Are you considering giving up your car audio system because you don’t get the best in-car audio experience due to the factory-installed stereo? Why not get the best double din head unit and change the course of your vehicle’s sound system altogether?
Putting up a double din head will ultimately alter the audio experience you were having previously. It won’t just enhance the sound quality of your speakers but will provide you with several features that you can entertain yourself with.
Our top three choices for various budgets
- For low budget – BOSS Audio Systems BV9362BI
- For medium budget – JVC Double DIN
- For maximum budget – Pioneer AVH-W4500NEX
So, we came up with the following suggestions with regard to the best double din head units.
Top 10 Best Double Din Head Units That You’re Really Going To Like!
| Service | Main Features | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
1  | Pioneer AVH-W4500NEX
| Check Price | |
2  | Kenwood Excelon DNX997XR
| Check Price | |
3  | Alpine ILX-407
| Check Price | |
4  | JVC Double DIN
| Check Price | |
5  | Pioneer MVH1400NEX
| Check Price | |
6  | Pioneer AVH-X390BS
| Check Price | |
7  | Sony XAV-AX100
| Check Price | |
8  | BOSS BV9362BI
| Check Price | |
9  | Pioneer AVH-1300NEX
| Check Price | |
10  | JENSEN J1CA7W
| Check Price |
- Top 10 Best Double Din Head Units That You’re Really Going To Like!
- 1. Pioneer AVH-W4500NEX – Best Car Double DIN Head Unit
- 2. Kenwood Excelon DNX997XR – Best Double Din Head Unit With Navigation
- 3. Alpine ILX-407 – Best Double DIN Head Unit For Apple Carplay
- 4. JVC Double DIN – Best For Sound Quality
- 5. Pioneer MVH1400NEX – Best Pioneer Double Din With Apple Carplay
- 6. Pioneer AVH-X390BS – Best Double DIN Stereo With Backup Camera
- 7. Sony XAV-AX100 6.4 – Best Budget Double Din Stereo For Sound Quality
- 8. BOSS Audio Systems BV9362BI – Best Double Din Head Unit for the Money
- 9. Pioneer AVH-1300NEX – Best Double DIN Head Unit For Android Auto
- 10. JENSEN J1CA7W – Best Double Din Head Unit With Wireless Apple Carplay
- What People Also Asked About Double Din Car Stereos? (FAQS)
- Final Verdict
1. Pioneer AVH-W4500NEX – Best Car Double DIN Head Unit
Editor’s Take: The Pioneer AVH-W4500NEX Double Din Wireless Mirroring Car is a solid choice for double din head units because of its numerous features and high-resolution display. The only drawback is that it doesn’t offer navigation options.
- CD/DVD Playback
- Supports FLAC audio files (up to 192kHz/24-bit)
- Built-in HD Radio tuner
- Detachable Face
- Remote Control
- Bluetooth Wireless Connectivity
- Navigation Ready
- USB Connectivity
- 1-year Warranty
Our very first recommendation for best double din head units is Pioneer AVH-W4500NEX Double Din Wireless Mirroring Car Stereo Receiver. This is one of the most popular double din units among automotive owners because of its 7-inch large display.
The unit allows you to not only enhance your audio experience in your vehicle but also simplifies your driving shenanigans, such as hands-free calling.
Features: The Pioneer AVH-W4500NEX Double Din Wireless Mirroring Car Stereo Receiver offers connectivity through Bluetooth or CD/DVD, so it is ultimately up to the user that how would e like to listen to his favorite music while on the go. You can either make use of your loveable CD collection or just play straight from your mobile phone.
We also love the large display. It is motorized and has high resolution so you can have the best visual experience.
Another thing that is worth adding here is that this unit will work immediately with SiriusXM Sxv300, which will allow you to access information regarding traffic, weather, and so much more. The Pioneer AVH-W4500NEX Double Din Wireless Mirroring Car also features an internal amplifier so you can directly connect your audio system and make the most of it.
Also Read: Pioneer Wiring Harness Color Codes
Pros
- Large display
- Android and iPhone compatible
- Integrated with an amplifier
Cons
- No navigation options
- Very expensive
2. Kenwood Excelon DNX997XR – Best Double Din Head Unit With Navigation
Editor’s take:The Kenwood DNX997XR DVD Navigation Receiver is one of the best double din units you can find. Even though the price point of the model may seem high at first glance, it still offers everything you’ve been looking for. From the navigation system to the high quality audio system, the model has it all.
