If you know anything about car speakers, you might have already come across this question: is Alpine better than Kicker?
In this post, we’ve decided to answer just that.
We’ll be considering both brands and what they have to offer, so you make the best investment by choosing the right one.
Features
Design
Clarity
Bass
Alpine Speakers
These are generally better-looking as they have more of a sleek design.
Alpine models are exceptionally clear and offer top-notch sound quality.
These generally don’t offer as much bass as the Kicker speakers.
Kicker Speakers
Kicker speakers usually feature a rugged design, which may not be particularly appealing.
These don’t feature the same level of clarity as the other type.
Most Kicker models produce plenty of bass and are quite hard-hitting.
To add to the “Alpine vs Kicker” discussion, let’s take a look at the top products of each brand.
Alpine R-S65 Review - Smooth Audio with a Sleek Design
The Alpine R-S65 is one of the brand’s best-selling speakers, and rightfully so.
We really liked the overall, dynamic sound of the speaker pair. The audio is crystal clear and the highs are super detailed.
And for their size, the low-range tones are delivered impressively as well. The 6.5-inch speakers produce a decent amount of mid-range bass which results in more of an impactful audio experience.
Features of Alpine R-S65
- 2-way car speakers
- Hybrid fiber woofer
- 1-inch silk dome tweeter
- Power handling: 100 watts RMS
- Frequency response: 65-29,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 88 dB
- Good value for money
- Excellent clarity
- Detailed audio
- Impressive bass response
- Appealing design
- 6.5-inch size is ideal for most
- A separate amp is needed to truly get the best out of them
Benefits of Alpine R-S65
The R-S65’s audio is exceptionally clean thanks to its construction and aluminum-made voice coil. This results in an effective performance in terms of music, regardless of what genre you like.
The modern, metallic design of the Alpine speakers is another highlight. The 6.5-inch speakers can really add to the overall look of your car’s interior.
Plus, the R-S65 is relatively affordable. The model stands out in its price range and is somewhat of a bargain.
What Do the Customers Think?
The Alpine R-S65 has a great overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 on Amazon, with 86% of customers giving it 4 or 5 stars.
A few customers did find the speakers a little tricky to install. However, they were compatible with most cars. Its sound quality really seems to be its most appreciated feature.
Best Alpine Speakers
The best Alpine speakers are the Alpine R-S65, due to their audio performance and value for money.
Kicker 43DSC69304 Review - Affordable and Reliable
If you’re edging towards Kicker speakers and have a strict budget, this model is our top pick for an entry-level upgrade.
We loved how easily these speakers can be installed. You won’t need to look for a specialist as the product comes with everything you need.
The Kicker speakers are a great fit for a range of vehicles. This isn’t seen often, especially in this price range.
Features of Kicker 43DSC69304
- 3-way car speakers
- 6×9-inch polypropylene woofer
- 0.5-inch PEI dome tweeter
- Power handling: 90 watts RMS
- Frequency response: 30-20,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 92 dB
- Low-priced
- Easy to install
- Wide compatibility range
- Good build quality
- Crisp high-range tones
- Other Kicker speakers offer a lot more bass
Benefits of Kicker 43DSC69304
As the speakers are a low-end product, we weren’t expecting a lot in terms of the sound quality. However, we were pleasantly surprised. The overall sound is clean and the highs are crisp.
And while the speakers don’t go too deep, the 3-way design does ensure a lively experience.
The Kicker speakers are also pretty well-made. Each and every component is sturdy which reduces overall audio distortion. So, the construction isn’t a let-down either.
What Do the Customers Think?
The Kicker model has an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 on Amazon; a whopping 92% of customers gave the product 4 or 5 stars.
Some of the customers were somewhat disappointed by the lack of hard-hitting bass. However, the clean audio and low price does seem to make up for it. Most customers believed they got a lot of bang for their bucks.
Best Kicker Speakers
The best Kicker speakers are the Kicker 43DSC69304 as the model is super affordable and easy to install.
Alpine vs Kicker Speakers - Buyers’ Guide
Power Handling
Before you buy any after-market car speakers, you need to be considering their power handling.
This indicates how much power a speaker can take before it malfunctions. So, if you’re looking for a speaker that can get super loud, go for the model with a higher RMS rating.
The power handling will also help you match the speakers with the rest of your system. To put it simply, the rating needs to be close to the output of the amp. This can be made easier by referring to the manual of the amp.
Compatibility
You also need to consider compatibility before you replace your car’s stock speakers.
The simple way of doing this is to research whether the speakers are a good fit for your vehicle. Make sure to consider the vehicle’s model and version.
Another way is to measure the stock speakers after removing them. You can then use your measurements and match them with the specifications of the speakers you’re interested in.
Budget
The overall cost is another aspect to consider. You need to map out your budget by considering your priorities. Make sure you include a head unit and an amp, if you wish to replace them as well.
If you’re looking to upgrade your car’s stock speakers with something just a bit better, go for a set of speakers in the entry-level range.
On the other hand, high-end speakers offer much better sound quality and longevity. These are ideal if you’re serious about building a car audio system.
Final Verdict
To wrap things up, Alpine and Kicker are both reputable brands with products that offer a lot of quality.
And while people may have their preferences in the “Alpine vs Kicker” debate, we decided to go with the Alpine speakers as our final winner.
They offer a blend of design, sound, and affordability, which gives it the edge over Kicker speakers.