If you’re stuck with an outdated car stereo lacking modern features like Bluetooth or touchscreen navigation, it can make driving less enjoyable. The limited functionality and poor sound quality can be frustrating, and upgrading often feels expensive or confusing.
However, there are budget-friendly double DIN head units that provide modern features without breaking the bank. We’ve reviewed them all, whether it is a Sony, Kenwood, Pioneer, Alpine or BOSS!
This article will cover everything from: What is a Double Din Head Unit? What’s the difference between single and double DIN head units? What features are most important, and which one is the best budget double din head unit.
Hopefully, this article will aid you in making your decision easier!
What is a Double Din Head Unit?
A Double Din Head Unit is a new generation stereo that installs in your dash and is a replacement for the old school factory radio.
It has an LCD screen on the front that displays text and graphics; it also has touch-sensitive controls to change settings or adjust volume without taking your hands off the steering wheel. This is called hands-free control, i.e., controlling the head unit without physically touching its screen; this can be achieved via Bluetooth, mobile App, or steering wheel controls.
ISO 7736 is a standard that governs the size of dashboard-mounted head units for car audio, i.e., the Single-DIN and Double-DIN radios. This measurement is standard for all cars and is called DIN size or DIN 75490.
Double-DIN or 2-DIN Radio measures twice the height of the original standard Single-DIN Radio, i.e., 180 mm wide by 50 mm height, approximately 7 by 2 inches. The double-DIN Radio measures 180 mm wide by 100 mm in height, approximately 7 by 4 inches.
tandard Single-DIN 50mm tall radios can still be installed into double DIN bracket, but a 50mm tall spacer is added for a perfect fit, as shown in the image above.
Benefits of Double DIN Over Single DIN Head Unit
Below are the main advantages of purchasing a Double DIN head unit:
1. More Accessible Controls
The increased space on a double din unit gives it the advantage of having more prominent and visible control buttons, unlike the single din head unit. This makes it easy to operate, even in traffic, without taking your eyes off the road.
2. Video Screen With HD Display
This feature has transformed over time, allowing for features such as rearview camera feeds even on low-budget car models. The modern head units have 1080p high-definition video capability and Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, making it easy to connect to your phone.
3. Superior Sound
Unlike the Single-DIN head unit, Double-DIN has more space for additional internal components such as a built-in amplifier, equalizer, surround sound, and subwoofer controls. All these components contribute to the production of superior sound output.
4. Smart Features Touchscreen
the extra screen available on the double din head unit has made it possible to include advanced touchscreen features similar to those found on mobile devices. They include apps that support software like Carplay, GPS and navigation, powerful processors, and advanced touchscreens.
5. Backward Compatibility
A single din slot cannot accept a double din head unit. Your only choice is to buy another car with a double din slot. On the other hand, a double din has a big enough slot to accommodate two single din head units, or preferably a single din unit and a 50mm spacer.
5 Best Budget Double Din Head Unit
Below are the five Best Budget Double Din Head Units, reviewed by our team.
1. Sony XAV-AX8100 Media Receiver (Best Overall)
- Resistive touchscreen with anti-glare
The Sony XAV-AX8100 Media Receiver with CarPlay, Android Auto and Weblink Cast support. It also fits both the Single and Double-DIN chassis.
And with updated support for smartphones, together with newly added HDMI connectivity, you’ll enjoy safer and easier driving.
Features and Specifications:
- Audio Quality and Control: Comes with easy to use button controls, for quick access to commonly-used features such as volume, source, sound settings and voice control, for safe and easy operation on the road. It also features a built-in equalizer and amp powers 4 speakers x 55 Watts amplification, with Extra Bass Boost.
- Connectivity: Supports both Siri with Apple CarPlay and Voice Control with Android Auto; to ensure that music, maps, phone calls and messages are all under your control, with a touch or voice command. Bluetooth Wireless technology for easy hands free calls and wireless audio stream from your smartphone.
- Display: Its 8.95 Inches (22.7cm), 800 x 480p resolution, anti-glare touchscreen makes everything easy to see at a glance, this makes it safer to use on the road. The display is framed on a three-way adjustable mount, and can be adjusted by tilt, depth and height for extra safety, comfort and viewing by the driver. The display is also multilanguage support: English/ Spanish/ French/ German/ Italian/ Russian/ Portuguese/ Thai/ Simplified Chinese/ Traditional Chinese/ Korean/ Arabic/ Indonesian
- Audio File Support: Audio Support WMA/WAV/MP3/AAC/FLAC audio playback. The Video Support MPEG-2/MPEG-1/MPEG-4/favorite/DivX/WMV video playback
Pros
- In-built GPS for easy navigating with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay
- Oversized touchscreen 8.95 Inches
- WebLink® Cast compatible
- Rear view camera ready
- Extra Bass Boost
- HDMI connectivity
Cons
- Pricey
- SiriusXM requires an additional Antenna
2. The Pioneer MVH-1400NEX Digital Multimedia Receiver (Best iPhone Integration via CarPlay)
- Works with Apple CarPlay – 800 x 400 resolution, clear-resistive touchscreen, 24-bit True color…
The Pioneer MVH-1400NEX Digital multimedia receiver features Apple CarPlay, that’s incredibly intuitive and compatible with iPhone. It also supports Android smartphone with NEX .
