Top 8 Best 4-Inch Car Speakers in 2021 – Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

What sound do you want in your car?

Choices are a lot and people’s preferences are diverse. But everyone wants the sounds that are clean and articulate. Among so many options, the best 4-inch car speakers can offer you the perfect sound in your car that you always desired.

These speakers are on-demand nowadays due to the compact stature. People want good sound quality but at a much lighter frame. To get the best experience with the speaker system in your car, you need the best 4-inch car speakers with good bass and loudness as well.

A speaker in a car is very important for our driving experience. A good speaker has the potential to increase our awareness and performance as an elevated sense of happiness hits us.

Ramping up the volume while listening to music! These speakers are our friends in boredom. For all these, you need the best speakers for your car, let’s take a look at what could be ideal for you.

Top Selection of 8 Best 4 Inch Car Speakers 2021

Are you searching for a good speaker for your car that suits your taste? When you invest in a speaker, you should know what you are buying. So, we will be reviewing 8 highly-efficient car speakers for you, explaining the pros and cons so that you can look into what are the best 4-inch component car speakers on the market right now.

1. Rockford Fosgate P142 Punch 4″ 2-Way Full-Range Speaker

This is your classic Rockford Fosgate P142 Punch 4-inch speaker that has a 2-way range. It comes in pairs; each pair has a peak power input of 60W with an RMS rating of 30W. This speaker is suitable for any type of vehicle making this device quite versatile.

The frequency range of this speaker is 100Hz – 22 kHz which gives it excellent highs and mids. The driver wants to hear every detail of the music he plays in the car, Rockford makes it happen. Rockford Fosgate P142 speaker is also great for satellite radio, local stations, iPods, and CDs.

We often find problems with the usual speaker while turning up the volume but in this aspect, Fosgate P142 is known to be the best sounding 4-inch car speakers. In this speaker, there is no access noise muffling the vocals.

Knowing the feature of a great speaker is sound quality and range, this speaker really manages to distinguish every possible instrument we can name.

Even though there is a slight problem, the bass shakes the mirrors sometimes in the intensity of the bass in this speaker; However, when it comes to the sound, this speaker has excellent base clarity and modulation.

Besides the sound, this speaker is also very easy to install with the wire adapters which is available at the store. It can be installed within a minute or so. These speakers are work of art from their quality components to their cast baskets. They are without a doubt the best buy.

Pros

• Excellent sound quality
• Easy to mount 
• Smooth clarity 
• Top-notch bass
• Very versatile

Cons

• Bass shakes mirrors

2. NVX 4 inch Professional Grade True 60 watt RMS 2-Way Coaxial Car Speakers

The NVX 4-inch Professional Grade speakers come with true 60W RMS 2-Way Coaxial car speakers (V-Series). It is one of the best 4-inch coaxial car speakers. This 4-inch variant from NVX has 2 sets of silk dome tweeters. The first thing with this particular device that caught our eyes was the sleek look NVX pulled off with this speaker. The silk textured dome tweeters really give it a premium look.

Not only that but these speakers are also built pretty well. Each of these speakers is 25mm large. The silk dome tweeters in this model allow for warm treble. Each pair RMS power input of 60W with a peak capacity of 120W. The sound quality of the NVX speakers is nothing short of amazing experiences. The tweeters are very loud with a voice coil that delivers exceptional highs and mids.

When it comes to bass, this one really shines. The bass in this one is top-notch which also has a very good response compared to other models. Just put a song with good bass and turn up that volume, no doubt, you won’t be disappointed.

We really loved the bass of this speaker but we would highly recommend not to power the bass too much as it could potentially damage the whole system. Throw any music on this speaker and listen to its magic. The only potential downfall of these speakers is that they might not fit every car out there.

Pros

• Amazing bass
• Good clarity 
• Premium look
• Excellent highs and mids

Cons

• Speakers might not fit every car

3. Kenwood KFC-1095PS 4″ 3-Way Speakers

Lots of car owners often ask themselves what are the best 4-inch car audio speakers? The Kenwood KFC-1095PS fits the measure. It is a 4 inch 3 ways speaker weighing around 2.8 pounds. It can handle a peak power input of 220W and has a rated RMS input of 36W impedance 4 ohms. This is the speaker to choose if you want to take your system to the next level without paying a fortune. 

