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Average late-model car owners might be satisfied with today’s factory car audio systems, which generally do a decent job at presenting FM or satellite radio broadcasts. However, true audiophiles—those who insist on high-res lossless files and have a phone loaded with their favorite songs—might find that all but the priciest stock car stereo speakers can’t deliver studio-quality clarity. Aftermarket car audio prices have fallen precipitously in the last decade, while advances in materials and production processes have continued to drive quality. That puts premium car audio upgrades within the reach of more drivers than ever. Quick wiring kits and instructional videos make installation a snap, too.
We selected five outstanding aftermarket car speaker systems that serve a variety of applications: some excel as drop-in replacements for stock speakers, while more complex sets include separate tweeters to provide more distinct highs. Though the best way to experience rich, powerful bass is to install a separate subwoofer, we selected speakers known to deliver adequate bass response on their own. Each speaker series is available in different sizes to fit specific vehicle applications, but we have linked to the most popular 5.25-inch and 6.5-inch speakers for convenience.
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- Kicker CSC65 CS Series: Best Drop-In Replacement Car Speakers
- Skar Audio TX 65 6.5” 200W 2-Way Elite Coaxial Car Speakers: Best Budget Factory Replacement Car Speakers
- Infinity Reference 6530CX Component Speaker System: Best Component Car Speakers
- Focal ES 165 K: Best High-End Car Speakers
- CT Sounds Meso 6.5” 500 watt 3-way Premium Component Car Speaker Set: Best High-Power Car Speakers
Best Drop-In Replacement Car Speakers
Best Drop-In Replacement Car Speakers
Sale
$99.99
-$23.03 (23%)
Sale
$99.99
-$23.03 (23%)
Why We Picked It
Kicker’s CS two-way speakers combine simple drop-in installation while providing upgraded sound quality with its coaxial design. Low- and mid-range frequencies are reproduced by a high-quality polypropylene woofer cone, and an integrated dome tweeter handles the highs. Listeners say the CS delivers better-than-average bass response for a drop-in replacement speaker, and many mention the sound clarity throughout a range of volume. These high-power speakers pair well with upgraded stereo head units engineered to deliver more power but can also transform a basic factory-installed audio system.
Pros & Cons
- Double the RMS and peak power ratings of other similarly-priced speakers
- Coaxial design eliminates the complexity of installing a separate tweeter
- High sensitivity and wide frequency range from 40 to 20,000 Hz
- Two-way speakers don’t offer the distinct mid-range coverage of three-way units.
- All-in-one coaxial design eliminates the ability to place separate tweeters
- Understated grille design
Best Budget Factory Replacement Car Speakers
Best Budget Factory Replacement Car Speakers
Why We Picked It
Sometimes all you need is to replace a pair of old, dried out or blown speakers in a car. While pretty much anything would be an improvement, we’re at a point now in aftermarket speakers where you can actually step up your audio game for what used to be off-brand replacement speaker money. The Skar Audio TX 65s are 2-way coaxials that can handle up to 100 watts RMS for the pair and max power of 200 watts. Frequency response of 45 Hz to 20,000 Hz brings the bass in around the point where the human ear can actually hear it and the highs (from a one-inch high-performance silk dome tweeter) are smooth and clean.
Pros & Cons
- Reasonably priced
- Solid frequency response
- Capable of handling 200 watts max power
- Some owners report installation issues due to large magnet
- A few buyers report missing mounting hardware
- Some complaints of insufficient loudness
Best Component Car Speakers
Why We Picked It
Component speaker systems feature separate tweeters dedicated to reproducing highs. When installed above the vehicle’s window line, the tweeters raise the sound stage, immersing passengers in sound across the spectrum. However, in some component speaker systems, overzealous tweeters produce a sound described as “too bright,” resulting in uncomfortably prominent highs. Not so with the Infinity Reference series, which are tuned for balanced highs that are crisp but not ear-splitting. The design and materials Infinity uses are common to many other brands, but the sound quality is a step above most component speakers—turning a bargain price into a steal.
Pros & Cons
- Listeners are roundly impressed with the bass response from these speakers
- External crossover module allows one-touch attenuation of tweeter brightness
- Premium brand at a bargain price
- Installing aftermarket tweeters seamlessly can be tricky, even with factory tweeter locations
- Wiring and locating the required crossover module isn’t easy either
- Odd speaker grille styling won’t match most car interiors
Best High-End Car Speakers
Why We Picked It
Handmade and tuned by professional audio engineers, the high-end Focal line of speakers is aimed at the most demanding audiophiles. Premium materials are assembled with exquisite attention to detail in the ES 165 K, which features a kevlar woofer cone and separate aramid fiber dome tweeters. The external crossover is a work of art in itself, with beautifully constructed windings visible through a smoked translucent cover. At this price point, it is expected that a high-power aftermarket head unit and premium amplifier will be fitted to allow the speakers to excel at full power. Accordingly, a separate subwoofer should be fitted to handle bass response. Therefore, this component speaker set is designed to deliver mids and highs with remarkable fidelity.
