You don’t have to be an audiophile to know that in most vehicles, the sound quality leaves a lot to be desired, especially if it’s an entry-level trim. So, what can we do to change that? Invest in a new set of speakers? Buy an expensive stereo/head unit, hoping the quality will improve? What about a soundbar, though? Yes, it’s very well possible to mount a bar in pretty much any car with a basic tool-set.

And with the Best Car SoundBar, you’ll get to enjoy your favorite tunes in an entirely different way. So, join me, and let’s take a look at what the market has to offer. The following list includes six outstanding soundbars with a universal, user-friendly design. We’ll also talk about installation, common issues, key factors, and more. Let’s dive in!

Best Choice

BOSS Audio

Car Audio LED SoundBar

This company needs no introduction, because it’s an obvious leader in the market of audio equipment. As for this soundbar, it will be a safe bet for most drivers looking to update their boring, outdated sound systems. Its biggest pro is the rich, saturated sound and the rather loud power output. You won’t have to worry about “running out of” volume when, say, camping out somewhere in the wilderness at some party.

Read Verified Customer Reviews

Best Car Soundbar (Updated: November, 2021)

Image	Product
Best Choice	BOSS BRT26RGB Weatherproof RGB Illumination RCA, Bluetooth, Auxiliary, USB Check Price	Check Price
Also Great	ECOXGEAR SoundExtreme Waterproof and Dustproo Multi-Color LED Backlit Speakers Bluetooth V5.0, USB Check Price	Check Price
Best Value	NOAM NUTV4 Quad 2 X Pairs of N4 speakers 100 Watts Bluetooth, AUX input Check Price	Check Price
Non-Slip Grip	Planet Audio Waterproof Built-in LED Light Bar Bluetooth, Auxiliary, USB Check Price	Check Price
Ergonomic Fit	BOSS BRT34A Weatherproof RGB Illumination Bluetooth, Auxiliary Check Price	Check Price
Ergonomic Fit	Bazooka Party Bar Speaker Weatherproof RGB LED illumination Bluetooth, USB Check Price	Check Price

Best Car Soundbar Review

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1. BOSS Audio – Car Audio LED SoundBar

This company needs no introduction, because it’s an obvious leader in the market of audio equipment. As for this soundbar, it will be a safe bet for most drivers looking to update their boring, outdated sound systems. Its biggest pro is the rich, saturated sound and the rather loud power output. You won’t have to worry about “running out of” volume when, say, camping out somewhere in the wilderness at some party.

Another standout feature is the full support of four different interfaces/connectivity options: USB, RCA, Aux, and, of course, Bluetooth. Add fast, user-oriented customer support, and you’ll see why Boss deserves a spot on the list. There’s one downside, though, and it has to do with the settings. Every time you disconnect the bar from the battery, it will automatically default to factory settings – keep that in mind.

The Pros:

• Full RCA, USB, and Bluetooth compatibility
• Delivers a strong, rich, loud sound output
• Fast, client-oriented customer support

The Cons:

• Rolls back to default settings when disconnected

Verdict

With Boss Audio, you’ll get a loud, decent-sounding bar that fits pretty much any modern-day vehicle. It fully supports the most common interfaces and is backed by a quick, friendly customer support team. Sadly, it tends to go back to default settings when unplugged from the system.

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2. ECOXGEAR SoundExtreme – Car Audio soundBar

Next up, we’ve got ExoGear with another worthy soundbar for your car. What I really like about this unit is the strong low-frequency response. It can make the bass “pop”, which isn’t something you get with most bars. Obviously, it’s not as great as with an expensive subwoofer, but still pretty impressive. On top of that, SoundExtreme automatically connects to Siri and allows easy control of the system.

Last, but not least, this soundbar features a highly reliable, durable, and well-protected design. It is resistant to water, sand, dust, and dirt. So, if you, say, drive an ATV and worry about the bar getting ruined by natural elements, that won’t be a problem with ExoGear. As for the cons, the provided power cable isn’t particularly long, and you might have to replace it to be able to connect everything properly.

