A good pair of speakers can totally change the way you listen to music in your car.
We understand how most stock speakers can sound mediocre at best. It’s all about the bass: the higher it is, the better.
However, not all car speakers produce the same level of bass. There’s a fine line between high bass and the distortion that makes it sound like the speakers are blown out.
And because you can’t entirely know for sure whether a set of speakers is good or not, we’ve reviewed some of the best car speakers for bass that you can find on the market today.
Contents
Comparison Table:
| Model | Price | Size | Sensitivity | RMS Rating |
| JBL GTO629 Premium | CLICK FOR PRICE | 6.5” | 93dB | 5-125 watts |
| Rockford R165X3 | CLICK FOR PRICE | 6.5” | 91dB | 45 watts |
| JBL GT7-6C | CLICK FOR PRICE | 6.5” | 92dB | 100 watts |
| Rockville RVP12W8 | CLICK FOR PRICE | 12” | 99dB | 600 watts |
| Focal EC 165k | CLICK FOR PRICE | 6.5” | 90dB | 76 – 100 watts |
| Pioneer TS-M800PRO | CLICK FOR PRICE | 8” | 96dB | 180 watts |
| Kicker DS Series 43DSC6504 | CLICK FOR PRICE | 6.5” | 91dB | 45 watts |
| Pyle PL63BL | CLICK FOR PRICE | 6.5” | 89dB | 180 watts |
| Pioneer TA-A1670F | CLICK FOR PRICE | 6.5” | 87dB | 70 watts |
| JBL CLUB6500C | CLICK FOR PRICE | 6.5” | 92dB | 60 watts |
The Best Car Speakers for Bass in 2021
Now, let’s explore each set of speakers in detail and see how they fare.
1. JBL GTO629 Premium – Best Overall
Compared to other speakers, the Carbon-Injected Plus One cones in the JBL GTO629 are much larger, providing a higher bass level by moving more air. That’s precisely why these speakers top the list.
Another notable feature of these JBL speakers is the Patented UniPivot tweeter that directs the sound to your ears even if the speakers are mounted on the lower part of the doors; it’s just magical!
Moreover, the low-impedance, 3-ohm speakers ensure that you get the most out of your car stereo even if the wires are undersized.
Additionally, the highs and lows are automatically directed to the right speaker thanks to the dedicated 12dB/octave, high-quality crossover components.
Furthermore, the speakers’ high sensitivity of 93dB allows you to turn down the volume without sacrificing audio clarity.
- Excellent directional tweeter
- Large cones for better bass
- High sensitivity
- Decent price
- Limited output power
Final Verdict
The JBL GTO629 speakers provide excellent bass and optimized wattage consumption at a great price.
2. Rockford R165X3 – Best for Small Cars
Rockford’s R165X3 is yet another inexpensive yet powerful three-way, full-range set of speakers ideal for small cars.
These speakers’ frequency range is between 52 Hz and 20 kHz, providing a decent level of treble and bass. The bass is quite good, but it’s nothing mind-blowing. Nevertheless, you can easily boost it with a good amp and subwoofer, but you’ll have to cash out more money.
If your car’s output power is low, then the R165X3 would be a good fit for it since it has a high sensitivity of 91dB, giving you a wider hearable volume range. The speaker size is 6.5 inches, with a mounting depth of 2.15 inches.
The polypropylene woofer cone with rubber surround delivers an outstanding drum and bass output, in addition to clean midrange frequencies reproduction.
One of the Rockford R165X3’s most notable features is the silk dome tweeter, which, coupled with the piezo super tweeter, provides an exceptional high-frequency response.
The R165X3 power rating handles a continuous power of 45W, with a peak output power of 90W. Moreover, it comes with a mounting kit and grille guards to protect it from getting damaged.
- High sensitivity (91dB)
- Comes with a mounting kit
- 1-year warranty
- High-quality materials
- Clean midrange frequencies’ reproduction
- Excellent drum and bass output
- Limited output power
- Noticeable distortion at high volumes
Final Verdict
The R165X3 is an affordable set of speakers from Rockford that delivers excellent sound quality and better midrange frequencies reproduction at a very reasonable price.
