If you want to get the best car audio experience, you know you need to get your hands on the best car tweeters.
While most of us think about speakers, amplifiers and subwoofers for cars, you cannot forget about tweeters as well.
To help you get started on your quest to upgrade your system, we will be looking at some of the best tweeters from the best brands out there.
Top Car Tweeters
Comparison Chart
1. Rockford Fosgate PP-T Punch
Specifications:
- Sensitivity: 105 dB
- RMS: 50 Watts
- Peak Power: 100 Watts
- Frequency Response: 4kHz – 20kHz
For over thirty years, Rockford Fosgate has been synonymous with high-quality audio systems.
As such, when looking at products from this company, you should be expecting the best; whether it’s better components or specifications, this brand has everything you need to make your car’s sound system more incredible than ever before.
Starting us off is the amazing PP-T Punch Tweeter. Unlike most models, this is sold as a single unit, but don’t worry, you won’t need to add another one to your car.
This is one of the most powerful and dynamic tweeters on the market, delivering some of the best sound imaginable.
The secret to the success of this device is that it has a remarkable crossover system inside that helps improve its power consumption and reduces the chance of a blowout.
This means that you can pump up your music and still get crystal clear audio coming out of this machine.
Best of all, because it has one of the highest sensitivity ratings, you can still get the same level of quality at lower volumes as well.Another reason that we like this tweeter is that it’s made with durable aluminum components that won’t overheat or break down. While it is larger than most car tweeters, the fact that you only need one for your system means that you will actually be saving space.
Also, it comes with its own mounting hardware for your convenience.
Pros
- 4-ohm and 8-ohm versions available
- Powerful response means that you only need one
- Full range performance delivers best sound quality level
- Billet machined aluminum phase plug improves thermal capacity
- 4.5 kHz at 6db/octave crossover
- Crossover designed for high sound pressure levels
- Mounting hardware included
- Handles lots of power without blowing out
- Die cast aluminum housing
- High temp Kapton voice coil
- One-year warranty
Cons
- Larger than other tweeters in its class
- May be too loud for some users
- Size can be restricting concerning placement
2. JBL GTO19T
While the PP-T Punch Tweeter above is built for high-powered systems, this model from JBL is designed for car stereos that don’t have a ton of power.
This tweeter is made more for efficiency than anything else, making it an ideal choice for anyone who wants an improvement but doesn’t want to go hardcore.
It may sound like we’re knocking this tweeter, but the fact is that there are plenty of times when you want to upgrade your sound system but you don’t need something that is professional grade, which is why this tweeter is perfect for you.
Specifications:
- Sensitivity: 93 dB
- RMS: 45 Watts
- Peak Power: 135 Watts
- Frequency Response: 2.5kHz – 21kHz
What we like most about this product is that it has a soft dome design with durable carbon composite baskets.
Overall, these tweeters are built to take some abuse, meaning that they won’t burn out on you quickly. Best of all, they have oversized voice coils to dissipate heat even further.
The other thing that we appreciate is that they are edge-driven, meaning that you get much cleaner sound at any volume than you would with other tweeters.
That, coupled with a high-pass crossover (12 dB) means that you get sublime results with this set.
Additionally, they have a pivot mounting system which allows you to place them however and wherever you want for optimum results.
Pros
- Soft dome speaker set
- Oversize voice coils to dissipate heat
- Delivers smooth, fatigue-free highs
- Carbon-composite baskets
- Low-impedance design (three ohms)
- Mounting hardware included
- Full frequency range response
- High sensitivity rating provides better sound
- Edge-driven to produce cleaner sound12/dB high-pass crossover
- UniPivot system allows for repositioning
- One-year limited warranty
Cons
- May be too harsh for some users
- In some cases, there may be a slight buzzing or humming
- When swiveled, they take up much more room
3. Rockford Fosgate Punch P1T-S Tweeter Kit
Specifications:
- Sensitivity: 90 dB
- RMS: 60 Watts
- Peak Power: 120 Watts
- Frequency Response: 3.5kHz – 22kHz
While we love the PP-T Punch from Rockford Fosgate, if you are looking for something a bit smaller and more efficient, then this set will be a better choice.
While the PPT system is made for hardcore sound enthusiasts, this duo is built for a more discerning audiophile.
What we like most about these tweeters is that they are small and easy to install, making them an excellent choice for anyone who values simplicity and ease of use.
With a compact one-inch dome design and a better mounting system, you can get these up and running in minutes.
As far as performance goes, these tweeters have excellent sensitivity and power control, which is only helped by a high-frequency response rate and an incredible crossover wiring system inside. Overall, these are fantastic tweeters.
Pros
- One-inch PEI dome tweeters
- 4-ohm impedance level
- High-frequency range for a fuller sound spectrum
- High sensitivity delivers better results
- 3.5 kHz high-pass 12dB/octave crossover
- Mounting hardware included
- Discreet dual clamp mounting system
- Three mounting options: surface, angle, or flush
- One-year limited warranty
Cons
- May be too harsh for some users
- In rare cases, the crossover wires may overheat easily
4. Polk Audio DB1001
So far, we’ve only looked at tweeters that are designed for use in your car. However, what if you want to upgrade your sound system on some other type of vehicle, like an ATV or a boat? If that’s the case, you need something like these tweeters from Polk Audio.
They are marine certified, which means that they can handle rough terrain including water and mud.
Simply put, if you want to improve your sound system on any outdoor vehicle, these are the units to get.
