Why Trust Our Opinion on Car Speakers?
CarAudioNow is an award winning automotive blog, founded and built from the ground up by car enthusiasts over a decade ago. Between our editor, Kameron, and a few selected qualified writers, we’ve installed and tested a wide variety of speakers in cars, boats, golf carts – you name it. We know our speakers, how they should sound and perform and what’s a good value for your dollar. We get our hands on every product that we test in person – many of which are purchased and some provided by a manufacturer. It’s a combination of these tests and extensive research that lead us to our recommendations. And we’re frequently testing new speakers for our lists.
CarAudioNow and its writers don’t use AI to throw regurgitated information about a few car speakers on a list and say they’re “the best” either. We’re focused on providing meaningful lists, with accurate and useful information that will help you make an informed decision on a product. And we do this because we genuinely enjoy or highly regard the stuff we add to our lists. Our readers and our reputation are both more important to us than a quick buck or the top rank on Google – although both of those would be nice! Read more about how we choose our top lists here.
Best Overall 6×8 Car Speaker
Rockford Fosgate Power T1682
Latest Prices
Key Features
- 6×8” 2-way coaxial speakers
- Built-in crossovers
- One-inch aluminum tweeter
- 80W RMS per speaker, 160W peak
- Frequency range: 55Hz-22KHz
- 88dB sensitivity
Rockford Fosgate Power T1682 Quick Review
When it comes to finding a great speaker to replace blown or low quality factory units, Rockford Fosgate might be the perfect choice for you. These speakers feature carbon fiber and polypropylene injected cones that are both rigid and lightweight but also durable and reliable. This design enhances midrange frequencies and prevents off-sounds many oval speakers tend to create. An aluminum one-inch tweeter gives you dynamic high range frequencies.
One feature that we particularly like is the built-in crossover. The crossover is tucked away in the basket which keeps installation clean and simple. RF applies its VAST technology to these speakers which results in an effective cone area that is up to 25 percent larger than previous designs.
Reasons to Buy
- Excellent sounding speaker with a robust midrange and clear highs
- Fits numerous factory speaker locations without modification
- On-board crossover simplifies install and results in better sounding speakers
Reasons Not to Buy
- Somewhat deep and may cause interference issues when replacing factory 5×7” speakers
- Not as much bass as might be expected from a speaker this size
Best 6×8 Inch Speaker for Volume
Alpine R-S68
Latest Prices
Key Features
- 6×8” 2-way coaxial speakers
- Built-in one inch silk-dome swivel tweeter
- 100W RMS per speaker/ 300W peak
- Frequency range: 63Hz-29K Hz
- 89dB sensitivity
Alpine R-S68 Quick Review
Alpine's Type-R series speakers have been among our lists of best speakers for years. They're just a great all around speaker. Alpine began these coaxial speakers by taking the best bits of the Type-R series and improving them in almost every way. The new R-Series speakers offer the same full sound and durability with advancements in sound quality. These are a great choice if your speakers have a modest amplifier.
The cone is a multi-layer fiber hybrid material that is extremely rigid and light to provide excellent response to low frequencies. A patent-pending H.A.M.R. surround allows better excursion of the cone to prevent harshness. The one-inch tweeter is silk-domed and square wire-wrapped for smooth highs. You can swivel the tweeter to position it in the ideal spot.
Reasons to Buy
- Powerful speaker with excellent bass response
- Clean midrange frequencies
- Well-tuned tweeter design is loud and clear without harshness
Reasons Not to Buy
- Needs a crossover for proper tuning
- Doesn’t perform well without an amplifier
Best Design 6 x 8 Car Speaker
Infinity KAPPA 683XF
Latest Prices
Key Features
- 6×8″ 2-way coaxial speakers
- Plus One+ glass-fiber cone technology
- Edge-driven soft-dome tweeter
- High-roll rubber surround
- 100 watts RMS, 300 W peak
- Frequency response: 40-40,000 Hz
- 93 dB sensitivity
- Grills not included
Infinity KAPPA 683XF Quick Review
The Infinity Kappa series of speakers are designed to fit the needs of high-quality audio enthusiasts everywhere. With numerous audiophile-grade components and a dedication to excellence, Infinity has produced one of the best 6×8-inch speakers on the market that is ideal for replacing garbage factory speakers and unleashing the true potential of your sound system.
