Top 10 Best 6×8 Speakers You Should Buy In 2023 Reviews & Buying Guide

In the majority of cases, the speakers that will have been put in your vehicle in the factory won’t be of the highest quality. The car builders will give you something and see that as fulfilling their obligation. They have done that. If you buy better quality cars, then the stereo systems get a bit better. No surprise there.

Some of the German car manufacturers put in-car audio systems that are very good. But only in the real top of the range models.

Usually, the amps in the systems are fine; it’s often just poor quality speakers. So to get a decent sound, you need to replace the speakers. But replace then with what? One of the biggest choices is to decide whether you choose coaxial or component speakers.

Coaxial, sometimes called ‘full-range’ speakers, are the most common. They are almost certainly what has been put in the vehicle in the factory and are the most widely used and the most readily available. They are also the easiest to fit. More on this later…

Component speakers are seen by some as an advantage because the drivers are split into units. You can place these parts of the speaker where you like. This will usually get you a better sound, and we will discuss the relative benefits a bit later. For now, let’s take a look at the options for improving the speakers in your car audio system.

So, let’s go through the best 6×8 speakers currently available and find the perfect ones for you…

Top 10 Best 6×8 Speakers For The Money 2023 Reviews

1 Rockford Fosgate P1683 Punch 6″x8″ 3-Way Full-Range Speaker (Pair)

Rockford Fosgate is well-known for its speakers and audio systems. They have been active in this marketplace for many years. Some might say they are one of the world leaders in manufacturing audio, especially for cars.

The P1683 Punch is for people who want to upgrade their factory-installed speakers. They are a full-range 3-way speaker and have a powerful rating of 65 watts RMS. That equates to about 130 watts peak.

They have a PEI dome tweeter that includes a built-in crossover. PEI or Polyetherimide is a common Polymer. It is good for speakers because it is lightweight and handles high temperatures well. The tweeter is also fitted with a rubber surround for sound projection and stability. It also handles high-output. The Polypropylene cone is molded and mineral-filled.

The frequency response is 65Hz to 24kHz. So not a very big bass end, which is no bad thing.

The design is such that fitting is made easy, and they are simple to install. The Flex-Fit frame uses slots, not screw-sized holes, when fitting so that fixing alignment is also easy. It has an adapter plate that will allow the speakers to be made to fit on most vehicles.

Overall the sound is very good. The bass is not earth-shattering, but if that’s what you want, then a subwoofer could be added. To find out more, please check out our best car subwoofers reviews or our reviews of the best under seat subwoofers. Or, if you would like to try something a little different, how about one of the best free air subwoofers that are currently available?

The highs and mids are good and clear. The bass is present and enough for most people, and the sound and frequency balance is good. They have plenty of power, and distortion levels at higher volumes are low.

These are a decent buy for the money from a company who pride themselves on their quality products. These will make a big improvement to any standard car audio system.

2 Rockford R168X2 Prime 6 x 8 Inches Full Range Coaxial Speaker

Another car audio option from Rockford Fosgate. These best 6×8 speakers are designed to upgrade the speakers that came with the car. Most cars are not given the best speakers as standard. However, it is quite often the case that the stereo system itself is good. The whole effect being let down by poor quality speakers.

This is where the Rockford Fosgate R168X2 make their mark. And we might add at a price that is not going to break the bank.

This model is a two-way speaker meaning it has two drivers. One for the tweeter and one for the low and mid-range frequencies. They have an integrated crossover and put out 65 watts RMS. That has a peak of about 110 watts. They are designed with a silk dome tweeter and are fitted with polypropylene cones.

They are quite easy to install, and you will require a depth of 2.54 inches of depth for the mount. All you need for the fitting is included, except the soldering iron.

As with all Rockford Fosgate products, the build quality is of a high standard. And they make sure you won’t need to call anyone in to fit them.

The sound is a little average if we are honest. Being a two-way design rather than a three-way, you are sure to lose a little quality. It is usually the low frequencies that suffer, and that is the case here. The highs possibly have a little too much treble for comfort, but the mids are fine.

The bass, though, does rather disappear a bit. With speakers of this size, you don’t expect low-frequency miracles. And they are an improvement on the likely factory-installed option; however, they do lack bottom end.

Nevertheless, they are a decent speaker and are good value at a cost-effective price point, which makes them one of the best 6×8 speakers currently available.

