If you just spent thousands of dollars on your new car, you probably expect it to have speakers that are not total trash. Unfortunately, the price of the car doesn’t always correlate with the quality of the speakers. And if you’re a music lover, you probably don’t want to go through the agony of listening to your favorite tracks on poor-quality speakers on your way to work and back every day. That’s why I decided to show you the best cheap car speakers on the market, as well as what to look for in a good set.
Are Cheaper Car Speakers as Good as More Expensive Ones?
Well, it depends. I mean, it’s obvious that a $20 speaker set can’t be as good as a $6,000 one. The good news is you do not need $6,000 speakers to enjoy your favorite music. Nowadays, it’s easier than ever to find a great set that won’t break the bank.
To be clear, a good set of speakers should be able to produce high quality, clear sound no matter its price tag. That means that, e.g., $40 speakers should sound virtually the same as $2,000 ones. Most of the time, the difference is mainly in the design and the materials used. If the manufacturer has done a good job, however, it should be extremely hard to differentiate cheap from expensive speakers.
Sure, if you want the latest and greatest, you might be better off looking into the pricier versions. And that’s perfectly fine — everyone is free to spend their money on whatever they please. Being able to throw a couple of grands on speakers is not the case with most people, though. There is a good chance you just want something that works great, isn’t expensive, and will last you a long time.
If that’s the case, you’re in the right place to learn what you should consider before buying a speaker.
Things You Have to Consider Before Buying a Car Speaker
When choosing which product to invest in, there are certain things you should definitely bear in mind. Some of them are so important that, if you don’t choose wisely, you might end up with a set of speakers that don’t even fit in your car! So I’m going to explain the importance and function of certain parts, and I hope that will help you when you set out to make your purchase. Therefore, read carefully.
Compatibility
The most important thing is to make sure the speakers you have chosen are compatible with your car. Check with the seller of the set for details on that.
Speaker Power Handling (aka Speaker Wattage)
That’s an easy one. Power handling is exactly what it sounds like — the amount of power a speaker can handle, measured in watts. A smaller speaker can handle less power than a larger one — mind-blowing, right?
As a general rule of thumb, though, your speaker wattage should be greater than the amplifier wattage. That’s because the amp can produce peak power slightly above the rating provided by the manufacturer. Therefore, to be on the safe side, consider that fact when purchasing your set.
Speaker Sensitivity
Basically, if your car’s stereo system is low-powered (below 15 W RMS), then high sensitivity speakers (more than 90 dB) would work best, and vice versa.
Speaker Type
Car speakers can be divided into two main categories: component speaker systems and full-range speakers. Let’s have a look at each of them.
Component Speakers
Component systems are known for their superior speaker design, which makes it possible to produce the highest quality sound. A component speaker system includes separate tweeters, woofers, and external crossovers.
Usually, component systems are made of higher quality materials than their full-range counterparts. Thus, they’re able to deliver more detailed sound and exceptional dynamics.
Full-range Speakers
Full-range speakers consist of a woofer and a tweeter mounted onto it. Basically, all the elements are in one basket. That’s their advantage — they are easy to install.
So, if you’re looking for the most hassle-free option to replace your factory set, you should choose full-range speakers. They come in a number of sizes and are easily mounted in the same place where the factory set was. In most cases, you simply remove the old set, connect the new one, and mount it. Voila!
Speaker Materials
When choosing a new speaker set, it’s a good idea to take into account the type of material they’re made of. Trust me; it makes a huge difference.
Woofer Materials
The woofer should be made of a sturdy, yet lightweight material to be able to produce the low tones in the music you play. Most manufacturers use synthetic materials, such as polypropylene, to achieve that quality.
Tweeter Materials
The material from which the tweeter is made also has a huge role in sound reproduction. Usually, most tweeters feature soft materials such as silk for the best sound possible. On the other hand, tweeters made of hard materials like ceramics, metal, or graphite bring forward bright and snappy highs.
Surround Materials
The surround of the speaker is the material around the perimeter of the woofer. It allows the speaker cone to move freely and produce better sounding bass notes.
The most commonly used materials are foam, rubber, and cloth. Out of the three, foam is the one you should stay away from. It tends to rot with time, and that’s probably not something you want to deal with.
