Boating enthusiasts know that music is an essential part of any voyage. Whether you are cruising through the open sea or enjoying a relaxing day on the lake, having a quality sound system can make all the difference. That’s where marine speakers come in. Unlike regular speakers, marine speakers are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and exposure to water. They are built to deliver high-quality sound while enduring the rigors of life on the water.
When it comes to choosing the best marine speakers, there are a few critical factors to consider. First, you want to look for speakers that are waterproof and weather-resistant. This is essential to ensure that your speakers will last for years to come, even when exposed to saltwater, rain, and other harsh conditions. Second, you want to select speakers that are powerful enough to deliver clear and crisp sound, even when you are cruising at high speeds. Finally, you want to consider the size and style of the speakers, as well as their mounting options, to ensure that they will fit your boat and meet your specific needs.
In this article, we will review some of the best marine speakers on the market, taking into account their sound quality, durability, and ease of installation. Whether you are a seasoned boater or a newcomer to the world of marine audio, our guide will help you find the perfect speakers to enhance your on-the-water experience.
Best Marine Speakers
If you’re looking to upgrade your boat’s sound system, investing in a set of high-quality marine speakers is a must. Not only do they provide clear and powerful audio, but they’re also designed to withstand the harsh marine environment, including exposure to salt, water, and UV rays. In this article, we’ve rounded up the best marine speakers on the market, based on their sound quality, durability, and overall value. Whether you’re a casual boater or a serious audiophile, you’re sure to find a set of speakers that will meet your needs and exceed your expectations.
KICKER 6.5″ White Marine Speakers
If you’re looking for high-quality marine speakers, the KICKER 6.5″ White Marine Speakers are an excellent choice.
Pros
- Spectacular highs and midrange sounds
- Water-resistant design for long-lasting use on the water
- Easy installation with perfect fit into KICKER KM empty enclosures
Cons
- Plain brown packaging, no retail box or accessories included
- Only compatible with laptops, personal computers, and smartphones
- May not be loud enough for larger boats or outdoor parties
These speakers are designed specifically for boat audio and exceed industry standards with their weather-proof qualities. The titanium dome tweeter and polypropylene woofer provide full-range audio that is perfect for a marine environment. The KICKER 6.5″ White Marine Speakers come with white grilles and fit perfectly into KICKER KM empty enclosures for boat towers.
Installation is simple and straightforward, and the speakers are water-resistant for many years of use on the water. You’ll enjoy spectacular highs and midrange sounds that will make your music sound better than ever before.
The only downside is that these speakers do not come with a retail box or other accessories. They will arrive in plain brown packaging. Additionally, they are only compatible with laptops, personal computers, and smartphones, which may limit their use for some users. Finally, these speakers may not be loud enough for larger boats or outdoor parties.
Overall, if you’re looking for high-quality marine speakers that are easy to install and provide excellent sound quality, the KICKER 6.5″ White Marine Speakers are an excellent choice.
KICKER 49KM604WL KM 6.5″ 4Ω Blue LED Marine Coaxial Speakers – Pair
If you’re looking for high-quality marine speakers, the KICKER 49KM604WL KM 6.5″ 4Ω Blue LED Marine Coaxial Speakers is an excellent choice.
Pros
- The speakers have blue LED lighting included, which adds to their aesthetic appeal.
- They are made specifically for marine environments and can withstand almost any weather conditions.
- The speakers have spectacular highs and smooth, impactful midrange, providing full-range audio.
Cons
- Some customers have reported difficulty with wiring the blue LED ring.
- The speakers are relatively expensive compared to other marine speakers on the market.
- The speakers have a peak power of 150 watts, which may not be sufficient for some users.
The KICKER 49KM604WL KM 6.5″ 4Ω Blue LED Marine Coaxial Speakers are a great investment for boat owners. They are designed to withstand the harsh marine environment and provide high-quality sound. The blue LED lighting included in the speakers adds to their aesthetic appeal, making them a great addition to any boat.
The speakers have spectacular highs and smooth, impactful midrange, providing full-range audio specifically for a marine environment. The speakers are made with sealed motors and polymer baskets, which makes them resistant to splash and spray.
