6×9 Vs 6.5 Speakers- Which Size Should You Pick?

Car speakers come in a wide range of sizes. The size to choose mainly depends on the available space for installation, your preferences, and your budget. Some of the most popular car speaker sizes are 6×9 and 6.5 speakers. They both deliver the great sound output and are worth your money. However, which size should you pick between the two? In this article, we’ll discuss 6×9 vs 6.5 speakers in detail, including their differences and the size you should pick.

Quick Comparison

Variable	6.5 Speakers	6×9 Speakers
Shape	Circular	Oval
Mounting Location	Doors	Rear deck
Cost	More affordable	Pricier
Sound output	Good	Superb

Which Size Offers Better Sound Output?

Both speakers deliver good sound output. However, the performance may depend on certain conditions. For instance, a premium quality 3-way 6.5-inch speaker may perform better than a premium 2-way 6×9-inch speaker. The reason behind this is that 3-way speakers have a wider frequency range than 2-way speakers.

Also, a higher quality 6×9 speaker will perform better than a lower quality 6.5 speaker. However, if you’re comparing a high-quality 6×9 speaker vs a high-quality 6.5 speaker and both are 2-way or 3-way speakers, then a 6×9 speaker will deliver superior sound quality. The reason behind this is that the design of 6×9 speakers allows them to output deeper bass and louder sound output across all frequency ranges.

The oval design behind 6×9 speakers makes them have a larger cone surface area than the circular 6.5-inch car speakers. Thus, the cone of 6×9 speakers moves more air than 6.5 speakers. As a result, 6×9 car speakers output louder sound with deeper bass.

Mounting Location

Car speakers are typically mounted on the doors, trunk, rear deck, and dash. The shape of a speaker often determines where you should mount it. For instance, the round shape of the 6.5-inch speakers makes them suitable for installation on the doors. They may fit on some existing speaker mounting locations.

On the other hand, 6×9-inch speakers are oval-shaped. Thus, you may have to modify existing speaker mounting locations when installing them. Their shape and larger design make them most suitable for installation on the rear deck.

Which Speaker Should You Pick between 6.5 vs 6×9 Speakers?

While both 6.5” and 6×9” speakers are a perfect choice, certain circumstances may demand choosing one over the other. For instance, if you’re looking for replacement door speakers, 6.5” speakers would be your perfect choice. On the other hand, 6×9” speakers are perfect for installation on the rear deck.

Also, 6.5-inch speakers are generally more affordable than 6×9-inch speakers. The reason behind this is that the oval design of 6×9 speakers and their better bass output makes them more expensive than the circular 6.5-inch speakers. Thus, if you’re on a tight budget, 6.5 speakers would be your better choice.

Essentially, 6.5-inch speakers offer good sound output and are great aftermarket speakers for replacing dull factory speakers. Their power handling is sufficient for decent car audio performance.

On the other hand, 6×9 inch car speakers are a higher-performance speaker size. They offer superb sound quality and better bass than most 6.5 speakers. Also, they reach higher frequencies without a lot of distortion.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, when choosing between 6×9 vs 6.5 speakers, your final choice will mainly depend on your preferences. Generally, 6.5-inch speakers are perfect for anyone looking for replacement speakers for dull factory speakers and aren’t concerned about bass. Also, 6.5 speakers are an affordable option for anyone seeking a decent upgrade without breaking the bank. On the other hand, 6×9 speakers are great for louder sound output and deeper bass.