Car speakers are replacement and upgrade speakers for doors, rear shelves and dashboards, suited to drivers who want clearer sound than the factory fit gives. Our range of over 70 models includes two-way, three-way and four-way speakers in round and oval shapes, from leading brands such as JVC, Pioneer and Kenwood, plus JBL.
How to choose car speakers
Size and shape. Check which speaker size and shape your car takes before looking at anything else. Round speakers are the most common in our range, with some oval models for rear shelves and certain door panels. Common fitting sizes include 10 cm, 13 cm, 16.5 cm and 6x9 inch ovals, and mounting depth matters as much as diameter, because a deep magnet can foul the window mechanism.
Speaker type. A two-way speaker pairs a woofer with a tweeter, a three-way adds a midrange driver, and a four-way adds a further driver again. Most speakers in our range are two-way, which suits a straightforward factory upgrade. Three-way and four-way models give a fuller spread of sound but need a larger opening and a little more care when fitting.
Rated power and peak power. Rated power is what a speaker can handle continuously, while peak power is a short-burst figure. Rated values in our range run from about 20 W to 70 W, with 30 W appearing often, and peak figures run from 150 W up to 500 W. Match the rated figure to what your radio or amplifier delivers rather than chasing the peak number.
Your head unit or amplifier. A standard factory radio produces modest power, so speakers with a higher sensitivity rating will sound louder from it. If you plan to add an amplifier, choose speakers whose rated power sits close to the amplifier's output per channel. Check the wiring too, since some cars need adaptor plates or plug adaptors to fit new speakers neatly.
Car speaker brands we carry
- JVC: a Japanese electronics maker with a long record in car audio, making coaxial speakers and head units that suit direct replacements.
- Pioneer: one of the best-known names in car audio, widely recognised for its TS series of coaxial and component speakers.
- Kenwood: a Japanese brand that makes car speakers alongside car stereos, so speakers and radio can come from the same maker.
- JBL: an audio brand from the Harman group, known for speakers in home, portable and car use.
Also in our range: BLOW, AKAI, Kruger & Matz, FOSCO and AUDIOCORE.
Car speakers: frequently asked questions
What size car speakers do I need?
You need the size your car's speaker openings are made for, which is usually listed in the vehicle manual or a fitting guide for your model. Typical sizes include 10 cm, 13 cm and 16.5 cm round speakers, and 6x9 inch ovals for some rear shelves. Measure the opening and the available depth before ordering.
Are three-way car speakers better than two-way?
Three-way speakers are not automatically better, they simply add a midrange driver for a fuller spread of sound. A good two-way speaker often sounds cleaner than a poorly matched three-way, and most speakers in our range are two-way. Choose according to the space you have and the sound you want.
Do I need an amplifier for new car speakers?
No, most car speakers will work from a standard car radio, although they will sound louder and clearer with more power behind them. Check that the speaker's rated power is not far above what the radio can supply. An external amplifier is worth adding if you want higher volume without distortion, or if you choose speakers with a high rated power.
What is the difference between rated power and peak power?
Rated power is the level a speaker can handle continuously, while peak power is the maximum it can take for a brief moment. The rated figure is the more useful one when matching speakers to a radio or amplifier. Peak numbers are always higher and say little about everyday listening.
