If you wish to drive a revolutionary vehicle but also are short on budget, do not worry as you do not necessarily need to spend large sums of money on just a car. There are many products available in the market to upgrade your vehicle; one of the best among these is an auto head unit. There will be a significant improvement in your in-car entertainment. Some of the best features that can be expected are improved radio and music options, hands-free calls, better GPS, and accessibility to a wide range of apps.
For this, all you need to do is opt for the most suitable Android auto head unit for you. If you are not very sure about how to start with it, do not worry.
This blog post is here to help you, which goes into a lot of details about many products available quickly in the market. The key features of these products are also listed, making it more straightforward for you to compare and choose the best Android Auto head unit for yourself.
The Ten Best Android Auto Head Unit Reviews
1. Pioneer AVH-3300NEX Android Auto Head Unit
The first product on our list is the Pioneer Android Auto touchscreen CD and DVD receiver that comes in a folding design. If you have any discs lying around your house, you can easily play them on this device. Pioneer is a very well-established brand, so you can quickly put all your trust in them, as compared to other unfamiliar companies.
The screen measures 7 inches, which is an ideal size for controlling your music. There are physical buttons on the unit that makes it easy to adjust controls, instead of scrolling through infinite menus. The internal DAC and AMP ensure that the unit produces good quality sound.
Key Characteristics:
- Supports both CD and DVD
- Customizable and flexible interface
- Supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Stylish and straightforward design
Specifications:
- Brand: Pioneer
- Model: AVH-3300NEX
- Weight: 6lbs
2. Sony XAV-AX5000 Android Auto Head Unit
Sony is among the most well-known and popular brands of electronics, and this double din Android car head unit is designed in a very sleek and stylish manner. The 7-inch screen is designed to fit in the central console of your car easily. The hardware keys are also useful for adjusting when you are driving. The head unit comprises of components that support both Apple and Android devices, along with a feature of Bluetooth and USB connectivity. All in all, it is a perfect mid-range option offering a range of features.
Key Characteristics:
- Supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Bluetooth connectivity and two USB ports
- Compact and simple design
- Easy adjustment with hardware keys
Specifications:
- Brand: Sony
- Model: XAVAX5000
- Weight: 2.65lbs
3. Alpine Ilx-207 Android Head Unit
Alpine holds a specialty in multimedia products for vehicles, so you can be satisfied that the product is manufactured with attention and care to every detail. The device can be controlled with physical buttons or a 7-inch touchscreen.
The unit is designed to enable Bluetooth connectivity along with options for USB and auxiliary, so you can go for whichever one you are comfortable with. A software spine for Sirium XM radio tuner is also available, giving you an ad-free radio experience. Its price is a bit at the higher end, but many consider it worth paying for.
Key Characteristics:
- Supports both Android and Apple devices
- Provides good customer support
- SiriusXM Satellite Radio and Bluetooth available
- 7-inch built-in touchscreen and VGA display
Specifications:
- Brand: Alpine
- Model: IlX-207
- Weight: 5.55lbs
4. Pumpkin DD01273-US Android Head Unit
This unit is an android-focused one, featuring an octa-core CPU, 32GB internal storage, and 4GB RAM along with microSD support of up to 128GB. The GPS navigation system already has Google Maps installed in it, helping you find your way through place to place. The device’s central point is the 1024X HD touchscreen. However, some external controls are also there that make it easy to adjust as per need.
Key Characteristics:
- Online and offline support for GPS
- 1024 x 600 HD touchscreen
- Built-in microphone enabling easy hands-free calls
- Specially designed for Android devices
Specifications:
- Brand: Pumpkin
- Model: DD01273-US
- Weight: 6.37lbs
5. Volunteer Audio Pioneer AVH-W4400NEX Android Car Stereo
This unit has a straightforward and stylish design, providing a significant upgrade to the existing units in the market. The voice-based commands can be quite advantageous that ensure you can control the device without putting any risk to your safety while driving. The group is SiriusXM-Ready, allowing you to listen up to 140 radio channels and choose your favorite one among them. It features built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth as well. You can also install a back-up camera in the unit if needed.
Key Characteristics:
- 24-bit true color LCD panel providing high responsiveness
- 13-band graphic equalizer
- Cable-free connection supported
- HD radio
Specifications:
- Brand: Volunteer Audio
- Model: AVH-W4400NEW
- Weight: 5.3lbs
6. Boss Audio BVCP9675A Double Din Android Head Unit
No products found.
7. ATOOT Double Din Android Head Unit
This brand isn’t as famous or established as other players in the market, but this unit from their range is very affordable and high quality. It features a variety of advantages, including a 16 GB internal storage, a sound amplifier handling the volume control, dual Bluetooth, and back-up cameras. It has a simple interface with a smooth interaction. Furthermore, it also features a continual firmware update that adds the latest features to the unit as soon as they become available.
