Best Component Car Speakers Under £150 (UK 2026)
By Robert Jones · 2026-07-23
Upgrading your car audio doesn’t have to cost a fortune. I’ve tested loads of kits over the years, and you can get some cracking sound for under £150 if you know what to look for.
Good sound in your motor, eh? We all want it. But let’s be honest, those factory speakers are usually a bit rubbish. Distorted at volume, no bass, no clarity. It’s a common complaint I hear from readers all the time. Now, you might think you need to remortgage the house for a decent car audio setup. Not true. Especially with component speakers. For under a hundred and fifty quid, you can absolutely transform the sound in your car. I’ve been fitting and testing car audio for over 20 years – everything from full-on competition systems to quick budget upgrades. And I know a good deal when I hear one. ### Why Component Speakers? First off, why component speakers? Well, you’ve got two main types: coaxial and component. Coaxials, or full-range speakers, have all the bits – woofer, tweeter – stuck together in one unit. They’re easy to install, sure. But they’re a compromise. Component speakers split things up. You get separate woofers, separate tweeters, and a crossover unit. This means you can position the tweeter higher up, usually on the dash or A-pillar, closer to ear level. Why’s that important? Because high frequencies are very directional. Getting them pointed at you makes a massive difference to perceived soundstage and clarity. It’s like having the singer right there in front of you, rather than down by your ankles. And the crossover? That sends the right frequencies to the right driver – bass to the woofer, treble to the tweeter. Much cleaner sound, less distortion. I always recommend components if your car allows for separate tweeter placement. It’s a bit more faff to install, mind, but the improvement in sound quality is well worth the extra effort. ## What to Look For When you’re looking at component car speakers under £150, you’re not expecting perfection. But you can still get excellent value. Here’s what I focus on: * **Sensitivity (dB):** This is key, especially if you’re sticking with your factory head unit. Sensitivity tells you how efficient the speaker is at converting power into sound. A higher number means it gets louder with less power. For a factory head unit, aim for 90dB or higher. If you’ve got an aftermarket head unit with more grunt, you can get away with slightly lower, say 88dB-89dB, but higher is always better. * **RMS Power Handling:** Don ## FAQ ### What's the difference between component and coaxial speakers? Component speakers separate the woofer, tweeter, and crossover for better sound staging and clarity, as you can mount the tweeter closer to ear level. Coaxial speakers combine all these elements into one unit, making them easier to install but usually offering a less refined sound. ### Do I need an amplifier for component speakers? Not necessarily. If you're upgrading from factory speakers, even a good quality aftermarket head unit can power budget component speakers effectively. However, an external amplifier will always provide more clean power, allowing the speakers to perform at their best and reach higher volumes without distortion. ### Are 6.5-inch speakers generally the best size? 6.5-inch (16.5cm) is a very common size and often offers a good balance of bass response and mid-range clarity for most car doors. However, some cars might fit 5.25-inch or even smaller. Always check your car's specific speaker size before buying. ### How difficult is it to install component speakers? It's more involved than swapping coaxial speakers. You'll need to run new wires for the tweeters and find a spot for the crossovers, often behind the door cards. If you're not comfortable with car electrics or taking door panels off, it might be best to get a professional to fit them. ### Will new speakers improve my bass? Yes, better quality component speakers with decent woofers will definitely improve your mid-bass and overall punch compared to flimsy factory units. Don't expect subwoofer-level low-end, though. For truly deep bass, you'd still need a dedicated subwoofer.