Rubber, on the other hand, is great. It offers resilience and flexibility — hence its popularity.
You’ll find rolled cloth/paper in most professional speakers, although there are exceptions.
I’d suggest going with rubber, as it’s both affordable and durable. It’s the preferred material with manufacturers, so it shouldn’t be hard to find speakers with such surround.
2-way or 3-way
2-way speakers are basically coaxial speakers that consist only of a woofer and a tweeter. 3-way, on the other hand, stands for a woofer, a tweeter, and an added mid-range component. Therefore, 3-way speakers have a higher frequency range and are better.
Budget
The financial aspect is probably the most important one. If you’ve just invested a lot of money into your new car, dealing with overpriced speakers is probably the last thing you need. Therefore, all of the options on the list I’ve compiled are budget-friendly. As I already said, you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a good set of speakers.
Have a Look at the Comments
Before you opt for a product, read through the comments to see what people think about it. That’s a great tip to have in mind when buying anything, really.
The ones who actually own and use the product can share their first-hand experience. People don’t care about a company’s reputation, so if there’s anything wrong with the speakers they’ve spent their hard-earned money on, they’ll sure mention that. Same applies if the set is fantastic.
So, sacrificing a couple of minutes of your life to skim through the users’ comments before you proceed to checkout would only benefit you.
If the speakers are compatible with your car, the comments are good, and everything else checks out, go ahead and get yourself the set that you want. Now that you know which aspects to consider, let’s have a look at some of my recommendations for best cheap car speakers. There’s really no specific order to my list, as all products on it are great.
Best Cheap Car Speakers (2023)
Before I start, I should clarify that most of the products mentioned here have similar features, which is why they also come with similar price tags. Therefore, check them all out to see which one best fits your budget and needs.
As those speakers are considered to be on the affordable end, don’t expect the bells and whistles of the expensive versions. What you see is what you get. That’s good, however, because you can focus on the performance, and not the fancy designs and overpriced materials.
1. Rockford Fosgate 6.5″ Coaxial Speakers
Rockford Fosgate has been in the audio business for over 40 years. The company offers extreme attention to detail, killer performance, and innovative design. One thing that stands out with their products is that the materials they use are hand-selected and carefully researched to ensure top-tier performance. Unfortunately, this has become rather rare in today’s culture of mass production.
Rockford Fosgate’s R165X3 coaxial speakers are an absolute best-seller! They are a pair of 6.5-inch, 3-way, full-range speakers. Being just under $40, that’s a great option if you need quality at an affordable price. The speakers feature a silk dome Piezo tweeter, polypropylene cones, midrange, and grilles so that your set looks as good as it sounds.
If you need further information concerning the installation process and product details, you can check their user manual.
Should you have any questions about warranty, you can have a look at the warranty information.
Main Features:
- Dimensions: 16″ x 8.3″ x 4″
- Speaker size: 6.5″
- Sensitivity: 91dB
- Frequency response (Hz): 52–20,000 Hz
- Impedance : 4 Ω
2. Kicker 6.5″ Coaxial Speakers
Producing high-quality speakers since 1973, KICKER has proved to be reliable and innovative. Their products are extremely popular with music lovers and are currently sold in more than 50 countries.
The CS-series 6.5-inch coaxial speakers deliver clean bass and guarantee outstanding performance. What’s more, the remarkable bass response of the speakers is delivered by the impeccable, sturdy motor structures. On top of that, Extended Voice Coil (EVC) technology, strong polypropylene cones, and ribbed surrounds ensure the smoothest midrange possible.
Further, the carefully engineered woofer design ensures a notable upgrade in quality compared to your current speaker system, and the phase plugs prevent distortion for supreme clarity.
If that’s not enough, the tweeters with titanium domes and neodymium magnets just add to the overall superb experience. What’s more, the speakers’ crossover guarantees that the drivers receive only the right frequencies, and the poly-switch protector ensures the sound is clear even at higher volumes.
I should point out that these CS speakers work best with 100 W of recommended power.
If you want to take a look at the user manual or some of the FAQ, please click on the links.
Also, if you’re not sure about the compatibility of the speakers, you can find out if they will fit your car by clicking on that link.
