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In this article: We'll review 7 of our best pick 6 1/2″ marine speakers for your boat or marine application including photos, quick reviews, opinion and price comparisons to save you money.
Anybody who enjoys listening to music knows that one of the best ways to experience good music is through a set of high quality speakers. But high quality speakers don't always translate to the best marine speaker. Whether you're on a lake, in the ocean, or elsewhere similar, finding a pair of speakers that'll withstand the elements can be a challenge. Yea, car speakers will work in a boat but they really aren't ideal.
While you can always use your phone, mobile gadget or speaker to play your music, a set of marine speakers is always going to be better. This is especially true when you have guests onboard, and you want them to enjoy high quality music. Ordinary speakers don't always last in marine settings like they would in other applications. This is why getting a high grade marine rated speaker is so important.
6 1/2 inch speakers are the most common speaker size across nearly all automotive and marine applications. They're not too small, not too large and almost every manufacturer who makes marine audio equipment will have an option for this size of speaker. They come in coaxial or components, like most other speakers (see our coaxials vs components article if you'd like to read more about the differences). They're a great option for mid and high range audio, however if you're looking for an option that will provide more full range and cover more of the lower frequencies and bass we recommend taking a look at our best 8″ boat speakers list.
When researching the best boat speakers, it’s important that you find a set that is durable enough to withstand the elements. Marine grade speakers aren’t always expensive, although price often the quality and features of the speaker (like anything). There are a number of speakers that are pricey with high grade materials and performance. But there are a number of affordable ones that offer great value for your money that will bring you high quality audio too.
Here Are Our Best 6.5″ Marine & Boat Speakers in 2022
- Best Overall 6.5″ Boat Speakers: Wet Sounds REVO 6
- Best Boat Speaker for Sound Quality: JL Audio M6-650X
- Best Value 6.5 Inch Marine Speaker: Kicker KM654L
- Best Boat Speaker for LED Lighting: Fusion Signature Series 3
- Best 6.5″ Marine Speaker for Bass: JBL Stadium Marine 62
- Best Boat Speaker for Non Amplified Systems: Sony XSMP1621
- Best Budget 6.5in Boat Speaker: Pioneer Nautica TS-MR1640
Best Overall 6.5″ Boat Speakers
Wet Sounds REVO 6
Latest Prices
Key Features
- 2-Way Coaxial Marine Speaker
- Power (RMS/Peak): 100 / 200 Watts
- Frequency Response: 40 – 20,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 90 dB
Wet Sounds REVO 6 Quick Review
Wet Sounds' REVO 6 is our number one speaker right now for the outdoor, marine environment. We love them so much, we put them in our own G23, check out the full writeup. Wet Sounds is one of the most highly respected offroad vehicle and boat audio manufacturer on the market right now. They specialize in making speakers for the outdoor environment and they do it damn well, whether it be for a UTV, a boat or most recently your backyard. The REVO 6 is a great example of a product that showcases the strengths and focuses of Wet Sounds. With a 100W RMS and 200W Peak handling combined with a 90dB sensitivity, they're loud. They're a great choice for those who are looking to power it with their head unit, but even better with a separate amplifier. The REVO 6 is designed with materials that are corrosive resistant. For example, it's made with titanium tweeters and composite woofers, along with a noncorrosive “Nylas” (nylon fiberglass) frame. Combined this with other features like water-resistant terminal plugs and you have a super durable speaker for use out on the open water.
Best Boat Speaker for Sound Quality
JL Audio M6-650X
Latest Prices
Key Features
- 2-Way Coaxial Marine Speaker
- Power (RMS/Peak): 70 / 150 Watts
- Frequency Response: 55 – 25,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 89.5 dB
JL Audio M6-650X Quick Review
This set of marine speakers is from JL Audio’s M6 series. They are one of the most durable and sturdiest on the market today. Though the price tag is pushing $400, it’s an investment and well worth it. In fact, we've read a number of consumer reviews across the web that have boasted how long lasting these speakers are. Its ASTM certification is most remarkable. All of its components have been tested – not just the woofer and tweeter. The woofer, grille, and frame are all made of a polymer composite. And the tweeter is made of silk that has been specially treated for marine environments. Its terminals are gold-plated brass, making it optimal for signal transfer and noncorrosive. It’s only limitation, based on our tests, is it's lower sensitivity of 89.5 dB and power handling of 75 RMS watts (on average). The sound volume doesn’t pack the same punch compared to its competitors. However if you value sound performance, the M6-650X is definitely a set to consider.
