What are the features that make the best motorcycle speakers? This handy and convenient audio equipment allows you to enjoy your favorite tunes in superb audio quality while driving your motorcycle, thanks to easy and flexible installation, loud volume, and simple user operation. Plus, they’re water- and weather-resistant, making them some of the best speakers for outdoor use, as well.
If you want to enhance your riding experience with your favorite music, audiobooks, or podcasts, then purchasing the best motorcycle speakers is a must. Plus, some motorcycle speaker systems even include a built-in microphone so you can stay connected to your companion bikers while you drive.
Continue reading on to learn more about the best motorcycle speakers, what top features you should consider, and what steps you should take to find the right option for you.
Top Motorcycle Speakers
#1 Kuryakin 2720 MTX Road Thunder Weather Resistant Motorcycle Speaker
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: It supports Bluetooth connectivity for seamless audio streaming and also comes with a built-in heat sink to handle excessive heat. It has a USB port for easy charging, and its sound stays free of distortion even at high volumes.
- Waterproof and good weather resistance
- Built-in heat sink to handle excessive heat
- Features Bluetooth connectivity for seamless streaming
- Radio is hard to tune or set presets
The Kuryakin 2720 MTX Road Thunder Weather Resistant Motorcycle speaker is a perfect companion for anyone who fancies some good music whenever they’re going for a long road trip. It is designed as a soundbar that is to be placed on the motorcycle’s handlebars and measures about 10.6 inches in length. Inside, there are four high-frequency 1-inch silk dome tweeters, and they stay free of distortion even when the speaker is turned up to the loudest volume. The soundbar can handle up to 300 watts and comes with an integrated USB port for easy charging. It also features a built-in radio, however, some users have felt that its radio is hard to tune or set presets.
The 2720 MTX supports Bluetooth connectivity, so owners will be able to play music from their phones, tablets, or other smart devices through it. It also features Auxiliary input and output ports, so owners will also be able to connect their standard devices through a 3.5mm cable. The speaker is also quite durable and is designed to be both waterproof and weather resistant. It also features a built-in heat sink to function well even under excessive heat conditions.
#2 Boss MC440B Motorcycle Weatherproof Speaker
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: They are small in size and very easy to install. Bluetooth connectivity means users can stream music from their favorite apps.
- Very easy to install
- Supports Bluetooth connectivity
- Comes with an amplifier
- Some might not be impressed with the sound quality
The MC440B weatherproof speaker from Boss Audio systems is a set of two 3-inch full-range speakers that are available in either black or chrome. The speakers have a 3.5mm AUX input that owners can use to connect the audio output of an external device such as an MP3 player or smartphone. Alternatively, owners also have the option of streaming their music to the speakers through Bluetooth, and since they are also certified as weatherproof, elements such as rain or fog shouldn’t have any effect on their functioning. Still, some previous users have complained about not being too happy with the sound quality.
The speakers have a wired remote volume control that can be placed anywhere the rider sees fit, and it also includes mounting hardware that makes it very easy to do self installations. Included is also a 600 Watt Max Amplifier, and weighing only 4.7 pounds, they will hardly have any effect on the motorcycle’s handling. The speakers measure about 5.43 inches by 4.45 inches each, and the amplifier is also pretty small at 3.62 inches by 2.36 inches.
#3 GoHawk TJ4-Q 1000W 4 Channel Bluetooth Motorcycle Stereo Speakers
Award: BEST FOR EXTERNAL MEDIA
WHY WE LIKE IT: Its amplifier has a USB port and a Micro SD card slot, so users will be able to play their media from their external drives.
- Can play music from a USB drive or a Micro SD card
- Speakers have an IP56 waterproof rating
- Support for Bluetooth connectivity
- Amplifier is not waterproof
This four-channel speaker set from GoHawk TJ4-Q is arguably one of the most powerful stereo speakers in the market. The set includes a 1000W amplifier and allows for Bluetooth connectivity with a wireless transmission range of up to 15m. The set features a built-in FM radio and also comes with hardware for easy handlebar mounting. The mounting clamp on the speakers will support bars that are 1 to 1.5-inches in diameter, and the speakers also have an IP56 waterproof rating. However, the amplifier is not waterproof, so it will have to be mounted in such a way that splashes or dust won’t get to it.
