Best Double Din Head Units 2018 – Buyer’s Guide

Best Double Din Head Units Of 2018

There is nothing as great as Listening to music at its best quality or what do you think? And choosing the best double din head units is quite important to achieve this.

Multitasking car stereos are the thing today; as we drive, we need to attend several other tasks that could distract us into an accident. Thanks to these stereo systems, now we can actually fulfill these chores without compromising our driving so much. From making/answering a call, to downloading music, searching for any directions, watch videos and accurately reverse parking, we can do it with a double din stereo system.

But, which is the best double din head unit? It all depends on what’s your car and what are the features you’re looking for. In a general way, we bring you a top 10 on the best double din stereos so you can pick out.

Top #10 double din car stereos

Product Name	Screen Size	Rating	Price
Universal Double Din Car Stereo 7 1024600	7 Inch	3.3 Stars
Boss audio BV9362BI	6.2 Inch	3.4 Stars
Pioneer AVH-X490BS Double Din(Editors Choice)	7 Inch	4.2 Stars
Pyle PLDN744	7 Inch	3.7 Stars
Jensen VX4022	6.2 Inch	3.7 Stars
Kenwood DDX416BT 6.2	6.2 Inch	4.0 Stars
Pioneer FH-X720BT(Editors Choice)		4.4 Stars
BOSS Audio BV9364B Double Din	6.2 Inch	3.3 Stars
Pioneer AVH-290BT	6.2 Inch	4.1 Stars
Panlelo PA09YZ16	7 Inch	3.5 Stars

1. Universal Double Din Car Stereo 7 1024600 – (Best Double Din Head Unit With Navigation)

The 7 1024600 model is the best double din head unit with navigation that will fit almost any car model. It’s remarkable precisely for being very adaptable with pretty good features. It works with an Octa-Core and 2GB RAM memory alongside with a 32GB ROM. This works perfectly with Android Nougat 7.1. Users report that you may need to do some twitching in the wiring due to the installation kit being a bit useless. But they also say corrections are really easy to perform without too much technical knowledge.

Performance

With a strong anti-interference system, this stereo system will tune any AM/FM/RDS station and play any MP3 audio, Bluetooth audio and call with a high fidelity effect. Thanks to its powerful RAM and Octa-Core system with wifi hotspot connection, internet navigation is significantly enhanced. This allows the system to easily access any internet site as well as downloading Android apps, 3D games, and online navigation maps. It works with a 3G/4G connection but it needs an extra USB dongle.

Features

• Bluetooth music and calling.
• Mirror link to your Android smartphone or tablet.
• 32GB ROM memory and SD card support up to 64GB.
• Android and Google Play Market.
• OBD2 + DAB+ capacity (requires extra purchase).
• Included backup camera.
• Built-in GPS with offline preloaded maps.
• 7 inch HD touchscreen
• 1080 video decoder.
• WI-fi built-in
• Supports all audio and video formats supported by Android.
• Mobile phone charger built in.
• APK installer support.

Pros

• Universal car adaptation.
• Great memory capacity.
• Fast internet.
• 1080 reproduction.
• Supports rear view and front camera input.
• The navigation GPS system is completely customizable and includes both 2D and 3D maps.
• It includes a remote control.

Cons

• Installation kit doesn’t fit well the system so you may need some extra tools to install it.
• It doesn’t support external HD drives, only SD.
• Can’t play calls and DVD simultaneously.

2. Boss audio BV9362BI – (Best Car Stereo Under $100)

This is the best double din stereo system for the music lovers. With 6 different music inputs, you can hear all your favorite tunes no matter where you have them stored. It boosts car’s natural sound system even for old cars, with a very fair equalizer for music, calling and video audio. Even though the interface looks a bit old-fashioned and maybe saves up a bit in external materials and it the mentioned interface, they compensate with functioning.

Performance

Features

• 30 FM/AM preset tunes and switch to change to RDS
• Rear Camera input that connects automatically when the car shifts to reverse.
• A complete set of audio/video inputs including DVD/CD/USB/MP3/SD/WMA and smartphones. Also, the inputs include USB/SD/Aux/AV/Rear Camera/Steering wheel control.
• It includes a wireless remote.
• Touchscreen with Stylus included.
• Pre-set equalizer with automatic and manual manage.
• 2” screen.