However, some customers have reported difficulty with wiring the blue LED ring. Additionally, the speakers are relatively expensive compared to other marine speakers on the market. The speakers have a peak power of 150 watts, which may not be sufficient for some users.
Overall, if you’re looking for marine speakers that can withstand harsh weather conditions and provide high-quality sound, the KICKER 49KM604WL KM 6.5″ 4Ω Blue LED Marine Coaxial Speakers are an excellent choice.
Rockford Fosgate M0-65 Marine Grade 6.5″ Coaxial Full Range Speakers – White (Pair)
If you’re looking for high-quality marine speakers that can withstand harsh environments, Rockford Fosgate M0-65 is a great option.
Pros
- Integrated 1/2″ LCP balanced dome tweeter
- 1″ High-temp Kapton woofer voice coil former
- 100% UV-stable ASA plastic frame and grill design stands up to harsh environment
Cons
- Some users may find them a bit pricey
- May require professional installation
- Some users may not like the design
These speakers deliver clear and crisp sound that can fill any boat. They are built to withstand harsh environments and are made of high-quality materials. The integrated 1/2″ LCP balanced dome tweeter provides clear and detailed highs, while the 1″ High-temp Kapton woofer voice coil former delivers deep and rich bass. The 100% UV-stable ASA plastic frame and grill design make them durable and long-lasting.
One downside of these speakers is that they may be a bit pricey for some users. Additionally, they may require professional installation, which can add to the overall cost. Some users may also not like the design of the speakers.
Overall, if you’re looking for high-quality marine speakers that can deliver clear and crisp sound in harsh environments, the Rockford Fosgate M0-65 is a great option.
Kenwood KFC-1653MRW 6.5″ 2-Way Marine Speakers Pair
If you’re looking for affordable marine speakers that deliver decent sound quality, the Kenwood KFC-1653MRW 6.5″ 2-Way Marine Speakers Pair might be a good option.
Pros
- Water-resistant design
- Good frequency response
- Easy to install
Cons
- Not the most powerful speakers
- Some users reported durability issues
- Not the best sound quality on the market
These speakers feature a water-resistant design that makes them suitable for use on boats, and they have a good frequency response range of 60Hz – 20,000Hz. They are also relatively easy to install, which is a plus for those who don’t want to spend a lot of time on installation.
However, the Kenwood KFC-1653MRW speakers are not the most powerful speakers out there, so if you’re looking for speakers that can really blast your music, you might want to look elsewhere. Some users also reported durability issues, with the cone falling apart after a few years of use. Additionally, while the sound quality is decent, it’s not the best on the market.
Overall, if you’re looking for budget-friendly marine speakers that can get the job done, the Kenwood KFC-1653MRW 6.5″ 2-Way Marine Speakers Pair might be worth considering.
KICKER KM Coaxial Marine Speakers
If you’re looking for high-quality marine speakers that can withstand harsh weather conditions, the KICKER KM Coaxial Marine Speakers are definitely worth considering.
Pros
- Built to be 100% marine-grade with UV treatments on injection-molded cones and Santoprene surrounds
- Meets or exceeds ASTM standards for humidity, corrosion, and material degradation due to UV exposure
- Comes with white and charcoal grilles with a seven-color LED system included
Cons
- Some users found the high range to be drowned out by the solid mid-range
- The LED lights may not be bright enough for some users
- Some users reported issues with water getting inside the speakers
These speakers are built to thrive in the water with splash-and-spray-resistant sealed motors, cones, and locking/sealed terminal covers. The UV treatments on the injection-molded cones, Santoprene surrounds, baskets, and grilles help maintain top-shelf performance. The speaker hardware is forged from rustproof, 316L stainless steel.
The KICKER KM Coaxial Marine Speakers also come with a choice of seven colors to make your boat shine, or you can add the KMLC (sold separately) LED controller to unlock 20 colors and 19 wild lighting modes. The continuous power handling is 150 watts RMS and the peak power handling is 300 watts.
