Jeep Wrangler has been an American classic and favorite since the mid-80s, yet it is an acquired taste. I can remember gawking at it as a kid, and shamefully, sometimes as an adult. I don’t know. I guess I’m intrigued by its open design and rugged air.
Choose Your Option!
If transportation were animate, the Jeep Wrangler would have an “I don’t care” attitude. There’s just something we all love about a rebel. The Wrangler is that rebel.
It exudes a sense of adventure and thrill-seeking, mystery, and fun. It’s not awfully roomy and doesn’t represent luxury, nor does it guarantee a smooth ride, but it’s definitely one of a kind. You can’t confuse it with any other vehicle. That’s for sure.
Best Speakers for Jeep Wrangler JK Review
1. MOPAR 77KICK10 Kicker Speaker
Instead of going home, Mopar went big. For quite some time now, they’ve been extending upgrades to Jeep owners who want to up the ante on their sound systems, and at an economical price. That’s me all the way. Since you’re here, it must be you, too, so let’s carry on.
The installation process was a tad more time-consuming than I would’ve wished, namely on the front driver’s side. Nevertheless, once it was installed, I partook in some of the nicest sound quality on the market, and with giant brands like Rockford Fosgate ruling the roost, that can be some big shoes to fill. Well, Mopar filled them.
The 77 Kick 10s have a lot of weight to them as well as depth to their sound, 75 watt RMS, and 150-watt max. They can be used for either back or front applications. Your old covers should fit these after you replace the factory speakers, no problem.
Now, their clarity is not as noteworthy as that of the 165 AC’s, but I’m still impressed. I learned you can’t judge a book by its cover. Besides that, they are plug and play and release a fair amount of bass. It’s an adequate, convenient offer.
If you are looking for a worthy substitution for your factory speakers with an increase in sound quality that comes at a fair price, Mopar has your back!
2. Rockford Fosgate R165X3 Full-Range 3-Way Coaxial Speaker
Rockford Fosgate needs no introduction. The R165X3s deserve one, though.
Overall, these full-range speakers offer that trademark Rockford Fosgate sound, which is in a class all its own.
They are 6-1/2 inches apiece. The accompanying Polypropylene woofer cone produces clear-cut and voluminous sound. The bass is up to the mark. You’ll be blasting every song and instrumental with hard-hitting 808s, marveling at the full effect of that incredible, unyielding bass. Yes, these speakers make drums stand out.
In addition, they’re lightweight but rigid, making them easy to install. And you won’t have to empty your savings account for them. I did price comparisons at several stores offline and checked with online vendors, as well. They’re affordable even if you’re on a reasonable budget.
Come to think of it, their high-end frequencies leave more to be desired, but please don’t misconstrue what I’m saying. Their high-end frequencies are excellent by most—and debatably, all—first-class standards. But, this particular model doesn’t live up to the Fosgate way of doing high-end frequency. That’s the only way I know how to put it, really.
Then again, I can only speak for myself. That was my individual experience. Your experience and perspective might be the polar opposite of mine if you decide to give them a try. OK, so now it’s going to seem like I’m contradicting myself, but I’m not. Bare with me.
Maybe I should say it this way: 92% of the time, the highs are amazing. The other 8% of the time, they’re just meh.
The piezo super tweeter is as fun as its name sounds. It, coupled with the crossover system, takes high frequencies to another level. Every time they’re at work, I detect a tinge of flair, a specific characteristic that I just can’t put my finger on. Whatever it is, it gives the R165X3 character, unduplicated flavor. You’ll know what I’m talking about as soon as you hear it.
I just don’t understand why the highs seem to fall flat now and again. The lower frequencies are quite great at all times, by the way.
If you’re seeking to throw an amp in the equation, these full-range speakers come with a slim wire and some terminal clips that can help you with any soldering that may be required. I apologize for getting all makeshifts on you. Just know, these speakers are worth every penny.
Being on a tight budget does not mean that you can’t substitute your factory speakers with something better. In fact, Rockford Fosgate has made quality sound a lot more affordable than ever.
