Why Trust Our Opinion on Boat Speakers?
First off, whether its automotive audio or marine audio – we’re all in. And just because we’re “CarAudioNow” doesn’t mean we don’t love boats and boat stereos too. When it comes to marine audio, we’ve got over a decade of experience documenting custom installs and product reviews. Our founder, Kameron, is particularly invested in boat stereos – just check out his stereo upgrades on a Nautique G23, Axis A22 and Lightning 247SX (to name a few). It’s dozens of installations like these that make us an expert in not only car speakers, but marine speakers too.
CarAudioNow is also an award winning blog, founded and built from the ground up by car enthusiasts over a decade ago. We don’t use AI to throw regurgitated information about a few boat speakers on a list and say they’re “the best”. We’re dedicated to providing meaningful and authentic lists, with practical information that will help you make an informed decision on a product. And we do it 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.
In this article: We'll review our best pick 6 1/2″ marine speakers for your boat or any other marine application including photos, quick reviews, opinion and price comparisons to save you money.
We probably don’t need to remind you how high quality speakers impact your music listening experience. But quality car and truck speakers don't always translate to the best marine grade speakers for your boat. It’s particularly important for marine speakers to have a high tolerance for the harsh environment they’ll be in, in addition to performing exceptionally well in the open environment. Finding a pair of speakers that'll withstand the unique conditions that boats experience can be a challenge. And yes, car speakers will work in a boat but they really aren't ideal. They won’t last in marine settings like they would in other applications like in a door panel or on your car’s dash.
Boats are not the only application where a tough speaker makes sense. These days, outdoor enthusiasts are loading up ATVs, side by sides, dune buggies, and all sorts of adventure vehicles with powerful stereos and speakers too. Another application that has seen a huge increase in popularity in recent years is motorcycle speakers. Many even come from the factory with provisions for speakers including Harley-Davidson cruisers.
Let’s talk a little more about size and why it’s important. Most common speaker size across nearly all automotive and marine applications is a 6 1/2-inch speaker. They're not too small, not too large, cover a wide range of frequencies well 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.
From a technology perspective, marine-rated speakers feature a number of features that provide them with protection from sun, rain, salt, and water spray. This includes things like sealed motor housings, rust-proof frames and unique woofer cone materials to protect the speaker from ultraviolet light that can quickly damage a speaker (among other things). Marine-grade speakers also typically include Ingress Protection certification, commonly shown as IPXY. The first number (x) is used to denote the level of dust protection, while the second number (y) indicates the speaker's ability to handle water. Higher numbers indicate better protection.
The downside to Marine-grade speakers is that they are commonly more expensive than their automotive variants, but this isn’t always the case. In our experience, some of the low-cost speakers on the market for boats still offer excellent sound quality and performance. If you’re cost conscious, we still recommend purchasing a lower-cost speaker that is IP-rated instead of a cheap automotive speaker variant if you’re going to use them on the boat. There is nothing more frustrating than having a speaker blow while you are out on the water and then having to listen to it rattling all day.
Here Are Our Recommended 6.5″ Marine & Boat Speakers
- Best Overall 6.5″ Boat Speakers: Wet Sounds ZERO 6
- Boat Speaker for Sound Quality: JL Audio M6-650X
- Value 6.5 Inch Marine Speaker: Kicker KM654L
- Boat Speaker for LED Lighting: Fusion Signature Series 3
- 6.5″ Marine Speaker for Bass: JBL Stadium Marine 62
- Boat Speaker for Non Amplified Systems: Sony XSMP1621
- Budget 6.5in Boat Speaker: Pioneer Nautica TS-MR1640
Best Overall 6.5″ Boat Speakers
Wet Sounds ZERO 6
Latest Prices
Key Features
- 2-Way Coaxial Marine Speaker
- Horn-loaded titanium dome tweeter
- Power (RMS/Peak): 100 / 200 Watts
- Frequency Response: 65 – 20,000 Hz
Why We Picked It
We’ve been big fans of Wet Sounds for some time now. From featuring their growing lineup of products in our best lists to installing them in some amazing boats – we’ve had good experiences with them and seen their durability and performance first hand over time, including a custom stereo install on a Nautique G23. The Zero 6 is Wet Sound’s newest marine-grade speaker that uses some of their latest technology to create a speaker that has the power handling and output of a tower speaker in a compact, traditional design. Particularly the horn loaded tweeter – this is one of the big differences between the REVO and ZERO and what makes this speaker stand out to us for outdoor use. Overall, this is our top-rated marine speaker because of the total focus and commitment that Wet Sounds puts into developing speakers intended for harsh environments while still producing excellent quality audio.
