Speakers are a great addition to any car as they allow you to listen to your favorite music while on the road. That said, choosing the right type is critical to get the best audio experience possible.
If you’ve tried asking around for suggestions, you’ve likely heard about coaxial and component speakers. As with other car accessories, knowing your options is important to find the best fit for your vehicle.
Check out the guide below to learn more about coaxial vs. component speakers and how they differ, so you can determine which type will be more suitable for your needs.
Coaxial Vs. Component Speakers
Coaxial Speakers
Coaxial speakers, also known as full-range speakers, are the standard and most readily available car speakers in the market. As the term full-range suggests, they contain all the main components in one device.
The most commonly used variant for these speakers is the two-way coaxial speakers, including the tweeter and mid-woofer. There are also three-way coaxial speakers with additional parts for increased sound clarity and frequency, but they are not as common.
Generally, coaxial speakers are designed to produce a full range of sound from a single set of speakers with all the parts included.
Even if their name doesn’t sound familiar to you, the chances are that you’ve already seen these speakers since they’re used in the majority of car audio systems in factories.
Since coaxial speakers are the go-to option for most cars, they can easily fit into all car models. They come in many sizes to fit different vehicles and can help create a great sound system when paired with other accessories.
Component Speakers
On the other hand, component speakers are sometimes called “separates” since their components are sold and installed separately. This design feature allows you to mount each part in your desired location, so you get the exact sound system you’re looking for.
Component speakers often use better materials for the woofer and tweeter and contain additional features to create better sound accuracy. Thus, they are better suited for listeners with technical audio needs since you can tweak your system just the way you want it.
In some cases, you might need to get an amplifier to get your component speakers up and running. Likewise, these speakers may not be compatible with all car models due to installation requirements, so make sure to look this up before committing.
Difference Between Coaxial and Component Speakers
To summarize, here are some of the key differences between coaxial vs. component speakers:
| Coaxial Speakers | Component Speakers | |
| Design | One device with all components | Separate components |
| Installation | Straightforward; it can be done in a few minutes since there is only one input connection | Complex and challenging; may require additional parts and usually best to hire a professional for installation |
| Availability | Easy to find; several sizes, price, and performance options | Less common and not necessarily compatible with all vehicles |
| Pricing | Affordable; provides good value for money | More expensive than coaxial speakers |
| Sound Quality | Limited sound quality compared to component speakers | Better sound quality, sound accuracy, and frequency response |
| Sound Filtering | Single-stage of filtering | Two stages of filtering for more effective bass and midrange sound |
| Customization Options | Limited capabilities | Freedom to mount different components in desired locations |
Which Speaker Is Better?
There is no fixed answer to this question because it ultimately boils down to your audio needs, budget, technical knowledge, and preferences. Car speakers can be a subjective choice, so it’s best to think about your situation when deciding what type to get.
A good starting point would be determining what type of audio environment you want to have in your car. Think of what you want before you even start your search so that you won’t feel overwhelmed with all your options!
Coaxial speakers will be a great option if you prefer something easy to install with affordable choices and aren’t too technical with sound quality. Of course, you can always opt for higher-end coaxial speakers to get better performance and quality without breaking the bank.
That said, if sound quality is a big consideration for you, then component speakers are more suitable.
In most cases, these are better for listeners who have the technical know-how about sound systems since they’re more complex to set up and install. While component speakers are more expensive, they’ll be worth the investment if you’ll make the most out of them!
If you’re still not sure about what will be the best fit for your car, consider seeking help from professionals.
Similar to any other device you purchase, make sure you do your research thoroughly before deciding what to get. Visit stores to see the speakers in action and take your time to make sure you get the best audio experience.