Finding the best marine speaker for your boat can be overwhelming. With all the choices on the market, we thought we’d help narrow them down a bit for you. In this article, you’ll find the 15 best marine speakers available. You’ll also find a concise buying guide that sheds light on all the factors you need to look for in a good speaker for your boat. Bear in mind that we’re only focusing on marine speakers. These are different from the VHF communication system on your boat. VHF radios are part and parcel of any type of boating communication setup. Audio speakers, on the other hand, are luxury items. They’re designed to add to the fun and excitement of your boating adventures.
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The 15 Best Marine Speakers for Your Boat
This section of the article will cover the 15 best marine speakers available today. You’ll notice that the first 10 are flush mount marine speakers. These are installed into the actual frame of our boat and are designed to stay out of sight.
The rest are known as tower marine speakers. If you have a waketower on your boat, these speakers would be installed on top of it for maximum output.
1. BOSS Audio Systems MR60W 200 Watt Per Pair, 6.5 Inch , Full Range, 2 Way Weatherproof Marine Speakers Sold in Pairs
The BOSS MR60W flush mount marine speakers offer high-quality audio with reduced distortions. These 6.5-inch coaxial speakers provide powerful sound quality. It’s all thanks to the 1-inch tweeter that produces 200 watts of peak power per speaker. The root mean square (RMS) power handling is 100 watts for each speaker. One of its best features is its stainless steel mounting hardware. It prevents moisture from seeping in and creating rust or corrosion.
Pros
- Sturdy exterior
- Stainless steel mounting hardware
- User-friendly instructions
- Powerful sound
Cons
- Less affordable than other models
2. Pyle 6.5 Inch Dual Marine Speakers - 2 Way Waterproof and Weather Resistant Outdoor Audio Stereo Sound System with 150 Watt Power, Polypropylene Cone and Cloth Surround - 1 Pair - PLMR60W (White)
If you’re shopping on a budget, then you won’t find better flush mount marine speakers than the Pyle PLMR60W. Not only are they affordable, but they look good and sound amazing! One of the features that caught our eyes is that they’re dual cones, which we were expecting at this price range. Yet, what we didn’t expect is their high-powered sound. Each speaker produces up to 150 watts each. That’s a total of 300 watts with 150 RMS watts cranking out your favorite tunes! The PLMR60W speakers are waterproof. They’re manufactured from polypropylene and molded ABS plastic for a sturdy finish.
Pros
- Budget-friendly price
- Powerful sound
- Durable build
- Stylish design
Cons
- The sound may become distorted at high volumes
3. Polk Audio DB651: Best Audio Quality
Polk Audio is a formidable name when it comes to speakers, and the DB651 doesn’t disappoint. With these 6.5-inch flush-mount speakers, you get 60 continuous RMS and 180 watts of peak power for each speaker. These speakers are known for their good bass response. Plus, they can be loud with minimal distortions. This is great, especially when you’re having a party on your boat and rocking to your favorite tunes. We like that it comes with a liquid-cooled dome tweeter. Its dimensions are ¾ inches and are manufactured from a silk/polymer composite.
Pros
- Powerful sound
- Liquid-cooled tweeter
- Polymer/mica composite woofers
- Reasonable price tag
Cons
- High sounds can sound slightly harsh when the volume is turned up
4. KICKER White OEM Replacement Marine 6.5" 4-Ohm Coaxial Speaker Bundle - 4 Speakers
The first thing you notice about the Kicker White OEM flush mount marine speakers is that they come in a set of four. So, if you’re serious about decking your boat in style, this is a great value purchase. With these flush mounts, you’ll be getting maximum power and efficiency with a peak power of 150 watts and RMS handling of 50 watts for each speaker. They also feature a 6.5-inch woofer and an injection-molded cone made of Santoprene. Their porcelain/enamel treated dome tweeter is quite small, measuring a mere 13mm. Yet, it’s still capable of generating crisp highs and balanced mid-ranges.
Pros
- Great value for the price
- Excellent frequency response
- UV-treated components
Cons
- Large grills make for a difficult installation
5. JBL DTI DS65MR
If you’re looking for a pair of flush mount marine speakers that get the job done without breaking your budget, look no further. The JBL DTI DS65MR speakers sound good and look good. We like that they feature a 20mm Neodymium teteron dome tweeter. At 180 watts peak power, these are quite the powerful speakers with minimal distortions. These 6.5-inch speakers are well-designed and can easily stand up to the elements. They’re water-resistant inside and out, as well as anti-rust and corrosion.