Marine-Grade Technologies
Before any Wet Sounds product hits the market, the engineers subject the speakers to severe abuse including salt spray, simulated sunshine, and high temps to ensure the speakers can handle real-world action. The new Zero 6 features an IP65 rating that ensures this speaker will hold up to dust and spray, making it ideally suited for use in ski boats, ATVs, and motorcycles.
The Zero 6 starts with a Nylas composite frame that offers the needed rigidity while being totally impervious to rust and corrosion from the elements. Wet Sounds uses an incorporated heat sink in the motor structure to provide for high power handling abilities and to ensure that the motor structure is protected. A special woofer cone material and a durable surround ensure these speakers can handle wet conditions. Even the aramid fiber spider is optimized for marine use.
Woofer and Tweeter Specifications
The cone is made from PMGS composite that produces an incredibly rigid cone that is also lightweight. The cone mounts to a specially-designed TPR surround that ensures linear travel and prevents deflection that causes distortion. The woofer features an oversized neodymium magnet to optimize volume output and power handling characteristics. The horn-loaded tweeter is ideal for marine-rated applications and produces clear, natural high frequencies without sounding metallic. Each speaker uses waterproof two-pin Deutsch connectors to further enhance the durability and reliability of these marine-rated speakers.
The Wet Sounds Zero 6 is Ideal For:
We have had amazing success installing these speakers in wakeboard and wakesurf boats, but an equally excellent use is actually for Harley-Davidson motorcycles. The Zero 6 offers tremendous power output that is perfect for overcoming loud pipes and these speakers are tailored to fit as a direct factory upgrade over the factory units. We wouldn’t hesitate to pop these marine-grade speakers in any watercraft, but we really like them for upgrading bikes too.
Reasons to Buy
- These speakers offer outstanding power-handling capabilities and are ideal for amplified applications
- The focus on quality materials and harsh installations makes these among the most durable speakers we’ve tested
Reasons Not to Buy
- These speakers don’t fit Wet Sound’s LED light ring kit
- You will need to use an amplifier to get the most out of these speakers
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
Why We Picked It
The M6-650X marine-grade speakers from JL Audio are among some of the pricier sets we’ve tested, but the performance makes this an investment worth considering. The sound quality from these speakers is on par with the very best automotive applications and these feature a slew of technologies intended to provide long-term reliability in the harshest of conditions. We’ve installed these on boats and personally know multiple boat owners who have used these speakers for years without fail.
Marine-Grade Technologies
JL Audio started out with a blank slate to build these speakers and incorporated weather-resistant features throughout. The speakers use a polymer basket that resists corrosion and the speaker is essentially rust-proof. A synthetic spider, specially-designed woofer and surround, and corrosion-proof grills make these speakers some of the most durable on the water.
Woofer and Tweeter Specifications
The woofer cone is made from a blend of polypropylene and mica-injection that is designed to provide exceptional resistance to UV rays, salt, and spray. A synthetic rubber surround further enhances the performance and durability while keeping the structure stable under heavy loads. Even the spider is designed specifically for use on the water and uses synthetic materials to improve resistance to the elements. The speakers feature gold-plated terminals that are corrosion resistant. The tweeters measure in at over three-quarters of an inch and use a treated silk dome for accuracy and neodymium magnets with ferrofluid cooling for enhanced performance and power handling capabilities. Built-in crossovers make installation easy while offering installers options to tailor the sound to the specific installation.
The JL Audio M6-650X is Ideal For:
The first time that we heard a set of these speakers, they were installed in a custom stereo on a Nautique G23. Loud doesn’t begin to describe the sound of that beast, but these speakers were more than adequate to provide excellent audio quality, even at full throttle. These speakers are designed to be installed in free-air applications, so they are great for use with boats that don’t always have the space for speaker enclosures.
Reasons to Buy
- Easily handles lots of power while maintaining excellent sound quality
- Incredibly durable set of marine-grade speakers
Reasons Not to Buy
- No IP-rating listed by manufacturer despite extensive ingress testing
- Minimal improvement in sound quality over the less-expensive M3-series
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
Why We Picked It
The Kicker 45KM654L proves that high-quality marine-rated speakers don’t have to cost a fortune and can include some really neat features, too. Kicker is one of our favorite value-packed options. We tested these out in a custom install on a 27ft lightning speedboat and they exceeded our expectations for performance and durability at their price point. We think that you will be hard-pressed to find a set of speakers that has built-in waterproof lighting and sounds as good as these 6.5s at a better price.
