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10 Best Marine Speakers – (In-Depth Reviews & Guide 2021)

Being out in the open water, and listening to your favorite music is like nothing else. If you have tried it, then you surely know. However, if you have done this, you also know how hard it may be to hear the song you want to enjoy because of the strong wind and the noise of the waves. Portable speakers, headphones, nothing can do the job better than the best marine speakers.

Being around water, especially in a boat, means surviving extreme conditions. That’s why you need a high-quality speaker that will be durable and perform excellently. With our reviews on marine speakers, you don’t have to worry if you are going to find a reliable unit- they all are.

Durability and performance, however, depend on many other factors, that’s why reading our buying guide until the very end is essential. You will find a lot of valuable information and many tips.

Best Marine Speakers Comparison Chart

PRODUCTDETAILS
Rockford Fosgate R165X3 Prime Coaxial Speaker

Rockford Fosgate R165X3 Prime Coaxial Speaker

  • Price: $$
  • Dimensions: 16 x 8.3 x 4″
  • Weight: 4.6 pounds
  • Size: 6.75″
  • Power: 45 Watts RMS, 90 Watts MAX
  • Impedance: 4 Ohm
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Kenwood KFC-1653MRW Marine Speakers Pair

Kenwood KFC-1653MRW Marine Speakers Pair

  • Price: $$$
  • Dimensions: 13.4 x 2.8 x 5.5″ 
  • Weight: 2.2 pounds
  • Size: 6.5″
  • Power: 50 Watts RMS, 150 Watts Peak
  • Impedance: 4 Ohm
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BOSS Audio MRWT40 Marine Waketower Speaker System

BOSS Audio MRWT40 Marine Waketower Speaker System

  • Price: $$$
  • Dimensions: 7.1 x 5.4 x 7.1″ 
  • Weight: 6 Pounds
  • Size: 4″
  • Power: 200 Watts RMS, 400 Watts Peak
  • Impedance: 4 Ohm
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Pyle PLMR60W Dual Marine Speakers

Pyle PLMR60W Dual Marine Speakers

  • Price: $
  • Dimensions: 7.6 x 7.4 x 7.1″
  • Weight: 3 pounds
  • Size: 6.5″
  • Power: 75 Watts RMS, 150 Watts Peak
  • Impedance: 4 Ohm
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Magnadyne WR40W Waterproof Marine & Hot Tub Speaker

Magnadyne WR40W Waterproof Marine & Hot Tub Speaker

  • Price: $$
  • Dimensions: 1.4 x 6 x 6″
  • Weight: 6 oz. magnet weight
  • Size: 6″
  • Power: 25 watts each speaker
  • Impedance: 4 Ohm
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Sony XSMP1611 Dual Cone Marine Speakers

Sony XSMP1611 Dual Cone Marine Speakers

  • Price: $$$
  • Dimensions: 6.9 x 6.5 x 2.1″
  • Weight: 3.09 pounds
  • Size: 6.5″
  • Power: 65 Watts RMS, 140 Watts MAX
  • Impedance: 4 Ohm
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BOSS Audio MR6B Marine Speakers

BOSS Audio MR6B Marine Speakers

  • Price: $$
  • Dimensions: 8 x 8 x 3″ 
  • Weight: 1.7 pounds
  • Size: 6.5″
  • Power: 75 Watts RMS, 150 Watts Peak
  • Impedance: 4 Ohm
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Best Marine Speakers Reviews (Recommended Models)

These are the most excellent products you will find on the market nowadays. Each one of them as many things to offer, so they are not arranged in any specific order. Let’s get started!

1. Rockford Fosgate R165X3 Prime Coaxial Speaker

Rockford Fosgate R165X3 Prime Coaxial SpeakerWith this coaxial speaker, you will have the craziest boat party ever. The R165X3 is a 6.50 inch 3-way full-range marine speaker that is rated at 45 watts. One of the benefits this unit has is the fact that you could use it not only for your vessel but for your car as well. However, you need to be careful with the size, as in the product’s description, it is stated that the unit has a 6.5″ size, while in reality, it is 6.75″.

