What is the Best Single DIN Head Unit?

Unless you own a high-end vehicle equipped with an expensive brand-name factory stereo option, your standard factory-installed stereo isn’t going to be anything to write home about.

Fortunately, you can buy a new car stereo and breathe a new life into your sound system. The first step along that path is to choose a new head unit that incorporates as many features as you want. By buying a new head unit, you’ll be able to enjoy features you didn’t have before, such as Bluetooth wireless streaming, MP3 compatibility, MIXTRAX  Illumination, and more. 

If you’re on the lookout for a best single din head unit that meets your needs and fits your car, and to make an informed decision, there are a few points that you might want to be aware of before you go online or to the stores to embark on your quest.  

Best Single DIN Head Units 

Alpine CDE-HD149BT

Alpine CDE-HD149BT is a simple stereo but with complete functions to meet the different needs of modern drivers. It has an attractive and easy-to-navigate LCD. The car stereos have a CD noise signal, AM / FM tuner, plus it plays songs in MP3 via Bluetooth and USB.  

 The sound is powerful thanks to the four 50 watt speakers each. The stereo has a USB input, which allows you to connect iPods, smartphones, and tablets to listen to any audio of your choice. In addition, the installation process is a breeze. 

 As a music lover, you won’t find any better car stereo, thanks to its high-quality signal that delivers uninterrupted reception. It has a dimension of 6.3 x 7 x 2 inches and a weight of 3.31 pounds coupled with a single DIN. 

 You can easily connect your smartphone via Bluetooth with this car radio to use it in a hands-free mode. The 9-band parametric equalizer allows you to customize the audio to suit your tastes. For cars with limited spacing for a single DIN head unit but want Bluetooth capability, this is the perfect device. 

Specification

• Single DIN with faceplate Security 
• LCD Text Display 
• 12 FM Presets, and 6 AM Presets 
• USB input 
• 9-band parametric equalizer 
• CEA-2006 Compliant 
• Peak Power Output of 50 watts  
• RMS Power Output of 18 watts  
• Compatible with iPod, iPhone 5 and Android 
• 1-year warranty 

Pros: 

•  Modern and Stylish looks 
• Plenty of fine-tuning audio adjustment 
• Highly compatible with external devices 

Cons:  

• FLAC files are not supported by USB  
• Inconvenient USB and AUX input placements  
• Menus are not user-friendly 

Kenwood KDC-168U 

Kenwood is a brand known worldwide for its quality, which we also found in this car stereo. Here, drivers can count on its affordability. This device is one of the cheapest currently available in the market. And this doesn’t translate into low quality or lack of functionality. 

Besides the affordable price of this device, it’s also ideal for those whose car has no space for 2-din models. 

It delivers maximum power of 50W for each of the four speakers, and the sound will still be crystal clear. 

Kenwood is a brand known worldwide for its quality, which we also found in this car stereo. Here, drivers can count on its affordability. This device is one of the cheapest currently available in the market. And this doesn’t translate into low quality or lack of functionality. 

Thanks to the Aux and USB inputs, you can connect smartphones and MP3 players to listen to the stored music. Also, the display text is straightforward to read, making it much appreciated by motorists. 

This item compact shape is equally efficient and suitable for playing music in a pleasant and simple to use way. It is convenient to operate. It’s the go-to choice for those who spend a lot of time in the car and need to relax. Also, it is compatible with the majority of the audio formats currently in circulation. 

Specification

• 50 watts x 4 Channel Max 
• 22 watts x 4 Channel RMS 
• 1 set of 2.5V preamp outputs 
• 3-Band graphic equalizer with selectable tone curves 
• 5mm Front Audio auxiliary input 

Pros:

• Reputable brand 
• Powerful
• Affordable
• Includes USB and AUX inputs
• Convenient to operate

Cons:

• Some people may need greater power

Pioneer DEH-150MP Single Din Car Stereo 

Pioneer DEH-150MP Single Din is one of the best car stereos designed to provide you with comfort while driving.  

 This is possible, thanks to its CD playback capabilities, USB, Aux, Bluetooth, and smartphone compatibility. 

 The Bluetooth technology gives you access to stream music from your smartphone. It helps you to manage both incoming and outgoing calls, talk safely, and send audio files. You can also connect your phone via the USB port and listen to your favorite tracks in different audio formats.  

 Thanks to the total power of 200 Watts, its sound is even full-bodied. In addition, it has a minimalist aesthetic design to complement your car interior. The MOSFET amplifier helps to optimize optimal listening in every situation. 

 This item is pretty easy to set up and install, and it offers great functionality with crystal clear sound. Also, it has a sturdy build with a bit and a crisp screen. All in all, the sound generated in the car is certainly of great quality. 