Marine Grade Technologies
Kicker put these speakers through some serious abuse before bringing them to the market. The speakers had to survive for a minimum of 200 hours in salty fog and 400 hours under intense UV lighting in order to meet Kicker’s requirements. The 45KM654L features sealed motor housings, cones, and specially-designed locking terminals to prevent wires from coming loose and creating corrosion.
Woofer and Tweeter Specifications
The 45KM654L 6.5-inch speakers use a polypropylene woofer cone material that undergoes treatment to provide exceptional UV resistance. A Santoprene rubber surround keeps the speakers stable under load and also adds to the speaker’s durability. The tweeter features a three-quarter-inch titanium dome that provides smooth highs without harshness you might expect from a low-cost, metallic tweeter.
The Kicker 45KM654L is Ideal For:
Party boats. The built-in lighting and effects makes these speakers perfect for pontoon boats, houseboats, and any type of floating dance floor you can imagine. The sound quality is excellent and provides better low-frequency bass than many speakers we have tried. The LED lighting features 20 colors and has 19 display modes, but you’ll need to pick up the Kicker KMLC remote separately. The affordable price point makes it possible to install numerous speakers on a larger craft. Check out our full Kicker KM Series Speaker review if you want to read up more.
Reasons to Buy
- Incredible value in terms of sound quality and built-in lighting
- The low price point makes these a feasible option for installing lots of speakers on a larger boat
Reasons Not to Buy
- They lack an official marine-grade certification
- You need to buy an additional remote control to take advantage of the lighting feature
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
Why We Picked It
We were fortunate enough to receive a full set of Fusion’s Signature Series 3 speakers for testing purposes. You can read our in-depth review of the entire product line based on our experiences installing the package on an Axis A22. These speakers feature the widest range of color LEDs on the market. The speakers use a special woofer cone construction that allows the LED lighting to illuminate the speaker in dramatic fashion. After installing the speakers and seeing them in action, pictures don’t do the lighting justice.
Marine-Grade Technologies
Fusion labels the SIgnature Series 3 as “True Marine Accredited.” The speakers carry an IP65 certification for dust and moisture resistance and an unheard of three-year warranty that covers UV damage and water ingress. They also meet ISO12216 standards for water tightness when installed in protected and unprotected areas of the boat. Fusion seals the speakers from the front, so it is best to install them in an enclosure to protect the back side of the speaker. Even the on-board crossovers are sealed from the elements.
Woofer and Tweeter Specifications
The woofer cone is made from a proprietary woven composite material that gives the cones a carbon fiber-type look and works fantastically for reflecting the light from the built-in LEDs that mount to the non-removable grills. Fusion says the composite woofer cone is 30 percent lighter than a comparable polypropylene cone which increases the performance of the speaker at high volume levels. The silk-dome tweeter is also mounted to the grill, which aids in the performance of the main woofer cone.
The Fusion Signature Series 3 is Ideal For:
Boaters looking to get the best effects and lighting on the water are going to love these speakers. The LEDs light up in red, green, blue, yellow, magenta, cyan, cool white, or warm white. An optional controller is required to take advantage of multi-colored lighting and effects. Otherwise, the installer will select one color when hooking up the wiring. The Signature Series line features a number of speakers in different sizes that share a common appearance, making this an excellent choice for a whole-boat makeover.
Reasons to Buy
- The woven cone gives these speakers a truly eye-catching lighting effect while also providing excellent response
- Dust and water protection are very good and backed up with a crazy long warranty
- Great option when purchased together with Fusion amplifiers, head units and subwoofers
Reasons Not to Buy
- Single-color installation seems like a waste of potential
- Having to spend an extra $50 on a remote for speakers costing this much is aggravating
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
Why We Picked It
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.
Marine-Grade Technologies
The Stadium Marine 62 carries an IPX5 rating for front spray and an IPX2 rating for the back of the speakers. This indicates that the Stadium Marine is most at home in a sealed or ported enclosure on a boat, but we have heard good things from people who mounted these speakers in a free-air setup on ATVs. A one-piece cast polymer basket further ensures these speakers will tolerate the extreme conditions that are found onboard a boat.
Woofer and Tweeter Specifications
The Stadium Marine 62 takes advantage of JBL’s Plus One woofer cone design that provides a 35% increase in the surface area of the woofer cone. This is why this speaker is capable of producing full, deep bass better than most speakers in this size range. The woofer cone is made from a treated polypropylene material that resists UV damage. The cone mounts to a rubber surround that optimizes the oversize cone. The mylar dome tweeters are mounted to the grill so there is no pole piece to allow for water seepage and the woofer cone has an uninterrupted surface for better response.
