Best 4×6 Speakers: Upgrade Your Car Audio System

Get an easy upgrade for your car’s audio system with our top picks for the best 4×6 speakers

byLinsay Thomas|
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BYLinsay Thomas/ LAST UPDATED ON May 15, 2023

The overall audio experience in your vehicle depends heavily on the quality of the speakers you install. While 4x6 speakers may not deliver the best bass, they produce clean and solid audio. We understand that finding the best 4x6 speakers may be challenging, so this buying guide includes some of the best 4x6 speakers available on the market.

Best Overall
Infinity Kappa 4"x6" 2-Way Loudspeakers

Infinity Kappa 4"x6" 2-Way Loudspeakers

Summary
Well-built speakers with one of the highest sensitivity ratings. It produces a detailed, clean sound at all frequencies.
Pros
Has a sleek design with a shallow mounting depth. Easy to install. Great highs and mids. The wide frequency range of 75 to 20,000 Hertz. Can be powered by the stereo.
Cons
Lacks a deep, punchy bass. More expensive than standard coaxial speakers.
Best Value

Kicker 43DSC4604 4x6 2-Way Speaker Pair

Summary
Two-way coaxial speakers with a frequency range of 50-20,000 Hz, an impedance of 4 ohms, and 88 dB sensitivity.
Pros
They are easy to install and produce clear highs, smooth mids, and more bass than most factory systems.
Cons
They don't produce a super amount of bass, and they aren't super loud.
Honorable Mention

Rockford Fosgate P1462 Punch 2-Way Full Range Speaker

Summary
A high-quality speaker that’s easy to fit into almost any type of sound compartment. It has a well-balanced sound speaker and sturdy build.
Pros
Decently priced. Great for heavy bass music. Well-balanced sound quality. Fits in almost all types of doors. Has a clean look with the crossover hidden inside the basket design.
Cons
Can’t handle low frequencies. Poor-quality grilles. Doesn't always fit as expected.

Types of 4×6 Speakers

Component Speakers

Component speakers deliver the best audio experience but come with separate drivers. The drivers could be a combination of woofers, subwoofers, and tweeters, each mounted at different parts of the vehicle to improve the audio experience. Component speakers come with a crossover unit that transfers the low frequencies to the subwoofers and higher frequencies to the tweeters.

Full-Range Speakers

Full-range or coaxial speakers are the most common types of car speakers and often go with tweeters and a woofer cone. They can handle a wide range of frequencies since their drivers are close to each other. They, however, have relatively lower sound quality than component speakers but are cheaper in comparison. Moreover, each coaxial speaker is configured according to the number of drivers it has: two-way, three-way, and so on.

Summary List

Best 4×6 Speakers: Reviews & Recommendations

This pair of 4 x6 speakers are injection-molded with a polypropylene cone. They have a PEI balanced dome tweeter with a top-mount depth of 2 inches. This enables the speaker to have a seamless transition between the middle and high frequencies. They have an impedance of 4 ohms and a sensitivity of 09dB.


What's nice about these speakers is the low-frequency output. It creates a richer and more robust sound. To add to the performance, they have a piezoelectric super tweeter. This helps to give greater definition to the highest frequencies.


Unfortunately, the sound at the higher frequencies is spotty and somewhat distorted. Over time, the sound quality can reduce to include a static or fuzzy feel.

These two-way coaxial speakers have a frequency range of 50-20,000 Hz, and they can tolerate up to 30 watts RMS with a peak power of 120 watts. They feature a 1/2-inch PEI domed tweeter and a polypropylene woofer with ribbed polyester foam surround. They have an impedance of 4 ohms, 88 dB sensitivity, and a top-mounting depth of 1-7/8 inches  


These are excellent replacement speakers and a great upgrade to your factory system. They are easy to install, are very clear at high volume, and have good sound quality for their size. They produce clear highs, smooth mids, and more bass than most stock speakers.


The biggest complaint about these speakers is that they don't produce a super amount of bass. Also, they may not be as loud as you'd like, and some customers have complained the product has less wattage than advertised.

This pair of speakers offers you better-than-factory sound on a tight budget. They have a peak power handling of 125 watts x 2, an impedance of 4 Ohms, and a frequency response of 100Hz to 18KHz. A polyurethane cone helps to keep the speaker flexible, durable, and lightweight. It's paired with a high-temperature voice coil that gives it strength and resists fatigue.