3. Polk DB652 Ultramarine Dynamic Balance Coaxial Speakers
We’ll tackle two of Polk’s most popular options: DB 522 and DB 652. At the end of the day, at least in my opinion, these speakers are freakishly similar in nature, so there’s not much of a contrast there, but let’s start with Polk’s 522 models.
It promises limited distortion. It delivers. It promises a rich, balanced sound, and it doesn’t disappoint. The only question I have for myself is, Where have they been all my life, especially when my budget was tighter?
I can’t believe I had been missing out on all that peak power handling and the Dynamic Balance technology, which incorporates laser imaging to reinforce low “rumble.” Resonance is imperative, after all.
The DB 522 brings forth that full-range response and distortion-less sound most of us aim for when pumpin’ up the volume in our Jeeps (or whatever we’re in at the time).
There’s absolutely nothing inconspicuous about these speakers. Trust me. If you like bass that doesn’t let up and highs that stay the course, then the 522s could be the answer to your handwringing.
They are solid and cut no corners on volume capacity and intensity. The high-frequency output must not and cannot be ignored, point blank period. With their construction, you can put them in just about any type of vehicle. I’m talking about even in an ATV.
I don’t know about you, but I’ve seen it where some vehicle makes, Jeep, for example, are left out in the cold when it comes to speaker compatibility and such. With this set of speakers, however, that is not the case. In general, Polk has a universal approach to vehicle audio, thus its reputation. That’s one reason I respect them so much.
Undoubtedly, the DB 522s will stand the test of time with you and your ride simply because of the way they’ve been engineered. They’re ruggedly built and weaponized against the elements.
Like I stated, the DB 652s and 522s are pretty much the same animal, so to speak, but here are two deviations:
The 652s are bigger in size. Its frequency response is 40-22k Hz compared to the 522s at 55-22k Hz. With that said, I feel like the 652 version is the more powerful and spirited option, but you can’t really go wrong with either choice.
Those of you who are looking for quality speakers that will endure the toughest of rides for a long while should definitely pay attention to these Polk speakers.
4. Focal 165 AC Coaxial Speakers
Focal is an incredible company, so it’s no surprise that the 165 AC model is my absolute favorite from the list. It emits a clear, crisp sound that I could listen to all day. I have several Focal branded speakers—some older, some newer—and the 165 AC proves that like a fine wine, this company gets better with age.
This particular model gives a tip-top performance every time, so I can’t complain. A guy I know connected them to his vehicle radio directly. I can’t vouch for that because I haven’t experienced it first-hand, but that’s just another facet that makes the 165 AC versatile. They just have that “it factor,” you know?
What’s more, it’s an affordable option. I don’t mean one of those cheap, poorly-made speakers that you can buy for less than 30 or 40 bucks. I mean an inexpensive speaker set that is powerful and competitive.
They are certainly a candidate for anyone looking for a smooth, qualitative sound without racking up a huge debt. And, at this point, they’ve become my go-to speakers. My Wrangler’s factory speakers pale in comparison to these, big time. In fact, there is no comparison.
The crossover feature is one of the driving forces behind its success. I mean, these things had the tweeters and woofers commanding attention from everyone within a certain radius. I kept them turned up about as loud as they would go for quite a while. The music quality was so textured and full-bodied the whole time.
This set comes with the voice coil, wire mesh grilles, and a DFS woofer cone, complete with butyl rubber surround. I give the bass an 8 out of 10. The highs and lows are great but not at the expense of the midranges. They have elevated sensitivity. In case you can’t tell, I’m thrilled about my purchase.
They may not be the fanciest speakers in the world, but they get the job done. The 165 AC Series is the embodiment of clarity; I can hear every word of my music, windows up or down. There’s no distortion or interferences whatsoever. You’ll be hard-pressed to find anything negative about it.
These speakers blow many of its contemporaries out of the water for half the price.
