Best Car Component Speakers: Upgrade Your Audio Experience 

Upgrade your in-car audio listening experience with the best car component speakers

By Dorian Smith-Garcia
Dorian Smith-GarciaView Dorian Smith-Garcia's Articles

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You don’t have to settle for the factory basic speakers that are probably in your current ride. There are plenty of affordable aftermarket speakers that offer rich bass and stereo sound. Keep reading for our top picks for the best car component speakers and what you need to know when shopping for them. 

  • Best Overall
    Focal PS 165 6.5" 160 Watts RMS 2-Way Performance Series 
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    Summary
    Summary
    A high-powered pair of 6.5-inch speakers. An RMS rating of 80 watts per speaker and a peak rating of 160 watts guarantees superior sound quality.
    Pros
    Pros
    Focal’s tweeter can be moved into one of two positions for optimal sound placement. You’ll appreciate the wide range, including strong mids and highs, and deep bass.
    Cons
    Cons
    In some cases, the tweeters experience disturbance when volume enters mid-range. At higher volumes, the sound can break entirely.
  • Best Value
    Rockford Fosgate Punch Pro Single 6.5" 4-Ohm Midrange 100 Watts
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    Summary
    Summary
    A great budget-friendly option. Includes an RMS rating of 100 watts per speaker and a peak rating of 200 watts per speaker.
    Pros
    Pros
    The Rockford speakers are ideal for use with lower-amp systems. Strong bass ensures you’ll hear your music over road noise.
    Cons
    Cons
    The Rockford speaker isn’t sold in pairs. So, while these speakers are still cheaper than top-end models, it’s important to remember to order two speakers.
  • Honorable Mention
     JBL 6-1/2" 2-Way Grand Touring Series Component Car Speakers System
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    Summary
    Summary
    An industry leader in audio quality, JBL offers a strong option for component speakers. An RMS rating of 70 watts per speaker and a peak rating of 210 watts per speaker.
    Pros
    Pros
    These component speakers come with adapters, making it easier to fit them into a variety of car models. Speakers are ideal for listening to bass heavy music.
    Cons
    Cons
    Depending on the make and model of your car, the installation might require heavy modification. In particular, Toyota Sequoia owners might have the most difficulty in installing these speakers.

Tips

  • Component speakers are also known as “separates”. This is because this type of speaker doesn’t have the woofer (for bass) and tweeter (for highs and mids) combined in one unit. 
  • One of the biggest draws of car component speakers is that they’re more customizable. Since the tweeter, woofer, and external crossover are all separate from each other, it allows you to position each piece exactly where you prefer for a more robust, immersive sound. 
  • True audiophiles will prefer component speakers over full-range speakers that include all speaker components in one unit. Component speakers tend to be made of higher-quality materials and emit a realistic sound. 
  • Always check the size of the speaker to ensure that it’s compatible with your car. Just like many other products, component speakers come in varying sizes. In addition to confirming RMS and sensitivity ratings, the size is going to impact how easily you can install a speaker—if at all. 

FAQs

Q: How do I know if a speaker is powerful enough for my car?

A: When it comes to power, you should focus on the RMS and peak ratings. The RMS  figure indicates how much continuous power a speaker can handle. A peak rating outlines how much power a speaker can handle in quick bursts. Ultimately, you should focus on the RMS rating. You need to match the RMS rating to the amp rating of your car’s system.

Q: How do I pick the right sensitivity speakers for my car?

A: When picking car component speakers, you should focus on the opposite sensitivity rating to that of your car’s audio system. A high-amp system should be paired with lower-sensitivity speakers, and conversely, a low-amp system should be paired with high-sensitivity speakers. 

Q: Is there anything I should know about installing component speakers?

A: Because component speakers are designed with separate parts, you should have a solid understanding of sound design and wiring before attempting to install this type of speaker on your own. If you’re not comfortable performing this task on your own, you can always work with an experienced car audio installer to complete this project. 

Final Thoughts

For the audiophile, opt for our Best Overall pick, the Focal PS 165 6.5" 160 Watts RMS 2-Way Performance Series. It offers a strong RMS rating, easy installation, and customizable tweeter positioning. 

Budget-conscious gear heads will appreciate our Best Value selection, the Rockford Fosgate Punch Pro Single 6.5" 4-Ohm Midrange 100 Watts. It manages to merge a modest price point with deep bass and a strong RMS rating. 

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