Best Double Din Head Units Buying Guide For Car Riders In

Last updated on July 8th, 2023 at 09:18 pm

Are you looking for the best double Din Head Unit? If yes, then definitely this review is for you. Here, we have compiled double DIN head units with special features such as double din head units with Bluetooth connectivity and navigation. With these, your driving will be the most memorable experience.

Imagine driving while streaming media: your favorite music and videos. Double DIN head units definitely provides for that. You can make hands-free calls, respond to text messages at your comfort while you remain focused on your driving.

But we appreciate that getting the right double Din Head unit can be very stressful. It can be more stressful if you don’t have much information about the available head units in the market and the best features. In this section, we will review the best double Din Head units available in the market.

Before we can go into the details of each, let’s look at the comparison chart below.

Comparison Table Of The 5 Best Double Din Head Unit In Market Today:

Review Of The 5 Best Double Din Head Unit In 2018:

1. Alpine ILX-107 7″ Wireless Apple CarPlay: 

Alpine’s new ILX-107 is an infotainment system that boasts of a wireless CarPlay system that allows you the ability to access Maps, Phone, Messages and Music from the iPhone in your vehicle saving you the agony of having to stop and connect a cable every time you get in.

You can easily access your iPhone on your vehicle’s touchscreen without necessarily connecting a cable.This unit comes with a 7-inch touchscreen that is to be used in the car with your iPhone through Apple CarPlay. More to this is it’s compatibility with the Alpine Tunelt App.

With Apple CarPlay, you nolonger need to worry about directions. It comes with a Apple Map that will guide you through spoken directions, interactive 3-D views, traffic conditions and estimated travel time. You will definitely love this extraordinary feature.

Moreover, Alpine features an Apple map that helps in getting your directions right. This will save you the agony of losing your direction.
In addition, Apple Car play, allows you to easily make calls, text friends and family members by just a touch on the touchscreen and enjoy your favorite music without any difficulty. If this is not an exceptional feature, then maybe the definition of exceptional has changed.

However, it is important that you note, that iLX-107 does not support HD Radio, nor does it have a port to connect to a Sirius XM tuner. This may not please you if you listen to Sirius satellite radio. It is also important that you note, that this doesn’t come with DVD/CD player slot. Further, this unit is only for the Apple iPhone. Androids will not work with this unit.

Here you can read this content about Alpine ILX-107 review.

2. Pioneer AVH-1300NEX Multimedia DVD Receiver:

Pioneer’s AVH-1300NEX features an innovative and powerful new user interface which is responsive and highly customizable. The NEX models are designed especially for today’s smartphone-driven lifestyle.

Its Apple CarPlay compatibility lets you access iPhone functions and iOS apps through its 6.2-inch touchscreen display or by voice with Siri Eyes Free. This Pioneer NEX multimedia receiver’s HD Radio tuner delivers an outstanding listening experience with local FM stations.

Pioneer AVH-1300NEX features Apple CarPlay, that allows an easy use of your iPhone in the car. Using Apple CarPlay, you can easily use your iPhone to make calls, text and answer text messages from your friends, use the apple map to find direction and listen to your favorite music with just a word or a touch.

Furthermore, with AppRadio mode, you can experience easy control of compatible apps directly on your dashboard. What you need is to connect to an iPhone 5 or any other compatible Android smartphone. This allows you full on-screen access and control of your contacts, calendar, maps and other apps on your phone.More importantly, AppRadioLIVE simplifies your drive by combining the information you need during your commute into a single, simple to use interface.

In addition, you can comfortably watch DVDs on your 6.2″ color touch-screen display. You can also play DivX, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, XviD, MPEG-4, AVI, WMV, H.264, H.263, JPEG, WMA, AAC, MP3 and other formats. Further, it comes with an AM/FM tuner that allows you to preset to 24 different stations.

We highly recommend Pioneer AVH-1300NEX for you. You will definitely love its excellent features. You can enjoy the use of your mobile apps with ease.

You can also read this another model of  Pioneer FH-X720BT Reviews.

