Are you looking for a new car radio for your vehicle?
Then you should deal with a so-called double-DIN head unit. These devices are twice as high as the older car stereos, offer great ease of use, and often also have an integrated navigation system.
We selected the models that best combined comfort and extras.
Find out what types of models there are, what you need to consider regarding compatibility with your smartphone and why a CD compartment can still be important.
The 9 Best Double-Din Head Units
1. Pioneer MVH-1400NEX – Best Double Din Head Unit
2. Sony XAV-AX100 – Best Double Din Head Unit With Navigation
3. Pioneer AVH-X390BS – Best Double Din Head Unit For Sound Quality
4. ATOTO A6Y2710SB – Best Double Din Head Unit Under $200
5. BOSS Audio BV9364B – Best Budget Double Din Head Unit
6. Jensen VX7020 – An Elegant Mix of Tradition And Tech
7. Alpine iLX-207 – Best Touchscreen Head Unit
8. Kenwood DDX419BT – Fancy And Rugged At The Same Time
9. Pioneer AVH-4201NEX – Flagship Of The Company
Below is the list of the best double din head units that will improve sound quality and provide a range of features.
1. Pioneer MVH-1400NEX – Best Double Din Head Unit
This multimedia stereo system offers a large array of features and good compatibility with common mobile devices and services.It has a 6.2-inch WVGA display with a nice bright LED backlight. Even on the darkest nights, the display is easy to read.
This unit also has built-in Bluetooth capability so that you can connect all your mobile devices.
The unit also comes equipped for streaming radio content like SiriusXM. It can be controlled with an Android phone or an iPhone. It can also make use of Apple Carplay, which is a standard feature on most iPhones. Apple Carplay allows you to control your phone through the display in your head unit. Basically, it just transfers your home screen to your unit display. The Pioneer MVH-1400NEX is also made to accept a DVD input, although an additional accessory is required to utilize this feature. It is also able to accept the input from a backup camera, which is actually the best idea if you are concerned about safety.
- Not too expensive
- Compatible with most mobile devices
- Compatible with several streaming services
- DVD and backup cam-compatible
- All buttons located on the driver’s side
- Issues with playing from a USB drive
- Time display is very small
2. Sony XAV-AX100 – Best Double Din Head Unit With Navigation
The Sony XAV-AX100 stands out in the fact that it seems so simple.Rather than having a complex array of buttons and dials, this unit just has three buttons and a dial.
Of course, the touchscreen opens up a lot of other options, but the lack of external controls is a plus because it accommodates a 6.4-inch screen which can be switched out for a full 7-inch screen if you so desire.
Sony XAV-AX100 one is a little more expensive, as Sony products often are, but the quality is there, and Sony is a trusted name for many kinds of electronics. The unit is capable of Bluetooth connectivity out of the box and is also satellite radio-ready. Like most of our choices on this list, the Sony XAV can be connected with an Android or iPhone via a USB cable, and it is equipped with Apple Carplay.
- Large screen
- Simple interface
- Rotary dial allows you to adjust without looking
- Good support
- Very customizable interface
- Expensive
- Doesn’t support wireless use of Apple Carplay
- Some users have reported reliability issues
3. Pioneer AVH-X390BS – Best Double Din Head Unit For Sound Quality
Pioneer AVH-X390BS is a very attractive head unit which offers a wide range of colors and a highly customizable panel. The screen is 6.2 inches wide, and is extremely bright. However, the button setup seems a little confusing, but a person could probably get used to it quickly. With 50 watts of power behind it, this thing really makes the speakers say “woof.”The Pioneer AVH-X390BS also has a separate channel and separate controls for a subwoofer, which is really nice. There are a lot of features here, and it connects easily to mobile devices and external drives using USB or Bluetooth. That being said, there are a few flaws here.
Many people have reported problems with updating the firmware, and problems with Bluetooth connections frequently dropping. Many reviews seem to indicate that Pioneer AVH-X390BS can be buggy, so use your best judgment and try it before you buy it.