The Pros:

• Impressive low-frequency response
• Easily connects to Siri through Ecotalk
• 100% water-, dust-, and sand-proof

The Cons:

• The power cable is a bit short

Verdict

Resistant to natural elements/hazards, and with a strong bass frequency response, the SoundExtreme soundbar deserves a spot on your list of must-haves. It fully supports USB, Bluetooth, and takes little effort to connect to Siri. The power supply cable could’ve been longer, however.

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3. NOAM – Speakers Stereo System for Car

The first thing that’ll probably catch your attention is the design of this soundbar. It’s actually more of a sound system because you get four separate speakers with the package, not a bar. And that allows mounting the individual speakers pretty much anywhere you want. If the roll bar size is 1.5-2 inches, there won’t be any issues with the installation.

Sadly, the kit doesn’t include a user manual, but, again, mounting won’t take much effort. Extended compatibility will be a part of the deal as well. As long as your vehicle is equipped with a 12v battery, rest assured the NOAM speakers will be an easy fit. So, if you’re not a big fan of the soundbar design and want to go for something more flexible, this could be it for you.

The Pros:

• Flexible speaker design: can be mounted separately
• Compatible with a wide range of 12v vehicles
• Take very little time and effort to mount

The Cons:

• Installation instructions not included

Verdict

The versatile, flexible design is what makes the NOAM speaker set stand out. It’s 100% compatible with all 12v-equipped vehicles and takes 30-60 minutes to mount, which is a big pro. You won’t find instructions in the package, but that’s a minor con.

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4. Planet Audio – Weatherproof Sound System for 12 Volt Vehicles

Here, we have another product with an unusual, futuristic design. But, Plant Audio is still a soundbar at heart, even though it looks like a gadget from the 80s sci-fi movies. Available in three different configurations, this bar gives you a choice between standard, RGB, and storage-packed styles, with the latter being the most expensive option. The standard edition, in contrast, is very cheap.

In fact, it’s the most affordable soundbar on the list, which automatically makes it a worthy pick. The overall performance is decent, and you won’t be disappointed by the sound quality. Unfortunately, customer support isn’t Planet Audio’s strongest suit: the agents take 2-3 days to respond, aren’t very helpful, and want you to pay the return shipping cost. But, that’s a small inconvenience for a soundbar that costs this little.

View on Planet Audio

The Pros:

• Futuristic, eye-grabbing design
• Available in different styles/configurations
• One of the most affordable soundbars

The Cons:

• Poor customer support

Verdict

Drivers on a tight budget planning on getting an aftermarket soundbar/system might find Planet Audio to be right up their alley. Despite the poor customer support, this product will be a great pick thanks to the unique design, strong power output, and different designs to choose from.

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5. BOSS Audio Sound Bar System

Yes, we have another Boss Audio product to review, and in many ways, it’s similar to the #1 bar on the list. It has its own set of pros, of course, and appeals to a slightly different group of potential buyers. Its most significant selling point is the mighty amplifier that’s built into the main body. It provides a loud, crisp audio output and easily powers every single speaker in the bar. It’s a 700-watt D-class amp, one of the best in the segment.

And, you can choose between three different sizes: 14-, 27-, and 34-inch. No matter which configuration you pick, the soundbar will feature a premium heat dissipation system. It can be really hot outside, but the speakers will always stay cool. RGB illumination and full Bluetooth support are also a part of the picture. Too bad there’s no volume control on the bar or the RC for the lights.

View on Boss Audio Systems

The Pros:

• Premium-quality, powerful amplifier
• Advanced heat dissipation system
• Three different sizes to choose from

The Cons:

• No volume control on the RC

Verdict

Folks in the market for a ten-speaker soundbar with a powerful, D-class amplifier (700-watt-strong) should pay extra attention to BRT34A. With three different sizes at your disposal, this Boss Audio sound system will be a great addition to any truck, sedan, or SUV.

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6. Bazooka – Party Bar Speaker for Off-Roading

Finishing up with the list, we’ve got a rather unusual soundbar that was specifically made for parties. Its main feature is the innovative double-sided design. Packed with decent-quality tweeters and woofers on each side, this soundbar is powered by a 450-watt D-class amplifier. Plus, Bazooka includes a dedicated app that can be used to control the LED lights and create your own, customized patterns.