- Clear Resistive Touch Panel
- Wireless Mirroring For Android Devices
- USB Mirroring
- 4 Camera inputs
- HD Rear Camera
- Parking Guidelines
- Lane Assist
- Dash Cam Link
- Photo Real Junction View
- 3D Terrian View
Another double din unit that you can go for if you need navigation options is the Kenwood Excelon DNX997XR. This is one of the latest models by Kenwood and it makes use of the Garmin 3D Terrain navigation system that isn’t just user-friendly but also very accurate.
Features: The Kenwood DNX99XR DVD Navigation Receiver is a high-performing unit that comes with a high-resolution and large display. This is one of the most expensive stereo systems that we have come across so you can expect very good audio quality from it.
It has everything you need to enhance your car’s audio system including 3-way crossovers, 13-band graphics EQ, gold-plated preamps and so much more. As far as navigation is concerned, the Garwin navigation system is everything you need. It has maps from all over the USA and offers 6-point of perspectives, making your road trips all the easier and so much fun.
Pros
- Great navigation system
- Epic audio quality
- High-resolution display
Cons
- very expensive
3. Alpine ILX-407 – Best Double DIN Head Unit For Apple Carplay
Editor’s take: The Alpine ILX-407 is a powerful and feature-rich car receiver that can easily be connected to your phone, making it one of the most convenient ways to use. The rearview camera makes driving a whole lot more enjoyable and it will improve your overall driving experience as well.
- Screen Resolution: WVGA 800 x 480px
- Shallow Mount Design (2-6/16″ Depth)
- 7-inch Anti-glare 2-DIN Touchscreen Display
- Connectivity: HDMI, 2 RCA Inputs, USB
- PowerStack Capable
- Built-in amplifier: 16W RMS/50W peak x 4
- Audio Playback: AAC, FLAC, MP3, WMA, WAV
The Alpine ILX-407 digital 7″ shallow-chassis multimedia receiver is another popular double din head you can get for a fairly reasonable price.
This receiver is relatively popular among users because of its large display and very user-friendly layout. The unit offers some excellent connectivity options, but we think it can be improved because some of its options still require the user to use USB cables.
Features: The 7-inch display gives you amazing viewing options and the integrated camera allows you to have a rearview to easily reverse your car when driving. We also love the anti-glare feature the screen has been integrated with. This feature ensures you will be able to see the screen clearly even if the sun is burning bright.
You cannot just operate the screen from the display, but it also comes with the option where you can control it through your steering wheel. It can be connected to both iPhone and Android, which ensures you won’t have trouble connecting it to your phone.
Unlike any of our previous conversations, the Alpine ILX-407 comes with navigation options so that is another useful feature that you rarely find in any other double din unit.
Pros
- Large screen
- Navigation options
- Works with iOS and Android both
Cons
- The RMS is low
4. JVC Double DIN – Best For Sound Quality
- JVC kw-v85bt in-dash receiver + phone holder
- Power output: peak: 50 watts x 4 channels
- RMS: 22 watts x 4 channels
- 6. 8″ Wide VGA display with CD text and MP3 ID3 tag
- Controls for subwoofer level, phase, and crossover
- High-resolution Audio playback
- Enhancing digital sound with K2 technology
JVC is one of the most popular brands in the industry of audio systems and its products are critically appraised for good reasons. Every model of double din head unit that JVC has come up with has been designed with a lot of thought for all the appropriate users.
The weight of the JVC Double DIN Bluetooth In-Dash Car Stereo Receiver is so light that it makes it the smallest stereo on this list with the most features.
Features: If you happen to be someone who loves seeing song information on the screen then you’re going to love the JVC Double DIN Bluetooth In-Dash Car Stereo Receiver because it displays text while you’re playing a song.
It comes with a touchscreen that has a size of 6.8 inches, quite larger as compared to a lot of moderately priced units on the market. This is mainly because the brand didn’t waste any surrounding space of the screen on additional buttons. The screen is quite manageable, but some users have complained that turning the volume up and down with small buttons is difficult.
