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For those looking to enhance their driving experience, there’s no better moment than now to invest in the best car stereo. When you make the switch from your factory-installed radio, you’ll unlock a world of superior performance and ample opportunities for expansion. Not only can you seamlessly link your smartphone for navigation, music playback, and remote management, but the realm of options provided by car stereo manufacturers is extensive.
You can choose from a diverse selection, ranging from straightforward CD stereos equipped with Bluetooth connectivity to advanced multimedia receivers featuring user-friendly interfaces such as Android AutoTM and Apple CarPlay. Elevate your time on the road with the finest in-car audio systems.
Since there are so many options, it’s important to make an informed choice. So, we made a list of our best-selling head units that have gotten an average rating of 4 stars or better from customers. These ratings are based on the thoughts and suggestions of our valued customers who have used these stereos and given us useful feedback. Take advantage of this chance to update the sound system in your car and enjoy better music while you’re driving.
Best Car Stereo Comparison Table
| Model | BOSS Audio Systems BV9358B | ATOTO A6PF Android Double-DIN | Sony XAV-9500ES | Pioneer AVH-W4500NEX | Alpine UTE-73BT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 6.2 inches | 7 inches | 10.1 inches | 6.94 inches | No display |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| USB Port | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| CD/DVD Player | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Navigation System | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Android Auto/Apple CarPlay Support | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Power Output | 80 Watts x 4 channels | 45 Watts x 4 channels | 55 Watts x 4 channels | 50 Watts x 4 channels | 50 Watts x 4 channels |
| Preamp Outputs | 3 sets | 4 sets | 3 sets | 3 sets | 3 sets |
| Steering Wheel Control Compatibility | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Camera Input | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
BOSS Audio Systems BV9358B Car Stereo
| Model | BOSS Audio Systems BV9358B |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 6.2 inches |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| USB Port | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| CD/DVD Player | Yes |
| Power Output | 80 Watts x 4 channels |
| Preamp Outputs | 3 sets |
| Steering Wheel Control | Yes |
| Rear Camera Input | Yes |
Long car rides should have lots of things to do to keep everyone happy, no matter how old they are. As our Honorable Mention, we chose the BOSS Audio Systems BV9358B Car DVD Player because we think it’s the best car radio with aux and Bluetooth choices for people who drive a lot. This double-DIN car stereo receiver has a 6.2-inch screen, a wide range of multimedia support, Bluetooth connection, and features that make driving safer.
We like how this double din car radio lets you choose from so many different ways to play music. These include CDs, DVDs, and SD memory cards with up to 32GB of space. In the meantime, you can choose to add media through USB, an auxiliary input, or Bluetooth. The USB port can also charge gadgets. You’ll also get pre-amp outputs so you can make your sound system even more to your liking. There’s also a remote control, so people in the backseat can also have more power.
The Good
- Large screen size so you can see it better.
- Bluetooth lets you make calls without using your hands and stream music.
- USB and extra inputs make it flexible.
- Built-in CD and DVD player for playing music and movies.
- Better sound quality comes from a high power level.
The Bad
- Users who want bigger screens might not like the size of the screen.
- Compared to some other types, this one has fewer preamp outputs.
ATOTO A6PF Android Double-DIN Android Car Navigation Stereo with Bluetooth
| Model | ATOTO A6PF Android Double-DIN |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 7 inches |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| USB Port | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Navigation System | Yes |
| Android OS | Yes |
| Power Output | 45 Watts x 4 channels |
| Preamp Outputs | 4 sets |
| Steering Wheel Control | Yes |
| Rear Camera Input | Yes |
People with iPhones shouldn’t be the only ones who can find a car radio made just for them. The ATOTO A6PF Android Double-DIN Android Car Navigation Best Car Stereo with Bluetooth can be used with an iPhone, but it was made to work best with Android smartphones. We think it’s one of the best car audio receivers for Android users because it was made with the Android 10.0 OS and comes with a lot of media and navigation apps already installed, like Pandora, Google Play, Spotify, and Google Maps.
There’s also an app called EasyConnect that makes it easy to connect your devices. We also put it up for Best Quality because of these important things about it. This car radio can also work with iPhones, but Android users will find it easier to use. And your screen can be set to one of nine system languages. Android users can connect their devices to this car audio receiver through USB, Bluetooth, or WiFi. The dual Bluetooth setup also lets more than one device connect at the same time. We like that this reader can store data on both Micro USB and SD drives, with 256GB for micro SD drives and 1TB for USB drives.
The Good
- A big 7-inch screen and an easy-to-use layout.
- Bluetooth lets you make hands-free calls and play music.
- USB and extra inputs make it flexible.
- There is an easy-to-use mapping system built in.
- Android is an operating system that lets you use apps and make changes.
The Bad
- It may not have as much power as some other types.
- Best used by people who know how to use the Android running system.
