Best Marine Speakers

Review & Comparison, Last Update February 17, 2024
Whatever it is you are planning to do on your boat, it will be much better with your favorite music in the background. Consider our review of 5 best marine speakers with which voyaging on the water will be much more enjoyable and unforgettable. ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Speaker Size
Power Handling
Type
Frequency Response
Sensitivity
Impedance
Number of Ways
Warranty
 
PROS

Due to high sensitivity, theses speakers provide excellent loud and clear sound no matter where your watercraft currently is.

CONS

Wire connectors used in theses loudspeakers could be of better quality. 

OUR VERDICT

The Infinity's Marine Speakers are the speakers with one of the highest quality to price ratios on the market. Designed totally waterproof and high-performance, they will meet all your marine needs.

detailed parameters
Speaker Size

6.5"

Power Handling

RMS 75W / Peak 225W

Type

Coaxial

Frequency Response

50Hz - 20kHz

Sensitivity

92 dB

Impedance

4 Ohms

Number of Ways

Two-Way

Warranty

1 year

PROS

Since the MCM 60-10021 speakers don't need any mounting holes or hardware, they can be installed right out-of-the-box.

CONS

This product doesn't have a long warranty term.

OUR VERDICT

Thanks to advanced design that doesn't require any mounting hardware, these speakers will fit just any boat.  

detailed parameters
Speaker Size

6.5"

Power Handling

RMS 100W / Peak 200W

Type

Wakeboard Coaxial

Frequency Response

40Hz - 20KHz

Sensitivity

90 dB

Impedance

4 Ohms

Number of Ways

Two-Way

Warranty

90 days

PROS

This item has a decent price for such high quality, especially taking into account the IPx5-standard watercraft protection level.

CONS

Low frequencies and bass sounds could have been better.

OUR VERDICT

A perfect solution for those who want to mount speakers in a boat but aren't ready to spend a lot of money. 

detailed parameters
Speaker Size

6.5"

Power Handling

RMS 65W / Peak 140W

Type

Coaxial

Frequency Response

45Hz - 20KHz

Sensitivity

90 dB

Impedance

4 Ohms

Number of Ways

Two-Way

Warranty

1 year

PROS

These speakers cover a variety of range frequencies and reproduce the optimal sound quality in different conditions. 

CONS

Sensitivity and power handling rates are relatively low, thus, speakers are not very loud.

OUR VERDICT

If you have nothing against the ascetic design of the speakers, these loudspeakers will suit you perfectly well. 

detailed parameters
Speaker Size

6.5"

Power Handling

RMS 50W / Peak 150W

Type

Coaxial

Frequency Response

60Hz - 20KHz

Sensitivity

86 dB

Impedance

4 Ohms

Number of Ways

Two-Way

Warranty

1 year

PROS

The speakers feature quality assembly and are covered with a 3-year warranty. You will be able to use them for a long while and they will operate without a hitch.

CONS

The frequency range isn't as wide as in some other marine speakers. 

OUR VERDICT

These BOSS AUDIO loudspeakers will help you create a cozy atmosphere on your watercraft during long voyages. They will certainly serve you faithfully for a long time.

detailed parameters
Speaker Size

6.5"

Power Handling

RMS 100W / Peak 200W

Type

Coaxial

Frequency Response

80Hz - 20kHz

Sensitivity

90 dB

Impedance

4 Ohms

Number of Ways

Two-Way

Warranty

3 years

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Infinity Reference 612m

A single enclosure holds all the best components

The Infinity Reference 612m are the type of speakers that will fit your boat or yacht perfectly well, and not just because of the water and salt resistance. These marine speakers have a 6.5-inch diameter which is the common size for acoustic systems. You will be able to use the Infinity Reference 612m speakers without the fear of damaging them thanks to their high waterproof protection rating. The system holds water-resistant polypropylene diffusers and features a water-resistant tweeter made of the same material. However, despite such a massive protective enclosure, the loudspeakers look very good and will not spoil the decor of your beautiful yacht or boat. 

Review of Infinity Reference 612m 2-Way Marine Loudspeakers

The Features That Affect Sound Quality

It wouldn't be a full Infinity Reference 612m review if we didn't mention the features that shape the way these speakers sound because that's what really matters after all. Its RMS (root mean square) power handling is 75W, while its peak power makes 225W. The latter number is actually very decent, taking into account the size of the speakers. Now let's take its sensitivity of 92dB, add its power handling, and here we go - you get the speakers capable of reproducing sound that can be heard clearly in any environments. However, sounding loud and producing quality sound aren't the same thing. As it happens, the Infinity Reference 612m speakers are good at both. In addition to that, these speakers are 2-way coaxial, which means they have one low-frequency and one medium-high-frequency drivers. In the same package along with the speakers, you will find the mounting hardware, as well as a detailed step-by-step guide containing some basic information about acoustics. 