- Large, bright screen
- Good sound quality
- Compatible with high-volume sound systems
- Plenty of features
- Prone to defects
- Button setup isn’t the best
- Bluetooth issues
4. ATOTO A6 – Best Double Din Head Unit Under $200
This one seems like more of a budget option, and it seems like a decent one.At first glance, one can’t help but notice how much it resembles a smartphone. With a 6.8-inch screen, this unit has one of the biggest we have seen. Of course, the price of this is that the external buttons will be small and located only around the outside of the unit. The tiny buttons might irritate you, but that’s usually the price you pay if you want a big screen. Thankfully, they still managed to find room for a USB port and a slot for a micro SD card.
This thing even has a built-in amplifier. That being said, this infotainment system doesn’t really deliver a high level of volume, so those who are looking for a big thump might do well to avoid this one. The system also has a relatively long startup time, which is another small annoyance. A decent number of reviews say that this company is not very responsive.
- Large screen
- Well-configured for external media
- Not too expensive
- More reliable bluetooth setup
- Not very loud
- Somewhat long startup time
- Many customers report poor responsiveness and other customer service issues
5. BOSS Audio BV9364B – Best Budget Double Din Head Unit
BOSS Audio BV9364B might very well be the most traditional-looking choice on our list. Many things about it are reminiscent of the boxy old car stereos that used to be so common. However, this is obviously a lot better than the radio from grandpa’s old Cadillac. Boss is a pretty well-trusted name when it comes to sound, which speaks well for this product. The screen is 6.2 inches and features a nice large time display combined with a simple interface consisting of minimal buttons.BOSS Audio BV9364B might be a good choice for older people who don’t want to bother with high-tech double din head units. It has a traditional volume knob and large buttons with clear labeling. BOSS Audio BV9364B is the most inexpensive unit we have looked at so far, which is odd when you consider the features. It has a single drive that can play CD’s or DVD’s, it takes both USB and SD cards, and can even be set up with your phone to provide hands-free calling.
Some of the more common complaints include poor FM radio reception, a serious lack of good installation instructions, poor volume control (going from too quiet to too loud with no happy medium), and random screen glitches. To be fair to the company, we should mention that the 3-year warranty includes free repairs.
- Easy to use
- Inexpensive
- Plays DVDs
- Can be used for hands-free calling
- Fairly big touchscreen
- Unreliable volume control
- Inadequate instructions
- Said to be glitch-prone
- High percentage of bad reviews
6. Jensen VX7020 – An Elegant Mix of Tradition And Tech
This one also seems to have been designed with tradition in mind, though it will definitely cost you a lot more than the Boss model. The volume knob is sleek and shiny, and provides pretty precise adjustment without needing to look away from the road. Other than the knob, this thing has very few external controls, as the touchscreen makes them somewhat unnecessary.The screen is 6.2 inches and has a backlight that really makes it stand out. It is advertised as a high-resolution screen, and it really shows in the sharp detail of the picture quality. One benefit of this unit is that it is set up for easy audio and video streaming from a variety of service providers. Unlike many of these units, this one can be hooked up via HDMI to an external screen. It plays both CDs and DVDs, and Bluetooth functionality adds more options to the table. The built-in navigation system certainly doesn’t hurt either. As for power, this thing peaks out at 160 watts, so it should be adequate for even large and powerful sound systems. I also like the fact that you can change the color of the LED lights to fit the interior of your car.
That being said, every type of product will have a few defects, and this product has gotten mostly positive reviews.
