Upgrading your car audio system doesn’t have to cost a fortune, and we believe you can still achieve great sound quality with best budget car speakers.
In this guide, we’ll promise to help you navigate through the vast range of affordable car audio systems and provide you with expert car speaker reviews to make an informed decision.
Stay tuned as we preview some of the top car speaker brands and uncover the essential factors to consider when choosing the perfect inexpensive car stereo systems for your needs.
Top Pick
You will love this speaker if you want a product with thunderous bass. The feature that we love most is its efficiency. Furthermore, it has a balanced sound quality.
Runner Up
Without a doubt, this is the most powerful speaker. Not only is it loud, but it also can be easily fit into any car and we really appreciate it for that.
Also Great
These speakers have an extremely appealing design that is great to look at. Plus, it is budget-friendly. The thing that we like most is that it has great high-range.
The products that you see above are the absolute top of the line speakers out of dozens of products.
So, let’s dive right in and see the top 5 Best Budget Car Speakers.
Best Budget Speakers
Wattage
Buy Now
- 2 New Kicker D-Series
- Pioneer TS-A1685R
- Kicker 41DSC44
- Polk Audio DB572
- Rockford Fosgate P1694
- 360 watts
- 350 watts
- 50 watts
- 300 watts
- 75 watts
Best Budget Car Speakers - Top 5 Reviews
1. All-Around Best Budget Car Speakers - 2 New Kicker 43DSC69304 D-Series 6x9 360 Watt 3-Way Car Audio Coaxial Speakers Review
Calling this the all-around best speaker is not an exaggeration. It has thunderous bass that will amaze even the most difficult to impress people.
Furthermore, you are guaranteed to get a balanced sound due to the 70 watts RMS and the 360 watts maximum power.
On top of all of this, there is zero audio distortion which is a great feature. We really love the compact design of the speaker.
Best Budget Car Speakers - Main Features of 2 New Kicker 43DSC69304 D-Series 6x9 360 Watt 3-Way Car Audio Coaxial Speakers
- 70 watts RMS
- 360 watts peak power
- Compact design
- 2.8 x 2.8 x 7.5 inches dimensions
- Balanced sound
- Thunderous bass
- Efficient speakers
- Minimal audio distortion
- The grill is not high quality
Do you want a speaker that has thunderous bass and balanced sound? If you answered yes, then this speaker is made just for you.
2. Budget Car Speakers with Great Audio Quality - Pioneer TS-A1685R 350 Watts 4-Way Car Speakers, 6 1/2 Inch - 6 3/4 Inch Review
As soon as we got our hands on this product, we knew we were in for a ride. The best part about this speaker is that it can easily fit into any car due to modern design.
Not only is the design useful to fit in any car, but it also is really elegant looking. On top of that, it has a wonderful mid-range frequency.
Lastly, this speaker is extremely powerful standing in at 350 watts maximum power.
Main Features of Pioneer TS-A1685R 350 Watts 4-Way Car Speakers, 6 1/2 Inch - 6 3/4 Inch
- 350 watts maximum power
- 4-way speaker
- Soft dome tweeters
- 14.5 x 4.5 x 9 inches dimensions
- It can fit in any car
- Powerful speaker
- The mid-range is phenomenal
- Elegant design
- The materials used are not up to par
You’ll love this speaker if you are looking for a stylish product that has a phenomenal mid-range and is loud.
3. Most Impressively Designed Budget Car Speakers - Sony XSR 1646 6 1/2 Inch 4-Way Car Audio Speakers Review
We love this speaker due to a number of reasons. The first one being that it has an appealing design that is pleasing to look at. Secondly, it is extremely budget-friendly which is always a welcomed feature.
It has some of the most stunning highs that we have ever heard while testing various products.
Not only that, the high-range frequency is really clear which makes this speaker the most ideal for listening to classical music.
Main Features of Sony XSR 1646 6 1/2 Inch 4-Way Car Audio Speakers
- 270 watts peak power
- 50 watts RMS power
- Weighs 3.35 pounds
- 7 x 5 x 4 inches dimensions
- Appealing design
- Clear high-range frequency
- Budget-friendly
- Fantastic highs
- It is not that durable
Are you looking for a speaker that has fantastic highs and is affordable? If yes, then this speaker is what you need.
