Best 8” Boat (Marine Grade) Speakers
- By: Derek Fleming
- Published: February 22, 2020
- Updated: November 15, 2025
Tested by us
How we evaluate: We install and listen to the same size speakers featured on this page—both coaxials and component sets—in real vehicles. Rather than publish lab graphs, we focus on what matters day-to-day: fitment, sound quality at normal and loud volumes, and whether the speakers perform well on factory power or with a modest amplifier.
- Fit & install: Check mounting depth and cutout diameter, tweeter/grille protrusion under factory grilles, and whether adapter rings or simple spacers are required for a clean, rattle-free fit.
- System matching: Listen on a stock head unit and with a sensible amp upgrade to confirm which picks work great with no amp—and which truly benefit from added power.
- Listening tests: Use consistent reference tracks across genres to judge midrange clarity (vocals, guitars), tweeter smoothness (no harshness), and bass fullness appropriate for the SIZE format.
- Build & materials: Note cone and surround materials, crossover quality (for components), terminal design, and included hardware that simplifies installation and improves reliability.
- Sensitivity & impedance sanity-check: Verify rated sensitivity and impedance against documentation so buyers avoid mismatches with common head units and entry-level amps.
- Everyday reliability: Track long-term feedback (rattles, failures, warranty support) and flag models that consistently hold up well in daily use.
Disclosure: Some speakers are manufacturer samples; many we purchase. Brands don’t review or approve our picks, and recommendations are based on our hands-on installs and listening.
In this article: I walk through my top 8″ (and 7.7″) marine/boat speakers and provide quick reviews, photos, hands-on notes and price comparisons for each so you can buy with confidence. And. you're not sure if an 8″ speaker is for you, check out my parent guide with my top pick boat speakers by type/size.
Car speakers can physically fit on a boat, but sun, spray and salt will take them out fast—even the best car speakers. For boats, you need gear that's designed to live on the water and still get loud enough over wind, chop and engine noise. If you really want to step up your boat audio game, the right speakers are essential.
8″ marine speakers have gone mainstream. A few years ago, 6.5″ was the default (you can see my current top 6.5″ picks here: best 6.5″ boat speakers), but 8″ drivers reach deeper, play cleaner at volume and fill open air better. This guide is a focused child guide of my parent piece that covers all boat speaker types: Best Boat Speakers – Buying Guide.
Looking for a complete recipe? Check my full installs and product reviews for inspiration: Kicker system in a Lightning 247SX, Axis A22 Fusion upgrade, and my JBL Stadium Marine unbox/review.
Quick picks by use-case
| Use-case | My pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Best overall balance (no sub needed) | JL Audio M3-770X (7.7″) | Excellent efficiency & midbass for head-unit or mild power; bulletproof marine build. |
| Max volume in open air | Wet Sounds REVO 8 / Rockford Fosgate M2-8 | Takes power well and stays clean when cranked; great for surf/wake cockpits. |
| Audiophile clarity & bass weight | JL Audio M6-880X (8.8″) | Big cone area + silky highs; the premium “I want it right” option. |
| Best value with LEDs | Kicker 45KM84L | Legit 150W RMS handling, fun RGB, friendly price. |
| Creative mounting / staging | JBL Stadium Marine 82M | Convertible coax/component design solves tricky locations. |
| Budget that still bangs | Infinity 822MLT / MB Quart NH2-120 | Strong performance per dollar; MBQ adds IP67 protection and horn projection. |
Core specs for amp matching
Use this to size your marine amplifier and gauge expectations. For full system planning, see my best marine amplifiers and how to pair speakers to an amp.
| Model | Size | RMS / Peak | Sensitivity | Lowest Freq (rated) | Impedance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JL Audio M3-770X | 7.7″ | 70W / 225W | 90.5 dB | 45 Hz | 4Ω | High marine endurance; efficient on modest power. |
| Wet Sounds REVO 8 | 8″ | 150W / 300W | 92 dB | 35 Hz | 4Ω | Current REVO V3 updates; thrives on real power. |
| JL Audio M6-880X | 8.8″ | 125W / 250W | 90.5 dB | 38 Hz | 4Ω | Bigger cone area = fuller midbass. |
| Kicker 45KM84L | 8″ | 150W / 300W | ~92 dB | — | 4Ω | IP66-rated; great value + RGB. |
| Rockford Fosgate M2-8 | 8″ | 250W / 1000W | 93.1 dB | 35 Hz | 4Ω | ColorOptix lighting; optional horn-loaded M2-8H. |
| JBL Stadium Marine 82M | 8″ | 200W / 500W | 92 dB | 30 Hz | 3Ω | Convertible coax/component; dual-zone LEDs. |
| Infinity Reference 822MLT | 8″ | 150W / 450W | 92 dB | 30 Hz | 4Ω | Great all-around budget performer. |
| MB Quart NH2-120 | 8″ | 90W / 180W | 92 dB | 20 Hz | 4Ω | IP67; compression horn for throw and projection. |
Best Overall 8″ Boat Speaker
JL Audio M3-770X
Latest Prices
We test gear and may earn a commission. Buy now clicks are how we make money and support the time we spend making content. This doesn’t affect our picks.
