October 1, 2024
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Top Picks of Best 3-1/2" Speakers: Upgrade Your Car Audio
Upgrading your car’s audio system by changing the speakers can greatly improve the sound quality. But picking the best 3-1/2″ speakers can be tricky because so many options are available online and in stores. In this article, we’ll help you choose the best & right 3-1/2″ speakers for your car. Even though these speakers are small, they can still produce plenty of volume.
Plus, they have good power handling to give you maximum sound output. They also have features like subwoofers to enhance lower frequencies and tweeters to handle high notes. But with so many models and brands out there, it can be hard to decide which ones are the best. So, let’s take a look at the top 3-1/2″ speakers available in the market.
Types of 3-1/2" Speakers
Coaxial Speakers
Coaxial speakers are a basic upgrade from factory speakers. They combine a tweeter and a woofer in one unit, sometimes with an added mid-range speaker for better sound quality. Coaxial speakers are easy to find and install.
Component Speakers
Component speakers, on the other hand, have separate parts for better sound. They typically include a tweeter, woofer, and sometimes a mid-range speaker. This separation improves sound quality but can be more expensive and take longer to install compared to coaxial speakers.
Full-Range Speakers
Basic full-range speakers have a tweeter and woofer, with the tweeter typically on top of the woofer. Some may also have an extra driver, such as a midrange or super tweeter. They’re usually easy to install and come in different price ranges.
Comparison Table of Best 3-1/2" Speakers for Car
|
Speaker Model
|
Power Handling
|
Sensitivity
|
Frequency Response
|
Impedance
|
Build Materials
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
25W-50W
|
81dB
|
100Hz-18kHz
|
4 Ω
|
Polypropylene Cone, Foam Surround
|
|
|
40W-80W
|
88dB
|
80 Hz-20 kHz
|
4 Ω
|
Polypropylene, Polyester foam
|
|
|
30W-60W
|
84dB
|
145 Hz-20kHz
|
4 Ω
|
Premium TPE, high-quality silk dome
|
|
|
60W-120W
|
88dB
|
50Hz-18kHz
|
4 Ω
|
Black Poly Injection, Durable butyl rubber
|
|
|
10W-40W
|
89dB
|
96Hz-20kHz
|
4 Ω
|
Paper
|
THE QUICK LIST
Best Overall 3.5 inch Car Speaker: BOSS Audio BRS35
The BOSS Audio Systems BRS35 is a 3.5-inch car speaker that upgrades your car’s sound system. It can handle up to 50W peak power and 25W RMS, delivering clear sound with less distortion. Easy to install with a standard mounting depth of 1.5 inches and a diameter of 3.7 inches, it fits most car audio systems without extra modification.
Premium Pick 3.5 inch Car Speaker: Skar Audio TX35
These Skar Audio 3.5-inch speakers are designed for top-notch performance. They’re 2-way speakers, producing powerful sound across a wide frequency range from 145Hz to 20kHz. With a 4-ohm impedance rating, they work well with most car stereos and amps.
Best for Budget 3.5 inch Car Speaker: Pyle PL31BK
These Pyle PL31BK 3.5-inch car speakers are built to easily deliver powerful sound. They have a power range of 60 watts RMS to 120 watts peak power and an impedance of 4 ohms, ensuring high-quality sound. These speakers, equipped with 1-inch dome tweeters, are made of durable butyl rubber surround. To minimize distortion, the two-way coaxial speaker system includes 1” neodymium film dome tweeters in each speaker.
5 Best 3-1/2" Speakers for Your Car
1. BOSS Audio BRS35
Best Overall 3.5 inch Car Speaker
The BOSS Audio Systems BRS35 is a 3.5-inch car speaker that’s great for upgrading your car’s sound system. It can handle up to 50W peak power and 25W RMS, delivering clear sound with less distortion. It has a polypropylene injection cone for flexibility, a foam surround for better excursion and durability, a stamped basket for better resonant frequencies, and a high-temperature voice coil for performance in different temperatures.
The Mylar dome tweeter ensures good performance even in hot conditions. With an 81dB sensitivity rating and 4-ohm low impedance, it produces high-quality sound with low power consumption. It’s built with high-quality materials for durability and longevity. Easy to install with a standard mounting depth of 1.5 inches and a diameter of 3.7 inches, it fits most car audio systems without extra modification.
