The 9 Best Marine Speakers

1. Polk Audio DXi651 6.5” 2-Way Marine Speakers (Pair)

The DXi range includes several speaker sizes from 4” to 6” and the ever-popular 6” x 9”. For this article, we chose one of the most popular DXi speakers, the Polk Audio DXi651.

Drivers & Sound

The DXi651 is a circular speaker with a 6½” low-frequency driver and a ¾” tweeter. The DXi651 is sold as a pair, with each speaker producing 60W RMS and a 180W Peak. This is more than enough power for the back deck of most leisure boats. Even for a bit of a party while out on the water. The DXi651 does lack a little bass. However, this is only if you’re looking for a loud party marine speaker. For general background music and the odd party, the DXi651 will work just fine.

Amplification & Power

To power the Polk Audio DXi651, you want an amplifier with a minimum of 60W and a max of around 100W to 125W. We recommend pairing these marine speakers with the Soundstream Stealth Series SM4.1000D 1000W 4 Channel Marine Grade Class D Amplifier. At 4 ohms, you’ll get 90W RMS per channel which is more than enough to drive the DXi651. If you decide to go higher, be careful not to drive the speakers to distortion, or you risk blowing the speakers.

Installation

The DXi651 is really easy to install. If you follow the user manual, you shouldn’t have any issues. Make sure to use 16-gauge marine-grade speaker wire for installation. All the necessary brackets are included with the speakers, so you have everything ready to go.

What’s in the box?

Polk Audio DXi651 6.5” 2-Way Marine Speakers Conclusion

If you’re looking for an affordable pair of marine speakers, then the Polk Audio DXi651 is a great option to consider. While the DXi651 does lack a little bass, the speakers produce crystal clear audio and are surprisingly loud. The DXi651 is quick and easy to install with everything you need (excluding speaker wire) included in the box.

2. BOSS Audio MR690 Weatherproof Marine Speakers

BOSS Audio design and manufactures an extensive range of budget car and marine audio products. The major benefit of choosing BOSS Audio is you can get everything you need from a single manufacturer at an affordable price.

Drivers & Sound

The BOSS Audio MR690 is a pair of weatherproof marine speakers which can be combined with other BOSS Audio products to build a full marine sound system for your boat.

Each MR690 features a 6” x 9” low-frequency driver with a 1” tweeter capable of producing 175W peak per speaker. Even though these are “cheap” marine speakers, the MR690 sound really good. I wouldn’t recommend the MR690 if you’re looking for loud “party speakers” for the boat. The MR690 has a nice bottom-end sound, but I certainly wouldn’t call these bass speakers. Mid-range and high frequencies are clear with no issues there. For general use and background music, the MR690 will perform just fine.

Amplification & Power

To power your MR690 you will need an amplifier with a max of 175W per channel at 8 ohms. We recommend pairing the MR690 with the BOSS Audio MR800 Marine Grade Amplifier. The MR800 will push a little more power than needed, so don’t turn your gain full the amplifier.

You might want to also consider adding the BOSS Audio MGR350B Marine Gauge Receiver too. The MGR350B can be mounted on your dash and features Bluetooth, AM/FM radio, and a USB port.

The MR690 is really easy to install and comes with step-by-step instructions for you to follow. It is recommended you use 16-gauge or 14-gauge marine-grade speaker wire when installing these speakers.

What’s in the box?

BOSS Audio MR690 Weatherproof Marine Speakers Conclusion

If you’re looking for an affordable marine speaker, then the BOSS Audio MR690 is one to consider. With BOSS Audio manufacturing everything from speakers to amps and accessories, you can get all the audio you need from one supplier. The MR range comes in several different sizes, so if you need speakers for different parts of the boat, you’ll be sure to find the right size within the BOSS Audio MR series.