Key Characteristics:
- Simple and smooth OS
- Available at a meager price
- Features internet tethering and Bluetooth
- Up to 16GB built-in storage, microSD card support of up to 256GB
Specifications:
- Brand: ATOTO
- Model: A6Y2710SB
- Weight: 3lbs
8. Kenwood Excelon DDX9905S Android Head Unit
Introducing a range of both soft and hard features, this unit is a little pricey than others, but buyers opt it for the excellent sound quality and audio control provided by it. Some core features of this unit include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and HD radio. If you wish to listen to your tried and tested music applications along with HD radio, this unit can do all of it. Apps like Waze, Google Maps, Spotify, and many more are compatible with the unit.
Key Characteristics:
- Exceptional control on audio
- Supports various apps
- Wi-Fi, HD radio and Bluetooth ready
- Excellent audio quality
Specifications:
- Brand: Kenwood
- Model: DDX9905S
- Weight: 8lbs
9. Corehan in Dash Android Car Stereo
No products found.
10. Joying Android Car Stereo
No products found.
Buying Guide for Android Auto Head Units
In this section, we will be providing a buying guide to you that tells further details about some features that should be focused on when deciding for the best Android head units for your car.
Furthermore, the main advantages of using the system will also be listed down. A closer look at their installation will also be taken before we go into the FAQ section. Finally, a recap of the top product on our list shall also be considered.
Features to Look for in an Android Auto Head Unit
There are slightly different offerings on each android head unit, so you should decide which features are the most important ones for your use. Following is a list of some features that should be looked for, that will help you create your list of qualities you need in the android head unit in your car.
1. Compatibility
The last thing you would want to happen is bringing the unit home and discovering it not being compatible with your car/phone. Some units are too big to fit in certain vehicles’ consoles. Some are made particularly for Android or Apple devices updated with the latest OS of the device. You should cross-check all such specifications before buying a unit, so you do not have to start all over again, or return and purchase a new one.
2. Easy to Use
Before you choose the android auto head unit for your vehicle, it is sensible to choose a unit that is easy to install and operate. You should look for tactile controls and an intuitive interface. many devices are touchscreen and have physical buttons along as well as they are better to sue when driving.
Check all the instructions and installation guides available for the particular unit you are considering to make your life easy once you purchase the unit. Navigation and clear menus are other features that should be looked for in addition to connecting your device or phone to it.
3. Display
The screen of your unit should be large enough to fit comfortably in the car without occupying a lot of space. Seven inches or less is the standard size for android auto head units. The unit should also have a very crisp and sharp resolution that allows it to be seen easily during both day and night. Everything shall be positioned appropriately, so it is easy to make any adjustments needed further.
You do not want a screen that constantly distracts your attention from the road and makes an unsafe driving scenario for you.
4. Functionality
There are different operational capacities of each head unit. Some are built for voice activation and music while others are particularly suitable for apps, GPS, HD radio, etc. the more advanced the features, the higher the cost. So, you should weigh your requirements carefully before you settle for a unit suitable for your needs. For instance, you may be spending a lot of your time in your car, and you need a built-in navigation system as an essential feature in it. You are perhaps looking to play your favorite music and want multiple options to do that. All of this is up to your needs and preferences.
5. Sound Quality
This is one of the first features that you look for in the unit to play your favorite music, so a closer look shall be taken at the audio equipment featured by the device and options offered. Some things that should be considered are retrievers, equalizers, and controllers. You must also look at the options available for setting up separate sound systems if you want to do that as well.
6. Customizable Features
If you have a head unit with a lot of customizable features, this means that you can use it the best way. This perhaps means that display settings can also be adjusted, so you have accessibility to your favorite apps more easily. This may also mean that you have the option of saving particular GPS routes or your favorite radio stations to the device as well.
7. Aesthetics
The car’s interior is significant to many people, so you should picture try to picture the look of your vehicle with the unit. The design of the unit you choose should blend very well with the surrounding features and dashboard of the car. Mostly, this will upgrade your old speaker system regardless of the variety you opt for.
8. Price
It may be very tempting to go with the cheapest product on the market. However, it is not a very smart choice all the time unless the quality is as good as required. you always want a product that stands for a good time. However, if you are still on a low budget, you should go for one that has basic features and ask yourself if you are planning to upgrade your vehicle shortly or not.
Most of the modern cars today are built to be compatible with your phone or other devices, which means you do not need a separate unit head.
9. Brand
You can have an idea about the quality of the product by the brand it is being offered by. If it is a big name, you will most likely have a lot of knowledge about it already. If you haven’t already heard about the brand before, you should do some research on your own as to how long the company has been there for, what other customers’ reviews are about it, and how is their customer service like. If the brand is unknown and you buy the product, you are taking a greater risk on the quality you expect to get.