TODAY'S BEST DEALS
Specifications
- Size: 3.5″
- Type: 2-way
- Power per speaker: 25 watts RMS,40 watts peak power
- Impedance: 4 Ω
- Woofer Cone material: Polypropylene Cone & Foam Surround
- Woofer Size: 3.5-inches
- Tweeter Material: Mylar
- Frequency Response: 100 Hz to 18 kHz
- Sensitivity: 81 dB
- Mounting Depth: 1.61″
- Mounting Diameter: 3.11″
Additional features
- They can fit in most car models, making them versatile.
- They offer clear sound quality with balanced mid-level sound and decent bass.
- They’re straightforward to install, so you won’t need advanced skills or tools.
- They provide good quality for your price, giving you a solid bang for your buck.
Pros
Cons
Budget-Friendly Sound is good Easy-to-install
Cons
❌ These speakers have more middle sound than deep bass.
❌ You need to buy two if you want a pair.
❌ Some people had to change wires and holes to make them fit.
2. KICKER DSC350
Best for Bass 3.5 inch Car Speaker
The KICKER DSC350 coaxial 3-1/2″ speakers are made to easily upgrade your car’s factory audio system without needing extra drilling. They handle up to 30W peak power and 15W RMS, providing a clear sound with a balanced mix. With a 4-ohm low impedance, they work efficiently.
These speakers have a PEI-balanced dome tweeter, polypropylene woofer, and a frequency response range of 80 Hz to 20 kHz, giving you different sound tones like bass, mid, and treble. They have a shallow mounting depth of 1.31 inches, making them easy to install even in tight spaces.
The high-sensitivity DS motor boosts volume, and the zero protrusion PEI dome tweeter delivers clean and accurate sound. Built with high-quality materials, these speakers are durable and have a slim design, fitting well in various vehicles. They’re also compatible with laptops, PCs, and smartphones.
TODAY'S BEST DEALS
Specifications
- Size: 3.5″
- Type: 2-way
- Power per speaker: 40 watts RMS,80 watts peak power
- Impedance: 4 Ω
- Woofer Cone material: Polypropylene, Polyester foam
- Woofer Size: 3.5-inches
- Tweeter Material: PEI (polyether imide)
- Frequency Response: 80 Hz to 20 kHz
- Sensitivity: 88 dB
- Mounting Depth: 1.3/4″
- Mounting Diameter: 3″
Additional Features
- They produce clear and vibrant audio, making your music come alive.
- Designed to be simple to install so that you can upgrade your car audio system without much trouble.
- Made with sturdy materials to ensure longevity and reliability.
- Their small size allows them to fit into tight spaces in your car while still delivering impressive sound quality.
Pros
Cons
✅ These speakers are simple to set up.
✅ They make your music sound good.
✅ Plus, they come with a special wire that helps stop vibrations.
Cons
❌ Some people had trouble making them work with their stuff.
❌ They might not last as long as other brands.
❌ These speakers aren’t good for playing loud music.
3. Skar Audio TX35:
Premium Pick 3.5 inch Car Speaker
These Skar Audio 3.5-inch speakers are designed for top-notch performance. They’re 2-way speakers, meaning they produce powerful sound across a wide frequency range from 145Hz to 20kHz. With a 4-ohm impedance rating, they work well with most car stereos and amps.
They have a high-grade ferrite magnet, Kapton former, and a 1-inch copper voice coil that efficiently drives the woofer cone. Each speaker can handle up to 30 watts of RMS power and 60 watts of peak power. They have a sensitivity rating of 84dB.
The fiberglass cone and high-quality TPE surround ensure superior midrange performance. These materials are highly responsive for better efficiency. Plus, the silk dome tweeters deliver rich, clear highs without causing fatigue.
TODAY'S BEST DEALS
Specifications
- Size: 3.5
- Type: 2-way
- Power per speaker: 60 watts RMS,120 watts peak power
- Impedance: 4 Ω
- Woofer Cone material: Premium TPE
- Woofer Size: 3.5 inches
- Tweeter Material: High-quality silk dome
- Frequency Response: 145 Hz to 20 kHz
- Sensitivity: 84 dB
- Mounting Depth: 1.63″
- Mounting Diameter: 2.95″
Additional features
- They’re made with top-notch materials for durability and better sound.
- They produce clear and balanced audio, making your music enjoyable.
- They’re designed for straightforward setup so that you can install them without any hassle.
- Their small size makes them easy to fit into tight spaces in your car while delivering great sound.
Pros
Cons
✅ Clear sound quality
✅ Well-built with premium materials
✅ Affordable price
✅ Loud sound output
Cons
❌ Tweeter extends outward, which is not ideal for flush mounting.