3 Pioneer TS-A6880F 6″ x 8″

Pioneer needs little introduction as manufacturers of quality mid to high-end car audio systems. Founded in 1938 as a speaker repair shop, they know what they are doing. They are worldwide today and produce some of the best quality car audio. And this pair of speakers from them will take no prisoners. At 80 watts RMS per pair and a peak performance level of approaching 350 watts, we think they will be quite loud enough.

Pioneer has produced a 4-way speaker system in which they have put a lot into the speaker design. Twin PET hard dome tweeters and midrange with cellulose fiber and ⅝” polypropylene cones deliver the sound. They have a frequency range of 34Hz to 34kHz.

Installation is easy with the fittings provided. You will need a mounting depth of 2.5 inches. They also come with a square fitting plate in case your vehicle requires it.

These are not by any means Pioneer’s best speakers. You wouldn’t call them top-end at all. However, they are an adequate upgrade from the factory fitted options installed in cars. And they are offered at what is a very cost-effective price. The 4-way split means you will get a decent spread of sound, but once again, the low frequencies are a little bit lacking in clarity and quality.

There is no doubt they are a quality speaker and represent good value for money. At the price point, they are hard to beat. And of course, you have the Pioneer quality of construction. They come with speaker grilles that are detachable if you wish — certainly a contender for the best 6×8 speakers.

4 Infinity REF8622CFX 6X8 / 5X7 360W Reference Series 2-Way Coaxial Car Speaker

Infinity Speakers were founded in 1969 in California. They were bought out in 1983 as part of Harman’s attempt to buy every audio company in the world. Harman themselves were bought out by Samsung in 2017.

These are a pair of coaxial speakers with a 2-way design. These have dome tweeters, sometimes referred to as ‘edge-driven,’ and use a textile material design. The idea of dome tweeters is that the sound is spread over a wide area. They have a tweeter that is placed inside the woofer and partially hiding it. These produce high frequencies.

They are rated at 60 watts RMS which means they will have their peak at around 120 watts. However, they are quite lightweight, weighing only two pounds. They come with everything that is required to fit them. And the design allows you to fit them flush or in a flush-mounted directional position, and they will fit in most vehicles.

They will certainly be an upgrade to the speakers fitted as standard in your vehicle. But, they do have one or two drawbacks, though. They have an abundance of treble and very little at the bass end. Yes, the bass is audible, but there is no richness to it at all. The sharpness of the higher frequencies affects the mids as well; the whole sound without an effective bottom end is not so good.

Ouch… expensive!

The other drawback is the price. They are very expensive for what they are when you consider they cost more than most. They do come with speaker grilles if that is any consolation?

5 Pyle PL683BL 6” x 8” Car Sound Speaker (Pair)

We have come across Pyle speakers before. The one thing we remember about those speakers was how loud they were. We noticed very early on that these speakers don’t do so bad either. They are rated at 180W RMS with a peak of 360 watts. Clearly, they are designed for those wanting a Who concert in the car.

They have a frequency response of 79Hz to 20kHz, so we begin to think the bottom end might be weak. It is a three-way designed tri-axial speaker with a large magnet. It also has a one-inch neodymium dome mid-range and a ¾” Piezo tweeter. They are fitted using a rubber surround to absorb undue movement.

They are colored blue though exactly why we are not sure? If they are installed in the car doors, then you can’t see them? They are capable of working at high temperatures because of their ASV voice coil. ASV coils are only made in China, so we must assume this speaker is made there as well.

These speakers are certainly very loud, but they do lack a little, firstly in clarity and secondly at the bottom end. Some manufacturers think that power is everything, but of course, this is a fallacy. Quality of the sound is what you should look for, not just volume.

There will be some that appreciate them for the volume they omit. The quality, though, is very average, and Pyle can do better than this. The top end is very sharp, and the louder it gets, the sharper it gets. The bottom is hardly discernible at moderate volume.

They are, of course, probably a lot better than what was installed at the car factory. In that respect, they are a step up, and the price point is very low. In our opinion, not Pyle’s finest hour. As we said, though, they are better than what was put in the car at the factory.

6 2 Pair Kenwood KFC-C6895PS 6″x8″ Performance Series 3-Way Custom Fit Coaxial

Kenwood is another audio company that needs little introduction. Now merged with JVC, they once manufactured some high-end sound systems. In recent years, however, they have concentrated their designs on the mid-range market.

