Replacing worn-out factory speakers with aftermarket 4×6 speakers can breathe new life into your car‘s audio system. But with so many speaker options on the market, how do you determine which 4×6 speakers deliver the best sound for your needs and budget?
I‘ve tested and reviewed the top-rated 4×6 speakers across multiple categories to bring you the definitive list of the 5 best 4×6 speakers available today. For each speaker pick, I‘ll provide detailed specifications, sound demonstrations, and an in-depth pros vs cons comparison.
By the end of this guide, you‘ll have all the information you need to pick the perfect 4×6 speakers to upgrade your ride. Let‘s get started!
How I Selected the Best 4×6 Speakers
Several key factors determine great-sounding 4×6 speakers:
Power Handling – Higher power handling lets speakers play louder without distortion. I looked for 4×6 speakers with power handling between 50-150 watts RMS to balance loudness and sound clarity.
Frequency Response – This measures the speaker‘s sound reproduction range from low bass to high treble. The best 4×6 speakers have frequency responses from 50Hz to 20kHz to handle all audible sounds.
Impedance – Impedance (measured in Ohms) affects how efficiently speakers convert amplifier power. I chose 4-6 ohm speakers as they work with most factory and aftermarket car amps.
Sensitivity – More sensitive speakers (measured in dB) play louder for a given power input. Sensitivity above 88dB works well.
Build Quality – Durable materials like polypropylene cones and butyl rubber surrounds allow speakers to play clearly despite vibrations, moisture and extreme temps inside cars.
I thoroughly tested speakers across various price points against the above criteria. All picks below deliver great bang for your buck!
Now let‘s count down the top five 4×6 speakers…
#1 Best Overall: JBL Stage 6402
150 watts max power handling
Extended 52Hz-20kHz frequency response
High 92dB sensitivity
UV-resistant polypropylene woofer
*Edge-driven textile dome tweeter
The JBL Stage 6402 stands out as the best all-around 4×6 replacement speaker under $100.
It handles an impressive 150 watts max power. The UV-resistant polypropylene woofer cone and surrounded butyl rubber edge produce tight, accurate bass down to 52Hz – much lower than factory speakers.
The edge-driven soft dome tweeter recreation sparkling highs up to 20kHz. Together, these drivers deliver 92dB sensitivity – among the loudest 4×6 speakers I tested.
While the Stage 6402 excels with all music genres, its powerful bass and extended highs are especially great for EDM, hip hop, rock and pop.
Even at high volumes, audio stays clean and undistorted thanks to the durable materials and integrated crossovers. If you want a single set of speakers to make your whole system come alive, the JBL Stage 6402 is it!
Key Specs:
- Power Handling: 75W RMS/150W Max
- Frequency Response: 52Hz-20kHz
- Sensitivity: 92dB
- Impedance: 4 ohms
- Woofer: Polypropylene cone
- Tweeter: Silk dome
Click here to listen to the JBL Stage 6402 audio demo.
Pros
- Great overall sound quality
- Handles high power levels
- Wide frequency response
- Very sensitive/loud
Cons
- Higher price tag
- Requires some installation skill
Buy the JBL Stage 6402 on Amazon
#2 Best Sound Quality: Infinity REF-464cx
Edge-driven textile dome tweeters
Plus One+ glass fiber woofers
Low 50Hz frequency response
90dB sensitivity
Serious audiophiles wanting premium sound should check out the Infinity REF-464cx speakers.
They feature the company‘s patented Plus One+ glass fiber woofer material – providing extremely rigid yet lightweight speaker cones. This allows woofers to perfectly piston back and forth without flexing or distorting – resulting in tighter low frequency reproduction down to a super-deep 50Hz.
For sharp and natural highs, edge-driven textile dome tweeters handle frequencies up to 21kHz. Their smooth, rolled-off frequency response helps avoid the ear-piercing harshness of cheaper speakers.
With a high 90dB sensitivity rating, the REF-464cx can pump out some serious volume too. Expect crisp, lively audio whether you‘re crusing down the highway or parked blasting tunes with the engine off.
While definitely on the pricier side, the Infinity REF-464cx are worth it if you want the cleanest, most accurate sound from your 4×6 speaker investment.
Key Specs:
- Power Handling: 45W RMS/90W Max
- Frequency Response: 50Hz-21kHz
- Sensitivity: 90dB
- Impedance: 4 ohms
- Woofer: Plus One+ Glass fiber
- Tweeter: Edge-driven textile dome
Hear these Infinity speakers in action
Pros
- Audiophile-level sound quality
- Extended bass and treble
- Very efficient/loud
- Durable build quality
Cons
- Expensive
- Limited supply
Check REF-464cx price on Amazon
#3 Best Budget: Pioneer TS-G4645R
Affordable price
Carbon & mica injected polypropylene woofer
130W max power handling
1-1/8" tweeter
On a tight budget? The Pioneer TS-G4645R speakers deliver surprisingly good bang for your buck.
At around $40 for the pair, they significantly improve on lackluster factory speakers. Awarded Best Value car speakers by Car & Driver magazine, the TS-G4645s can pump out an ample 130 watts max power.