What's nice about these speakers is that they have a mounting depth of 1.8 inches. This makes them versatile and easy to install in a variety of vehicles. Once mounted, you'll find that they will last, thanks to the high-quality rubber that's used to connect the cone to the basket. It's durable and will resist moisture and exposure damage from the seasonal changes.


Unfortunately, if you aren't careful, you can easily blow these speakers. This will require you to replace them. The wires inside of these speakers are delicate, and they can become dislodged. This will result in the speakers not working, even without overpowering them.

This pair of two-way 4 x 6 speakers will also fit speaker locations that measure 4 x 10 inches with the included brackets. They have an impedance of 4 ohms and a frequency response of 66 to 20kHz. They have a one-inch high-temperature Ture Ferro coil. The speakers have a peak watt power of 180 and RMS watts of 90. The tweeter is a 1-inch mylar dome.


What's nice about these speakers is that they are incredibly easy to install thanks to the complete hardware and wiring kit that's included. They are designed to be a direct replacement of the OEM speakers.


Unfortunately, the wiring and connections aren't secure. This can lead to the speakers not working. But you can repair this with a little know-how. The speaker wire that's included in the kit isn't the best quality, so you may want to use your own.

These 4x6 speakers are affordable but still deliver a powerful sound. They have 275 max watts, stamped steel vented airflow basket frames, graphite-injected reinforced spun cones, and linear woven treated red spiders. They even look great with black anodized balanced dome tweeters with grilles.


These speakers stand out for their performance abilities. You'll achieve undistorted mids and highs with a clear sound. They also come with all of the required hardware for installation.


The downside of these speakers is that the mounting depth is deeper than other speakers on this list. This can limit where you install it. It also lacks the deeper bass tones.

Trust one of the best names in the audio business with this pair of Kenwood 4 x 6-inch speakers. They have a peak power of 120 watts (60 watts each) and an RMS of 40 watts (20 watts each). They have injection polypropylene cones and a 1-inch PPTA blanched dome. They also have a 2.9-ounce magnet and a top-mount depth of 1 ⅝ inches.


You'll like these speakers because they produce great sound quality and are reliable. You'll find that they deliver consistent performance and are a solid addition to your vehicle's sound system. They have a clean sound response across a broad range of frequencies.


Unfortunately, these speakers don't come with grilles. You may also find that they aren't very loud. They also lack installation hardware.

Our Verdict on the Best 4×6 Speakers

Our top pick for the best 4×6 speaker is the Infinity Kappa 4"x6" 2-Way Loudspeakers. It produces accurate sound with a large frequency spectrum and can be powered by a stereo or amplifier.

Our best budget pick is the Kicker 43DSC4604 4x6 2-Way Speaker Pair. It’s a cheaply priced speaker that produces clean sound and has a high power handling capability.

Benefits of 4×6 Speakers

  • Good sound quality. Most 4×6 speakers produce a clean and natural sound. Although they can’t be depended on for great bass, they produce sound with a great frequency range, which means that you get better mids and highs. That’s ideal for listening to classical music, reggae, pop, hip-hop, and soft rock.
  • Great investment. With 4×6 full-range speakers, you can play both low and high frequencies without having to incorporate additional woofer speaker components. You can get one set of speakers that offers it all in terms of great sound quality, without having to spend a fortune on extra audio equipment for your car.
  • Enjoy your drive. Great speakers can improve the mood inside your vehicle. It’s exciting to listen to your favorite songs from a set of speakers that lets you enjoy all the depth of the music, from the highs to the lows.

Top Brands

Rockford Fosgate

Rockford Fosgate was founded in 1973 by Jim Fosgate and is headquartered in Tempe, Ariz. The company makes audio equipment for motorcycles, motorsports, marine, and mobile equipment. One of its best-selling 4×6 two-way speakers is the Rockford Fosgate P1462 Punch 2-Way Full Range Speaker.

Infinity

Infinity Audio is an American-based manufacturer of audio equipment and applications, including loudspeakers, in-wall home speakers, and multichannel surround home theater packages. Infinity products come as factory set audio equipment for most Honda, Kia, Mitsubishi, and Chrysler vehicles. Some of Infinity’s loudest car speakers are the Infinity Kappa 4"x6" 2-Way Loudspeakers and the Infinity REF-64222cfx Coaxial Car Speaker.