This device comes in a 6.7 X 5.9 X 3.1 inches dimension. The tweeter in this model features a 1-3/ 16-inch paper that comes with a super tweeter that features a half-inch ceramic tweeter. The compatibility of this model means it would be easier to fit it into any vehicle.

Boosting a sensitivity of 85db, the sound clarity for this speaker is pretty good. The level of sound distortion for this device is minimal to non-existent. They come with a frequency that ranges from 110 Hz – 20 kHz. As a result, the treble and mids of this particular speaker are very clear.

Even though this device comes with solid sound quality, it falls short in the bass department. Coupled with the fact, the volume of these speakers doesn’t get too loud. If you want a much louder sound in the car, this device is not recommended.

Pros

• Good sound clarity
• Mids and treble are clear volume
• No sound distortion
• Compact size 

Cons

• Average bass

4. DS18 EXL-SQ4 – 4-Inch 3-OHMS High Sound Quality Speaker

Among many of the best quality 4-inch car speakers, this speaker stands out because of its good construction and quality features. This DS18 EXL-SQ4 has a great sound quality and it supports a wide range of frequencies. It has a superior bass response with a maximum power input of 260 watts. It comes in 2 sets of pairs and fits perfectly with any cars. We found DS18 is extremely loud.

This speaker has an extensive frequency range of around 115 – 22 kHz. The size of this speaker might confuse people for the sound range but don’t judge this by its appearance. It comes in black color that gives it a vintage look. DS18 speaker weighs 1 pound which is very lightweight for a speaker.

It has a great record in durability as it’s often heard that after using any usual speaker it craps out, but this speaker doesn’t. Regarding the bass of this speaker, it is incredibly satisfying. It has a clean tone. We often look for a speaker which helps us listen to every detail of the sound of music – this product actually makes it happen.

It is easy to install which plays a part when we are looking to buy a speaker for our car. DS18 EXL-SQ4 is affordable and also has an option to upgrade. Cars like Toyota Sequoia have a great fit for this speaker.

It might not be the best speaker out there but in this price range, it gives a lot more than other expensive speakers. Sometimes it’s the smallest of details that taints the overall quality. This speaker lacks in mid and low tones, but overall the result is worth the money.

Pros

• 2-way car speaker
• Great bass 
• Louder sound
• Affordable price range
• Durable structure

Cons

• Average mids and low

5. Kicker KSC404 KSC40 4″ Coax Speakers with .5″ Tweeters

The Kicker KSC404 KSC40 is a coax speaker that has 0.5-inch tweeters with a resistance of 4 ohms. The kicker is one of the best full-range 4-inch car speakers on the market now. This device has 2 silk dome tweeters and tough rubber surrounds. Each of the tweeters has a peak power input of 150W but for the best performance, we suggest using it with a constant power input of 75W.

The woofer cone in this device is made of polypropylene. This device comes with an 11.4 X 5.9 X 3.2 inches dimension weighing around 2.43 pounds. One of the plus points of this speaker is its thin stature. Hence, they can be easily mounted on any cars.

The solid built quality of this speaker really contributes to the quality of its sound. The silk domes used in this device make the sound very smooth to your ears. It also features an extended dynamic range. The sound from this system is very loud and the smooth highs you get with this device are almost palpable.

The frequency response of this kicker model is around 60 Hz – 20 kHz resulting in very good trebles and mids. This speaker has a sensitivity of 88Db giving the sounds in this device very good clarity. Even though this is a typical 2-way car stereo speaker, the bass on this device is really good.

The mids and highs here are really well balanced and the bass on this device won’t disappoint you. Overall, this incredible speaker really delivers on a very accurate and crisp volume that doesn’t compromise on performance in any aspect.