- Very good screen resolution
- Controls are easy to use
- HDMI-input
- Customizable interface
- Plays DVDs
- Built-in navigation system
- “Red line of death”
- Short warranty
- Somewhat expensive
7. Alpine iLX-207 – Best Touchscreen Double Din Head Unit
This is a high-end head unit that comes at a high price, but delivers a high level of quality. I have been unable to find a single negative review of this product, but its cost is more than double the price of most of our other models.The iLX has a full 7-inch screen, meaning that nearly the entire front surface is a screen. It has a few external buttons at the bottom, and they are laid out in a way that is easy to understand. It can be very irritating when your stereo system is ridiculously difficult to configure, so it’s good that the company has avoided this issue. Of course, most of the controls are found on the touchscreen, and they are very well-organized.
By using Siri, all of these functions can be used with voice commands. This is very good in terms of driver safety. Many people die in vehicle accidents as a result of being distracted by a phone, and anything that can reduce the chances of that is worth having.
The iLX also has an HDMI output for any larger screens that you may wish to use. Screen resolution comes in at 800×400, providing excellent clarity and sharpness. This one is generally a little harder to install, so it is recommended that you have a professional do the job.
- Very large screen
- Excellent sound quality
- Total voice control
- HDMI output
- Compatible with most mobile devices
- Quite expensive
- Difficult to install
8. Kenwood DDX419BT – Fancy And Rugged At The Same Time
DDX416BT has a very basic and functional design, which results in a reliable and well-rounded product. It has a 6.2-inch screen and only a few external buttons on the driver’s side. The unit is compatible with iPhones, iPods, Android phones, and more.Like the high-end Alpine model, it is equipped with Siri so that it can operate partially or entirely on voice commands if you choose. It can connect to mobile devices using cables or bluetooth, and does a good job for both. Another plus about this product is its simple menu screen which is easier to navigate than most.
This unit has four channels and plenty of power, making it fairly easy to connect with amps and subs and set the system up accordingly.
Complaints about this model are not particularly common, as it generally gets good reviews. However, common complaints include inferior Bluetooth connectivity. Some users say that the unit will fail to connect to devices far too often, and these complaints seem to be pretty frequent. Some others say that the unit has an inferior picture and sound quality, but that could simply be a few defects. Screen resolution on this unit is not incredibly high, but it is good enough to do the job. Many users say that the DVD picture quality is less than great, but this isn’t really a huge problem.
- Not particularly expensive
- Nice large display
- Meant to integrate well with many devices
- Simple interface
- 4 channels
- Frequent Bluetooth issues
- Slightly inferior picture quality
9. Pioneer AVH-4201NEX – Flagship Of The Company
Pioneer AVH-4201NEX is another large-screen model, with a 7-inch WVGA display that is second to none. The shape and contour of this one is very pleasing, and its external buttons are conveniently located and easy to locate by touch thanks to the small protuding ridge at the bottom.Like the Alpine, Pioneer AVH-4201NEX is a premium product for premium buyers. Like the Alpine, it will set you back significantly. With 50 watts and four channels, this one is more than up to the task of powering a serious sound system.
With Android Auto and Apple Carplay, it can integrate with nearly any mobile device and comes with several accessories. One of these is a remote control that can be mounted to any place in your vehicle so that you or a passenger can adjust the music or temperature at will. One thing I like about the Pioneer AVH-4201NEX is the fact that it displays temperature information almost as prominently as the time, letting you know when or if you need to adjust the climate controls.
Overall, reviews for Pioneer AVH-4201NEX are pretty good, although a few people have reported defects, unexplained breakage, and other inconveniences. However, this product seems to be pretty well-liked, and could rightly be considered to be Pioneer’s “flagship” head unit.
- Very large screen
- Controls are easy to use in every way
- Very nice-looking from the front
- Plenty of power and channels
- Set up for bluetooth and mobile connectivity
- Expensive
- Some buyers report poor customer service
- Need to keep your eye out for defects
How To Choose The Best Double-Din Head Unit
Speaking of head units, a first distinction must be declared that few people know but is absolutely necessary. The cars have a compartment designed to contain the car radio body, which contains the power cable and the cables for connection to the car audio speakers.