I want to also mention the unique feature of “pairing up” two G2 soundbars together. That’s right: they can be controlled through one single device (like a Smartphone or a laptop) and put out double the volume for a loud party. However, all these pros come at one significant con: the Bazooka speaker system is pretty expensive compared to the market average.

View on Walmart

The Pros:

• Innovative and effective double-sided design
• One mobile device can control two G2 bars
• Includes its own, highly customizable app

The Cons:

• The most expensive soundbar on the list

Verdict

Are you ready to pay big bucks for a premium quality aftermarket soundbar? If the answer is yes, Bazooka has got you covered. The trendy design, easy-to-use app, and the ability to connect two bars to your phone/tablet turn G2 into a must-have, especially if you party a lot.

Can you use a Soundbar in a Vehicle?

The short answer – of course, you can! Some drivers believe that soundbars are only intended for home theaters, but that’s not true. Yes, most of us use these bars to improve the audio quality of our TVs. But in reality, soundbars are an excellent replacement for the outdated sound systems found in modern-day vehicles. Plus, as you’ll learn soon, they don’t take much time or effort to install.

It all comes down to following strict instructions and using the right tools for the job. Sometimes, the package includes helpful user manuals; however, they’re not always reliable and might end up confusing you instead of helping. So, if you believe you can pull this off, check out my detailed, step-by-step guide on how to install an aftermarket soundbar.

Now, when treated properly, soundbars can last for many years, if not decades. Therefore, it might be a good idea to invest in a decent-quality unit and enjoy premium audio in your car. And one more thing: while most bars are compatible with a wide range of cars, you still gotta be careful when ordering them online. For example, a soundbar that was specifically designed for ATVs will not fit a regular vehicle.

The same is true for audio equipment designed for home theaters: they will probably not be able to run on a car battery or connect to the built-in stereo/infotainment system. Make sure to double-check everything before you pay for the device. Oh, and see that the package includes adjustable clamps for easy mounting.

Soundbars can be Installed in Multiple Spots in a Car

That’s right: you won’t have to mount the bar on the vehicle’s ceiling – it can be put in pretty much any corner as long as there’s enough space. There are some popular spots that drivers usually pick for their soundbars. I’m talking about the back seat, underneath the seats, and the trunk. That way, the unit won’t cause you any trouble. Let’s take a look:

• In the back seat. The hardest thing about this one is to figure out the exact size of the soundbar that the back seat can work with. With that part handled, remove the seat, remove the panel, and disconnect the factory speaker cable. Next, get rid of the stock speaker(s) and make some holes for the new bar. Position it properly and use the provided screws to secure it.
• Under the seats. This is the safest spot for the soundbar: no matter what happens on the road, it won’t cause any damage. Before you get to the installation, don’t forget to disconnect the negative battery terminal for safety. Then, like in the previous example, grab the drill, make some holes for the screws, and secure the bar.
• In the trunk. I bet you’ve seen it more than once – the soundbar mounted in the trunk. This is one of the best spots for it, as there’s enough space to install the bar. You might have to invest in extra cables, though. Plus, I’d recommend using a plate to put the bar on it. Make sure it’s sturdy and can support its weight.
• On the ceiling. And let’s not forget about the ceiling. To this day, it’s the most common spot for soundbars and speakers. Follow the same procedure as before: find the right spot, make a couple of holes, put the screws through, and tighten them. Bars look pretty great up there!

Step-by-Step Guide on Mounting a Soundbar in your Car

To properly install a soundbar in your vehicle and get it connected, you’ll need the following tools:

• A set of protective gloves
• A pack of nuts, bolts, and screws
• Standard-issue speaker wire
• Wire cutters
• Metallic plates
• A screwdriver

Start by parking the car in a safe spot on a flat, even surface. Next, get into the cabin and turn the engine off. Make sure you’ve got all the tools, and, of course, the actual soundbar lying around for easy access. Put the protective (rubber) gloves on. After all, we’ll be working with an electrical device. While at it, disconnect the negative battery terminal, like we already discussed, for safety.