3. Pyle PLMR60 Dual 6.5” Waterproof Marine Speakers

If you’re on a tight budget and need a pair of cheap marine speakers, then you know you can always count on Pyle to deliver. The Pyle PLMR60 is a pair of waterproof marine speakers for a little over $20! That’s an incredible price, but are they incredible speakers?

Drivers & Sound

The PLMR60 features two 6½” speakers with a 1” tweeter capable of producing up to 150W each. Installed as a pair, and you have 300W of power on the back deck of your boat. As is always the case with Pyle, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at just how good these cheap marine speakers sound. I wouldn’t put the PLMR60 in a bass speaker category, but the low-end response is decent for the price. The mid-range and high-frequencies deliver a decent clarity which most consumers will be more than happy with.

Amplification & Power

The PLMR60 has a power handling of 75W RMS to 150W Peak per speaker. You shouldn’t have an issue driving these speakers off a standard marine receiver. We found the Pyle PLMRB29 In-Dash AM/FM Receiver with MP3 playback and USB/SD/AUX Inputs is perfectly suited to drive the PLMR60. Alternatively, if you prefer to use an amplifier, the Pyle Hydra Marine 800W Amplifier is a great option to pair with your PLMR60 marine speakers and will work with any controller or receiver.

Installation

Pyle has made the PLMR60 easy to install with plug-and-play wiring from each speaker, ready to connect to an existing or new installation. The speakers come with grilles, mounting hardware, and full instructions to get you up and running in no time. If you have an existing system with holes and wiring already in place, you can install your new PLMR60 marine speakers in a matter of minutes. Use a 16-gauge or 14-gauge marine-grade speaker wire when installing the PLMR60.

What’s in the box?

Pyle PLMR60 Dual 6.5” Waterproof Marine Speakers Conclusion

If you’re on a tight budget, then you won’t find any better in the $20 price range than the Pyle PLMR60. Even though these speakers are cheap, they sound decent and are surprisingly loud too. The PLMR60 can be run off most receivers or even one of Pyle’s micro-amplifiers. Pyle is another brand with a wide range of marine audio products, which means you can build your whole marine sound system using one affordable brand.

4. Kenwood KFC-1653MRW 6.5″ 2-Way Marine Speakers Pair

Kenwood is always a good option for a more premium sound. I consider Kenwood a good middle-of-the-range marine speaker in terms of both price and quality. The Kenwood KFC-1653MRW is a great pair of marine speakers with good sound and quality parts.

Drivers & Sound

The KFC-1653MRW is sold as a pair with a single 6½” low-frequency driver and a 1” tweeter in each speaker. These speakers produce a surprising amount of bass and volume. Mids and highs are crisp and clean, with good clarity for music and listening to talk radio or podcasts. With a decent amount of bass and volume, you can use the KFC-1653MRW as background music or even as a party speaker.

Amplification & Power

Each KFC-1653MRW speaker has a power handling of 50W to 150W at 4 ohms. You can use most dash-mount receivers to drive the KFC-1653MRW marine speakers. The Kenwood KMR-M325BT is the perfect match for the KFC-1653MRW, complete with Bluetooth, AM/FM radio, USB, and CD. If you want to turn these bad boys up a little, you might want to consider going through an amplifier.

The Kenwood KAC-M3004 Compact 4-Channel Digital Amplifier is an excellent choice to pair with your KFC-1653MRW speakers. With two channels bridged at 4 ohms, you’ll get 150W per channel, driving your KFC-1653MRW at their peak rating.

Installation

The KFC-1653MRW marine speakers are easy to install. The speakers come ready to plug and play, so if you are replacing an existing installation, it shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes to hook up the KFC-1653MRW. Go with a 14-gauge marine-grade speaker wire for installing with a receiver or 12-gauge if installing with an amplifier.

What’s in the box?

