What are some of the best 5.25 speakers for the money? Most modern cars of the 21st century come with decent stereo systems, particularly compared to older vehicles. But perhaps you want better audio from your car that also has the best value for money.
Thankfully the aftermarket has a broad selection of speaker upgrades available such as the 5.25 speakers category, many of which are direct replacements, so you don’t have to bother about getting a new head unit or still adding an amplifier to your car.
At a Glance:
Rockford Fosgate Prime
- Low-cost upgrade
- Rockford Fosgate quality
- Excellent sound from factory head units
Infinity Reference 5030CX
- A good alternative for factory location replacements
- Durable speaker with a brand for taking abuse beyond its limits
- Crystal clear mid and high range
- Water and dirt resistant
Focal Performance PS 130 F
- Produces consistent, rich, and accurate surround
- High-frequency sensitivity for the best response
- Great technology gives enhanced performance
- No distortions or unwanted vibrations
This is particularly important as most brand vehicles now have mixed infotainment systems that aren’t easily detachable. So for the sake of not breaking the bank, we will focus on the Best 5.25 speakers for your automobile.
- List of the 10 Best 5.25 Speakers for Money
- Rockford Fosgate Prime
- Infinity Reference 5030CX
- Focal Performance PS 130 F
- Hertz ESK 130.5
- Polk Audio DB5252
- Pioneer A-Series 5.25 Car Speakers
- Pyle 5.25 Car Sound Speaker
- Infinity Kappa Component Speaker
- Top brands Manufacturing best 5.25 marine speakers
- JBL
- BOSS
- Final Words
- Frequently Asked Questions
List of the 10 Best 5.25 Speakers for Money
| Design | Car Speaker | Retailer |
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Staff Pick | Check Price | |
Budget Pick | Check Price | |
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Rockford Fosgate Prime
Best PickThe PRIME R1200-1D is an ultra-efficient mono 5.25 car speaker for cars and other trucks that can produce up to 1,200 Watts into a 1-Ohm load without taxing the car’s electrical system. In addition, the frequency response of the R1200-1D is optimized particularly for use with subwoofers.
The Prime R1200-1D subwoofer speaker offers high efficiency by implementing its super Class-D circuitry while delivering rich, full bass to any system.
In addition, this car speaker is optimized for subwoofers by implementing an infrasonic filter to hold those ultra-low (inaudible) bass notes from ruining your subwoofer system.
Match with a super 4-channel stereo amplifier for your mids/highs, and you’ll get a Rockford Fosgate system that any Car Audio enthusiast will envy.
Nevertheless, their bass output is fair and not as outstanding as other high-end brands. The bass could be improved, and you may also have to pair them together with a subwoofer if the average bass response is a deal-breaker.
They further lack a strong mid-frequency for the best vocals. Finally, their curved shape may not fit in some dashboards and doors, particularly in a Honda Civic.
Pros
- Low-cost upgrade
- Rockford Fosgate quality
- Excellent sound from factory head units
Cons
- Foam surrounds are the least durable
- Limited power and frequency range
Infinity Reference 5030CX
Staff PickBrand new car speaker for 2022, Infinity put the legendary standing of the Reference Series on the line to introduce the best 5.25-inch component set on the speaker market.
Not only has the Reference 5030CX speaker made a name for its ability to handle all the power you can also dish out, but the set is also priced on the lower end of the range.
These 5.25-inch speakers Reference component speakers take advantage of patented Plus One™ technology that provides for more cone area.
The larger cone area improves speaker sensitivity for more accurate sound reproduction than similar car speakers.
Even when pushing the audio system to its max, the .75” edge-driven textile tweeters hit the highs cleanly.
Infinity speakers include the crossovers with this set, making it simple for the DIYer to install better-than-factory components easily.
Well, optimized basket sizes provide simple installation without modification in most vehicles. Infinity grills complete the whole package for a seamless, factory look.