The acronym DIN indicates the international standard size for the radio compartment of cars, a measure established by the Deutsches Institut für Normung. According to the established standards, the compartment can be presented in two different formats, which are:
- 1 DIN (single DIN): otherwise known as DIN 75490 or ISO 7736 (from the International Organization for Standardization). This is the most common format in modern cars with measurements of 180 x 50 mm
- 2 DIN (double DIN): design with larger dimensions than the single DIN model and which correspond to 180 x 100 mm, therefore with a double height compared to the previous one
This guide will focus only on the second of these formats, namely the 2 DIN head unit. If, on the other hand, you are interested in having more information on single DIN head units, we suggest you take a look at our single DIN car stereo buying guide.
Now, let’s take a more in-depth look at the things that should drive your choice when you begin the process of finding your ideal head unit.
5 Decisive Factors for Choosing the Double DIN Head Unit
1. Features
Long or frequent journeys in the car, whether due to pleasure or work reasons, can be tedious and annoying. How, then, to alleviate the boredom of travel or to entertain our passengers?
The double din head unit is undoubtedly the solution we are looking for: an almost essential component for every car and which generation after generation, year after year has been variously developed by the various manufacturers in the sector to try to make the travel experience more convenient and comfortable.
The larger dimensions allow double din head units to function as a small on-board computer and to serve the user in very different ways. This is the first factor, in our opinion, fundamental for the correct evaluation of a double din head unit. We indicate the functions that should not be missing in a double din head units.
These are:
- Bluetooth: for connecting to mobile devices
- NFC: for a quick and intuitive connection to mobile devices
- GPS navigation: for the identification of one’s position and assisted navigation
- DAB system: for reading digital packages
Let’s now take a closer look at these functions.
Bluetooth connection
The Bluetooth connection is a possibility that should absolutely not be missing in a modern and avant-garde double DIN head unit since it represents a useful element in many circumstances and has a decisive impact on its use.
With this type of connection, it is, in fact, possible to have access to various specific functions that can help the motorist in several ways: first of all, through the Bluetooth connection, we will be able to connect and amplify a device for music playback (such as an mp3 player, an mp4 player, a tablet), without having to use other bulky cables.
With Bluetooth, it will be possible to connect the head unit to your smartphone so that you can also receive and forward phone calls while remaining with your hands on the wheel, without having to abandon the drive. If you reflect on how often you are using your smartphone for phone calls, you immediately realize that the ability to connect it to the head unit is handy support for many motorists.
NFC
The NFC (Near Field Communication) connection is a very innovative technology that allows you to connect electronic devices to the head unit simply by putting them in contact and keeping them at a close distance. Most smartphones on the market, for example, have this type of wireless link that can be turned on and off as desired.
With this type of connection, it will therefore be possible to connect your smartphone to the car head unit in an intuitive and, above all, quick way, since it will not be necessary to configure or set anything but only to bring the smartphone close to the car head unit: a convenience not just while you are focused on driving.
GPS and Navigation
The GPS (Global Positioning System) is a satellite navigation system that offers geo-localization services to all devices equipped with a GPS receiver: a head unit that is equipped with it can help the driver a lot, assisting him in finding the roads or warning him in case of interruption of a path that has already been undertaken.
Think, for example, of a journey by car during which we find ourselves traveling along completely unknown roads, or we have to reach destinations whose position is not entirely known to us: a navigation service could greatly simplify our searches and solve much more of a problem.
A head unit that offers this possibility will be a useful ally for our travels or even to extricate ourselves from metropolitan traffic, promptly notifying us of the presence of traffic jams or road works to avoid. Those who prefer it can still buy a navigator separate from the double din head unit, for information about these devices we recommend that you consult our buying guide on navigators.
DAB system
A rather important feature among the features is DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) technology, also known as DAB+. With this system, it will be possible to correctly receive digital signals and content packets sent via digital radio signal.
A Norwegian radio broadcaster originally developed the DAB system in the 1990s to offer higher audio quality than FM and AM frequencies and send more information in text, audio, and image format.
