Written by Ryan GilmorePublished: 10 February 2023Updated: 30 October 2023
There is a near-endless amount of content you can listen to using a good set of car speakers. It appears every celebrity now runs a podcast, radio stations are (mostly) excellent and the emergence of streaming means almost any song you want can be played whenever you want. In short, there’s never been a better time for in-car entertainment.
Its a shame that most cars only offer a basic audio experience. The natural design of a co*ckpit lends itself to surround sound which means some aftermarket car speakers can transform how your favourite song sounds.
An upgrade to your car’s speaker system will improve sound quality but the whole process can be hard to get your head around. So we’ve created a list of the best speakers you can buy for your car.
If you're wanting top-grade sound quality then this option from Pioneer is well worth considering. Boasting a deep and rich bass (something coaxial speakers sometimes struggle with), these speakers are definitely worth the premium pricing.
Pros
- Top-grade sound quality
- Bonus headphones are a nice touch
Cons
- Expensive option
Perfect if you just want a boost in quality without breaking the bank, these four-inch speakers from Sony will provide a crisper sound if your car's normal speakers are showing signs of age. They are also easy to install.
Pros
- Great sound quality
- Good value
Cons
- Not the most powerful option for bass-heavy music
7
Price: £129.95
Price: £129.95
An under-seat subwoofer is definitely an option for serious audiophiles only. it'll totally transform your listening experience by amplifying the low frequencies that standard speakers struggle to produce. An under-seat subwoofer will totally transform how you listen to music in your car. This model from Kenwood boasts a maximum output of 150w which basically means it's very powerful.
Pros
- Amazing low-frequency sounds
Cons
- Requires other speakers to get a full sound experience
Rrp: £43.99
Price: £39.99
Rrp: £43.99
Price: £39.99
Alternative Retailers
A more powerful coaxial option, this model from Pioneer is a popular option for an audio upgrade. Using a multi-layer mica matrix design, this speaker set offers excellent sound quality. For extra money, Halfords will even fit these speakers for you.
Pros
- Can be installed for you at an additional cost
Cons
- Bass is weak
7
Price: £23.82
Price: £23.82
A great thing to own in general, a portable speaker will allow you to play music anywhere you take your phone (within reason obviously). This portable speaker has built-in Bluetooth and a 15-hour battery life, perfect for use in your car.
Pros
- Portable, use in your home or garden as well as your car
Cons
- Won't give you surround sound quality
- Will require charging
7
Price: £22.89
Price: £22.89
A great option if you want something portable, this speaker slots neatly into your sun visor. It also doubles as a hands-free kit, allowing you to legally make phone calls thanks to full Siri and Google Assistant integration. 10-hour battery life is a plus, even if the 3w speaker is a little weedy.
Pros
- Out of the way
- Phone call function is a bonus
Cons
- Not very powerful speakers
- Needs charging
What you need to know about car speakers
Coaxial or component?
Coaxial speakers will include a woofer and a tweeter in one speaker unit. These are the most popular speaker setup for cars because they are more compact and cheaper to produce.
Component speakers have separate speakers for the tweeter and woofer. The key difference between the two is that component speakers do have a boost in sound quality. They are available for cars but do take up more space and are more costly to buy and install.
What are tweeters and woofers?
Put simply, a tweeter produces high-frequency sounds, a woofer makes your lower frequencies. Coaxial speakers will have both included, component ones are sometimes sold separately.
How do I install new speakers?
If you’re replacing your old car’s speakers then changing them out should be quite simple. Measure the size of the old speakers and buy some new ones that match that size. Wiring them up is a simple affair and will come with clear instructions from your manufacturer (always remember to disconnect your battery).
If you’re wanting a set of 6x9s on your rear parcel shelf, you may have to get the Stanley knife out, this might sound scary but it’s not as bad as it sounds. Parcel shelves are generally quite thin and as long as you draw around your speakers to provide a template of what you’re cutting away, you should be fine.
What about Watts?
We hear the word Watt’s used a lot when it comes to electrical appliances from washing machines to microwaves but what does it all mean?
Wattage in speakers and amplifiers is about how much power a speaker can handle and how much power an amplifier is putting out. Amplifier spec sheets will often reference Continuous Power (occasionally referenced as Continuous Power Output or Continuous RMS power) and Dynamic (or Peak) Power.
Put simply, continuous power indicates how powerful an amplifier is in normal operation. However, Dynamic or Peak Power could push 100 watts into 8 ohms and 150 watts into 4 ohms. That’s because Dynamic Power is designed to ensure that the wide dynamics demanded by modern digital music and movie formats are properly powered at the moment. However, this power is only utilised for milliseconds, making it an unreliable indicator for general amplifier power.
In regards to speakers, many manufacturers have their own way of displaying recommended amplification (wattage) levels. Manufacturers may provide you with Minimum Recommended Power, Maximum Continuous Power, and Maximum Short-Term Peak Power ratings for your speakers.
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