Are you looking for the best marine speakers? Well, you have come to the right place. Great music is the perfect complement to the sound of the waves and winds while sailing. Only a few moments in life are as amazing as sailing with fishing find friends and family, enjoying the open water, the cruise, and the sun.
Adding up your favorite songs to this equation only makes these days unforgettable. Boats are not acoustically perfect. They live in a harsh environment with tough conditions that are not ideal for audio speakers. That’s the reason why the best boat speakers must cut through the sound of the open air, the wind, the water, and the engine.
Moreover, marine speakers have to endure elements that are linked to the open sea, such as moisture, humidity, dust, fog, rain, you name it. That said, invest only in quality marine speakers, and thank us later. Replacing your marine speakers with high-fidelity, durable speakers is important to optimal sound quality.
Top 10 Best Marine Speaker Reviews in 2022
When looking for the best boat speakers, it’s imperative that the set you stumble upon is tough enough to withstand the elements. Marine-grade speakers are not always costly, though price often plays a role in how great the features and quality are.
There is a myriad of speakers that are high-priced with high-grade performance and materials. But some affordable ones offer great value for your money that will bring you high-quality audio. Here is a list of 2022’s best-rated Marine Speakers to help you select the best products for your boat’s stereo:
1. Rockford Fosgate Coaxial Speaker
Whether you are replacing some burned-out factory speakers or building your first system, Rockford Fosgate’s Prime Series R165X3 6-1/2″ best marine speaker offer clean, high performance that will keep you and your pals rockin’ when offshore.
If you’re on the hunt for sound quality at a great value, the Rockford Fosgate PRIME series speakers are your calling card. Obtainable in various sizes, the PRIME speakers are the ideal factory door speaker replacement if you’re on a tight budget.
They are made with a polypropylene cone to give off a punchy sound with swift transitions from note to note. Rubber speaker supports the linear movement of the cone while at the same time allowing for a fantastic excursion than many other speakers.
The PRIME series speakers are uniquely made with wide frequency response and a shallow mounting depth for easy fitment with maximum performance in almost any boat on the market. Plus, Prime speakers are a great way to get Rockford Fosgate sound quality without breaking the bank. If you’re searching for the next big upgrade for your boat’s audio system, check out the FIRST-RATE speakers by Rockford Fosgate!
- Stamped steel basket
- Grilles and mounting hardware included
- 1 Year Standard Warranty
- Rubber surround
- Integrated tweeter crossover
- Vacuum Polypropylene Cone
- These aren’t waterproof speakers
- Not capable of producing very deep bass
2. Kenwood Marine Speakers
If you don’t want to spend too much on your next marine speakers, your options are limited if you don’t compromise audio quality. One of the possible options comes from Kenwood with the 6.5” 2-way speakers. Often seen among the best budget marine speakers, they are found on all types of fishing boats.
You may have already seen them on other fishing boats. I know I instantly recognize the speakers by their UV-resistant fixed grille design. It’s reassuring to know that whatever maneuver I do on the boat the polycarbonate cone woofers are properly protected.
The durability of the speakers should be another motivation when considering the purchase. Made from durable materials, these marine speakers can withstand the elements. Made with stainless steel metals, the woofers resist water and salt damage. But they can also resist the most powerful sun UV rays with their permanent plastic protectors.
With a power output of 2 X 50 W, these speakers are suitable for most small to medium fishing boats. You may not need the surround experience and only an affordable pair of speakers with good sound quality. This is why Kenwood made some of the best marine speakers.
- Made with permanent grill protection
- Based on a stainless steel frame
- 2X50W clean sound profile
- Needs holes to be cut in the boat’s fiberglass
3. Herdio Heavy Duty Marine Box Speakers
This is a compact and powerful 2-way 4-inch full-range stereo pod speaker. It even has a 1-inch PEI dome tweeter. Its maximum handling is 100 watts, and its frequency response is at 80 to 20,000 Hz. The notable feature of this speaker is its marine-grade construction.
It is waterproof with an IP66 certification making it suitable for watercraft and other outdoor vehicles such as RV, motorcycle, and ATV. Compared to other marine speakers, this is relatively small at only 4 inches.
However, what’s nice about this is that it allows you to have more installation options, especially when you are putting it on a boat. It also comes with mounting brackets and bolts, so you can put it on as soon as you get your hands on it. All in all, these speakers are small yet powerful. Plus, it is considerably affordable, so you will not be breaking your bank.
- Compact and powerful
- Versatile
- Provides a lot of installation options
- Affordable
- Has issues with durability
Also Read: Best Marine Radio – Top Reviews From Expert!
4. Pyle Marine Waterproof Sound System
That is a pair of marine speakers that are 5.2 inches in size. It can be used in many vehicles, but it’s excellent for boats because of water-resistant features that can withstand wet and outdoor conditions. The speakers are 2-way full-range audio.
That allows you to have a full surround stereo speaker experience. Its power output is a maximum of 180 watts, while its frequency response is at 80 Hz. Also, this set of speakers is equipped with built-in LED lights.
