Best 6×8 Speakers: Experience Clear, Quality Sound

Improve your daily drive with the sweet sounds of new 6x8s

byKatherine Rother|
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BYKatherine Rother/ LAST UPDATED ON September 14, 2023

If you’re looking to up your car game music-wise, it’s time to consider replacing your factory car speakers with some new 6x8s. Their dynamic sound quality, better volume control, and overall sleek look make all the difference if you’re a music lover. With so many choices out there, it’s hard to know where to begin. Read on to find out everything you need to know to choose the best 6x8 speakers for your car.

Best Overall
Pioneer TS-A6880F 6x8 Speakers

Pioneer TS-A6880F 6x8 Speakers

Summary
Four-way speakers with high power, these Pioneer speakers deliver a great music listening experience in a pretty package. Great for music lovers who like extra bass.
Pros
Power handling of 80 watts RMS. Lightweight tweeter with a multilayer mica matrix cone for improved bass and frequency range. Sleek black design with silver accents.
Cons
Among the more difficult models to install, so it’s probably not a DIY job unless you’ve got the right skill set.
Best Value

Rockford R168X2 6x8 Speakers

Summary
A bestseller with a full range of features for an affordable price. If you’re looking for great sound without breaking the bank, these might be the pick for you.
Pros
Two-way speakers with integrated tweeter crossover for great sound. Power handling of up to 55 watts RMS. Silk dome tweeter creates a very refined and warm sound.
Cons
Not the highest-powered speakers out there, which might be a bit disappointing to true audiophiles. Their look is also pretty basic.
Honorable Mention

Rockford Fosgate P1683 Punch 6x8 Speakers 

Summary
A pair of three-way speakers that makes an excellent upgrade from factory speakers. With the superior frequency response, crisp sound, and quality construction, this is one of the best choices on the market.
Pros
These offer 130 watts of peak power and 65 watts of RMS. They’re designed with flexible and adjustable cones to provide quality sound and ensure a proper fit in different vehicles.
Cons
The bass won't satisfy the audiophiles looking for more powerful aftermarket speakers. The installation is sometimes tricky and may require some modifications.

Summary List

Benefits of Upgrading Your 6x8 Speakers

  • Better sound quality. A high-quality pair (or quad) of 6x8 speakers makes a huge difference in the overall sound quality you experience in your car. When compared to factory speakers, most good 6x8s fare way better.
  • Improved volume control. With factory car speakers, you never know what you’re going to get. Higher-end cars tend to have pretty good ones already installed, while mid-range cars can use a boost. The overall highs and lows you can achieve are just better with an upgraded speaker set.
  • Higher resale value. If you’re ever planning to sell or trade in your vehicle, upgraded speakers will give the value a big boost. Everyone likes a sweet sound system, and good 6x8s make or break the overall look, feel, and sound of one.
  • More fun on your commute. Are you the type of person who loves to turn the music up high when you’re commuting? If so, you’ll definitely love the better sound quality upgraded 6x8s give you.
  • Sleeker look. Factory speakers tend to look a little boring. You can add pizzazz to your car’s interior with new 6x8s, which come in a wide variety of different styles, colors, and accents.

Best 6x8 Speakers: Reviews & Recommendations

These four-way coaxial speakers have a peak handling power of 350 watts per pair and an RMS of 80, making them a pretty solid choice. A high sensitivity of 88 decibels and a frequency response of 34-34,000 hertz round out the technical specs of this pair. They are lightweight speakers with multilayer mica matrix cones that offer improved bass and dynamic range. That means that a wide variety of popular music will sound great on these speakers, including bass-heavy hip-hop and dubstep.


The overall design of these speakers is sleek, with black coloring and silver accents. They’re also water-resistant, which is a great feature if you have kids who might accidentally spill something on them. The good news is these will work well with most factory sound systems, so you won’t have to replace everything to get that high-quality sound you’re seeking. In terms of their overall quality, these are built well from quality materials, so you know they’ll hold up over time.


These are a great choice if you’re looking for something that offers a dynamic sound range and versatile music playback. That being said, we’ve seen some problems with the installation and mounting on a couple of different makes and models. These might not be the speakers to try a DIY install on, so take them to a professional for the best results.