With this system, you get four coaxial three-way design speakers. Each speaker includes a ¾” ceramic super tweeter and a paper composition woofer. The power is rated at 80 watts RMS or 360 watts peak handling power. The frequency response is 63Hz to 20000 Hz. For the fitting, you will need a depth of 2 and ⅜”.

With all the four speakers you are looking at a total output of 360 watts. That is quite loud by anybody’s standards. It is not the power though it is the quality of that sound.

It is very difficult to get a decent low-frequency sound from a speaker that is only 8 by 6 inches. There technical aspects that allow the bass to become prominent. We all know that the larger the speaker box, the better the bass can be. So speakers for use in the car already have a disadvantage in size.

These though have very little bass to write home about. The high frequencies and the mids are there, but the bass just isn’t. Overall the sound is actually quite good. It just lacks a bottom end. With that, these speakers would sound like they come from a different price bracket.

There are, of course, four speakers, and that should be kept in mind when considering the price. Even so, these come out at the top of the price range on a per speaker basis. In upgrading car audio systems, these have their place.

7 Kicker 40CSS684 6″x8″ Component Speaker System

The difference between coaxial and component speakers is quite marked. They do the same job but in vastly different ways. It is almost certain that the speakers fitted in the factory of your car are coaxial. They are the easiest to fit and most common; however, the speakers we are going to look at now are component speakers.

These speakers by Kicker come as part of a package. Included are two speakers, two tweeters, and two crossovers. All the frequencies are then covered. The highs and mids are prominent.

Because the bass is isolated, you can set it up wherever it will give you the best sound. Unlike coaxial speakers where each speaker is a complete unit, these are separated. You are, therefore, able to place the component parts where you wish. This allows you to dictate the sound somewhat. It should give you a better sound experience.

They are designed to be able to fit most cars with a minimum of fuss. There is a little bit more work than you would have with coaxial speakers. The cones are polypropylene, and the surrounds have been strengthened. They are rated at 150 watts RMS, so they pack a punch.

The tweeters deliver a powerful top end, and they remain clear and concise even at higher volumes. At lower volumes, the bass is heard in a good balance. As the volume increases, it tends to get lost.

Sound-wise they are ok, but as with most car audio systems, the bass does get lost. If you like your bass big and booming, you won’t like these too much. They do not come with speaker grilles, which to us, is negative. They are quite expensive. Regardless of all this, they are still considered as one of the best 6×8 car audio systems available.

8 CERWIN VEGA V468 6-Inch x 8-Inc.

These are a powerful speaker. The manufacturers claim 400 watts, but the RMS rating is 75 watts? Nevertheless, they have an attribute that many of the replacement 6 by 8 speakers do not have. They have a reasonable bass sound.

They have a one-inch titanium dome tweeter and a mica-filled fiber composite cone. These are fitted with a rubber surround to eliminate undue stress from movement. They have a frequency response of 55-20000 Hz. The cone design is curvilinear. This is an alternative design to more shallow cones that produce higher frequencies. The curvilinear design gives a wider range and, therefore, more bottom end.

We mentioned earlier about the bass sound. The cone design of these speakers delivers that improved bass response. Not to devastating effect, but makes it far more prominent than the usual shallower cone sound. The cone design also gives better off-axis performance, and higher frequency energy is not disturbed.

To add to the cones designs, these speakers also have a high sensitivity response. This allows them to produce a powerful sound even at a low wattage. You don’t, therefore, have to crank them up to the maximum to get the best.

They are well-made and quite tough, but you will need to be careful with the fittings. Please check first because you may find that the existing fittings in your vehicle may not be compatible.

They produce a big sound and with no shortage of low-frequency response. This gives them a head start on those who don’t have too much bottom end. If you like your bass prominent, then these are worth considering.

The price point is set at a reasonable level. And these could add a lot of sound to your car audio system.

9 Rockville RV68.3A 6×8 3-Way Car Speakers

Rockville is a well-known manufacturer of car audio systems. Based in New York, they have built some popular systems over the years.

These are a pair of 3-way speakers that have been given an extraordinary power rating. We did wonder if it wasn’t a misprint. The RMS rating is 85 watts each. Usually, that would be about half of the potential peak performance. These claim a power rating of 900 watts.

They have a high-temperature 1.5” PEI dome style tweeter supported at the top end by a 0.6” super tweeter. Low mid and bass frequencies are driven by the polypropylene woofer. To provide a secure fitting and cut out unwanted movement, they are installed with a Flex Motion rubber surround. This also assists in removing distortion. There is a high-quality basket made of steel.

