This article reviews the best aftermarket speaker upgrades for improving audio in Jeep Wrangler models like the Jeep Wrangler JK and Jeep Wrangler TJ. It compares top options from brands including Kicker, Polk Audio, and JBL Audio designed to directly fit Jeep Wrangler sound bars. Key factors like power handling, sound quality, materials, and ease of installation are analyzed for models like the Kicker 43DSC504 Speaker Pair and Polk Audio DB522 Speaker Pair. The goal is to help Jeep Wrangler owners choose the right sound bar speaker system to replace their stock speakers and seriously upgrade their in-vehicle audio experience. With the right plug-and-play speaker upgrade from this review, Jeep Wrangler owners can enjoy powerful, premium sound.
That’s right: you can get the Best Speakers for Jeep Wrangler Sound Bar and enjoy your favorite tunes on your next trip without draining your bank account. I took my time testing dozens of speakers that come recommended by professional reviewers and regular music fans. And now, two months later, I’m ready to share my list with you. Here, you’ll find top picks for the JK and the TJ – take a look!
1. Kicker Speaker 77KICK10
This is one of those speaker sets that most regular drivers can afford. Yes, it’s low-priced, but still holds excellent value. And, it was specifically designed to go well with the Wrangler JK. Add straightforward, easy installation (that won’t take hours), and you’ll get one of the best offers on the market. Kicker’s engineers did their best to make these speakers sound good. And, they mostly do.
The highs and the mids are surprisingly good. The bad news is – the low-frequency response leaves a lot to be desired. On the bright side, compared to JK’s stock system, the Kickers by Mopar are significantly better. You’ll instantly feel the difference once you’re done with the installation. By the way, these speakers are universal, meaning you can mount in the front or the back – it’s all up to you.
Don’t expect the Kicker speakers to deliver premium-level sound quality. They are quite cheap and appeal to the average customer, not audiophiles. Still, this will be a big improvement over the factory soundbar speakers. Besides, you won’t have any compatibility issues with Wrangler JK during the installation.
2. Polk DB652 Coaxial Speakers
This is one of the most powerful speaker sets on the market right now. It boasts above-average peak and RMS power, which basically means it can get really loud. The sound quality is also decent. While it’s not on par with the most expensive sound systems, for driving around in your Jeep, it’ll do just fine. Another standout feature is the IP55 rating that most Polk products are famous for.
The DB652 speakers are marine certified and can easily withstand rain, snow, or even underwater driving. The only complaint I had during my review was the not-so-friendly installation procedure. The reason: it can be pretty tricky to align the mounts to the factory Jeep holes. But, once you do that, the rest will be a walk in the park.
If you want the new speakers to be as loud as possible, it might be a good idea to check out what Polk has to offer with DB652. These speakers have increased peak and RMS power, sound better than most aftermarket sets and are 100% waterproof. The mounts might not fit the stock holes easily, though.
3. JBL GTO629 Premium Coaxial Speakers
To make the GTO speakers stand out JBL decided to go with a somewhat bold design. They look good in any environment and boast a good bass response. Compared to the other two speakers that we checked earlier, they are, indeed, stronger in this regard. This is all thanks to the carbon-injected cone. It is bigger than most cones in this size class, which ensures a better representation of the lower frequencies.
The UniPivot tweeter, in turn, “aims the sound to your ears” (as the company puts it). Last, but not least, the GTO speakers have a nominal impedance of 3ohms. Too bad the price-tag is a bit steep and might be a turn-off for the drivers that are on a tight budget. But if you’re ready to commit to an expensive set, you won’t be disappointed in the future.
Despite the high cost, these speakers will be money well-spent. They look good, won’t be hard to install, and sound better than most similarly-priced sets. The big cones ensure a decent bass response, while the patented tweeter handles the medium and high frequencies.
Comparison of the Best Speakers for Jeep Wrangler JK
| Product | Product Information | View on Amazon |
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Editor’s Choice
1) Kicker Speaker 77KICK10 |
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2) Polk DB652 |
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3) JBL GTO629 Premium |
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1. Kicker Speaker for Jeep TJ
1.1. Kicker 43DSC504 Speaker Pair
TJ drivers that like to push their speakers to the limit at a noisy party will find this set to be a good pick. It handles peak volumes easily and the high frequencies don’t get that “sizzling” characteristic that some cheap speakers are known for. Another thing: these speakers fit a long list of Jeep models – not only the TJ. As for the materials, 504 features polyester for the surround and polypropylene for the cone.