This is important: the battery cables must NOT come in contact with any metallic surfaces! Now, to install the soundbar, use the included mounting brackets. They make the process very easy and straightforward. Find the right spot, drill holes, and put the screws through. Or, you can use the factory mounting holes, but only if they are of the right size.

Connect the speaker wire and use the cutter to get rid of the protective coating. With that done, connect this cable to the stereo unit. It might be wise to route the wire underneath the carpeting for a neat look. And don’t forget to connect the battery’s negative terminal/cable. That’s pretty much it. Turn the engine back on and test-drive the soundbar. If you did everything right, it should reward you with rich, crisp audio!

Common Issues with Soundbar Installation

Although soundbars are relatively easy to install, and you’ve got multiple mounting spots to choose from, there can still be some issues along the way. I’m talking about power and safety. Keep in mind that soundbars are powered through electricity, which means they won’t work without a proper power supply to get them going. Now, most modern-day cars run on DC (direct current).

The reason: radios, navigation systems, air conditioning, and many other systems need DC to work. The same is true for sound systems, like a soundbar. However, some cars (mostly, big, industrial trucks) are powered through AC (alternating current). So, to bring all the electronic devices to life, you’ll need to invest in a power inverter. Without one, the soundbar simply won’t make a sound.

Oh, and make sure the converter is of decent quality; otherwise, the power output won’t be very strong. As for safety, it mostly has to do with the weight of soundbars. That’s right: these units are pretty heavy and can weigh up to 20 pounds (with 12-13 pounds being the industry average). Be very careful if you’re handling the installation manually – don’t drop the bar on your head or feet!

Plus, mount it properly so that it doesn’t fall on the driver or the passengers in the case of a crash/accident. One way to avoid this is to mount the soundbar in the truck or, say, under the seat(s), like we just discussed. That way, you’ll eliminate the chance of the bar ever becoming a problem.

Buyer’s Guide

Ok, now that we’ve reviewed six different soundbars in detail and talked about the installation process, it’s time to check out the Buyer’s Guide. Here, you’ll find info on the most important factors when choosing a new bar for your car. How many platforms/interfaces does it support? Does it include an amplifier? How powerful is it? And what about the price – is it reasonable, or not? These are just some of the topics we’re going to cover!

#1: Enhanced Compatibility

By using the term “compatibility” I’m talking about both physical fitment and connectivity. The soundbar needs to be able to fit in the vehicle, of course, but, unless it’s a really old ride or, say, an ATV or a UTV, pretty much any soundbar will fit just fine. So, what you should focus more on is connectivity, AKA Bluetooth, Aux, USB, and RCA support. Remember: Bluetooth and USB are the most important interfaces.

USB is among the fastest and most reliable “cable standards”, while Bluetooth is just as great as a wireless interface. RCA can also come in handy, especially if you’ve got an external amp or extra speakers. As for Aux, it stands for “auxiliary”, and, well, serves as an extra input. Summing up, as long as USB and Bluetooth are supported, you’re good. Be careful, though, as many soundbars are rather bad at establishing wireless connections.

#2: Make sure you get a Powerful Amp

With compatibility out of the way, we’ve got the amplifier. The best part about soundbars – most of them come with a built-in amplifier. Internal amps are “fine-tuned” to that specific bar’s speakers and usually do a pretty great job of powering them up. The best amps on the market right now are the D-class units. They are reliable and last for a long time. Plus, these models are loud enough to entertain a small crowd.

Speaking of loudness, look at the watts to learn exactly how loud the bar can get. On average, 450-500 watts is a good place to start. While that won’t be very impressive at a beach party, it will be an overkill for your car’s cabin and enough for a camping site. If you want more power, look for a 750-850-watt amplifier. It will cost more but the investment will be worth it.

#3: LED/RGB Lights for a Party

This is more of a bonus rather than a necessity, of course. But, for parties, LED lights can be quite exciting and set the right mood. Basically, if you see “RGB illumination” in the specifications, that means you can put it on the list. And see that the package includes an RC. With remote control, it will be much easier to configure the lights to your liking – set the right speed, color, pattern, brightness, and other parameters.