Pros

• You can stream sound apps from your smartphone directly from the Bluetooth.
• No other system will provide more audio/video options.
• It works perfectly with any car including old ones so you can have a really good audio system even if owning a 2004 car.
• It includes three pre-amps outputs for boosting, even more, your audio system.
• The preset equalizer options are really good and truly take the most out of each genre.
• It’s an excellent Value/price relation even though they save up in the materials and design.
• It can be programmed to function with car’s audio wheel controls.
• Bluetooth headset allows you to make calls easily and includes an integrated microphone.

Cons

• Not so quality external materials.
• It doesn’t include the rear camera, must be bought separately.
• Doesn’t come with instructions of any kind.
• If you own a modern car it might be preferable to invest a bit more in a more sophisticated system.
• It doesn’t include or support GPS/Navigation system or internet navigation.

3. Pioneer AVH-X490BS Double Din – (Best Value For The Money)

All the previously mentioned features join together in the best double din head unit. This Pioneer has all the audio and video sources you’ll need for displaying your multimedia content. But its strongest point is without a doubt its radio connection. It’s compatible with Pandora, SiriusXM, iTunes tagging and includes a series of features for making your radio tuning more comfortable.

Performance

The sound of this system is amazing, it incredibly improves the original car sound system. Besides, it offers a much more customizable sound control as the Equalizer has manual setting alongside with pretty accurate preset options.

Features

• Audio formats: Mp3, WMA, AAC, WAV, FLAC
• Video formats: MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, AVI/DivX, WMV.
• JPEG photo SlideShare option.
• Remote control included.
• Multilanguage with variable options.
• Dual pone connection with the Bluetooth system.
• 7” widescreen (16:9)
• LED backlighting for a good night driving.
• Standby mode.
• Color customization
• Touchscreen clear resistive.
• Home screen shortcuts customization for easy access to your favorite features.
• Inputs: rear camera, RCA, AUX, AV, USB

Pros

• It’s highly technologic and will be compatible with ultimate smart devices.
• Also really compatible with the ultimate radio apps.
• You can have control voice over the whole system when connecting to Siri
• Siri Eyes Free.
• Best Station Memory for quick access to your favorite station.
• FM/AM tuner can be changed into RDS
• Supertuner IIID for your smartphone connection.
• The customization options are really variable and easy to apply

Cons

• Bluetooth connectivity can have some crashing complications if you swap your factory radio but they can be solved by simply hitting “forget” on the BT stock signal.
• The many features in the home screen can be a bit confusing and distractive when driving.
• It takes a while to re-connect when listening to music with the car off and the BT connection and then turning the power on.

4. Pyle PLDN744 – The friendly Bluetooth option

This is the best double din car stereo for those smartphone/tablet lovers that don’t see themselves depending on a wire to listen to music. This is because it’s designed for Bluetooth use and there’s no auxiliary or USB connection. You simply link your smartphone, iPod or tablet to the Bluetooth system and it will stream the music. Nevertheless, it does include an SD memory card slot and a CD/DVD input.[/su_note]

Performance

Even though it’s suitable for watching videos, the 7” widescreen (16:9) is not fully HD but 800×400 resolutions. The good news is that it supports almost any video format and disc support for the old-fashioned.

The Bluetooth connection is solid so you won’t have to skip on your streaming and the calls are very clear too.

Features

• Really friendly interface
• The cd port reads DVD/VCD/CD/CD-R/CD-RW formats.
• The audio/video support is wide, including JPEG, MP3, MP4, AVI, WAV
• It includes a remote control.
• Rear camera input.
• Anti-shock mechanism
• The built-in microphone makes it easy to make phone calls while driving.
• You can adjust the screen lightning so it’s suitable for night driving.
• RCA input/output
• SD card reader

Pros

• You can easily connect the system to your smart devices through Bluetooth for streaming your favorite movies and music.
• Complete phone call system as you can make hands free calling, synchronize or import your contact list and even display
• The stereo supports almost any multimedia format so you won’t have a problem streaming your content.
• Includes a customizable equalizer which is a very good feature as most devices only include pre-set options.
• It includes a remote control for easy use.
• Power output 4 x 80 watts
• SD card support up to 32GB
• The touchscreen is very sensitive and easy to use.
• Has USB drive port.