They have aluminum voice coils and have a frequency response of 35-20000Hz. Speaker grilles are included.

You are going to need a powerful amp to drive these speakers. The speaker sensitivity is acceptable at 91dB, but that is measured with a given amplifier power.

Sound-wise they are not the very best you will hear in this price bracket. They sound a little flat with no really defined top end. The lower frequencies are present, but with the volume up, they are not clear. They are priced at about the mid-range.

10 Blaupunkt 6 x 8-Inch 300W 4-Way Coaxial Car Audio Speaker

Blaupunkt or Blue spot /dot in English is a very well-respected German audio manufacturer. Established in Berlin in 1938, at one time, they were the preferred supplier to most of the top German luxury cars. That role has long since gone to Harmon Kardon, but Blaupunkt still produces quality car audio systems.

These 4-way coaxial speakers have a polypropylene cone woofer. They are installed with a rubber surround for stability and to reduce distortion. They are fitted with a ceramic magnet and have a Mylar dome tweeter. Mylar is a thin polyester, made by stretching PET. It is known for its strength and stability.

This addition to the design puts these speakers in a higher performance bracket than most of the opposition.

They have an RMS power rating of 120 watts. Peak performance power is about 300 watts. The frequency response range is 50Hz to 20KHz. They are fitted with a one-inch aluminum voice coil that is high temperature and a ceramic magnet.

As a pair of budget speakers, these are punching well above their weight. The highs are crisp and clear, and the mids quite prominent. The bass is a little low but is certainly audible, and for the price, these represent very good value. They will surprise a few people.

However, they are budget speakers, so if you are expecting top drawer sound, you are in the wrong place. They come with speaker grilles and fittings.

Best 6×8 Speakers Buyers Guide

Getting The Sound Right In Your Car…

At the beginning of this review, we mentioned the quality of factory fitted car audio systems. They are rarely adequate and often downright poor. But as we remarked, it is not often the amplification; it is usually the speakers. The question we should ask is, why do they do this?

It is that they don’t have access to better quality speakers? They do. The reason is simple and somewhat obvious really. Designing and producing a car is a constant cost battle between expense and performance. We’d all like some expensive alloys or an all-leather interior, but it would just put the price up. Likewise, with speakers, they are just one way to shave a few pennies off costs.

So you need to replace the speakers unless you just don’t play music in your vehicle. But it’s not as easy as just change them, what sort of speaker system do you want?

The Choice – Coaxial Or Component?

Coaxial is the more common. They come as a single speaker with tweeters, woofers, and anything else all in, in this case, one 6 by 8 unit. And they are the easiest to fit, there are also a greater variety of choices, and they tend to be cheaper.

They are also the most readily available. It is almost certain that your vehicle has been fitted with Coaxials in the factory. If so, then changing them over should be a simple job. (we smile at that one!) So you think the easy choice then.

Well, no, not really. Because if it’s a great sound you are looking for, then they may not provide it. All of the drivers are in one place. Where do you place them in the car for the best effect? And Coaxoals are not so good at providing a good bottom end.

Hence the need for these big thumping subwoofers that frighten the cats. They are only 6 by 8 remember — not a lot of room for developing a big bass sound in that size.

So What Are The Real Benefits Of A Component Set Up?

The real difference is that the crossovers and tweeters, etc. all come as separate units and can be installed exactly where you want them for maximum effect. This does have a marked difference in the sound inside the vehicle. Placing them where you want them will give you the sound you want.

Of course, that is more holes to cut and units to fit more screws and wiring. And they will probably be more expensive. It’s a big choice.

Then There Are Some Other Issues…

Power is one. How loud do you want them? With Coaxials, they are going to be very top end and can be fatiguing on a long drive — not a good idea.

And the cost. How much are you going to spend just to make the car audio system sound good? There are some expensive speakers out there — all issues to consider before rushing to make a purchase.

We have looked at some options, and there are speakers to suit most tastes. All have their positive points, and some have a few negatives. But it is what you want for your vehicle that is the most important thing.

So, What Are The Best 6×8 Speakers?

We certainly do not want to drive down the road with the car shaking with volume. A bit of power, yes, but a nicely balanced sound is just as, if not even more, important. As with most 6 by 8 speakers, the bass is a little bit lacking, but you expect that. We have therefore chosen as the best 6×8 speakers the…

Good quality and a good sound that is quite well balanced. Speakers that will improve any car audio system and without breaking the bank. Highly recommended and our choice as the best 6×8 speakers.