This combo will ensure efficiency and the highest possible sound quality, which is always a big pro. However, despite the top-of-the-line materials, durability isn’t this set’s strongest suit. It fact, if you drop the speakers to the floor, they’ll probably break (and become useless). So, keep that in mind and treat them with care.
The Kicker 504 speakers are pretty fragile and need special treatment. On the bright side, they’re made of high-quality materials, hold their own at peak volumes, and, overall, offer decent value. Plus, they fit a wide range of vehicles (including many Jeeps) and won’t be a problem to mount/install.
1.2. Kicker 43DSC4604 Speaker Pair
Compared to the previous Kicker speakers, the 604 are a lot more affordable. So, if you’ve been struggling with the decision – which one to choose – the lower cost of these speakers might make it for you. But, to keep the price competitive, the engineers had to sacrifice on the power output. That’s right: 604 isn’t as loud as 504, and that’s another big difference between these two Kicker products.
The high-end response is just as good, though, and you can expect to get that crispy, “expensive” sound. The same is true for the installation process: if you’ve got some basic tools in the garage, it will be relatively easy to install these. As for the bass frequencies, they leave a lot to be desired and won’t rock the crowd. Other than that, 604 is a safe bet with a solid value.
The affordable price, easy installation, and impressive high-end response make these speakers a worthy pick. And while they aren’t the best choice for the fans of everything with the “bass” tag on it, the overall sound quality is quite impressive for this segment.
2. Polk Audio Coaxial Speakers for Jeep TJ
2.1. Polk Audio DB522 Speaker Pair
With DB522, the Polk engineers had only one goal: to make the speakers as powerful as possible. As a result, we get 600 watts of peak power and 200 watts of RMS power (combined). With this set, you won’t have to worry that the music isn’t loud or “banging” enough. The drop-in installation system is even more reason to pick it over the competition. Even if you don’t have any experience with this, you’ll be done in ten minutes tops.
Another standout feature: DB522 is marine-certified and protected against contamination. I’m talking about dirt and water resistance, along with protection against the sun, salt fog, and more. As for the downsides, I only found one: depending on the music genre(s) that you like, the sound can get a bit “thin”, making you feel like you’re listening through a cheap set of soundbar speakers.
While the sound quality might not be premium-grade, DB522 is a reasonable purchase. First of all, it’s incredibly powerful and loud – enough to let the entire neighborhood hear your music. Secondly, it’s marine-certified and with an IP55 rating. That means dirt, water, and the sun won’t be able to damage these Polk speakers.
2.2. Polk Audio DB462 Speaker Pair
Last, but not least, let’s see what DB462 is all about. Yes, like in the case with the two Kicker sets, this one is the “close relative” of the 522 model. It also features protection against salt fog, humidity, sun rays, and more. But, it’s much smaller and lighter – won’t be a drag to carry around. Durability and reliability are a part of the picture as well. Sadly, these speakers aren’t nearly as loud as the ones from the 522 set.
They’ll do just fine for a medium-sized party, but not for a gigantic beach festival. The good news is – the sound quality is well above average.
TJ drivers looking for a well-balanced set of soundbar speakers should pay extra attention to what Polk has to offer with DB462. These speakers include protection, boast advanced durability, and are compact in size (and lightweight).
Comparison of the Best Speakers for Jeep Wrangler TJ
When Jeep created this legendary off-road champ, they didn’t think much about how good (or bad) the sound system was. The company introduced it to the world back in 1996 (always 25 years ago), and it’s obvious that the audio system is outdated today. That’s why aftermarket speakers are so popular among the Jeep TJ owners. Here are the best deals the market has to offer right now.
| Product | Product Information | View on Amazon |
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Editor’s Choice
1.1. Kicker 43DSC504 |
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1.2. Kicker 43DSC4604 |
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2.1. Polk Audio DB522 |
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2.2. Polk Audio DB462 |
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Buyer’s Guide
When considering a speaker upgrade, it’s crucial to understand the different aspects that contribute to sound performance. Now that you familiarized yourself with some of the best deals available on the market, it’s time for us to talk a bit about the very concept of Jeep speakers. No, I’m not referring to technical details that only the pros can understand. Instead, we’ll focus on the most important parameters that set worthy speakers apart from so-so products. This guide aims to demystify terms like RMS/Peak power, impedance, and speaker sensitivity, making it easier for you to select the perfect audio companion for your Jeep Wrangler. Join me, and let’s make sense of the size, RMS/Peak power, impedance, and more.