4. Best Budget Car Speakers for Peak Audio Output - Polk Audio DB572 DB+ Series 5"x7" Coaxial Speakers Review
You will not be disappointed by the brilliant sound quality of this speaker. Not only does it have some of the best sound quality, but it also is dustproof which means less maintenance required.
On top of that, this speaker is marine certified meaning that you can even use it in a boat if you want to. It will not malfunction when it interacts with the water.
We liked that this speaker is convenient to mount due to its simple drop-in installation.
Main Features of Polk Audio DB572 DB+ Series 5"x7" Coaxial Speakers
- Weighs 4 pounds
- 23.2 x 13.3 x 10.4 inches dimensions
- Marine certified
- Simple drop-in installation
- Brilliant sound quality
- Water-resistant
- Dustproof
- It can be easily mounted
- These speakers are not loud due to low power
If you are looking for a speaker that has brilliant sound quality and is marine certified, then this product is perfect for you.
5. Best Performing Budget Car Speakers - Rockford Fosgate P1694 Punch 6"x9" 4-Way Full Range Speaker Review
This speaker has a whopping 300 watts peak power. Due to that, it is extremely loud. Despite having a loud volume, the sound does not distort whatsoever.
We loved the incredible treble of this speaker. Not only that, but it also has some of the best bass that we have ever heard.
Another thing that we liked was the fact that this speaker comes with a grill which increases its durability.
Main Features of Rockford Fosgate P1694 Punch 6"x9" 4-Way Full Range Speaker
- 300 watts peak power
- 4-way speaker
- It comes with a grill for durability
- 75 watts RMS rating
- Loud
- Incredible treble
- Amazing bass
- The grill protects the speaker
- The design is not good-looking
This speaker is ideal for people that are looking for a loud product that has incredible treble and amazing bass.
Buyer’s Guide
Understanding Car Speaker Power Handling
When you’re looking to upgrade your vehicle’s audio system with the best budget car speakers, it’s important to consider car speaker power handling. This aspect plays a crucial role in determining the speaker’s ability to handle continuous and peak power without distortion or damage. In our research and tests, we’ve found that power handling can significantly impact the overall sound quality and longevity of your speakers.
RMS and Peak Power
Car speaker power handling consists of two important parameters: RMS (Root Mean Square) and Peak Power. RMS refers to the continuous power a speaker can handle without distortion, while Peak Power represents the maximum power the speaker can handle in short bursts. Ideally, you should focus on RMS ratings, as it provides a more accurate representation of your speaker’s capabilities.
- RMS Power: A reliable indicator of a speaker’s continuous power handling capacity
- Peak Power: Indicates the maximum power the speaker can handle for short durations
Matching Amplifier and Speaker Power Ratings
When selecting the best budget car speakers, ensure that the power ratings of your speakers match your amplifier’s output. This will prevent any potential damage and ensure optimum performance. Here’s a table to help you understand the compatibility between speaker and amplifier power ratings:
| Amplifier Output (Watts RMS) | Speaker Power Handling (Watts RMS) |
|---|---|
| 50 | 40 – 60 |
| 75 | 60 – 90 |
| 100 | 80 – 120 |
| 150 | 120 – 180 |
Balancing Power and Budget
While higher power handling capabilities often indicate better sound quality and durability, it may also come at a higher cost. As you explore affordable car audio systems, keep your budget in mind and strike a balance between power handling and price. Don’t forget to consider other factors such as speaker sensitivity and impedance, car speaker size and compatibility, and car speaker material and durability.
Understanding Speaker Sensitivity and Impedance
Speaker sensitivity and impedance are two essential factors to consider when selecting the best budget car speakers for your vehicle.
What is Speaker Sensitivity?
Speaker sensitivity refers to the efficiency of a speaker in converting power into sound. Measured in decibels (dB), higher sensitivity speakers require less power to produce the same volume compared to lower sensitivity speakers.