Cons

• Doesn’t have an aux input of any kind.
• It does not include app or game support.
• Doesn’t include any GPS option neither support downloading them.
• Not fully HD screen.
• Complicated wiring splicing, wire harness highly recommended.
• The CD/VCD player ejects when you hit the volume buttons at a time which can easily cause a distraction if pressed by accident when driving.
• The sound is a bit fuzzy.

5. Jensen VX4022 – (For App Lovers)

This is a complete sound car system and it’s not between the top #5 best double din stereos because it lacks GPS system and gaming. Otherwise, it actually covers all the need to make any trip really enjoyable.

Performance

Even though it may take some time to boot, once it’s started it works really fine with a very friendly interface. The Bluetooth connection could be more solid but it still pairs very fine with smart devices and it also can synchronize your contacts to the stereo phonebook. Hands-free calls sound fine and clear too.

The sound may vary according to your speakers but with the equalizer, you can get the most out of your sound as it is customizable.

Features

• You can stream and control SiriusXM, Pandora, iHeartRadio & Spotify apps and more from the touchscreen.
• CD/DVD player
• 2 RCA outputs
• Front panel USB 2.1
• Steering wheel control
• Front panel aux 3.5mm audio/video input
• Built-in Bluetooth
• A2DP playback for Android, Apple Smart devices in general
• Rear camera input.

Pros

• Customizable equalization for each input.
• Friendly UI.
• Good Bluetooth pairing speed and excellent compatibility.
• Easy to connect to the rear camera.
• Good DVD controls and excellent video resolution.
• Good materials.
• Easy to install.
• It includes all kinds of multimedia connection so you will never be out of entertainment.
• The wheel controls make it easier to control all the apps and multimedia without distracting from driving.

Cons

• No GPS support or app included.
• No gaming support.
• Bad screen lightning; too bright it may be distracting while driving at night.
• Slow booting time.
• The audio quality is nothing remarkable.

6. Kenwood DDX416BT 6.2 – (Best Apple Carplay Head Unit)

Managed by Siri and with a direct iPod/iPhone connection on screen, this is the best double din head unit for iPhone owners. Though it may already be a bit outdated (compatible with up to iPhone 6), it works great with those models and you can even get complete voice access to the system through Siri.

It also recognizes Android so it’s pretty much a complete double din stereo for modern users. This Kenwood offers an entertainment system for your car while not a GPS navigation system. Thanks to the Bluetooth, you can also make hands-free calling and as we mentioned get to complete phone control.

Performance

With a 50watts x 4 power output, the sound is pretty clear even though the bass can distort a bit when too high volume. The Bluetooth system connection is really smooth and clear for calling, streaming audio content and connect to Pandora.

As Kenwood is a traditional brand, it’s to be expected that general performance is high quality and if you include the satellite SiriusXM tuner you’ll get amazing programming with a very clear a neat audio.

Features

• Pre-set equalizer with all the regular genres and an extra customizable option.
• The Bluetooth includes a microphone wire for handling voice.
• You can update the deck’s software through a USB stick.
• 2” LCD touchscreen 800×480 resolution
• Direct iPod and iPhone connection.
• DVD/CD/RW port
• AM/FM tuner
• Built-in controls for iOS products
• Pandora control for Android and iPhone
• Rear AV input
• Instruction manual
• Parking brake wire.
• 50 watts x 4 power output

Pros

• Unlike all previous models, this set includes a good instruction manual.
• It’s an excellent cheap option for iPhone owners, even though it won’t work fine with the most modern series.
• You can have direct access to any iOS device and if you have Siri, you can even control the system with your voice.
• Recognized brand guarantees good quality sound.
• The Equalizer includes a customizable option.
• You can stream music directly from your smart device directly with Bluetooth.
• Even though it’s more iPhone compatible, it still reads Android devices.
• The very sensitive touchscreen makes it easy to use.

Cons

• It has some background fuzzy sound when connecting through USB.
• It doesn’t include rear camera input or GPS navigation receiver.
• It’s made by Kenwood Vietnam and not Japanese version.

7. Pioneer FH-X720BT – (Best Selling Head Unit)

With Pioneer’s Mixtrax technology you can have a party experience inside your car with a non-stop mixing of all your tunes and special DJ effects. The intuitive technology literally includes DJ transitions and effects while mixing the song taken from the USB port, Android, iOS, and other devices.