Kenwood KFC-1653MRW 6.5″ 2-Way Marine Speakers Conclusion

If you’re looking for a good-sounding marine speaker, middle of the range, not a cheap brand but not too expensive, then the Kenwood KFC-1653MRW is the way to go. These speakers are really popular, with hundreds of positive reviews online. The KFC-1653MRW is a step up in quality from the cheaper brands at only slightly more money.

If you’re after some real power, you might consider going with the KFC-2053MRW, the 8” version of the KFC-1653MRW. The KFC-2053MRW has a much better bass response and, if paired with the right amplifier, is significantly louder.

5. NOAM NUTV4 Marine Bluetooth Speakers Stereo System

If you’re looking for wake tower mountable speakers, you might consider this complete system from NOAM. The NOAM NUTV4 is an all-in-one system with everything you need to get your wake tower rigged up with some serious sound. This package includes 2 x wake-tower speakers, an amplifier, and a remote with Bluetooth.

Drivers & Sound

The speakers included in this package are 2 x NOAM N4 Marin speakers, each featuring a 4” low-frequency driver with a 1” tweeter. Each speaker produces 100W RMS with a 200W Peak. Some serious power and a good amount of throw, so you can hear these speakers clearly even from a distance. Obviously, with 4” drivers, the N4 Marin doesn’t produce a big bass sound, but they do have a nice punch to the low end. Mid-range is clean and clear with a nice crisp treble sound.

Amplification & Power

A NOAM NBTA4-A 4-channel marine amplifier is supplied with the system to power your marine speakers. Each channel pushes 100W at 4 ohms which is a perfect match for the N4 Marin speakers. The NBTA4-A can drive another two 100W speakers on the other channels, so you have enough power to add another two marine speakers if you would like.

Also included is the NBTA4-R Bluetooth remote control. The NBTA4-R control includes buttons for play/pause, track skip next, track skip previous, volume up, volume down, and a power/Bluetooth pairing button. Having the controller mounted on the dash lets you put your mobile or Bluetooth device away so it won’t get wet while still playing audio.

Installation

Installing the NOAM NUTV4 marine sound system is easy. Each part is designed to work in harmony with the other, so if you follow the installation instructions, you won’t have any issues installing the NOAM NUTV4 on your boat. NOAM supplies you with multiple rubber pads to fit a variety of mounting bar diameters. Also included are two 11.5-foot lengths of wire for the speakers.

What’s in the box?

NOAM NUTV4 Marine Bluetooth Speakers Stereo System Conclusion

If you’re looking for an all-in-one wake tower marine stereo system, then the NOAM NUTV4 is an excellent choice to consider. The speakers are really loud with great sound quality. At under $200, the NOAM NUTV4 marine sound system package offers great value with all the necessary parts to get your wake tower blasting your favorite music.

You can use the NOAM NUTV4 Quad Marine Speaker package for bigger installs. The system is essentially the same but includes two extra NOAM N4 Marin speakers. Only two channels on the NOAM NBTA4-A 4-channel marine amplifier are being used, so you still have two spare channels to drive all four speakers from the same amplifier.

6.  Polk Audio DB691 6” x 9” 3-Way Marine Speakers

Another speaker from the Polk Audio DB series is a little bigger and more powerful this time. The Polk Audio DB691 is a marine-certified 3-way speaker sold as a pair. The DB691 is for those who might be looking for more power over the DXi651, which is also featured in this article.

Drivers & Sound

The DB691 is a 3-way marine speaker with a 6” x 9” low-frequency driver, a 1” tweeter, and a ¾” super tweeter (as named by Polk in the DB series catalog). The bass response is pretty standard and on par with most 6” x 9” drivers. Sufficient for most applications, but bass lovers will always find it necessary to add a subwoofer. Having said that, the bass response is fine for a boat install. The two tweeters ensure the mid-range and high-frequency response is clean and clear. The crisp highs offer good intelligibility for music and spoken voice.