#4: Check the Pricing and the Warranty

Last, but not least, let’s have a quick talk about pricing. How much does a decent-quality soundbar cost? This depends on three things: the number of speakers, the amplifier (how powerful it is), and the overall quality of the actual soundbar. Now, a large number of speakers doesn’t automatically mean the bar will sound better, but it’s still a very important factor. We already talked about amps earlier.

Bluetooth support and RGB lights affect the price as well, of course, just like the build quality. Right now, you can buy a solid-quality soundbar for $200-250. To get more speakers (especially a decent set of woofers) and some extras, be ready to pay 300-400 bucks. Up the ladder, we’ve got $500-600 bars. These units boast impeccable engineering, an advanced cooling system, a mobile app, and more.

Conclusion

And that’s everything I had to share with you today! Soundbars carry excellent value and are capable of making your regular road trips a lot more exciting. Reasonably priced and relatively easy to install, they are an excellent alternative to expensive speaker sets, stereos, and amplifiers. Their biggest pro is, of course, the audio quality that is vastly superior to that of the stock audio system in most vehicles.

So, just go ahead and pick one of the six units from the list. They are equally favored by experts and regular drivers. Plus, I spent over a month testing them in my own car to check their worth. Oh, and to learn more about proper mounting, common issues, the importance of material quality, Bluetooth support, and more, refer to the Buyer’s Guide. Happy driving!

Unless you’re driving a brand-new, premium-grade vehicle in the most expensive trim, I bet the built-in stereo system is average at best. It might be capable of receiving calls and even establishing a connection with your Smartphone, but only through USB. Furthermore, it won’t be particularly fast or feature-packed. Now, if you’re somewhat tired of it and want more options and a bigger screen, that’ll be possible with the best Android Auto car stereo.

With it, you’ll get a sleek, trendy look, a fancy touchscreen, advanced navigation, gadget integration, and lots of room for customization. The following list includes five top-notch head units from different brands. They’re all very easy to install, establish a connection, and enjoy. So, let’s go ahead and take a closer look at what the biggest brands have to offer!

Best Choice

Alpine iLX-W650 7 Mech-Less Receiver

Best car stereo with Android Auto

One of the biggest downsides of factory stereo systems is the slow response times. This is especially true if you’re driving an older vehicle with outdated software. Well, that won’t be an issue with Alpine, because this unit is highly responsive and you won’t feel any delay, which is great news. On top of that, it is highly intuitive and user-friendly – even a kid will be able to make sense of how everything works.

Read Verified Customer Reviews

Best Android Auto Car Stereo (Updated: September, 2021)

Image	Product
Best Choice	Alpine iLX-W650 Android Auto Dual USB ports Quick-access key panel Check Price	Check Price
Also Great	Pioneer DMH-1500NEX Android Auto Compatible WebLink Compatible Navigation Ready Check Price	Check Price
Best Value	Sony XAV-AX5000 Dual USB ports Apple car play Android auto Check Price	Check Price
Non-Slip Grip	Kenwood DMX4707S Android Auto Rear View Camera Mirroring OA for Kenwood app Check Price	Check Price
Ergonomic Fit	BOSS Audio Systems BCPA10RC Android Auto Media Playback Messages Check Price	Check Price

Best Android Auto Car Stereo Review

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1. Alpine iLX-W650 – Best car stereo with Android Auto

One of the biggest downsides of factory stereo systems is the slow response times. This is especially true if you’re driving an older vehicle with outdated software. Well, that won’t be an issue with Alpine, because this unit is highly responsive and you won’t feel any delay, which is great news. On top of that, it is highly intuitive and user-friendly – even a kid will be able to make sense of how everything works.

This is a US-made product, by the way, and boasts fast, charge-free delivery across the country. So, if you need a new car stereo ASAP, this company might be a reasonable choice. On the downside, while iLX-W650 fully supports Android Auto, it’s not always a flawless experience. Sometimes, drivers get error messages. In other cases, it takes the system forever to establish a connection. This happens rarely, of course, but can still be a con.