Main features:
- Dimensions: 15.1” x 7.4” x 3.6”
- Speaker size: 6.5”
- Sensitivity: 90 dB
- Effective frequency range: 40–20,000 Hz
- Impedance: 4 Ω
3. JVC 6.5″ Coaxial Car Speakers
JVC is another company I wholeheartedly recommend. Their products are of good quality and people seem to trust the brand. A perk of choosing them is that their speakers are pre-customized to fit virtually any car, which is great as you probably don’t want to bother with making alterations.
The shallow frame that the CS-J620 coaxial speakers are built with makes installation as hassle-free as possible. With it, you don’t have to worry about hitting any obstructions within your vehicle’s door panel.
In addition, they have a pre-arranged hole pattern. That’s done so you don’t have to modify the speakers to fit your particular vehicle — it fits right off the bat!
All cars are different, though. So for installations that do demand some alteration, the company provides mounting tabs and screws to make it easier for you to install your speakers as quickly as possible.
For warranty information, please click on the link.
Main Features:
- Dimensions: 6.5″
- Speaker size: 13.4” x 7.6” x 3.6”
- Sensitivity: 92 dB
- Frequency response: 35–22,000 Hz
- Impedance: 4 Ω
4. BOSS Audio Systems 6.5″ Speakers
BOSS Audio Systems provides resilient, long-lasting, and durable products that offer great sound and longevity at an affordable price. With 30+ years of experience in the field, the company has built a clientele that trusts their innovative approach.
The rubber surround of the Chaos Exxtreme CH6530 speakers guarantees smooth response and durability, while the poly-injection cone delivers crisp, clear sound.
BOSS Audio Systems provides a 3-year online dealer warranty as long as the products are purchased through Amazon.com.
Main Features:
- Dimensions: 6.6″ x 6.6″ x 2.4″
- Speaker size: 6.5″
- Sensitivity: 90 dB
- Frequency response: 100–18,000 Hz
- Impedance: 4 Ω
5. Pioneer 6.5″ Coaxial Speakers
Pioneer’s speakers are another great option. The company offers high quality at a low price — what better combo?
The TS-G1620F speakers have a two-way design which can handle 300 W of maximum power. They also feature Pioneer’s carefully engineered IMPP (Injected Molded Polypropylene™) composite cone woofer, which is both robust and lightweight, for reduced distortion and improved accuracy.
Indeed, none of the features you get are mediocre. The conex damper, for example, provides deeper bass and better power handling, and the 1-3/16-inch balanced dome tweeter is able to reproduce highs effortlessly.
Just like the JVC speakers, the Pioneer TS-G1629F are carefully designed with a shallow mounting depth. Thus, they are easy to install to a broad variety of cars. Speaker grilles are not included, though, which is a downside.
The speakers have a 1-year warranty. For more information, please contact the seller.
Main Features:
- Dimensions: 13.5″ x 3.5″ x 7.5″
- Speaker size: 6.5″
- Sensitivity: 89 dB
- Frequency response: 31–18,000 Hz
- Impedance: 4 Ω
6. Pyle 6.5″ Three-Way Speaker System
Founded in the 1960s, Pyle is another highly recommended manufacturer. The company’s vast experience in the field of audio electronics has turned it into a household name. Being reliable in the audio equipment business is what differentiates good companies from money-driven brands. Pyle has proved to belong to the first group!
Their Blue Label series speakers don’t just sound amazing — they look great, too. Same as the previous and the following products, they’re excellent replacements for your car’s factory speakers. High quality materials, attention to detail, and low cost are only a couple of the characteristics that make this product immensely popular among music lovers.
In fact, you’ll hear the difference the moment you play some music on your new Pyle speakers.
The rubber surround helps keep the speakers nice and secure, and extends their lifespan. Moreover, the one-inch, ASV voice coil provides the richest sound possible and ensures low distortion.
Furthermore, the blue poly-injection cone adds to the overall great look of the product and allows the music you play to resonate with maximum power.
Additionally, the 4 Ω audio speakers make up for the undersized wire found in many of today’s vehicles. They utilize all of the 360 W your car stereo can provide. The tweeter provides loud, smooth, and detailed sound at that.
What’s more, the speaker’s voice coils are able to withstand high temperatures. Yet, they maintain the strength needed to provide longer play times.
The package includes a pair of 6.5-inch, three-way, 360 W speakers.