The amplifier on this set has a small LCD display that shows details such as volume, and to its right, there’s a set of volume, playback, and mode buttons for easy adjusting. The amplifier also houses a USB port and a Micro SD card slot to allow playback from external devices. There’s also a 3.5mm AUX-in port and a wired controller that comes with a mounting clamp for easy placement.
#4 Rockville RockNRide 3-inch Powered Bluetooth Motorcycle Speakers
Award: BEST FOR ADJUSTABLE MOUNTING
WHY WE LIKE IT: Their mounting bracket allows for free rotation, so riders will be able to adjust the speakers as they see fit. The set also has an inbuilt amplifier and a USB port for playing content from a thumb drive.
- Weather resistant IPX67 rating
- Bluetooth connectivity for audio streaming
- USB port for playing content from a thumb drive
- Radio doesn’t allow for manual tuning
The Rockville RocknRide 3-inch Bluetooth-powered handlebar speakers are a set of elegant-looking speakers that have the R logo right in the middle and are housed in a durable metallic housing. They can handle up to 150 watts of power and a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz. Riders will also be able to tune in to their favorite radio station, but if they already have a playlist saved on their device, they can also connect to the speakers through Bluetooth and stream their audio. Unfortunately, its radio does not allow for manual tuning.
The speakers have an IPX67 rating, which means they’ll be able to handle some light rain or dust without their functionality getting affected. In terms of connectivity, the speakers have a 3.5mm AUX input for connecting a wired source and a USB port that riders can use to plug in a thumb drive that’s got their favorite music. Mounting the speakers is pretty easy to do, and their mounting bracket allows for free 360° rotation.
#5 Lexin LX-Q3 Bluetooth Motorcycle Speakers
Award: BEST FOR LOUD VOLUME
WHY WE LIKE IT: The set gets loud enough for riders to hear music even when riding at 70 to 80 mph. They also have LED lights that can be configured to work as turn lights and support Bluetooth connectivity for wireless audio streaming.
- Quite loud
- Supports Bluetooth connectivity
- Has LED lights
- Bass levels may be disappointing
The Lexin LX-Q3 Motorcycle Speakers are a very well-designed set that has polished chrome detailing, as well as the capacity to handle up to 150 Watts of power. They are also pretty loud, as they will remain audible even when riding at speeds of up to 80mph. Riders will also be able to play content from their smartphones through Bluetooth connectivity, and since the Bluetooth standard supported is v5.1, the speakers can be connected simultaneously to two devices at once. However, some have complained that they don’t produce enough bass.
One unique feature that sets the LX-Q3 speakers apart is that they both have built-in LED lights that can be turned on or off through the volume up button on the top of the right speaker. The lights can also be configured to light up simultaneously with the turn signals.
#6 Herdio 3-inch Marine Boat Bluetooth Speakers
Award: BEST FOR RAINY WEATHER
WHY WE LIKE IT: The set has an IPX7 waterproof rating, meaning the set can withstand wet weather conditions. Its design is also very compact, and its 20-meter Bluetooth range is also quite impressive. Could it be one of the loudest Bluetooth speakers? You decide.
- Weather resistant
- Compact design
- Support for Bluetooth audio streaming
- No mounting bracket
This set of speakers from Herdio is great for motorcycles, but they can also be mounted on boats since they have an IPX7 waterproof rating which allows them to handle rain or even be submerged in water for up to 30 minutes. The speakers have a very compact design and come with support for Bluetooth technology for wireless music streaming. Its Bluetooth range is also quite impressive at 20 meters, and the speakers can get as loud as 80dB. Still, the lack of mounting brackets may make installing them on a motorcycle slightly inconvenient.
The speakers are available in either black or gray, and their compact design allows for easy placement. They measure about 3.68 inches in diameter and have a relatively shallow mounting depth of 2.12 inches.
Beginner’s Guide to Motorcycle Speakers
What Are Motorcycle Speakers?
Motorcycle speakers are audio products that are used as the primary audio systems installed directly onto motorcycles. These speakers can produce loud volume with excellent sound quality to overcome the noise of your bike’s engine and the wind whipping around you.
Plus, this type of speaker can stand up to moisture and dust ingress, remaining functional over long periods and many rides. As their name suggests, these speakers are perfect for installing directly onto your motorcycle and not having to worry about volume or damage.