Key Features
- Speaker size: 7.7 inch
- Power handling:
- 70 watts RMS
- 225 watts peak
- Frequency range: 45–25,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 90.5 dB • Impedance: 4Ω
JL Audio M3-770X Quick Review
“How can a 7.7″ speaker top an 8″ list?” Because on the water, efficiency and marine build matter as much as cone size. I keep coming back to the M3-770X for its realistic, dynamic sound and surprising midbass even when it's run straight off a head unit. I've installed these on multiple surf/wake boats and they've shrugged off UV and salt-fog abuse season after season.
JL's M3 line is built in their dedicated marine facility and endurance-tested (UV, salt, fog) to levels most competitors don't claim. If you're running modest power or want a set-it-and-forget-it workhorse that still sounds refined, this is it.
Reasons to Buy
- Tough-as-nails construction; truly marine-first design
- Excellent efficiency and midbass on low-to-moderate power
- Clean, non-fatiguing highs with optional LED trim
Reasons Not to Buy
- Lower RMS rating than true 8″ competitors (still plenty loud)
- Not the deepest bass without a subwoofer
For Volume Pick
Wet Sounds REVO 8
Latest Prices
Key Features
- Speaker size: 8 inch
- Power handling:
- 150 watts RMS
- 300 watts peak
- Frequency range: ~35–22,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: ~92 dB • Impedance: 4Ω
Wet Sounds REVO 8 Quick Review
Wet Sounds builds products to get wet. The REVO 8 matches the intensity of their tower speakers but in a cabin-friendly coax that takes real power and stays composed. I like pairing a four-channel marine amp and a sealed or ported enclosure under the helm to really let the 8s breathe. If you want nighttime vibes, the RGB kit integrates cleanly—and you can sync with tower speakers for a unified light show. I installed 6 of the REVO 6 speakers in my personal Nautique G23 if you're looking for a fun read.
Reasons to Buy
- Built for harsh marine exposure; durable surrounds/spiders
- Loves power; loud and clean when cranked
Reasons Not to Buy
- Needs an amplifier to shine; head-unit power alone won't do them justice
- RGB controller is an extra add-on
Splurge But Worth It Pick
JL Audio M6-880X
Latest Prices
Key Features
- Speaker size: 8.8 inch
- Power handling:
- 125 watts RMS
- 250 watts peak
- Frequency range: 38–20,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 90.5 dB • Impedance: 4Ω
JL Audio M6-880X Quick Review
Take everything I love about the M3 and add more cone area and a larger silk-dome tweeter. The M6-880X delivers fuller midbass and a more effortless presentation at cruise volume. I've demo'd these on high-end Nautiques and the clarity at speed is next level. Plan on a healthy, clean 4-channel or two bridged stereo channels (50–250W/Ch recommended) to unlock what you're paying for.
Reasons to Buy
- Deeper, tighter bass than typical 8″ coaxials
- Refined highs that stay smooth at volume
- Excellent environmental resilience
Reasons Not to Buy
- Premium price of entry
- Silk tweeters are smoother than titanium but can be more delicate in abusive installs
Value Pick
Kicker 45KM84L
Latest Prices
Key Features
- Speaker size: 8 inch
- Power handling:
- 150 watts RMS
- 300 watts peak
- Sensitivity: ~92 dB • Impedance: 4Ω • IP rating: IP66
- 1″ titanium tweeter • UV-treated polypropylene cone with Santoprene surround
Above all else, Kicker is known for fun, punchy bass. The 45KM84L brings that DNA to a value price point without ditching marine necessities. I've used these in budget-friendly refreshes where the owner still wanted RGB lighting and real power handling—no drama, just reliable performance. Check them out in a 27ft lightning speed boat install or in my hands-on review of these Kicker KM LED series speakers.