Overall, if you’re looking for marine speakers that are built to last and can provide great sound quality, the KICKER KM Coaxial Marine Speakers are definitely worth considering.
Kicker KM 6.5 Inch Marine UV Treated Speakers
If you’re looking for high-quality marine speakers that are built to last, the Kicker KM 6.5 Inch Marine UV Treated Speakers are a great choice.
Pros
- Handles up to 65 watts RMS (195 watts peak power)
- Frequency response: 35-21,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 90 dB
Cons
- LED lights could be brighter
- RGB LED remote sold separately
- Some users reported blown speakers upon arrival
These speakers are designed to withstand almost any weather conditions, thanks to their splash-and-spray-resistant sealed motors, cones, and locking/sealed terminal covers. The 316L stainless-steel mounting hardware is also rustproof, ensuring that these speakers will last for years to come.
One of the standout features of these speakers is their UV treatments on injection-molded cones, Santoprene surrounds, baskets, and grilles. This helps to maintain top-shelf performance even in harsh marine environments.
Another great feature of these speakers is their 7-color LED lighting system, which adds a fun and festive touch to any boat party. The white and charcoal grilles are also stylish and versatile.
Overall, if you’re looking for marine speakers that are durable, high-quality, and fun, the Kicker KM 6.5 Inch Marine UV Treated Speakers are definitely worth considering.
Skar Audio SK65M Marine Speakers
Upgrade your boat’s sound system with the Skar Audio SK65M Marine Speakers, capable of producing clear and loud sound with a max power rating of 320 watts for the pair.
Pros
- Premium microfiber composite mineral filled mid-woofer cone with butyl surround
- Marine grade silk dome tweeter mounted on top of mid-range for balanced sound
- Can withstand harsh marine environments
Cons
- May not be compatible with all boats or vehicles
- May require professional installation
- Some users may prefer a different style or brand
The Skar Audio SK65M Marine Speakers feature a unique and seamless 2-way design, with a highly efficient silk dome marine grade tweeter sitting atop the mid-range speaker for perfectly balanced and clear sound reproduction. The marine housing that encompasses this two-way design not only serves to better protect the speakers, but also allows the mid-range portion of the speaker to develop more accurate and dynamic, full-range sound.
With a sensitivity of 88 dB, 4 Ohm impedance, and a frequency response of 57 Hz-20 kHz, these speakers are sure to impress. Sold as a pair and available in white, the SK65M’s are an excellent choice for upgrading the sound in your boat, UTV, 4-wheeler, or motorcycle.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for marine speakers that will withstand the test of time and deliver high-quality sound, the Skar Audio SK65M Marine Speakers are definitely worth considering.
Pyle 6.5″ Marine Speakers
If you’re looking for a reliable marine speaker system that delivers exceptional sound quality, the Pyle 6.5″ Marine Speakers is a great choice.
Pros
- The 240 Watt max power ensures exceptional output power and bandwidth extension, while the 4 Ohm impedance ensures high-quality sound at all times.
- With a marine grade waterproof rating of IP-X5 and water-resistant construction, this speaker system has been tested to withstand any harsh aquatic conditions.
- These 6.5″ Two-Way Marine Component Speaker Systems are easy to install with standard size, complete wirings, and mounting hardware.
Cons
- The instructions for wiring could have been more DIY-friendly.
- The crossovers are mounted to the back and are the size of your thumb, which may be inconvenient for some users.
- Some users have reported that the size of the tweeters is small.
The Pyle 6.5″ Marine Speakers feature butyl rubber surround, surface mount capability, high-quality Poly Injection Cone, and a 2-way detachable grille design. These features ensure superior audio performance, excellent sound quality, and clarity. Plus, the package comes with a stainless screw bag, making installation a breeze.
Overall, the Pyle 6.5″ Marine Speakers are a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and high-quality marine speaker system.
Rockville Pair 8″ Black 2 Way 600 Watt Marine Wakeboard Tower Speakers (RWB80B)
If you’re looking for a pair of marine speakers that are both powerful and durable, the Rockville RWB80B Marine Wakeboard Tower Speakers are a great option.
