Whether you want to celebrate at a sporting event, need a loud horn for your bike, car, or boat, or just want to scare your friends, an air horn is a great way to grab someone’s attention. They are more commonly found in large buses, trucks, boats, and cargo ships, and can be set up in just about any vehicle. If you’re looking for a new air horn, we’ve put together a list of the best and loudest to alert people of your presence.
The Best Air Horn
Pactrade Marine Stainless Steel Air Horn
If you’re looking for a versatile air horn that is able to function on nearly any vehicle, consider the Pactrade Marine Boat RV Car Stainless Steel Dual Trumpet Horn. It may be a mouthful to say, but it’s quite impressive. It’s a 12V powered air horn with two stainless steel horns for additional noise.
The double trumpet-shaped horns are also rather loud and can reach up to 150 decibels (dB). Plus, it comes equipped with full mounting hardware so you can install it yourself or have someone more qualified take a look at it. However, it can be difficult to install on certain vehicles or boats due to its larger size. It can also be prone to rusting.
PROS
- Deep tone
- Super loud
- Sleek look
CONS
- May be prone to rusting
- Can be difficult to install on certain vehicles or boats
Zone Tech Single Trumpet Air Horn
As our first single horn choice for an air horn, don’t be fooled by it. The single horn is capable of producing a loud and powerful warning sound. It’s able to release a crisp and clear sound at around 150 dB. However, it may not reach a full 150 dB and may be a bit less, but is still a worthy air horn.
One of the best features is that you are able to mount it anywhere that has a 12V connection, so it is quite versatile and convenient. It’s developed out of a high-quality material that doubles its strength and durability. However, you may find the instructions can be difficult to follow and it may not come with a relay.
PROS
- Sturdy construction
- Powerful
- Weather-resistant
- Easy to install
CONS
- Poor instructions
- May not come with relay
- May be less than 150 dB
Vixen Air Horns
This Vixen Horns premium air horn comes in a classic and modern-looking chrome finish. The paint helps to protect them from all types of weather conditions and will reduce the chance of any rust appearing on them as well. All this train horn kit takes to function is a connection to a 12V power source. Just be sure the mounting system supports them well, as they are a bit heavier than other models.
They work great in any vehicle and can be adapted to fit boats, yachts, RVs, and trucks. Another benefit of this air horn system is it does not require a compressor to function. Plus, these horns are developed out of a premium quality-grade stainless steel, so they are reliable and durable on the go. However, you may find that wiring them together can be confusing.
PROS
- No compressor required
- Ultra loud train sound
- Chrome finish
CONS
- A bit heavy
- Wiring kit can be confusing
- Could be louder
GAMPRO 135db Air Horn
These sleek air horns come in a black finish that stands out on the outside of your truck or boat. The horns are powerful and can belt out a higher-pitched sound at a combined total of 135 dB. However, compared to our other choices, that is a low, yet powerful, noise level.
One of their best qualities is their construction. They are built out of a high-quality weather-resistant plastic and feature rust-proofing metal. However, the plastic can crack if not handled with care. They are also a breeze to install and include everything but the electric wires to get them powered up.
PROS
- Black finish
- Versatile
- Sturdy design
- Lightweight
CONS
- Do not include electric wires
- Lower dB level
- Plastic can crack, so handle with care
Zento Deals Super Loud Dual Air Horn
This Zento Deals dual air horn system runs off any 12V connection and produces a clear loud sound to alert anyone in your path. Though the decibel level is low at just 115, these horns are still plenty loud and functional in traffic. With a sound like a train horn, they are difficult to ignore or not hear.
One of the greatest things about the horns is their construction. Their black finish is a weather-resistant coating that protects them from rain, snow, and ice. Although they may be plastic, which can break more easily, they are durable and built for all weather conditions.
PROS
- Easy installation
- Versatile and can function in a number of vehicles
- Lower price
- Trumpet train air horn kit
CONS
- Low decibel level
- Made of plastic
- Poor instructions
Maso Dual Trumpet Air Horn
At what may be our loudest choice for air horns for your car, truck, semi, or boat, the Dual Trumpet Air Horn from Maso is a powerhouse. It packs a whopping heavy-duty 178 dB, which makes an extremely loud noise. It’s much louder than it has any right to be, and it will certainly let anyone around you know you’re coming.
These horns are developed out of a premium material as well. As a mix of high-quality weather-resistant plastic and metal, they are strong and stand up well to high winds. They are also easy to power by connecting them to a 12V source. You may also find that the pump can be quite loud as well.
PROS
- Ultra loud air horn
- Lower price point
- Lightweight
- Solid construction
CONS
- May be overbearing
- Pump can be loud as well
Kleinn Air Horns
Kleinn’s dual air horn system features a stunning black finish that stands out on your vehicle. One of their best features that really improves their overall sound quality is their length. The trumpets are extended, which gives them a deeper truck air horn-like sound.
The trumpets are also constructed with a black corrosion resistant coating to protect them from rusting and the elements. Plus, they are rather loud and can belt out around 153 dB. There are a few things you will need to do to ensure you get the best sound from them. First, you may want to swap out the solenoid as it is a bit weak. You will also need a compressor to run them.