The screen does come with a small remote that will make up for the small audio buttons and help you operate it conveniently. The USB port on this device is very functional and not only connects your phone to the device but also charges it at the same time.
Bottom line:
The JVC Double DIN Bluetooth In-Dash Car Stereo Receiver is a solid choice for great audio quality and amazing features. It is very easy to install and comes at a reasonable price.
Pros
- Large display
- Comes with a remote control
- Easy to install
Cons
- Slow in process
5. Pioneer MVH1400NEX – Best Pioneer Double Din With Apple Carplay
Editor’s Take:If you’re willing to spend a bit generously and are looking for one of the finest double din units on the market then the Pioneer MVH1400NEX has got you covered.
- Built-in Bluetooth for hands-free calling
- Touchscreen display with 6.2″
- Supports Apple CarPlay
- Apple iOS devices with Siri Eyes Free
- Low-pass and high-pass
- 13-band equalizer
- voice recognition for some android mobile
- built-in amp
- Compatible with SiriusXM’s SXV300 tuner
- Plays FLAC lossless files
Our fifth recommendation is also from Pioneer. When it comes to manufacturing top-quality audio equipment, the brand has a lot to offer you, and the MVH1400NEX doesn’t disappoint at all.
The Pioneer MVH1400NEX was developed to produce high-quality audio sound and we aren’t kidding when we say that it can turn your car into a club within a matter of seconds.
Features: Like the previous recommendation, this bad boy can also play music from a number of resources, but let’s face it, it’s 2023, and who have you seen walking around with a stash of CDs and DVDs?
Everything is on your phone nowadays; the best thing is it can play music directly from your phone through Bluetooth. Just connect, and you’re good to go. This model also comes with Apple CarPlay, so you can easily connect it to your iPhone without downloading third-party applications.
Also, as long as you have Lollipop 5.0 installed on your Android phone, you can connect it directly to the double din as well. We know how hard it is to find a unit that runs both Apple and Android, but Pioneer never disappoints in that very regard.
Apart from being able to connect it to your phone, we also enjoyed the fact that how easy it is to use and install. It comes with a detailed user manual that gets you going instantly.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Very easy to use
- Apple and Android compatible
Cons
- Expensive
6. Pioneer AVH-X390BS – Best Double DIN Stereo With Backup Camera
Editor’s take: The Pioneer AVH-X390BS Double Din head unit can be found here at a very affordable price point today, and it has a long list of features that make it a great buy. This device supports both Apple and Android phones and CDs and DVDs if you have them in your possession.
- 6.2 Inch Wvga Screen
- Power output: peak: 50 watts x 4 channels
- RMS: 14 watts x 4 channels
- Built-in Bluetooth
- MP3 ID3 tag display
- Back-Up Camera Ready
- iPod/iPhone Compatibility
The Pioneer AVH-X390BS Double Din is a thoroughly customizable unit you can use according to your preferences. The display offers you five different color settings to be adjusted in, it has a splash screen, several background options and other hues that you can customize your function keys in.
Features: The Pioneer AVH-X390BS Double Din gives you complete control over the brightness settings so you don’t have to drive in blind at night or during scorching sun. It has a display size of 6.2inch which might not be impressive to many people, but it is enough given the affordable price point the unit comes at.
You get a total of 24 presets with regard to your FM and AM radio stations, and in the meanwhile, you can also customize the shortcuts placed on the screen according to your requirements. Another small feature that Pioneer AVH-X390BS Double Din offers is the slideshow display of your pictures but you need to note that this won’t be wireless, and you will have to connect a USB to do this.
Pros
- Affordable
- Backlit
- Easy to install
Cons
- The screen could be improved
7. Sony XAV-AX100 6.4 – Best Budget Double Din Stereo For Sound Quality
Editor’s take: Sony XAV-AX100 6.4 Inches Car Play/Android Auto Media Receiver is an excellent choice for those willing to spend a little extra on a double din unit. It has navigation, a rear camera, and many other features that really make it stand out.