Speaker Size and Weight
Speaker dimensions and mounting depth are critical when selecting a sound bar upgrade. As you might’ve already guessed, sound bar speakers come in all shapes and sizes. Therefore, it’s very important to know in advance what size will fit your Jeep. For example, 6.5 inche speakers are the golden standard for the JK and will fit both the sound bar and the door panel. TJ’s soundbar is slightly smaller (5.25 inches), though. And, we’ve got 6×4-inch speakers on the list that fit the knee panel. If you stick to these sizes, there won’t be any compatibility issues. The weight doesn’t play nearly as big of a role.
Besides, the average weight is five pounds (less than 3kg) and won’t be a problem to carry around or install.
Making Sense of the Speaker Types
The market is dominated by full-range and component speakers right now. If you put ease of installation first, I recommend purchasing a set of full-range speakers, as they’re packed in one single system. Full-range speakers are an all-in-one solution, ideal for straightforward upgrades, while component speakers offer a more customized sound experience. The fans of sound quality, on the other hand, should always go with component speakers. As the name suggests, they come in separate parts.
And then we have the two-way and the three-way speakers. With the two-way speakers, you’ll get the coaxial design that includes a tweeter (for the highs) and a woofer (for the lows). Two-way speakers provide a combination of a tweeter and woofer, whereas three-way speakers add an additional driver for midrange frequencies, enriching the soundstage. Three-way speakers have a “bonus” component that handles the middle range. Yes, they will sound better thanks to the higher frequency range.
Design and Material Quality
When considering the design, build quality, and materials, look for a chrome-coated set. Chrome will protect against rust and corrosion and increase the speakers’ lifespan. 
Stainless steel and aluminum are the best materials for this product – they are relatively lightweight and last long. If you see “Marine certified” in the specs, that means the speakers are 100% waterproof. When driving through a rainy tropical forest, this will be very important.
For the cones, silk, polypropylene, and fiberglass are the worthiest choice. Rubber, in turn, is the most common surrounding material.
RMS vs. Peak Power
The first thing you gotta understand is that peak power and RMS (root mean square) isn’t really the same thing. Most people confuse these two terms, but it’s very important to know the difference. Here’s the deal: peak power is ALWAYS higher than RMS power, and the manufacturers usually specify RMS somewhere in the back of the package. However, its root mean square that shows you what the speakers are capable of.
As the experts put it, RMS refers to continuous power handling. If you don’t want to harm your equipment, it’s not recommended to run it at peak power for a long time. So, make sure to use RMS to determine how powerful a set of speakers is, not peak watts.
Nominal Impedance
Speaker impedance affects the electrical resistance a speaker offers to the amplifier’s output. In simple words, the lower the nominal impedance, the better. That’s because low impedance allows the audio signal (music) to flow into the speakers more efficiently. Most aftermarket speakers, including those suitable for the Wrangler’s sound system, feature an impedance of 4 ohms, which is compatible with most factory-installed audio systems.
You might’ve noticed that all the speakers that I reviewed today are rated at four ohms (except for the JBL set with 3ohms), which is quite low. There’s a downside, though: some low-impedance audio systems aren’t powerful enough and might need an amplifier to reach appropriate sound levels.
FAQ
Conclusion
The speakers aren’t the first thing that we consider updating/upgrading in our Jeeps. However, when we do install a new aftermarket set, we never want to go back to the stock system. As I mentioned in the intro, the market is full of international brands that claim to have the “best of the best speakers”. If you don’t want to become a victim of an overzealous marketing campaign, pick one of the products that I reviewed today.
They will be money well spent. Or, check the Buyer’s Guide, gather the necessary knowledge, and make an educated choice. When driving into the wilderness, it can get pretty lonely, and a high-quality audio system might as well become your new best friend. Drive safely, take good care of your Jeep, and let there be music!
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