The JBL Stadium Marine 62 is Ideal For:
This speaker is ideally-suited for mid-size watercraft that want good bass response but don’t have the room for larger speakers. The Plus One technology makes these speakers our top pick for bass. They do a remarkable job of producing low frequencies that have punch considering the small size. We also think these are an excellent choice for enclosed off-road trucks and SUVs that can benefit from a robust speaker. Also check out the Marine 82M if you’re looking for the 8” version.
Reasons to Buy
- These speakers pack a punch in a small package, making them ideal for bass upgrades
- High power handling capabilities make these ideal for amplified systems
Reasons Not to Buy
- The lack of protection from dust makes these a suspect choice for off-road vehicles
- Like other LED speaker options you need to purchase a separate LED controller
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
Why We Picked It
Sony recently updated the existing XS-MP1621 speakers and improved the sound quality and water-resistance. Though the maximum RMS power on these is below that of many others on this list, the impressive 91 db responsiveness gives these speakers an advantage over many other designs when used without amplification. We picked these as our top non-amplified 6.5s because of the value and the ability to create excellent audio in an underpowered system.
Marine-Grade Technologies
Every component of these speakers is resistant to water and UV through the extensive use of polypropylene. The grills, basket, tweeter, and woofer cone all get the treatment to ensure these speakers have what it takes to survive in harsh environments. Even the surround is treated for UV and water exposure, helping the XS-MP1621 to achieve an IPX5 rating.
Woofer and Tweeter Technologies
Both the woofer and tweeter use polypropylene cones that offer excellent rigidity and a low weight solution for these value-priced marine-grade speakers. The tweeter sits on a pole above the woofer cone, which can create some issues due to the extra height of the tweeter. The grills are removable and included. Unusual in a 6.5-inch coaxial, the tweeter is seriously oversized at 1 ⅛-inches, giving these speakers an above-average ability to handle mid and high frequencies.
The Sony XS-MP1621 is Ideal For:
Boats and ATVs that are not using external amplifiers. The combination of lower power handling and excellent response makes these speakers sound better than some higher-cost options when installed in non-amplified systems. We would put these on a fishing boat or a Gator in a minute.
Reasons to Buy
- Well-suited to non-amplified systems and systems with few speakers
- Surprisingly good sound quality for the price makes these an excellent value
Reasons Not to Buy
- Somewhat weak on bass response
- Lacks dust resistance
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
Why We Picked It
The TS-MR1640 marine-rated speakers are among the best bang-for-your-buck 6.5s you will find for your boat. They feature excellent low-frequency response, decent power handling, and surprisingly good sound quality. We tested out a lot of different low-cost options looking for the best speaker for upgrading from wimpy factory units and ultimately chose the Pioneer Nautica TS-MR1640 speakers.
Marine-Grade Technologies
Pioneer set out to build a speaker that could handle whatever happened on the water. Every element of these speakers features protection from wind, sun, and water to ensure durability for seasons to come. The basket is crafted from acrylonitrile-elastomer styrene glass fiber, a composite material that is resistant to corrosion, won’t rust, and provides superior stability for the speaker. The woofer cones and the tweeters are resistant to moisture and even the rubber surround has a special treatment to ensure reliability.
Woofer and Tweeter Specifications
The woofer is constructed of polypropylene that is treated to prevent damage from the environment while providing rigidity and lightness necessary for excellent frequency response. One of the reasons these speakers sound so good is because of their ability to handle low bass frequencies efficiently, which gives them a rich sound. The tweeters are PEI types and are sealed from water. The semi-dome design is acoustically engineered for better production of vocals and high-frequency audio. These speakers are some of the lowest power-handling marine speakers we have tested, but that also makes them great choices for non-amplified and low-power applications.
The Pioneer Nautica TS-MR1640 is Ideal For:
This is the perfect choice for boaters on a budget looking to upgrade factory speakers in non-amplified applications, or on boats with low amplification abilities. We were surprised by the quality of the bass response from these speakers and could see them being ideal for cruisers and similar watercraft, as well as an excellent option for ATVs.
Reasons to Buy
- This is a very affordable set of speakers that outperforms its price tag
- Great option for small boats and ATVs with limited amplification available
Reasons Not to Buy
- Some lacking details for good performance on the water, including things like the lack of stainless steel mounting hardware that could present problems
- Can’t handle very much power without distorting
Marine Speakers | Things to Consider Before Your Buy
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.