Amplification & Power

While you can power the DB691 using a standard dash receiver, it’s not recommended. I will install an amplifier if you want to get the most out of these speakers. This will ensure the speakers are driven efficiently and prevent long-term damage from an underpowered amp source. We recommend using the Rockville RXM-F3 4-channel Marine Amplifier to drive the DB691. The RXM-F3 delivers four channels of 125W at 4 ohms which is perfect for the DB691. You have two additional channels to drive a subwoofer or two more marine speakers.

Installation

The DB691 comes with everything you need to install the speakers on your boat. If you choose to go with the Rockville RXM-F3 amplifier, this comes with all the cabling and accessories. So there is no need to purchase those extras. For the DB691, I would go with a 16-gauge or 14-gauge marine-grade speaker wire.

What’s in the box?

Polk Audio DB691 6” x 9” 3-Way Marine Speakers Conclusion

If you like the Polk Audio price point, but the DXi651 is a little underpowered for your needs, the DB691 is a better option. The DB691 has a standard bass response for a 6” x 9” speaker, which is more than enough for a boat. If you want to crack the DB691 for a bit of a party on the back deck, then it’s recommended you pair the speakers with an amplifier. A standard receiver won’t give you the power you need to get the most out of the DB691. At under $100 for a pair of 6” x 9” speakers, the DB691 delivers good sound and value.

7. JBL MS6520 6″ 2-Way Marine Loudspeaker

If you’re looking for a more reliable, premium brand, then JBL is always an excellent choice. The JBL MS6520 is a 2-way marine loudspeaker sold as a pair. As you would expect from JBL, the MS6520 is made from quality parts with patented Plus One™ Woofer Cones, which increases overall sensitivity and low-frequency output.

Drivers & Sound

The MS6520 features a 6” low-frequency driver with a 1” tweeter capable of producing up to 180W Peak. The sound of the MS6520 can only be described as clean and smooth. The low-frequency response is tight and full with a nice punchy bass sound. The mid-range is clear with a nice clean, crisp treble response. Great for music and spoken voice from radio or podcasts. You can hear the difference in audio quality between the JBL and other cheaper brands.

Amplification & Power

The MS6520 can be powered by most standard dash-mount marine receivers, so you shouldn’t have an issue adding these to an existing installation. If you are in the market for a receiver, then the Fusion Entertainment MS-RA70 Marine Entertainment System is a good fit for the JBL MS6520 marine speakers. The MS-RA70 does cost slightly more than most receivers, but then you want a premium dash unit to go with your premium JBL speakers.

Even if you have a receiver, I recommend you power the MS6520 using a JBL amplifier to get the most out of your speakers. The JBL MA6002 2-Channel Full-Range Marine Amplifier is a great match for the MS6520, with two channels delivering 60W RMS at 4 ohms. You can also include the Prospec Electronics JBL-PRV175 dash-mount controller with Bluetooth for a full JBL marine sound system.

JBL includes all the screws and accessories necessary to install the MS6520 speakers. Be sure to use a 16-gauge or 14-gauge marine-grade speaker wire when installing the MS6520.

What’s in the box?

JBL MS6520 6″ 2-Way Marine Loudspeaker Conclusion

If you’re familiar with the JBL sound, you’ll know their products are always top-notch. You pay a little more for JBL marine speakers, but you get so much more than cheaper brands in terms of both build and audio quality. The MS6520 is a great-sounding speaker delivering a smooth, clean sound across the frequency spectrum. At just under $80, the MS6520 is really well priced in relation to the cheaper marine speakers on the market. Even if you’re on a really tight budget, consider saving for a couple more months to invest in these awesome marine speakers.

If you’re looking for a little more power, then the JBL MS9520 6” x 9” marine speakers are part of the same range as the MS6520. The MS9520 delivers almost double the power as the MS6520 with improved bass response.