The Pros:

• Intuitive, highly responsive controls
• Designed and built in the United States
• Fast delivery at no extra charge

The Cons:

• Minor issues with Android Auto

Verdict

Responsive, easy to use, and sleek, iLX-W650 is a bargain for most modern-day drivers. As a US-based company, Alpine ensures fast delivery/shipment to every single state. Sadly, while it’s very easy to install/connect Android Auto, some users complain about connectivity issues.

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2. Pioneer DMH-1500NEX – Best big screen Android Auto head unit

Pioneer’s stereo is one of those can’t-go-wrong-with devices that get almost everything right. First of all, it features premium-quality engineering. You might think that durability/sturdiness isn’t really important for a head unit, but it actually is. Besides, thanks to the clever design, it takes little time and effort to mount and connect it properly, which isn’t something that can be said about many similar devices.

Enhanced compatibility is also a part of the deal. DMH easily fits a long list of vehicles from different generations. What isn’t great about this otherwise great stereo is the GUI (graphical user interface). It’s a bit slow and not very well made. Navigation is simple, yet it’s not particularly intuitive: you hit a button and expect it to open a certain screen; instead, it jumps back to the main menu or a different window. You will get used to this over time, though.

The Pros:

• Premium engineering – durable construction
• Takes very little time to set everything up
• Compatible with a long list of vehicles

The Cons:

• The GUI needs some work

Verdict

Despite the somewhat frustrating user interface, Pioneer will be an excellent replacement head unit if you put compatibility and hassle-free installation first. DMH-1500NEX is, indeed, very easy to connect and configure. Plus, it’s crafted from durable, long-lasting materials and can take a beating.

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3. Sony XAV-AX5000 – The best overall Android Auto head unit

And what does Sony – an international mogul – have to offer? Should you pick it over the competition, or not? Let’s take a quick look at what makes it stand out. What I love about this head unit is the quick-access key panel. It’s incredibly useful and allows the driver to operate the infotainment system while keeping the focus on the road. Another big pro is the pair of USB ports. Usually, you only get one, and that can be a major downside.

On top of it all, Sony protects this stereo with a 30-day return guarantee. Now, while it’s not a lifetime warranty, statistically, most defects can be easily detected within the first week; so, a month is more than enough time. The one thing that sets XAV-AX5000 back is the lack of customization options. You can change some basic settings, of course, but I’d like to see more control over the background, the menus, and such.

The Pros:

• Quick-access key panel – very handy
• Dual USB ports for extra functionality
• Backed by a 30-day return guarantee

The Cons:

• Lacks screen customization options

Verdict

Sony did an excellent job with this car stereo. It features two USB ports and an incredibly useful and handy quick-access key panel. Add a 30-day return guarantee, and you’ll see why it deserves your attention. Sadly, this isn’t the most customizable system out there, but that’s the only con.

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4. Kenwood DMX4707S – Best for great design and OS

Are you a big fan of connecting your phone to the head unit and playing your favorite music? Or maybe you like the enhanced navigation capabilities of a Smartphone? If the answer is yes to any of these questions, Kenwood might be right up your alley. It’s capable of establishing one of the reliable connections with systems like Android Auto and CarPlay. Thanks to the advanced OS, you won’t experience any issues with that.

The touchscreen also deserves our praise. Crafted from premium materials, it’s a high-definition display that doesn’t make the eyes hurt no matter how long you stare at it. An advanced, 13-band EQ is even more reason to consider Kenwood as your new stereo unit. However, this isn’t a particularly cheap device: compared to the industry average, it’s slightly steep (yet worth it).

View on Best Buy

The Pros:

• Flawless CarPlay and Auto connectivity
• Premium-quality, high-res. touchscreen
• Features a 13-band equalizer

The Cons:

• The most expensive stereo on the list

Verdict

While Kenwood isn’t a very affordable infotainment system, it is, most certainly, a top-notch device. Full CarPlay and Android Auto support, a state-of-the-art touchscreen, and a mighty equalizer – that’s what you’ll get with the DMX4707S head unit. If you’ve got the bucks, this will be a worthy purchase.