3. JBL GT7-6C – Best Versatile
The GT7-6C is yet another great set of speakers from JBL that deliver outstanding sound quality and deep bass that truly stand out.
For starters, the wide polypropylene woofer ensures a high-quality, distortion-free bass. Not to mention, the foam surround gives the speakers better flexibility to improve the bass even more.
Moreover, the oversized polypropylene Plus One cones that JBL uses in many of their speakers deliver much higher sensitivity, increased low-frequency output, and better musical character. The size of these cones is unmatched by any other cones in this class.
The bottom frequency of 50Hz handles the bass, while the maximum frequency of 20kHz ensures that the high notes sound good.
Additionally, the external crossover housings provide more space, allowing for true high-pass and low-pass sections.
The JBL GT7-6C also features a tweeter level control that lets you fine-tune the sound to suit all tastes and accommodate different placement.
- High sensitivity
- Foam surround
- Affordable
- Deep bass
- Tweeter level control
- The assembly is somewhat bad
Final Verdict
If you’re looking for an affordable, high-quality, and versatile set of speakers with good bass and high sensitivity, the JBL GT7-6C speakers are the way to go.
4. Rockville RVP12W8 – Best Large-Sized
If you’re looking for a large-sized set of car speakers for bass, this set is guaranteed to provide a shaking bass feel that will satisfy the audiophile in you.
With an RMS power rating of 600 watts, these beasts can deliver a super loud sound unmatched by lower-powered ones. Moreover, the 99dB sensitivity rating allows the speakers to produce clear audio with as little power as possible.
Additionally, the 90 Oz magnet allows the woofers to handle more power than others on the market, with most having a smaller 70 Oz magnet.
The Rockville RVP12W8’s subwoofers are quite large, measuring 12” in diameter. They may not fit in all cars, but you can always place them under the seats or trunk.
Moreover, the rolled steel basket exterior protects the speakers from getting dented or scratched.
- Large diameter
- High power (600 watts RMS)
- Durable rolled steel basket exterior
- 90 Oz magnet
- High sensitivity
- May not fit in all cars
Final Verdict
The Rockville RVP12W8 is the perfect choice for those who want a large set of car speakers that can produce loud, crystal clear sounds with deep bass.
5. Focal EC165k – Best Premium
The Focal EC 165k speakers feature a premium design that delivers excellent sound quality and deep bass. They’ve gone through extensive testing to ensure their reliability and production of full range dynamics.
With a frequency range of 60Hz-22kHz, the Focal EC 165k is capable of producing deep bass and good treble. Adding to that, you get a sensitivity rating of 90dB, which drastically improves the speakers’ performance even at low volume.
The Kevlar cones provide enough rigidity while also being lightweight and providing an excellent level of damping. Not to mention, they’re fixed to the frame with TMD (Tuned Mass Damper) suspension, which reduces resonance and distortion.
Moreover, the M-shaped TKM inverted dome tweeters are designed in a way that the dome’s deformation is kept to a minimum, delivering a clean midrange.
- Premium design
- Kevlar cones
- M-shaped inverted tweeters
- TMD suspension minimizes distortion
- High sensitivity
- 60Hz-22kHz frequency range
- Very expensive
Final Verdict
If you’re looking for a premium set of 6.5” door speakers with awesome bass, the Focal EC165K K2 is your best bet.
6. Pioneer TS-M800PRO – Best Build Quality
The TS-M800PRO is a member of Pioneer’s PRO Series that promises to deliver exceptional performance and operate at high sound pressure levels.
The lightweight blended pulp cones, in addition to the corrugated surround and the oversized magnets, allow the mid-bass drivers to have higher sensitivity and better power handling. The drivers are anchored by high strength, stamped steel frames for additional flexibility, and deeper bass.
Furthermore, the tweeter can handle both low and high frequencies quite well thanks to its robust, high-quality design.
The Pioneer TS-M800PRO RMS rating is 180 watts for each pair, allowing them to handle a sheer amount of power. Moreover, at a sensitivity of 96dB, the speakers can produce crystal clear sounds with minimum wattage at low volumes, which also means that you can listen to music at high volumes without sacrificing sound quality.