Motorcycle Speakers vs Traditional Speakers
Motorcycle speakers function in essentially the same way as other types of external speakers. Both traditional speakers and motorcycle speakers feature the same internal components, such as the voice coil, cone, and magnet, among others. They also both follow the same principles that other audio systems follow when it comes to peak power, wattage, and amplifiers.
When you look at the differences between motorcycle audio components and other alternatives, the main thing you’ll notice is the difference in durability. Motorcycles are exposed fully to the outside elements, so their speakers need to be weather resistant and dust resistant. This added durability is present in nearly each one of the speakers’ internal components.
Motorcycle speakers are also much louder in volume than speakers you’d find in cars or within your home. When you’re riding your bike, your speakers need to compete with the wind, your bike’s engine, and the sound of other vehicles. As such, they’re typically much louder and more powerful than traditional speakers. These speakers also tend to have higher audio quality so you can still make out the details of your music despite all the external noise.
How Motorcycle Speakers Work
Motorcycle speakers function in the same manner as all other types of speakers. At its base level of functionality, a speaker mirrors the concept that objects vibrate to create sound. When you connect your speakers to a power source and an audio input, the speakers receive electrical audio signals and translate them into powerful sound waves that you can hear.
To achieve this effect, the speakers use a component called a driver to change one type of energy into another. In this case, the driver translates an electrical audio signal into sound waves by creating vibrations in the speaker’s other components.
This audio signal can come through a wide range of sources, including a Bluetooth 5.0 signal, a USB port, or a 3.5mm headphone jack. Regardless of the external music source, the process still happens in essentially the same way.
Do You Really Need Motorcycle Speakers?
If you’ve ever wanted to listen to your favorite music and podcasts while riding your motorcycle, you’ll definitely need to consider a set of quality speakers made specifically for your motorcycle. These audio systems are durable and loud, making for the perfect solution for both casual and serious bikers.
Are Motorcycle Speakers Worth Buying?
- You Want a Decent Audio Experience for Your Motorcycle: While most touring-style motorcycles feature some kind of audio system with larger speaker options, not all types of motorcycles do. As such, if you’re looking to create an audio experience for your motorcycle rides, then purchasing and installing high-quality speakers on your motorcycle is essential.
- You Want to Increase Your Motorcycle’s Resale Value: In most cases, adding speakers to your motorcycle – no matter what kind – can drastically increase its resale value. If you’re planning on ever selling your motorcycle, even if it’s far off in the future, adding speakers can be a great idea to make it more appealing to a buyer.
- You Like to Be Social with Your Motorcycle: One of the top reasons to own a motorcycle is for the social opportunities it presents. Whether you’re entering your bike into a show, taking it for a group ride, or riding with a passenger, high-quality motorcycle speakers can enhance the entire experience.
Why Motorcycle Speakers May Not Be For You
- You Don’t Own a Motorcycle: If you don’t own a motorcycle, then there would be no point in purchasing speakers made specifically for a motorcycle. Instead, you should focus on finding speakers that will fit your individual needs. For example, if you want the weather resistance of motorcycle speakers, but don’t own a motorcycle, then you might want to consider the best outdoor speakers.
- You Need to Install Speakers on a Different Vehicle: If you’re looking to install speakers in a vehicle other than a motorcycle, you’ll want to consider options made specifically for that type of vehicle. For example, if you want to buy speakers for your boat, you’ll want to consider the best marine speakers.
- You Don’t Listen to Music While Riding: If you prefer to ride your motorcycle with no audio, then purchasing motorcycle audio systems would just be a waste of your hard-earned money. Instead, you may want to spend that money on a new helmet or another accessory for your bike.
How Long Will Motorcycle Speakers Last?
According to industry professionals, like those at Sound & Communications, most speakers will last upwards of 25 years, based on the manufacturer, quality of installation, and frequency of use. In general, you get what you pay for when it comes to speakers. As such, speakers in a high price range will typically perform and sound better than speakers in a low price range.
While it seems like motorcycle speakers wouldn’t last as long as other kinds, simply because of their exposure to the elements, it might surprise you to learn that they often last longer. This is because they’re built to be more durable than traditional speakers, using durable materials that are more resistant to damage.