Thanks to DAB, a broadcaster can offer the listener more radio programs and a greater amount of information through a single signal.
Other features
Other useful functions may be present in double din head units. Among these, we point out the possibility of adjusting the bass, which could arouse the interest of those who want to make the most of the stereo system in their car.
From this point of view, the presence of an equalizer that allows you to adjust the various volumes as you prefer can be appreciable. Each equalizer has a certain number of bands. These are essentially strings that allow you to modulate the frequency spectrum of which an audio signal is composed, but keep in mind that the quality of reproduction is closely linked to the stereo system and the ‘any subwoofer present in our car.
To quickly tune into your favorite radio stations, you can sometimes save their frequencies so that they are easily accessible, and you don’t have to search for them every time you choose to listen to them.
This selection type is usually possible via a numeric keypad that we find directly on the head unit interface: each number will correspond to a specific signal.
Note that each car stereo can only save a certain number of frequencies in memory, and this amount varies from model to model.
2. Inputs
Let’s consider the various channels available to a double DIN head unit, with which we can listen to all the music we want, tune in to our favorite radio stations and, last but not least, allow our passengers to watch movies and videos.
Below you can see a shortlist of the channels that we could find on a double DIN head unit:
- Radio tuner
- CD and DVD player
- USB port and SD slot
- AUX-in input
But what are the most relevant inputs and functions? Which of them really matter in this type of product?
Radio tuner
Of course, the radio tuner is that element that we should first expect to find in a car stereo, regardless of its format. With it, it is possible to tune in to FM (Frequency Modulation) and AM (Amplitude Modulation) radio frequencies.
A radio tuner can be accompanied by other particular functions that we do not always find enabled, although they are very useful.
The first of these is certainly the function that allows you to view RDS (Radio Data System) data, i.e. those digital signals provided by most radio stations together with the FM signal, and which allows you to stay tuned to the same radio channel as the frequency (remember here that, moving from region to region, the frequency of an FM channel changes), a handy feature for those who travel through various regions and which greatly facilitates listening to radio broadcasts.
CD and DVD player
Although today it is possible to have various possibilities to use digital data in a simple way (think for example of music streaming services, online content, etc.), for some users, it may be interesting to verify that their head unit is equipped with a special CD and DVD player.
In this way, it will always be possible to listen to music on old compact discs, not to mention all films in DVD format: in this case, a player capable of reading DivX files will then be required, as we will see later.
Still, concerning the CD and DVD player, it is also necessary to consider the presence of an anti-shock device. The so-called Electronic skip protection, which, for example, prevents any interruptions in the execution of compact discs caused by any jolts that occur while driving.
AUX-in input
Let’s now consider another convenient input for our double din head unit, namely the Aux-in, another element to be carefully considered when buying a head unit.
Most users will have more than one mobile device for playing music content (be they smartphones, tablets, and mp3 and mp4 players): for this reason, it is useful and necessary to have at least one AUX-in input through which it is possible to connect with an audio jack one of our devices, which will transmit the signal from our device to the head unit, which will act as an amplifier and allow us to listen to music.
USB port and SD slot
The USB flash drive, otherwise known as a USB stick, is one of the best-selling devices along with modern double din head units, proving to be the favorite travel companion for many music-loving motorists. This is not a coincidence since most modern double din head units incorporate a USB port to insert your own key: inside it, you can save your favorite music tracks, films, and videos to be played during car journeys.
This system saves a lot of space in the car, leaving the driver free to choose from a library of several GB of music without filling the passenger compartment with CDs or bulky DVD cases.
Also, in this regard, consider the possible presence of a compartment for SD (Secure Digital) memory cards, another useful and easy to carry system that allows us to carry a huge amount of songs or video files inside a small tab.
3. Audio and Video Compatibility
We must make another type of consideration regarding the compatibility profiles of the head unit with the various digital audio and video formats with which we may find ourselves filling our CDs, DVDs, or the multiple devices that have previously been considered.