The bottom frequency limit is 50Hz, which is about the norm for speakers in this class. However, the top frequency is capped at 18kHz, which is slightly lower than what we’re used to. Nevertheless, the treble production is quite good.
- Excellent materials
- Corrugated surround
- Oversized magnets
- High strength steel frames for fixation
- High sensitivity
- Limited top frequency value
- 8” size may not fit in all cars
Final Verdict
With high-quality materials, steel frames, and exceptional sensitivity, the Pioneer TS-M800PRO speakers have proved to be a serious contender on our list.
7. Kicker DS Series 43DSC6504 – Best Value
The Kicker DS Series 43DSC6504 features a universal, low profile design with a zero-protrusion tweeter that makes it easier to fit in more cars while providing value for every penny you pay.
What’s even better is that the Kicker has a high sensitivity of 90dB that allows you to play music on high volumes even if your car’s radio produces limited power.
The 6.5″ polypropylene woofer, coupled with PEI dome-shaped tweeter, allows the speakers to reproduce a dynamic sound. This 2-way design ensures that the woofer handles the highs, while the lows are sent to the tweeter.
The RMS power rating is 60 watts, which is a bit low compared to other, higher-end speakers. Inside the box, you get a set of grilles that offer a high level of protection for your speakers. The Kicker also comes with a 1-year warranty that covers manufacturing defects.
- 1-year warranty
- 2-way design with dome-shaped tweeter and polypropylene woofer
- Comes with grilles for protection
- High sensitivity
- Low power output
Final Verdict
If you’re on a budget, the Kicker 43DSC6504 speaker set should be on the top of your list, with its uncompromising performance and excellent design.
8. Pyle PL63BL – Best Budget
The Pyle PL63BL speakers are one of the cheapest 3-way car speakers you can find, but they’re far from lacking when it comes to quality. Win-win!
The Pyle speaker set features an eye-catching blue design that adds some fun. Furthermore, it’s equipped with poly injection cones that provide rigidity without adding unnecessary weight.
Moreover, you get a 3/4” Piezo Tweeter that provides the speakers with car component stereo and round-shaped full range triaxial loud audio. The PL63BL’s sensitivity is 89dB, which means that it doesn’t need lots of power to produce a clear sound.
The frequency range of 95Hz-20kHz is acceptable, but it’s not really the best you can get for bass. To get deeper bass, the speakers should have a lower bottom frequency.
The speakers also come with grilles to protect them from denting and scratching, which could affect their performance.
- Very affordable
- Cool design
- Poly injection cones
- Piezo tweeter
- Come with grilles
- Bass production could be better
Final Verdict
The Pyle PL63BL speaker set probably has the best car speaker design in town, and good performance that’s more than enough for the price it’s offered at.
9. Pioneer TS-A1670F – Best for Medium-Sized Cars
The Pioneer TA-A1670F speakers are designed for audiophiles who want to experience and feel the music in their medium-sized cars.
To begin with, It features an 11mm polyethylene terephthalate (PET) hard dome tweeter that allows for a dynamic sound and deeper bass.
Furthermore, Pioneer’s “Open & Smooth” sound concept ensures a smooth transition between the midrange and tweeter drivers, allowing for a balanced, off-axis frequency response. This helps the speakers aim the audio to the passengers’ ears.
Moreover, the Pioneer TS-A1670F speakers are super easy to install thanks to the multi-fit adapters that expand flexibility and enhance acoustic performance.
The speakers’ sensitivity is around 87dB, which is a bit lower than other speakers in the same class, but it’s definitely acceptable. Additionally, the 70-watt RMS power rating is quite decent for this category.
Pioneer’s CarSoundFit app lets you feel the difference between your new speakers and your old ones on your smartphone. There’s no better way for you to tell the difference between the two than this virtual demonstration.
- PET hard dome
- Easy installation
- Audio is directed to listeners’ ears
- Virtual demonstration using Pioneer’s CarSoundFit app
- Sensitivity is somewhat low
Final Verdict
The Pioneer TA-A1670F speakers would make a great replacement for your car’s stock speakers, delivering better sound quality and deeper bass.