If you want to see the specification sheet or check the warranty information, please click on the links.
Main Features:
- Dimensions: 14.7″ x 3.1″ x 7.3″
- Speaker size: 6.5″
- Sensitivity: 89 dB
- Frequency response: 90–20,000 Hz
- Impedance: 4 Ω
7. Infinity 6.5″ Coaxial Car Speakers
Just like the other companies, Infinity offers reliable speakers with great longevity and performance for a decent price.
The REF-6522EX speakers feature a polypropylene woofer cone with rubber surround, and a textile dome tweeter. As I’ve already mentioned, those materials ensure durability, extremely high performance, and amazing sound quality.
The manufacturer provides a 1-year warranty. For more information, please contact the seller.
Main Features:
- Dimensions: 15″ x 8″ x 4″
- Speaker size: 6.5″
- Sensitivity: 93 dB
- Frequency response: 57-21,000 Hz
- Impedance: 3 Ω
8. JBL 6.5″ Speakers
JBL is one of the most popular stereo electronics companies. The company is renowned for consistency and great build quality. JBL has proved to be one of the leading manufacturers in the field with hundreds of thousands of happy customers annually.
The Stage series speakers offer signature JBL performance for a remarkably low price.
The polypropylene woofers provide amazing bass and midrange frequencies. Additionally, the PEI balanced dome tweeters ensure full-range, crisp, high-quality sound.
Available in a range of sizes, the Stage Series speakers are the perfect entry-level upgrades from factory speakers. They deliver the superb blend of unbeatable value and uncompromising JBL sound.
The speakers have a 1-year warranty. Should you have any questions, please contact the seller.
Main Features:
- Dimensions: 16″ x 11″ x 5″
- Speaker size: 6.5″
- Sensitivity: 92 dB
- Frequency response: 45–20,000 Hz
- Impedance: 4 Ω
9. Kenwood 6.5″ Speakers
Adding to the low-priced beasts, the speakers offered by Kenwood might be exactly what you need.
The KFC-1666S 6.5-inch, 2-way speakers (just like the other products I’ve already talked about) have polypropylene cones that help you get richer sound with dynamic midrange and solid mid bass.
What’s more, the 1-inch dome tweeters make the high range sound that much better.
Kenwood includes grilles in case you want to do a custom installation in your car.
For warranty information, please contact the seller.
Main Features:
- Dimensions: 7.6″ x 3.6″ x 13.5″
- Speaker size: 6.5″
- Sensitivity: 92 dB
- Frequency response: 35–22,000 Hz
- Impedance: 4 Ω
10. Polk 5.25″ Coaxial Speakers
Polk’s DB+ Series speakers are a killer value with stellar performance. Much like the previous companies I’ve mentioned, Polk creates meticulously engineered speakers that provide great quality at an amazing price.
The DB 522 2-way speakers feature a 5.25-inch polypropylene woofer cone with a robust rubber surround. They ensure superb quality playback and resilience. The 3/4-inch silk dome tweeter delivers precise, smooth highs to create a vibrant soundstage, while the built-in crossover keeps the lows and highs flowing to the proper drivers.
Polk also includes boldly designed grilles that add uniqueness to your car’s interior, along with mounting hardware if you’re doing a custom installation.
The warranty of the speakers is one year. You can click on the link to learn more.
If you’d like to get more detailed information about the product, please click on the user manual.
Main Features:
- Dimensions: 16″ x 14.2″ x 9.7″
- Speaker size: 5.25″
- Sensitivity: 91 dB
- Frequency response: 55–22,000 Hz
- Impedance: 4 Ω
Final Words on the Best Cheap Car Speakers
I hope that while reading through the information I’ve provided, you found the speaker set that best suits your needs. I know that it’s a lot, but it’s always better to choose from a wide variety than from a limited assortment.
The tips I gave you offer a simple, yet effective criteria that you can use to determine what you need, so it’s going to be a piece of cake to find the perfect product for you.
Speakers might not be as essential as the engine of the car, but they are definitely what makes a long drive either pleasurable or tedious. Therefore, opting for a good set will ensure you have a good time while driving at all times.
As always, do your research and make sure the speaker system you’ve chosen works for your car. Now, you can play your favorite jams and annoy everyone else on the road. Happy listening!
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- By Car Roar