When choosing budget car speakers, it’s crucial to find a balance between speaker sensitivity and power handling. Generally, a sensitivity rating between 88-92 dB is considered suitable for most car audio systems.
Importance of Impedance
Impedance is the electrical resistance of the car speaker, measured in ohms (Ω). Most car audio systems have a standard impedance of 4 ohms.
However, you can also find speakers with 2, 6, or 8 ohms. It’s essential to match the impedance of your speakers with your car’s audio system for optimal performance.
Mismatched impedance can lead to reduced power output and, in extreme cases, damage to your audio equipment.
Car Speaker Size and Compatibility
Upgrading your vehicle’s sound system with the best budget car speakers requires careful consideration of car speaker size and compatibility. It’s important to ensure the new speakers will fit seamlessly into your car’s existing audio setup.
Speaker Size and Types
Car speaker sizes generally range from 3.5 inches to 6×9 inches. While the standard sizes are common, it’s crucial to verify the measurements specific to your car’s make and model. Some popular speaker types include:
- Full-range speakers: Deliver all sound frequencies through a single unit, typically consisting of a woofer and a tweeter.
- Component speakers: Separate the woofer and tweeter for improved sound quality and a more immersive audio experience.
Compatibility Factors
Before purchasing a set of budget car speakers, you should consider these compatibility factors:
- Vehicle’s Make and Model: Consult your vehicle’s manual or an online resource for the appropriate speaker sizes and mounting depths.
- Car Audio System Power: Match the speaker’s power handling (measured in watts) to your car’s stereo system or external amplifier to prevent distortion or damage.
- Impedance and Sensitivity: Choose speakers with compatible impedance (measured in ohms) and sensitivity (measured in decibels) to ensure optimal performance.
Popular Budget Car Speaker Brands
To help you choose the right car speakers, we have compiled a list of popular budget car speaker brands based on user feedback and our own observations:
- Pioneer
- JBL
- Kenwood
- Kicker
- Alpine
| Brand | Size Range | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Pioneer | 3.5″ – 6×9″ | $30 – $150 |
| JBL | 4″ – 6.5″ | $40 – $200 |
| Kenwood | 4″ – 6×9″ | $35 – $180 |
| Kicker | 4″ – 6.75″ | $40 – $250 |
| Alpine | 4″ – 6×8″ | $50 – $200 |
Remember, selecting the right car speaker size and compatibility will ensure th
Car Speaker Material and Durability
When searching for the best budget car speakers, it’s essential to consider the car speaker material and durability. Based on our research and user feedback, we’ve found that certain materials can significantly impact the sound quality and longevity of your car audio system. Here, we discuss various materials used in affordable car audio systems and their effect on performance.
Cone Materials
The cone material is a critical component of a car speaker. It affects the speaker’s responsiveness and overall sound quality. Common cone materials include:
- Polypropylene: A popular choice for budget car speakers, polypropylene is lightweight, durable, and resistant to moisture.
- Woven fabrics: Typically found in higher-priced speakers, woven fabrics like Kevlar and carbon fiber provide excellent stiffness and responsiveness.
Surround Materials
The surround material, which connects the cone to the speaker frame, plays a vital role in the speaker’s performance. Key factors to consider when examining surround materials are:
- Rubber: Offers excellent flexibility, durability, and resistance to wear and tear. Although often found in premium speakers, some budget options may also feature rubber surrounds.
- Foam or cloth: Commonly used in affordable car audio systems, foam and cloth surrounds are lightweight and cost-effective but may degrade faster over time.
| Material Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Polypropylene | Lightweight, durable, moisture-resistant | May lack the stiffness of other materials |
| Woven fabrics | Stiff, responsive, high-quality sound | More expensive, less common in budget options |
| Rubber | Flexible, durable, wear-resistant | May be less common in budget options |
| Foam/Cloth | Lightweight, cost-effective | Less durable, degrades faster over time |
Tweeter Materials
The tweeter material can influence the speaker’s high-frequency performance. Through our observations and tests, we have found that:
- Soft materials like silk or textile blends produce smooth, warm high frequencies.