 This model is one of our choices to search for the best single DIN car stereo of the moment. The device has an elegant design and various options to access your favorite music and radio channels. It incorporates a USB port and Bluetooth connectivity. 

Specification

• Android Compatibility 
• Smartphone Control (Android) 
• MOSFET 50W x 4 
• MIXTRAX 
• LCD display with LED backlight 
• CEA-2006 Compliant amplifier 
• Peak power of 50 watts x 4 channels 
• RMS of 14 watts x 4 channels 
• Wireless remote control 

Pros: 

• Comes with alpha sonic earbuds and wireless remote control 
• Its detachable faceplate reduces the chances of theft 

Cons: 

• The display is not clear in daylight 
• Internal heat up and smoke from the receiver may b experienced after a month  
• There is difficulty in using the control since the  volume knob doubles as the settings button  

Boss Audio 616UAB Single DIN Head Unit  

The Boss Audio 616UAB Single DIN Head Unit is an excellent car stereo unit. This model is one of our choices to search for the best single DIN car stereo of the moment.  

 The device has an elegant design and various options to access your favorite music and radio channels. It incorporates a USB port and Bluetooth connectivity. 

 The Bluetooth connectivity ensures easy connection with any mobile phone, both for playing files and talking in hands-free mode. Its preset built-in equalizer allows you to adjust the sound style to make your journey memorable with digital music. 

 The car radio reproduces the sound at a maximum power output of  50 watts x 4 to deliver everything clearly. It can read different audio formats, including WMA, MP3, USB, and smartphones, offering high-quality in all these cases. And besides, you’ll not lose your station and live to stream, thanks to its strong signal. 

 You’ll find it easy to control all its functions directly from the front keypad or use it remotely. It’s pretty easy to set up, and you’ll not have to complicate your life to install the car radio. It doesn’t have an RDS function, which is responsible for displaying the station’s name. Although, this is not particularly serious. 

Specification

• Audio Streaming and Bluetooth Hands-Free 
• 50 Watts x 4 Channels of power 
• Plays MP3/WMA/USB and Smartphones 
• No-CD or DVD Player 
• Switchable European and US Tuner 
• USB and Aux input 
• Front and Rear Pre Amplifier Output 
• Treble/Bass/ Fader Controls/Balance and Preset Built-in EQ 

Boss 508UAB Multimedia Car Stereo 

With this Boss Stereo unit, two phones can be connected through Bluetooth with secure and simple pairing. It is also possible to receive calls from either phone by pushing a key on the phone. The BTS comes with all the important features needed in a modern car stereo unit. The iPhone’s Bluetooth pairing is connected via USB; therefore, no need for a tiresome manual process. 

 The Boss 608UAB Multimedia Car Stereo can also indicate low battery status on the LCD screen, accompanied by a beeping sound. Again, your listening experience will be heightened by displaying album, artist, and title information during song playback. You can also listen to Spotify, IHeartRadio, and Pandora from your phone with easy control on the head unit.  

 Android devices can be connected via Bluetooth, while iPhones are connected via Bluetooth and USB cables. Its compatibility with the FLAC format enables the compression of your digital audio files without loss of information. 

Specification

• 50 Watts x 4 Max Power 
• Treble/Bass/ Fader Controls/Balance and Preset Built-in EQ 
• Switchable US and European Tuner 
• Plays CD/MP3/WMA/USB and Smartphones 
• USB and AUX input support 
• Outputs: Front & Rear Pre-Amp 
• Wireless Remote 
• Bluetooth Hands-free Calling and Wireless Audio Streaming  
• Plays CD/MP3/WMA/USB and Smartphones 

508UAB

Pros  

 It comes with Bluetooth support for pairing devices to promote hands-free use. 

Features a USB port and USB charging for using flash disk  

The faceplate can be removed in insecure areas 

It enables you to skip music easily while playing from a compact disk. 

Cons: 

 

• Crossover settings are not saved when you turn off your car 
• Sirius XM satellite radio stations are hard to program 

Alpine CDE-172BT In-Dash Receiver  

The Alpine CDE-172BT Stereo is equipped with a touchscreen that features a multicolored LCD screen display. The camera at the rear is meant to show the back view. Aside from that, you can also get to enjoy a hands-free activity through Bluetooth connectivity. You can easily hit the road and make those important phone calls without taking your eyes off the road! The console unit in the car deck lets you link up several devices. In addition, it has a 3.55 mm AUX input at the front panel and an RCA output connector at the rear panel. 

 The car stereo displays the name of the incoming caller and gives access to the contact list of the mobile phone directly from the car stereo using the Phone Book Access Profile. 

