Review of the 10 Best Android Head Units: Improve Your Car Stereo -

Review of the 10 Best Android Head Units

If you think that you must have a brand-new car to get an Android head unit, then you are clearly mistaken. With the rise of both in-car entertainment and massive marketplaces, you can easily get your hands on an aftermarket Android head unit without any hassle.

Moreover, the great thing about them is that they can fit into almost any car imaginable. They are easy to install, modernize your car’s interior, and offer value through integrated Android compatibility.

The head unit will offer you effortless connectivity with your Android device, Google Assistant interaction, seamless navigation, and exquisite entertainment. And the great news is, you barely have to make a dent in your bank account to get one.

For a very competitive price, you can now enjoy this luxury. So, without any further ado, let us dive right into the world of the Android head unit.

What you need to know before buying a car stereo

Getting a new car stereo might just be the best way to incorporate some luxury features and a great interface into your car. Moreover, you get to enjoy better sound quality for a richer driving experience.

But the decision to choose the right stereo for your car is not as simple as you might think. Since there are plenty of options for you to choose from, there are some key elements you need to know before you make the purchase.

So, here are the things you need to know to ensure that your car stereo is a confident and worthwhile purchase.

Source of audio

Firstly, you have to note what audio source your stereo supports, or whether it supports all sorts of audio formats. The audio format dictates the quality of the sound. This is a crucial thing that you should take note of before making the purchase.

Single DIN or Double DIN

The most common head sizes you will find in the market are the single-DIN and the double-DIN units. When it comes to size, double-DIN openings are 4 inches by 8 inches. In the case of the single units, those are 2 inches by 8 inches.

That means that, if you are willing to invest in a double-DIN unit, you will have the luxury of more options when using your stereo. Single units are also good, as well, if you are looking for something compact and have a lower budget.

Single DIN

Single DIN basically refers to the size. In most cases, single-DIN units range from 2 inches tall and 7 or 8 inches in width.

PROS:

In most cases, single DINs are easier to install.
Affordable solution when it comes to upgrading an outdated stereo.
Has many features, like wireless audio, auxiliary input jack, etc.

CONS:

As they are smaller in size, they cannot offer as many control options on the board. This results in hard-to-access controls on the panel.
In most cases, single-DIN options do not come with a touch screen. Even though there are some touch variants on the market, they can cost quite a lot.

Double DIN

Double DIN is, in most cases, 4 inches tall. They have the same width as single-DIN units.

PROS:

Due to the greater real estate on the board, they offer more room for controls
Easier to access than any single-DIN variant
Most double-DIN head units have a touch screen, which is not usually offered in single-DIN units

CONS:

Relatively difficult to install. You need to be an expert to do it by yourself, or you’ll need to find an expert to do it
Double-DIN units are significantly costlier

Receiver types

The type of receiver is very important to consider, as well. Maybe you are still hanging onto CDs for your favorite music. In that case, you should opt for something that supports both digital and physical receiving options.

Also, make sure your stereo supports all kinds of audio sources, like USB, AUX, SD cards, smartphones, Bluetooth, etc.

Features

This is a very long list, as there are so many features that a car stereo can offer. Let’s try to break it down for you.

When it comes to car stereos, the integration of Android smartphones is not everything. There are many other features to look for, including GPS navigation and a capacitive touch screen. Some car stereos also offer subwoofers.If you are a big fan of radios, then you should also look for a model that has built-in satellite radio features.

Now that you know all there is to know before making a purchase, let’s take a look at some of the best Android car head units available on the market at the moment.

We have decided to break it down into two sections for both double-DIN and single-DIN units. So, without any further ado, let’s check them out.