3. BOSS Audio BV9364B Double Din:

BOSS Audio BV9364B boast of a built-in Bluetooth technology that allows stream music and make calls hand-free once it’s paired with your smartphone. Further, the treble and preset built-in EQ can help you change the sound style.

Moreover, the unit supports USB flash drive files of up to 32 GB for music playback on units without monitors and music, photo and video playback on units with monitors.

BOSS Audio BV9364B also allows for outputs video to additional screens if available, and outputs 80 Watts x 4 Max Power audio to Front, Rear and Sub Pre-Amp. Notably, the Pre-Amp outputs let you expand your system by adding up to 3 amps and/or signal processors for your front, rear and subwoofer channels.

Video output allows you to connect an external monitor’s RCA inputs directly to this unit. If you are to connect to multiple video monitors, then a video signal amplifier is highly recommended.

You may also love its RDS Tuner. This allows for the display of up to 64-character messages with station, song, artist, genre, traffic, news and more when an FM station broadcasts using RDS technology.

In addition, the unit features Rear Camera Input that automatically powers the rear camera when the vehicle shifts into reverse and displays the image on the unit’s screen.The unit also features a touchscreen control, ID3 tag and Electronic skip protection that buffers the disc while playing. You may also love its 3 Year Platinum Online Dealer Warranty.

Here you can read this content about BOSS Audio BV9364B Review.

4. Kenwood DDX416BT 6.2″ Double Din Head Unit:

The Kenwood 6.2-inch Double-DIN In-Dash DVD Receiver with Bluetooth and HD Radio is also SiriusXM ready, this allows you to listen to your favorite satellite radio station from anywhere provided you add a satellite radio tuner. The unit allows for a simple, secure and fast Bluetooth connectivity of up to two phones, this enables hands-free calling and music streaming.

The Music mix enables up to 5 Bluetooth devices to be connected to the head unit at the same time so passengers can share/switch devices to share music. Fine-tune your music with preset built-in EQ controls on the unit, the remote, or touchscreen.

Of note, it works with Kenwood Remote App so smartphones can control the most basic functions of the receiver via Bluetooth connection of the paired phone
The audio coding technology and FLAC support DVD, DVD+/-RW, CD, CD-R, CD-RW and MPEG1/2, MP3, WMA, ACC, WAV and JPEG playback. It is also loved for its two video inputs, with parking guideline for the backup camera.

Kenwood 6.2-inch Double-DIN In-Dash DVD Receiver with Bluetooth and HD Radio features a trim ring, wiring harness, 6.5′ parking brake wire, microphone with bracket, 2 radio removal tools, 6 pan-head ISO-mount screws, 6 flat-head ISO-mount screws, instruction manual and warranty card.

5. Corehan 6.95″ Android 7 Car Stereo CD DVD Player:

If you need to free your both hands by dialing and listening to a call on the radio by Bluetooth connection, then you can think of Corehan 6.95″ unit. The unit has a build-in A9 Quad Core 1.6 GHz CPU, Mali400Mp2 GPU, and Wifi, Bluetooth, GPS module.Bring a super cool multimedia center and a high-end navigation system on your vehicle.

This unit allows you to share music with Bluetooth instantly from your phone once the Bluetooth is paired. It boasts of a built-in CD/DVD driver that allows you to enjoy lossless music and FHD movie anytime. It may also interest you to know that it comes with three USB ports and a dual microSD card slots.

Its stereo supports OBD II(purchase separately) scanner, reversing camera input, steering wheel control, and dash cam recording.You can know more details about the engineer via OBD II on the stereo.

The unit allows for a reliable GPS System that supports Online and Offline navigation. What you need to do is to download your favorite GPS app from google play and save. The navigation system leads you to the destination.

Furthermore, the built-in internal and external microphones. Dual microphones bring you a clear voice in communication.
Lastly, you may love to know that this unit comes with a 12 months warranty cover. This is the most portable way to play multimedia on the road.

How To Choose The Best Double Din Head Units:

What Are the Advantages of Upgrading a Head Unit:

A head unit assumes a major part of the power and abilities of your auto sound system contrary to the popular opinion that only speakers are important. Upgrading the head unit brings a lot of improvements on the sound system.