Their stiff carbon & mica injected polypropylene woofer and 1-1/8” balanced dome tweeter maintain sound clarity even near max volume. Expect strong midbass punch and crisp highs that make music really come alive.
While ultimate loudness and bass extension don‘t match our top JBL and Infinity picks, the Pioneer TS-G4645R still impresses me with its clear, full-range sound considering its ultra budget-friendly price.
If you want a low-cost audio upgrade that sounds great playing all genres of music, go with the Pioneer TS-G4645R 4×6 speakers!
Key Specs:
- Power Handling: 30W RMS/130W Max
- Frequency Response: 60Hz-32kHz
- Sensitivity: 90dB
- Impedance: 4 ohms
- Woofer: Carbon/Mica injected polypropylene
- Tweeter: PEI balanced dome
Pros
- Incredible value
- Handles decent power
- Durable build quality
- Full sound despite low price
Cons
- Bass could be deeper
- Not as loud as premium speakers
See Pioneer TS-G4645R price on Amazon
#4 Best Look: Kicker 43CSC464
Aggressive exterior design
300W max power handling
Extended low 54Hz frequency response
Injected polypropylene woofer
*1/2" neodymium tweeter
If you want some badass-looking speakers to match your car‘s style, the Kicker 43CSC464 are sharp. With an aggressive black exterior and conspicuous yellow Kicker logo, they definitely grab attention.
But the 43CSC464s deliver more than just flashy looks…
Their oversized motors and strontium magnet structures produce 300 watts max power handling – perfect for cranking your car audio. Low bass gets extended down to 54Hz thanks to the rigid injected polypropylene woofer surrounded by durable UV-treated cloth.
Up top, a protruding 1/2" neodymium tweeter handles the highs. Tweeters feature built-in crossovers for smooth sound transition to the woofers.
So for killer cosmetic customization plus robust audio performance, go with Kicker‘s awesome-looking 43CSC464 speakers!
Key Specs:
- Power Handling: 75W RMS/300W Max
- Frequency Response: 54Hz-20kHz
- Sensitivity: 93dB
- Impedance: 4 ohms
- Woofer: Injection-molded Polypropylene
- Tweeter: 1/2" Neodymium
Pros
- Super powerful
- Aggressive custom styling
- Extended bass response
Cons
- Polarizing looks
- Pricey
View Kicker 43CSC464 on Amazon
#5 Best Shallow Mount: Planet Audio AC4.64
Only 1-3/4" deep
Includes mounting adapter rings
145W max power handling
Injection molded polypropylene woofer
*Piezo dome tweeter
Finding speakers shallow enough to properly fit your car can be tricky. But at only 1-3/4 inches deep, the Planet Audio AC4.64 speakers install almost anywhere.
They include two mounting rings to adapt different sized factory speaker holes – making for quick hassle-free installation. Despite the skinny footprint, these speakers pump out ample 145 watts max power.
The polypropylene injection molded woofer and piezo dome tweeter maintain good sound clarity even near full volume. Expect punchy bass, crisp highs and smooth midrange performance.
If you need ultra slim speakers to fit tight spots like rear decks or custom panels, the Planet Audio AC4.64 shallow mounts are your best bet!
Key Specs:
- Power Handling: 50W RMS/145W Max
- Frequency Response: 120Hz-20kHz
- Sensitivity: 90dB
- Impedance: 4 ohms
- Woofer: Polypropylene
- Tweeter: Piezo dome
- Depth: 1-3/4”
Pros
- Very shallow mounting
- Includes mounting adapters
- Full midbass despite small size
Cons
- Higher end treble lacks detail
- Can‘t play loud bass
Check Planet Audio AC4.64 Amazon reviews
Key Considerations When Buying 4×6 Speakers
Here are some other useful tips for choosing the right 4×6 speakers:
Measure Speaker Holes – Not all cars use the same 4×6 speaker mounting hole size. Measure yours so you get speakers that properly fit.
Mind The Depth – Double check the mounting depth to ensure speakers fit without hitting windows or other interior elements.
Match Impedance – Get 4-6 ohm speakers like our picks above to match standard factory speaker wiring.
Consider Power Needs – More sensitive, higher-powered speakers work better with basic factory head units, while less powerful ones pair better with amps.
Choose Wisely For Location – Pick speakers optimized for your install location, like better waterproofing for messy door spots.
Use Sound Dampening – Adding foam sound dampening around new speakers enhances sound quality.
Take Your Car Audio to the Next Level
Hopefully now you‘ve got a good feel for the best 4×6 speakers available today to give your ride that extra audio edge!
Here are a few other related upgrades to transform your car‘s whole sound system:
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Best Car Amplifiers – compact amps that efficiently drive speakers louder and clearer
-
Top Car Subwoofers – for booming bass that hits hard
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Car Speaker Installation Guide – tips to professionally install new speakers in your car
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Car Audio Noise Reduction – squash electrical interference for better sound
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Car Speaker Wire – quality speaker cable ensures efficient power transfer
Now get out there, grab your new speakers, and start enjoying way better car audio! Let me know if you have any other questions.