The vacuum polypropylene cone and the rubber surround ensure the durability of the speaker. This Rockford Fosgate R165X3 Prime Coaxial Speaker also has an integrated concealed crossover that hides the crossover inside the basket. This way, not only is your installation more straightforward, but you also get a cleaner look.

The sensitivity of this unit is 91Db, and the frequency response is 52Hz-20kHz. You will get a clear sound, and at the same time, your boat will look great, as these speakers are also stylish. However, when it comes to bass, these do not score really high.

PROS:

  • Integrated tweeter crossover
  • Vacuum polypropylene cone
  • 91Db sensitivity

CONS:

  • Bass isn’t as good as it must be
  • They are NOT 6.5 but are 6.75

2. Kenwood KFC-1653MRW Marine Speakers Pair

Kenwood KFC-1653MRW Marine Speakers PairThese Kenwood KFC-1653MRW 6.5″ 2-Way Marine Speakers are two great white beauties. They do not only look, but they also offer excellent sound quality. When it comes to bass, that is not their strongest side, however, for the price and size, these are the real deal.

These marine speakers have a 60Hz – 20,000Hz frequency response and 4 ohms’ impedance. Of course, they are water-resistant and have a water-resistant PP cone. On the other hand, their tweeters tend to fall off easily, so we would say that they are not reliable.

Still, this Kenwood KFC-1653MRW 6.5″ 2-Way Marine Speakers Pair can overcome all types of noise, such as wind, wave, etc. The mounting depth of the units is 2-7/16. Another thing that you must consider is the installation. These specific units are a bit hard to install, however with some patience, we are sure you can do it by yourself if you have to.

PROS:

  • 60Hz – 20,000Hz frequency response
  • Water-resistant PP cone
  • Great sound quality
  • 4 ohms’ impedance

CONS:

  • Unreliable tweeters
  • Good sound but lack in bass
  • The installation is not that easy
  • They are 2-way speakers

3. BOSS Audio MRWT40 Marine Waketower Speaker System

BOSS Audio MRWT40 Marine Waketower Speaker SystemThis BOSS Audio MRWT40 Marine Waketower Speaker System will make sure that the party on your boat is always remembered. These speakers produce high-quality sound, they have good bass and are also durable. Their most significant disadvantage is the fact that they are not waterproof but water-resistant. This means that all of the vital components are specially coated and sealed for protection from the corrosion present in all salty environments and in a humid.

On the other hand, the units have a UV protection, and their voice coils can withstand really high temperatures and at the same time maintain its strengths and fatigue properties. These speakers may not be waterproof, but they are weatherproof, which means they have been outfitted with the latest weatherproofing techniques for protection against the elements.

The most important specs you need to consider are the impedance- 4 Ohms, Weight- 5.9 lbs., Frequency- 130 Hz to 20 kHz, and the dimensions -7.1” x 5.4” x 7.1”. When it comes to installation, you may want to talk to a professional.

PROS:

  • Good sound and bass
  • UV protection
  • Weatherproof

CONS:

  • Water-resistance but NOT waterproof
  • They do not come with power wire
  • The installation is a bit hard

4. Pyle PLMR60W Dual Marine Speakers

Pyle PLMR60W Dual Marine SpeakersNow these Pyle PLMR60W Dual Marine Speakers are something else. Don’t get fooled by the fact that they look small and are really cheap, they perform excellently and will give you perfect results. These speakers are completely waterproof, which makes them ideal for boats and other vessels. They perform well in open areas with lots of background sounds, just like the sea. However, we would not recommend that you use them for your car, for example, as you will be disappointed in sound quality.

The frequency response of these speakers is 80Hz-18kHz, and they have 4 Ohms impedance. The speaker also has a 20 Oz, circuit magnet. These units have a stylish design, and the classic white look will ensure your boat has a style. However, these speakers do not only look good, but they are also durable, except for the screws, which get rusted easily.

On the other hand, the Pyle PLMR60W Dual Marine Speakers are constructed with a low profile design with 1” aluminum voice coil. They have a standard size- 6.5”, and are also easy to install.