Pros

• Very smooth highs
• Solid build
• Excellent dynamic range
• Crisp accurate volume
• Easy to mount on cars

Cons

• Might need additional bolts to install on the basis of car model

6. Polk Audio DB401 4-Inch Pair Coaxial Speakers

Polk audio is affordable yet delivers high performance. It is one of the best rated 4-inch car speakers with superior looks and good sound quality. Light-weighted yet has excellent sound and this speaker comes with excellent durability unlike any other speakers in this price range.

This speaker makes installation easier through multi-hole pattern and shallow depth. Polk Audio DB401 has the capability to stand perfectly in extreme temperatures and sunlight. It is a marine-grade speaker so they stand out to be strong in a harsh environment.

The tweeters on this system have great bass and clear highs and mids. Playing music by this tweeter won’t upset as it delivers great detailed sound. We know that installing speakers can be tough sometimes but this device can be set up within 10 minutes. This is one of the best among mid-range car speakers with adequate bass for its size and smooth treble.

We often feel that the bigger a speaker is the better it sounds, but this audio system completely blows that concept out of the park as it provides one of the best sound qualities within a very compact device. Enjoying the song feels really great at high temperatures and a tough environment with no cracking sound.

Pros

• No distortion even on high temperature 
• Top notch bass
• Easy to install
• Reasonable price
• Sturdy design

Cons

• Some cars might need adjustments to use

7. Pioneer 4″ Speakers – 4-Inch, 150 Watt, Dual Cone 2-Way Speakers

If you are looking for the best 4-inch car speakers for the money, this Pioneer 4″ Speaker is for you. This is the most budget-friendly speaker reviewed on this list. It comes with a dual cone 2-way system with a set of 2 tweeters. Each tweeter can handle a peak power input rising to 150W.

Weighing at around 2.08 ounces this is by far the lightest speaker among others. The light stature of this device makes it easy to fit into cars without much hassle. The build quality of this speaker is also pretty good but not premium.

Whether this is the ideal device for you or not, depends on your expectations. First of all, the clarity of this speaker is flawless. The vocals of this device are smooth, crisp, and deep with no distortion whatsoever.

The frequency of this speaker ranges from 45 Hz to 14 kHz. This is good, however, compared to the other speakers, we found that the highs and mids fall short on quality. This doesn’t mean they are bad; it’s just not the best out there.

Before looking too much into the technical aspect of this speaker, we should consider the price we are getting this product for. Even though it is not the best car speaker out there, for the price as cheap as this, you are still getting a good quality car speaker from a very reputable brand.

Pros 

• Very durable
• No distortion
• Lightweight
• Budget friendly
• Enough clarity

Cons

• Average mids and highs

8. Alpine Type-S SPS-410 4″ Coaxial 2-Way Car Audio Speakers

Another best low cost 4-inch car speakers, Alpine Type-S SPS-410is a 2-way speaker. It comes with some special features such as touch screen, Bluetooth, in-dash car camera, navigation, wire harness, car stereo with a backup camera, android car stereo, car stereo harness, and more.  

It weighs around 3.2 pounds and comes in black color. We got good detailed sound quality with this audio system and mid-range clarity. With a little modification, these tweeters work very smoothly. The frame of this speaker is plastic which most people do not prefer.

It is constructed to last longer while maintaining the original quality.  It sounds better than some which we put all our money on and get very little out of it. This speaker makes the music experience a treat. The sound quality of this system is as good as it can get.

The touch screen Bluetooth makes this audio system much cool. Nowadays, we habitually want to connect everything using Bluetooth. So, including that in an audio system is a nice touch. It has another feature which is an in-dash camera that records the view through a vehicle’s front winds screen.

The tweeters in this device are a lot easier to install. It is good for clarity and also the best car speakers with good bass. Alpine speakers always stand out to be great in such small budget speakers and due to its simplicity of use.

Pros

• Bluetooth access
• Car dash camera
• Great bass
• Smooth tones 
• Polymer Woofer Cone

Cons

• Has plastic frame

Things to Consider when Buying Best Sounding 4 Inch Car Speakers

Car speakers generally come in different sizes but for this review, we will only be looking into the 4-inch car speakers. If you made up your mind to replace your car speakers with new ones, you should not settle for anything less than the best.