Sometimes the rule, the higher the price, the better quality can ricochet right and you and not in a pleasant way. When we talk Focal speakers here – that is never the case!
Best Speakers for Jeep Wrangler Sound Bar (Updated November, 2024)
| Product | Product Information | View on Amazon |
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Editor’s Choice
1) MOPAR 77KICK10 Kicker Speaker |
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2) Rockford Fosgate R165X3 |
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3) Polk Audio DB652 |
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4) Focal 165 AC Coaxial Speakers |
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TJ is one of those Jeep vehicles that will definitely benefit from new speakers. You can install aftermarket tube doors and enjoy the ride while listening to high-quality music. The interior is spacious enough and it won’t be hard to update/upgrade your soundbar. The following list includes four market-leading speaker sets that carry excellent value and will be a good investment for an audiophile. Check them all right now!
Best Speakers for Jeep Wrangler TJ Review
1. Kicker 43DSC4604 4″x6″ 2-way Speaker Pair
Looking for a speaker set that looks good, comes at a reasonable price, and doesn’t sound cheap? If your answer is yes, this offer from Kicker might just be a good pick. It boasts a trendy, eye-catching design that isn’t too “corny” but still grabs attention. And, despite the affordable price-tag, the high frequencies are nice and sharp, with precision instead of sizzling.
Sadly, the same can’t be said about the bass sounds. The low-frequency performance is pretty disappointing and you won’t be able to rock a crowd properly at an off-roading party. On the bright side, this set of speakers does offer excellent value and will be a good investment for folks on a tight budget. I’d go with this pair if my stock TJ speakers popped and I was in need of a low-budget aftermarket alternative.
The aesthetes might not light these speakers because of the so-so bass response, but the regular drivers will probably find this to be an attractive deal. The low-budget price, bold design, and solid high-frequency performance are all good reasons to consider purchasing this set. The expression “you get what you pay for” fits it perfectly.
2. Kicker 43DSC504 Coaxial Speakers
The next pair of speakers on my list is like the “elder brother” to the previous set. As you can see, these are coaxial speakers and won’t be a problem to install even in the tightest spot. On top of that, they pack 200 watts of output power against 120, which basically means more volume (loudness). I want to also say that during my test on higher volumes, the quality of the sound didn’t drop significantly – that’s a big pro.
Fast and easy installation is another standout feature. As mentioned, the coaxial design is always easier to adjust and to mount. Kicker also made sure that this set was highly compatible with a long list of vehicles. It supports many Jeep models and doesn’t require an engineering degree to make sense of. What I didn’t like about this pair was its durability. One of the speakers “died” after two months, and I wasn’t the only one with such complaints.
Durability isn’t this set’s strongest suit. On the other side, it’s not particularly expensive and holds its own against the best offers in this price range. Add easy, straightforward installation and impressive compatibility, and you’ll see why these Kicker speakers are so popular among regular drivers.
3. Polk Audio DB462 DB Coaxial Speakers
If you’ve got some extra bucks to spend, you might want to check out what Polk Audio has to offer. DB462 is a set of high-quality coaxial speakers that boast impressive sound quality and “classic” looks. The audio quality is, indeed, well above average. The bass is still not on par with the more expensive pairs, but adequate.
Initially, these speakers were intended to be used on boats and other sea vessels. That’s why they’re marine-certified and aren’t “afraid’ of water, dirt, humidity, or even sun rays. The only downside – the power output is average at best. For some casual driving, it’s more than enough, but when you decide to “turn up”, you might not be satisfied with the volume level. Other than that, Polk did a decent job and this will be money well spent.
High-performance, well-protected against the sun, water, and dirt, and easy to install – that’s what this speaker pair is all about. It might not be very loud, which can be a con sometimes, but, overall, it’s a safe bet and you’ll instantly feel the difference in sound quality compared to the OEM factory set.
4. Polk Audio DB522 DB Coaxial Speakers
Just like the Kicker speakers, the Polk Audio sets are also very similar to each other, with only a few (but significant) differences. Folks in the market for the loudest set will probably like what the DB522 pair has to offer. The maximum power output is 300 watts, and the high frequencies sound better than with the less expensive DB462 speakers.