PROS:

  • Easy to install
  • Great look
  • Completely waterproof
  • Good performance in open areas

CONS:

  • The included screws get easily rusted.
  • Not very loud

5. Magnadyne WR40W Waterproof Marine & Hot Tub Speaker

Magnadyne WR40W Waterproof Marine & Hot Tub SpeakerThis Magnadyne WR40W Waterproof Marine & Hot Tub Speaker may be small and sweet, but it is also useful. It will offer you excellent sound quality considering its size, and it is also waterproof. This means that the unit is perfect for marine use, and guess what, you could also use it as a hot tub speaker or as a speaker for your trailer/camper.

One of the main disadvantages is its low wattage – 25 watts for each speaker. On the other hand, you won’t have any problem with the installation, as it is an easy one, and this speaker is an exact replacement for many OEM hot tub speakers.  The installation dimensions are 4 1/2″ cutout and 6″ grill.

As we already mentioned, these are easy to install. However, the units do not come with mounting hardware. Therefore, when you use them for your boat, you will need to buy some stainless steel screws. Keep in mind that the units are durable but include many plastic components which are not exactly suitable for heat.

PROS:

  • Easy to install
  • Waterproof
  • Good sound quality

CONS:

  • Low wattage
  • Many plastic components that do not hold up in the heat
  • Do not include mounting hardware

6. Sony XSMP1611 Dual Cone Marine Speakers

Sony XSMP1611 Dual Cone Marine SpeakersThis unit comes from a renowned tech manufacturer – Sony. Quality is guaranteed and is also backed by a 1-year warranty. The dimensions of the two speakers are 6-1/2” in diameter. The back is cone-shaped. What’s truly good about these speakers is the versatility. They can replace the Sony xs-mp16100 as the size is the same.

Additionally, you can also switch from the Sony Mex n5100bt by merely swapping the wiring harness. Speaking of the harness, this unit comes with a bracket, protection collar, and release keys along with the 16-pin wiring harness. The impedance is 4 ohms. As seen in the photo, you get 2 speakers included in the set. On the downside, there are no aux jacks included – you will have to buy them separately. Another knock is the endurance to water. They are waterproof, indeed, but big splashes of water may damage the speakers.

Pros:

  • Quality brand
  • Can replace other Sony models without needing to cut new holes
  • Decent impedance

Cons:

  • The set doesn’t include some accessories
  • Susceptible to strong splashes of water
  • Short warranty

7. BOSS Audio MR6B Marine Speakers

BOSS Audio MR6B Marine SpeakersWhen you look for marine speakers, durability is one of the most critical factors on which your research should be based. These BOSS Audio MR6B Marine Speakers surely deserve to be in our list of reviews, as they do not only look great but are twice as durable.

Their voice coil is made out of aluminum, which is one of the most abundant elements on earth. It is recognized for its ability to resist corrosion and its low density. The surroundings of the unit are made of treated cloth, and the basket is plastic.

With the BOSS Audio MR6B Marine Speaker, you will get a good sound quality with a frequency response of 80 Hz- 20kHz. The sensitivity of the speaker is 89 Db, which for the price is perfect. This unit also comes with grills and magnet covers. On the other hand, our research shows that you may encounter some difficulties with the installation, and you may consider asking for help. The good thing is that if something happens to the units, that is not your fault, you get 3-year platinum online dealer warranty.

PROS:

  • 89Db sensitivity
  • 3-year warranty
  • Aluminum voice coil

CONS:

  • Weak on bass
  • Hard installation

8. Pioneer TS-MR2040 Marine Coaxial Speakers

Pioneer TS-MR2040 Marine Coaxial SpeakersWith these Pioneer TS-MR2040 Marine 8-Inch 200-Watt Coaxial Speakers, there is nothing you should be worried about. They can strenuously resist corrosion, heat, and water. Bear in mind, however, that they are water-resistant and not waterproof. Still, they are perfectly suitable for your boat, and we are sure that with them you will organize the best parties ever.

These eight-inch coaxial speakers have a 200watts maximum power handling and a polyimide reflex horn tweeter. Their frequency response is 25 Hz to 30kHz, and they offer both excellent bass and sound quality.