Specification

• Hands-free Bluetooth technology 
• 1440 x230 pixel screen telescope resolution  
• AM and FM radio frequencies supported 
• Screen controls are compatible with CDs, USB, and SD cards 
• Remote control 
• HD radio built-in 
• Compatible with Alpine TuneIt 2.5 App 
• 1-Line High Contrast LCD Display with RGB Illumination 
• CD text information display 
• AM/FM tuner with 6 AM and 18 FM presets 

Pros

• Its Bluetooth technology allows for hands-free usage 
• Very high screen resolution  
• Excellent quality of its Bluetooth calls  
• Plays a variety of audio formats such as WAV, Mp3, WMA 

Cons

• There is a little bit of glare on the screen when used in bright lights 
• The equalizer is not flexible and only provides treble and bass 
• Lacks sound adjustment features 

WZTO Single-Din Car Stereo Headunit 

This single DIN car stereo from WZTO has a 7” digital LCD touch screen. It also supports the rearview camera and dynamic menu interface. This unit supports Bluetooth and hands-free calling, FM Radio, USB, and TF. 

Aside from that, it also comes with Bluetooth connectivity that allows you to pair your phone with the receiver and listen to music. Besides, this stereo can be connected with your home Wi-Fi or hotspot on the phone. Therefore you can download apps and music from the receiver. The GPS enables you to reach your destination without any fears of getting lost. Its navigation system works both online and offline.

Specification

• 7″ screen 
• Multi-lingual 
• 2 channels of video output  
• Bluetooth connection password: mobile phone, may require a password 
• Reversing video and audio input supported 
• Steering wheel control function 
• Bluetooth version 4.0 with Hands–Free calling 
• Memory card slot available 
• USB port that allows charging 

Pros: 

• 1-year warranty and 1-month money-back guarantee 
• 24-hour technical support is available 
• Remote control steering wheel makes it easy to use 
• Detailed user manual and tutorials on installation  

Cons: 

• Requires password in order to pair up devices 
• Video does not support screen display 
• No memory card  

Eincar Single-Din Car Stereo Headunit 

The EinCar Single DIN Car Stereo Head Unit has simple yet powerful features. It has a high voltage ideal for those who like to amplify their speakers. The head unit features a digital network joining up to 4 amplifiers of 45W, each driving low, medium, and high-frequency ranges. The auto-time position ensures that sound coming from all speakers is perfectly harmonized when they reach the listeners’ ears.  

You can connect 2 devices into this head unit, thanks to its double rear USB ports. For audiophiles, this unit displays album, title, and song details during playback. An additional feature is the one amp of current that keeps your iPhone or iPod charged while you listen to your favorite music. 

Again, it has a navigation system that provides a better angle and supports voice guidance. 

It is also possible to download apps like Google since it is Wi-Fi enabled. 

Specification

• Fully capacitive touch screen control 
• Steering wheel control 
• One rear USB and front USB input 
• Remote Control 
• 2CH rear video output 
• 1 Front A/V input 
• 2.1CH rear audio/sub output 
• Single-DIN 
• GPS enabled 
• 7″ display screen 

Pros: 

• Built using quality materials 
• Compatible with most factory steering wheel audio systems  
• Simple, classic design with many features 
• The 16 band EQ allows for independent output changes 

Cons: 

• DAC and time alignment needs some improving 
• Relatively expensive compared to similar products on the market 
• Some menus and displays are hard to read 

Pioneer MVH-S310BT Car Stereo  

The Pioneer MVH-S310BT Car Stereo has a variety of features. Its removable faceplate makes it ideal for insecurity-prone areas. An adapter can be used to connect your car’s steering wheel control to this pioneer stereo. The front and rear USB ports enable you to access and control music stored on your iPhone and Android devices. In addition, after the Bluetooth connection, you can talk hands-free by swiping your phone’s screen when a call comes in. It has a color harmony feature that allows you to match the interior of the car or your mood with the beat of the music. 

Aside from that, it’s also capable of playing WAV, AAC, MP3, and WMA files, so you will enjoy a wide range of music formats. In case you are driving through a dusty area, you need not worry. The device has dust covers to hide and protect your AUX input, front USB port, and CD slot from damage. 

Pioneer has an innovative technology that allows you to sync your music, messages, and map together. It uses Mixtrax, an app that mixes music automatically and plays it back with added transitions. There is also a light feature that changes colors according to the beat of the song. 