A bestseller time and time again, these Rockford speakers come with a range of features at a lower cost than a lot of competing brands and models. These are two-way speakers with an integrated super-tweeter crossover and a power handling RMS of 55 watts. The dome tweeter itself is made from silk, which offers a very refined, rich, and mellow sound, making it especially great for jazzier songs.


Mounting depth of 2.54 inches ensures a fit with a wide range of vehicles, and the included mounting kit makes the job of installing the speakers as easy as possible. They work with a large number of factory sound systems, so you don’t have to break the bank upgrading everything. Make sure to properly adjust the sound settings on your head unit to ensure the best music experience possible. In terms of aesthetics, they’re pretty simple, with a clean black-on-black look and an embossed logo.


If you’re looking for something flashy and super high-powered, then this isn’t the pick for you. But if you want good quality sound at a really affordable price, then these Rockford speakers should do the trick. Keep in mind that, although they do fit a wide range of vehicles, the fit isn’t universal, so the installation can be a bit tricky.

Rockford Fosgate offers another high-quality pair of speakers for the aftermarket upgrade of the car audio system. These are 6x8 speakers with a peak power of 130 watts and an RMS of 65 watts. The impedance is 4 ohms, and the frequency response goes from 65 hertz to 24 kilohertz. Overall, these are designed to provide more power and decent sound, making everyday car rides more enjoyable.


The three-way speakers deliver clear and full sound. They have injection-molded polypropylene cones that are rigid and lightweight at the same time. They improve the overall sound and reduce distortion. On top of that, the speakers are built to withstand daily use and are protected from weather threats, although we don't recommend testing that out by soaking them in water.


When it comes to the installation, the speakers offer Flex-Fit baskets and Integrated Concealed Crossover to ensure a proper fit in different vehicles. These features allow for more flexibility and simple adjustments.


However, the installation might be a little challenging depending on your vehicle type. Although the speakers are generally easy to modify and adjust for a proper fit, the process can sometimes be tricky and time-consuming. Another thing to keep in mind is the bass quality. The speakers might not satisfy those who are looking for ground-shaking bass.

If you're looking for mid-range speakers to upgrade your car sound system, the Pyle model might be just what you need. These speakers offer 360 watts of peak power and 180 watts of RMS. The frequency response goes between 70 hertz and 20 kilohertz, and the sensitivity rating measures 91 decibels. Considering all of this, the speakers offer just enough power and sound quality to provide an enjoyable music experience.


Along with excellent sound quality, these speakers offer a stylish design. The cones are colored in blue and make the car's interior pop out, especially at night. They’re also built to withstand high operating temperatures and prolong the lifespan. As for the installation, these 6x8 speakers mount in a breeze in a variety of vehicles. The package includes grills, wires, and mounting hardware, making the entire process easy.


The speakers offer a fine balance between price and sound quality, but they won't blast out your windows. They lack the power to boost up the sound on high volume, so you might want to consider your needs before buying. The bass is also too low for those who want to enjoy some good old funk and jazz.

As part of the Elite TX Series, these 6x8 coaxial speakers offer tremendous power and reliable performance. The entire line of Elite TX speakers is designed to provide quality sound at the highest volumes. With a peak power of 200 watts and an RMS power of 100 watts, the TX68 model is one of the best aftermarket speakers you can find for the money.


You get two speakers featuring copper voice coils with TPE surround, which ensures excellent power output and ultimate durability. You can truly rock your favorite songs at the loudest volumes with a pair of these, and the sound quality will remain at proper levels. The speakers have a frequency response of 60 to 20,000 hertz and a sensitivity of 89 decibels. All in all, they’re efficient and accurate, and will make an excellent replacement for factory speakers.


The main issue with these speakers is the lack of those extra tones that make the full music experience. Some audiophiles complained about the speakers being only clear and loud, lacking the subtle flow of sounds. Along with this possible drawback, you should keep in mind that mounting hardware is not included in the package. You might need to buy it, depending on your vehicle type.

JBL is always an excellent choice when it comes to replacing components in your vehicle's audio system. For this model, the company offers a quality 6x8 speaker with 165 watts of peak power and 55 watts of RMS each. The model is an excellent choice for those who want a reliable and durable replacement, considering it can last for many years without any modifications.