Pros
- A good alternative for factory location replacements
- Durable speaker with a brand for taking abuse beyond its limits
- Crystal clear mid and high range
- Water and dirt resistant
Cons
- Limited Low-Range Frequency limits
- The use of an amplifier is recommended to get the best sound
Focal Performance PS 130 F
Budget PickThe French technicians at Focal have squeezed all the best bits of their mind-blowing 6.5-inch speakers into these stunning 5-inch components.
The innovative flax speaker cones do more than just appear good, too. In fact, the flax fibers create vacant chambers and an increased surface area for tight, clean sound reproduction.
In addition, the flax cones are known for delivering a smooth and precise sound with incredible mid-range frequencies and good bass.
The speakers combine this cutting-edge Flax technology with Focal’s renowned inverted dome tweeters to produce the best sound performance possible for a 5.25 inches component speaker system.
The tweeters are also supported with a Poron suspension for long life. They operate like a small woofer by scattering high frequencies over a broad area, making it possible to produce crisp and clear high-frequency sound without distortions.
If you are looking for the Best 6×8 Car speakers for Bass visit this page
The introduced crossover is prewired for two-way installation but can be fast converted to a three-way crossover for adding additional speakers.
The tweeters include mounts for angled, surface, and recessed installation. Aluminum cases and butyl surrounds give these speakers the toughness to handle pro-level power.
Pros
- Produces consistent, rich, and accurate surround
- High-frequency sensitivity for the best response
- Great technology gives enhanced performance
- No distortions or unwanted vibrations
Cons
- Very Expensive
- So engaging, you may have to upgrade your whole car system
Hertz ESK 130.5
Hertz may not be the first car audio company that comes to your mind when you go shopping for a great factory replacement component system, but it should be.
We first became familiar with the Hertz company in the 2000s and fell in love with the Energy and Hi-Energy series of speakers and subwoofers.
The Energy category is an excellent option for a simple upgrade to a base system or a perfect option for a performance system if you desire it to be.
The ESK speaker series of 5.25” components feature water-repellant rolled paper cones and a butyl-rubber surround for durability and stimulating sound recreations.
The Italian-made car speakers are incredibly well-made. The speakers can handle a peak of up to 225 watts, more than enough for any factory stereo out there.
While various companies have started using exotic materials, Hertz just makes the best paper cone speaker around.
Pros
- Features a giant magnet that helps improve speaker control
- High-quality materials for the speakers
- Incredible sound system
- The speakers come in custom configurations and sizes
Cons
- The large speaker magnet makes it difficult to install the speaker in vehicles with limited space.
Polk Audio DB5252
Polk Audio’s db521 car speakers are made with a silky/polymer dome tweeter, mica cone woofer, and durable rubber surrounds that protect the interior from heat and moisture.
Since they are marine-certified, they can be openly exposed to wet conditions, making them suitable on motorcycles and open jeeps.
They provide a great range of sound from lows to highs with loads of midrange appearance that brings out vocals, keyboards, guitars, etc.
The music doesn’t distort even at maximum volume, and they are well worth the price tag. They are also easy to install.
Nevertheless, they do not deliver decent bass at high volumes and are muddy with pretty little punch (a quality common with all the 5.25 speakers).
Some have complained that they don’t provide better sound quality than OEM speakers. Additionally, the grill style may not be to everyone’s liking.
Key Features
- 135 watts each and RMS: up to 90 watts per pair
- 19 mm liquid-cooled silky/polymer composite dome tweeter
- Marine-certified
- Sensitivity: 93 dB
Specification
- BrandPolk Audio
- ModelAA1521-A
- Weight 1 pound
Pros
- Pretty Durable in wet environments
- Great range of sound
- No distortion
Cons
- May not improve on the OEM speakers
- The appeal of the grille style is subjective
Pioneer A-Series 5.25 Car Speakers
These three-way coaxial speakers are simple to install and deliver over 300 watts of maximum power.
They feature a rigid multilayer mica matrix cone structure for deeper bass and the brand’s “open & smooth” sound idea to provide a seamless transition and deliver a uniform off-axis frequency response.
These high-quality car speakers provide great sound quality. The mid-tones are audible, the lows are passable, and the highs are similarly good. Overall, they’re a perfect upgrade from an OEM speaker set.
