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A touch-screen stereo compatible with Bluetooth and smartphones.
A stereo with customizable features and wireless connection.
An inexpensive radio with analog and Bluetooth connections.
A no-frills stereo that offers Bluetooth and smartphone connections.
A stereo with impressive features that handles like a smartphone.
If you’re a music lover, finding the best car stereo can be tough. Do you want Bluetooth®, navigation, and a video monitor all-in-one? Or is a simple aux input and a volume dial all you need?
This review will examine ten of the best car stereos on the market and help you decide which setup would be best for your vehicle.
We named the Kenwood Excelon DMX706S the Overall Best Car Stereo for its competitive price, build quality, and superior features. This digital car stereo receiver boasts a nearly 7.0-inch wide video graphics array (WVGA) touch screen and supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For audiophiles, Kenwood includes a 13-band graphic equalizer with dedicated loudspeaker and subwoofer adjustments.
The Excelon series also incorporates high-quality parts like gold-plated preamp outputs, which the manufacturer says enhances sound quality.
For drivers with a rear-view camera or a dashcam, the Kenwood has dual camera inputs and adjustable rear parking guidelines. It supports certain video files too, and customers can upload JPEG photo files either to view or set as a custom background.
Absent from the package are things like HD Radio and wireless smartphone connectivity. But being able to charge your phone while using GPS navigation isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
Amazon Review Score: 4.6 out of 5.0 based on more than 390 ratings.
Many customers highlight the stereo’s overall value for the price, sound quality, and touch screen performance. Complaints mention the lack of wireless smartphone connection and a hard-to-read owner’s manual.
We awarded the Pioneer AVH-W4500NEX Best Premium Stereo because it has the bells and whistles to make you look forward to any drive. Besides wireless smartphone connections and dual camera outputs, it has a built-in HD Radio tuner and buyers can listen to SiriusXM® satellite radio if they have a subscription.
In addition to hands-free texting and voice control, the display has 112 different color options to match your vehicle’s factory illumination scheme. Drivers that still have a CD collection can rejoice, as Pioneer includes a CD/DVD player in this model.
Amazon Review Score: 4.4 out of 5.0 based on over 380 ratings.
Build quality and adjustable features are well received by customers, whereas interrupted phone connections are a common complaint.
Maybe your idea of the best car radio is a system that doesn’t care if you own an iPhone, Android, or a classic iPod. The Boss Audio Systems 616UAB wins our award for Best Budget Stereo. It has a simplistic, low-profile design at an affordable price. This car stereo has Bluetooth connectivity (if you want to go wireless), an aux port, a USB input port, and a standard radio tuner.
What limits this stereo is that it only has two audio outputs and a barely adjustable equalizer. You can make hands-free phone calls and play music, but that’s about it.
Amazon Review Score: 4.2 out of 5.0 based on over 14,000 ratings.
The Boss 616UAB is one of the more well-reviewed stereos on Amazon, with many customers applauding the simple design and sound quality. Common issues reported by customers include a short lifespan and visual issues with the display.
If a touch screen doesn’t appeal to you, or your car’s radio chassis isn’t large enough to support one, the Kenwood KMM-BT328U is one of the best car stereo options. The Kenwood comes with Pandora, Spotify, and Amazon’s Alexa compatibility, as well as standard Bluetooth connectivity for audio streaming and hands-free calls.
Audio playback is where this Kenwood model shines. It’s equipped with a 13-band equalizer and Digital Time Alignment, so you can fine-tune your stereo system’s sound across the vehicle. Customers have access to more control over the stereo with a downloadable mobile app that works as a remote control. Kenwood also sells a physical remote separately.
One drawback is that this Kenwood can’t support video, so if you’re looking for something to work with a backup camera, this isn’t for you. The same is true if you want visible GPS information.
Amazon Review Score: 4.6 out of 5.0 based on over 1,400 ratings.
The easy-to-use design and flexibility between aux ports and Bluetooth connection resonate with customers. Some gripes include disruptions in the wireless connection and the system lacking in volume.
The Alpine iLX-W650 is an impressive digital media receiver that supports video and most audio files. One premium feature of this large-display car stereo is the capacitive touch screen, which allows for more of a smartphone-like user experience and multi-touch options.
