Whether your current stereo has broken or you’re simply looking for an upgrade, there are a variety of excellent double din head units on the market.
If you have an older car, installing a new, modern stereo can be an excellent way to bring a new lease of life to your dashboard, and a great way to improve your driving experience.
But with so many different head units on the market, it can be difficult to know which is the best for your motor. That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide to the best double din head units available.
Here we’ve given you all the information you need to know to make a purchase, and supplied you with a list of what we think are the best money can buy. Follow this simple guide, and you’ll have a new car stereo system in no time.
Those reviews are coming up very shortly, and after that we’ve also got a handy buying guide for you which walks you through everything you might want to think about before you buy.
And to top that off, we’ve also got another handy section where we answer some of your most frequently asked questions.
And with no further ado…
Top 5 Best Double Din Head Units
OUR TOP PICK
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EDITORS CHOICE
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BEST VALUE
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EDITORS CHOICE
Pioneer MVH 1400 NEX
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Our favorite double din head unit on the market is the Pioneer MVH 1400 NEX. We’ve ranked this device the best available because it is packed with so many different wonderful features that make it stand out from its competitors.
Of all the devices we’ve reviewed, this has the clearest screen resolution (800 x 400) ensuring you will always be able to see the screen easily. The touch screen comes with a 24-bit true-color panel and color customization so you can alter the device to match your car’s interior.
If English is not your first language, there’s no need to worry because this device comes with a multi-language display, allowing you to choose the one that suits you best.
If playback options are what you’re looking for, this device has a variety of inputs that will allow you to connect a variety of devices.
From Bluetooth compatibility, and Android Auto, for hands-free calls and playback of music stored on your phone and its apps to USB and SD inputs for WMA/WAV/FLAC and MP3 files to the device’s in-built CD and DVD player to keep your passengers entertained.
The device enhances your playback as it adds a variety of transitions and effects to improve the experience. With all of this considered, there’s no doubt that this is the best double din head unit on the market.
Pros
- Clear 800 x 400 resolution
- Compatible with all your phones apps
- Bluetooth connection – hands free calls and audio streaming
- Audio playback – WMA/MP3/FLAC
- Virtual DJ – transitions and effects added to your music
Cons
- No notable drawbacks
BEST VALUE
Alpine iLX-W650
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Another excellent choice is the Alpine iLX-W650. This stylish double din head unit is produced by one of the leading manufacturers for audio systems, and its features live up to the company’s reputation.
It has all the standard features that you would expect from a stereo system, including AM/FM radio, with a variety of added features on top. It comes with a classy shallow mount chassis design and features a large 7-inch touchscreen display.
The touchscreen can be easily controlled with the touch of a finger for ultimate user convenience while you drive.
This wonderful device is compatible with both Apple Carplay and Android Auto allowing you to easily access all the apps that are downloaded on your phone through the touchscreen.
Once your phone is fully connected to the stereo you can then easily control the device through the voice control option that this device offers. This allows you to safely make calls, select music, and follow directions without having to press a button.
The iLX-W650 also features a built-in amplifier to ensure you receive excellent sound quality and has a variety of inputs that you can use to connect devices other than your phone. All these amazing features, make it certain that this is one of the best double din head units on the market.
Pros
- AM/FM compatible
- Touchscreen control
- Compatible with Apple Carplay and Android Auto
- Bluetooth connection – hands free calls and streaming
- USB ports for charging devices, thumb drives, and accessing audio
Cons
- It doesn’t have a CD/DVD player
RUNNER UP
Boss Audio Systems BV9364B
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You should further consider the Boss Audio Systems BV9364B. This is a great choice if you want to be able to access all of your cell’s functions safely while driving your car.
It comes with Bluetooth compatibility allowing you to connect your phone book, make and receive calls hands-free. The Bluetooth connection also allows you to stream music directly from your playlists on your phone. You can also access and control your apps through the stereo system.
As well as Bluetooth, this device also offers a wide variety of other playback options. It has a CD/DVD player which you can use to listen to your CDs and for your passengers to watch movies while you drive.
It also comes with SD and USB ports allowing you to access MP3, WMA, and FLAK audio files through the media system, and charge your device while you are driving. If this isn’t enough, the device also comes with an AUX input which you can use to connect your phone’s audio to the system.
If you are interested in sound quality, you can use the front, rear, and subwoofer pre-amp outputs to connect more speakers to increase the sound volume.
Finally, this device comes with an additional remote control which can be used to control the equalizer function on the stereo from inside and outside of the car.
With all these great features, it’s clear to see why you should consider the Boss BV0364B double din head unit.
Pros
- Bluetooth compatible for hands-free calls and streaming
- DVD/CD player
- USB/SD ports and AUX input
- Equalizer with remote to control it
- Output to add screen
Cons
- Bluetooth connection can be sketchy
RUNNER UP
ATOTO A6 Double Din Head Unit
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We also loved the ATOTO A6 Double Din Head Unit. Similarly to the final product on this list, this device is also from a lesser-known brand than the others, but it is worthy of its place on this list.
This wonderful device comes with a load of technological features that make it an excellent option. It is AM/FM radio compatible, and also comes with an AUX input and an input connection for a back-up camera.
Additionally, it is Bluetooth compatible allowing you to make calls and stream your favorite playlists. You can also easily control the radio via your steering wheel controls as this device is compatible with them.
The ATOTO A6 has improved WI-FI reception and a built-in microphone to ensure you can be heard clearly when making calls. It also comes with an in-built navigation system as Google Maps is installed on the device.
