From a frequency-response standpoint, the key requirements of a garage speaker are punchy bass and somewhat extended and slightly exaggerated high frequency response. This extra bit of boom and sizzle will help the speakers project the sound well and be easily heard in a workshop environment where the listening area is large and the noise floor is high. Low-end response below 60 Hz is not critical, as this will be lost in the open environment regardless.

From an expense and functionality standpoint, the primary goal of the garage speaker is simplicity and low-cost. These speakers are not meant to require a large investment of construction time and money, since they are constantly at risk of getting damaged. It isn't unusual for the typical garage speaker to be covered with dust, exposed to paint fumes, used in extreme heat or cold, hit with flying debris, or even rained on. Therefore, it is important that the drivers are inexpensive and easily replaceable, allowing continual maintenance and upkeep if a driver is damaged.