Reasons to Buy
- Legendary Kicker low-end for the money
- IP66-rated, RGB rings, stainless hardware—solid value
Reasons Not to Buy
- Highs can get a little edgy at max volume compared to JL/Wet Sounds
- RGB control options are more limited than premium lines
Highest Power Handling
Rockford Fosgate M2-8
Latest Prices
Key Features
- Speaker size: 8 inch
- Power handling:
- 250 watts RMS
- 1000 watts peak
- Frequency range: 35–24,000 Hz • Sensitivity: 93.1 dB • Impedance: 4Ω
- ColorOptix RGB lighting (controller optional); horn-loaded M2-8H variant for more projection
I reach for the M2-8 when the brief is simple: loud, clean and durable. The 250W RMS rating and 93 dB sensitivity mean you can move air without stressing your amp. Rockford's ColorOptix system looks fantastic; just budget for the controller if you want animations and zone sync.
Reasons to Buy
- Serious output headroom with controlled response
- Best-in-class integrated lighting options
Reasons Not to Buy
- Pricing climbs once you add the lighting controller
- For even more throw you'll want the horn version (M2-8H)
Convertible 8″ Boat Speaker
JBL Stadium Marine 82M
Latest Prices
Key Features
- Speaker size: 8 inch
- Power handling:
- 200 watts RMS
- 500 watts peak
- Frequency range: 30–22,000 Hz • Sensitivity: 92 dB
- 3Ω impedance for extra kick on typical marine amps
- IPX3 overall (front IPX5); convertible coax/component design; dual-zone LED lighting
JBL Stadium Marine 82M Quick Review
Convertible designs are rare in marine. I unboxed and reviewed this Stadium lineup and the modular tweeter/mid lets me solve tricky mounting while keeping imaging clean. The Plus One woofer cone gives you extra surface area for punch, and the dual LED zones (outer ring + cone wash) look fantastic at night.
JL Stadium Marine Speaker Video Review
Join me for an exclusive unbox and first look at the JL Stadium Marine speakers in our video. I'll walk through the key features that make this head unit a great choice.
Reasons to Buy
- Coax or component: tune your stage to the boat
- Punchy, efficient woofer; slick dual-zone LEDs
Reasons Not to Buy
- Connector corrosion can creep in if you skip dielectric grease
- Converting between modes needs the included tool and patience
Budget Pick
Infinity Reference 822MLT
Latest Prices
Key Features
- Speaker size: 8 inch
- Power handling:
- 150 watts RMS
- 450 watts peak
- Frequency range: 30–20,000 Hz • Sensitivity: 92 dB • Impedance: 4Ω
Infinity Reference 822MLT Quick Review
Infinity's Reference line is about balance: solid bass, smooth mids and crisp highs at a reasonable price. The 822MLT keeps that promise in salt and sun. Infinity's abuse testing (thermal, UV, salt/fog) is legit, and these have been a safe recommendation when someone wants LEDs and a friendly price without a big sonic compromise.
Reasons to Buy
- Great value; balanced sound signature
- Looks good with integrated lighting
Reasons Not to Buy
- Bass isn't as authoritative as JL/Wet Sounds
- Average published frequency response
Runner Up, Budget Pick
MB Quart NH2-120
Latest Prices
Key Features
- Speaker size: 8 inch
- Power handling:
- 90 watts RMS
- 180 watts peak
- Frequency range: 20–24,000 Hz • Sensitivity: 92 dB • Impedance: 4Ω
- IP67 rating; compression horn-loaded tweeter for projection
MB Quart NH2-120 Quick Review
MB Quart's Nautic series brings a studio heritage to the docks. The NH2-120 is the only compression-horn design in this guide, which means excellent vocal projection in open air and strong water/dust sealing. If you routinely anchor-and-party or need throw across a deck, these punch above their price.
Reasons to Buy
- Impressive volume and clarity for the money
- IP67 sealing and marine-focused details throughout
Reasons Not to Buy
- Deeper mounting depth than typical 8″ coaxials
- Horn signature isn't everyone's flavor for nearfield listening
What to pair these with
If you're building a complete system, start with a marine head unit that plays nicely with zones and NMEA/plotter integration (best marine stereos). Add clean power that matches your speaker's RMS (best marine amplifiers; also see my deep dive on pairing speakers to amps). If you need bottom end that carries across the cove, a purpose-built marine sub will transform things (best boat subwoofers).
Install notes from my testing
- Cutouts & depth: Some 8″ speakers need larger-than-expected holes or extra depth (e.g., compression horns). Measure twice; dry-fit once. When upgrading 6.5″ to 8″, plan on proper spacers and sealing rings.
- Power matters: The “best” speaker on head-unit power can sound average next to a well-powered budget set. If you can, budget for an amp early.
- Protect terminals: Tinned marine wire, heat-shrink butt connectors and dielectric grease on terminals dramatically extend life—especially on open bows.
- Tuning: After install, a few minutes of gain setting and EQ makes a huge difference. If you're new to this, start here: how to install & wire an amp and all installation guides.
Other Articles We Think You Should Review About Car Speakers
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.