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5. BOSS Audio Systems BCPA10RC – Bes Single Din Android Car Stereo

BOSS is another leader in the market of stereo systems. And with this unit, you’ll get the biggest touchscreen on the list. That’s right – it’s a 10.1-inch beauty that almost feels like a notebook (or, rather, a tablet). Plus, the package includes a decent-quality rear-view camera. So, you can set everything up and boost the safety of your vehicle. More good news: all these pros come at a very reasonable price.

In fact, BCPA10RC is the least expensive option on today’s list. But wait, doesn’t it have any downsides? Well, it does: while the operating system is pretty solid, sometimes, you’ll experience “memory loss”. The OS tends to jump back to factory settings on loudness, equalizer settings, the radio, and more. That can be quite confusing and frustrating. On the bright side, these issues were only reported by a small percentage of owners.

View on BOSS Audio Systems

The Pros:

• Comes with a big, 10.1” touchscreen
• Available at a very affordable price
• Includes a rear-view camera

The Cons:

• Tends to revert to default settings

Verdict

If not for the random troubles with the memory, this stereo could be the best option on the table for the average driver. It is cheap, yet features a big, 10.1-inch touchscreen and even a free rear-view camera. This is still a bargain, of course, but do keep the memory issues in mind.

Buyer’s Guide

And that concludes my list of the best Android Auto car stereos. We just checked out five outstanding head units that will greatly improve connectivity and infotainment, among other things. But why did I pick these units over the competition? What do they have that the rivals don’t? What sets them apart from similar products available on the market? You’ll find all the answers in this guide!

The Touchscreen: Size Matters

There’s nothing hard about this one – the bigger the screen, the better. Obviously, there are some limits to how big the touchscreen can be. As we learned today, you can expect it to be as large as 10.1” and that’s quite a lot. Many tablets are smaller than that! However, right now, the industry standard for stereo unit screens is 7. You’ll see that most brands follow this trend.

It’s like the golden middle between 5-6 and 10 inches. And the interesting thing is – the size of the touchscreen doesn’t affect the final price that much. So, if you’re a fan, go for it! Just remember that resolution slash high definition is also incredibly important. Trust me: you don’t want to buy a gigantic display only to find out it is not HD. Keep this in mind.

Is the Head Unit Quick to Respond?

A slow, non-responsive user interface gotta be one of the most frustrating things out there. When you’re used to Smartphones and tablets and their impeccable responsiveness, a slow stereo unit operating system will be a disappointment. The trick part is – it can be quite hard to figure out how good or bad the built-in OS is. Essentially, it all comes down to how powerful the unit’s processor is.

The operating system is, of course, also responsible. But, again, you won’t find much info about this in the specs. All you can do here is read user comments for unbiased feedback. Or, just read my thorough reviews!

How easy is it to Set Everything Up?

Mechanics charge quite a lot for head unit installation ($100-150, depending on where you live). And if the factory stereo is a bit old and has lots of wires, they’ll charge you even more. So, can the average driver pull this off on their own? Absolutely – just make sure you know your way around cables, wires, and basic tools like a screwdriver and maybe a soldering machine as well. Before making an order, learn as much as you can about the device.

Does it include a wire harness, or not? Will you need a harness in the first place, or maybe it’s gonna be a plug-and-play kind of a routine? Some car stereos require an antenna adapter and a dash kit for installation. Without that gear, you won’t be able to install and connect them properly.

How to Choose the Best Android Auto Head Unit

• Single- vs. Double-din. I bet you’ve seen these specifications more than once. Well, they’re not that hard to decipher. Single-din stereos are seven inches wide and two inches tall – this is a universal standard. Double-din head units, in turn, are, again, seven inches wide, but twice as tall (four inches). It’s important to remember this when ordering a new system for your car.

And, don’t forget to measure the dimensions of your stock unit/dashboard; otherwise, you’ll probably end up ordering the wrong size. Now, are there any benefits to double-din stereos? Yes, there are: thanks to the larger size, the touchscreen can be bigger. Plus, double-din infotainment systems usually have more extra features.