In other respects, they are pretty much the same. I’m talking about ease of installation and use, retro-ish looks, and a decent value. Of course, you’ll also get all-around protection against rust, corrosion, and UV rays. So, it’s up to you to decide which Polk Audio offer suits you best. This one is pricier, but also louder and slightly more advanced.
These speakers are UV-tolerant, waterproof, and with solid power output. They’re the most expensive pick on our list, but if you’re not on a tight budget, they could be worth it.
Comparison Table – Best Speakers for Jeep Wrangler TJ (Updated November, 2024)
| Product | Product Information | View on Amazon |
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Editor’s Choice
1) Kicker 43DSC4604 4″x6″ Speaker Pair |
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2) Kicker 43DSC504 |
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3) Polk Audio DB462 |
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4) Polk Audio DB522 |
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In comparison to the more traditional speakers, sound bars are cooler, trendier, and look like a part of the Jeep’s interior. Most of them include six speakers (2 tweeters, 2 mid-rangers, and 2 woofers) and will be a great gift for an audiophile. The market is overwhelmed by numerous offers from leading brands, which makes it kinda hard to find the one that you’ll fall in love with.
That’s exactly why we took our time with testing and checked dozens of soundbars in real-world environments. And now, after carefully examining every single one, our experts picked three candidates for the title of the best Jeep sound bar. All three (two from Vertically Driven, and one from Rugged Ridge) are worth every single penny, but, there are some differences that we need to talk about. Let’s get to that right now!
Best Jeep Sound Bar Review
1. Vertically Driven 792501 6 Speaker Upholstered
If you’re looking for a sound bar that’s easy to install, decent in quality, and won’t leave your wallet empty, Vertically Driven might have exactly what you need. It is available in two colors (black and grey) and features dome lights. The package, in turn, includes all the necessary bolts and screws for effortless installation. The sad part is – this sound bar has some quality control issues.
Not-so-perfect molding, backing out screws, and a generally sloppy packaging are, of course, a con. But, that’s nothing that you won’t be able to fix within minutes. On the bright side, Vertically Driven packs a 10-inch-long wire harness with the soundbar – no need to buy it from third parties. Overall, as a cheap, yet decent purchase, 792501 will be a good investment for your hard-earned bucks.
Jeep drivers in the market for an affordable, reliable sound bar will, most likely, find this offer from Vertically Driven to be quite attractive. Quality control can be an issue, but the package is generous, the sound quality is solid, and installation is as straightforward as it can be. The plastic is, of course, not the best-looking material, but it does get the job done.
2. Vertically Driven 792511 Soundbar Six Speakers
The second sound bar on our list is also from the Vertically Driven line-up. This one is made of high-impact plastic and is properly upholstered (good-quality water-resistant fabric). In many ways, it’s the same as the previous bar (that becomes obvious when you look at the name tags – 79251 vs. 792501). But the factory color-matching upholstery isn’t the only (or the biggest) difference.
This particular sound bar is not as universal as the previous model. So, before you commit to it, we highly recommend checking whether it will fit your Jeep or not. It is fully compatible with most Jeeps, but, still, in order to not be disappointed, double-check this. Other than that tiny inconvenience, this bar will be money well spent.
High-quality materials, effortless installation, and good looks – that’s what you’ll get with Vertically Driven 792511. This sound bar is one of those can’t-go-wrong-with purchases that are worth every single penny. However, before paying for it, do check whether it will be a match for your Jeep or not. There’s nothing worse than buying an exciting new thing only to find out it’s got compatibility issues.
3. Rugged Ridge 13006.47 6 Speaker Upholstered
If you’ve got a thick wallet and are looking for the best quality, Rugged Ridge’s sound bar might be worth your attention. First of all, it delivers impressive sound precision. Secondly, all the separate parts (including the speakers) are custom-engineered. The material quality also deserves our praise, especially the upholstery. The overall design isn’t very different from the Vertically Driven bars – it’s all in the details.