Infinity starts with the proprietary Plus One+ cone design that allows the surface area of the woofer cone to be up to 25 percent larger by changing the mounting location of the high-roll rubber surround. An edge-driven soft-dome tweeter fills in the high frequencies with a mellow, warm tone that enhances and compliments the midrange frequencies of the woofer.
Each speaker can handle an RMS of 100 watts with a peak of 300 watts. A low three-ohm impedance means these speakers offer true four-ohm performance to maximize the output of underpowered factory head units.
Reasons to Buy
- Ideal for replacing weak or damaged factory speakers
- Provides high-quality audio that will satisfy even the most discerning ear
- True four-ohm performance means these speakers will work as good with a factory head unit as with an aftermarket one and sound even better when amplified
Reasons Not to Buy
- High-end speaker that carries a high-end price
- No grills means these are not suitable for custom installation
6×8″ Speaker for High Definition Sound
Sony XS-680ES
Latest Prices
Key Features
- 6×8” 2-way coaxial speakers
- 13/16 inch synthetic fiber tweeter
- Cellular aramid fiber cone
- 75W RMS, 240W peak
- Five-point synthetic basket
- Frequency response: 40Hz-40K Hz
- 89dB sensitivity
- 4-ohm impedance
Sony XS-680ES Quick Review
Sony's fresh lineup, the Mobile ES, is their latest high performance line of speakers. Released in June 2021, this set of 6×8” speakers from Sony are one of the best options for audiophile-level car audio. We did a first look review of the mobile es speakers and based on what we've seen so far, this is going to be a fantastic option when you want more than just a simple upgrade.
These speakers use one of the most advanced tech on the market. Made of mica-reinforced cellular aramid fiber, the cone is substantially more rigid and lighter than anything Sony has produced to date. The cone produces a clean, realistic quality that makes you feel like you are sitting in front of your favorite band.
Reasons to Buy
- Excellent all-around sound quality
- Perfect option for an overhaul of a factory system
- Brand-new basket design reduces distortion and promises to provide long-term durability
Reasons Not to Buy
- High end speakers come with a high-end price tag
Best Value 6x8in Car Speaker
JBL Club 8622F
Latest Prices
Key Features
- 6×8” 2-way coaxial speakers
- Edge-driven silk dome tweeter
- Polypropylene Plus One™ cone
- 60W RMS per speaker, 180W peak
- Frequency response: 60Hz-20K Hz
- 93dB sensitivity
- 3-ohm impedance
JBL Club 8622F Quick Review
The Club-series from JBL is one of the more popular factory upgrades in a 6×8” speaker. This is an affordable option that provides excellent midrange and more bass response than you might think when looking at the specs. JBL designs this speaker to perform well on underpowered factory car stereos, but it will also benefit from moderate amplification should you decide to add an outboard amp later.
The key thing about the Club 6×8” speakers is the patented Plus One technology that provides deep excursion and a larger cone area. This tech enables a better low-end sound while maintaining excellent sound reproduction free of distortion. Edge-driven silk tweeters handle the upper frequencies with ease.
Reasons to Buy
- Affordable upgrade from factory speakers
- Better-than-expected bass response
- Clean midrange sound
Reasons Not to Buy
- A little bright for systems that don’t have a dedicated subwoofer
Runner Up, Best Value 6×8:
Pioneer TS-D68F
Latest Prices
Key Features
- 6×8” coaxial speakers
- One inch polyester tweeter
- Polypropylene and aramid fiber cone
- Frequency range: 34Hz-42K Hz
- 87dB sensitivity
- 4-ohm impedance
Pioneer TS-D68F Quick Review
Pioneer produces one of the best 6×8” speakers for adding deep bass to your system. This speaker works excellent in rear doors where adding a decent amount of bass can improve the overall sound of your favorite music. This set of speakers will take tons of power and keep on thumping.