Pros
- Great value for the price
- Neodymium dome tweeter
- Powerful audio quality
- Minimal distortions
Cons
- May not be able to handle amplifiers well
6. Pioneer TS-MR1600 Nautica Series 6.5-Inch Dual-Cone Marine Speaker
The Pioneer TS-MR1600 flush mount marine speakers look good and perform even better. They feature an IMPP composite woofer and a dual cone tweeter. The unit’s peak power is 100 watts. Yet, what makes these 6.5-inch speakers stand out is their top-rated waterproofing. They’re one of the most reliable in the industry when it comes to resisting water, corrosion, and UV rays. The secret behind their high-quality water-resistance is in Pioneer’s unique design. These speakers are made from injection-molded propylene (IMPP). Besides creating an outstanding bass response, IMPP prevents damage caused by moisture, UV rays, and humidity.
Pros
- IMPP protective design
- Clear sound output
- Powerful bass
Cons
- Less affordable than other models
7. Sony XSMP1611 6.5-Inch Dual Cone Marine Speakers (White)
The Sony XSMP1611 speakers offer a balanced mid-range, crisp highs, and rich bass. All that with a dual cone 1-inch tweeter in each speaker with 140 watts peak power and 65 watts RMS power. One of their surprisingly nice features is that they’re pretty loud for their size. So, you can crank them up and have yourself a nice boat party. We also like that these flush-mount speakers are easy to install. Plus, you can paint the front grilles if you want to blend better with your boat color scheme.
Pros
- Wide-range audio quality
- Moderately priced
- Paintable front grille
- IPX5 water-resistant
Cons
- Not the most durable option
8. Magnadyne WR40W Waterproof Marine & Hot Tub Speaker
The Magnadyne WR40W speakers are well-designed and offer a crisp audio output. What we like about these speakers is their affordable price range. The 6-inch dual cone speakers are designed to make the most of tight spaces. Still, they offer a wide frequency response despite their 25-watt peak power handling. These flush-mount speakers are resistant to moisture, UV rays, and extreme weather conditions. Also, their electrical components are encased for added safety.
Pros
- Crisp audio output
- Affordable price
- Low wattage
- Durable design
Cons
- Volumes aren’t as impressive as other models
9. Kenwood 8 Inch 300 Watt Powersports/Marine Boat White Speakers | KFC-2053MRW
We tried the Kenwood KFC-W053MRW speakers at maximum volumes. Surprisingly, the audio didn’t break up or become distorted in any way. The well-balanced dual drivers are 300 watts. they’re great at delivering crisp highs and pleasing mid-ranges. You can tell that the 1-inch balanced-dome Poly-Ether-Imide (PEI) tweeter is hard to match. All the parts on these large 8-inch flush-mount speakers are UV-treated for added protection. They feature Santoprene rubber surrounds, which boost their resistance to moisture and rust.
Pros
- Protective exterior and interior design
- Balanced sound output
- Well-built circuitry
Cons
- Price is higher than many other models
10. JBL MS6520 180W, 6.5 Coaxial Marine Speakers - (Pair) White - 1 Year Direct Manufacturer Warranty
JBL is known for its low-profile options that seem to blend into any boat decor. Besides looking terrific, the MS6520 speakers deliver enhanced sound performance and high-quality clarity. Their peak power handling is 180 watts and their RMS power is 90 watts. The secret? These 6.5-inch flush mount speakers feature their proprietary Plus One technology. This innovative invention boosts the surface area of the woofer cones. Add to that their balanced-dome tweeter, and you have a great pair of speakers. We like that JBL equipped each speaker with an individual voiced driver. They work to protect the speakers against moisture, sun exposure, and extreme weather.
Pros
- Plus One patented technology
- High-quality electrical components
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- The plastic exterior isn’t long-lasting
11. NOAM NUTV4 - Marine Bluetooth ATV/Golf Cart/UTV Speakers Stereo System
The NOAM NUTV4 waketower marine speakers are one of the best on the market. They generate high-quality sounds with their poly-injection cone and 1-inch neodymium dome tweeter. These speakers have a peak power handling of 100 watts each. We like that the NUTV4 speakers come with a remote controller. It has backlit buttons for easy access at night. Another nice feature of these 4-inch coaxial speakers is that they come with an amplifier. With an on/off switch, this amplifier will take sounds to a whole new level. Plus, the amplifier has an AUX socket so you can connect your other audio devices as well.