JVC Kenwood

JVC Kenwood is a Japanese designer and marketer of car audio equipment, two-way radio communication equipment, and Hi-Fi home and personal audio products. The company markets both Kenwood and JVC products under one parent company. One of its cheap 4×6 speakers is the Kenwood KFC-4675C Two Way Speaker System.

Polk Audio

From its headquarters in San Diego, Calif., Polk Audio makes some of the best home and automobile speakers. The company also makes amplifiers and FM tuners and is famous for its smart speakers powered by Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. One of its top-rated speakers is the Polk Audio DB461P Coaxial Speakers.

Best 4×6 Speakers Pricing

  • Under $50: Budget this much for either a coaxial or component speaker that can be mounted on a car’s door. Most speakers here don’t have a great low-frequency response and are, therefore, not great for bass. However, most do deliver great mid-range frequencies. Also, most don’t come with a grille.
  • Above $50: This is the price range for high-end speakers that have a higher frequency range spectrum. Most speakers here have a commendable bass response and are built from durable materials.

Key Features

Frequency Response

Speakers radiate sound in frequency ranges of low to high. Most 4×6 speakers have a frequency range of 50 to 22,000 hertz, meaning they can produce deep bass at 50 hertz and the highest notes at 22,000 hertz. That kind of frequency range is safe for your ears, but the bass response is not that great. However, it’s good enough to give you a great listening experience, even if you don’t have a subwoofer.

Power Handling Capacity

Speakers have a peak power handling capacity denoted by the RMS power and peak power (MAX). RMS power indicates how much power the speaker can handle continuously, and the peak power rating indicates the amount of power the speaker can handle in short bursts. You should match the power level of the speakers to the output of the amplifier to avoid blowing up the speakers. 

Rating of Impedance

The rating of impedance, or ohms number, indicates the speaker’s resistance to current flow. A high ohms rating will allow lesser current to flow, and a low ohms rating allows more current to flow. The ideal rating for 4×6 speakers is 6 ohms. The impedance rating doesn’t affect the quality of sound, but it prevents damage to your speakers.

Other Considerations

  • Sensitivity: Sensitivity describes how well the speakers convert electrical power from the amplifier into clean sound. You should always go for a speaker with a high sensitivity index number, as it indicates that the speaker will give quality sound even at high volumes.
  • Build Quality: Go for speakers with a sturdy build quality if you are an audiophile who likes to play music at high volumes. Your new speakers should be durable enough to last you until you either buy a new car or at least upgrade your stereo system. 
  • Additional Components: Some 4×6 speakers may need to be upgraded with extra components, like woofers and tweeters, to make them sound good. That can be an inconvenience if you don’t have space, and it’s also a pinch to your budget. Go for speakers that hold all the additional hardware in a single unit for convenience.

Tips

  • The best way to test your 4×6 speakers is to listen to your favorite song. Listen to the musical rhythm, the bass, and vocals, and your ears will tell you whether you have a good enough speaker or not.
  • Always play high-quality music to get the best audio experience from your new speakers. You may not be able to get all the highs and lows from compressed music files, and you shouldn’t blame it on your speakers.
  • Since 4×6 speakers are not built for bass, consider pairing them with a new subwoofer with an amplifier. Install the subwoofer in your trunk so that you can get the lower frequencies from the back, and have your 4×6 speakers deliver the mids and highs from the front.

FAQs

Q: Do you need an amp for 4×6 speakers?

A: Not necessarily. While some speakers do need an extra amp to power the unit, your factory stereo can power most 4×6 speakers. These speakers are not built for low frequencies, which typically demand a high power output and an extra amp. However, you can get an extra amp that matches the RMS rating of your speakers if you’re worried about your stereo damaging your speakers.

Q: Do I need to break in my new speakers?

A: A speaker’s suspension loosens with time, but that may take longer with some low-quality brands. You would have to play the speakers at half-power over an extended period to get to its optimum sound level. However, that’s not the case with products from most top brands, as you only need to pair the speaker with the right amplifier.

Q: Do I need to replace any wiring when installing aftermarket speakers?

A: Speakers with an RMS rating that’s below 50 watts work fine with factory installed wires. You should, however, consider replacing the wires for speakers with an RMS rating of 50 watts and above. Your factory wires may not be able to handle that power and will burn up with time. Consult your vehicles manual or a car audio expert to find out if your factory wires match the new speakers.

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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