How to Choose Motorcycle Speakers
Before you look at the different motorcycle speakers available on the market today, you’ll need to figure out a few key factors first. After all, you’ll want to ensure you’re purchasing the right speaker package to fit all of your needs. As such, consider features like where you plan on installing them, as well as the ease of installation. You’ll also need to consider technical specifications like peak power, speaker wattage, and the need for an amplifier. Finally, consider details like your audio input sources and how much water or weather resistance you actually need for your speakers.
Best Motorcycle Speakers Factors to Consider
1. What types of motorcycle speakers work best with your riding preferences?
Before anything else, you’ll need to decide exactly what kind of speakers you want to install on your motorcycle. Each type offers a completely unique experience. Let’s look at the most common types of speakers for your motorcycle:
- Built-In: This type of speaker is usually only found on touring-style motorcycles with larger instrument panels. If you’re looking at built-in motorcycle speakers, you should know they’ll only really fit on touring bikes and not on other kinds like sport or cruising bikes. Built-in speakers also are the hardest to install.
- Handlebar: This type of speaker is one of the most common amongst bikers today. Easy to install and safe to use, handlebar speakers, attach directly to your bike’s handlebars. Depending on the model you purchase, handlebar speakers can usually connect to an audio source via Bluetooth connectivity or direct connection with an auxiliary input.
- Helmet: This type of speaker isn’t installed on your motorcycle. Instead, you install helmet motorcycle speakers directly inside of your helmet. These are great for motorcyclists who want to take phone calls and communicate with other riders on the road.
- Headphones: It’s important to note that headphones are technically not legal to use while operating a motorcycle or other motorized vehicle. This is because they block out most other sounds. As such, we have not considered headphones as a part of this guide.
2. What level of weather and water resistance do you need for your motorcycle speakers?
Since your motorcycle is exposed to all kinds of elements and weather, you’ll want your speakers to be just as prepared to handle those situations. Therefore, it’s important to purchase a weatherproof speaker option for your motorcycle.
To determine how well your speakers will hold up to moisture and dust exposure, you’ll want to follow the official Ingress Protection standards, also known as IP ratings. This rating is indicated by the letters IP followed by two digits, like so: IP65. The first digit indicates how protected the speaker is from dust ingress. The second digit indicates how protected the speaker is from moisture.
For dust protection, we recommend purchasing speakers with IP5X or IP6X ratings. This means they will keep dust out of their internal components. For water protection, we recommend speakers with IPX4, IPX5, or IPX6 ratings. This means the speakers are protected against water sprays and splashes, but not full immersion. If you’re at risk of getting caught in a torrential downpour, consider speakers with a completely waterproof design and an IPX7 rating.
3. What kind of sound quality do you need, and what power handling capabilities should you consider?
When it comes to volume and audio quality, you need to consider how many watts of power your speakers can handle. The higher the wattage, the more powerful your speakers are and the more volume they can produce. This is also true for the leading laptop speakers. In general, bike speakers have a higher wattage than other types of speakers because they need to be able to produce enough volume to combat the other noise you experience while riding.
It’s important to keep in mind, however, that you should only purchase speakers that match or exceed the amount of power your sound system outputs. For example, if your sound system outputs 600 watts of power, you’ll need 600-watt speakers at a minimum. In general, any speakers over 200 watts are good for cruising and highway driving.
4. Do you need to purchase an amplifier for your motorcycle speakers?
All speakers require the use of an amplifier to operate properly. However, some speakers use a built-in amplifier, while others require a separate amp. While you’re looking for speakers to purchase, make sure you determine whether or not they need an amp. This way, you won’t get stuck without the proper components during installation.
5. What input source do you plan on using with your motorcycle speakers?
Depending on the type of motorcycle speakers you purchase, you’ll have a choice of which audio input source you prefer. More advanced speakers today feature wireless connectivity like Bluetooth 5.0 technology, allowing for audio streaming directly from your smartphone. Other speaker systems need to be connected directly to your audio source through a 3.5mm auxiliary input. Some stock speaker systems even feature AM/FM radio functionality.
Along this same vein, you’ll want to consider how you control your audio system. If you’re using a portable device connected through Bluetooth, you’ll likely need to control your music through the device. However, with wired systems, you’ll typically have a wired control panel or thumb controls on your bike’s handlebars.