Notable features:
- Cockpit coaxial speaker system
- Features 6.50 inch woofers with separate 0.75 inch dome tweeters
- Provides 20% more sound radiating area than typical 6.5-inch designs
- Also benefit from oversized 1.25-inch diameter woofer voice coils
- Specifically optimized models are available for cockpit panel-mounting
- Comes in a variety of grille color combinations
Best Value 6.5 Inch Marine Speaker
Kicker KM654L
Latest Prices
Key Features
- 2-Way Coaxial Marine Speaker
- Power (RMS/Peak): 65 / 195 Watts
- Frequency Response: 35 – 21,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 90 dB
Kicker KM654LCW Quick Review
One of the coolest features in the KM654 is its customized waterproof LEDs (as opposed to the KM652, which is essentially the same minus this feature). These lights are installed on the opposite side of the tweeter. They are great for matching your internal lighting or setting the mood for special occasions. With 19 dynamic modes and 20 colors, they can even fade and strobe in unison with the music you’re playing. If your boat is docked, and the LEDs are on, it’s enticing for your friends to hop on board and join the party!
As for sound quality, these marine speakers perform well too. When we tested, we thought that they were balanced and well rounded. The set is extremely durable, with a waterproof polypropylene woofer, titanium tweeter, and Santoprene rubber grille. It has passed the fog, salt, and UV resistance ASTM test too. Even though it does not have a sealed crossover for the tweeter, it’s not really a downfall since the watertight seal protects them. Installation isn't as easy as normal speakers though. First, because of the LEDs as they require extra wiring. But the installation guide and wiring diagram will walk you through the steps. And second, because it doesn’t have a cutout stencil you will have to measure and cut the mounting hole yourself.
Notable features:
- Peak power: 195 watts
- RMS power: 65 watts
- Impedance: 4 ohm
- Tweeter dome material: titanium
Best Boat Speaker for LED Lighting
Fusion Signature Series 3
Latest Prices
Key Features
- 2-Way Coaxial Marine Speaker
- Power (RMS/Peak): 75 / 230 Watts
- Frequency Response: 70 – 22,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 90 dB
Fusion Signature Series 3 Quick Review
Released in February of 2021, the Signature Series 3 is Fusion's latest full lineup of marine grade speakers. We were lucky to get our hands on their full lineup of tower speakers, coaxial speakers, subwoofer and more to review and install on an Axis A22. You can read up on our full first look review here if you'd like to see a more in depth review. These are another great option for your boat, yacht or other outdoor application. What's nice about these Fusions is that they're part of a larger lineup of speakers and amplifiers that are designed to work together, and look great together. If you're looking for one line of products so that everything matches and works well together, these are a great option.
In terms of technology, they feature a couple cool and innovative features. For one, CURV technology is Fusion's unique woofer cone, which uses woven polypropylene that's heat compressed. This makes for a unique looking (almost carbon fiber ish), strong but lightweight cone. Fusion says it's actually 30% lighter. This makes it more responsive with less distortion at higher volumes. Another unique feature to these speakers is the CRGBW LED lighting. We dubbed these as the “Best LED Lighting” speakers because the new CRGBW LED lighting offers a much more dynamic and wider spectrum of colors than any other marine speaker on the market today. If you're looking for lights at night, these are the speakers for you.
Best 6.5″ Marine Speaker for Bass
JBL Stadium Marine 62
Latest Prices
Key Features
- 2-Way Coaxial Marine Speaker
- Power (RMS/Peak): 100 / 300 Watts
- Frequency Response: 40 – 25,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 92 dB
JBL Stadium Marine 62 Quick Review
We recently did a thorough unbox and review of the JBL Stadium Series Speakers, including the Stadium 62, and were really impressed by the design, specs and tech. The JBL Stadium 62 is a newer design that packs tons of slick features into a purpose-built speaker that is at home on the water. It also makes for an excellent choice when you are looking to outfit your off-road vehicle and you need speakers that can handle physical abuse and lots of power.
Featuring JBL’s Plus One cone technology, the polypropylene woofer cone provides enhanced bass frequencies by extending the edges of the cone out for a 35-percent increase in surface area. The extra real estate gives these speakers the oomph to carry your tunes. Further enhancing the low-end power delivery, JBL suspended the integrated tweeter above the cone so that there is no post in the center that impedes the surface area of the cone.
While the 62 is a two-way design that doesn’t focus on mid-range, the cone design helps to fill in the high-mids and when paired with JBL 82M mid-range woofers, the 62 drivers create a dynamic and well-rounded sound stage, even on the water. A mylar dome tweeter ensures that the high-frequency notes are accurate and audible over the noise on the water.
