What do you desire most about a car music system? For some audiophiles, what they desire most is a car music system with earth-shaking bass. Others desire a loud music system. Regardless, every car music lover wants their car audio system to produce clean sound. It’s only possible to enjoy clean sound output from your music system by investing in the best 4 inch car speakers.
Essentially, the best 4 inch speakers are specially designed to deliver premium midrange and high-frequency sound. Although they’re among the smallest car speaker sizes, they can significantly improve your car music system. Simply put, they’re small but mighty! In this article, we review the best 4in speakers for cars this year.
My Top 3 Picks
Top 10 Best 4 Inch Car Speakers Reviews
Small car speakers are often overlooked. It’s worth noting that although 4-inch speakers are small-sized, they make music sound more detailed. However, 4” speakers are not made equal. Luckily for you, we’ve done the tough work of shortlisting the best 4in car speakers today. We took time to test some of the best 4” speakers. Thus, you can rest assured you’re choosing from the best brands. Let’s get started with the detailed reviews.
1. Rockford Fosgate R14X2 Prime – Best Overall Pick
Want to replace worn-out factory speakers or want to upgrade your car stereo system? The Rockford Fosgate R14X2 Prime is one of the best 4 inch speakers for bass. It comes as a pair, with each speaker delivering up to 30 watts RMS and 60 watts peak power.
What sets this speaker apart is the stiff polypropylene cone. The cone helps in delivering clean midrange. Upon testing this speaker, we were amazed by its strong bass and drums.
We also like the design of the tweeter in this speaker. The silk dome tweeter sits flush with the woofer. Thus, the speaker fits effortlessly in most mounting locations. Also, the flush-mounted tweeter design allows it to output more directional highs.
Another notable feature of this 2-way 4-inch speaker is its built-in crossover. The crossover ensures the sound frequencies getting into the speaker are redirected to the appropriate drivers. For instance, the crossover ensures high frequencies go to the tweeter while midrange and low frequencies go to the woofer driver. Also, the speaker delivers full-range sound within the frequency range of 100 Hz to 20 kHz.
Pros
- Comes with a pair of grilles
- Rubber surround
- Stamped steel speaker basket
- The crossover is hidden within the basket for a cleaner look
- Comes with mounting hardware for easier installation
Cons
- Higher price range
Verdict:
Overall, the Rockford Fosgate R14X2 Prime offers superior sound output. Although they’re a little more expensive than other 4” car speakers on our list, they’ll give you more value for money.
2. JBL CLUB4020– Best for Low-Powered Stereos
The JBL CLUB4020 4-inch car speaker stands out for its high sensitivity. Its sensitivity is rated at 90dB. We tested the speaker with a low-powered factory head unit. The speaker was able to produce decent sound quality from the factory stereo. Thus, it doesn’t require an expensive aftermarket amplifier to produce decent sound.
We noticed that the speaker delivers clear and smooth highs. Besides, the tweeter disperses highs exceptionally. The reason behind this is the PEI balanced dome tweeter.
Also, we tested the speaker under different environmental conditions. The speaker performed superbly even in the hottest conditions. Also, it stands up to high humidity without any deterioration in performance. What makes it perform so well in all environmental conditions? Well, the speaker comes with a UV-resistant and acoustically damped woofer cone.
Additionally, the polypropylene cone is designed to produce non-resonant audio. It sounds very clean even at high volume. It reproduces sound within the range of 75 Hz to 20 kHz. Thus, you’ll get full-range sound response.
The speaker safely handles up to 30 watts RMS continuous power and 90 watts peak power. It has a low impedance rating of 3 ohms. The low impedance allows it to draw more power from the head unit to output more powerful sound.
Pros
- Superior build quality
- Tight bass output
- Easy to fit in factory mounting locations
- Comes with a foam mounting tape
- Compact design for fitting in most cars
Cons
- Doesn’t come with grilles
Verdict:
With all factors considered, the JBL CLUB4020 4-inch speaker for cars is most suitable for use with a low-powered factory stereo. With this speaker, you don’t have to add a standalone aftermarket amplifier.
3. KICKER CS Series CSC4 – Best for Deep Bass
The Kicker CS Series CSC4 4” car speakers are specially designed as an upgrade for factory speakers. They come as a pair of coaxial speakers, with a power rating of 50 watts RMS and 150 watts peak power.
Most notably, these speakers stand out for the clean bass. We like how they hit deep lows despite their compact size. The heavy-duty magnet and an extended voice coil enable the speakers to hit deep lows remarkably.