Specifications:
- Sensitivity: 92 dB
- RMS: 60 Watts
- Peak Power: 180 Watts
- Frequency Response: 4kHz – 23kHz
What we like about these besides their durability and reliability are the high sensitivity levels and incredible frequency range.
This means that no matter what volume you have your music at, it will be crystal clear with these devices.
Overall, they are great regardless of what type of system you use.
Pros
- Marine certified composite dome tweeters
- Liquid-cooled silk polymer coating
- Neodymium magnet installed for clearer highs
- Swivel mounting cups allow for repositioning
- In-line 4kHz at 12db/octave crossover
- Electronic protection circuit for longer life
- Built tough to work on water
- Mounting cups allow for surface or flush mounting
- One-year limited warranty
Cons
- In rare cases, the wiring may burn out much faster than normal
- In some instances, there may be slight crackling at high volume
- Small size may not work well for larger vehicles
5. Alpine SPS-110TW
Our final stop is with these tweeters from Alpine.
The SPS-110TW system is built for high-performance systems. You can tell because they have a broader frequency range and a much higher power level than most other units.
This way, if you are a hardcore audiophile and you like to crank up the volume, these tweeters will be able to handle the extra load.
Specifications:
- Sensitivity: 88 dB
- RMS: 100 Watts
- Peak Power: 300 Watts
- Frequency Response: 1kHz – 22kHz
Overall, we highly recommend these devices for anyone who has such a system installed in their car.
With a silk dome design and a high-pass crossover, you can do a lot more with these tweeters than with most others.
The only thing we would like better is if the sensitivity level was higher, as it can get a little crackly at either end (low or high volume).
Otherwise, mid-range and higher range sound come through beautifully.
Pros
- Pure silk dome tweeter
- r4-ohm impedance
- High power output for better results
- Fifteen-degree swivel cup mounting bracket
- Shallow depth for easier mounting
- Three mounting options: surface, flush, or angle
- In-line high-pass crossovers
- One-year limited warranty
Cons
- In some cases, they may vibrate excessively
- In rare instances, the wiring may burn out at high volumes
Buying Guide – Important Factors To Consider When Choosing A Car Tweeter
Before looking into these top picks in-depth, there are certain factors to consider while choosing the ideal car tweeter for your machine. These factors determine the overall sound output, and all our top picks meet these standard requirements. Use this guide to narrow down the long list of available tweeters to one that is just right for your machine.
Construction
The car tweeter’s construction is what determines the sound quality and durability. Tweeters made from softer materials such as silk, poly, or textile tend to produce smooth and warm high-frequency sounds; however, they aren’t durable. Those made from synthetics are also lightweight but less powerful. Therefore, the ideal choice is a car tweeter consisting of harder materials and robust metal, ceramics, or granite. These options produce powerful, accurate, and detailed sounds and last longer.
Shape
The tweeter’s shape determines how well it transmits and receives high frequencies. Some common shapes you’ll find in the market include; dome, semi-dome, and inverted-dome, and each have its advantages. Tweeter domes tend to be the largest kind; therefore, they disperse more sound and consume maximum power. On the other hand, Semi-dome tweeters are the least expensive due to their compact size. These audio tweeters have a dome placed on their shallow cone and easily fit in mounting areas. The dome of these soft dome tweeters is pointed inwards, inside the speaker’s cone, improving sound radiation.
Specifications
Car tweeters vary in specifications, even if they are from a similar brand. The three main properties to look out for are performance, design features, and affordability. These specifications are crucial in determining the sound output and additional attributes. It is common to find customers looking for a product with a key specification to enhance their listening experience. Furthermore, it is a great way to narrow down the long car tweeter speakers list.
Brand
It is best to always source aftermarket tweeters from trusted brands. This way, you are guaranteed that the car tweeter is top-quality and serves you longer. Furthermore, there are other benefits of getting 1-inch tweeters from such brands, such as money-back programs and huge loyal customer discounts.
Some of these top brands, that have been in this space for a while, include Polk Audio, Rockford Fosgate, Kicker, Power Acoustik, and many others. All car tweeter options mentioned above are from these reputable companies; therefore, you have nothing to worry about.
Power Handling Capacity
Another essential aspect to consider is the tweeter’s power rating and impedance. Different ratings are available; however, you should get one that matches your car’s amplifier. You’ll find that most options have low impedance, usually four ohms of impedance and range from 25 to 50 watts. However, one can only choose to go higher than this if the rating matches the tweeter.
Sensitivity
A tweeter’s sensitivity refers to the measure of its sound output compared to its power input. Statistics show coaxial speakers with sensitivity higher than 90 decibels tend to pair perfectly with most stereos. Some options feature lower sensitivity, and if you prefer such, it is best to ensure they match your stereo to get high-quality sound.
Customer Ratings
The best way to determine the efficiency and capability of any product is through reading customer reviews. This feedback gives you unbiased information on all aspects, from stability to comfort. These individuals have interacted with the product, and through their sound experience, you can anticipate what to expect. However, it is important to note that not everyone will enjoy the product. This review features super tweeters with a good overall customer evaluation from clients satisfied with their purchases.
Final Verdict
After looking through each of these tweeters, we have to say that our top pick has to be the PPT-Punch from Rockford Fosgate.
The level of power and sensitivity you get with that tweeter are second to none, making it the premier choice for both audiophiles and music lovers.
No matter what your setup is, this tweeter will only enhance it.
I can confidently recommend them as the best car tweeters.