7 Best 6.5-Inch Car Speakers of 2021

Most cars out there are fitted with 6.5-inch speakers.
However, finding and purchasing a 6.5-inch car speaker that fits your needs can be difficult at times. Our first-hand experience and extensive knowledge have helped us develop our very own list of the best 6.5-inch car speakers.
So, without any further introduction, let's dive into what we consider to be the best alternatives to your factory-installed car speakers.
7 Best 6.5-inch Car Speakers – Review
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
---|---|---|---|
![]() ![]() ![]() | 1. JBL GTO629 (Carbon-Injected Cones for Deeper Bass) | ||
![]() ![]() ![]() | 2. Rockford Fosgate R165X3 (Superior Sound Quality) | ||
![]() ![]() ![]() | 3. JVC CS-J620 (Long-lasting & Great Value) | ||
![]() ![]() ![]() | 4. Pioneer TSA1676R (Superior Sound & Responsiveness) | ||
![]() ![]() ![]() | 5. JBL GTO638 (Small & Compact) | ||
![]() ![]() ![]() | 6. Kenwood KFC-1695PS (Affordable & Value for Money) | ||
![]() ![]() ![]() | 7. Polk Audio DB651 (Can Be Used Near Water) |
PRODUCT |
---|
1. JBL GTO629 (Carbon-Injected Cones for Deeper Bass) ![]() ![]() ![]() |
2. Rockford Fosgate R165X3 (Superior Sound Quality) ![]() ![]() ![]() |
3. JVC CS-J620 (Long-lasting & Great Value) ![]() ![]() ![]() |
4. Pioneer TSA1676R (Superior Sound & Responsiveness) ![]() ![]() ![]() |
5. JBL GTO638 (Small & Compact) ![]() ![]() ![]() |
6. Kenwood KFC-1695PS (Affordable & Value for Money) ![]() ![]() ![]() |
7. Polk Audio DB651 (Can Be Used Near Water) ![]() ![]() ![]() |
1. JBL GTO629 – Carbon-Injected Cones for Deeper Bass



Photo: JBL
Who doesn’t want a nice pair of 6.5-inch car speakers from a reputable brand? Here is JBL GTO629. One thing that makes this car speaker stand out from others in its size category is the large cone. This carbon-injected cone moves more air to provide more bass.
A pivoting tweeter makes it possible to aim sound to any direction you want. This means you get clear sound regardless of the position of the speaker. Dual-lever volume adjustment technology used on the tweeter compensates for less than ideal car speaker position.
3-Ohm, low-impedance ensures that sound quality is not compromised by size of the connecting wires. So you have the option of using undersized wires without affecting sound quality. Grilles are included for protection.
This serious contender is not without some disadvantages. Being a one-size-fit-all car speaker, you need to first do some serious examination of the space in your vehicle to ensure that it fits. Also, the price is quite expensive when compared to the rest of the competition.
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2. Rockford Fosgate R165X3 – Superior Sound Quality



Photo: Rockford
This is a car speaker from Rock Fosgate that offers a superior sound quality at a fantastic price. Updated technology and high-quality materials make this speaker far better than previous models of Rockford Fosgate.
A vacuum polypropylene cone adds more punch to the sound and makes transition from note to note much quicker. Rubber is used as the surround material for maximum durability and improved linear movement.
This car speaker is designed for shallow mounting, a feature that provides easy fitment and better performance. A grille is included to give a stylish look and better protection from foreign objects.
Although this car speaker has a lower bass quality when compared to models like JBL GTO629, it is much more affordable. It also does not work well with small wires which is an inconvenience since thick and quality audio wires are more expensive.
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3. JVC CS-J620 – Long-lasting and Great Value



Photo: JVC
JVC car speakers are known for long-lasting performance. JVC CS-J620, one of its signature 6.5-inch car speakers is no different. This car speaker is sold as a pair so it is an exceptional value, especially considering its price.
Furthermore, those speakers produce a combined maximum power of 600 watts and RMS rating of 60 watts. With these, you get quality music without much distortion.
High quality materials are sued here to make this car speaker strong, tough, and reliable. Tough elastic mica makes the cone. High-tensile neodymium magnet used on the tweeter adds strength and increases life of the speaker.
Aluminum coil comes in handy to resist high heat and increase the power handling capacity of the speaker. At 5 Ohms, you can use this car speaker in combination with several amplifiers with less distortion. Just note that with 5 Ohms, you cannot install this speaker with thin wires.
One drawback is that this car speaker does not produce the best sound we have heard. Especially that it has difficulty with the highs. However, when it comes to raw power, this car speaker absolutely delivers as it can get loud.
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4. Pioneer TS-A1676R – Superior Sound and Responsiveness



