Buying guide for Best ATV speakers
Perhaps the only thing more fun than tearing down a tree-lined trail on an ATV is tearing down a tree-lined trail on an ATV with your favorite music thumping the beat as you go. ATVs aren’t generally known for their sound systems, but you can easily remedy this with a pair of ATV speakers.
ATV speakers are designed to withstand everything from mud and churned-up dust to UV rays and sudden downpours. The majority work with your phone or other mobile device, and some include extras such as LED lighting and remote controls.
In this guide, we cover everything you need to know before selecting a set of ATV speakers. In addition to covering durability, power output, and size, we dive into some of the issues you may encounter when installing a set of ATV speakers.
Key considerations
Wired vs. wireless
Wired: Wired speakers must physically connect to the music source. They can be more difficult to set up and use than wireless ATV speakers.
Wireless: The trend of wireless ATV speakers is on an upswing. Bluetooth-enabled speakers are typically easier to set up and use than their wired counterparts, and they often come with a remote control.
Durability
The typical ATV takes a considerable amount of abuse on the trail, so your speakers should be up to the task. In addition to mud and dust, ATV speakers should also be able to handle rain, high humidity, and other weather elements. They should resist rust, corrosion, and UV damage as well.
A polyurethane body will help to keep the inner workings of an ATV speaker dry, as will a layer of rubber, also known as rubber surrounds, on the inside of the speaker. All cramps and mounting elements should be able to hold up to the trail and elements; hardware made of stainless steel is ideal.
Output
ATV speakers range considerably in terms of power output, measured in watts. Look for speakers that offer anywhere from 100 to 700 watts of power; 400 is average.
Size
ATV speakers vary in size, from 3 inches to 8 inches across. They are not extremely large like floorstanding speakers because there simply isn’t enough room for that on an ATV.
Installation
Because ATVs come in various shapes and sizes, it’s not surprising that ATV speaker installation can sometimes prove challenging. A variety of mounting methods exist. For example, handlebar brackets allow you to easily install the speakers on handlebars or a rack. Other mounting methods allow you to get more creative with speaker placement.
Once installed, ATV speakers are often plug-and-play, so you can start using them without much of a learning curve.
All ATV speakers should include detailed instructions and all the hardware you need to successfully install the speakers.
Did You Know?
ATV speakers with rubber surrounds tend to produce better sound quality with less distortion. This can also help improve weatherproofing.
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Features
Amplifiers
Amplifiers are used to boost the audio signal, resulting in a better audio experience in terms of quality and volume. ATV speakers often include some form of amplifier, either as a standalone unit or built into a single unit with two speakers. Once again, this can affect the ease of installation, as a standalone amplifier will be one more item that you will need to affix to your machine (and protect, since amplifiers usually aren’t weatherproofed!).
Tweeters and subwoofers
Tweeters and subwoofers can be used to enhance audio quality. Tweeters clean up distortion at high frequencies, and you will find them in some mid-range and high-end ATV speakers. Subwoofers work on the opposite end, enhancing the bass. These are rarely found as part of an ATV speaker system for a simple reason: subwoofers can easily lead to a shaking, throbbing ATV. If you have your heart set on a subwoofer, you will probably need to purchase and install it separately.
Inputs
We’ve already mentioned Bluetooth as one way that music can reach your speakers. With Bluetooth-enabled speakers, you can easily use your phone or other mobile device as your music source.
Another common input type is a 3.5-millimeter aux input, which you can use to plug mobile devices into the speakers. Some ATV speakers also have USB ports and built-in support for SD cards.
LED lighting
A common trend is the inclusion of LED lighting, which can enhance the visibility of the speakers. ATV speakers with LED lighting often include a number of programmable light options.
Remote control
If an ATV speaker set has Bluetooth, chances are it will come with a remote control. A remote allows you to easily control aspects such as playing/pausing the music and changing the volume. A remote that is waterproof is recommended, as is one that has a carabiner or some other type of clip so you can attach it to your keys or somewhere else on your person or ATV.
ATV speakers typically come with three-year warranties but check the documentation to be sure.
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ATV speaker prices
Low-end: ATV speakers under $100 tend to be low-powered and physically smaller than their pricier competitors. An amplifier is not typically included with this purchase.
Mid-range: Power output and speaker size increase when you reach the $100 to $250 price range. Many of these products put out 400 watts of power. There are some lower-powered sets of four speakers in this price range, too, and you may find some speakers with LED lighting and/or Bluetooth capability.
High-end: ATV speakers priced $250 and higher tend to offer more power and include strong amplifiers. Bluetooth-enabled speakers are standard, as is the inclusion of a remote control. For the money, you should expect a durable product with sound-enhancing extras, like tweeters.
Did You Know?
While not standard, some ATV speakers include built-in handles, which can prove useful if you want to remove the speakers from your ATV when not in use.
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Tips
- Power down your ATV speakers periodically to give them a rest. Some ATV speakers can overheat and either blow out or cause audio problems. This is usually due to running the speakers for too long a period of time.
- Keep your favorite music-listening apps in mind when shopping. If you are a big fan of music apps such as Spotify or Pandora, be sure any ATV speakers you buy are Bluetooth-capable to take advantage of these apps while riding.
- For a fuller sound, consider a set of four speakers. ATV speaker systems usually include two speakers, but some include four. Notably, the additional speakers may make installation more complicated.
- Wipe your speakers down periodically to remove dirt and dust. ATV speakers can become pretty filthy after a day on the trail. You can improve the overall sound quality and volume of your speakers with a damp cloth and a bit of mild soap.
FAQ
Q. How are ATV speakers powered?
A. The majority of ATV speakers are powered through the machine’s cigarette lighter or 12V accessories port. Some can be wired directly into your machine’s electrical system. Be sure that any set of ATV speakers you buy includes the necessary wiring and cables to install it.
Q. Is it better to go with larger ATV speakers or smaller ones?
A. Let’s look at it from both angles. The best argument for buying large speakers is that they produce more sound. As anyone who has ridden an ATV knows, these machines can produce a fair amount of noise. You may need a larger pair of speakers just to drive your music sound above the noise created by your ATV engine.
The case for smaller speakers often hinges on installation. Simply put, there is not a lot of space on an ATV to install a set of speakers. Larger speakers will not only be more difficult to install, but they can also pose a safety hazard if they interfere with the ATV driver’s actions on the trail. Larger speakers can also weigh significantly more than smaller ones.
Q. Are ATV speakers designed only for use on ATVs?
A. Because ATV speakers are designed to be durable and weather resistant, they are often a perfect speaker choice for a wide range of recreational vehicles, including motorcycles, snowmobiles, boats, golf carts, and scooters. However, before you install ATV speakers on another machine, check the documentation for potential issues.