When assessing these Kicker 4 inch speakers, we noticed the surround is ribbed. Also, the surround is UV-treated for enhanced reliability in all weather conditions. The surround works hand in hand with the polypropylene woofer cone to deliver reliable sound output.
We also like the design of the 0.5-inch PEI tweeters. Their zero protrusion design means that they don’t interfere with the grilles. Also, they allow for a flush mount installation. Besides, the tweeters produce rich high frequencies, thanks to the neodymium tweeter magnet structure.
As coaxial speakers, each speaker in the pair produces full-range sound within the range of 60 Hz to 20 kHz. They have a sensitivity rating of 88 dB and an impedance rating of 3.5 ohms.
Pros
- Balanced dome tweeter design
- Polyester foam surround
- Fits in most factory mounting holes
- Superior bass performance
- Comes with grilles for extra protection
Cons
- Not very loud
Verdict:
These KICKER CS Series CSC4 pair of 4 inch speakers are most suitable for car music lovers who appreciate clean bass and crisp highs. They’re also ideal for complementing a car subwoofer.
4. DS18 SLC-N4X Coaxial Speaker – Best 4-Way Speaker
One of the most outstanding feature of these DS18 4 inch speakers is their superior full range sound output. It is designed as a 4-way speaker that delivers full range sound within the frequency response of between 100Hz to 20kHz. Thus, you will hear all the details in your favorite music files.
Just like with other DS18 speakers, it delivers powerful sound performance. It handles up to 35 watts RMS and up to 140 watts max power. With this power output, it is best placed to satisfy the listening needs of all audiophiles and all car stereo systems.
Also, these DS18 4 inch speakers feature a woofer driver, midrange driver, Mylar tweeter, and Piezo tweeters. The tweeters are especially notable for reproducing high end frequencies that other competing speakers fail to match.
Pros
- Affordable price range
- Injection woofer cone material
- Larger 7.6 oz magnet structure
- 25mm tweeter for superior performance
- Outstanding design with superior build quality
Cons
- You may need to add a subwoofer to get more low bass
Verdict:
These DS18 SLC-N4X 4 inch speakers are most suitable for full-range sound output. Although they lack deep low bass, they satisfy most car music listening needs.
5. Polk Audio DB402 DB+ Series – Best Marine Certified Option
The Polk Audio DB402 DB+ Series speakers are among the best 4 inch car speakers today. They stand out for their marine certification. They feature an IP55 marine certification rating. That means they’re dirt and water-resistant. You can comfortably use them in humid conditions.
Also notable is the polypropylene cone and string rubber surround. Together, they deliver solid sound output. They’re resilient under extreme environmental conditions.
Each speaker in the pair comes with a ¾ inch tweeter. The silk dome tweeter outputs smooth and precise treble. Its soundstage is extremely bright. Also, the built-in crossover ensures that high frequencies only flow to the tweeters while low frequencies flow to the woofer cone.
Another top feature of these Polk Audio 4 inch speakers is their striking design. The grilles feature a very bold design that spices up the interior look of your car. The tweeter is covered separately by a unique mesh grill for extra protection.
With these speakers, you’ll get full-range sound within the frequency of 60 Hz to 22 kHz. Each speaker in the pair has a sensitivity rating of 90 dB and an impedance rating of 4 ohms. They handle up to 45 watts RMS and 135 watts maximum power.
Pros
- Comes with mounting hardware
- Simple installation for most cars
- Superior build quality for enhanced durability
- Water-resistant
- Clean and crisp sound output
Cons
- You would need to add a subwoofer for deeper bass
Verdict:
The Polk Audio DB402 DB+ Series pair of coaxial speakers are most suitable for use in humid conditions. If you reside in a highly humid area, they’re a perfect choice for you. Besides installing them in your car, they’re also perfect for installation in boats, motorcycles, and ATVs.
6. Pioneer TS-F1034R – Best Budget Pick
One of the features we like most about these pair of coaxial speakers is their wide frequency response. They reproduce full-range sound within the frequency range of 45 Hz to 14 kHz. When listening to different music genres with these speakers, they produce deep lows and very clear vocals.
Also, we like their superior power handling. Each speaker handles 20 watts RMS power. Their peak power handling is 150 watts max. Despite their compact size, they bring out high-quality sound, even from a factory stereo.
Another feature we like about these Pioneer 4 inch speakers is their injection-molded polypropylene woofer cone. The composite cone material is very rigid but extremely lightweight. As a result, it produces powerful sound with minimal distortion.
