Best Single DIN Head Unit of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

If you’re looking for the best single din head units on the market, look no further than our comprehensive list.

We’ve researched and compiled a list of the top-rated single din head units available, perfect for anyone looking to upgrade their audio system.

From budget-friendly options to premium models with all the bells and whistles, we’ve got you covered.

So, whether you’re looking for the best bang for your buck or the best of the best, our list has something for everyone. Keep reading to find the perfect single din head unit for your needs.

Our Top 3 Picks

Best Single DIN Head Unit – Reviewed

Sony DSX-GS80 — The Most Powerful Single DIN Car Stereo

When it comes to car stereos, Sony is a name that is always at the top of everyone’s list. With products like the DSX-GS80, it’s easy to see why. This stereo is incredibly powerful, with Bluetooth capabilities, as well as amazing sound quality.

• 5 Volt RCA pre-amp outputs: The Sony DSX-GS80 also features 5 Volt RCA pre-amp outputs. This means that you can add extra amplifiers and subwoofers to really customize the sound of your car’s stereo system.

• Power output: The Sony DSX-GS80 is an incredibly powerful car stereo, with a peak output of 4×100 watts. This is more than enough power to fill any car with music, and then some. You’ll be able to crank up the volume without ever having to worry about distortion or other audio issues. The built-in extra bass feature is also a nice touch, and really adds something to the listening experience.

• Built in 10 band graphic equalizer: The built in 10 band equalizer is another great feature of the Sony DSX-GS80. This allows you to really tailor the sound to your personal preference. You can crank up the bass, or boost the treble, or anything in between. No matter what your taste in music is, you’ll be able to find a sound that you love with the Sony DSX-GS80.

• Built-in Dynamic Stage Organizer: The built-in Dynamic Stage Organizer is a great feature that ensures that the sound waves are directed correctly. This results in music that sounds like it’s coming from the dashboard, rather than from the door or under the dash. This gives the music a much clearer and more defined sound.

• No external amp required to drive the subwoofer: One of the best features of the Sony DSX-GS80 is that you don’t need an external amplifier to drive the subwoofer. This saves you both money and space, as you won’t need to add an extra component to your car’s stereo system.

• Bluetooth Connectivity: The Sony DSX-GS80 features dual Bluetooth connectivity. This means that you can connect two devices at the same time, and control basic playback functions from both. This is a great feature if you have multiple people in the car who want to control the stereo.

• Voice Assistant for iPhone and Android: The Sony DSX-GS80 also features a voice assistant for iPhone and Android. This allows you to control basic playback functions with your voice. This is a great feature if you want to be able to control the stereo without ever having to take your hands off the wheel.

• Heat ventilation: The Heat ventilation system in the Sony DSX-GS80 is top of the line. This ensures that your car stereo will never overheat, even when you’re cranking up the volume.

Pros

• Packed with best features
• It’s a self-contained system that doesn’t need an external amplifier.
• For better connection, you may connect two Bluetooth devices simultaneously.
• It also supports voice assistants for both iPhone and Android phones.

Cons

• The display may not be very visible in direct sunlight.
• There isn’t a CD player in this head unit.

ATOTO F7 XE – The Best Single Din Touchscreen Head Unit

I recently purchased the ATOTO F7 XE Head Unit for my car and I am loving it. The unit has a lot of great features that make it worth the investment. First of all, the sound quality is superb – clear, crisp, and with an impressive range.

It also allows me to connect via Bluetooth which makes playing music, podcasts and audiobooks a breeze. Additionally, the unit also has an HD radio station which is great for listening to news or sports updates in real-time.

• 10.1-inch HD touchscreen: The 10.1-inch display offers a huge and clear display for playing music, videos or navigating through apps with ease. It’s one of the largest touchscreens available on the market, so you can be sure that everything will look great on your car’s dashboard.

• Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto: This Head Unit comes with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay which allows wired as well as wireless support. This makes it really easy to control your phone from the unit – play music, make hands-free calls and even use voice commands.

• Dual Backup Camera Input: The ATOTO F7 XE also has a front and rear backup camera input, allowing you to easily add a reverse camera to your car. This is great for safety as well as convenience when reversing in tight spaces or in the dark. The camera will display on the 10.1” HD touchscreen and give you a clear view of what’s behind your car.

