Best Car Speakers For 2022

Kicker’s CS two-way speakers offer the advantage of simple drop-in installation without sacrificing sound quality. The CS two-way speaker handles low- and mid-range sound with 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 also work well with factory-installed stereos.

For about the same price as an off-brand set of factory-replacement speakers from a retail store, well-known car audio specialist MTX offers the entry-level Terminator 6 to those simply searching for an inexpensive way to replace worn or blown units. Any speaker sounds better than an aged pair of crackling paper cones from the factory, so in that sense, the Terminator offers a definite improvement for a wide variety of vehicles. These won’t rattle windows with their weakish bass response; and if you’re all about that bass, it’s best to pair these with a separate subwoofer. For those seeking a drop-in replacement, respectable midrange response and eye-catching styling set the Terminator apart in a field of basic speakers. 

Component speaker systems include separate tweeters dedicated to reproducing clear high bandwith sounds. When installed higher in the cabin, the tweeters raise the sound stage, immersing passengers in crisp 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, tuned for balanced highs that are crisp, but not ear-splitting. The design and materials in play are common to many competitors, but the sound quality is a step above most component speakers—belying the discount price.

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.

Waterproof and equipped with drain holes for when the seas get rowdy, these party boat speakers function just fine in automotive applications, too. Polk Audio Mobile Monitor series speakers crave the power of an aftermarket amplifier, and gulp up to 375 watts of peak power in top form. Robust construction, futuristic design and premium sound quality make this a compelling choice for premium aftermarket audio components in need of speakers that can handle high power.