Infinity Reference 612m 2-Way Marine Loudspeakers in the use

This Will Come in Handy

If you have made up your mind regarding the purchase of your new acoustic system, you will definitely need to consider buying some quality wiring because that's what stands between you and lossless high-quality sound. That's why we'd like to suggest you reading our review of speaker wires, that can also be found on our website.

Detailed review of Infinity Reference 612m 2-Way Marine Loudspeakers

Additional Info

User Manual

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B00292XT2I

What customers say about this product

Audio

Obviously a 6.5" can't produce the base frequencies like a big sub can, so you certainly need a good amp and sub-woofer to fill in the bottom end, but these Infinitys do their job on the mid range and highs beautifuly.

Size & Weight

Very solid & well built..

Features

For the price, these speakers are great. I am using these speakers in a homemade waterproof boombox. I am impressed with the sound that these speakers produce.
 

MCM 60-10021

An Excellent Solution for Both Land and Sea

MCM managed to design loudspeakers, suitable both for those who love voyaging on the water as well as those loving off-road wilderness jeep exploration. These are the MCM Custom Audio 60-10021 speakers. They don't require any special installation location and should be mounted simply on the wakeboard tower. Although such type of installation may seem a little unreliable, we assure you that wakeboard towers have never let anyone down yet even in harsh marine or/and extreme off-road environments. The specially designed structure provides extra moisture protection and overall durability, ensuring that the inner parts of the system don't get damaged by the elements. This protection will also be useful on land during races on the rugged landscape.

Review of MCM 60-10021 Marine Wakeboard Speakers

Balanced Qualities

The MCM Custom Audio 60-10021 are one of the best speakers you can use for creating the mood during travels and voyages. Sound quality is achieved via frequency response of 40Hz-20kHz, which basically means these speakers are capable of reproducing all "lows" and "highs" a human ear can hear. This is why the MCM Custom Audio 60-10021 sound great outdoors even if you sail the boat at high speed. These speakers will ideally complement any boat, car or even ATV design, giving it a more contemporarily look.

MCM 60-10021 Marine Wakeboard Speakers in the use

Something Else for Your Sound System

A lot of people like the idea of using several sets of speakers instead of one. However, there's something you need to keep in mind. Regular speakers often use mediocre amplifiers, which, in turn, impacts the quality of the sound and sometimes even the possibility of using several sets. However, there's a solution. You can install a protected amplifier to further boost your audio system, choosing one of the car audio amplifiers we've selected for you.

Detailed review of MCM 60-10021 Marine Wakeboard Speakers
Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B008DJT5QK

What customers say about this product

Audio

Great product at a great price. These are very loud and crisp even with low power.

Features

Bracket is sturdy and holding up well being bounced around in the waves.

Size & Weight

hese speakers sound really good and very durable they ride on my viking every day and play all night and day. I have a pyle 1000 on them.
 

Sony XSMP1611

Elegant Design

Sony is known as one of the leading electronics companies in the world. While being a quality standard for other companies in the technology industry, it is also an expensive brand, as you always have to pay for quality. Meanwhile, Sony XSMP1611 appears to be an exception from this rule, as it is as well-designed as it is cheap. It also possesses a simple yet attractive appearance and shape. Two models are offered, each differs from another only by color. These colors are black and white, which gives you a possibility to install it in an interior with either dark of bright colors. Its protection is also worth mentioning, as it hides exceptional performance underneath, away from all the water, salt, and even UV rays.

Review of Sony XSMP1611 Dual Cone Marine Speakers

Outstanding Sound Quality for a Low Price

Sony XSMP1611, just like many other marine speakers, has a size of 6.5', which makes it fit the standard socket perfectly well. It is a two-way coaxial acoustic system,  which means it has one low-frequency and one medium-high-frequency drivers and a frequency coverage from 45Hz to 20kHz, which is no lower than that of more expensive models. In addition to that, its sensitivity to power handling ratio makes it great for audio listening even during voyages. Sony is also famous for its constant care for customers. The company always does its best to make sure that everything works like a charm for years ahead. That's why we recommend the XSMP1611 speakers to all of you who want to get a high-quality sound for a reasonable price. 

Sony XSMP1611 Dual Cone Marine Speakers in the use

Something You Will Most Definitely Need

Speakers are not the only thing you need in your marine sound system. In order to get things working, you also need to install a sound source. If you haven't got one yet, feel free to have a look at what car video & stereo receivers we think you should buy.

Detailed review of Sony XSMP1611 Dual Cone Marine Speakers

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $47.77
Stock In stock
ASIN B0066130EA

What customers say about this product

Size & Weight

These work great in our boat. Nice solid speaker with a decent sound without breaking the bank.