Pros & Cons
- Premium materials and hand-built construction
- Artful presentation of the external crossover created for those who want to show off
- Balanced sound with exceptional clarity through the range
- Professional installation required
- Upgraded stereo, amp and subwoofer are needed to get the most out of these speakers
- A price fit for only serious audiophiles
Best High-Power Car Speakers
Best High-Power Car Speakers
Why We Picked It
Loud and proud, the CT Sounds Meso 3-way Premium Component Car Speaker set can handle up to 500 watts of peak power. All that sound goes through a pair of 6.5-inch component speakers, two 3.5-inch midrange speakers and two 25mm silk-dome tweeters. The manufacturer says you can “have your music heard from several blocks away.” All that power can be used responsibly to enhance your own listening enjoyment and that of your passengers. Users say these speakers do their best when hooked up to a powerful amp that can drive them properly.
Pros & Cons
- Capable of handling 500 watts max power (250 watts RMS)
- Wide ranging frequency response from three distinct types of speakers
- Reasonable price for performance level
- Many head units without amps may not be able to get the best from these speakers
- Odd speaker bolt pattern requires drilling new holes for installation
- Absolutely capable of producing hearing loss
Methodology
Forbes Wheels selected five top-rated speakers and speaker component setups by considering a broad range of end-user ratings and professional evaluations as well as personal experiences with aftermarket audio products. Most importantly, we considered listener satisfaction with bass response to determine our top rankings, since strong bass is the most consistently mentioned measure of satisfaction in forum posts and online reviews.
We rate all car speakers on the following weighted metrics:
- Clean and clear sound quality (40%)
- Frequency response (20%)
- Bass response (20%)
- Peak power (10%)
- Material construction (10%)
FAQs
Is a four-way speaker better than a two-way?
In theory, a three-way or four-way speaker should provide better sound clarity, since there are dedicated drivers for mid-range and high-range sound. However, the size and material of each component have a significant impact on sound quality. Plenty of high-end two-way speakers deliver clearer sound than cheaper three-way speakers with paper cones.
What car speakers have the best bass? How do I increase the bass on my car speakers?
Different speakers will meet different needs, but an aftermarket amplifier and subwoofer are the only surefire way to add the strong, confident bass you’re craving. If an aftermarket subwoofer isn’t in your budget, start by replacing your stock speakers with an aftermarket set known to deliver respectable bass response. Remember that larger speakers often fit with minimal modifications, and the larger the woofer, the stronger the bass response. If your car stereo allows for fine-tuning mid-range response, try turning down the mid-range to bring out the highs and lows of the bass and treble settings.
What is frequency response?
Frequency response is a measure of how faithfully a speaker will reproduce sounds across the spectrum of human hearing (20Hz-20,000Hz). The wider a speaker’s frequency response, the more accurately it will deliver sound at the low and high end of the audio spectrum. Almost all contemporary speakers have the high end handled. When it comes to bass, look for frequency response of 45 hertz or below to ensure decent bass clarity.
Are bigger speakers better?
Assuming materials and build quality are equal, the answer is yes, bigger is better. Speakers move air to create sound. The larger the cone, the louder and clearer the sound. Many car speakers can be upgraded to the next size up with minimal modification, reaping the natural benefits of a larger speaker surface while minimizing cost. A small number of big speakers is good for volume and for providing equal and quality sound for all passengers, but some smaller speakers also improve the quality of sound in different areas the audio spectrum. Different sized and shaped interiors, particularly for vans or large vehicles, might also call for a larger number and more varied array of speakers.
Can I install aftermarket car stereo speakers myself?
Thanks to video installation guides tailored to specific vehicle models, accessing in-door speakers is easier than ever. To make installation easier, pick up a set of Metra quick-connect speaker harnesses designed for your specific vehicle. (Here’s a set for select Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles, for example) Installing component speakers with separate tweeters is a little trickier, while installing an aftermarket amplifier or stereo head unit in a modern car is best left to a car audio professional.
Adam Barrera contributed to this story.
Mike Hagerty Contributor
A car-crazy California kid, I’ve been writing and talking about vehicles for 25 years on TV and radio, in print and online, including AAA magazines in Arizona, Oklahoma, Northwest Ohio, South Dakota and the Mountain West, as well as BBC Autos. I serve as vice president of the Western Automotive Journalists, a professional group for automotive writers based in San Francisco, and have no relation to McKeel Hagerty of Hagerty Classic Insurance, who is younger, better looking and wealthier.