Car speakers vary in shapes and features, and for that doing research on your product is most important. Bearing that in mind, there are some key points you should consider before buying the ideal speakers for your car. Hence, below I have listed a few important features you must consider before buying a 4-inch car speaker.

1. Types of Speakers

The first thing you need to know is the type of speaker you are using. Primarily this can be categorized into two types, component speakers and full-range speakers. Identifying the perfect type of speaker for your car could end up saving you a few bucks, but more importantly, it will provide you with the sound quality that you desire for your car.

A full-ranged car speaker is packed in a single system. This makes it easier to mount it in your car. The sound quality of these speakers tends to be good and can produce any range of sound. What makes this one an attractive option is how amazing these speakers are.

This is the best option for those who want to replace their factory car speakers. The only aspect they fall short in is the fact that they are not as customizable as a component speaker.

Component speakers, on the other hand, have the 4-inch midrange car speakers offer great design. The construction apart from its excellent aesthetic gives these speakers maximum sound quality. The speakers here come separated, for instance, the woofer and the tweeter are split to allow the speakers for easier movement within the car.

Overall, It makes the sound quality of these speakers exceptional. Despite having a steeper price compared to the full-range speaker, this one is more suitable for those who are looking into a more advanced system.

2. Sound Quality

The most important thing to consider while buying a speaker for your car is the sound quality. You should look at the frequency range of a speaker to determine the sound quality of your speaker. The more extensive the frequency range of a particular speaker is the better its sound quality.

3. Power Handling

Power handling is also an important aspect you need to consider. Knowing the peak and RMS power input of your speaker can handle is vital. It is imperative to understand that the important aspect of power handling is the maximum RMS and not the peak power input as people might think. For instance, a high-powered stereo demands a speaker rated at ‘10-80W RMS’ and not a ‘2-50W RMS’.

4. 2-Way or 3-Way Speaker

Another thing you need to consider is whether the speaker is a 2-way or 3-way speaker. Most car speakers usually come in these two variants. 2-way speakers are the common units that are also known as coaxial speakers. They come with a tweeter and a woofer.

The only thing 3-way speakers differ from that of a 2-way is that it comes with an added mid-range component. This does provide the 3-way speakers with a higher range of frequency resulting in better sound quality.

5. Quality Construction

The construction quality of a speaker also needs to be considered as it can affect the sound quality of the audio system. Things you need to look for here are the tweeter, woofer, and the speaker surroundings. The materials they use here, the amount of heat around the system, and the weight of the speaker, all these contribute to the quality of sound you get.

6. Price Range

Last but not least we need to consider the cost of the speaker. While substituting a simple factory speaker won’t cost you a lot, affording a higher more advanced tech can be expensive. However, if you have a proper plan, you can buy your best 4-inch car speakers under $100. This would be certainly a good purchase by small spending.

Why and Who Needs the Best 4-Inch Car Speakers

Why would one get a new car speaker? The answer is simple, for better sound quality. People may not be satisfied with the sound quality of their current system and they look to buy a new speaker in hopes of getting a significant boost to their sound. This also comes with the added benefit of a long lifetime of the system as it’s made with better material which also boosts its performance.

And who needs a new car speaker? Well, it is someone who needs to replace his factory car stereo speakers with a new one. A person who is fed up with the sound quality of their current one and is in desperate need of change also falls in this category. Narrowing it down to a certain group is difficult as different people will have different reasons for buying a new speaker for their car.  

In case your current speakers have distortion issues, a new 2-way or 3-way speaker will almost immediately fix it. There is also the added fact that new car speakers won’t cost you a fortune to buy and are very affordable.

How to Install Car Speakers?

Once you buy your car speakers, it is important to know how to install them properly. A small mistake can completely damage the system. Hence, to prevent that from happening, below we have listed easy steps from start to finish on how to install your 4-inch car speakers safely.