Pioneer uses an advanced injection-molded cone that is interwoven with aramid fibers for additional strength and dampening ability. This helps to produce rolling, deep bass without distortion. An oversized polyester-dome tweeter provides these speakers with good high frequency sound.
Reasons to Buy
- Impressive bass response from a 6×8” speaker
- Great sound particularly in trucks that need a little more punch to compensate for loud engines and tires
- Easy to install
Reasons Not to Buy
- Benefits from an amplifier
Best Component 6×8″ Speaker
Kicker 47KSS6804
Latest Prices
Key Features
- 6×8” 2-way component speakers with removable phase cone
- Optional coaxial or component tweeter design
- Polypropylene cone with rubber surround
- One inch silk dome tweeter
- Includes two-way crossovers
- Frequency range: 35Hz-21K Hz
- 91dB sensitivity
- 4-ohms
Kicker 47KSS6804 Quick Review
Kicker wants you to feel your music in a way your factory system never will. This component system is unique and provides an affordable way to significantly improve your car or truck. The woofer features a removable bullet-type phase plug where the tweeter can mount. The one-inch silk dome tweeter can optionally be mounted as a component speaker to work in nearly any vehicle.
This package includes a crossover network that sends the proper signals to the proper speakers. The tweeter response is adjustable to compensate for various locations you can mount the speaker. The speakers have a slim design that makes for an ideal upgrade in limited spaces.
Reasons to Buy
- Flexible mounting options provide versatility
- Excellent bass response
- Slim design makes it easier to install in front doors
Reasons Not to Buy
- Run-of-the-mill cone and surround features
Best Low Cost 6×8
Kenwood KFC-C6866S
Latest Prices
Key Features
- 6×8” 2-way coaxial speakers
- One inch PEI balanced dome tweeters
- Polypropylene cone with treated cloth surround
- 30W RMS per speaker/ 250W peak
- Frequency range: 40Hz-22K Hz
- 4-ohm impedance
Kenwood KFC-C6866S Quick Review
Sometimes you just need a cheap set of speakers. Maybe you are replacing blown speakers in your work truck or car, or maybe you're simply wanting a little upgrade over dull, old factory units. Here is a speaker that performs better than you would expect for the money you pay. This is simply a good sounding speaker that doesn’t cost a lot.
This speaker uses some mundane materials, like a polypropylene cone and a cloth surround, and won’t take a lot of power with its low RMS rating. The good news is that this speaker will make a noticeable improvement in your factory audio system that doesn’t provide much power. Kenwood didn’t give you anything fancy at this price point, but they did give you excellent reliability and sound quality.
Reasons to Buy
- Affordable way to replace tired, worn-out, blown factory speakers
- Easy to install and fits in most factory locations without modification
Reasons Not to Buy
- Can’t handle a lot of power
- Basic components result in a less lively sound environment
Ultra Budget 6×8
Blaupunkt GTX680
Latest Prices
Key Features
- 6×8″ 4-way coaxial speakers
- Mylar dome tweeter and aluminum voice coil
- Polymer cone
- Ceramic magnet
- 120W RMS, 300W peak
- Frequency response: 50Hz-20K Hz
- 90dB sensitivity
- 4 ohm impedance
Blaupunkt GTX680 Quick Review
Maybe you are thinking that there is no way you can get a quality factory replacement speaker for less than $40. Well, take a look at this pair of speakers from Blaupunkt for your ultra-budget upgrade. Though these offer some basic components as you would expect at the price, they are also the only four-way speakers on this list.
You’ll find a polymer cone, mylar tweeter, and an aluminum voice coil in these speakers. While not space-age, this combination provides a good sounding speaker that is an improvement over most factory paper-cone units. For the price, you can easily outfit your multi-speaker car with better-than-factory products.
Reasons to Buy
- Cheap as dirt speakers
- Work well for factory replacement
Reasons Not to Buy
- Low-tech components
- Sound quality quickly degrades as volume goes up
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