This can be used offline to easily direct you to your destination. It has USB and SD inputs which allow for unlimited storage and comes with continuous firmware updates included.
If you want a stereo system that will start up quickly, you should consider the ATOTO A6 as it takes only 2 seconds to boot up from the moment you start your car. With all these excellent features, it’s clear why this is one of the best double din head units available.
Pros
- AM/FM radio
- Aux/backup camera input
- Compatible with factory steering wheel control
- Google Maps installed
- Quick booting feature – start the engine and access the system in 2 seconds
Cons
- Doesn’t have a CD/DVD player
RUNNER UP
EINCAR Bluetooth Double Din Head Unit
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Finally, you should consider the EINCAR Bluetooth Double Din Head Unit. This device is from a much lesser-known brand than the others on this list, but it has so many excellent features that together make it a great option.
If you are looking for a double din unit with lots of technical capabilities this might be the perfect choice for you. This great device features Bluetooth connectivity so you can easily make and receive hands-free calls, as well as stream music directly from your mobile phone.
This device also comes with built-in GPS navigation, including 3D models of buildings and voice guidance to help you find your destination easier. All of this is displayed on its high definition and an extremely sensitive touch screen so that you can easily control your car’s radio system.
It further supports both AM and FM radio and comes with a variety of input ports for you to connect external devices and play music or video through.
Finally, this device comes with a free rearview camera which automatically takes over the screen whenever you reverse, guaranteeing more safety every time you park. With all these great features it’s easy to see why this is one of the best on the market.
Pros
- Bluetooth connectivity – hands free calls and music streaming
- GPS navigation – with 3D building models and voice guidance
- High definition touchscreen
- CD/DVD, USB, and SD compatibility
- Supports AM/FM radio
Cons
- Lesser known brand
Best Double Din Head Units Buying Guide
Deciding to install a new head unit in your car can be easy. Deciding what head unit to buy, not so much. With so many different makes and models on the market, it can be confusing to know which is the best for you.
The products that we’ve reviewed above are some of the best money can buy, but the perfect one will depend on your personal preferences.
To help you better understand this, we’ve put together this quick buyer’s guide to ensure you make a fully informed purchase when you buy a new head unit for your vehicle.
Design and Display
The stereo system is a focal point for your eyes with its placement in the center of the dashboard. With this in mind, you will likely have a particular design in mind. Whether this is a design that matches your car or one that completely differs to stand out, the decision is yours.
You will find that there are lots of different styles of head units available. Some will be more basic, a lot will feature a large touch screen, and some will feature flashing lights or customizable displays. The importance of the design will depend on your personal preference, but you have a wide variety of options to choose from when making a purchase.
As well as the design, you should also consider the display. This is particularly important if you buy a head unit with a touch screen. If the device has a touchscreen, all of the controls for the device are likely to be shown on the screen.
This makes the display very important because you need to be able to see what you are doing very clearly. If you cannot, there is an increased likelihood of you being distracted while driving. You should buy a device that you can see clearly to ensure it doesn’t impact your driving ability.
Controls
The controls for the head unit are also very important. These are how you will control your stereo system while you are driving, so you must buy a head unit that comes with user-friendly controls to avoid distraction.
There are a variety of different controls available so you should buy one which suits your driving habits. If you buy a head unit that comes with a touchscreen you will find that a lot of the controls are displayed on the device’s screen. A lot of units will also come with steering wheel compatibility.
This allows the device to connect to the existing control buttons on your steering wheel so that you can easily control the stereo system without taking your hands off of the wheel. Alternatively, you may find that some head units will offer voice control which is an excellent choice if you want to be able to keep your hands on the steering wheel throughout your journey.
Some devices will even come with an additional remote control so that you can control the stereo from any place inside or outside of the car. There are loads of different options available so you should find the one that suits you the best.
Connections
If you are looking to buy a new stereo system, the likelihood is that you have an interest in music. If this is the case, you will probably want to be able to play audio through your car’s stereo from a variety of different devices. This is where the connections on offer become so important.
Like everything, different head units will offer different output and input connections. You should consider the ones you see as the most important and buy a device accordingly. If you are unsure where to begin, there are several connections that are common to find in these devices.
The first is a CD/DVD input, these are becoming less common as a lot of head units are starting to exclude them from designs but a lot of companies still manufacture units with a CD player. You will also commonly find an AUX input that allows you to connect your phone to the system, via a cable, and play your music.
Most devices will further include an SD or USB input which allows you to connect storage devices and play music from these devices in a variety of formats.
Finally, the most common connection you likely encounter now is Bluetooth compatibility. This is a quick and easy way for you to access the files on your phone and stream them through the stereo, and also allows you to receive phone calls while you are driving. All of these connection options have their benefits, but the perfect one for you will depend on your preferences.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I know if my car is single or double din?
You can find out if your car stereo is single or double din by simply measuring it. If the space for your stereo system measures 7 inches wide and 2 inches tall, then a single din unit will be suitable.
Whereas if the space measures 7 inches wide and 4 inches tall, you should purchase a double din head unit.
Is built-in navigation worth it?
Whether or not a built-in navigation system is worth it will depend on your preferences. A built-in navigation is handy if you don’t want to have lots of cables scattered around your dashboard while you are driving.
Aesthetically it makes your dash more pleasing to look at and can be easier to control and view while you are driving.
Is a touchscreen better?
The answer to this question will depend on your personal preference, but touch screen head units have become increasingly popular in recent years. Especially since a lot of car manufacturers have started installing them in their new model cars.
They offer a lot of user convenience and can make your dashboard look a lot more stylish and modern.