It interacts with your Smartphone flawlessly to aid you in making calls, using navigation, listening to music, and accessing your messages with just a word or a touch.
The unit also features a built-in Bluetooth that enables both hands-free calling and audio streaming.
Features and Specifications:
- Audio Quality and Control: In-built Auto EQ 13-band equalizer, with great High- and low-pass filters and Subwoofer controls, for production of superior sound.
- Connectivity: Comes with Bluetooth Connectivity, 1.5A USB port, AUX input, Composite A/V input, Backup-camera input, wired remote input and a composite video output. It also includes Pandora and Spotify control with iPhone and Android, and a Digital multimedia receiver receiver with AM/FM tuner.
- Display: It features a 6.2 Inches, 800 x 400 resolution, clear-resistive touchscreen, 24-bit True color display. Its also Multilanguage support (English/Spanish/French/Chinese)
- Audio File Support: Audio Support CD/ CD-R/RW/WMA/ WAV/ MP3/ AAC/ FLAC audio playback. Video Support DVD/ DVD-R/RW/ did-video/ MPEG-2/MPEG-1/ MPEG-4/ favorite/ DivX/ WMV video playback
Pros
- Works great with iPhone and iOS devices via Apple CarPlay
- Includes wiring harness, USB extension cable and Bluetooth microphone
- In-Built 13-band equalizer with Subwoofer controls
- Bright and crisp 6.2 inches display
- Great Backup camera integration
Cons
- Lacks and in-built Mic
- No Android Auto Support
- Slow User Interface
3. ATOTO A6 PF Android Car Stereo (Best for Android Integration via Android Auto)
- 【High Performance】As the upgraded and enhanced successor to the popular A6 Y & A6 Karlink, A6 PF…
The ATOTO A6 PF Android Double-DIN Car Stereo comes with an built-in GPS that will enable you run online navigation App either in Android Auto for Android Smartphones or CarPlay for iPhones.
with ATOTO A6 PF you can now make calls, send/receive SMS, listen to music/podcasts in CarPlay or Android Auto while you focus on driving.
It comes with great and easy to follow installation instructions. That will have your up and running in no time. Incase of any query the manufacturer responded promptly via phone or contact on their website myatoto.com.
Features and Specifications:
- Audio Quality and Control: Sound is loud and clear thanks to the in-built equalizer and subwoofer control. Can support four 45W speakers.
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and USB Support. Including 3 Options for Internet Access i.e. Wi-Fi hotspot both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, USB tethering and Bluetooth tethering. FM/AM radio with RBDS and OEM steering wheel control integration. Additionally, it supports Google Android OS with more than 1,000 apps from Google Play Store have been tested installable on A6 PF.
- Display: Has a 7-inch 1024 by 600 resolution IPS screen, with a 178° full-viewing angle allows clear viewing even in broad daylight. It also supports 720P HD rear-view camera input.
- Audio File Support: Audio Support WMA/ WAV/ MP3/ AAC/ FLAC/ Ogg (.ogg)/ Matroska (.mkv, Android 10+) audio playback. Video Support MPEG-2/ MPEG-1/ MPEG-4/ favorite/ DivX/ WMV/ 3GPP (.3gp), Matroska (.mkv) video playback
Pros
- Intuitive 7 inch Touchscreen
- Built using Android OS, thus interacts well with Android devices via Android Auto App.
- Upto 1,000 compatible apps and counting.
Great video quality for watching YouTube and videos - In-built equalizer and subwoofer control
Cons
- Slow Wi-Fi adapter
- Apps and OS can be slow to update
- May experience occasional freezes and restarts
4. Kenwood DPX504BT CD Receiver with Bluetooth (Best Non-Touchscreen Option)
- Kenwood DPX504BT features built-in Alexa with voice control. Alexa is a cloud-based voice control…
The Kenwood DPX504BT Car Stereo CD Receiver features built-in built-in Bluetooth (ver. 4.2) and Alexa with voice control.
This Kenwood Dash CD Receiver produces great sound thanks to Kenwood’s DriveEQ equalizer. It support FM radio frequencies, CD and USB 2.0 music Input. All this packed in a compact 9.5 x 10.5 x 7 inches double din unit.
Features and Specifications:
- Audio Quality and Control: This Kenwood beast comes with an inbuilt GraphicEQ – 13 Band equalizer and DTA (Digital Time Alignment) to give optimum turning enhancement to your sound. Also comes with the legendary Drive EQ that boosts specific frequencies in the audio signal to overcome negative impact of road noise.