The speaker mounts in all kinds of vehicles. The installation is very simple; no extra accessories or adjustments are needed. The speaker features a polypropylene cone that ensures top-notch performance at all times. The sensitivity is 93 decibels, and the frequency response goes from 65 hertz to 20 kilohertz. All in all, JBL offers a decent speaker most buyers will be satisfied with, especially considering an attractive price.


Despite the excellent overall performance of this speaker, some drivers won't like the lack of bass. If you want something to boost your ride, you may want to look for alternatives. Also, the speaker truly comes alive when combined with an amplifier, so you might want to invest a few more bucks for a better experience.

The Kenwood speakers provide a full and rich sound that takes listening to music in your vehicle to completely new levels. Thanks to the quality materials, the speakers offer reliable performance and a long lifespan. Furthermore, they look sleek and elegant, making an excellent addition to every vehicle's interior.


The product highlights are definitely the RMS of 120 watts and the peak power of 180 watts. We also find the frequency response of 80 to 21,000 hertz rather impressive. The speakers deliver clean and crisp sound and decent lows, mids, and highs. The quality coils are built to enhance the overall performance, and the butyl rubber surround reduces distortion. Additionally, these speakers are easy to mount; no adjustments are needed.


Although they won't cost you a fortune, the speakers might turn out to be pricier than other models. If you want an inexpensive pair of speakers, you might want to check out other models on our list. In case you still find these speakers ideal for your purposes, we recommend adding a few more bucks for an amplifier. It will really boost these up to full capacity.

If you have some extra cash to spend on upgrading your car audio system, the Alpine 6x8 speakers might be a great option for you. As part of the R-Series, these are built to deliver quality sound at both low and high volumes. With them, you can experience a whole new level of sound when on the road.


The most impressive thing about these speakers is the power range. With 600 watts of peak power and 200 watts RMS, the Alpine speakers are super-efficient. They offer a frequency response of 63 to 29,000 hertz, which speaks for itself. There are also high-quality cones with multi-roll rubber surrounds to ensure stable sound output. All in all, these speakers make an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy powerful bass and clear, crisp sound in their vehicles.


As we mentioned, however, these speakers are quite pricey. They might not be the best option for those on a limited budget who want a simple replacement for factory speakers. Another thing to consider is the design of the speakers. Despite the claim of universality, they might not fit all vehicle types perfectly.

Our Verdict

Our top pick for the best 6x8 speakers is the Pioneer TS-A6880F 6x8 Speakers. They deliver a great, dynamic sound quality that is among the best out there.

If you’re looking for something a little more budget-friendly, give the Rockford R168X2 6x8 Speakers a gander. With a full range of features, they stack up quite well.

6x8 Speaker Pricing

  • Under $50: At this price point, you can find a couple of different budget picks, some of which are vastly better than others. You’ll find that quality varies a lot here, with some speakers being quite good, whereas others will sound tinny or weak. Also keep in mind that a lot of 6x8s are sold as a single unit and not in pairs, which can make the pricing a bit misleading at times.
  • $50-$100: Most speakers in the mid-range tend to be a good pick. They’ll live up to their promises in terms of sound, longevity, and volume, plus the pricing is fair enough so that you can upgrade your whole car. You’ll also start seeing sleeker designs in this category, setting it apart from the blander black-on-black designs found at the budget price point.
  • Over $100: If you want really good 6x8 speakers, this is the price range you’ll want to look at. Here, they’ll have great design, great sound, and great longevity. The price is a little steeper, but the speakers should deliver much more overall for the investment. As a music junkie, you’ll thank us later.

Key Features

Sound Quality

One of the most important aspects of your new speakers is their sound. Sound quality is determined by a number of different factors, some more technical than others. We’ll keep it simple and say that manufacturing and material quality make a huge difference, as well as the R&D behind the technology. The more expensive speakers tend to have better, more balanced sound, with great highs, deep mids, driving bass, and clear vocals. Look for speakers that have these features for best results.

Compatibility

In a perfect world, every pair of speakers would be compatible with every in-car sound system. Unfortunately, the reality is that compatibility can be an issue, especially with lower-priced speakers that aren’t made to the same standards as their higher-priced competitors. That isn’t to say that higher price always equals better quality, but do your homework before purchasing 6x8s to make sure they work with your audio system.