Pros
- With a total of 600 watts of power (300 watts per speaker), these speakers are capable of producing high-quality sound that can be heard over the noise of the water.
- The adjustable nylon mounting bracket is reinforced with embedded steel, making it strong enough to withstand harsh marine conditions.
- The speakers are fully marinized against salt and freshwater conditions, and are completely water and rust-resistant.
Cons
- The mounting bracket only fits up to a 2″ tube, which may not be suitable for all boats or vehicles.
- Some users have reported issues with the mounting hardware, which can be difficult to install.
- The speakers may not be as durable as some higher-end marine speakers on the market.
If you’re looking for a powerful and durable pair of marine speakers that won’t break the bank, the Rockville RWB80B Marine Wakeboard Tower Speakers are a great choice. With 600 watts of power and fully marinized construction, these speakers are built to last in even the harshest marine conditions. However, the mounting bracket may not be suitable for all boats or vehicles, and some users have reported issues with the hardware.
JBL MS6520 180W, 6.5 Coaxial Marine Speakers
If you’re looking for powerful marine speakers that can withstand harsh conditions, the JBL MS6520 180W, 6.5 Coaxial Marine Speakers are a great choice.
Pros
- The Plus One woofer cones provide clear and powerful sound.
- The Balanced dome tweeters ensure that high-frequency sounds are crisp and clear.
- The speakers are designed to withstand the elements, making them perfect for marine use.
Cons
- Some customers have reported that the sound quality can become garbled when the speakers get wet.
- The speakers may not be as durable as some other marine speakers on the market.
- The installation process can be a bit tricky, especially for those who are not experienced with audio equipment.
If you’re looking for marine speakers that can deliver clear and powerful sound, the JBL MS6520 180W, 6.5 Coaxial Marine Speakers are a great choice. With Plus One woofer cones and Balanced dome tweeters, these speakers provide excellent sound quality that can cut through the noise of the sea. Additionally, the speakers are designed to withstand the elements, making them perfect for use on boats and other marine vehicles.
One potential downside of these speakers is that some customers have reported that the sound quality can become garbled when the speakers get wet. Additionally, while the speakers are designed to be durable, they may not be as rugged as some other marine speakers on the market. Finally, the installation process can be a bit tricky, especially for those who are not experienced with audio equipment.
Overall, if you’re looking for marine speakers that can deliver clear and powerful sound, the JBL MS6520 180W, 6.5 Coaxial Marine Speakers are definitely worth considering. Just be aware of the potential downsides before making your purchase.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best marine speakers, there are several key features to consider. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Type of Speaker
There are two main types of marine speakers: coaxial and component. Coaxial speakers are the most common and are easy to install. They have a built-in tweeter and woofer and are a good choice for most boaters. Component speakers have separate tweeters and woofers, which can provide better sound quality but are more difficult to install.
Size
The size of the speakers you choose will depend on the size of your boat and where you plan to mount them. Most marine speakers range in size from 5.25 inches to 8 inches. Be sure to measure the mounting area before selecting a size.
Power Handling
Power handling refers to the amount of power a speaker can handle without being damaged. Look for speakers with a high RMS power rating, as this will give you a better idea of how loud and clear they will sound.
Sensitivity
Sensitivity refers to how efficiently a speaker converts power into sound. Look for speakers with a high sensitivity rating, as these will be louder and clearer at lower power levels.
Weather Resistance
Since marine speakers will be exposed to the elements, it’s important to choose speakers that are weather-resistant. Look for speakers with a high IP rating, which indicates how well they can withstand water and dust.
Additional Features
Some other features to consider when choosing marine speakers include:
- Frequency response: Look for speakers with a wide frequency response range for better sound quality.
- Cone material: Speakers with a high-quality cone material, such as polypropylene or Kevlar, will provide better sound quality and durability.
- Mounting depth: Be sure to measure the mounting depth of your chosen speakers to ensure they will fit in your boat.
- Grilles: Some marine speakers come with grilles to protect them from damage. Look for grilles that are made from a durable material, such as stainless steel.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best marine speakers for your boat that will provide high-quality sound and withstand the harsh marine environment.
Aaron Smith is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
