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Best Boat Speakers: Top 5 Picks for 2022

A rundown of five of the top boat speakers or marine speakers for fitting into your watercraft. Clear audio and high fidelity, even in wet conditions.

By: Ben Jacklin Editor

Boat speakers, also known as “marine speakers” are those that are designed to fit inside your boat. They allow you to play music and other audio.

You’ll probably notice that the best boat speakers look a lot like the best car speakers. So what’s the difference? Well, they’re very similar in terms of design and how they are wired into the vehicle. However, boat speakers have to be more durable.

Marine speakers tend to be more waterproof and able to withstand changes in heat and humidity. Even if the speakers aren’t exposed to the elements, and sit inside the boat, it is a good idea to use a durable model.

In this guide, we’re diving into the best marine speakers so you can equip your boat with crystal-clear audio and speakers that are built to last.

You might also be interested in: Best Pontoon Boat Grill – Top Grills for Pontoon Boats in 2022

Boat Speaker Reviews – Our Top 5 Models

Easiest Boat Speakers to Install

1. BOSS Audio Systems ATVB95LED UTV ATV Speakers

These are a top choice for their durability and the option to use elsewhere.

1. BOSS Audio Systems ATVB95LED UTV ATV Speakers

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What we like

  • This model is weatherproof.
  • The audio is impressively clear.
  • Can be used with other vehicles.
  • Have their own amplifier.

What we don’t like

  • Unable to use the speakers underwater.

You’ve probably heard of the BOSS brand before. The brand makes some durable electronics including these ATV speakers.

They aren’t exclusively made for boats, and they can be used with many other vehicles. The portable speakers work with multiple power extension adapters, and can even be used in a cigarette lighter section of a car.

Once connected to your boat, the features are impressive. You can stream audio from your device via Bluetooth, and there is even a Bluetooth remote control. On top of that, there’s a standard 3.5mm aux-input so you can connect a number of audio devices.

This model is weatherproof with an IPX5 rating. This won’t allow you to use the speakers underwater, but splashes should be no problem.

There are some really cool added features like an LED light bar and a storage compartment within. The fact that these have their own amplifier means you can also take the speakers out of the boat and enjoy their features elsewhere.

The audio is impressively clear and the speakers offer a decent level of power with 8-inch Speakers and 1.5-inch Tweeters. For durability, and the option to use the speakers elsewhere, these are a top choice.

Best Weatherproof Boat Speakers

2. KICKER 6.5″ Charcoal Marine Speakers

The powerful sound and its reasonable price make it a great option for any boat.

2. KICKER 6.5″ Charcoal Marine Speakers

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What we like

  • Weatherproof functionality.
  • High level of power with 65-watt RMS.

What we don’t like

  • You may need a pro installer to avoid any vibration on the sound.

Kicker is another brand that makes some brilliant car speakers as well as marine speakers.

They fit into Kicker enclosures for boat towers and have the exceptional weatherproof functionality that you need for your boat.

At a 65-watt RMS, you can enjoy a high level of power to drown out the sounds of the water and the engine. Impressively, the frequency response is even wider than most humans can even hear, at 35 Hz – 21 kHz.

The mids and high-end audio are particularly impressive, and the rubber surround means that you won’t get any annoying vibration if you mount these speakers correctly.

As well as being powerful, they’re reasonably priced and sound slick in the majority of boats.

Best Powerful Boat Speakers

3. Skar Audio SK65M 6.5″ 2-Way Marine Speakers

These stake a claim as being the best marine speakers for the money.

3. Skar Audio SK65M 6.5″ 2-Way Marine Speakers

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What we like

  • Up to 320W of power.
  • Waterproof design.
  • Best quality-price relation.

What we don’t like

  • Small size.
  • Frequency response is a little weak on the bass.

At up to 320W of power, these are some of the loudest marine speakers you’ll come across at such a small size. If your boat can accommodate the larger 8” speakers you can enjoy more bass and even more power, too.

This may not be the best-known brand out of all of the boat speakers we reviewed, but this design holds its own in terms of sound and durability. The frequency response is a little weak on the bass, but this is often the case with smaller speakers.