It has a beautiful blue light that creates an excellent contrast on water vehicles for more fun and excitement. The most notable selling point of this set of speakers is its low profile design. It is not bulky, so it does not take much real estate on boats and other watercraft. It also has a sleek black look that will fit with any existing design aesthetics.
- Ability to withstand heavy water splashes
- 2-way full-range audio
- Built-in LED lights
- Low profile design
- Easy to install
- The wiring could be better
5. BOSS Audio Systems Speaker Package
When you want the best marine speaker, BOSS is certainly going to be among the favorites. I was familiar with the brands ever since I was a child. It seemed that everywhere I looked, I saw a quality product made by a famous company.
These marine speakers offer plenty for modern users. They are made to resist possible water damage and they can now be fully controlled by a smartphone. Using Bluetooth, users have the freedom to adjust volume, skip tracks or control streaming channels.
With a maximum power of 60W per 4 speakers, they sit among the best marine audio speakers. Made with a poly-carbon cone, they are made to last. Most importantly, their waterproof protection is IPX6-rated. This ensures they have been tested against possible water damage. But not every fishing enthusiast can bear the same sound profile for every song.
I know this because I always look to tweak the sound to make it more appealing. The app equalizer prepares marine speakers for all types of music genres. On occasion, I meet with other fishermen and we hang out on the same boat where we fish all day. We always rotate the person responsible for the refreshments and the music. This is where I found the USB input handy as everyone can bring their favorite music out in nature.
- Made with an IPX6 rating
- Allows customization via the equalizer
- Supports USB charging
- Suitable for Spotify and Pandora
- The screen is not protected from condensation
Also Read: Best Marine Stereos – Reviews & Buying Guide
6. Dual Electronics Marine Speakers
This speaker is a dual cone high-performance speaker. It is designed to withstand high temperatures. It is also made with ABS polymer, a rust-proof and moisture-resistant material that makes it excellent for outdoor or watercraft applications.
These speakers are also made to be resistant to UV lights. It is made with UV light-resistant resins to not quickly wear out when it’s continuously exposed to the sun. The nice thing about these speakers is that they can be installed easily.
It is made to be compatible with the standard 6.5-inch boat provision, and it has a mounting depth of around 1 inch so that it can fit shallow space for more options of where to place it. In addition, the manufacturer of these speakers offers a 1-year warranty to show their confidence in their product. They also have hassle-free parts and service warranty with responsive customer service.
- Corrosion and rust-proof
- UV-resistant
- Supports versatile installation
- Shallow mounting depth
- Not entirely waterproof
7. Rockville Marine Wakeboard Tower Speakers
This is a pair of 8-inch two-way high fidelity speaker systems that have a total of 600 watts. Each speaker has 300 watts. One of its notable features is its adjustable nylon mounting bracket. It is reinforced with embedded steel and has a built-in two-way crossover network.
That makes it very easy to install. Besides, these tower speakers are designed to withstand saltwater and freshwater conditions. It is rust-resistant and waterproof. The terminals are also sealed with rubber gaskets for further protection against moisture.
What makes these speakers different from the rest is their multiple color and size options. You can get it either black or white. There is also a 6.5 inches size available if you prefer a smaller and more affordable speaker. Plus, there is also a swivel variant to choose from. All in all, it’s an excellent budget-friendly choice for a sound surround system for your watercraft.
- Adjustable nylon mounting brackets
- Built-in two-way crossover network
- Fully waterproof
- Impressive sound quality
- Cheaply made
8. Sony Coaxial Marine Speaker
Marine speakers don’t only need to sound great— they need to last, too. This new Sony model is one of the best marine speakers as it has the auditory bases covered. This is possible thanks to reactive polypropylene tweeters and woofers, while durability is guaranteed with a water-resistant design and UV-protected components.
It has average audio quality with above-average speaker efficiency, which is essential because of the below-average power handling. Let’s face it; Sony is one of the most popular brands worldwide. The company is similar to Coca-Cola when it boils down to electronics – the name is all over.
Nonetheless, unlike its big-market products such as gaming consoles and TVs, the Sony XS best marine speaker series feels like an afterthought. While the audio quality is an improvement over a factory-installed boat speaker, its durability and power handling are only average compared to the best marine audio systems. It doesn’t stand out either in bad or good ways. It’s simply one of the most reliable speakers out there with a reliable name.
- The 91 dB sensitivity rating is above average
- Long-lasting, high-quality materials
- High efficiency – low power consumption and excellent sound
- Solid high-range and a midrange frequency score
- It doesn’t have a sealed crossover network for the tweeter
9. JBL Coaxial Marine Speakers
As the best marine speakers’ reviews show, the JBL 180W duo is one of the most impressive in their class. They have a patented design which means fishermen will not find anything remotely similar. This patent refers to the polypropylene cones which now have more speaker-cone areas than other similar options.