The Pioneer TS-MR2040 Marine 8-Inch 200-Watt Coaxial Speakers have two main disadvantages. The first is the fact that the grill of the unit is not detachable, and the second is the connectors to the speaker, which are not really reliable. However, these disadvantages are not something essential, and we definitely recommend you to focus on the other positive features this unit has. For example, its 92Db sensitivity.

PROS:

  • 25 Hz to 30 kHz frequency response
  • 92 dB sensitivity
  • 200watts maximum power handling
  • Good bass
  • Very durable

CONS:

  • The grill is not detachable
  • The connector to the speaker wires are not very sturdy

9. Pyle PLMR605W Dual Marine Speakers

Pyle PLMR605W Dual Marine SpeakersThese Pyle PLMR605W Dual Marine Speakers are suitable for several vehicles as they are weather resistant. They feature a polypropylene cone that has a butyl rubber surround. This makes them really durable and great for marine use. On the other hand, you must be careful, as these speakers are described as waterproof, while in reality, they are water-resistant, and as you know there is a difference

When it comes to sound quality, these won’t disappoint you. However, their bass is not as strong as it should be. The Pyle PLMR605W Dual Marine Speakers have 90 Db sensitivity and 85Hz-20Khz frequency response. Their impedance is 4 Ohms, and each of them also has 200 Watts peak power.

When we talk about installation, you should not have any problems as long as you follow the steps in the manual. The units have a 6.5″ standard size, and they come with mounting hardware. These speakers have a low profile design and 1″ Aluminum voice coil.

PROS:

  • Straightforward mounting
  • 90 Db sensitivity
  • 400 Watts peak power
  • Low profile design and 1” aluminum voice coil

CONS:

  • They are not waterproof but water-resistant
  • A little bit weak on bass

10. Polk Audio DB692 DB+ Series Coaxial Speakers

Polk Audio DB692 DB+ Series Coaxial SpeakersThe Polk Audio DB692 DB+ Series 6″x9″ Three-Way Coaxial Speakers are an excellent choice for your boat or other vessels. However, they can be used in many different places as well, you can install them on your car, trailer, ATV, etc. Besides, their installation is also easy, and you won’t lose much time.

The units are marine certified with an IP55 rating, which means that they are dirt- and water-resistant. The Polk Audio DB692 DB+ Series 6″x9″ Three-Way Coaxial Speakers are also tested for salt-fog, humidity, and UV, so when it comes to durability, you won’t encounter many problems. Probably, the only thing you may not enjoy is the coil wires, that are not as durable as they should be.

Essential numbers that we should mention are the bottom mount- 3.83″, top mount- 3.25″, and the cutout diameter- 5.97″ H x 8.8″ W., The speakers, feature a polypropylene and UV tolerant cone that has waterproof inner and outer surrounds, and as you can see these units are perfect for your boat.

PROS:

  • You can install them in many places
  • Marine certified with IP55 rating
  • Great sound quality

CONS:

  • The coil wires are not very durable
  • Not much mid-bass

What Are Marine Speakers?

Marine speakers, as their name hints, are speakers explicitly made for water use. Such speakers are incredibly durable and can withstand many extreme situations. They are created to be loud as when used, they often need to combat boat engine noise, wave noise, etc. Most of these units are UV-resistant, moisture-resistant, and saltwater-resistant.

On the other hand, it a good thing to know those marine speakers are not solely for water use. Some marine speakers could be mounted to your house, RV, ATV, and many other things.

Types of Marine Speakers

Types of marine speakersThere are two main types of marine speakers. Let’s have a quick look:

  • Coaxial Marine Speakers

These are super easy to install and require less space than other models. Coaxial marine speakers have different drivers mounted on only one axis. Most of them have a cone woofer that can be obstructed by the tweeter. While such speakers can give you excellent performance, they are not as dynamic as component ones; therefore, they are also cheaper.

  • Component Marine Speakers

Component marine speakers give you the ability to individually place your midrange driver, tweeter, and woofer around your vessel for better acoustics. Therefore, they have a sophisticated design and provide a more dynamic experience than coaxial ones. However, they are also harder to install and more expensive.