While they provide a clean and crisp sound, these speakers may blow out after a short period of time.
Additionally, they may not fit the models specified in the description. And, like most of the 5.25 coaxial speakers, if you want a bass that thumps, you’ll require a subwoofer.
Key Features
- Peak power 300 watts, RMS 50 watts
- 4 ohms
- The frequency response is 40-36,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 87dB
Specification
- BrandPioneer
- Model TS-A1370F
- Weight3.25 pounds
Pros
- High-quality material
- Crisp and clear sound
- Uniform frequency response
Cons
- Bass is lacking
- May blow out prematurely
- Do not fit all makes and models
Pyle 5.25 Car Sound Speaker
Pyle’s three-way speakers, just like the others, feature a half-inch neodymium fabric dome tweeter and a blue poly injection cone that upgrade the appearance of your car or truck.
The one-inch, high-temperature ASV voice coil raises performance and efficiency. They look, feel, and also sound great. They deliver a good midrange and high response for a really affordable price.
Like most speakers, we listed on this page, the Pyles deliver a very poor low-frequency response.
Therefore, they should be paired with a small amplifier with a crossover and, ideally, a subwoofer. Furthermore, they are a little bulky, and the mid and tweeter stick out additional than they do on some competitor brands.
Key Features
- Frequency response: ranges between 100Hz – 20Khz
- 4 ohm
- 100W RMS and 200W peak
- Sensitivity: 89dB
Specification
- BrandPyle
- ModelPL53BL
- Weight 3.46 pounds
Pros
- Very cheap
- Good midrange and high response
- Stylish blue cone
Cons
- Inferior bass response
- A little bulky
Infinity Kappa Component Speaker
The infinity 5-¼-inch car speakers feature a three-quarter-inch edge-driven light dome tweeter designed to handle more sound power than w-shaped domes.
They also have a glass fiber woofer with Plus One+ technology and feature a hi-roll rubber surround.
The tweeters are smooth, sharp, accurate, and deliver clean highs. The midrange is warm and simple. Everything they represent is very accurate, even at high volumes.
Despite the sound these speakers produce, the construction is a little lacking.
Some complaints have been that the speakers are fragile, cheaply made, and maybe broken out of the box. Moreover, they don’t have much low-end response, an issue that is typical with nearly all 5.25 speakers.
Infinity combines the crossovers with this set, making it manageable for the DIYer to install better-than-factory components quickly.
Optimized basket sizes give easy installation without modification in most motor vehicles. Infinity grills also complete the package for a seamless and smooth factory look.
Key Features
- 5-85 watts RMS (255 watts peak power)
- 2 ohm
- Sensitivity: 93 dB
- Frequency response: 55-35,000 Hz
Specification
- BrandInfinity
- Model50.11CS
- Weight 6.35 pounds
Pros
- A smooth and sharp sound
- Clean highs and warm midrange
- Soft-dome tweeter for more power
Cons
- Fragile and cheaply constructed
- Maybe broken upon delivery
- Poor low-end response
While the 5.25 speakers are relatively easy to install on any vehicle, not every speaker is compatible with each audio system.
As a result, there are some things you need to take into consideration before you upgrade your car audio setup.
One of the most crucial aspects to keep in mind is power handling. If you don’t use the right amount of power, you may damage your speakers, which will cost you extra money in the long run.
In addition to that, don’t expect your speakers to function at their optimal performance straight out of the box.
It can also take a little while to break in before they deliver the ultimate sound quality you desire.
Read on for some more tips regarding using your new 5.25 speakers.
- Do not underpower or overpower your new speakers because that will lead to wear and damage them.
- You can get by with a low RMS-rated speaker if you’re using a stock stereo without an external amplifier.
- Make sure to break in your new speaker sets; it can take several hours for them to work at their full power.
- If you’re using a stock car stereo, you will likely be able to wire the system using the factory wires; still, you will need to rewire the system if you add an external amplifier.
Top brands Manufacturing best 5.25 marine speakers
So who makes the best 5.25 car speakers? We analyzed a few top market brands that are reputable for selling the 5.25 category.