Pros
- High-quality sounds
- Come with a remote controller with backlit buttons
- Durable build
- Amplifier included
Cons
- Less affordable than other models
12. BOSS Audio Systems MRWT69RGB Marine Waketower Speaker System - 600 Watts Of Power, 6 x 9 Inch, Full Range, 2 Way, Multi-Color LED Illumination, Marine grade, Weatherproof, Sold Individually
Stylish, sleek, and offer everything you’re looking for in waketower marine speakers. That’s what we first thought when we took the BOSS MRWT69RGB speakers out of their box. With 600 watts of peak power and 300 watts RMS, you get powerful, yet balanced, sound reproduction. The volumes are also impressive and generate minimal distortions. Another great feature is their multicolored lights inside the speaker unit. You can customize the colors, as well as other features on the unit, all with a press of a button on the remote controller.
Pros
- IPX5 waterproof rating
- Comes with a remote control
- Can be purchased individually
- Multi-colored LED lights
Cons
- The mounting bracket can be too big for some boats
13. Pyle PLUTV41BK 2-Way Dual Waterproof Off-Road Speakers, 4 Inch 800 Watt Marine Grade Wakeboard Tower Speakers System, Full Range Outdoor Audio Stereo Speaker for ATV, UTV, Quad, Jeep, Boat -Black
As you saw with the Pyle flush-mount speakers, this is a brand known for its first-rate products. The Pyle PLUTV41BK are 2-way speakers that deliver 800 watts of maximum peak power and 400 RMS. Best of all, the bass is rich and well-balanced. The frequency response on these 4-inch speakers is excellent, thanks to the neodymium dome tweeter. The exterior of the PLUTV41BK speakers is heavy-duty. They also come with a universal mounting made of sturdy butyl rubber surrounds.
Pros
- IPX5 waterproof rating
- Heavy-duty exterior
- Reasonably priced
- Full-range stereo sound quality
Cons
- The sizing of the mounts isn’t accurate
14. Rockville Pair RWB90B Black 8" 300w Marine Wakeboard 360 Swivel Tower Speakers
The Pair Rockville RWB90B marine waketower speakers are coaxial. They’re capable of generating high-fidelity sounds, thanks to their inner rubber gaskets. They can deliver up to 200 watts RMS and 300 watts of peak power. The feature that really caught our eyes is their ability to swivel 360 degrees. It helps to have a 1-inch polyamide dome tweeter to produce balanced mid-ranges. There’s also a polypropylene mica-injected cone that generates high-quality sound reproduction. These 8-inch speakers are designed to handle the elements, such as moisture, UV rays, and dust. The adjustable mounting hardware is stainless steel, which is both rust and corrosion-resistant.
Pros
- 360-degree swivel
- Powerful, clear sound
- Rust-resistant mounting hardware
Cons
- It could be too bulky for small-sized boats
15. Polk Audio DB692 DB+ Series 6"x9" Three-Way Coaxial Speakers with Marine Certification, Black
Another terrific pair of marine speakers with great sound quality. Only this time, they’re designed to handle the elements from the waketower. There's 150 RMS power handling on these speakers and 450 watts of peak power. You’ll be able to enjoy a rich bass along with a range of balanced sound frequencies. The volumes are also pretty impressive. The DB692 speakers feature a waterproof enclosure. They’re well-protected against moisture, salt, UV rays, and fog.
Pros
- Waterproof enclosure
- Powerful sound output
- Sleek design
Cons
- Slight distortions can be heard at maximum output
What to Look for in a Marine Speaker: Buying Guide
When you’re choosing a marine speaker for your boat, there are a few factors you have to take into account; the most important of which is durability. If the speakers can’t handle the elements of being out on the water, they’re automatically disqualified.
We discuss each must-have factor in detail below.
Durability
Since they’re engineered for the outdoors, marine speakers have to be tough and durable. Look for speakers with a high IPX waterproof or water-resistance rating. The higher the rating, the better the quality will be. A reliable pair of speakers should be made with heavy-duty materials. They should be rust and corrosion-resistant to stand the test of time. Another feature of durable speakers is that they should be UV-resistant. UV rays are so powerful, they can wreak havoc on almost everything on your boat.
