Amplify Your Boat With the Best Marine Speakers
These speakers are not only sturdy enough to withstand harsh conditions, but they’re also loud enough so that the sound of the boat or waves won’t drown the music out. We’ve rated and reviewed some of the leading marine speakers of 2024 to help you choose the perfect one for your next boating adventure.
Whether you’re out for a day of fishing or just unwinding on the water with your friends, nothing beats the experience of grooving to your favorite tracks. Who said that you can’t enjoy some good music just because you’re on a boat? A high-quality acoustic system can effortlessly improve your overall boating experience, making it more fun and exciting. Because ordinary speakers can’t withstand the elements and weather conditions, you need high-quality marine speakers to experience excellent sound quality over the whirling winds and crashing waves.
Our Top Picks
The Elite Marine Speaker Models of 2024 in Detail
Best Overall
If you’re looking for an affordable pair of speakers, then the Pyle Marine Speakers are an ideal pick for you. With 150 watts of power, these speakers are more powerful than ordinary marine speakers so you can play your music at the highest volume. Thanks to their acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic basket, you can enjoy your favorite tracks with little to no distortion.
Another great feature about these speakers is that they come with a 20-ounce circuit magnet, offering you a complete stereo sound system. Plus, they have rust-proof mesh covers so you won’t have to worry about any rust building up due to outdoor exposure. The rubber and polypropylene cones with aluminum voice coil make these speakers flexible and strong enough to produce excellent bass and sound.
Pros
- Completely waterproof for outdoor conditions
- Grill construction fights UV damage
- Classic, low-profile design
Cons
- Aren’t actually two-way speakers
Easy to Install
Kenwood is a leading name in the electronic appliances industry with an extensive experience under its belt and this pair of marine speakers are an example of its excellent craftsmanship. These speakers are made of durable plastic and come in an attractive shape with a minimalist design. You can confidently install them on your motorboat or sailboat since they can withstand salty water splashes and other outdoor elements without showing any signs of wear or tear.
Thanks to their UV-resistant front, these marine speakers can shrug off harmful effects of the sun, so you can install them under direct sun rays. With their 150 watts of peak power, 6.5-inch polypropylene cone woofers, and 1-inch dome tweeter, these marine speakers are unquestionably one of the best on our list.
Pros
- Come with a composite speaker basket
- Waterproof cones withstand splashes
- Wide soundstage for amazing sound quality
Cons
- Available only in white
Most Durable
The Polk Audio Marine Speakers boast a low-profile design, making them compact enough to fit in a limited space. These marine speakers have an attractive design and blend in well with the overall decor of most boats thanks to their sleek black finish. If you want to make these speakers really pop, you can use chrome screws to attach them. Featuring an impressive build, these speakers have a kick to them, allowing you to groove to the beat at louder volumes.
These marine speakers are designed with marine audio and outdoor conditions in mind, so you don’t need to worry about UV rays or saltwater getting in their way. The signature sound quality goes beyond the original equipment manufacturers’ (OEM) factory systems. Best of all, these speakers are extremely easy to install with their drop-in mechanism, allowing you to start using them right out of the box.
Pros
- Marine certified with IP55 rating
- Weighs only 3.9 pounds
- Wireless connection with radio features
Cons
- Bass is lower quality than others
Easiest To Install
The Herdio Marine Speakers are extremely easy to set up. Featuring built-in mounts and a wireless connection, making them 100% portable, these marine speakers are a game-changer for any boat. By slightly turning the dial on the sides, you can easily adjust the speaker tilt and set them up in the ideal position for optimal sound quality. Compact in build, these impressive speakers are only 4 inches wide, so they won’t take up precious space on your boat.
With 100 watts of power, these marine speakers can produce distortion-free, super loud audio and the ultra-wide 80 to 20,000 Hz frequency response offers a ton of detail between highs and lows. The impedance of these marine speakers is 4 ohms, which means you’ll be able to enjoy super crisp, clear audio.
Pros
- Rust-proof, long-lasting grills
- IP66 waterproof rating for durability
- Wireless design for added convenience
Cons
- The plastic body might feel cheap
Highest Quality
These two-way, super sturdy, and full-range marine speakers from BOSS Audio Systems are a compact option available in different styles, colors, and sizes. These white 6.5-inch speakers come with 4 ohms impedance and a frequency response of 80 to 20,000 Hz, offering you distortion-free, incredibly clear audio.
Whether you’re taking your boat out on the sea or just hanging out at the marina, these marine speakers with 1-inch mylar dome tweeters with aluminum voice coil offer high bass to enjoy every music note. Both speakers have a treated cloth and plastic basket, making them more durable and long-lasting.
Pros
- Comes with magnet covers
- Wireless design for portability
- Weatherproof build lasts longer
Cons
- Not completely waterproof
Buying Guide: Marine Speakers
With so many alternatives available in the marine audio industry, you can be as picky as you like when creating the ideal sound system for your boat. We’ve put together this detailed buying guide to help you choose the right pair of marine speakers. Let’s take a look!
Factors To Consider When Buying Marine Speakers
Cone size
Cone is the speaker’s main element that produces powerful bass tones and its size and shape significantly affect the frequency and quality of the sound. Generally speaking, the louder the speaker, the bigger the cone. Certain speaker cones are oblong while others are circular, so choose one that fits your needs.
Frame size
Marine speakers come in a range of frame sizes, offering different sound quality. Before completing your purchase, you should determine the available space where you’re planning to install the speakers. Be mindful that the majority of marine speaker manufacturers provide you with speaker measurements, which often relate to the cone size rather than the frame size.
Audio output power
The majority of well-liked marine speakers available have a power level of 120 and 350 watts. Marine speakers on the lower end of the spectrum aren’t a fan of high bass frequencies, but if you want a high-quality sound output to groove to your favorite beat, choose a higher power output.
Features To Look For in Marine Speakers
Waterproofing
Although the majority of marine speakers are water-resistant, you should always double-check to make sure your speaker can withstand moisture, rain, and seaspray. A totally waterproof frame is now available for certain marine speakers, insulating them from even the largest splashes while at sea. If you plan to boat in rough waters or if your speakers are near splash zones, consider buying marine speakers that have a higher waterproof rating.
Tweeters
Tweeters produce high treble tones. We recommend purchasing marine speakers with high-quality, sturdy tweeters. Aluminum is the most common material used for tweeters because of its durability and weather resistance. Titanium tweeters are becoming increasingly common because of their lightweight. Titanium tweeters are less resonant and provide a smoother, less damaged sound than many aluminum tweeters.
Frame design for increased bass
Most marine speakers feature a low-profile construction that slips neatly into a boat’s side panel, but some of them resemble typical box speakers. Because of the box construction, the music will echo inside the casing, producing a deeper, more intense bass sound than other low-profile speakers are capable of. These speakers provide a more intense listening experience than their low-profile competitors but are bigger and more difficult to install on your boat.
People Also Asked
Can I use my car speakers on my boat?
Marine speakers are made to be more water-resistant than regular automobile speakers. While some marine speakers may be used in either a boat or a car, you should always consider the specifications of your speakers before attempting to substitute one for the other.
Should I hire a professional to set up my marine speakers?
Not necessarily. The majority of marine speakers come with a simple and easy-to-understand user manual. To prevent ruining your speakers or your boat, we recommend seeking the assistance of a professional installer if you don't feel comfortable installing the speakers yourself.
Does my stereo affect the sound quality of the speakers?
Yes, the sound delivered to the speakers from the audio input has a significant influence on overall sound quality, just like with any other audio system. Make sure the stereo system matches the caliber of your speakers.