The speakers are easy to install. We found it simple to mount them in factory mounting locations. We didn’t have to make new screw holes. Besides, they work with most standard car amplifiers and head units, thanks to their standard impedance of 4 ohms and a sensitivity of 86dB.
Pros
- They easily fit in a wide range of car models
- They’re extremely affordable
- Stylish design that matches with most car interiors
- Crystal clear sound output regardless of the music genre you play
- Doesn’t distort, even at higher volumes
Cons
- The design of the grilles doesn’t offer maximum protection
Verdict:
The Pioneer TS-F1034R pair of 4-inch coaxial car speakers are the most affordable pick in our list of top 10 best 4 inch speakers. Thus, if you’re on a tight budget and still want decent 4” car speakers, you won’t go wrong with these pair from the legendary Pioneer.
7. JBL GX402 – Best Midrange Bass
This pair of speakers are another great JBL 4 inch speakers with good bass. JBL is known for its premium quality speakers. Most notably, we like these JBL GX4024-inch car speakers for their exclusive and contemporary look. Despite their contemporary look, they deliver superior sound output.
These speakers have a low impedance rating of 2.3 ohms. Thus, they draw maximum power from a factory car stereo or aftermarket car amplifier. We were surprised by its punchy sound output, especially midrange bass and treble. They output 70 watts RMS of power (pair) and 210 watts max (pair).
Also, their superior midbass is a result of the wide surface area of the woofer cone. The woofer cone features a patented Plus One design for extended surface area. We compared the surface area of its cone against the cone surface area of rival speakers of similar size. Indeed, its surface area is far wider.
The edge-driven tweeter in each speaker reproduces an expanded high-frequency range. When testing the speaker, we could hear more detailed sound output, unlike with old factory speakers. Besides, the tweeter is designed in a way that directs high frequencies towards the ears for a more dynamic listening experience.
Also notable is the wide frequency response of between 75 Hz to 21 kHz. The speakers have a sensitivity rating of 90dB. Their total mounting depth is 2.60 inches. Thus, you can mount them in most cars.
Pros
- Powerful magnet structure for more powerful sound output
- Very powerful midbass and treble
- Fits effortlessly in factory speaker holes and existing screw holes
- Dynamic sound output that gives audio recordings and extra punch
- You can easily power the speakers with a factory radio or aftermarket receiver
Cons
- The tweeter sticks out of the speaker basket
Verdict:
The JBL GX402 4 inch door speakers are most suitable for clean midrange bass. You can also use them alongside a car subwoofer for deeper bass in your car.
8. Skar Audio TX4 – Best Sound Accuracy
We included the Skar Audio TX4 speakers in our best 4 inch car speakers buying guide mainly due to their superior sound accuracy. The speakers come as a pair, with each speaker having a premium-grade ferrite motor structure. The motor structure enhances their responsiveness. As a result, the speakers reproduce sound precisely and accurately.
Another notable feature is the top-quality 1.25” copper voice coil. The premium build quality behind this voice coil allows it to move the cone incredibly for excellent sound output.
We found these Skar 4 inch speakers very unique in that they come with a TPE surround and fiberglass woofer cone. The combination of these materials allows the speaker to reproduce highly responsive sound across a wide frequency range. As 2-way coaxial 4” car speakers, they reproduce clear full-range sound within the frequency range of 60 Hz to 21 kHz.
Also, we like the efficiency and power of these Skar Audio 4 inch speakers. They handle 60 watts RMS power (pair) and 120 watts peak power (pair). They have an impedance rating of 4 ohms and a sensitivity rating of 87dB.
Pros
- 1-inch Hi-Fi silk dome tweeter
- Incredible treble with superior clarity
- Plays loudly with very minimal distortion
- Efficient and reliable performance
- Compact and effortless to install
Cons
- Decent bass but a little less deep
Verdict:
If you’re more concerned about the clarity and accuracy of sound when listening to music in your car, these Skar Audio TX4 are your best pick.
9. Infinity Reference REF-4032CFX – Best for Highs and Midrange
Infinity Reference remains a great choice for aftermarket replacement speakers. Their speakers are known to deliver superb sound output at competitive price ranges. The same is true with this pair of Infinity Reference REF-4032CFX 4-inch replacement car speakers.
For instance, these Infinity 4 inch speakers deliver powerful sound output. They sound best when powered by an outboard car amplifier. Regardless, they also deliver decent sound when powered by an aftermarket or factory car stereo. Their high sensitivity rating of 92dB makes it possible to power them with a low-powered factory stereo.