Affordability
The very first thing you have to decide is how much you’re willing to spend on marine speakers. There are a good number of quality speakers that can still fit into a tight budget. If money is no option, then go for the highest quality to ensure maximum durability and the best performance.
Power
How much power your speakers can handle is important. It’ll keep them in good condition while reducing the risk of having your speakers blow out. As a general rule, marine speakers should have the same power your boat’s stereo can handle. The two factors you have to know to determine speaker power are peak wattage and RMS. Peak wattage refers to the maximum power level the speaker can utilize in short bursts. RMS is described as continuous wattage. They’re usually lower than peak watts ratings. Yet, they’re the true representation of what the speaker unit is capable of handling. Here’s a quick example. Let’s say you buy a stereo unit rated at 60 watts of peak power and 30 watts of RMS continuous power. This means that this speaker unit can comfortably run at 30 watts of continuous power. Yet, it can handle occasional bursts of up to 60 watts with no problem.
Performance
The sound quality of marine speakers is of the utmost importance. After all, isn’t that why you're setting up speakers on your boat in the first place? Good speakers should be loud enough to be heard over the noise of the engine and other background sounds. They should also project sound well and generate different volumes.
Installation
Remember that the acoustics on a boat are much different than those in a car or an RV. Proper installation reduces the risk of loss in low-frequency response. Make sure you carefully measure the size of the speaker hole, as well as its depth. Then, find the right-sized speaker that best fits the size and shape of your boat.
Versatility
Having options on any gear makes it that much more fun. So, why should marine speakers be any different? Many marine speakers can be used on other vehicles, mainly of their durable design. Some of the vehicles include RVs, off-road vehicles, and dirt bikes.
Types of Speakers
There are three types of marine speakers. Each is marked by a different quality and price. Let’s take a look at each type in more detail.
Dual Cone
Dual cone marine speakers are the most affordable of the three. They’re also the lowest quality. They’re designed to have a woofer and a tweeter connected as a single driver. Connecting these two cones is a single voice coil, which is a basic electromagnet. Voice coils work to convert electrical signals into mechanical vibrations into the two cones.
Coaxial
Coaxial marine speakers are sometimes referred to as two-way speakers. In this design, one speaker wraps around another one for enhanced sound quality. This type of speaker includes a separate tweeter located within the woofer. Tweeters are designed to handle high frequencies and deliver a wide range of audio and sound. Coaxial speakers are of a higher quality than dual cones. This means they come with a slightly higher price tag.
Component
Component marine speakers are the highest quality of the three. This would make them—you guessed it—the most expensive. Yet, they do have several high-rated features going for them. For one, they’re designed to eliminate cross-phase distortions by separating the tweeter from the woofer cone.
Types of Marine Speaker Installations
Hosting a boat party? Or simply looking for some nice, background music while you’re out in the water? Either way, having a good marine speaker can make all the difference. Here are two ways to install your boat speakers. This mainly comes down to the size and style of your boat, as well as your own personal preference. Read ahead to find out which one is better for you.
Tower Marine Speakers
Tower speakers are sometimes called ‘wakeboard tower’ or ‘canon’ speakers. They’re high-directional speakers mounted on the boat tower. They can be facing either the front of the boat or towards the back.
Flush Mount Marine Speakers
Flush mount speakers rely on having enclosed air in the back. This boosts sound resonance and frequency response. They’re known for their sleek, stylish design. Their best feature is that they can blend seamlessly with the finishing on your boat, so they stay neatly out of the way.
Final Verdict
No boat is complete without a pair of marine speakers. No matter where you’re heading out on your boat, they’ll add fun and excitement to your outdoor adventure. All of the speakers we’ve included are some of the best on the market. Yet, our top pick has to be the BOSS MR60W Audio Systems. These flush mounts are ideal for outdoor use. They’re capable of generating powerful, well-balanced sound for the ultimate boating experience. Are you looking for something more affordable? Then, you should opt for the Pyle PLMR60W flush mount marine speakers. These dual cones produce high-quality sounds with minimal distortions. They’re also durable and designed to stand up to the elements.
As for waketower marine speakers, our favorite is the NOAM NUTV4 Waketower Speakers. They’re slightly more expensive than other models. Yet, with that price, you’re getting so much more than just a pair of speakers. This audio system includes an amplifier, remote controller, as well as mounting accessories. Not to mention, their sleek design will look amazing mounted on your waketower. In addition, they’re well-built and will keep your favorite tunes cranking in style.
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