If this wasn’t enough, you can include the Pandora application for discovering new music and also mix it with music you already love. This app also allows you to bookmark your favorite music and give thumbs up or down with an easy touch on your touchscreen.

Performance

This double din unit displays very well all kind of audio formats with a clear sound. It’s easy to connect to any device to the Bluetooth and it also includes several phone options such as synchronizing contacts, Wireless audio streaming, voice recognition, etc.

The USB mode works really great and allows you to easily switch from random to repeat mode, and even going back without extra complications. The app mode is not so great even though it works with regular apps such as iHeart or Youtube.

Features

• Built-in MOSFET 50 watts x 4 amplifiers.
• Mixtrax technology.
• Pandora control access.
• App mode.
• Bluetooth hands-free calling with an enhanced calling quality reception.
• USB direct control to iOS devices.
• Color customization.
• Wireless control
• 2 RCA pre-outs
• Front USB port and AUX.

Pros

• Bluetooth connection is flawless and takes almost no time in connecting when turning on the vehicle.
• Great call quality with dim notification for low signal.
• With the customizable equalization option, you can adapt the audio settings.
• The LCD screen displays radio station and tune tracks information.
• The USB port also charges the device.
• You can synchronize your contacts from your iOS or Android device.
• Pandora automatic controls.
• Anti-dust design

Cons

• When synchronizing the phone, you may miss some contact if they’re stored in the SIM card.
• It’s a device made only for audio purposes doesn’t include any kind of DVD, video or gaming option.
• It lacks Android specifications, mostly made for iPhone use.

8. BOSS Audio BV9364B Double Din – (For the multitasking)

This powerful system is on the top 10 best double din head units thanks to its complete set of features and the great 80 watts x 4 Max power audio to all pre-amps (front, rear, and sub). Also, you can connect other screens so the video content can be displayed for the whole family while traveling.

With that multi-screen connection, you can also manage your calling and phone book in an easy way without interrupting the video display. Unfortunately, this unit is not so useful when it comes to iPhone interconnectivity or control use. Nevertheless, you can stream music from your smart device and apps through the Bluetooth system.

The good news is that you can connect your audio/video content through several inputs so you won’t have problems with displaying multimedia files.

Performance

The general performance is very good, as well as the BT connection that allows you to control Pandora and even Youtube. The BT call pairing is very intuitive and can recognize your calls if you enter the car with the phone on and turn on the radio (just be careful with the volume).

This system is a fair unit that will cover all the basic needs of a car sound system but it’s not top-of-the-line. Nevertheless, its 80 watts x 4 max power gives it the loudness it needs.

Features

• Inputs: Micro SD, USB, Aux, AV, Rear Camera, Steering wheel controls.
• Outputs: video, front, rear, & sub pre-amps
• Wireless remote included.
• External Bluetooth microphone
• Touch pen for an easy use of the touchscreen.
• AM/FM tuner with RDS switchable option.
• Format support for DVD/CD/USB/SD/WMA/MP3 and Smartphones.
• 2” touchscreen monitor.
• Skip protection for music.
• GPS receiver software

Pros

• You can connect more than one screen at a time so you can turn your DVD display into a full family entertainment system.
• Very responsive touchscreen would only need a small tap from the Stylus to work instantly.
• It includes all kinds of connection input so you can hear your music and play your videos no matter what’s your device.
• The radio tuner can be switched to European stations.
• You can connect music apps such as spottily thanks to the BT streaming function.
• The wireless remote and wheel controls are good for avoiding distraction while driving
• SD card up to 32 GB

Cons

• Touchscreen sensor may need some calibrating depending on the finger pressing, better if used with the included Stylus.
• The rear camera is not included.
• If you left the radio on a high volume and connect the BT calling, it will display with the radio volume.

9. Pioneer AVH-290BT – (Best Double Din Touch Screen Radio)

This is maybe the easiest device to manage on our best double din touch screen reviews, as the interface is quite simple and with a very clear display of all the functionalities. Also, buttons are big enough so you won’t accidentally hit other functions while driving.