• Easy to Install: The ATOTO F7 XE Head Unit is also incredibly easy to install with its plug-and-play technology. It comes with all the connectors you need as well as an install kit which makes installation a breeze. I would also recommend you to purchase the Atoto wireless strap-on steering wheel function.

Pros

• Great sound quality with a wide range of features to customize audio such as EQ
• 10.1-inch HD touchscreen display offers great visuals and easy navigation.
• Supports wireless CarPlay & Andorid Auto
• Backup camera input so you can easily add a reverse camera for safety.
• Easy to install and included installation kit.

Cons

• Requires drilling a 3/4 inch hole to feed the main USB connection cable through.
• Sirius XM radio requires an additional tuner and subscription fee for use.

The ATOTO F7 XE is the perfect single DIN touchscreen head unit for your car. It offers excellent sound quality, a 10.1-inch HD touchscreen display, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto support, as well as an easy to install setup with a backup camera input. All these features make it a great choice if you want to upgrade your old radio.

Pioneer AVH-3500 NEX – Another Great Option

If you’re looking for the best single din touchscreen stereo on the market, the Pioneer AVH-3500 NEX is hard to beat. It has a ton of features, and it’s really easy to use. The sound quality is amazing, and the interface is very user-friendly. .

With its sleek design and intuitive interface, this stereo will make your driving experience more enjoyable than ever. Plus, with features like Bluetooth compatibility and a rearview camera input, it’s got everything you need to keep your car entertained and safe. So if you’re in need of a new stereo system, be sure to check out the Pioneer AVH-3500 NEX. You won’t be disappointed.

• 7” Touchscreen Display: The display on the AVH-3500 NEX is extremely clear and bright, making it easy to see even in direct sunlight. The interface is also very user-friendly, allowing you to control all of the stereo’s features with ease. Overall, the display and interface are top-notch and sure to make your driving experience more enjoyable.

• Power output: With a continuous power output of 22 watts x 4 channels, this stereo has plenty of power to fill even large vehicles with great sounding music. You’ll never have to worry about the music sounding distorted or muted when you’re cranking up the volume. With a maximum power output of 50 watts per 4 channels, you can raise the volume to your preferred level.

• Built-in Amazon Alexa: One of the best features of the AVH-3500NEX is the built-in Amazon Alexa. With this feature, you can control your stereo using just your voice. You can change the volume, skip songs, and even ask Alexa for directions. This is a great feature to have if you’re someone who is always on the go.

• Wired Apple Carplay: This stereo also features wired Apple Carplay, which allows you to control your iPhone using the stereo’s interface. With this feature, you can make hands-free phone calls, access your music library, and even use Siri to control the stereo. This is a great feature for iPhone users who want to be able to use their phone while driving.

• Wired Android Auto: In addition to Apple Carplay, the AVH-3500NEX also features wired Android Auto. This allows you to control your Android phone using the stereo’s interface. With this feature, you can make hands-free phone calls, access your music library, and even use Google Maps for turn-by-turn directions. This is a great feature for Android users who want to be able to use their phone while driving.

• SiriusXM-Ready: This stereo is also SiriusXM-Ready, so you can enjoy your favorite SiriusXM channels in your vehicle. With this feature, you can listen to commercial-free music, sports, news, and more. This is a great feature for those who want to be able to listen to their favorite SiriusXM channels while driving.

• 13-Band Graphic Equalizer: With a 13-band graphic equalizer, you can customize the sound of your music to perfectly suit your preferences. This is a great feature for those who want to be able to fine-tune the sound of their music.

• Hands-Free Calling and Audio Streaming: With the AVH-3500NEX, you can make hands-free phone calls and stream audio wirelessly. This is a great feature for those who want to be able to keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road.

• USB Direct Control for iPhone: This stereo also features USB Direct Control for iPhone. This allows you to connect your iPhone to the stereo using a USB cable and control it using the stereo’s interface. This is a great feature for those who want to be able to use their iPhone while driving.

• Pandora support: The Pandora is a great feature for those who want to be able to listen to their favorite Pandora stations while driving. With this feature, you can create custom stations, skip songs, and give tracks a thumbs up or thumbs down.

