices between the sound range (40 to 20,000 Hertz), the volume range (max 90dB), and the fact that they are component speakers.
4.7 of 5 Stars
Pros
Cons
#2
This set of speakers is a little different from most since the sizes that it comes with are a set of circular 6.5-inch and an oval 6 by 9-inch one. They are also available together with 25-foot long speaker wire, too. Like the last set, these are also component speakers, but their technical specs are a little lower than the last set.
They can only support frequencies between 60 to 20,000 Hertz, so the bass is not as good as the last set. It does have the same volume range, though; 90dB.
These also do not come with a metal guard, meaning the speaker is left exposed. Because of the mostly silver center with the black rim, they can match well in a car with a silver or black interior, but when the light hits it a certain way, the silver can look like a cross between silver and brass.
Whether it is because of the lower technical specs or the less popular style in the design, this is one of the less popular speaker models out now.
4.2 of 5 Stars
Pros
Cons
#3
Another Rockville speaker, these are a pair of 8-inch mid-range speakers. Mid-range speakers' quality is somewhere between factory and full-range, depending on the specs and brand. They usually have less range when it comes to sound frequency and volume capacity, and the same can be said for these.
They can only support between 100Hz to 11,000 Hertz, which is a little below the standard specs. However, it can reach up to 102dB, which is one of the higher numbers both on and off this list.
Despite the highs and lows when it comes to the technical specs, this has one of the simplest and liked appearances in terms of design. The entire visible part of the speaker is all black excluding the small Rockville logo near the bottom that is a vivid blue, making it favored by those who have black interiors.
This is also one of the more affordable bundles, so if you are willing to compensate for the bass that is not as strong as the others, this is a nice backup choice.
4.5 of 5 Stars
Pros
Cons
#4
This is one of the few bundles that come with all oval-shaped speakers that are the same size. Each speaker is 6 by 8 inches, and unlike the others that have been mentioned so far, these have mini metal guards around the main part of the speaker that helps to protect it, but it also has a stylish look to it.
All of the visible parts of the speaker are black except for the ring around the metal guard, which is dark grey, and they can help to either accent a grey interior or blend with and sort of stand out in a black interior.
This is a pretty standard speaker when it comes to the specs. It can handle up to 88dB of sound, but the frequency range is a little above average, supporting frequencies between 46 to 20,000 Hertz.
These are also one of the most popular models, probably because they are so useful and the fact that they are one of the most affordable bundles out now.
4.4 of 5 Stars
Pros
Cons
#5
These are possibly the most noticeable models for their design because these are of the few on this list that has an accenting frame that covers the speaker. This frame is all black, making it blend with the rest of the speaker which is black, but the design of the frame is highly noticeable and rather unique, looking somewhat futuristic.
The speakers themselves are dirt and water-resistant, are 5 1/4-inches, and come in a 2-pack (not set). They can support up to 91dB of sound and frequencies between 55 to 22,000 Hertz, making them a little above the average when it comes to the sound quality. However, if you are using them in a humid place, they do tend to make a buzzing noise at high volumes, even more so with the bass.
One of the reasons this is one of the most popular models out now is because the frame is designed to be used with a wide variety of boats, motorcycles, ATVs, and more, something that is rather hard to find. The unique frame can also be painted over if you do not like the regular black or want them to match with your vehicle, something that is even rarer among speakers.
4.5 of 5 Stars
Pros
Cons
#6
This is another set of oval-shaped speakers, but these actually come with full metal guards instead of the partial ones on the previous set. The design passed the guard is also more grey/silver with a few black parts on the inside, but the guard and the black rim give the speaker a mostly black look.
The sound quality is also a little better when compared to the last set since they can support frequencies between 35 to 20,000 Hertz, making the bass a little better. The volume range is about the same, though, only peaking at around 90dB. Although, it seems like the quality drops when it is playing at the highest volume because of a slight buzzing sound that is noticeable every now and then.
Still, this is another affordable set that is a little above the average quality, and it is super convenient if you have an older car because this can fit in many '90s and 2000's models, and finding speakers that fit '90s cars that are not used and have good sound can make you want to tear up a little.
4.2 of 5 Stars
Pros
Cons
#7
These are very similar to another one of the Rochville's that was previously mentioned when it comes to the design since they are nearly all black except for the small blue Rockville logo at the bottom of the speaker. However, these are completely different when it comes to the size and quality, making them a good example of why you should check the size and specs before you make your choice.
These are a pair of 6 1/2-inch speakers that are mid-range. Because they are mid-range, they can only support frequencies between 125 to 10,000 Hertz, which is one of the lower qualities on this list, but it is certainly not the lowest ever. The volume range makes up for the sound range, being able to handle up to 100dB of sound.
Despite not having a metal guard, these are actually one of the strongest and most durable ones that are out there, but then again, Rockville is pretty well known for being sturdy. These are also one of the most affordable bundles on and off this list, making them one of the most popular on this list, too.
4.6 of 5 Stars
Pros
Cons
#8
The final speakers on the list, these are one of the smallest ones being only 4 inches, but they are also available in nearly every other size including 3 1/2, 5 1/4, and 6 1/2 inches when it comes to the round sizes and 4 by 6, 6 by 8, and 6 by 9 inches for the oval-shaped speakers. They have a very similar appearance to most factory speakers, being white/grey in the center with a black rim and a somewhat see-through metal guard on top.
When it comes to the 4-inch speakers, they have a pretty decent and average sound quality since they can support frequencies from 60 to 20,000 Hertz and a maximum volume of 88dB.
However, the smaller sizes can be more of a challenge to install, even more so if you have larger hands or a smaller install area to work with.
4.1 of 5 Stars
Pros
Cons
Conclusion
When looking at all of the technical specs including the sound range, volume range, quality, and the number of speakers, the winner of this list would have to be the Rockville X6.5C Competition 6.5" 1000 Watt Component Car Audio Speakers.
The bundle comes with enough speakers to completely change out up to 2 cars or keep an extra set as a backup. It is also one of the component speakers on this list, and it has some of the highest technical specs. The high-quality wires that it comes with also help to set it over the edge. It is one of the more expensive options, but the value and quality of the bundle can certainly make the cost worth it.
