Turn It Up! The Best Car Speakers of 2024, According to an Expert (2024)

Car audio serves a huge range of consumers, from the average driver and the audiophile to competitive audio enthusiasts. So as with most things, prices vary widely. According to Moolchandani, an average consumer should be prepared to spend about $1200–$1500 to have their sound system professionally upgraded.

Moolchandani insisted, though, that the average listener need not spend more than a few hundred dollars to get a noticeable upgrade in sound. This would likely include a few new speakers and a power source, but not necessarily a new head unit or sound processor.

Pioneer has developed a strong reputation over the years for reliable quality products. The A1680F from its A-series is no exception. It's a four-way coaxial speaker that is made to drop right into a wide range of applications thanks to the included multi-fit installation adapters.

The Excelon line from Kenwood represents the brand's top-of-the-line products. The XR-1701 is a two-way coaxial speaker built with high-quality materials with high-resolution audio files in mind. Kenwood also includes versatile mounting gear for a variety of installation challenges.

Focal is a brand that came highly recommended by Moolchandani, and it's easy to see why. Although this is a component system, which could make it a bit more challenging to plug and play, it comes from the Universal Integration Series. The system includes two woofers and two tweeters with inline crossovers, and you get two mounting options for a smoother installation.

For cars with speaker cavities that can accommodate a six-by-nine-inch speaker, the KAPPA-90CSX system features two coaxial speakers, in addition to two independent tweeters. The 6x9s feature their own tweeter, allowing you to mount the independent tweeters higher up (as they should be).

This subwoofer from Pioneer offers a compelling package. It comes preinstalled in a sealed enclosure with an integrated amplifier. Best of all, it's easy to install, and its shallow design means you can hide it under a seat or any other discrete location you can imagine.

Rockford Fosgate is known for producing speakers and amps for automobiles with a focus on rock music and similar genres. The PPS4-6 speakers are designed to be used with a high-power amplifier. Some high-end audio systems have amplifiers built in from the outset, allowing them to use these speakers to their greatest potential. But these should produce a noticeable change even if your car or truck doesn't have an amplifier.

Rockville is known for its expertise in sound quality, and the RW10CA subwoofer is no exception. Despite its small size, the subwoofer is capable of delivering powerful bass notes. It features a built-in amplifier, and the design is sleek and compact, allowing for flexible installation options.

The RockGhost V2 stands out thanks to its versatile design, allowing it to be mounted in your car or truck's spare-tire well. It features a built-in amplifier, an 11.0-inch-high excursion subwoofer, and a 20-foot dash remote with adjustable gain, bass boost, low pass crossover filter, and phase control.

We asked Moolchandani if he'd share some of his personal go-to speakers, and these were his picks. "We usually recommend brands like Focal or Hertz for better acoustic performance at an entry-level price point," he said.

The DCX-1653 is a high-performance coaxial speaker designed by Hertz. Featuring a 6.5-inch woofer and a separate 1.2-inch tweeter, the DCX-1653 covers a wide range of frequencies. They're available in a few different sizes and are designed with ease of installation in mind.

The MPX-1653 is a step up from the DCX-1653. It features the same basic design but with higher-quality materials, a larger tweeter, and higher power specifications. If you're looking to add a bit more to your system or are considering additional upgrades in the future, Vikas says this may be a better choice than its more affordable sibling.

If you want the best upgrade and don't mind shelling out a bit more cash, the SX-165-Neo is the way to go. They're designed specifically with high sound-pressure-level (SPL) performance in mind. What this means is these speakers will get loud, thanks to some of the best materials Hertz has to offer.

From its construction to its performance, this speaker system excels in every aspect. The kit includes a pair of 6.5-inch woofers, 3.5-inch midrange drivers, and 1.0-inch tweeters. Installation is straightforward, thanks to the included mounting accessories and user-friendly design. The speakers are meant to integrate seamlessly with your existing audio system without the need for extensive modifications.

JL Audio is one of the most well-known names in the automotive audio aftermarket. Hand-built in the U.S., the enclosure uses a patented port design to help get air moving. It is costly, but if you want a serious upgrade to your sound system this subwoofer, in combination with some of the other components on our list, would be tough to beat.