Pros

• The display is extremely clear and bright, making it easy to see even in direct sunlight.
• The interface is very user-friendly, allowing you to control all of the stereo’s features with ease.
• The stereo has plenty of power to fill even large vehicles with great sounding music.
• The built-in Amazon Alexa is a great feature, allowing you to control the stereo using just your voice.
• The Wired Apple Carplay and Android Auto is a great feature for iPhone and Android users who want to use their phone while driving.
• The SiriusXM-Ready is a great feature for those who want to be able to listen to their favorite SiriusXM channels while driving.
• The 13-band graphic equalizer is a great feature for those who want to be able to fine-tune the sound of their music.

Cons

• The stereo does not come with a CD player, which may be a dealbreaker for some.
• The USB Direct Control for iPhone is a great feature, but it requires a USB cable, which is not included.
• The Pandora in built is a great feature, but it requires a Pandora account, which is not free.

Related Posts

• Best Single Din Touchscreen Head Units
• Best floating Screen Car Stereo

Alpine CDE-172BT – Best Single Din Radio for SQ

If you’re looking for the best single din head unit for sound quality, the Alpine car stereo is an excellent choice. This model offers superior audio quality, thanks to its built-in amplifier and numerous audio processing features. Enjoy your music wirelessly with its built-in Bluetooth capability.

Plus, the CDE-172BT has a variety of input options, allowing you to connect virtually any type of audio device. Whether you’re an audiophile looking for the best possible sound quality or simply want a head unit that can handle any type of media, the Alpine car radio is sure to satisfy.

• Display: The Alpine head unit’s LCD screen is five times easier to read than a traditional one because of the high contrast. The display also features one-line, RGB illumination so you can customize the color of the display.

• 3-band parametric equalizer: The 3-band parametric equalizer on the Alpine head unit allows you to fine-tune the sound of your music to perfectly suit your taste.

Bluetooth Connectivity: The Alpine car stereo has built-in Bluetooth capability, allowing you to stream music wirelessly from your smartphone or other compatible device. Plus, with the included microphone, you can make and receive hands-free phone calls while driving.

• SiriusXM Satellite Radio Ready: The CDE-172BT is SiriusXM Satellite Radio Compatible, so you may listen to your favorite music stations with crisp digital sound quality.

• Steering wheel control: The Alpine car radio is compatible with Steering Wheel Control interfaces, so you can control the head unit directly from your steering wheel.

• Charging your Phone : The Alpine car stereo features a USB port that allows you to charge your smartphone or other USB device while you’re on the go.

• USB Audio: The Alpine car stereo allows you to play music files stored on a USB memory device through the head unit. Simply connect your USB memory device to the head unit’s USB port and you’re ready to go.

• Power output: The head unit has a power output of 18 watts x 4 RMS. For an even higher power output, add on the KTP-445A Power Pack to increase your head unit’s power to 45 watts x 4 RMS.

• Pandora: The Alpine car radio is Pandora Internet Radio Ready for both iPhone and Android, so you can enjoy listening to Pandora hands-free while on the go.

• iPod/iPhone control: The Alpine car stereo allows you to control your iPod or iPhone directly from the head unit. You can also view metadata information such as song title, artist name, and album art on the head unit’s display.

• Auxiliary input: The Alpine car radio has a 3.5mm auxiliary input, so you can connect any device with an auxiliary output (such as an MP3 player) to the head unit.

Pros

• The LCD display with high contrast makes it easy to see.
• Compatible with SiriusXM Satellite Radio
• USB port charges your smartphone while you’re on the go
• Pandora Internet Radio Ready for iPhone and Android
• 3.5mm auxiliary input lets you connect any type of audio device

Cons

• May not be the best choice for users who are primarily interested in navigation features
• Not compatible with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto

Pioneer SPH-10BT – Best Mechless Single Din Radio

The Pioneer SPH-10BT is a mechless single din radio that offers the best sound quality and features in its class. The unit has no CD drive, but it does include an auxiliary input, USB port, and Bluetooth connectivity. This makes it perfect for connecting your smartphone or other portable device to play your music. The SPH-10BT also has a great built-in AM/FM tuner, allowing you to listen to your favorite radio stations.