Depending on the installation process, however, people tend to divide marine speakers into two groups:

  • Recessed Speakers

Recessed speakers need to be installed in a panel, wall or ceiling of your vessel, or on your dashboard. They require a cut out that needs to fit the size of the speaker.

  • Tower Speakers

Tower speakers are usually more powerful and need to be attached to the wake tower of your boat. Conical speakers often face aft so that you could blast music in the direction of someone boarding or skiing behind your boat. Box-shaped tower speakers, on the other hand, can be angled in different directions, depending on your desires.

Factors to Consider When Looking for  Marine Speakers

Good marine sound devices are essential to all lively boat owners; therefore, it is only reasonable that reliable units are hard to find. There are many things to think about when searching for a marine speaker and guess what- you need to be very careful all the way.

  • Power Handling Compatibility

The limitations of your sound system are an essential thing to consider before buying new boat speakers. Generally, that means that you need to check your power handling specs.

Many buyers believe that speakers with higher power handling capacity are the better option, and that is somewhat but not entirely true. Speakers with higher power handling specifications can be louder and tend to be more durable. However, that doesn’t mean that such units will give you the maximum sound swag on your boat.

Going higher is not always what you must do, as it is undoubtedly more important to make sure your specifications are compatible with your amplifier’s output or your stereo. Also, make sure that your impedance levels are matching, so that overpowering or underpowering could be out of the picture.

  • Durability

A high-quality marine speaker needs to be extremely durable. First, it must be waterproof. Look for speakers that are marked as such, since it is inevitable that the units will get at least a bit of water on them at some point.

The UV rays from the sun are also something that you must be careful with. They can easily damage electrical equipment; therefore, you need to look for speakers that can protect against these rays.

Corrosion is the next big problem you will encounter. Where salt is included, there is also rust, and if your speaker is unprotected, well, tell it goodbye. Ensure that the speakers you buy can repel the effects of seawater.

  • Activities

Before deciding on a particular unit, you must be aware of what and where you will be using it. When talking about marine speakers, it is evident that you will use them for listening to music. But the activities that will be done on the boat while the music is playing are also essential.

If you plan to use your speakers while fishing, then you, won’t need a loud volume. However, if you are about to be partaking in some waterskiing, then clearly you need units that are capable of being heard from miles away. For activities like the latter, you will need high wattage so that the volume could be increased as much as you want.

  • Installation

If you are replacing old speakers, then the installation should be quite straightforward. This must be the case if you are installing your units near the primary electrical system.

The situation gets a bit trickier when it comes to installing numerous speakers around your boat. You may need to find a professional to help you since you will need to cut holes in parts of your vessel and you could make a big mess if you don’t know what you are doing.

Of course, you could always get yourself portable boat speakers if you don’t listen to music that often. You can bring them with you everywhere you go, and you won’t need to make holes in your boat.

  • Placement

Best Marine SpeakersThe placement of the marine speakers is essential, especially on a boat. You may have two great speakers, and at the same time, the passengers in the back may have problems hearing the music. You need to pick spots that will give the sound a good coverage.

A great rule of thumb is to think about where speakers are usually situated in a vehicle. You have one speaker in front of you, one to your side, and some in the back of the car. This way, multiples angles are cover to ensure that you are always in the right place to listen to music.

When installing your units, make sure the sound waves are aiming directly at you and your passengers, for there might not be many obstacles for the sea waves to bounce back from and into your ears.

If you plan the installation and placement carefully enough, you should not have any problems. Still, it is sometimes better to ask for the help of an expert.

  • Directionality

As we already mentioned, the location of your units is essential due to the directionality of the sound. Most of the speakers play music straight in front of them, and if you are in a closed room, this sound bounces off the walls and every surface. This enhances the sound.

However, unless you are below deck, this luxury is something you do not have. For this reason, you need to point your speakers into space, where you want to hear the sound. If that is the back of the boat, where you plan to gather your friends, then that’s where your speaker must be.

The way surround sound works on your boat is also something you need to think about. When the music plays out of two or more speakers, different sounds may be playing in each speaker for various reasons. This is something you may have noticed if you have shared earphones, or one of them has been broken.