• Pricing. Alright, so, what about the price – what’s the average price tag on a decent-quality head unit? Can you get a solid stereo for 100 bucks? Sadly, the answer is no. Unless you want the device to cause more harm than do good, don’t buy anything that costs less than $250-300. And if you want lots of knobs, fast navigation, and extended audio/video features, it’s gonna cost you $400-500.

In the long run, that’s not a very steep price. More expensive units ($600-700), in contrast, aren’t really worth the investment, as you won’t get any significant pros over the cheaper units. Summing up, it’s very well possible to get an excellent car stereo for 300-400 US dollars – that’s the “sweet spot” for these devices.

5 Things to Look for in a New Android Auto Head Unit

Enhanced Connectivity. Bluetooth, Android Auto, and CarPlay are the most popular interfaces/connectivity technologies. With their help, you can access every single feature from a phone or even tablet through the vehicle’s head unit. And let’s not forget about services like Spotify, Pandora, and SiriusXM. They’ll make life a lot more enjoyable on long, boring rides. Oh, and see that the stereo supports Google’s Assistant for hands-free control.

A Pair of USB ports. Did you know that most American drivers wish they had an extra USB on their head units? That’s right, and this should be a factor when ordering a new stereo. That auxiliary USB is usually used to connect an external storage unit, like, say, a flash drive. This way, you can have your Smartphone connected all the time plus have a spare port for any additional devices.

A Powerful EQ. Let’s admit it: we all like to play around with the equalizer, even though we don’t have a degree in sound engineering. EQs come with built-in presets that are fun to try out. You can set it to play rock music, rap, pop, or whatever you’re into. A decent-quality equalizer should have at least ten bands.

A Backup Camera. In terms of safety, a backup cam is a must-have, especially if you’re a novice driver trying to navigate through dense traffic and cramped-up parking lots. And the camera doesn’t have to be of the highest quality or have any extras. It’s just a matter of having a set of “eyes” in the back of the car and being in more control.

Warranty Deals. This one’s self-explanatory: look for a car stereo that is backed by a warranty. Some brands cover their products with a limited lifetime warranty; others offer refund policies or charge-free replacement guarantees. Remember, though, that the better the deal, the more expensive the unit is gonna be.

How do I Update Android Auto on my Car Stereo?

The best thing about apps like Android Auto – they update automatically whenever there’s an Internet connection. The driver gets a notification slash permission request for installation. However, this feature might be turned off; in other cases, the application refuses to autonomously download the upgrades. That’s when you gotta take matters into your own hands.

Now, upgrading any program on a Smartphone is a walk in the park: you just hit that big Update button, and it does the rest. On a car stereo, this goes a bit differently. So, if you’re got an infotainment system with a built-in Android Auto, here is what you can do:

• Method #1: Update the app on your Smartphone and then connect it to the head unit through USB. If you’re lucky, the car stereo will initiate an update. Just give it a minute or two to complete.
• Method #2: Some stereos still require an Internet connection even if you have the updates on the phone. Again, connect the two devices through USB but enable Wi-Fi in the phone’s settings.
• Method #3: If nothing works, go straight to your vehicle’s dealer. For a relatively small fee, they’ll download the latest updates and install them on the head unit.
• Method #4: Download a firmware update from the Internet and record it onto a flash drive. Then, connect that drive to the head unit and install the updates. However, I recommend against this, as you need to be 100% sure the updates “fit”. Otherwise, you might end up damaging the stereo.

Conclusion

Even if you’re driving an outdated, “boring” car with very few techy features, a decent-quality stereo unit can make a dramatic difference in the cabin. Easy navigation, voice commands, instant calls, and, above all, heavy integration with a Smartphone are all good reasons to consider buying an aftermarket head unit. If you figure out exactly what you need before making an order, you’ll be able to get a sweet deal at an affordable price.

That’s why I want you to read the Buyer’s Guide and FAQ thoroughly: there, we’ll talk about how to differentiate between low-quality and market-leading infotainment systems. Or, just go ahead and pick one of the five gadgets from the list. They’ve all been carefully tested and have proven to be worth the while. The choice, as always, is yours!