5 Best Android Car Stereos (Single DIN)

#	Product	Pros	Cons	Amazon Price
1	Soundstream VIR-7830B	Affordable price Supports optical drive Detachable faceplate for security Easy to use hands-free mode	Firmware bug Unable to navigate through the screen when the phone is connected	Check Amazon Price
2	Pyle PLTS78DUB Single-DIN Head Unit Receiver	Hands-free Bluetooth technology Great compatibility Easy to use Impressive screen resolution Great audio quality	Can face glare issues The equalizer is mediocre	Check Amazon Price
3	EinCar Single-DIN Android 10 Head Unit	Gorgeous LCD screen High-quality DVD player GPS integration Affordable price Can be used to play games, use apps, and so much more	Lack of tilt Installation can be a bit complex	Check Amazon Price
4	Alpine Hal9 iLX-F309	Android Auto works flawlessly Looks nice on the dash of the car Massive 9-inch touch screen Highly stable, with zero movements Great display clarity Solid build quality	Known to have poor customer support Has no screen protection with the factory model	Check Amazon Price
5	Pioneer DMH-WT8600NEX	The biggest single-DIN auto head unit screen on the market Crystal clear 720p visuals Multiple audio formats supported Great compatibility Interactive design	Highly expensive Does not have optical disc support	Check Amazon Price

Soundstream VIR-7830B

Most of the budget car stereos we see on the market are either low quality or do not have enough features. And this is exactly where the Soundstream VIR-7830B comes into play.

This model is not only competitively priced, it is also worth every single penny. The great thing about this model is that it also comes with DVD support alongside USB, AUX, and RCA

Make	Soundstream
Model	VIR-7830B
Head unit size	Single-DIN auto head unit
Screen size	7 inches
Screen resolution	Not specified
Screen type	Touch screen
Smartphone integration	Android auto
Inputs	Bluetooth, HDMI, USB, mini AUX
HD radio	Supported
Satellite radio	Supported
Optical drive	Supported
Price	$150.31
Link to buy on Amazon	Link
Star rating on Amazon	3.8 out of 5
Total number of reviews on Amazon	280

Specs	Metrics
Make	Soundstream
Model	VIR-7830B
Head unit size	Single-DIN auto head unit
Screen size	7 inches
Screen resolution	Not specified
Screen type	Touch screen
Smartphone integration	Android auto
Inputs	Bluetooth, HDMI, USB, mini AUX
HD radio	Supported
Satellite radio	Supported
Optical drive	Supported
Price	$150.31
Link to buy on Amazon	Click Here
Star rating on Amazon	3.8 out of 5
Total number of reviews on Amazon	280

Pyle PLTS78DUB Single-DIN Head Unit Receiver

The greatest thing about the Pyle PLTS78DUB is its wide range of features. This single-DIN auto head unit comes with everything you would expect in the latest car head unit. And the device’s affordable price makes it even better.

The model comes with hands-free Bluetooth technology, which allows you to receive any call or play music without having to use your hands.

The clear resolution of 1440×234 is also a great touch for the interface. The front panel is completely detachable. That means that, if you have any security concerns, you can simply detach the stereo and put it away.

Make	PYLE
Model	PLTS78DUB
Head unit size	Single-DIN auto head unit
Screen size	7 inches
Screen resolution	1440×234
Screen type	Touch screen
Smartphone integration	Wireless Android Auto
Inputs	Bluetooth, infrared
HD radio	Supported
Satellite radio	Supported
Optical drive	Supported
Price	$161
Link to buy on Amazon	Link
Star rating on Amazon	3.9 out of 5
Total number of reviews on Amazon	1158

EinCar Single-DIN Android 10 Head Unit

If you are a fan of amazing screens, then this is the Android head unit for you. The EinCar Single-DIN Android 10 Head Unit allows you to let go of the traditional low-end screen, letting you enjoy the greatest quality visuals.

The high compatibility of this model makes sure it fits any car, regardless of how old your car model may be. The head unit was designed to watch things on a crisp screen. Whether it is a movie, TV series, or games, this device has it all. And, the greatest part is that this comes at a very competitive price.

Make	EinCar
Model	Single-DIN Android 10 Head Unit
Head unit size	Single-DIN auto head unit
Screen size	7 inches
Screen resolution	1024×600
Screen type	Capacitive touch screen
Smartphone integration	Wired Android Auto
Inputs	Bluetooth, 2 camera, HDMI, USB, mini AUX
HD radio	Not supported
Satellite radio	Supported
Optical drive	Supported
Price	$192
Link to buy on Amazon	Link
Star rating on Amazon	3.9 out of 5
Total number of reviews on Amazon	119

Alpine Hal9 iLX-F309

Alpine broke the tradition of a single-DIN auto head unit with a small touch screen. Because, with Alpine Hal9 iLX-F309, you get a massive 9-inch touch screen. This alone makes the model one of the most sought after in the market.