  • Magnetic Shielding

Something that not everyone knows is the fact that speakers contain magnets. A boat is an excellent place for speakers, as most of the time, they do not interfere with anything. These magnets pretty much give you the precious sounds you look for.

Bear in mind, though, that if you have a compass on your board, which is more than usual, magnets can profoundly affect it. For this reason, manufacturers have created magnetic shielding so that you won’t have to worry about how to shield a magnet.

If the unit you plan on buying does not have this function, then you have to make sure it is installed away from the compass. It wouldn’t be an excellent situation to have a brilliant sound quality but no idea where you are going. Our piece of advice to you is to search for speakers that won’t affect your navigation equipment and that have magnetic shielding.

  • Amplifier

One of the most essential aspects when it comes to volume is the wattage. However, it is not the only one. You may encounter a condition in which your own stereo system will not allow the volume to go as high as you would like. This could be irritating, but the good news is that there are things you could do.

If you want your speakers to reach a higher volume, investing in an amplifier is the right decision. As its name hints, a unit like this will amplify the sound so that the volume is increased. Look for speakers that have a high voltage and can amplify the sound.

Testing your speakers before deciding to buy an amplifier is essential for you may not need one. Also, you must consider your surroundings. In the situation you are out in the open water, there won’t be many people around, so you should not be worried about the level of your music. However, if you are in some other crowded area, like a marina, for example, you might not be able to play the music as loud as you would wish.

The problems that speakers face when they are on a boat are many. There aren’t enough hard objects for the sound waves to bounce off, the waves and the wind are too noisy, etc. Therefore, getting a quality marine amplifier might be the most suitable option.

  • Quality of Sound

Marine Speaker ReviewsObviously, every person who looks for marine speakers wants them to sound great. For this reason, you should look for units that have a high decibel rating. The rule is that the higher this rating is, the better your speaker converts power into sound. We would recommend you not buying anything that is less than 80Db. Speakers between 80 and 90Db would be good enough, and everything above that should be excellent.

Another thing to remember is that 3-way speakers are better than 2-way ones. This is not something unusual, but it is still important to mention.

Aside from the frequencies, decibels, and power, a lot of the sound quality comes from the material a specific unit is made of.

  • Additional Features

Many other features could make the usage of speakers even more convenient. For example, remote operations. Having a remote-controllable speaker will allow you to use your unit from anywhere in the boat and you won’t have to walk to your console to change the volume or other controls.

Wireless streaming is another convenient and enjoyable feature. With wireless-enabled marine speakers, you can play all the songs you love by using your smartphone.

  • Reviews and Comments

Always read the reviews and the comments a particular product has. This is crucial for other marine sound options such as the top marine stereos. Check out our tips on how to pick those as well. Manufacturers always write positive characteristics in the product’s description. However, in the comments and reviews, you will find the negative ones as well. You will see if customers are happy with the unit and if they are not what is the reason.

How Much Do Marine Speakers Cost?

It is only logical that the price depends on the speaker type and the speaker size. Different speakers have different features; therefore, the ones that have better characteristics are usually the more expensive ones.

Marine speakers are more expensive than regular car speakers, and that is something you should not be surprised with. The materials the marine speakers are made of are more durable and can handle water, UV rays, corrosion, etc.

Here is an idea of how much marine speakers cost:

  • Component speakers

These are the pricier ones, and you are looking into a triple-digit price

  • 5” coaxial speakers

Their price range is in the double-digits usually.

Wrap Up

Good job, friends! You have successfully finished reading the ultimate buying guide to finding the best marine speakers. Even though there are many things to keep in mind when searching for units like these, we are sure that with our information, tips, and reviews on marine speakers you will find products that are reliable and suitable for your needs.

If you find our article useful, and you believe it could help others as well, don’t forget to forward it with all your friends and family. Also, if you think that there is something we have missed, or you just want to share your thoughts and experience with us, send us an email or leave a comment.

Our job is to help our readers, and for this reason, we have many other articles devoted to helping you find the right unit. Make sure you find some free time and go read them as well. Thanks for reading, and as always- stay put!

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