- 6.4 inch (16.3-cm) touchscreen display
- 4 x 55 W Dynamic Reality Amp
- Dial is ergonomic for distraction-free operation
- Android and Apple Car Play voice control
We all know Sony to be a global name so how can it ever go wrong? The Sony XAV-AX100 6.4″ Car Play/Android Auto Media Receiver is another top-quality double din unit that you can get for a moderate price.
Even though Sony isn’t the first choice for everyone, this model provides excellent audio quality and great compatibility with both, Android and iOS devices.
Features: It features a touch display of 6.4inch which is of high resolution and allows you to control the functions from phone calls, navigation, music playlists, radio, and so much more. This is also the only unit with a rotary dial we say in the market, which is a big interest point for a number of users.
The Sony XAV-AX100 6.4″ Car Play/Android Auto Media Receiver is a premium quality product that you can purchase on a moderate range. The money you will be paying is a little extra but given how trusted the brand and all its products are, we say the risk is worth it.
The model is compatible with all mobile devices and gives you a set of extra features you do not get with other double din units. The best part is that Sony has put in a lot of effort to make the Sony XAV-AX100 6.4″ Car Play/Android Auto Media Receiver. It is worth your attention and provides you with the sound quality you’ve been looking for.
Pros
- Great built quality
- Excellent sound
- Easy to use
Cons
- The price might be a little too much for some users
8. BOSS Audio Systems BV9362BI – Best Double Din Head Unit for the Money
Editor’s take: BOSS Audio Systems BV9362BI Car DVD Player is an excellent choice if you’re looking for an affordable option with a lot of features that you don’t want to compromise on quality.
- 6.2-inch Touchscreen Monitor
- Max Power: 80 Watts x 4
- Compatible with Audio out from Smartphones
- Bass/Treble/Balance/Fader Controls and Preset Built-in EQ
- Inputs: USB, SD, Aux, Rear Camera, Steering Wheel Control
- Outputs: Video, Front, Rear & Sub Pre-Amp
- Hands-free calling and wireless audio streaming
- Wireless Remote
- European Tuner
If you have been hunting for the best double din units for quite a while, you must have come across the name BOSS. The brand is known for manufacturing some of the top quality audio systems in the market, and most of their products come at a very reasonable price point.
If you don’t want to invest in something that costs more than $100, then BOSS Audio Systems BV9362BI Car DVD Player is worth looking at.
Features: BOSS Audio Systems BV9362BI Car DVD Player has a 6.2 inch LCD display that is of high resolution and provides the best graphics you could ask for at a low price. The unit comes with a remote control that makes it easier for the user to operate while you can install the rear camera to make it easier for yourself when steering in reverse.
This double din unit is backed by a 3-year warranty, which is pretty surprising since it comes in a very lower price range, making it affordable and long-lasting. Once you take a look at the layout of the BOSS Audio Systems BV9362BI Car DVD Player, you will notice that it isn’t made up of the best components and the layout of the screen is also very congested but given the price point, we say it is worth buying.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Comes with many radios presets
- Microphone and remote included
Cons
- You cannot charge it through a USB
9. Pioneer AVH-1300NEX – Best Double DIN Head Unit For Android Auto
Editor’s take: Pioneer AVH-1300 NEX is an excellent head unit. You can easily and efficiently scroll through your favorite iPhone apps with the Apple CarPlay receiver’s enhanced user interface. You can listen to Spotify or Apple Music with this product and enjoy amazing sound quality.
- Double DIN 6.2″ VGA touchscreen
- Power Output: Peak: 50 watts x 4 channels
- RMS: 22 watts x 4 channels
- Apple CarPlay & AppRadio Mode
- Spotify, Works with Pandora, SiriusXM-Ready
- Built-in Bluetooth
- DVD/CD receiver – MIXTRAX
The Pioneer AVH-1300NEX has an outstanding design, and the screen of 6.2 inches in size, based on a VGA-based touch screen, displays everything with enough clarity to make it appear that you haven’t seen anything like it.
Features: Furthermore, it boasts a peak power of more than 50 watts by four channels, along with an RMS power of 22 watts through 4 channels, which puts the sound at its highest volume even when the volume is at the lowest.
With Apple CarPlay and AppRadio mode plugged into the unit, your iPhone will be displayed in its entirety, and you can play music via Bluetooth and radio mode.