The speakers stand out with their hi-roll rubber surround. It allows the cone to deliver powerful sound output. Besides, the surround is highly durable. Also, the oversized woofer cone drives more air than other 4-inch speakers for punchier sound output.
Also, deliver smooth and crisp high frequencies, thanks to the ½ inch textile dome tweeter in each speaker. Additionally, these Infinity Reference 4 inch speakers have excellent power handling at an impedance of 4 ohms. They handle up to 35 watts RMS of power and 105 watts peak power per speaker. They’re designed as 2-way speakers with a frequency response range of between 75 Hz to 21 kHz.
Pros
- Compatible with most factory and aftermarket head units
- Patented Plus One woofer cone technology for a wider surface area
- Comes with an instruction manual and self-adhesive foam gasket strips
- The design of the speaker basket makes it possible to fit them in most factory speaker mounting locations
Cons
- Doesn’t come with grilles
Verdict:
Overall, the Infinity Reference REF-4032CFX 4-inch speakers for cars are perfect for audiophiles who appreciate crisps highs, accurate midrange, and decent bass in their car music system.
10. Kenwood KFC-1066S – Most Powerful 4 Inch Car Speakers
We included these 4” car speakers in our list mainly as a result of their massive power output. Although they’re small-sized, each speaker in the pair delivers 21 watts RMS power and 220 watts peak power. As a pair, they deliver twice the power. In fact, they’re the most powerful speakers in this 4-inch car speakers buying guide.
Despite being so powerful, you can still hook these four-inch car speakers to your car stereo and enjoy punchy sound. However, you can enjoy their full potential by connecting them to an external car amplifier.
The 4-inch polypropylene cone is powered by a very large ferrite magnet structure. As a result, these Kenwood 4 inch speakers produce solid midbass with dynamic midrange. Also, the 1-inch balanced dome tweeter with a neodymium magnet structure enhances high frequencies.
They have an impedance rating of 4 ohms and a sensitivity rating of 88dB. In terms of frequency response, they reproduce full-range sound within the range of 50 Hz to 22 kHz. They require a mounting depth of 1-11/16 inches, which is shallow enough for most cars.
Pros
- Comes with aesthetically appealing grilles
- Sturdy build quality for enhanced durability
- Very clear sound output across a wide frequency range
- Features a sound field enhancer for improved sound quality
Cons
- They hit midbass accurately but may need a subwoofer for deeper lows
Verdict:
With all factors considered, these Kenwood KFC-1066S 4” speakers are most suitable for delivering rich midbass and midrange.
11. Alpine S-S40 – Worth Mention
Alpine is widely known for its top-quality car speakers. Their Alpine S-S40 4 inch automotive speakers are exceptionally designed for improved sound output than previous models. They handle up to 45 watts of RMS power and 140 watts maximum power. Also, these speakers deliver clean full-range sound within the range of 97 Hz to 22 kHz.
The speakers come as a pair of 2-way coaxial speakers. Each speaker features a ¾ inch silk dome tweeter. The tweeters are creatively designed to output precise highs. When listening to music with these speakers, you’ll hear vocals and instruments more clearly than factory speakers.
Additionally, these Alpine 4 inch speakers are very unique when compared to other speakers in our review in that they come with a carbon fiber-reinforced plastic cone. The unique cone material is extremely sturdy yet lightweight for enhanced responsiveness. Also, the speakers produce clean sound, thanks to the reduced distortion as a result of a multi-roll surround.
Pros
- They handle midrange and higher frequencies exceptionally
- Perfect upgrade for OEM speakers in most cars
- Comes with mounting screws and adhesive-backed gaskets
- They come with two 4×6 inch adapter plates
Cons
- They don’t come with grilles
Verdict:
Overall, these Alpine S-S40 4-inch speakers are a great pick for improving the upper range frequency response of your car music system. You can enjoy prolonged playback without fatigue.
Best 4 Inch Car Speakers Buying Guide- Factors to Consider when Buying
Considering the numerous brands of 4 inch car speakers available today, it’s important to know the factors to consider when buying. After all, you want to get the best value for your money by investing in the best 4in car speakers. Here are the key factors to consider:
Power Handling
The power handling of a speaker is the maximum power it can safely handle. It’s important to check the power rating of the speaker to ensure that you choose a speaker that can be safely powered by your car stereo or amplifier.
If the speaker is more powerful than the car stereo, it won’t get enough power, thereby resulting in poor sound quality. On the other hand, if the car stereo or amp is too powerful for the speaker, it can burn out the speaker, especially at higher volumes.