You also get a DVD receiver even though this is not it’s most remarkable feature but may be of help in case of having a kid on the car. The Touchscreen displays multimedia information such as artist, track or radio stations.

Performance

It works generally fine. As we mentioned this model is ideal for those ones who want a good performance without complications. It really boosts stock sound systems. With the pre-set equalizer you can get an even better sound depending on the music genre.

Features

• Backup Camera input
• Rear and front RCA input.
• 2” WGA touch screen panel with LED backlight.
• Multimedia DVD receiver.
• Steering Wheel Controls.
• Aux and USB inputs
• FM/AM quality reception.
• USB port also charges the device.

Pros

• Very simple to use and install.
• Features are very clear.
• Covers all basic necessities.
• Easy connection with iPod and iPhone.
• Bluetooth automatic connection to phone calls.
• Significantly increases performance on stock speakers.
• Even though the equalizer can’t be customizable, it’s useful.

Cons

• If you arrange your music into different folders, the Bluetooth connection may not read them all, it’s recommended that you store all your music in a single folder.
• The screen might not be as clear as needed when too much sunlight.
• The AUX input is on the back so it may be a bit uncomfortable to actually connect the devices.
• It doesn’t include the rear camera.
• No GPS available.
• The DVD resolution is not the best.
• Can’t customize the background.

10. Panlelo PA09YZ16 – Universal and complete

This Panlelo is on our top 10 list of the best double din head units because it integrates all the features on both previous models. It’s as universal and complete as the “7 1024600” with all the audio/video support of the Boss Audio. As it’s very wide, you’ll have to make sure it fits your car slot but in case it doesn’t, the company offers. The Panlelo supports Android 5.1 OS so it’s a really fair technologic piece that will bring a very friendly and useful interface.

Performance

Thanks to Its quick response, wi-fi connection, 1GB RAM memory, and Quad Core CPU, it’s perfectly suitable for playing 3D games and even using apps. The Android system allows it to run smoothly and fast with a responsive interface for audio, video and navigating systems. It also includes a built-in Bluetooth for excellent hands-free calling connection.

Features

• 2 Din 7” (16:9) touchscreen with super high definition (1024×600)
• Integrates 16GB memory.
• Android 5.1 OS
• Mirror link for connecting smartphones and tablets.
• Built-in Bluetooth for calling.
• Integrated offline GPS maps and GPS receiver for connecting to online navigating systems.
• Front SD input, rear USB and AV input, back camera input.
• 2 channel video output, 1 RCA (2.1) output, 4 x 45 power output.
• Equalizer with 6 pre-set options.
• Apps and games support (Google Play Market)
• Supports all kinds of video/audio formats

Pros

• It includes a wide HD rear camera that will depict two stopping lines on screen the moment the car goes into reverse mode.
• The offline GPS is very intuitive and compatible with your route. It includes pre-set American directions.
• It supports steering wheel controls for an easy use.
• Included 16Gb SD card allows you to download music and videos.
• You can play 3D games and install all the apps necessary for a business person (including emails and document reading applications).
• It supports all kinds of audio formats including WAV/MP3/WMA/APE, etc.
• It supports all kinds of video formats including MP4/RMVB/MPEG/WMV/MOV/AVI, etc.
• The great resolution allows you to watch maps, videos and rear camera in a very clear way.
• Support other media player apps that can be directly downloaded from Play Store.
• Build in Wi-Fi
• Volume/fader/Tremble/Balance and bass control equalizer options allow you to get the most out of every music genre.

Cons

• Even though the system is powerful it only counts with 1GB RAM so it can slow down if you download too many apps.
• Heavy battery consumption when using the car off..
• The backup camera needs to be carefully installed or it will stop working.

Final Thoughts

Finding the best double din head unit is not an easy task as several devices offer great features but end up crashing most of the time. Others simply won’t deliver a quality sound and sometimes all the features are useless and confusing.

We recommend that if you want a functional double din touch screen you go with the basic and unless you own a very modern Smartphone or really appreciate radio apps, you skip all the fancy features because, as we mentioned, they end up being more a bother than a help.

On the other side, if you’re a distracted driver we recommend you opt for a fully Bluetooth system and not a wired one, and if it offers steering wheel controls even better; these devices can easily distract anyone with all the buttons and lights. Remember safety is the most important thing when driving.

See front and rear dash cam