As for the biggest con, this soundbar isn’t at all cheap; but, the high price is well compensated by all the pros that we just mentioned. Another tiny con: the holes through the fabric are too small, and the bolts might have a hard time fitting in there. Other than that, installation is very easy.
Rugged Ridge’s sound bar is pricey. It does come with several perks that justify the steep price-tag, though. It’s made of better materials and, more importantly, sounds better. The dome lights are a nice touch, and the construction quality is excellent. If you’re ready to commit to it and greatly improve your Jeep’s “fun meter”, this six-speaker sound bar might be just the perfect purchase for you.
Best Jeep Sound Bar for Jeep Wrangler TJ, YJ (Updated November, 2024)
| Product | Product Information | View on Amazon |
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Editor’s Choice
1) Vertically Driven 792501 |
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2) Vertically Driven 792511 |
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3) Rugged Ridge 13006.47 |
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Final Thoughts
The Jeep series has always been praised for its durability, reliability, and off-road capabilities. However, the sound system isn’t one of its standout features. The factory system is pretty “dull”, especially compared to the best third-party options. Today, we reviewed three leading soundbars for your Jeep SUV that will beef up the sound quality and bring more joy to your daily driving routine.
They are quite affordable, easy to install and last a lifetime. You won’t even need a guide or help to mount the bars. If you’re looking for a low-budget option, go with Vertically Driven’s 792501. Fans of something a bit more advanced and “techy” will probably find the Rugged Ridge sound bar to be a more reasonable pick. Finally, 792511 (also made by VD) is like the golden middle between these two. So, make your choice wisely!
DON’T FORGET
Wrangler drivers, before you buy any solitary speaker for your soundbar, make sure you’ve done your own personal research. My recommendations are not gospel, just suggestions, so you must make the executive decision.
What works best for you?
When in the market for speakers, always check for certain facets and specs first. The key is matching your speakers with your system. Remember to take the following aspects into consideration:
Sensitivity, which measures how much sound a speaker yields from the power applied to it.
Power-handling, which lets you know how much power a speaker can handle. It’s measured in watts.
From there, decide if you want full-range (coaxial speakers) or component speakers, each offer features and functions after its own kind.
Full-range speakers consist of woofers. The woofers handle the lows. They also consist of a tweeter mounted onto the woofer. The combination creates highs.
Some versions have ancillary drivers, midrange, or super tweeter.
If you want to replace factory speakers, like we’ve been discussing, the safest, headache-free way to go is full-range speakers. They come in a variety of sizes, power ranges, and price points.
The thing about a component speaker is, it’s crafted with better resources and styled and designed much the same, with excellence in mind. The rest is a given.
Component speakers usually cost more than full-ranges because of the additional technologies and workmanship. Generally, a component system includes individual tweeters, woofers, and external crossovers. They work together as an ensemble cast.
This affords the user some versatility, which opens the door to sharp-sounding music with depth, punch, and vivacity. You may also want to look into whether you want to pivot or swiveling tweeters. Check the manufacturer’s track record and consumer reviews and ratings while you’re at it.
This is not an exhaustive list.
Conclusion
So, which set of speakers should you choose? There’s only one right answer: Choose whichever one you want.
I’m not trying to be a smart aleck. I just know we’ve tapped into a plethora of data and stats, and let’s face it, that can be daunting, thinking over everything all at once; and you’re probably having brain overload, or maybe it’s just me.
Anyway, I’d say take the information you’ve been presented and armed with and sleep on it. When you’re ready, you’ll make an educated purchase. I’m rooting for you. Let me move out of your way and get out of your hair.
Now, the open road is yours. Own it in your Wrangler.
Which speakers should I choose for my 2014 Sahara?
The size of speakers fit for your vehicle type is 6 ½. Judging by the customers’ reviews and their experience, it is safe to say that MOPAR 77KICK10 would be the best speakers for jeep wrangler of your type.