What kept this model from ranking higher on our list of the best car stereo systems is its low wattage. Straight from the manufacturer, it runs 16.0 root mean square (RMS) watts and 45.0 watts at peak power. Most stereos run between 20.0 to 25.0 RMS watts, but you can purchase an Alpine amplifier to boost performance.
Amazon Review Score: 4.5 out of 5.0 based on over 90 ratings.
While there are not many reviews for the the Alpine iLX-W650 on Amazon. The same system has an average rating of 4.4 stars on Best Buy with more than 700 reviews. Accolades include the intuitive design, sound quality, and price, but some customers mention issues with the device maintaining a connection to a phone.
The SJoyBring Double Din Car Stereo is compatible with Apple CarPlay and allows drivers to access voice controls by simply saying “Hey Siri.” However, if you’re at a red light or parked, you can use the 7.0-inch touchscreen or physical knobs to change what song you’re playing and more. This car stereo also allows drivers to easily connect their phone via Bluetooth 5.0 technology.
The most impressive feature of this car stereo (and what sets it apart from similar products from competitors) is the fact that it comes with a rearview camera. This means you don’t need to go out and separately purchase one of the best backup cameras as the included camera automatically relays video to the car stereo when your car shifts into reverse. You can also connect this car stereo to your steering wheel via your car’s steering wheel controls (SWC).
Amazon Review Score: 3.8 out of 5.0 based on over 2,222 ratings.
Reviewers rave over how much safer they feel operating the controls of this car stereo while driving due to the myriad of hands-free controls. The SJoyBring Double Din Car Stereo has multiple inputs, which several customers say has been incredibly helpful when connecting other car audio equipment. Those with negative feedback complain the unit randomly turns on/off.
Guaranteed to be compatible with any and all iOS and Android devices, the manufacturer of the Hieha 7023B Car Stereo will send you the latest software to update your unit, free of charge. The 7.0-inch screen on this car stereo supports 1080P video playback, phone screen mirroring, and voice controls through Siri or Google Assistant.
Similar to the SJoyBring Double Din Car Stereo, this car stereo also ships with a free backup camera. Additionally, this car stereo supports AM and FM radio, built-in microphone, SWC, EQ audio setting, aux-in, USB charging, and more.
Amazon Review Score: 3.4 out of 5.0 based on over 2,702 ratings.
The Hieha 7023B Car Stereo has received multiple comments from customers referring to how easy-to-use this unit is. One man claims he got this car stereo as a gift for his brother in law’s 1991 BMW and it fit and operated perfectly. Reviewers with negative feedback complain about the build-quality of this car stereo.
The Boss Audio Systems BVCP9700A-C car stereo has a 7.0-inch touchscreen monitor that allows drivers to customize the layout of apps on screen. Some of the supported apps include Amazon, WhatsApp, iHeartRadio, RadioDisney, and more. In terms of inputs, this car stereo features USB, USB charging, SD, AV, and even front or rear cameras.
As noted above, this is another car stereo which comes complete with a backup camera to make sure all of your focus is on the road and your surroundings. The high-resolution backup camera that comes with this car stereo system is weatherproof and features low-light visibility. It should be noted that this car stereo is protected by a three-year warranty.
Amazon Review Score: 4.3 out of 5.0 based on over 430 ratings.
The majority of customers that have left reviews online for the Boss Audio Systems BVCP9700A-C Car Stereo credit the unit for being easy to install and the fact that it works well. One man claims that if you’ve ever installed audio equipment in your car, this installation process will be a breeze in comparison. A few customers complain that they received a faulty car stereo.
Featuring a built-in microphone and an external microphone interface, the PLZ MP-902 Double Din Car Stereo is a great option for those who love to talk to friends and family while out on the road. Drivers won’t even need to use this car stereo’s 7.0-inch touchscreen interface to begin calling someone, as Bluetooth offers hands-free controls.
This car stereo is incredibly easy to install, and is compatible with most car makes and models. A built-in 16-band EQ option allows drivers to fully customize their car audio experience by tweaking the volume and other sound effects. Additionally, this car stereo ships with a free backup camera to keep you aware of your surroundings while in reverse.