Audio

These were setup in my cockpit of my sailboat and they really play loud and crisp. Very sturdy design and a lot of power!

Features

Not bad for the price. So far they're holding up to salt water and the elements. They Sound OK.
 

Kenwood KFC-1653MRW

A Reliable Solution for Your Boat

Kenwood didn't want to stand aside and decided to make every boat and yacht owner happy, so they made KFC-1653MRW. These speakers will do just fine for your watercraft. As it is expected from such speakers, they are protected from splashes of salt water and sun rays. Like many other rivals, it is 6.5' in size and two-way coaxial. It is also worth mentioning that the woofer is made of a reliable and durable material -- polypropylene, a good choice for an acoustic system. The outer design is made in neat minimalistic style. It will certainly blend nicely on your boat.

Review of Kenwood KFC-1653MRW Marine Speakers

Distinctive Characteristics

Not only do these speakers look good, but they also sound well enough. Unfortunately, though, they cannot offer you such a wide range of frequencies as its rivals. Nevertheless, 60Hz - 20KHz is more than enough to be able to hear your favorite song loud and clear. This solution will fit small boats so much better, though if you buy an additional set of these loudspeakers and allocate it well, you will be surprised at how marvelously it performs. Keep in mind, that you are always able to achieve interesting results by allocating speakers on different spots. The feature that contributes the most to that is their compactness. They don't occupy space at all, while still impressing you with their sound. 

Kenwood KFC-1653MRW Marine Speakers in the use

A Pleasant Addition

If you can't live without listening to music wherever you go, you should certainly check the shower speakers. These acoustic systems are completely resistant to water, which makes them functional even in your shower. You could take a look at some other specs we've shared on our website.

Detailed review of Kenwood KFC-1653MRW Marine Speakers

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $74.11
Stock In stock
ASIN B00U7RW0B8

What customers say about this product

Size & Weight

Bass is good for a speaker of this size. Speaker construction is durable

Audio

This Kenwood is by far the best one, something I have currently installed and i love it! The RMS power on this is just what i was looking for to match my sub, and the peak of 1000 watt is even better. With the right tweaking you will get optimal bass output.

Features

Sound great and they have a relatively flat response. I used very little EQ correction. Low end extension is pretty good for coaxials. Four of them in a 24 foot boat, fronts in the open bow and rears at the feet of the rear seat.
 

Boss MR60W

A Simple Yet Reliable Solution

American company BOSS is one of the leading manufacturers in acoustics and mobile technology industry. One of its distinguishing features is a high quality to price ratio. That's the reason why we would like you to take a closer look at their marine model for boats - the MR60W speakers. First of all, these are a two-way coaxial type of speakers. Apart from all the features we've already mentioned while discussing previous coaxial models, this construction also has one additional benefit - you won't have to make any additional mounting holes. Furthermore, for the exactly same reason, coaxial speakers simply don't need much space. As well as in the previous models of speakers, the minimalistic design hides a reliable protection from outer threats such as water, salt, UV rays, and vibrations that can potentially interfere with how the speakers work. Finally, these loudspeakers have a 3-year warranty, which kind of says something about their reliability. 

Review of Boss MR60W Marine Speakers

Sound Details

The BOSS AUDIO MR60W speakers don't have any problems with volume, as they have excellent sensitivity and even better power handling. Its RMS is 100W, while its peak is 200W. Together with the sensitivity of 90dB, these loudspeakers deliver a great result. Not only do they sound loud, but they are also not affected by the wind. There's only one thing that could've been improved. The frequency range of these speakers isn't as wide as in other models, which means the "lows" don't sound as good as they could. 

Boss MR60W Marine Speakers in the use

Deep Bass Solution

If you've decided to organize a high-quality audio system with dominant low frequencies, you should take a closer look at car subwoofers that can be used in a boat if managed the right way. First of all, you will have to affix them to some surface so that they don't move during voyages, and then you'll have to make sure no water will ever touch them. However, if you'll manage to do so, nothing will stop you from having a full-scale party on your watercraft. Here is a list of subwoofers we think you should check out.

Detailed review of Boss MR60W Marine Speakers

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $43.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B0001XO674

What customers say about this product

Audio

Great speakers for the price, well made for the marine environment. They sound awesome, I have 400 watt and they take all of that power and still have a crisp sound

Size & Weight

Great sound and exact replacement size for my old speakers.

Features

The speakers sound satisfactorily loud and clear, and I personally tested the water "proof-ness" with a hose outside (it passed).
 

What are Marine Speakers

If you're lucky to own a boat or a yacht, then you certainly know how much joy it is to sail it. However, it's not even close to what you may experience with your favorite music in the background. That's exactly what marine speakers are designed for. Waterproof and capable of working in harsh environments, they can easily compete with very powerful audio systems, producing the sound as good as you want it to be no matter where you are.