Most importantly, check the RMS power rating of the speaker. It determines the amount of continuous power that the speaker can safely handle. If you’re using a low-powered factory or after-market stereo, choose a speaker with an RMS rating of less than 50 watts RMS.
Sensitivity
The sensitivity of a speaker, measured in decibels (dB), determines the loudness of a speaker. The higher the sensitivity rating, the louder the speaker. If you’re using a low-powered car stereo, choose a speaker with a high sensitivity, preferably at least 90dB.
Frequency Response
The frequency response of a speaker is the frequency range that the speaker can reproduce. The frequency range of a speaker varies from one model to another. If you prefer more bass than highs, consider a speaker that can hit lower frequencies. If you prefer highs and midrange more than bass, then choose a speaker that can hit midrange and higher frequencies. Similarly, if you prefer a full-range speaker to play highs, midrange, and bass in a balanced manner, then choose a speaker with a wider frequency range.
Build Quality
The kind of materials making up the speaker largely determines its build quality, performance, and durability. For instance, ensure the woofer cone is made of a rigid but lightweight material to prevent distortion while still allowing for high responsiveness.
Also, the tweeter materials to choose will depend on the kind of high frequencies you prefer. Tweeters are either made of hard materials such as metal or soft materials such as textile and silk. If you prefer warm and mellow highs, choose a speaker with a tweeter made of a soft material. On the other hand, if you prefer bright and sharp highs, choose a speaker with a tweeter made of a hard material.
Additionally, the surround should be made of a flexible material to allow the cone to move air freely. Also, the surround material should be sturdy to prevent the cone from moving excessively and for enhanced durability. Rubber surrounds are more ideal than cloth and foam surrounds.
Conclusion
After going through these reviews and buying guide on the best 4 inch car speakers, we hope you’ll find the best speaker for your car music listening needs. After all, we’ve only included tried and tested 4 inch speakers in our review. Thus, you can rest assured you’re choosing from the best options in the market today. Also, remember to consider the aforementioned factors when choosing a 4 inch speaker for your car.
Frequently Asked Questions
What car speakers have the best sound quality?
The Rockford Fosgate R14X2 Prime speakers have the best overall sound quality among all the 4 inch speakers in our review.
Are 4 car speakers better than 2?
4-way car speakers contain more drivers but do not offer the best sound quality. A superior 2-way car speaker delivers better sound quality than a 4-way speaker. 4-Way speakers only cover a wider frequency range than 2-way speakers.
What size amp do I need for 4 speakers?
You will need a 4-channel amp for the best results.
What are the best small car speakers?
The 4 inch speakers we have included in our review are the best small speakers. Consider them when buying small replacement speakers for the best sound quality.
What car speaker brand has the best bass?
Rockford Fosgate, JBL, KICKER, DS18, Polk Audio, Pioneer, Skar Audio, Infinity Reference, and Kenwood are the best car speaker brands.
How do I get more bass out of my car speakers?
You can get more bass from your car speakers by adding an aftermarket stereo or an external amplifier. Also, you can try to turn down treble and turn up bass on your car stereo.
Kenny Owen is an acclaimed audio expert and longtime enthusiast with a deep passion for sound technology. With over 15 years of experience in the car and home audio industry, Kenny has established himself as a trusted authority on everything from speaker setups and amplifier configurations to the latest audio equipment and innovations.
Through his engaging writing style and meticulously researched articles, Kenny shares his vast knowledge on optimizing audio systems for superior sound quality. He provides in-depth tips and tricks for achieving the best listening experience, whether it’s tuning a car’s audio system for an immersive musical journey or creating a high-fidelity home theater setup. Additionally, Kenny’s comprehensive buying guides empower readers to make informed decisions when investing in audio components, ensuring they get the most bang for their buck.
Kenny Owen is an acclaimed audio expert and longtime enthusiast with a deep passion for sound technology. With over 15 years of experience in the car and home audio industry, Kenny has established himself as a trusted authority on everything from speaker setups and amplifier configurations to the latest audio equipment and innovations.
Through his engaging writing style and meticulously researched articles, Kenny shares his vast knowledge on optimizing audio systems for superior sound quality. He provides in-depth tips and tricks for achieving the best listening experience, whether it’s tuning a car’s audio system for an immersive musical journey or creating a high-fidelity home theater setup. Additionally, Kenny’s comprehensive buying guides empower readers to make informed decisions when investing in audio components, ensuring they get the most bang for their buck.