This single-DIN head unit comes with Android Auto. As a result, you get to enjoy amazing features like text message integration, Google maps, phone calls, weather, and so much more—all through voice commands only.

The model does everything you can think of (plus a bag of chips). The audio quality is also super crisp, with zero distortion.

Make	Alpine
Model	Hal9 iLX-F309
Head unit size	Single-DIN auto head unit
Screen size	9 inches
Screen resolution	800×480
Screen type	Capacitive touch screen
Smartphone integration	Wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Inputs	Bluetooth, 2 camera, HDMI, USB, mini AUX
HD radio	Supported
Satellite radio	Supported
Optical drive	Not supported
Price	$1,499.95
Link to buy on Amazon	Link
Star rating on Amazon	4.6 out of 5
Total number of reviews on Amazon	11

Pioneer DMH-WT8600NEX

No good aftermarket Android Auto head is bigger than the Pioneer DMH-WT8600NEX. With a whopping 10.1-inch screen, and 720p capacitive display, this is the best screen money can buy at the moment. And, for that reason alone, it is considered to be the best single-DIN auto head unit, if money is not an issue.

It comes with both wireless and wired Android Auto, alongside Apple CarPlay. The model also supports a variety of audio formats for the best sound quality and compatibility.

Make	Pioneer
Model	DMH-WT8600NEX
Head unit size	Single-DIN auto head unit
Screen size	10 inches
Screen resolution	1280×720
Screen type	Capacitive touch screen
Smartphone integration	Both wireless and wired Android Auto, alongside Apple CarPlay
Inputs	Bluetooth, 2 camera, HDMI, USB, mini AUX
HD radio	Supported
Satellite radio	Supported
Optical drive	Not supported
Price	$1,299.99
Link to buy on Amazon	Link
Star rating on Amazon	4.2 out of 5
Total number of reviews on Amazon	41

5 Best Android Car Stereos (Double DIN)

#	Product	Pros	Cons	Amazon Price
1	Alpine ILX-W650	Perfect if you plan on using it for both Apple and Android Excellent sound quality Zero lag on the touch panel	Comparatively slower boot time No customization option for the color and the background	Check Amazon Price
2	Pioneer DMH-1500NEX	Affordable flagship model Impressive expandability Seamless Google Assistant capability Can run almost any common audio format	Can face glare issues The equalizer is mediocre	Check Amazon Price
3	XTRONS TSF701L	The best navigation that money can buy User-friendly UI Split-screen Supports GPS, Glonass, and BDS Amazing equalizer	The controls need a bit of time to get used to Bad cable management capability	Check Amazon Price
4	ATOTO A6 Double-DIN Android Car Navigation Stereo	A fast boot of only two seconds Gesture control Wireless sync Powerful preamp IC Full HD capacitive touch screen	No steering wheel control Glare issues	Check Amazon Price
5	Pioneer AVH-W4500NEX	Driving without wires Seamless voice integration Built-in Bluetooth for HD calls and streaming Amazing built-in amplifier Impressive equalizer	Android Auto needs improvement Fingerprint magnet	Check Amazon Price

Alpine ILX-W650

If you want an easy-to-use interface with no confusing buttons, then this is the model for you. With crisp music and powerful features, this is—hands down—a very worthwhile investment.

This will make your drive better, with both Apple and Android compatibility. You can also access the navigation system for Google maps using voice commands.

The screen is customizable, with plenty of third-party applications, like YouTube, Spotify, XM Radio, and so on. It also automatically dims when you are not using it.

But, on the downside, you have no customization options for either the color or the background of the interface.