Specification

• Built-in Bluetooth 
• Hands-free calling and audio streaming 
• Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod 
• 3 line LCD 
• Accepts AAC WMA, MP3, and WAV 
• Can play CD-RW, CD ROM, AND CDs 
• USB folder navigation with shuffle designs 
• Simple rotary control and direct key 
• 2 memory audio settings 
• 2 USB ports (FRONT/REAR)

Pros: 

• Comes with a multicolor display to provides a wide variety of choices 
• Modern and stylish design 
• Good sound quality and performance   
• Can support many audio formats  

Cons: 

• Its display can be a bit dark during the day 

Sony Digital Car Stereo

The Sony DSX-A410BT Single Din Car Stereo is the next item on our list. It is a Bluetooth, AUX, USB, and extra-powerful car stereo. With high-quality earbuds included, this wonderful digital media receiver is even more appealing.

You can wirelessly link your first phone to it to listen to music, obtain directions, and contact people. Additionally, you can add a second phone to make hands-free calls while you’re on the go.

The dual Bluetooth feature allows you to connect two smartphones. For complete access to navigation, audio playback, and conversation features, pair your mobile phone with the DSX-A410BT.

It also allows you to take advantage of useful smartphone functions without losing focus on the road. With voice control, you can adjust the music, get real-time directions, and contact people using only a few easy spoken commands.

This product is straightforward, simple to install, and has fantastic sound. A high pass filter is available that can be customized for each speaker group and is excellent for removing low-frequency muck from smaller front speakers.

The 10-band equalizer contains a boost option for Bluetooth audio sources and the ability to adjust nasal frequencies, which lets you increase a signal that your phone sends out if you want to.

Overall, it is an excellent choice for those who want a premium Bluetooth car stereo in their vehicles.

Specifications: 

• USB port
• AUX cable
• Dual Bluetooth 
• Touch and voice control systems
• Compatible devices: smartphones and speakers
• iPod connectivity

Pros:

• Compatible with smartphones and speakers
• A great option for making/receiving calls while driving
• Good voice control
• Simple to install and maintain
• Able to connect two devices

Cons:

• Higher price tag
• No CD player

What to look for in a Single DIN Head Unit 

The radio system is a crucial component of a car because it will keep you entertained while you drive. However, you may use the same system for a variety of other essential functions as well, including GPS location, calls, music, news, alerts, and more.

As a result, you need to install a good single DIN head unit in your automobile. Even if you currently have a radio player or MP3 player in your car, the following criteria may convince you to upgrade. 

Power

A device’s power rating provides information about its functionality and output potential. In general, a more powerful alternative uses more energy to operate but provides an output that is of a higher quality.

Compatibility

To take full advantage of your system, even with the single DIN head unit, you’ll need a set of speakers in your vehicle. Make sure the device you are purchasing is compatible with any speakers and subwoofers you currently have.

Sound Quality 

A great head unit will enhance your overall listening experience by delivering high-quality sounds. A head unit that sounds good on its own is a convenient choice if you have no intention to drop an external amplifier into the mix later. Bear in mind that it’s recommended to opt for a head unit that offers as many extension options (outputs) as possible.

Additionally, a head unit that features both high-pass filter and low-pass filter controls ought to be high on your list. 

The best head units feature three RCA outputs – one for front speakers, one for rear speakers, and one dedicated solely for a subwoofer. 

Features 

A good-looking head unit will add an elegant and distinguished look to your car’s dash. However, you also need to keep in mind the features that have more to do with function than looks.

As many states enact or consider legislation to curb cell phone use and text messaging while driving, you’ll certainly want to purchase a head unit with built-in Bluetooth® connectivity for hands-free phone calls and wireless music streaming. 

An aux input and a USB port are beneficial for playing music from any music player. A USB port allows you to charge a mobile device while it is plugged into your head unit. Some head units allow you to access and control your device through the USB port.

Media Formats 

You’ll certainly need a head unit that can play various digital media types, such as MP3, WAV, and WMA files. Some head units can also play AAC files which are the standard media type of audio files downloaded from iTunes. Moreover, you’ll also want to look for a head unit that is HD and satellite radio-ready. 

Other Features 

Some of the best single DIN head unit features the ability to change their illumination color.  It’s actually an outstanding feature that lets you match up your head unit to your vehicle’s dash, adding an elegant and refined touch to your car’s interior. Additionally, and more importantly, you’ll need to consider whether or not you can control the brightness of your head unit. 

For security and anti-theft purposes, you might also want to purchase a head unit with a detachable faceplate. Along with this convenience, make sure your head units come with remote control for maximum comfort.  Also, if your car has stereo controls on the steering wheel, look for a head unit that supports this option. Stereo control on the steering wheel is very convenient! 

Conclusion 

Days are long gone when the only form of entertainment found in our cars was the FM/AM radio.  For car owners today, there is a wide variety of single-DIN head units that they can choose from. With state-of-the-art technology integrated into the above units, you can be sure that your car music listening experience will be greatly improved – especially on those dreadful long drives! Enjoy the new head unit and keep those eyes on the road!