For those of you who adore listening to music, we'd recommend reading our car speakers, outdoor speakers, in-wall & in-ceiling speakers reviews.

What Features to Compare

Physical Properties

In order to choose the best speakers for your boat or yacht, you should consider their physical properties, such as the size and type. First of all, decide what type of speakers you'd like to install in your boat. There are two types of acoustic systems to choose from: component and coaxial. The most common type is coaxial speakers. They usually contain two or more drivers that allow them to produce a wider range of audio frequencies. Component speakers usually come with a single driver and therefore, can produce sound either at a low, medium or high frequency. Speaking of installation, the coaxial speakers are the easier-to-install of the two. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes and therefore, suit standard sockets used in boats. Also, they can be mounted on the top of the wakeboard tower.

Sound Quality

To estimate the quality of the sound, you will need to learn some technical specifications. The primary characteristic to check out is the frequency range. The wider it is the better sound the speakers will produce at different frequencies. The power handling specs will tell you how loud the sound may get. Consider the number of audio drivers in the chosen speakers. There can be from 1 to 5 drivers installed. The more there are, the more precise the frequency division will be. In two-way loudspeakers, the task of reproducing bass and some of the "mids" falls upon one driver, while the other one is used for the "highs". Three-way systems make this division more accurate with each way being responsible for low, medium and high frequencies accordingly.

Additional Features

After you decide on the specifications that suit your needs better, we recommend you to check out some other extras like the color, design, protection rating, etc. Sometimes, such little things can make a difference and help you make the right choice.

FAQ:

Q: Some speakers are listed as waterproof, and some are listed as water-resistant. What's the difference?

A: Waterproof speakers are those, that can be fully submerged in the water, though how deep and for how long may differ from one manufacturer to another. If the manufacturer says the model is water-resistant, it means that it will survive water splashes during voyages or light rain, for example. But these speakers won't live through the complete submersion. So make sure you pick the right protection rating, depending on your needs.

Q: Should I use full-range (coaxial) or component speakers?

A: Neither of them is better than the other one. They are different. Full-range speakers provide everything you need in one small ready-to-install out-of-the-box solution. Purchasing a full-range coaxial type of speakers you'll get both a woofer for the low-frequency sounds and a tweeter mounted on the top of the woofer for the high-frequency sounds. Component speakers are separate woofers, separate tweeters, and separate crossovers. So in order to launch that system, you'll have to install every single speaker first. However, the result is usually worth the work, as the sound will seem better and have a greater depth than usual. 

Q: Can I install regular car audio system on my boat?

A: Technically, you can. Manufacturers use the same technology and parts for both car and marine speakers. Sometimes, they even use the same model. However, loudspeakers designed for marine use are always coated with a water-resistant layer. Usually, they are also resistant to salt corrosion and UV-rays. So you can, indeed, use regular car speakers, however, water resistance is essential, if you want them to live longer than one or several voyages. 

Q: What primary characteristics should I consider?

A: One of the most important characteristics is the frequency range. Also, spend some time thinking over power handling, sensitivity, and a number of drivers (i.e. two-way or three-way loudspeakers).

Q: Where should I place my new speakers?

A: Unlike car loudspeakers that have one specific place to be installed, marine speakers do not have one. It always depends on the type of watercraft you own. If you replace your old loudspeakers, you can simply mount the new ones. 

Q: Can I install more than one set of speakers?

A: Sure thing you can! What you will need though is to drill a few extra mounting holes for the speakers and some wiring to further connect them. 

Q: How many speakers are included in the package?

A: Usually, there are two of them in every package. However, make sure to check this before you buy them.

Q: Can I install my new loudspeakers all by myself?

A: Yes, you totally can. If you have coaxial speakers and the mounting holes used by the previous sound system, installing them will be as easy as a breeze. 

Sources:

1. Tom Burden Choosing Marine Speakers, West Marine.

2. Tim Sprinkle Building your boat's stereo system, Crutchfield.

3. Tim Sprinkle Marine stereo buying guide, Crutchfield.

4. Speaker Buying Guide, Abt.

5. Jeremy Laukkonen Component or Coaxial: Building Better Sound Systems for Cars, Lifewire. March 16, 2017.

6. Coaxial loudspeaker, Wikipedia.

7. Elizabeth Carver 10 Tips for Choosing New Marine Speakers, TopTenReviews.

8. Lenny Rudow 10 Tips for Choosing Marine Stereos, boats.com. May 1, 2012.

9. Jim Hendricks How To Install Flush-Mount Marine Speakers, Boating. January 25, 2016.

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Publish Date: 2017-05-12 09:56:53