Make	Alpine
Model	ILX-W650
Head unit size	Double-DIN auto head unit
Screen size	7 inches
Screen resolution	800×400
Screen type	Capacitive touch screen
Smartphone integration	Wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Inputs	Bluetooth, USB, 2 camera
HD radio	Not supported
Satellite radio	Supported
Optical drive	Not supported
Price	$300
Link to buy on Amazon	Link
Star rating on Amazon	4.5 out of 5
Total number of reviews on Amazon	1,373

Pioneer DMH-1500NEX

If you are short on budget, but still want a flagship-level double-DIN auto head unit for your car, then there is no better option than the Pioneer DMH-1500NEX.

You can use this Android head unit to seamlessly control the music library on your phone. The model also comes with a 7-inch screen and great Google Assistant integration.

The audio quality is clear, and it has an impressive high-frequency tone, unlike other models on the market.

You also get impressive expandability, with six-channel preamp outputs, dual camera input, and so much more.

Make	Pioneer
Model	DMH-1500NEX
Head unit size	Double-DIN auto head unit
Screen size	7 inches
Screen resolution	2520×480
Screen type	Resistive touch screen
Smartphone integration	Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto
Inputs	Bluetooth, USB, 2 camera, RCA, mini AUX
HD radio	Not supported
Satellite radio	Supported
Optical drive	Not supported
Price	$350
Link to buy on Amazon	Link
Star rating on Amazon	4.7 out of 5
Total number of reviews on Amazon	554

XTRONS TSF701L

Looking for the perfect marriage between good sound quality and amazing navigation? Then this XTRONS model is worth considering. The built-in sound setting is the device’s first attractive feature. The equalizer comes with eight presets, with bass and surround sound filters from the get-go. You also can tweak almost anything and everything to do with the sound with time.

And, for navigation, it does not get any better than this. The amazing GPS ensures the perfect positioning of your car on the map.

Make	XTRONS
Model	TSF701L
Head unit size	Double-DIN auto head unit
Screen size	7 inches
Screen resolution	1024×600
Screen type	Capacitive touch screen
Smartphone integration	Android auto
Inputs	Bluetooth, DSP
HD radio	Supported
Satellite radio	Supported
Optical drive	Not supported
Price	$189.99
Link to buy on Amazon	Link
Star rating on Amazon	4.1 out of 5
Total number of reviews on Amazon	151

ATOTO A6 Double-DIN Android Car Navigation Stereo

We have not seen any other car navigation stereo systems with so many features at such a competitive price. Even the model that comes closest to matching it is priced over $1,000.

Whether you are looking for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, amazing connectivity, or built-in WIFI, it has everything.

The greatest thing about this company is its amazing support system. You can contact support for any inquiries, and they will handle them as soon as possible.

Make	ATOTO
Model	A6
Head unit size	Double-DIN auto head unit
Screen size	7 inches
Screen resolution	1024×600
Screen type	Capacitive touch screen
Smartphone integration	Android Auto
Inputs	SD cards, USB, Bluetooth
HD radio	Supported
Satellite radio	Supported
Optical drive	Not supported
Price	$219
Link to buy on Amazon	Link
Star rating on Amazon	4.3 out of 5
Total number of reviews on Amazon	4,417

Pioneer AVH-W4500NEX

Tired of having to plug in your phone every time you get in the car? Then the Pioneer AVH-W4500NEX is here to save the day. The wireless connection this model offers is amazing with zero lag affecting the user experience.

This unit also has a lot of features. Make sure you need most of them, however, because you will have to pay a good amount of money for them.

From digital Apple CarPlay, HD radio, standard FM/AM radio, and DVD/CD players, the unit has it all. It also features camera input for the dashcam and the backup cam, as well.

Make	Pioneer
Model	AVH-W4500NEX
Head unit size	Double-DIN auto head unit
Screen size	7 inches
Screen resolution	2520×480
Screen type	Resistive touch screen
Smartphone integration	Wired and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Inputs	HDMI, 2 USBs, 2 RCAs, 2 camera, Bluetooth
HD radio	Supported
Satellite radio	Supported
Optical drive	Supported
Price	$695
Link to buy on Amazon	Link
Star rating on Amazon	4.5 out of 5
Total number of reviews on Amazon	327

Final Thoughts

That ends today’s discussion on the 10 best Android head units. The list we have for you has something for every budget and need.

So, make sure to get the one you need and stay tuned for more updates.