Photo: Pioneer
Pioneer is a brand that gives powerful sonic solution at a friendly price tag. Pioneer TS-A1676R is one model that gives that refreshing sonic upgrade. It produces a superior sound quality and responsiveness that is excellent for almost any type of music.
This next-generation 6.5-inch car speaker offers improved bass and dynamic range. It has a high power handling capacity of 50 watts to keep sound distortion to a minimum. The cone structure is made of a rigid multilayer mica matrix for deeper bass and wider dispersion.
A lightweight polymer material is used for the surround to give high sensitivity. Pioneer TS-A1676R comes with a new spider design that gives stiffer suspension while offering more accurate response.
Heat-resistant coil and cooling basket improve the capacity of this car speaker to withstand high power input. This 6.5-inch car speaker is an ideal option for playing a larger variety of music.
The only problems that the bass is good but could have been better because it is not as rich and deep when compared to other models in the same price bracket. Also, you should not play this speaker at high volumes at all times because it lacks the build construction for heavy-duty use.
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5. JBL GTO638 – Small and Compact



Photo: JBL
JBL is a heavy-hitter in the audio industry. So it’s no surprise that another of its models has managed to squeeze its way into our list of the best 6.5-inch car speakers. It is small and compact so it can be installed in tight areas. Also, it is quite durable and will last a long time.
This speaker uses plus one woofer cone with a really powerful base tone. It has a mylar-titanium tweeter built for durability and exceptional response.
The tweeter used in this car speaker is adjustable. You can rotate in any direction to direct the sound where you need it most.
Well, this speaker is not without a drawback. It flaws in terms of price. I mean, it’s one of the most expensive 6.5-inch car speakers out there. But hey, this is a premium car speaker and you just don’t get them cheap.
Honestly, the JBL GTO638 is among the best-sounding speakers that I've personally tested. But it is also quite expensive, putting it at the top of our expensiveness list.
Also, you should be careful when installing this speaker because it has an impedance of 4 ohms which means that you cannot use small or undersized wires with it.
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6. Kenwood KFC-1695PS – Affordable and Value for Money



Photo: Kenwood
Kenwood has designed this car speaker in a way that puts them way above the average car replacement speakers. The Kenwood KFC-1695PS is an excellent speaker replacement because it is affordable and yet produces a deep and rich bass.
This is a speaker that lets you get the most out of your music experience, especially when combined an amplifier or head unit.
One surprising thing, which I think you’ll love, is the fact that this car speaker is one of the cheapest in our list. It might have a weird design that I'm not personally into, but the sound quality is superb.
The speaker has a water-resistant diamond array pattern, which means no compromise in case of spills. An injected polypropylene cone comes in handy to provide great midrange and mid bass response.
A unique, counter-drive magnet is used on this car speaker to keep distortion at a minimum and improve channel imaging. Kenwood KFC-1695PS offers a high frequency response way up to 20,000Hz. That means you get awesome response and amazing crystal clear highs. A power handling capacity of 75 watts puts it way above the average car speaker models.
The only caveats we have with this model is that due to its shape, you may need to perform some DIY tasks during the installation. Your vehicles may not have a pre-fit speaker compartment for this shape.
Also, even if this is not technically a disadvantage, you will need to pair this speaker with an amplifier to get the most out of it. It is quite powerful despite being this kind of affordable.
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7. Polk Audio DB651 – Can Be Used Near Water



Photo: Polk Audio
Polk Audio speakers are worth putting into consideration, especially if you want a marine-styled car speaker. What separates the Polk Audio DB651 from the rest is its superior ability to withstand humidity. It can be used near water, no problem.
Despite its small size, those speakers are designed to cope under high pressure and can take literally anything thrown their way. Also, they are low-profile and compact so you do not need a lot of space to get them installed. And once installed, this speaker offers a loud and clear sound at a price that is extremely competitive as well.
Well, to give you the picture, you get 360 watts of maximum power and a power handling capacity of 120 watts. This is a pretty good combination for a car speaker of its size.
This speaker is a sweet spot both in sound and built quality. It has a silk polymer tweeter designed to offer refined highs. Polymer and mica mineral used on the cone woofer give that lightweight dynamic balance for accurate response.
This speaker uses a liquid-cool technology for impressive power handling capacity. Foam rubber gaskets provide a tight seal for that deep bass. This car speaker comes with installation hardware so it is easy to fit.
This speaker comes with a minor drawback. The mid-bass delivered is not that big. Therefore, it might be a good option for those that love average bass in a car speaker. Also, despite not requiring a lot of installation space, the installation itself is a little bit more technical and requires more patience than others.
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Conclusion
So, it’s time to wrap things up! We have covered one of the best 6.5-inch car speakers of all budgets in this article. From this review, you might have noticed that getting the best 6.5-inch car speakers don't have to cost a fortune.
Considering the price point, performance, and sound quality of these speakers, I would say none of them are below average. However, it’s up to you to make a decision and choose one that suits your car best.
Well, that’s about all we've got for today. Until next time, we hope you have an awesome day and music-listening experience.
- 7 Best 6.5-inch Car Speakers – Review
- 1. JBL GTO629 – Carbon-Injected Cones for Deeper Bass
- 2. Rockford Fosgate R165X3 – Superior Sound Quality
- 3. JVC CS-J620 – Long-lasting and Great Value
- 4. Pioneer TS-A1676R – Superior Sound and Responsiveness
- 5. JBL GTO638 – Small and Compact
- 6. Kenwood KFC-1695PS – Affordable and Value for Money
- 7. Polk Audio DB651 – Can Be Used Near Water
- Conclusion