Amazon Review Score: 3.9 out of 5.0 based on over 755 ratings.
The PLZ MP-902 Double Din Car Stereo has received rave reviews from customers about its updateable firmware, allowing for more customization and the ability for your car stereo to constantly be up to date. Those with negative feedback complain about the quality of image the included backup camera provides.
The Jensen MPR210 Single Din Car Stereo has 30 station presets for your music needs, including 18 FM and 12 AM radio channels. Additionally, drivers will be able to fully customize the music settings on this car stereo through two band tone controls and four preset EQ curves. It should also be noted that this car stereo is protected under a one-year warranty.
A seven-character high-resolution LCD display provides a comfortable viewing experience without being too distracting for drivers. A push-to-talk voice assistant and built-in Bluetooth provides almost a completely hands-free interface.
Amazon Review Score: 4.2 out of 5.0 based on over 5,430 ratings.
Dubbed as a great value car stereo by reviewers, the Jensen MPR210 Single Din Car Stereo is incredibly easy to install. One woman claims she had no issues installing this car stereo in her 1996 Jeep Cherokee. Those with negative feedback forewarn others that you get what you pay for.
While picking the best car stereo for your audio system, remember that not all products are a perfect match for your vehicle. Some stereos may not be the correct size for your vehicle’s infotainment center, or they could be optimized for a certain smartphone manufacturer. Here are some things customers should look out for when choosing the best aftermarket car audio system for their vehicle:
Unlike a subwoofer or an external amplifier, installing a car stereo is a fairly complicated procedure. It involves removing the current sound system from the radio chassis, along with making sure the system is properly wired and powered.
Unless you’re familiar with the factory installation process, it’s probably best to let a professional swap out the stereos. Average installation prices vary from $50 to $200 or more depending on the complexity of the stereo, so you’ll want to factor that cost into your upgrade budget.
DIN is a phrase you’ll often see when reading about car stereos. It refers to a standard unit of measurement within the automotive industry, specifically the size of radio chassis.
Stereo receivers typically come in “single DIN” and “double DIN” models. A single DIN car stereo measures around 7.0 by 2.0 inches. These are commonly found in older vehicles that have traditional radios with things like CD players and cassette tape players.
A double DIN car stereo offers more real estate for features at 7.0 by 4.0 inches, and many touch screen options offered by manufacturers today are this measurement. That said, there are a few touch screen single DIN options as well.
The best car audio system should complement factory features, not inhibit them. Features like steering wheel controls are fairly commonplace, so if you want to keep easy audio adjustments, make sure whatever stereo you buy is equipped for that functionality.
The same goes for any other audio modifications you’ve made to your vehicle. If you buy a head unit without enough preamp outputs to support a subwoofer, that speaker will just be taking up space in your trunk.
If you have an affinity for CDs, plenty of manufacturers include CD and DVD players in head units. Although, if music is your main reason for the upgrade and you don’t mind cables, aux ports are a common analog workaround.
The ability to connect to a smartphone is a common feature of modern car stereo systems. You’ll see features like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto advertised by manufacturers, but what do they mean?
The best way to think about it is that it’s expanded access. Bluetooth will allow you to stream music, other audio, and phone calls over your car’s stereo system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto let you do similar things, but with added features like voice texting, using phone-based GPS, incorporating Spotify, and performing other voice commands.
While Bluetooth is a completely wireless connection, your head unit may not support a wireless connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Some manufacturers require users to download a specific app to grant the stereo access to their phone.
The display screen will vary depending on the model you choose, but those with interactive touch screen displays are usually double DIN models. Besides offering more compatibility for smart devices, buyers can customize color themes on the LCD display.
Capacitive touch screens are the same type of screens used in smartphones. These allow for multi-touch commands, like pinch-zooming on maps, and generally offer a more intuitive user experience. That said, it might come at a premium cost.
Another selling point some manufacturers may hammer on is the product having a high-definition screen. While this means solid picture quality, a roughly 7.0-inch screen isn’t large enough to show a noticeable difference between a 1080p and 4K display.
While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto pull navigation data from your smartphone, some stereos come with built-in GPS units. This keeps the phone from using data and could mean better navigation performance, although it usually raises the price of a stereo unit.
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*Data accurate at time of publication.
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