Audio files
Mp3
The ability to play mp3 files is very important, as it is a prevalent file format. For example, if we want to collect our favorite songs in a playlist and then insert it on a CD or a USB stick, we will see that with mp3 files, those with smaller size and “weight” (in terms of bytes), we can create an even larger listening list than with other digital formats. Despite having a lower audio quality than other available formats, the mp3 type file is mainly used due to its small size. The differences with better quality files are hardly noticed.
Therefore it will be necessary to verify that your head unit can play mp3 files correctly, or we will not be able to use one of the most popular digital formats.
Although they are more rarely used, we may come across other audio file types, and we need to be sure that our head unit can read them.
WMA
The WMA format, which stands for Windows Media Audio, and with .wma termination, was developed by Microsoft to compete with the more popular mp3. Several varieties of this type of codec (Windows Media Audio, Windows Media Audio Professional, Windows Media Audio Lossless, and Windows Media Audio Voice) vary in specific quality and size. This type of file is less common than mp3, but it can have a higher quality output and can be found on a USB stick and a compact disc.
FLAC
The FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) is an audio format developed to avoid data loss and offer high audio quality. Compression is much lower than mp3, so the size of FLACs is much larger. However, they are widely used and can be found both inside USB sticks and CDs.
AAC
The AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) format is an audio file standard developed to replace the mp3 format and offer superior audio quality with a similar bit-rate. The format is widely used in the DAB + systems mentioned above, in various mobile devices (Apple smartphones in particular), and Youtube.
WAV
The WAV format, also called WAVE, is designed to offer higher audio quality than others and is mainly used for recording music. Since this format has reduced data compression, it is much larger than mp3 files, but we can also find files of this type on CDs or USB sticks.
Video files
Considering the compatibility profile with video files, it must, first of all, be said that not all head units with 2 DIN format can reproduce audio-video materials. Let’s see which video formats are usually compatible.
MPEG
First of all, we need to see the compatibility with the MPEG (Moving Pictures Experts Group) format, a digital coding system for audiovisual materials among the most widespread, those that we will most commonly find in one of our devices. There are various types of MPEG: MPEG-1, MPEG-2, or MPEG-4. In turn, these can have different profiles and levels that determine their video quality.
DivX
The format known as DivX is a variant developed from the MPEG-4 standard. It is widely used because it allows you to significantly compress video files’ size without this entailing a substantial loss of quality. Many users, for example, are used to filling their DVDs with loads of DivX format movies. For this reason, we must pay attention to this type of compatibility.
4. Monitor
The most common display on single DIN head units is the LCD screen, through which you can view minimum information, such as the time, playback channel, track number, or volume level.
In double DIN head units, however, this element is quite another thing and plays a rather important role: thanks to the larger dimensions, there are often LCD monitors which, in some cases, can offer a high and detailed image quality. Here are some points to consider to evaluate this component of our double din head unit correctly.
Monitor size and quality
The monitors on a double DIN head unit vary in size: of course, a large and spacious monitor is always preferable to a small and hardly visible one.
For example, let’s imagine that we have a bright screen at our disposal that is clearly visible from all corners of our car: this will have a very positive impact on the interior aesthetics and make every journey in the car even more enjoyable.
The dimensions of the monitor are measured in diagonal inches, and, on average, the monitors of a double DIN head unit have a width between 6″ and 7″. Quality is equally important to ensure an optimal viewing experience. These monitors’ resolution stands typically at 800 x 480 pixels, while some more sophisticated models reach a resolution of 1024 x 600. Note that obviously, a higher resolution means a level of detail and a better video quality.
Control keys and touchscreen
In the frame around the monitor, the command buttons allow us to interact with our double din head unit. Four commands should always be in a head unit: a button for switching on/off, one to change the track/radio station, one to adjust the volumes, and one to change the playback sources.