10. JBL CLUB6500C – Best Durable
The JBL CLUB6500C are some of the most durable speakers you can get thanks to the V-resistant polypropylene woofers, which ensure a consistent performance no matter the climate conditions they get exposed to.
Furthermore, the 3/4″ edge-driven Polyetherimide (PEI) tweeters ensure a clear output even at high volume. As for the RMS rating, it’s 60 watts, which is quite good for the class.
With regard to sensitivity, the JBL CLUB6500C speakers have a sensitivity rating of 92dB, allowing them to make the optimum use of power. Moreover, the oversized cones have more surface area than other cones in this class, providing a deeper bass.
- Durable design
- PEI tweeters
- V-resistant polypropylene woofers
- High sensitivity
- Limited power
Final Verdict
If you want a durable set of car speakers that’ll last for years to come, the JBL CLUB6500C will give you just that.
Factors to Consider When Buying Car Bass Speakers
Before buying new speakers for your car, you need to keep a few factors in mind. Sure, you won’t likely be able to try them out, but the specs and materials can determine whether a set of speakers are good or not.
Crossover
A good crossover is essential to ensure a great audio performance. A crossover decides where each frequency should be sent. Without them, signals get mixed up, which results in an awkward audio quality.
Crossovers come in 2 varieties: passive and active. Passive crossovers don’t require extra power. On the other hand, active crossovers need a ground connection in addition to more power from an amplifier, but they give you more options when it comes to fine-tuning the audio.
Frequency Range
The frequency range represents the audible frequencies of the speakers. Human ears can hear frequencies that range from 20Hz to 20kHz. Usually, speakers with a lower minimum frequency produce more resonant and richer bass.
Sensitivity
The sensitivity of a set of speakers determines how they utilize the output power, and it’s measured in decibels. Highly sensitive speakers require a low level of output power to reproduce sounds, meaning that you can get a crystal clear sound even at a low volume.
If your car’s output power is low (10-20 watts), you’d be better off getting a set of highly sensitive speakers (at least 90dB).
Materials
The materials your speakers are made of can largely affect its sound quality.
If you want to get the best bass, go for speakers with a woofer that’s made of low-density materials that are also stiff, like polypropylene or metal-coated fabrics.
If you want super deep bass, make sure that there’s a rubber surround around the woofer. Surrounds allow the woofer to vibrate more freely, creating rich bass.
Power Handling
The RMS rating is the nominal, continuous power a pair of speakers can handle. Usually, the more power a speaker can take, the louder and cleaner it’ll be.
On the other hand, a pair of speakers’ peak power is the power it can handle for short intervals using an amp. The higher the peak power of a set of speakers is, the better. However, the RMS rating usually matters the most, but it all depends on your usage.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How Do I Know Whether the Speakers Will Fit in my Car?
Before getting a set of speakers, you must make sure that their size is suitable for your car. Getting a set of speakers that are too large or too small for your car is just as good as getting none.
There are several databases on the internet that can help you find the speaker size that fits your vehicle. Once you’ve got the numbers, you can start searching for a matching set of speakers.
Do I Need to Get a Power Amp With the Speakers?
Not necessarily. However, if you want to make your speakers louder without sacrificing bass, get an amp.
Are Third-Party Speakers Better Than Stock Ones?
Absolutely. Getting a set of speakers from a reputable audio brand will do wonders when it comes to listening to music in your car. Stock speakers are usually very basic and designed for the average consumer that doesn’t care much about audio clarity and bass. For audiophiles, new speakers become essential.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have a better idea about the best car speakers for bass you can find, it’s time to pick one.
We’ve fallen in love with the JBL GTO629. Its rich bass, coupled with the excellent build quality and the high sensitivity, have made it one of our favorite car speakers of all time.
There’s no denying that your budget will play a significant role in your choice, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a set of quality car speakers at a reasonable price.
Consider taking a look at the JBL GT7-6C. It offers deep bass, foam surround, and a tweeter level control. Replacing your stock car speakers with these will keep you and your friends rockin’ it like never before.
Finally, if you want large speakers that scream awesome, go for the 12” Rockville RVP12W8 speakers. The deep bass in these speakers simply blows everything else out of the water.