The waterproof design comes from a microfiber composite material and a Butyl surround. They are rugged enough for use in virtually any boat and even in challenging conditions.

Looking for loud, but good-value boat speakers? These stake a claim as being the best marine speakers for the money.

Best Outdoor Boat Speakers

4. Rockford Fosgate M0-65B Marine Grade 6.5″ Full Range Speakers

Excellent marine-grade speakers from a very high-quality brand.

4. Rockford Fosgate M0-65B Marine Grade 6.5″ Full Range Speakers

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What we like

  • Great job reproducing low-end frequencies.
  • Protection against water, salt, dust, and even the sun.
  • 2-year manufacturer warranty.

What we don’t like

  • Aren’t as loud as some of the previous options.

Excellent, marine-grade speakers from a very high-quality brand.

Though the Rockford Fosgate speakers aren’t as loud as some of the other options on the list, they do a spectacular job of reproducing low-end frequencies, and the sound in general really impressive. We’d call these the best marine speakers for bass, certainly if you are looking for 6.5” cans.

The speakers are specifically designed to play in outdoor environments, and they’re certainly not quiet. They’ll do a great job on your next fishing trip, and you know you can rely on them for years to come.

The M0-65B speakers have weatherproof features including protection against water, salt, dust, and even the sun. For peace of mind, you also get a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Best Budget Marine Speakers

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

Kenwood speakers represent one of the best options on a budget.

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

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What we like

  • Most affordable.
  • Water-resistant design.

What we don’t like

  • Aren’t the most durable speakers.
  • Hasn’t a crystal clear sound.

We’ve included this pair of Kenwood speakers on merit, but also because they represent one of the best options on a budget. If you need something that will give you functional audio to listen to radio announcements and enjoy music at a decent level, these speakers could be your answer.

Like a lot of affordable Kenwood electronics, they’re reliable, without being spectacular. The woofer is made out of water-resistant cones with a Santoprene rubber surround, so it can withstand some of the elements. There’s also a one-inch tweeter to enhance the high-end frequencies.

Of course, if you’re shopping for cheaper marine speakers then you might have to make some sacrifices, but these speakers surprised us with their quality. They aren’t the most durable speakers, and they aren’t as crystal clear as speakers five times the price, but this is no real surprise. Generally speaking, they represent amazing value.

Choosing The Best Marine Speakers

The five models reviewed above all have their own charms, and each may be suitable for a different boat in a different scenario. To make the correct choice for marine speakers, consider the following factors:

  • Frequency response: This is how well the speakers reproduce audio. A frequency response that is close to the range of human hearing is best, and means you get to hear the full spectrum of the music, rather than a tinny reproduction.
  • Power: This is measured in Watts. High RMS power means the speakers can continually function at a loud level, and drown out the sound of any motor or other noise that could get in the way.
  • Price: Of course, price is always likely to play a big part in your decision. There’s no point in spending a fortune if you’re just going to use the speakers for a bit of background noise or to listen to radio announcements.
  • Durability: You need to find durable boat speakers. Marine speakers should be tested to a high level to ensure that they are able to handle water and other elements like dust and changes in temperature: Of course, if it is going to get splashed with water once in a while, it needs to be at least water-resistant, with a high IPX rating.
  • Compatibility: If you have an amp and an existing audio setup within your boat, the speakers need to fit. For example, you might have a cradle that fits 6.5” speakers. Buying the same size in aftermarket speakers makes them easier to fit.

Best Boat Speakers – Summarized

Of course, what is best for one person may not be what is best for another. It’s about getting the right speakers for your needs, and for your boat. However, for many users, BOSS Audio Systems ATVB95LED UTV ATV speakers are best for both flexibility and for a strong sound and are easy to install on virtually any boat.

If you want to hear some local radio announcements once in a while, some affordable yet durable speakers could do the job. On the other hand, if you want to listen to your favorite music on full blast, you might prioritize power and audio clarity. It’s about understanding your options and grabbing the best speakers for your own boat.