8. Sony XSMP1611 6.5-Inch Dual-Cone Marine Speakers

If you’re a fan of Sony products, then you’ll definitely want to check out the Sony XSMP1611 6.5-Inch Dual-Cone Marine Speakers. A previous version of the speaker had many issues with the cones blowing after being exposed to salt air. This issue seems to be fixed now, and the latest version of the XSMP1611 hasn’t had any complaints.

Drivers & Sound

The XSMP1611 features a 6½” low-frequency driver with a 1” tweeter in each speaker. The speakers sound really good. Great bass response, clean mid-range, and crisp highs. For both music and radio (or podcasts), the XSMP1611 performs well. The speakers are surprisingly loud, too, so you can crank these marine speakers up for the occasional boat party.

Amplification & Power

Most standard receivers will drive the XSMP1611 marine speakers, but you should consider one of the Sony marine receivers. We recommend pairing the XSMP1611 with the Sony MEX-M100BT Marine CD Receiver with Bluetooth and Sirius XM tuner. The MEX-M100BT delivers 100W of power at 4 ohms which are perfect for the XSMP1611 marine speakers. If you prefer to use an amplifier, the Rockville RXM-F3 4-channel Marine Amplifier is a good match for the XSMP1611 speakers.

Installation

The XSMP1611 is really easy to install, and Sony includes everything you’ll need to get these marine speakers installed on your boat. Be sure to use a 16-gauge or 14-gauge marine-grade speaker wire for installation. The front grille is paintable, which is great if you prefer your speakers to blend for a better aesthetic.

The XSMP1611 is also available in a coaxial version, the XSMP1621, which is slightly more powerful with improved power handling.

What’s in the box?

Sony XSMP1611 6.5-Inch Dual-Cone Marine Speakers Conclusion

Fans of Sony will not be disappointed with the XSMP1611 6.5-Inch Dual-Cone Marine Speakers. The XSMP1611 performs well across the frequency spectrum with a nice and solid bass response, clean mids, and crisp treble. While the original version of the XSMP1611 did have some issues, Sony seems to have fixed this with no complaints since. The XSMP1611 comes in at under $50, which is a really good price for a premium 6½” marine speaker.

9. Polk Audio DB521 5.25 Marine Speakers

Another speaker from the popular Polk Audio DB series is the DB521 coaxial marine speaker. The DB521 are sold as a pair and are hugely popular online for their affordable price and good sound.

Drivers & Sound

The DB521 features a 5¼” low-frequency driver with a single ¾” tweeter. The sound quality is good for a 5¼” marine speaker. However, the bass response isn’t as good as the bigger 6½” options we reviewed for this article. The mid-range is present with vocals and instruments sounding great. The treble is good but not as present as you get from a 1” tweeter. One thing the DB521 doesn’t lack is power. The DB521 is surprisingly loud for its size, and a pair should be more than adequate for the back deck of most boats.

Amplification & Power

As the DB521 doesn’t require a lot of power, it can easily be driven by most standard marine receivers. We recommend pairing the DB521 with a Kenwood KMR-M325BT marine receiver. The KMR-M325BT is a Bluetooth receiver with four channels delivering 50W of power.

If, however, you are looking for a little more power, then the Soundstream SM4.1000D 4-Channel Stealth Series Marine Amplifier is a good option to pair with the DB521.

Installation

Installing the DB521 is easy, and Polk Audio supplies you with everything you’ll need to mount these marine speakers on your boat. The grilles are chrome colored but can be painted to match your boat. Like the DXi651, you want to go with a 16-gauge marine-grade speaker wire for installation.

What’s in the box?

Polk Audio DB521 5.25 Marine Speakers Conclusion

Although smaller than most of the speakers in this article, the Polk Audio DB521 packs a punch. Maybe not as bass-heavy as the 6” or 6½” marine speakers, but the DB521 sound just as good and are surprisingly loud too. You can pick the DB521 for a little over $60 on Amazon, which I initially thought was a little expensive for Polk Audio, but they are worth the money for the sound and build quality.