The 62 uses a polymer basket that provides durability and resists flexing while making mounting the speakers easy as can be. But one of the slickest features you’ll find on these speakers is the built-in seven color LED system. Most typical marine speakers that use LED lighting will have either a ring or a cone light. These speakers have both to give you an unprecedented amount of bright, vibrant color. And when coupled with a universal RGB controller, it’ll unlock the 7 color to a much wider variety of colors and modes.
Everything about these speakers is built for durability. They have an IPX3 rating when free air mounted and an IPX5 rating for front protection that ensures you won’t have to worry about destroying your audio when a little spray gets things wet.
Best Boat Speaker for Non Amplified Systems
Sony XSMP1621
Latest Prices
Key Features
- 2-Way Coaxial Marine Speaker
- Power (RMS/Peak): 45 / 160 Watts
- Frequency Response: 35 – 26,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 91 dB
Sony XSMP1621 Quick Review
Coming from one of the most popular electronics and audio brands, the Sony XS-MP1621 made it on our list because of its quality and value. It’s certainly a bang for your buck! After our tests, we found it has great audio quality and its speaker efficiency is slightly above average. This is necessary though since its power handling is a bit below average. The unit has just above the 90 dB average sensitivity, at 91 dB. But it makes a huge difference even though it doesn’t seem that way. In fact, it is about 33.3% more efficient than most marine speakers in its class. This makes its power handling of 70 RMS watts (below average) go further. And for its price, you're really getting a great value. All its components are made of polypropylene so you can feel assured that they will not degrade or warp in the elements. The XS-MP1621 is also ASTM certified for salt, fog, and UV protection despite not having a sealed crossover network.
Notable features:
- 6-1/2″ 2-way speaker
- Water-resistant IPx5 certified design
- UV and Salt Water Resistant
- Removable grille
- 70 Watts CEA2031 RMS Power
Best Budget 6.5in Boat Speaker
Pioneer Nautica TS-MR1640
Latest Prices
Key Features
- 2-Way Coaxial Marine Speaker
- Power (RMS/Peak): 30 / 160 Watts
- Frequency Response: 30 – 30,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 91 dB
Pioneer Nautica TS-MR1640 Quick Review
The Pioneer Nautica TS-MR1640 made it to our list mainly because it’s an excellent upgrade from your factory-installed marine speakers. They're very well priced. The audio quality may be a little some of it's competitors, but don't be fooled these speakers perform very well. These speakers feature a polypropylene woofer, polytherimide tweeter, and acrylonitrile-elastomer styrene glass fiber frame. They're made to withstand exposure and damage from exposure to sun, saltwater, and fog.
Notable features:
- Water-resistant white IMPP composite woofer
- 1-1/8-inch PEI dome tweeter with magnetic fluid and equalizer
- Strenuously resists water, corrosion, and heat
- 6-1/2-inch marine two-way speakers with 160 watts maximum power handling (30 watts nominal)
- Water-resistant white IMPP composite woofer
- 1-1/8-inch PEI dome tweeter with magnetic fluid and equalizer
- Strenuously resists water, corrosion, and heat
- 30 Hz to 30 kHz frequency response; 91 dB sensitivity
Looking for a different type of marine speaker? Check out these lists!
Best Marine Speakers | Things to Consider
Choosing marine speakers for your boat can get a little confusing. But generally speaking, there are a few key things to consider:
Installation Size – While there are no standard sizes, marine speakers commonly come with a 6½” diameter. But it's important to note that just because it's a 6 1/2″ speaker, it could come with a different sized grille. For example a small 6” speaker could have a 7½” grille and may appear bigger than a 6½” speaker. Consider your size limitation and you should be set.
Power Handling – To avoid blowing your speakers out, you need to know its power handling. Mainly peak wattage vs RMS (continuous wattage). Sometimes, manufacturers will omit the RMS since peak wattage shows higher numbers. However, RMS is more important. Knowing both is critical though, especially if you are using your speakers with an external amplifier. For example, an amplifier may put out 100 Watts RMS per channel. If your speakers can only handle 75 Watts (assuming you hook up one speaker per channel), it may put your speakers at risk.
Speaker Sound Quality – Of course, you have to get a set of speakers that produce high quality sound. This is even more important if you have high standards. Be it dual cone, coaxial, component, or subwoofers, the best boat speakers for you depend on your needs and the genres of music you listen to. One speaker might work for others but not for you and vice versa. For example, subwoofers are great if you can fit larger speakers into your boat. But they aren’t so great if you can’t support the additional power needs. Similarly, if you listen to music with more high end frequencies, you'll want to make sure the speaker performs well at higher ranges. Consider your listening habits and make sure the speaker conforms to your needs.
I tried some of the speakers from your list but my personal choice is Kenwood 6.5″ Marine Boat Speakers. I have these on my boat for some time and they do the job very well.