JBL
JBL is an American company that produces audio equipment, including loudspeakers and headphones.
The firm contains two independent divisions: the JBL Consumer serves the consumer home market, and the JBL Professional serves the studio, installed quality sound, tour sound, portable sound, and cinema markets.
It presently manufactures audio equipment, including loudspeakers with clear sound, earphones, amplifiers with high volumes, headphones, and car speakers. For example, one of its best 5.25 component car speakers is the JBL Stage 502 Coaxial Speakers.
BOSS
Bose Corporation is an American industrial company that predominantly sells top-notch audio equipment.
The audio equipment company was established by Amar Bose in 1964 and is currently based in Framingham, Massachusetts.
Bose audio is best known for its home audio systems and quality speakers, noise-canceling headphones, professional audio products, and automobile sound systems.
Bose has a clear record for being incredibly protective of its patents, trademarks, and brands. One of their best-selling 5.25 three-way speakers is the official Boss Audio Car Speaker.
Final Words
We hope you loved our list of 5.25-inch car speakers on the market today that have the best value for money—have any more ideas of the best 5.25 speakers for the money we can test? Let us know in the comment section below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best speaker brands?
Several well-established audio brands produce high-quality speakers, such as JBL, Alpine, Infinity, Pioneer, Rockford Fosgate, Pyle, Polk Audio, Kicker, and Kenwood.
What car speakers have the best bass?
5.25 speakers don’t usually produce much bass due to their size; however, you can increase the bass by connecting the speakers with a subwoofer.
Our Best 5.25 speakers for the money
Our favorite pick is the Polk Audio 5.25-Inch Coaxial Speakers. This sound equipment company has been producing affordable speakers since early 1972.
These, in particular, are rated for wet weather shields, making them an excellent option for a variety of vehicles, including motorcycles and jeeps.
In addition, they provide a wide range of sound, are easy to install, and don’t distort even at maximum volume.
How to install 5.25-inch car speakers?
All vehicles will have a distinct disassembly process when it comes to accessing the factory speakers to replace your new set.
Here are some of the popular spots where you can install your 5.25 speakers.
Accessing Front Dash Speakers
If your vehicle has front dash speakers, those are typically relatively easy to access. Usually, you can remove the speaker grille to fast access the speaker itself, although you may need a working 90-degree screwdriver to access the screws of the speaker if it is near the windshield.
Be extra careful when removing the speaker grille not to damage or damage your dash. It’s best to use a panel popper to eliminate the grille.
If you discover that the grille isn’t coming off very quickly, gently stop and check if screws are securing it in place from below.
In that case, you may want to remove the entire dash to access the speakers.
Accessing Door Speakers
Door car speakers are likely the speakers you’re familiar with. Depending on your vehicle, they’re located in the door panel and are also reasonably easy to replace.
Unfortunately, some vehicles make removing the door panel and accessing the speakers tricky, while others do a very straightforward job.
If you’re lucky, your car may allow you to just remove the speaker grilles from the outside of the door panel to reach the door speaker.
If you want to remove the door panel to access the speakers, use a panel popper or a flat head screwdriver for popping it off carefully.
Some car door panels may be more complex to change than others, and make sure that you check for any plugs that need to be separated.
Also, a typical door panel has switches for your power doors and windows, so there are likely a couple of disconnections you have to make before safely removing the door panel.
How much does a decent speaker cost?
Under $50: Most car speakers within this budget-friendly price range will satisfy your expectations for performance, audio quality, and durability if they’re from the well-known brands we mentioned above. The speakers are typically very loud and can be powered by a factory or aftermarket stereo. The size is usually the same with all 5.25-inch car speakers, but they come in various shapes that fit in either the dashboard or doors.
$50 and up This price category is for some of the most popular premium speakers that enhance durability and sound quality. Most of the speakers are supported with warranties from the purchase date and are resistant to collision damage.
A great low-frequency response that’s ideal for bass enthusiasts. You can expect to discover some of the best 5.25 waterproof speakers within this price range.