10. Warranty
A good warranty gives you peace of mind as you know that if you encounter any problem with the product, it will be fixed without any hassle. Always ensure following the terms of warranty set by the manufacturer to guarantee the validity of your warrantee.
11. Reviews
Another useful tool is customer reviews about the product if you know how to use it. Reading one bad review or one comprehensive review won’t help you at all. The truth about it will lie somewhere in the middle. Such a website like Amazon is useful to allow you to confirm whether a buyer is verified, and you know that you are getting an opinion of someone who has already purchased and used the product themselves.
Advantages of Using Android Auto Head Units
You might be wondering now if you would want to delve into the world of Android Auto Head aftermarket products. There are numerous advantages that you can expect after installing one such unit; the following are some of them:
1. Easily Readable Display
A large display screen makes operating and reading from the unit much more comfortable. The app icons are more visible; you can easily make calls and switch between songs while keeping your focus on the road and not have to squint off to get the information you are finding. Similarly, the number of apps you see must be limited, so you don’t get much distracted while driving.
2. Add Rear-view Camera for Safety
Reversing while you are behind the wheel has been acknowledged as a hazardous activity. To combat this problem, one of the best ways is to get a fuller picture by adding a rear-view camera to the head unit. This means that you will now have to rely on mirrors or put your neck in an uncomfortable position to get a more unobstructed view.
3. Bluetooth Usability
Speaking on the phone while driving is another dangerous activity, but Bluetooth connectivity in units lets you make hands-free calls keeping you connected on the go while being safe as well. Caller information is instantly visible, and you can decide to pick the call or not. Some devices also have a feature of audio streaming.
4. GPS Navigation
Technology advancements have made direction-based arguments easy for you. A good view of the map can be attained with your unit head that makes it less likely for you to go in the wrong direction. If you do not have a built-in navigation system in your receiver, you can hook it up with the outboard unit.
Many also have access to certain apps lies Waze enabled that allow you to get real-time traffic updates enabling you to make your way through your route accordingly. Some apps will need internet compatibility as well, so you should bear that in mind.
5. Use Voice Controls
Taking advantage of the voice commands is even more helpful for you than fiddling around with the screen. You can adjust music, make calls, compose text messages, and do much more just by speaking to your car. You can randomly search stuff on Google as well without having to take your eyes off the road ever.
6. Increased Radio Options
If you are still old school and like to listen to the radio rather than listen to streaming music, some unit heads need you to access HD radio as well. This improves the broadcast quality in addition to getting more information like station logos, album art, and song if you want to buy music in the future.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Which devices are compatible with Android Auto multimedia decks?
A. if your phone has Android version 5.0 Lollipop or above, the Android Auto should be supported on your device; however, it is safer and better to have Android version 6.0 Marshmallow or above. If you want to double-check if your phone is compatible, download the Android Auto app on your phone before purchasing the unit. This makes a lot more sense.
Q. Is my Apple device compatible with the Android Auto head unit?
A. Some head units support both Apple and Android devices; meanwhile, others are specific to either. Even when they are compatible with both, there is always a better gearing with either one. For this, again, double-check the specification to make sure you are selecting the right one. The ones given in our list are suitable for Android auto head units, so if you have an Android compatible device, you should be good to go.
Q.Will this fit in my car, and can I install it?
Before buying an android head unit, you must ensure that the unit does fit in your car y measuring the vehicle yourself and having a look at the user manual for further information. If you have the necessary tools and skills, you can easily do this yourself. Some essential equipment required includes a prying tool, screwdrivers, and a soldering iron. These tools may vary from vehicle to vehicle, so this should not be taken as a very definite guide.
Many guides are available that give you step by step instructions for the best Android car stereo. If you are not very comfortable doing the job yourself, you may want to get someone’s help to ensure you are not putting your vehicle or unit on risk for damage. A newer head unit’s installation is generally more tricky in an old car.
Q. How to pair my device?
A. Download the Android Auto app on your device first, and provide any necessary permissions asked to run the app. Then you will have a couple of alternatives. When connecting for the first time, you should use a USB connection to connect your device to the unit. A series of requests will follow now that should be accepted, and you may also have to download some other apps. Your phone’s Bluetooth will be activated automatically, and you should take the Android Auto on your vehicle’s display. In the future, you should be able to hook it up wirelessly after this.
Our Top Pick
Moving back to the top product on our list, the one from Pioneer is the winner. It has both the new option of connecting your phone with Bluetooth to the unit and can also play the old school CDs and DVDs on it, giving you the best of both worlds. It has a customizable touchscreen interface to suit your preferences. The brand is also a recognized one, reassuring your confidence and trust in its quality and after-purchase support. Having a range of useful features, this one tops our list.