• 6.2″ Touchscreen Display: The SPH-10BT includes a large, 6.2″ touchscreen display. This makes it easy to control all of the unit’s features. The display is also very clear and easy to read, even in direct sunlight.

• Bluetooth Connectivity: The SPH-10BT includes Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to stream music wirelessly from your compatible smartphone. The unit also features Pioneer’s Wideband Speech From your smartphone or other Bluetooth-enabled device. The unit also includes superior call quality reception, thanks to the use of Wideband Speech nearly doubling the bandwidth of frequencies of a normal Bluetooth call.

• Power Output: The SPH-10BT produces 22 watts per channel of continuous power, with a max output of 50 watts per channel. This is more than enough power to fill up a small to medium sized car. The unit also includes a built-in amplifier, which is perfect for powering subwoofers or other external amplifiers.

• Ease of Use: The SPH-10BT is very easy to use, thanks to the large touchscreen display and simple menu layout. The unit’s controls are also very straightforward and easy to understand.

• 13 band Customizable Graphic Equalizer: The SPH-10BT features a 13 band customizable graphic equalizer, allowing you to fine tune the sound to your liking. The unit also includes a 31 band equalizer with the Pioneer Smart Sync app.

• Android Music Support: The SPH-10BT includes support for Android music playback. This allows you to connect your compatible Android smartphone and play your music directly through the head unit.

• USB Direct Control for iPhone: The SPH-10BT includes a USB port that allows you to directly connect your iPhone for music and video playback. The unit also charges your iPhone while it is connected. Song, artist, time, and album information are all displayed on the unit’s 6.2″ touchscreen display.

• Pandora Radio App Built-in: The SPH-10BT includes the Pandora Radio app built-in. This allows you to create custom radio stations based on your favorite artists or songs. The unit also allows you to like or dislike songs, as well as view station and song information on the 6.2″ touchscreen display.

• Pioneer Smart Sync APP: The SPH-10BT can be controlled by the Pioneer Smart Sync app. This app allows you to control the unit’s settings and features from your compatible smartphone. You can get this app on your iPhone or Android.

• Compatible Apps: The SPH-10BT is compatible with a variety of apps such as: Alexa Built-in ,Maps, Voice Messaging, Music and Monitor Vehicle Performance.

• FLAC Codec Support: The SPH-10BT includes FLAC codec support. This allows you to play lossless audio files, providing superior sound quality. The unit also includes support for a variety of other audio formats, such as: MP3, WMA, AAC, and Apple Lossless.

Pros

• Clear and bright 6.2″ touchscreen display
• Bluetooth connectivity with wideband speech support
• USB port for iPhone connection and charging
• The Pandora Radio app is pre-installed on this receiver.
• The Pioneer Smart Sync app is compatible
• 13-band graphic equalizer allows you to tailor your sound experience to your exact preferences.

Cons

• No CD drive
• No built-in navigation
• No support for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto

Sony DSX-A410BT – Best Single DIN Stereo under $200

The Sony DSX-A410BT is a another best single DIN head unit with excellent sound quality and features. It’s perfect for anyone looking for an affordable car stereo that has everything they need. It also includes AM/FM radio, CD player, and USB port so you can listen to whatever you want, wherever you go. Plus, the sleek design makes it look great in any car.

• Power Output: The Sony DSX-A410BT head unit is powerful, with 4x55W of power. This gives you plenty of volume to fill any car, and the sound quality is excellent. The 10-band digital equalizer means you can fine-tune the sound to your liking, and the karaoke mode is great for when you want to sing along to your favorite songs.
• Dual Bluetooth Connectivity: One of the best features of the Sony DSX-A410BT is the dual Bluetooth connectivity. This means you can pair two phones at once and have hands-free calling and streaming music. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to be able to use their phone while driving, and it’s a great safety feature.
• 10-Band Customize Digital Equalizer: With the 10-band digital equalizer, you can really make the sound your own. You can boost the bass or treble, or you can fine-tune the sound to exactly how you like it. It’s great for anyone who wants to really get the most out of their music.