Sony XAV-9500ES
| Model | Sony XAV-9500ES |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 10.1 inches |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| USB Port | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Apple CarPlay | Yes |
| Android Auto | Yes |
| Power Output | 55 Watts x 4 channels |
| Preamp Outputs | 3 sets |
| Steering Wheel Control | Yes |
| Rear Camera Input | Yes |
We picked the Sony XAV-9500ES as the best Apple CarPlay stereo that works without wires. It’s part of their new Mobile ES line of high-end car stereo goods. Soon after announcing and putting out their Mobile ES speakers, they came out with the 9500ES head unit. The 9500ES has a capacitive, antiglare 10.1-inch display that feels almost like touching the screen of an iPhone.
When you add cellular CarPlay to that, it really does feel like an extension of your phone. Even though the screen is 10.1 inches, it can fit in any single din hole, making it a great choice for almost any dashboard. Sony knew that not all lines are the same size, shape, or layout, so they made a four-way mounting system that lets you move the screen to exactly where you want it and tilt it just the way you need to see it.
The Good
- The 10.1-inch screen is big enough to give you an immersive watching experience.
- Bluetooth lets you connect wirelessly and easily.
- There are many ways to connect with USB and aux inputs.
The Bad
- Compared to some other types, this one has a higher price range.
Pioneer AVH-W4500NEX
| Model | Pioneer AVH-W4500NEX |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 6.94 inches |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| USB Port | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Apple CarPlay | Yes |
| Android Auto | Yes |
| Power Output | 50 Watts x 4 channels |
| Preamp Outputs | 3 sets |
| Steering Wheel Control | Yes |
| Rear Camera Input | Yes |
The AVH-W4500NEX is the Best Car Stereo we’ve seen. Pioneer just released the NEX line to take advantage of the newest ways to connect to the Internet. The 4500NEX has a capacitive touchscreen that is 6.9″ in size and can be easily installed in many cars to add modern features. Even in bright, direct light, the sensitive touch screen is clear and easy to see. It can even be changed to work with weird dashboard designs and make it easier to see from different angles. It has all the best features in a device that is easy to use, so it is our top pick.
The W4500NEX comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto right out of the box. This makes it a great choice for people who want GPS and all of the newest radio streaming features. We also like that this unit lets you show your smartphone’s screen wirelessly. With this option, you can send video from your device straight to the head unit.
The Good
- High-quality touchscreen monitor that is 6.94 inches wide.
- Bluetooth lets you play music wirelessly and make calls without using your hands.
- USB and extra inputs make it flexible.
- Support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto makes it easy to connect your phone.
The Bad
- The size of the screen might not be as big as on some other types.
- Compared to high-end car stereos, the power level may be lower.
Alpine UTE-73BT
| Model | Alpine UTE-73BT |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | No display |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| USB Port | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Power Output | 50 Watts x 4 channels |
| Preamp Outputs | 3 sets |
| Steering Wheel Control | Yes |
| Rear Camera Input | Yes |
The Alpine UTE-73BT the Best Car Stereo improves connection while preserving the characteristics that make the 63BT a top pick. Alpine incorporated Android Open Accessory tech to the receiver to make it easier to link your Android phone to streaming apps like Pandora or Spotify. Alpine preserved the 63BT’s best features, such the tactile multifunction knob and a sleek layout that fits most dash panels.
The single-line LCD display lets you change backlit button colors and is five times more readable than prior models. Alpine developed this audio to function perfectly with Apple and Android smartphones, and Bluetooth connections are stable and easy. A front panel USB port charges and plays music from flash drives, smartphones, and MP3 players. For enhanced sound, the Alpine UTE-73BT can play lossless FLAC files.
The Good
- Compact design without a display, suitable for minimalist setups.
- Bluetooth connectivity for wireless audio streaming and hands-free calling.
- Versatile with USB and aux input options.
The Bad
- No screen display, limiting visual information and controls.
FAQs
A: Upgrading your car stereo can improve your driving experience generally by making the sound better, giving you more ways to connect, and adding features like Bluetooth, touchscreen displays, navigation systems, and support for different audio formats. It lets you listen to your favorite music, podcasts, and radio stations with clearer sound and more choices to change how they sound.
A: When choosing a car stereo, you should think about how well it works with your car’s make and model, how much room is available on your dashboard, the features and functions you want, the power output, how well it works with different audio sources (CD, USB, AUX, Bluetooth, etc.), and how you can change the sound. It’s also important to make sure the car stereo you choose comes from a well-known name that is known for making good products that work well.
A: The difficulty of installing a car stereo relies on the make and type of your car and how technical you are. Some car stereos come with detailed directions on how to set them up, so if you have the right tools and know-how, you can do it yourself. But if the installation is complicated or you’re not sure how to do it, it’s best to hire a professional to make sure everything is wired correctly, works well together, and runs at its best.