Ease of Installation

If you’ve got basic electrician skills, the right tools, and a couple of hours of free time, you can definitely install your own 6x8s. Just keep in mind that some speakers are easier to install than others, which is where a lot of models can and do differ. The ease of installation depends on a couple of factors, with the most important being the included installation guide, the quality and number of pre-drilled holes, and the outer fitting of the speaker.

Other Considerations

  • Aesthetics: This is one point that speakers differ a lot on. A good chunk of speakers on the market feature a simple black-on-black design that matches the interior of a wide range of cars. On the other hand, if you’re looking for something with a bit more pop, some speakers also feature color variations and sleek accents for a cooler look.
  • Build Quality: The quality of the components and of the manufacturing itself makes a huge difference in how the speaker will look, sound, and feel in your car. Good-quality components equal better user experience.
  • Power Handling: A point that goes hand-in-hand with sound quality, some speakers are able to deliver a lot more power than others. Look for speakers with a higher RMS power rating, which will show you how much power the speaker can handle continuously. Peak power handling is less important for overall performance.
  • Max Volume: If you’re someone who loves cranking the music up high while driving, you’ll need to keep this point in mind. All speakers don’t have the same maximum volume.
  • Sensitivity: A measure of the amount of sound a speaker will emit from the given power, speakers with higher sensitivity are more efficient. If you’ve got a high-powered system, however, you’ll want a lower sensitivity rating for the best results.

Tips

  • New 6x8 speakers will sound best with a high-quality sound system. If you’ve got an older car, you’ll want to upgrade the in-dash radio to something that drives more power. If you’re really looking to get fancy, you can overhaul the entire speaker system, subwoofers included.
  • Smart adjustments make all the difference. For example, if you want more bass, don’t just turn up the bass setting. Instead, try turning down the mid-tones and the treble, then crank the overall volume up. That should improve the bass response.
  • Keep in mind that the file format of your music also affects the overall sound of the speakers. If you’ve got those ultra-compressed MP3s playing, the sound quality will be worse than if you’re using FLAC.
  • If you’re like many and love plugging in your phone for easy streaming access, consider adjusting the sound settings on your phone too. Go to your sound setting and mess around with the EQ to see what sounds best.
  • To take your in-car music experience to the next level, consider adding sound-deadening mats to strategic parts of your car. They’ll help cancel out the noise from the road, creating a much better music playing environment.

FAQs

Q: Do car speakers need to be “broken in?”

A: The short answer is no. Although it’s a common misconception that car speakers need time to break in to properly work, the reality is that you don’t need to play the speakers at any specific volume for a specified amount of time. Just use them as you see fit and play them at low or high volumes to suit your tastes.

Q: Is it really worth replacing my factory speakers?

A: Definitely. With new 6x8s, you’ll find that music sounds crisper and more dynamic, mimicking the way it sounded when it was recorded. That’s a definite bonus for music lovers but can make the overall car music experience better for everyone.

Q: What’s a tweeter and how does the type my speaker has to make a difference?

A: A tweeter is an important component of a speaker that produces the highest range of frequencies. They’re critical for accurately reproducing sounds, and the type of material does make a difference in how good your speakers reproduce those tones. Paper tweeters are the most responsive, whereas composites are more durable.

Q: My new speakers don’t sound as good as I expected. What’s wrong?

A: There are a couple of things you could check and tweak to make them sound better. Most importantly, check that you’re feeding the speaker enough power. In some cases, factory sound systems don’t handle component speakers all that well, so you might have to tweak a few things. Also check the crossover setting to adjust the sound quality.

Q: Can I install 6x8s by myself?

A: In most cases, it’s a doable job. Basic electrician skills help, plus an extra hand or two. You’ll want to make sure that you correctly wire and mount everything, otherwise, you’ll have a bit of a mess on your hands. If you’re not 100 percent confident you can DIY your speaker install, then it’s a good idea to take it to a professional to have it done correctly.

Q: Is it ok to use my factory grilles for installation?

A: You can definitely use them. Just keep in mind that your new speakers probably come with a set of grilles designed to work with those speakers, which will always give you the best quality sound (in many cases, they’ll also look a lot sleeker than your factory grilles).

Why Trust Us

Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.

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