Just like when cruising in your car, riding an ATV is better when listening to your favorite tunes. More than likely though, your ATV didn’t come with any kind of sound system. Thankfully, you can remedy that easily and affordably with some ATV speakers, which are specifically designed to stand up to the elements and harsh trail conditions.
Some models, such as the Boss Audio Systems ATVB95LED, don’t even require any hardwiring for installation. This one in particular stands out for its 8-inch woofers that give it more bass than most others, as well as its smart design with useful features like an LED light bar and integrated storage compartment.
What to know before you buy ATV speakers
Sound quality
Anytime you are buying speakers, you want to place a priority on sound quality. While not a foolproof method, the best way to gauge the sound quality of speakers before listening to them is by looking at the output wattage and size of the various speaker components. The higher the wattage and the larger the woofer and tweeters, the louder the speakers will get. Also, the larger and more powerful they are, the less distortion they generally have at higher volumes.
This is broad generalization, of course, and there are some companies, such as Bose, that are well known for making small speakers that are louder and sound better than larger ones from many other companies. This is because of the quality of the components they use and the acoustic design. With this in mind, it is also a good idea to read actual buyer reviews of any ATV speakers you are considering as an additional source of information to help you judge sound quality.
Durability
Speakers mounted to ATVs are going to have to deal with a lot of abuse. They will constantly be exposed to the elements, subjected to heavy and often violent vibrations and impacts and potentially hit with rocks and other debris from along the trail. Because of this, they need an exceptionally rugged housing that is water-, corrosion- and UV-resistant. Also, the woofer and tweeter cones should be protected by a sturdy grill, and the mounting hardware should be made from stainless steel or some other metal that won’t rust.
Wired vs. wireless
Wired speakers need to be physically connected to a music source and often require the installation of a stereo head unit. Conversely, wireless speakers stream music via Bluetooth and are designed to be used independently of a head unit. Despite the name though, these are usually not totally wireless, as they will connect to a 12-volt DC outlet.
ATV speaker features
Amplifier
Speakers require an amplifier because they do not generate enough power on their own to create sound. Nearly all wireless ATV speakers will have a built-in amplifier, but wired speakers often do not. Instead, they will either rely on an amplifier inside of the head unit, which are often not very powerful or require the installation of a standalone amplifier, which may or may not be included with the speakers.
Remote control
Pulling out your phone while driving an ATV not only puts it at risk but is also potentially dangerous as it keeps your hands off the handlebars for longer than is prudent. Understanding this, most manufacturers include a wired or wireless remote with their wireless ATV speakers for safer and more convenient operation.
Inputs
Wired ATV speakers generally only have a single input source, and this is the head unit they are connected to. However, the head unit itself will probably accept multiple input sources, which may include Bluetooth, a USB drive and an auxiliary cable. In the case of wireless ATV speakers, you’ll connect whatever input sources it accepts directly to the speaker. It is not uncommon to find wireless models that have USB ports, SD card slots and auxiliary jacks.
Lighting
Some manufacturers incorporate LEDs on their ATV speakers, which will sometimes pulse in time with the music for a cool effect. However, you should note that this effect will barely be noticeable in the daytime. So, unless you often use your ATV at night or early in the morning when the sky is still dim, LED lighting shouldn’t factor much into your decision-making process.
ATV speaker cost
Wired ATV speakers tend to be the most affordable because they have less components inside of them. Pairs without included amplifiers start around $50. If looking for a set of four speakers or a pair with an included amplifier, expect to spend at least $100. Wireless ATV speakers usually range from $100-$250.
ATV speaker FAQ
Are ATV speakers difficult to install?
A. If you buy wireless ATV speakers, you’ll find them very easy to install. You simply mount them to your ATV using the included hardware and plug them into the 12-volt DC outlet. Wired models have a more complicated installation process and may require the aid of a professional if you are not familiar with installing and wiring speaker systems in vehicles.
Are bigger ATV speakers better?
A. While it is common to automatically assume that bigger speakers will be a better choice, and it is true that they may sound better, you should consider that most ATVs have limited space. This means you’ll need to balance sound output and quality with the space constraints of your vehicle. You don’t want to buy speakers so large that they hinder your vision or become a safety hazard in some other way.
Which ATV speakers should I get?
Best of the best ATV speakers
Boss Audio Systems ATVB95LED: available at Amazon
Our take: This is a feature-packed soundbar that boats 8-inch subwoofers and 1.5-inch tweeters.
What we like: It has a large storage compartment, an illuminated remote control and a dual-row LED light bar to enhance trail visibility.
What we dislike: There is no volume control on the included remote.
Best bang for your buck ATV speakers
Pyle PLATV65BT: available at Amazon and Staples
Our take: Despite being very affordable, the wireless Pyle PLATV65BT offers good sound quality and has color-changing LEDs, making it an excellent value.
What we like: It can be hardwired or connected to a 12-volt DC outlet and includes a wireless remote control for convenient operation.
What we dislike: It’s not loud enough to be heard clearly over some ATVs.
Honorable mention ATV speakers
Noam NUTV4 Quad: available at Amazon
Our take: The NUTV4 Quad stands out for its crisp sound quality and gets surprisingly loud considering the speakers are only 4 inches in size, though they are lacking in the bass department.
What we like: It accepts Bluetooth and aux inputs and comes with all the necessary components for installation.
What we dislike: The speakers are designed to be mounted to roll bars so they may not be suitable for all ATVs.
Brett Dvoretz is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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