4. Pyle PL31BK:
Best for Budget 3.5 inch Car Speaker
These Pyle PL31BK 3.5-inch car speakers are built to easily deliver powerful sound. They have a power range of 60 watts RMS to 120 watts peak power and an impedance of 4 ohms, ensuring high-quality sound. These compact speakers, measuring 3.46” x 3.46” x 2.01”, boast a black high-quality poly injection cone that enhances audio performance.
They also have a 5.5-oz magnet structure and a sensitivity of 88 dB, producing a clear and powerful sound. These speakers, equipped with 1-inch dome tweeters, are made of durable butyl rubber surround. To minimize distortion, the two-way coaxial speaker system includes 1” neodymium film dome tweeters in each speaker.
These speakers feature dual 1” high-temperature KSV voice coils to resist corrosion and non-fatiguing rubber suspension for added durability. They are compatible with vehicle door and side panel mounts.
TODAY'S BEST DEALS
Specifications
- Size: 3.5
- Type: 3-way
- Power per speaker: 60 watts RMS,120 watts peak power
- Impedance: 4 Ω
- Woofer Cone material: Black Poly Injection Cone
- Woofer Size: 3.5 inches
- Tweeter Material: Durable butyl rubber
- Frequency Response: 50Hz to 18kHz
- Sensitivity: 88 dB
- Mounting Depth: 1.61″
- Mounting Diameter: 3.66″
Additional features
- They’re affordable, making them a great option for those on a tight budget.
- Easy to set up in your car without needing advanced tools or skills.
- Their small dimensions allow them to fit into various car models easily.
Pros
Cons
✅ These speakers fit most cars.
✅ They have three parts that make the sound better.
✅ They’re a good deal and sound good.
Cons
❌ Not handle high-quality sound
5. Kenwood KFC-835C:
Best for Power Handling 3.5 inch Car Speaker
With these speakers, Kenwood focuses on both design and function. They have a sleek look but prioritize delivering crisp, high-quality sound across all frequencies. While they might not be the most powerful, they still perform well. Kenwood is a trusted brand in the audio industry, and these 3.5-inch speakers provide excellent sound for your road trips.
They’re reasonably priced, durable, and offer a balanced sound. These speakers are very sensitive, so they produce good volume without too much power, which is a great benefit. They have a low power rating, handling up to 15 watts of RMS power. They’re perfect for car owners who want clear, high-frequency sounds. These speakers can boost high frequencies while providing mid-frequency sounds through their woofer.
TODAY'S BEST DEALS
Specifications
- Size: 3.5
- Type: 1-way
- Power per speaker: 10 watts RMS,40 watts peak power
- Impedance: 4 Ω
- Woofer Cone material: Paper
- Woofer Size: 3.5 inches
- Frequency Response: 96Hz to 20 kHz
- Sensitivity: 89 dB
- Mounting Depth: 1.56″
- Mounting Diameter: 3.19″
Additional features
- They produce crisp and clear audio for an enjoyable listening experience.
- Built with sturdy materials to ensure long-lasting performance.
- Designed to be simple to install in your car without any complicated setup.
- Their small size allows them to fit into tight spaces in your car while delivering great sound quality.
Pros
Cons
✅ Good replacement for factory speakers
✅ Clear sound quality with decent bass
✅ Loud enough for the price
✅ Good quality for the money
Cons
❌ Not for boats
Features to Look for When Buying 3-1/2" Speakers
When replacing your factory car speakers with 3.5-inch ones, consider a few key factors to help you choose the right ones. Although we’ve reviewed the top five options available today, each speaker is designed differently and serves different car music needs. Here’s a simple buying guide outlining the most important things to consider when shopping for replacement 3.5-inch car speakers.
1. Price
These speakers can cost anywhere from $20 to $300. There are lots of options in different price ranges. Coaxial speakers are usually cheaper, around $50, while component speakers can be more expensive. Pick speakers that have the features you want and fit your budget.
2. Sensitivity
Sensitivity is how loud a speaker can get compared to the power it uses. Higher sensitivity means louder sound with less power. Look for a speaker with at least 88 decibels (dB) for good volume without using too much power.
3. Power Handling
The power output of a speaker affects how good it sounds. Power handling capacity tells you the maximum power a speaker can handle without distortion. It’s measured in watts and can be shown as peak and RMS power. So, choose a speaker with high-power handling for better sound quality.
4. Compatibility
Make sure the 3.5-inch speakers you pick work well with your car’s audio system. They should fit in easily without needing any changes. Check things like power handling, impedance, and sensitivity to make sure they match your car stereo.