Redesigning and upgrading the head units and speakers is key to improving sound clarity, quality, and power. Plus with the high tech capabilities of most aftermarket head units, you’ll be able to stream your iPod, connect with Bluetooth, and even access social media from your vehicle.For the best music, you can consider a Double DIN Head Unit.

Head units consist of tiny amplifiers that help boost speaker power. Modern head units highly surpass their predecessors and pick up satellite signals as well. These serve as the centerpiece of the car sound system. Most modern head units have upgraded to play various types of Audio/Video media.

These head units come with touch screens and widescreen monitors and can let you choose and create playlists depending on your choice and mood of the day.

It may also interest you to know that most of these modern head units come with GPS that guides you through destination, help you calculate hours and distance. This would definitely improve your driving. Thus apart from enhancing the sound quality, it does ease your driving.

The technologically advanced features of most modern head units can let you access social media, connect with Bluetooth and stream music from your phone.
In summary, upgrading a head unit has the following benefits:

1. Good sound quality
2. Better interface
3. Allows for media streaming
4. Allows for hands-free operation eg hands-free calls
5. Better display
6. Advanced connectivity features eg Bluetooth connectivity
7. Improved clarity
8. Improves driving with GPS
9. Allows access to social media

 

What Should You Look For When Choosing a Double Din Head Unit?

Just like it is when you are to buy other products, there are several factors that you can consider if you are to get the right double din head unit that will serve you well. Here are some few factors that you may consider:

1. Pre-Amp Outputs:

Pre-amp means the amount of signal you get before it’s been amplified. Now, it goes without saying that the more outputs you have, the more you can customize your listening experience.
The way it works is that you can hook up multiple amplifiers to your Head Unit, thereby enabling you to adjust the sound as you see fit with different control options.

2. Power:

Power is equally an important consideration, the more the power the double din head unit produces, the better you can enjoy the overall output. You may want to consider RMS.

3. Ease Of Installation:

No one would want to spend more on installation after buying a product. A good head unit should allow for the ease of installation to save you the agony of having to hire a professional. This video shows how to install double din head units.

4. Usability:

Usability refers to how well everything fits into its place as you would want it to. Using my example, I prefer using physical buttons and knobs when it comes to controlling the volume and bass of my stereo, while I have a friend who prefers everything remotely controlled.
So depending on your preference, select the stereo that can make your entertainment system to be awesome for use.

 

5. Good Display:

The double-DIN heads have a larger display, and that making them provide a good display as compared to single DIN head units. Since, the stereos are designed to work as hands-free devices as well as play music, if the display is large, it allows you to see who is calling you and what type of music you are listening to. Some of the double DIN heads displays are adjustable.

6. App Control:

It is a feature which is present in the latest double DIN head unit. It is an App which allows you to control your phone through the head unit, thus, no need for you to look at the phone. Modern double DIN head units are now coming with this.

7. HD Radio:

Radio stations broadcasting digital signals are becoming more and more appealing. To gain the benefits of static-free reception and better sound quality, your stereo must have an HD Radio tuner.

8. Satellite radio:

Most people would love to have a double DIN head unit that is satellite radio enabled. The double Din head unit should feature a satellite radio-ready capability. That means it can control an optional hideaway satellite radio tuner.

9. Connectivity:

Moreover, connectivity to several devices is also an important consideration. Quality double DIN head units should be able to connect to several units such as iOs and Android devices, AUX jack, USBs, class drives, MP3 players and many more. This allows for ease of usage of the device.

10. Compatibility:

A number of double DIN head units come equipped with either native proprietary software or bundled 3rd party software. However, these offerings are ultimately a bit limited and do not include the basic services of a provider like Verizon or AT&T. While some offer navigation support and others might provide streaming music apps, few can compete with the apps designed by Apple or Android.

11.Audio Sources:

Audio sources are one of the major factors that you must consider when buying a car stereo. Probably are not going to the listening song from disc media or you still like it. On the based on you need and priority you should have looked at the head units which are compatible with your desire audio sources. You might be love to listen to the song by your phone with Bluetooth connection to the head unit, love to tune satellite radio or HD radio broadcasts.