The built-in Bluetooth feature allows the user to do much more than just change the music wirelessly. It will enable the user to operate the entire wireless experience, including answering calls, making calls, and even commanding the unit using voice commands.
The fact that it is SiriusXM-ready would give you seamless access to satellite radio stations from the comfort of your car. In addition, you will be able to stream channels worldwide.
Compatible with Android and iPhone, the mirroring functionality simplifies your life to use it the way you want without learning the whole unit from scratch. This double din head unit does offer the same functionality as CD/DVD players to accommodate users who want music played using DVDs and CDs.
The AppRadio feature is one of the most valuable features of the unit. It comes preloaded with many famous and user-favorite radio apps like Pandora, Spotify, and more without having to install them separately in your car. Due to its robust design and exceptional features, it is one of the best double-din head units.
Pros
- Stylish and robust.
- Touchscreen with VGA resolution.
Cons
- Volume control is not good enough
- USB port could be better
10. JENSEN J1CA7W – Best Double Din Head Unit With Wireless Apple Carplay
Editor’s take: The Jensen J1CA7W is an excellent choice for audio streaming while you’re on the road. The excellent sound quality, built-in Bluetooth, and user-friendly interface give you all the musical enjoyment you need while on the road.
- 7 Inch Led High-Resolution Touch Screen Display
- Apple Carplay
- Android Auto
- Built-In Bluetooth
- Backup Camera Input
- Rear USB Input (Front 1.5 Amp Fast Charging)
- 3 Pairs Of Rca Preamp Outputs (F/R/S)
- 8 Eq Presets
- Time Alignment Capabilities
- 240 Watts Peak Power (60 Watts X 4) Mosfet
- SiriusXM-Ready
The Jensen J1CA7W is a USA-manufactured product that offers great value for money. Its display is slightly smaller than the other products mentioned in this list. However, the wireless Apple CarPlay and other user-friendly features along with the tremendous audio streaming capabilities, make it a worthwhile purchase.
Features. Despite the fact that the screen is small, it has a high resolution, which provides the user with an excellent viewing experience. The user-friendly button interface at the sides of the screen ensures you have them within reach when driving, so you don’t have to lose your focus on the road.
The built-in Bluetooth connectivity feature works really fast and can have you connected with iPhone and Android both.
The only problem I’ve had is that sometimes the screen freezes, and you have to cut the truck off in order to unfreeze it.
Pros
- Powerful sound quality
- Good radio reception
- Excellent sound for the price
Cons
- The build quality is not that great
- UI could be better
What People Also Asked About Double Din Car Stereos? (FAQS)
Even though we have discussed the best double-din head units that will fit your needs, you may still have questions about how they work or what they will offer you.
In order to provide you with as much information as possible regarding double DIN units, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most frequently asked questions.
What is the difference between single DIN and double DIN?
They differ in size. The single DIN measures 7×2, whereas the double DIN measures 7×4. Most cars use the single DIN size, one of the most common. Double DIN car stereos offer more features such as touchscreens, GPS navigation systems, and other multimedia features than single DIN car stereos.
Is 2 DIN and double DIN the same?
Yes, there is no difference between them; both refer to the same DIN size.
Is a double din better than a single din?
It’s ultimately up to you to decide what works best for your vehicle and you. In reality, both options have some unique advantages and disadvantages. Nonetheless, due to the variety of exceptional features that double din provides, double din definitely has more benefits than single din owing to its wide variety of extraordinary features.
Can I put any double din stereo in my car?
The first thing you should consider is the size of your room. The double din head unit is best suited if you have a lot of space in your car. If not, choose single din instead.
Can a better head unit improve the sound?
Yes! You will notice that your head unit’s quality directly influences the sound of your music. The better the head unit, the better the sound you will experience.
Final Verdict
In my opinion, these 10 double-din head unit stereos have a lot to offer every type of person, whether looking for a budget unit or a high-end one with excellent performance.
On the other hand, if you still do not know which is the best double din head unit for sound quality and do not have any budget problems, then we would advise you to go with the Pioneer AVH-W4500NEX, which has exceptional sound quality with lots of useful features.
Thank you for reading this article. I hope it has been helpful to you in some way. If you have any suggestions or recommendations in this regard, please do not hesitate to let me know through your comments.
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