- Connectivity: It supports Alexa, and you can ask the unit to play music, get weather reports, traffic information, control smart home devices, set reminders, and more on your drive home. It also Supports Bluetooth (ver. 4.2), Spotify, Pandora apps and is SiriusXM ready. You can also control your unit remotely via the KENWOOD Remote App, available for both iPhone or Android.
- Display: Kenwood made a great high quality screen with high-Contrast 3-line Display with Variable-Color Illumination, Red, Blue and green. Or you can customize your own color using the RGB code, to match your preference and mood.
- Audio File Support: Compatible with various audio format from high resolution FLAC and WAV, to MP3, MWA and ACC.
Pros
- Amazon Alexa Voice Control
- Built-in Bluetooth
- Powers 4 speakers from the built in amplifier (50 watt x 4 channel)
- Available at a bargain price
Cons
- No GPS support
- Lacks a touchscreen display
- Menus and Control are not easy to navigate
- CD doesn’t support MP3
5. BOSS Audio Systems BVNV9384RC (Best Value for Money)
- GPS NAVIGATION: Built-in GPS (Global Positioning System) includes coverage of all 50 states, Puerto…
The Boss Audio BVNV9384RC Double-DIN 6.2-inch Touchscreen Monitor with Navigation keeps you on track and entertained.
Blast music from the Auxiliary Input, SD port, DVD/CD player or AM/FM radio and enjoy Boss trademark High Resolution Audio.
Features and Specifications:
- Audio Quality and Control: Built-in Boss Preset EQ and Hi Res Audio, with advance Bass, Treble, Balance and Fader Controls that can power 4 x 80 watts speakers
- Connectivity: Bluetooth Hands-Free and Audio Streaming. Comes Wireless Remote and Rear Camera included in the packaging. Bluetooth connectivity to control your music and apps like Spotify and Pandora wirelessly.
- Display: 6.2 Inches high resolution display with touchscreen navigation. It features a built-in GPS includes coverage of all 50 states and pre-loaded point of interest. Maps can be viewed in both 2D and 3D View.
- Audio File Support: Plays DVD/CD/MP3/MP4, USB/SD/WMA/FLAC 24 BIT High Res Audio and Smartphone connectivity
Pros
- Wireless Remote and Rear Camera Included
- Multiple inputs including: USB, SD Card, Auxiliary Input, AV, Rear Camera and Steering Wheel Control
- Touchscreen navigation
- USB port is charging capable
Cons
- Does not support Android Auto or Apple Carplay
Buying Guide: Factors to Consider When Buying a Budget Double Din Head Unit
This section explores the must-have features that make a great double DIN head unit.
1. Display
According to Boss Audio systems, the bigger the display, the better it is to control the apps easily. An ideal display makes it easy to function even at night. A good display should ensure that all entertainment information, such as album and songs titles, are easily read and controlled.
A double din unit should also have plug-and-play buttons for easy press. A good display ensures safety in that it minimizes the risk of losing focus when finding songs as you drive.
The double din unit can also mirror a smartphone screen and simulate the application on its touchscreen; this enhances drivers’ safety, as the driver doesn’t have to peek at his phone while driving.
2. Navigation
Navigation that has the latest maps ensures a safer drive and gives directions when driving in a new area. Currently, double din head units have an internal GPS navigation system. This is useful for those with cars that lack an inbuilt GPS.
The double din unit can also be connected to a reverse camera, enabling you to navigate when reversing. The rearview camera integration is, however, available in higher-budget units.
3. Connectivity
The double din head units can merge with your smartphone apps through Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. Some have an advanced setting where you can connect to the internet and access apps like Spotify, iTunes, or Netflix via the touchscreen.
Another wireless connectivity like Bluetooth is also supported. It contains an array of connecting slots like AUX, SD cards, USB, and micro-USB. These slots provide multiple choices on how to play your ideal music when driving.
4. Operating System
This goes hand in hand with connectivity. The double din should be able to integrate easily with the vehicle system and your other devices.
Be aware of the limitations that come with connecting with different operating systems. The most popular options are android and apple. Your device is ten to one likely to connect to your din unit if it is running on iOS or android.
The apple system integrates the best since its design language is consistent whether you are on your phone or operating it via the head unit. If your devices are android, choose a head unit with the latest android operating system.
Avoid unshared operating systems from bands that are not known. They can generate issues with modern devices and are not updated regularly.
5. Theft Protection
The display of the din unit is appealing hence increasing the risk of theft. Consider purchasing a unit with theft restraints such as lock-out features or removable faceplates.
This renders the unit useless if they are stolen. Some ways to ensure your unit is protected are; installing a security alarm, using an undetectable unit that retracts inside the dashboard after use, or using security codes to access the unit.
Final Words
Choosing the best budget double din head unit for your car is essential for your drive-in entertainment, navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and in-apps information display such as Weather, date, and Time.
We hope you have enjoyed this blog post and found it informative or given some new ideas of what to look for when purchasing a product like this one!
Don’t hesitate to contact our team for any feedback, questions, or things that we might have missed in our article!
Last update on 2024-10-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Leave a Reply