Of course, having a more significant number at our disposal, we will have better and more effective control of the device. However, an excessive number could make its use too complicated. To overcome this type of hindrance, some models have a touchscreen function that allows you to control the head unit directly with the touch of your hand, making interaction with our car stereo even easier, faster, and more intuitive, a handy feature whose presence we will certainly appreciate.
5. Accessories
It will be possible to find some very useful objects supplied with a double din head unit that further embellish the product. Below you will find some of those elements that we would be happy to find in-box with our 2 DIN car stereo.
Removable faceplate and case
The head unit’s theft remains an eventuality that every motorist has to deal with: from the old portable cassette models, we have come to more convenient solutions to prevent this type of accident.
Some head unit systems allow the front panel to be removed from the fixed body and take it with you when you park the car.
In this regard, the provision of a special case to carry and store the front panel when you remove it will be very useful and convenient.
Also, in this regard, some manufacturers have equipped their head units with an ignition code that should discourage the theft: this system may, however, not be completely effective, since any thief may not notice its presence at the moment, and may even be annoying since every time we want to use our double din head unit it will be required to insert it.
Rearview camera
The rearview or backup camera is certainly a very useful item that offers unique comfort to those who are driving.
In some 2 DIN car stereo models, we will find this type of accessory that can be installed on the back of your car and which, once connected to the car stereo monitor, will show us the back of our car.
This is a considerable convenience, saving the driver time and effort in the most frequent maneuvers, whether parking, overtaking, or reversing.
Remote control
Some models offer the ability to be controlled via remote control. You can change the station, increase or decrease the volume and much more without directly using the double din head unit interface.
If, for example, we are traveling and passengers are sitting in the rear seats with us, they can use the remote control to adjust the radio to their liking, without having to disturb the driver.
Other Factors to Keep in Mind When Choosing a 2 DIN Car Stereo
Are the materials important?
We have so far seen the main components of a car stereo without considering a very important aspect, namely the materials used for its construction.
In this sense, we must consider that the double din head unit has an aesthetic impact on our car, and the materials used should be in line with the rest of the interior.
Furthermore, the choice of materials strongly influences the long-term resistance of this device and its overall quality. Usually, the first problems that can be encountered with a car stereo concern the interface itself. Therefore the various buttons and the screen, which if made with poor materials, can come off or even stop working.
Is the brand important?
It is certainly no mystery that the brand is, in many cases, an indicator of quality. In the case of head units, this is a real point of reference, both in terms of the quality of materials, the design and performance of a car stereo but, above all, in terms of customer service and warranty.
It will be much easier to contact a well-known and renowned company, with various branches, while we may have some difficulties tracing the customer support service of an emerging or little-known brand.
To name a few names of leaders in the sector, think for example of Sony, Alpine, JVC, or even Pioneer. Being an incredibly competitive sector, in which there are many different products in terms of quality and price, it may happen to find models that are exceptionally equipped and with extremely low prices but whose manufacturing company is not known at all. In these cases, it is good to ask those who already know the brand to have direct feedback on the product and on that brand.
Does the price matter?
The first track to follow in choosing your double din head unit is certainly your budget. Prices are extremely variable, but it is possible to identify some price ranges, giving the first idea of what we can expect depending on how much we want to spend. The price ranges within which we move are essentially three:
- Low-end: by spending between 80 and 180 dollars, it is possible to buy a model with an adequate level of compatibility and some of the main functions, but with some potential shortcomings from the point of view of its constituent materials.
- Mid-range: with a price that is between 200 and 350 dollars, we already find products of excellent quality, with various features and able to offer most of the elements that an average motorist is looking for
- High-end: over 400 dollars it is possible to find very sophisticated models, with different features, or even head units designed for a precise model of car, of which they reflect the lines and interior design
Conclusion
We sincerely hope that this guide has been helpful to you. We cannot make your decision for you, but hopefully, we have informed you a little better to make an intelligent decision in your double-din head unit choice.
In our opinion, the best double din head unit is Pioneer MVH-X390BS.