- Hard materials like metal or ceramics produce bright, detailed high frequencies.
To ensure the best possible sound quality and longevity from your car speaker material and durability choices, we recommend thoroughly researching and comparing the various options within your budget. Keep in mind that the ideal speaker materials may vary depending on your preferences, vehicle type, and listening habits.
Always Ensure Compatibility
When you are getting new speakers for your car, you must make sure that they will properly fit in your car. If you get the wrong size, you will have a difficult time making them fit.
Either you will have to fix the mounting hole or get new speakers according to that. That is why it is important that you keep this aspect in mind before getting a speaker so that you will not have to spend extra money on fixing the mistake.
Know Your Vehicle’s Stereo System
The stereo system of every vehicle is different. That is why you should find out what wattage your system can handle and get speakers accordingly.
If you get speakers that require more wattage than your system offers, then the speakers will not deliver their best result and you will need to get an external amplifier just for them to properly work.
Knowing your car’s stereo system is just as important as knowing the speaker’s features if not more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does a good car sound system cost?
A car system can cost from as low as $100 and it can go all the way up to $1000 and more. But usually, a good car speaker system will cost you around $400-$500. It will include all of the amazing features that you need and the quality of sound/bass will be exceptional.
What is deep bass?
The deep bass is the audio that is between 16 Hertz to 80 Hertz. Usually, the deep bass refers to the sound that is too low for the human ear to hear. It can only be felt in the room in the form of vibrations and pressure.
How many Hz is low bass?
The low bass ranges from 60 Hertz to 250 Hertz. Whereas the subwoofer ranges from 20 to 60 Hertz, the low mid-range from 250-500 Hertz and the mid-range from 500 Hertz to 2 KiloHertz. That is why you should get a speaker that covers the frequency range from 20Hz-20KHz
What frequency should I set my subwoofer?
Different people will have different responses to this question. After doing our research and conducting tests on countless speakers, we came to the conclusion that setting your subwoofer to around 80 Hertz frequency will give you the best results.
How can I make my car speakers louder without an amp?
If you want to make your speaker louder without adding an amplifier, we suggest that you get yourself a subwoofer. It will not only increase your bass, but it will also enhance the overall volume of the speaker. The same effect can be accomplished by adding a tweeter to your speakers.
Should Treble be higher than bass?
The treble should be just a little bit higher than the bass and the mid-bass. This is to make sure that you get the best possible results. We did many tests and this setting seems to work the best for us, regardless of the speaker brand.
How many watts is good for a car stereo?
If you have the stock speakers, then anywhere around 50-200 watts is ideal. But if you have custom speakers, you will have to get a powerful amplifier that ranges from around 200 watts to 300 watts. For the bass, a good range is around 250-500 watts.
Is a 200-watt car stereo good?
A 200-watt speaker is a really good product. It will produce loud volumes and it will not let the sound distort. The only thing that you need to be careful with is that you must get a strong amplifier so that it can support your speaker.
Do subwoofers ruin cars?
Subwoofers do not do any damage to cars. The only risk of a subwoofer is that if it drains your battery quicker than it is getting charged. Other than that, the subwoofer will cause no damage to your car, whether internal or external.
Is too much bass bad for speakers?
Yes, playing too much bass will ruin your speakers over time. The woofer will start to break which will cause your speaker to stop producing bass. That is why we suggest that you put all of the settings at the default place and use a strong amplifier with your speakers.
Wrapping Things Up
Speakers for cars are extremely trendy these days and the majority of the car owners are looking for the best budget speakers.
After conducting various tests on dozens of speakers, the 2 New Kicker 43DSC69304 D-Series 6×9 360 Watt 3-Way Car Audio Coaxial Speakers is crowned the winner. It is due to the fact that it has the most thunderous bass that we have ever heard. Also, the overall sound quality is quite nice and loud.
That concludes our post about the top 5 Best Budget Car Speakers.
Let us know which speakers you found to be the best and which one you’ll be picking up for your car.