Best Aftermarket Speakers: Don’t Torture Yourself With Bad Sound
Replacing speakers is one of the best ways to instantly improve car audio sound.
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There’s nothing worse than a blown speaker. Even if you care very little about sound quality, listening to the buzzy, rattling sound of a tired or blown speaker is enough to drive anyone mad. It’s easy to solve the problem, however, with one of the hundreds of aftermarket speakers on sale today.
That’s the good news. The downside is that the number of products for sale makes it tough to pick one that sounds good and that will last. We’ve done the homework for you, though we couldn’t cover every available speaker size. Take a look at our picks for the best aftermarket speakers, and keep in mind that if our choices aren’t in the size you need, most manufacturers offer many sizes in a single model line.
JBL Club 9632
- Value pricing
- Clear highs and mids at louder volume levels
- Easy installation
- Solid bass
- Included hardware doesn’t work for all vehicles
- Instructions could be clearer
- Some people required web research to find an answer to their questions
Polk Audio DB6502
- Great price and value
- Shallow installation depth
- Additional hardware included for different sized installation openings
- Bass response and clarity at higher volumes could be better
- Not as long-lasting as many would like
Rockford Fosgate R165X3
- Good value and low price
- Loud, clear sound
- Easy installation
- Low max wattage
- Bass is weaker than expected
Summary List
Best Overall: JBL Club 9632
Best Value: Polk Audio DB6502
Honorable Mention: Rockford Fosgate R165X3
Best High-End: Morel Supremo 602
Best Upgrade for Factory: Kicker 46CSC6934
Best Budget: Infinity Reference REF-4032cfx
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.
Learn moreOur Methodology
I chose speakers that provide the highest quality and best customer reviews, paying attention to pricing and value. Having been surprisingly successful at DIY car stereo installations myself, I looked closely at how easy each speaker is to install, and noted the depths or oddball requirements as needed. If you want to know more about how we select products, head over to The Drive’s Gear page.
Best Aftermarket Speakers Reviews & Recommendations
Specs
- Brand: JBL
- Speaker Size: 6x9 inches
- Peak Wattage: 255 watts
Pros
- Value pricing
- Clear highs and mids at louder volume levels
- Easy installation
- Solid bass
Cons
- Included hardware doesn’t work for all vehicles
- Instructions could be clearer
- Some people required web research to find an answer
Specs
- Brand: Polk
- Speaker Size: 6.5 inches
- Peak Wattage: 300 watts
Pros
- Great price and value
- Shallow installation depth
- Additional hardware included for different sized installation openings
Cons
- Bass response and clarity at higher volumes could be better
- Not as long-lasting as many would like
Specs
- Brand: Rockford Fosgate
- Speaker Size: 6.5 inches
- Peak Wattage: 90 watts
Pros
- Good value and low price
- Loud, clear sound
- Easy installation
Cons
- Low max wattage
- Bass is weaker than expected
Specs
- Brand: Morel
- Speaker Size: 6.5-inch woofer and 1.1-inch tweeter
- Peak Wattage: 600 watts
Pros
- Handmade quality and stunning design
- Incredible volume and sound quality
- Clever slim sizes
Cons
- Exorbitantly expensive
- Cutout size may need to be larger than 6.5 inches to fit woofer
Specs
- Brand: Kicker
- Speaker Size: 6x9 inches
- Peak Wattage: 450 watts
Pros
- Good value and low price
- Loud, clear sound
- Easy installation
Cons
- Low max wattage
- Bass can be muddy at times
Specs
- Brand: Infinity
- Speaker Size: 4 inches
- Peak Wattage: 105 watts
Pros
- Great price
- Good quality and easy installation
- Sound good at higher volumes
Cons
- Some installations may require additional parts
- Fit may not work in some vehicles
Our Verdict
My pick overall is the JBL Club 9632. It’s not flashy, it’s not the most expensive, but it’s a solid pick at a good price. It’s also a capable speaker with great bass and quality sound at higher volumes. The Polk Audio DB6502 is also a solid speaker, and is worthy of its value pick status.
Things to Consider Before Buying Aftermarket Car Speakers
Fit
The most important aspect of buying speakers is confirming their fit. Some products advertise one size, but require a larger opening or a bracket to fit properly, so you’ll need to take the time and do your homework up front. In some cases, the speaker requires a larger space because of the frame and magnet sizes, but most manufacturers focus on providing a slim speaker that is easy to install in tight spaces.
Type
Most speakers come with a tweeter and sub or mid-range speaker combined into one unit. This makes it easy to buy and install, but some prefer the clarity and positioning capabilities that component speaker systems bring. Additionally, some factory stereo systems feature tweeters and smaller speakers mounted up front, so it’s a good idea to understand the types of speakers you’re shopping for before you start purchasing.
Wattage
Speaker wattage tells you how much power a speaker can handle before it starts to sound bad or damage itself. This is important because if you’re using an external amplifier that generates far more wattage than a standalone head unit, you’ll need to find speakers that can handle that power.
Aftermarket Car Speaker Pricing
Speaker pricing varies wildly between brands, sizes, and types. It’s also worth noting that you can find great, high-quality speakers at prices that seem suspect because they’re so low in price. At the same time, getting the best speakers generally requires a considerable outlay up front.
Expect to pay between $50 and $90 for a solid set of 4- to 6-inch speakers. Moving up in size, a good quality set of 6x9s will set you back anywhere from $90 to $200.
FAQs
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.
Q: Do I need an amplifier for my speakers?
A: Not always, as many head units offer enough juice to power most speakers. That said, many aftermarket speakers sound better with more power, so you may prefer having the amp.
Q: Do 6x9 speakers provide good bass?
A: Buying 6x9s is a great way to get more bass without having to buy a subwoofer or external amp. They don’t fit every car, but the ones that accommodate them will get the benefit of strong bass and clear mids/highs.
Q: How can I make my aftermarket speakers sound better?
A: If you’re doing the installation yourself, you should take a few precautions to make sure you get the best sound. Most newer cars have good sound insulation, but older models may require extra material in the doors and other areas to prevent rattling and poor sound. You’ll also want to make sure that you follow the directions precisely and use the correct tools to avoid stripping screws or damaging the speaker during installation.
Q: Are subwoofers good for bass?
A: Subwoofers are designed exclusively for bass, and must be used as part of a stereo system to get the best sound. They are available with pre-made and built enclosures, but many times you’ll have to buy the sub and enclosure separately.