Step 1

First, arrange all the necessary tools for mounting the speakers to your car. Because depending on the shape of your system and your car, it is really difficult to predict which tool you might end up needing. So, below we have listed all the possible tools you will need to deal with to install any kind of speaker.

• Different types of screwdrivers (Phillips head, flatheads, etc)
• Allen wrenches
• Socket wrenches
• Hobby knife
• Soldering iron
• File
• Crimping tool
• Tool for cracking panels
• Tape (Electrical)
• Electric drill
• Torx driver
• Strippers
• Wire cutters

Step 2

Make sure the chosen speaker fits your car. While most of the speakers fit into the space provided for the stock speakers, some might need minor tweaks to adjust. So, beware of this when buying your speaker and make sure they are a good fit for your car.

Step 3

Disconnect the battery of your car to avoid electrical damage. As usual, when working with electricity you must first make sure it is turned off as otherwise, you can harm yourself through electric shock. This way you also prevent damaging the car in any way.

Step 4

Check the instruction manual that comes with your speaker. The instruction provided in a manual is easy to read and is made for the specific speaker you just bought. Due to the wide number of speakers present in the market nowadays, it is difficult to make an ideal installation guide for each one of them. Hence, it is wise to take a peek through the manual before working on installing your speakers.

Step 5

Take any panels or grills off on your stock speakers. Take these panels off using an appropriate screwdriver and slowly work towards removing the screws holding your stock speakers in place.

Step 6

Remove the current speaker from your car. While removing make sure you do not tear up the wire harness linked to this speaker. Slowly pull the stock speaker along with its wire out of your car.

Step 7

Now take the speakers you bought and attach it to the electrical system of your car. This is the easiest part of the installation; just carefully plug the wire harness of your speaker to that of the car and it’s done. By any chance, if your car doesn’t come with this easy fit you might have to resort to connecting your speakers using a crimping tool or a soldering iron.

Few things to keep in mind though, ensure the polarity of the car and speaker connections are in sync. Normally the larger of the two is the positive terminal of the speakers marked with a tiny dot or “+”. Also, if the speaker is on the dashboard, avoid using electrical tapes as it won’t hold itself at a higher temperature.

Step 8

Connect all the wires and check if your speakers are working properly. If you find any issues, there must be something wrong with the electrical connection.

Step 9

Proceed to secure the new speakers in your car. Once you have confirmed that your speaker works properly, secure it to your car. Attach the grills or panels back on again, sit back and enjoy your perfectly working new speakers now!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are 4-inch car speakers ideal for me?

Well, it depends. If you don’t want to pay a fortune yet want to upgrade to better sound quality then yes, these speakers are for you. Moreover, replacing your factory speakers with this is also very easy.

2. Are these 4-inch car speakers worth it?

For this price, it is definitely a safe buy to own the best 4-inch car speakers. Not only do they come with great sound quality with excellent bass but mounting them on most cars is also a lot easier. If you want to get the chance, I would recommend grabbing one.

3. How good are the bass of 4-inch car speakers?

They are excellent, especially the ones recommended on the list above. You can pick either one of them and you won’t be dissatisfied. The bass response is also very good with these speakers and some of them may even amaze you with highly refined bass modulation.

4. How good is the construction quality of these 4-inch car speakers?

That depends on the model you are buying. It can range from plastic frames to smooth silk domes with aesthetics that really hits the mark. Sometimes a good built 4-inch speaker also helps enhance its sound quality. So, take your pick.

5. Do 4-inch car speakers suffer from distortion?

None of the 4-inch car speakers we have reviewed in the above list suffered from distortion. These speakers have great clarity and not once have we heard any sort of distortions while using them.

Final Thoughts

Finding the best 4-inch speakers for car among large options could be confusing. But the above reviews were structured to shorten your big list. You have now a shortlist and you can choose a perfect car speaker from the list.

When we turn up the volume of our car speaker, we expect a crisp, smooth sound with clear bass. In that regard, our top pick for the best speaker is the Rockford Fosgate P142, this speaker has it all. Even though the other speakers on this list are also very good, this one is truly the top contender for the best 4-inch car speakers for you.