12. Easier to use:

Moreover, advanced controls and a larger display make it easier to operate the stereo. Touchscreen controls are among the most intuitive to use and give your stereo a futuristic feel.

13. Theft Protection:

The need to install a theft protection is such an important consideration when choosing a double DIN head unit. This will save you from the loss of having your car being stolen.
When leaving the car, take off the face of the head unit and keep it in a different location like the glove box, under the seat, trunk or anywhere you deem safe. It is unlikely that a thief can have to break into your vehicle to access your car stereo because it is not worth the trouble.

14. GPS Navigation:

Double DIN head units with built-in GPS Navigation allows you to determine direction while driving. This makes driving more convenient and easy. You can know where are you now while driving, you can set up where you want to go and how much time it will take to go there. Aftermarket car stereos are more efficient with this features they provide more accurate maps and up to date traffic data, voice commands, and better destination search. A good double DIN head unit should at least have this feature.

15. Apps and smartphone integration:

A double DIN head unit with a Bluetooth connectivity is all you need. It allows you to easily connect with your phone with ease. Smartphone integration makes driving easy and convenient. With smartphone integration, you can easily make calls and receive messages while driving.

What People Think Before Buying It:

Double DIN vs Single DIN?

DIN is a standard measurement for car radios and head units. Your car may have a single DIN or a double DIN slot for the head unit. You can tell the difference when you look at your head unit faceplate.

Whereas the heights of both the DINs are about 7-inches, the height makes the difference. While the double DIN is about 4 inches tall, the single DIN is only 2-inches tall. Experts can comfortably install the single DIN into a double DIN slot though with the use of a special kit

I know if asked which of them is the best, you will definitely fall for Double DIN units. Double DIN units have bigger screens and have more powerful amps built into them better than the single DIN units. However, don’t be surprised to find single DIN units that still suit your needs if you’re looking to connect them to external amps.

Notably, there are 1.5 DIN head units. These head units fall between the single and double-DIN units and are 3-inches tall. However, most cars are designed to use either single or double-DIN head units.

How Many Watts Should Your Head Unit Be?

If you are an expert in this field, then possibly you understand this well. Wattage is an important consideration if you need a head unit with exceptional sound.

It’s no news that the higher the wattage, the louder you can play your music. More to that, you may love to know that most double DIN head units operate in a range of between 50-80 watt.

More importantly, you may also need to consider Root Mean Square(RMS) power rating. This shows you the largest continuous output from an amp or the largest continuous input that a speaker can handle. That would mean that as much as the wattage should be high, RMS equally should be reasonably high.

Lastly, as much is you consider the wattage of the head unit, you must not forget to check the RMS power rating, it’s important.

The Problem with Newer Cars:

You may have noticed that some new cars have strayed away from the DIN sizes. This is a recent development and can make it a hassle to replace an existing head unit. I guess some manufacturers want to keep you using the tech they create, rather than finding a better unit elsewhere.

Still, it’s not a huge issue. Most head units in modern cars have all of the features you’ll find in external units, plus a few more specific to the vehicle. More often than not, you’ll find these head units suit your requirements. You really only need to look for another one if you’re driving an older vehicle or your current head unit.

Your Future Plans:

The maintenance and improvements in your car may be very expensive in future if your current improvements and attachments are not done with the future in mind.
You need to think ahead if you’re going to install external components. For example, you should look for a unit that has preamp outputs if you’re planning on hooking an external amp to the unit. The same goes if you want to use better speakers.The less costly head units tend to skip these features, so make sure you know what you’re getting. So be advised accordingly.

All In All:

Having gone through this review, we believe you are leaving informed. Having gone through several available Double Din Head units, we compiled this list of extraordinary head units with an excellent performance.
If you ever wanted the best double DIN head unit, then definitely you found the right match for you. The sound quality is just exceptional and you definitely will fall for other added features like hands-free calls, GPS for looking. I can write a hundred reasons why these are the best. You can consider investing in one of them.

 

Last update on 2024-12-21 at 16:37 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API