• FLAC compatibility: The Sony DSX-A410BT is compatible with FLAC files, so you can enjoy lossless audio quality. This means you’ll be able to hear all the details in your music, and it sounds great.
• High-Contrast LCD Display:  The Sony DSX-A410BT  has a high-contrast LCD display, which makes it easy to see what’s playing. The screen is also optimized for an excellent viewing angle, so you can always see what’s going on.
• Voice Assistant for iPhone and Android: The Sony DSX-A410BT is compatible with both iPhone and Android voice assistants. This means you can use your voice to control the stereo, making it hands-free and easy to use.
• USB Input for iPhone and Android: The USB input means you can connect your iPhone or Android and use it to control the stereo. You can play music, control playback, and see track information on the display. It’s a great way to keep your phone charged while you’re driving.

Pros

• At an inexpensive price, it produces high-quality sound.
• The 10-band digital equalizer allows you to customize your sound experience by fine-tuning the audio.
• It supports FLAC files for lossless audio playback.
• The bright white text on a high-contrast LCD display is simple to see.

Cons

• It doesn’t come with a CD  player.

Buying Guide: Things to Consider Before Buying Single Din Head Unit

We looked for characteristics that are crucial to a high-quality head unit when narrowing down our options. These factors include:

• Sound quality
• User-friendly
• Connectivity
• Durability
• Power output

Sound quality

Sound quality is one of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a head unit. After all, you want to be able to enjoy your music, and a poor-quality head unit will make that difficult.

There are a few factors to look for when assessing sound quality. The first thing to consider is the frequency response. This is the head unit’s range of frequencies. A head unit with a wider frequency response can reproduce a larger range of frequencies, resulting in better sound quality.

Next, look at the signal-to-noise ratio. This is the ratio of the signal strength to the noise level. The signal-to-noise ratio indicates the level of background noise present. Low ratios mean better sound quality.

Finally, take a look at the THD+N (total harmonic distortion + noise). The THD+N (total harmonic distortion plus noise) is a measure of how much static or sound pollution is present in an audio signal. A low THD+N means the sound will be clearer and less distorted.

User-friendly

When it comes to ease of use, you’ll want to consider how easy the head unit is to operate. Some head units have complex menus and features that can be difficult to navigate. Others are much simpler and easier to use. Consider your own level of tech savvy when making your decision.

Connectivity

Another important thing to think about are the connectivity options. If you want to be able to connect your head unit to your smartphone or other devices, then you’ll need to make sure that it has the appropriate ports and connectors. Bluetooth connectivity is also becoming increasingly common in head units, so that’s something to look for as well.

Durability

Durability is another important consideration. You want to make sure that your head unit can withstand the rigors of daily use. Look for head units that are made from high-quality materials and have a robust design.

Power output

Finally, you’ll want to consider the power output of the head unit. This is measured in watts, and it determines how loud the head unit can get. If you plan on using your head unit at high volumes, then you’ll need one with a high power output.

The average power wattage for a car stereo is between 50 and 200 watts RMS. However, some stereos can go as high as 1000 watts RMS. It really depends on your specific needs.

Now that you know what to look for, let’s take a look at some of the best single DIN head units on the market.

FAQs

Below are some frequently asked question related to the best single din head units.

Which is the Most Powerful Single DIN Car Stereo?

The Sony DSX-GS80 is one of the most powerful single-DIN car stereos on the market. It features a 4 x 55-watt amplifier, providing you with plenty of power for your music. It also comes with Sony’s DSP (Digital Signal Processor) feature, which enhances the sound of compressed digital music files.

Will upgrading the head unit improve sound quality?

A new head unit typically has better sound processing and amplification components, which can lead to an improvement in sound quality. This is especially true if you select a model that is designed for your make and model of car.

However, there are other factors that can also affect the sound quality of your music system, such as the quality of the speakers in your car and the installation of those speakers. So it’s important to have a qualified installer properly install any new equipment for you to get the best results.

Why might an aftermarket head unit sound better to you?

Aftermarket head units typically sound better because they have higher-quality power and better circuit designs.

Most factory-installed head units are designed to be cheap and easy to manufacture, so they often have low-quality power supplies and poor circuit designs. This can result in a lot of distortion and noise in the audio signals, which degrade the sound quality.

Aftermarket head units, on the other hand, are typically designed with high-quality power supplies and careful circuit design to minimize distortion and noise. This results in a much cleaner and clearer sound quality.