PROS
- Good quality sound
- Loud and deep sound
- Extended trumpets for crisper sound
CONS
- Weak and flimsy solenoid
- Requires an air compressor
- Hard to fit a thread
Best Air Horn Buying Guide & FAQ
When you think of the name “air horn,” you may imagine the old-time Saturday morning cartoon car horn. You know the one that goes “ahooga.” Or the one that plays La Cucaracha, as heard in Avengers: End Game and Ant Man. The air horn is mainly used in a comedic way to lighten the mood, however, it is much more than that.
Air horns are a great way to alert people that you are behind them or that you may be in trouble. They are most commonly found on larger vehicles and boats. They are extremely loud, obnoxious, and rather effective at clearing a path.
Why Do You Need Air Horn
You may need an air horn for a few different reasons, but they are more often used to get attention. If, for instance, you have a massive truck, then you may want to install an air horn or two outside of it to let people know you are approaching.
You could also use one or more horns on your cargo boat or any vessel for that matter. The ocean is vast and having a loud horn can alert people of your location quickly and efficiently. They can also be used at sporting events to root for your team or annoy the opponents during a vital play. We really don’t recommend them for scaring or pranking your family or friends because, well, that’s just mean. It also can lead to hearing loss.
Benefits
- Air horns are suitable for larger trucks, SUVs, boats, ships, and trains.
- They are loud and will alert anyone of your vehicle or vessel.
- An air horn can gather the attention of those nearby quickly so you can alert them of something dangerous.
Types of Air Horns
There are really only two types of air horns. You can think of an air horn as an instrument. It blasts out sound waves at different frequencies depending on its size, length, and girth. Like instruments, these frequencies each hold a different pitch and can either be high or low.
- High Frequency
A high frequency air horn is one that is very high pitched. It can be whiny or nasally and is typically much more annoying than it is effective. These are more commonly heard at sporting events and are more compressed and elongated.
You may also often hear high frequency air horns inside smaller, more compact, vehicles. Their sound is more harsh and may not be as loud as a lower frequency tone. They work more effectively if you tap the horn multiple times, as their sound doesn’t travel as far.
- Low Frequency
By contrast, the low frequency air horn is exactly the opposite. Its sound is boastful and large. You will more commonly hear air horns of this magnitude from cargo freighters, cruise ships, or semi trucks. If you’ve ever heard a fog horn, then you’ve heard a low frequency air horn.
Low frequency air horns tend to travel further much more quickly and effectively. If you want to get the attention of someone else, then it is suggested you look into a low frequency air horn.
What to Look for When Buying Air Horn
When it comes to air horns, they really only have one basic feature and that’s their volume. While that may be the most important feature about them, there are other components of an air horn you should consider. You should look for how large they are to ensure they fit in or on your vehicle or boat.
- Volume
When it comes to air horns, it’s all about volume, volume, volume. They may look small and stunted, but they pack a punch in the sound department. If you need a better air horn for your vessel or truck, then consider one that is audible at great distances.
We mentioned it above, but a low frequency air horn may be the way to go if you need to clear a path quickly. They can be heard from further away and are clearer and crisper. You could go for a high frequency air horn as well. Even they can be quite loud at times.
- Design
You will notice air horns come in different shapes and sizes. The one thing they have in common is each generally includes a round trumpeted end where the sound comes from.
Their design can also have a direct impact on their sound as well. While it is difficult to judge how an air horn will sound before installing it, you can read the box to see if it is low- or high-pitched. Their design should also be easy to install.
Tips for Buying and Using Air Horns
An air horn is designed to be really loud, so when you decide to replace an old air horn or get a completely new one, there are a few things to be aware of.
If you drive a large semi on the highway, it’s going to be loud in the cabin already. It’s equally just as loud outside as well. Other drivers passing by the semi will no doubt hear the engine of the semi and the heavy tires on the road. You will need to make sure the air horn you get is louder than the semi so others can hear it.
The same goes for boats or ships on lakes and oceans. Their motors can be loud and the droning of the engine carries across the open water as well. Having an air horn that is booming will ensure everyone is capable of hearing you.
- Make sure your air horn is louder than the vehicle or vessel you are controlling so it can be heard.
- For an even louder horn, consider getting multiple units on your vehicle. One can be in the front while another can be in the rear.
- If the air horn you have is high-pitched, consider tapping the horn a few times instead of just holding it down. The sound from a higher pitched frequency doesn’t travel as far as a lower one.
Our Top Pick
For anyone in need of one of the best air horns for your car, truck, SUV, or boat, consider the Pactrade Marine Boat RV Car Stainless Steel Dual Trumpet Horn. It’s our top choice for its sleek stainless steel design and overall sound quality. These suckers are loud as well. Boasting more than 150 dB, the dual air horn system is versatile enough to fit on nearly every vehicle. Plus, they are convenient to hook up as they function with a 12V power source. They also feature a full mounting hardware so you can connect them all by yourself in no time at all.