This is why I first liked the sound of these speakers and I could not point specifically to what I thought was making the audio so good. With balanced dome tweeters, the sound quality on the mids and highs is impressive. Bass performance is also decent given their size.
But on vocals and instruments, these 2 speakers impress even the most dedicated music fans. The materials of the speakers are not bad either. I once saw foam-protected marine speakers which I guarantee are not in good condition today. Maybe this is why JBL chose rubber to protect these speakers from the elements.
Apart from the rubber protection, there’s a plastic grill that goes on top as well. This is why the UV rays should not hit the rubber directly. It should not crack or change shape in time due to this extra protection. On the other hand, replacing the grill in case of an accident takes a bit longer than expected.
- Impressive mids and highs
- Patented speaker-cone area design
- Made with rubber water protection
- Plastic grills take long to replace if broken
Also Read: Best Water Speakers – Enjoy the Dancing Water Speaker
10. Alpine Marine Coaxial Speakers
Let’s face it; we all need a good pair of speakers on a boat to cut through the noise of the motor, waves, and the wind. Using a verified design, Alpine’s SPR-M700 7″ best marine speakers adds detail and vibrancy to all your music. Alpine has launched a new set of coaxial speakers that seem to be custom-designed for marine use.
Almost all the features that you would expect to be integrated into the best marine audio system come built-in with these 7-inch coaxial speakers. The two-way speakers come with a centrex 813 grill and a built-in tweeter which makes them impervious to damage from water as well as discoloration from the sun.
Furthermore, a poly-mica woofer cone is used which not only improves the sound quality but makes the speakers waterproof. All in all, this Alpine speaker is of good quality. Alpine is renowned for being one of the best companies for producing sound systems, and these coaxial speakers will not disappoint you.
- The speakers add a classy look to your boat’s audio system
- The installation procedure of these speakers is quite simple
- The speakers are water-resistant to high degree
- The speakers are relatively priced
- Though there seem to be a few dissatisfied customers who expected better performance from the speakers, most people are happy with the speakers, especially considering their low price
Choose the Best Marine Speaker – Things to Consider
To get the best marine speakers for your boat, there are some things you ought to take into account.
Power Handling
Whether you’re on the hunt for car speakers or marine speakers, power handling is one of the most crucial factors to consider. A speaker is only as good as its capacity to turn power applied to it into sound in a precise and accurate way.
To obtain well-balanced sound, ensure the power rating of your boat’s receiver or amplifier to the power ratings of the speakers you’re considering. Pay close attention to RMS (Root Mean Square) which is the amount of power a set of speakers can put up with on a continuous basis.
Sensitivity
Sensitivity rating is the amount of sound the speakers can produce from the power applied to them. In simpler terms, the more sensitive your speaker, the less amount of power is needed to make it sound great. If your boat’s audio system is power-driven by a good head unit, go for speakers with high sensitivity ratings (90 dB or higher) and vice versa.
Durability
Marine speakers must be able to resist tough outdoor conditions and handle life on the water. As these speakers are exposed to UV rays, moisture, salt, humidity, water, sun …etc., they must survive all that and keep sounding great.
Sound Quality
The sound quality of your speakers is governed by several factors including the enclosure in which they’re mounted, build-quality, sensitivity rating, power handling …etc. Since marine speakers function in an open acoustic landscape that is not acoustically faultless, they need to be booming and be able to cut through the wind, the water, and the engine. By taking all these variables we highlighted above into consideration, you are set for getting a pair of speakers with well-balanced, loud sound quality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can You Submerge Marine Speakers?
A: While marine speakers tend to be waterproof, you should never actually submerge them underwater. If you accidentally dip it in water once or twice, it will probably be okay. But you’d be hard-pressed to find any marine speakers that would survive a prolonged dip. If you want a speaker that would work underwater, there are specially made speakers for that, but don’t expect those to sound good above water.
Q: Are Marine Speakers Necessary?
A: While there’s nothing wrong with using a normal speaker, using a marine speaker would definitely save you a lot of money. Marine speakers are specially built to withstand the moisture and UV rays that a speaker has to endure on a boat.
Any normal speaker would start rusting and deteriorating soon, and you’ll need to replace those more often. Therefore, a set of marine speakers certainly is necessary if you’re looking for efficiency and value for money.
Q: What Is the Difference Between a Car Speaker and a Marine Speaker?
A: Technically, car speakers would work fine on a boat, so you might be tempted to buy those instead of a more expensive set of marine speakers. However, they do not offer UV protection, the ability to withstand exposure to salt and moisture, and the specialized audio features that ensure you can hear the music even when the surroundings are noisy.
Also Read: What is a Tandem Kayak – It’s Ideal for Fishing
Conclusion
Now that you’ve all of this info from our marine speakers’ comprehensive review and guide get ready to make your buy today. Yes, your final choice will be a bit difficult; after all, the ten best marine speakers listed above are of superior quality and craft. So if you would like a durable, comfortable, and high-performing best marine speaker, go ahead and make your purchase today!