5. Size
Check the speakers’ size and shape to ensure they’ll fit properly in your car without taking up too much space or being hard to install. The right-sized speakers will sound better without any problems.
6. Impedance
The amount a speaker resists the electric current from an amplifier is measured in ohms. Lower impedance means the speaker uses more power efficiently and lets the electric signal pass through easily, resulting in better sound quality. Look for a 3.5-inch car speaker with an impedance rating of 4 to 8 ohms to avoid putting too much strain on the amplifier.
7. Frequency Response
The range of sounds a speaker can accurately make, from low bass to high treble. Most people can hear sounds between 20 Hz and 20,000 Hz. For better sound quality, make sure to get a speaker that can cover a wide range of frequencies.
8. Material & Build Quality
The stuff a speaker is made of and how well it’s put together affect how long it lasts and how good it sounds. Look for speakers made of strong materials like silk, metal, or graphite for tweeters and aluminum, polypropylene, rubber, or graphite for woofers. Make sure they’re built well to last and sound good.
9. Mounting Depth or Installation
The speakers’ depth will decide where to put them in your car – either on the dashboard or side window/door. If you’re putting them on the dashboard, you’ll need about 2.5 inches of depth. You’ll need more depth if you’re putting them on the window or door. But if they’re too deep, you might not be able to use speaker grills, or they might get in the way of the window crank.
10. Brand Reputation
People usually like buying from trusted brands because those brands are known for making good car audio. For better performance, look for speakers from brands like JBL, Pyle, Kicker, Boss, Rockford, Infinity, or Skar Audio.
11. Additional Features
Some 3.5-inch speakers come with extras like crossovers and tweeters to improve the sound. Tweeters make the music clearer and more detailed, while crossovers filter out unwanted sounds and ensure the right sounds come through. Look for speakers with these extras for better sound quality.
Speaker Care Tips for Better Sound and Longer Life
- Dust can make your speakers sound muffled. Use a soft brush to gently remove dust from the speaker net. Avoid liquid cleaners as they might damage metal parts.
- Regularly inspect the wiring and woofer cone for tears or damage. Repair small tears and cover exposed wires with adhesive tape to prevent further damage.
- Direct sunlight can melt plastic parts, harm voice coils, and distort speakers’ shapes. To maintain their shape and function, keep your speakers away from direct sunlight.
- Good airflow helps your speakers perform better and last longer. Install speakers near car cooling vents or increase the mounting hole size to prevent overheating, especially during heavy use.
Conclusion
Even though they’re small, 3.5-inch car speakers are awesome replacements for most cars. Unlike tweeters that only play high sounds, these speakers give you all the different tones. It might be a bit hard to find ones with covers, but the covers that come with your car will usually fit. So, upgrade your car with these Best 3-1/2″ Speakers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Factory speakers don’t handle car electrical power well, so they often produce low-quality sound. Aftermarket speakers, especially brand-name ones, are usually louder and better. Adding an amplifier can make them even louder and clearer.
It depends on the car model. Most 3.5-inch speakers fit in car dashboards or upper door panels, especially small cars. Some cars might need modifications or adapters to fit.
Connecting speakers to an amplifier improves audio quality, giving a clearer, crispier, and more balanced sound. High-impedance speakers need an amp, while low-impedance ones don’t require it.
If you can install them yourself, there’s no installation cost. Otherwise, professional installation can cost between $150 to $500, depending on factors like car model, speaker model, location, and expertise.
Yes, usually, these speakers have less bass because they’re small. Bass needs space to spread through the woofer, and smaller speakers have less room. Look for models that offer a good bass response.
Which size you choose ultimately depends on your preferences and the type of system you use them in. Choose 5×7 speakers if you prefer a compact and easily installable option, whereas 6×8 speakers may be the better choice for those seeking enhanced sound quality.
3-way speakers are better because they have an extra driver, which spreads frequencies evenly. This results in clearer and more detailed sound output.
However, if you want to listen to some pop or rock music, a 3-way speaker might be a better choice. Remember to test different speakers to find the best one for you.
Cooper Katzeel
Cooper Katzel
Car Enthusiast
Cooper Katzel, a dedicated car enthusiast, delves into the world of automobiles and audio systems. With a deep interest in cars and a focus on superior sound, Cooper’s expertise traverses the spectrum. His journey is a delightful exploration of automotive wonders and the world of car speakers. Cooper’s passion and technical know-how make him a trusted advisor for car enthusiasts.
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