IN THIS GUIDE
What’s the best double DIN head unit for your car?
Here’s the deal:
We know you’re looking for a double-DIN unit that will make driving your car simpler, more fun, and more functional than the factory-installed system that came with your car when you bought it.
After-all technology evolves.
Fast.
And you want to keep up with the latest features and get the most bang for your buck.
You know what?
Not all double DIN units are created equal.
But, we’ve done a lot of research to determine the 8 best double DIN head units on the market, making it easier for you to evaluate and buy.
Which double DIN head unit will give you all the features you want, at a price point that works for you?
At A Glance: The Top 4 Double DIN Head Units
DOUBLE DIN UNIT | FEATURES |
---|---|
BEST OVERALL PICK Pioneer AVH-W4500NEX-Best Overall | Power Output: 4 channels x 50watts, 4 channels x 17watts Android Auto: Yes Apple CarPlay: Yes Dimensions: 11 x 6.5 x 9.5 inches |
BEST TOUCH SCREEN DOUBLE DIN HEAD UNIT Alpine iLX-W650 | Power Output: 4 channels x 45watts, 4 channels x 16watts Android Auto: Yes Apple Carplay: Yes Dimensions: 9 x 9 x 7 inches |
BEST DOUBLE DIN HEAD UNIT WITH APPLE CARPLAY Pioneer AVH-1400NEX 6.2-Inch | Power Output: 4 channels x 50watts, 4 channels x 17watts Android Auto: No Apple Carplay: Yes Dimensions: 11 x 10 x 7 inches |
BEST BUDGET DOUBLE DIN HEAD UNIT Boss Audio Systems BV9364B | Power Output: 4 channels x 80watts, 4 channels x 17watts Android Auto: No Apple Carplay: No Dimensions: 7 x 6.67 x 3.93 inches |
Best Overall Double Din Unit – Apple & Android
Pioneer AVH-W4500NEX-Best Overall
Specs
- Power Output: 4 channels x 50watts, 4 channels x 17watts
- Android Auto: Yes
- Apple CarPlay: Yes
- Dimensions: 11 x 6.5 x 9.5 inches
Pros
- Extra-large screen
- Wireless remote control
- Detachable screen for easy maintenance
- Vozsis smartphone app iOS and Android OS devices for Amazon Alexa
Cons
- You cannot use Android Auto and Apple CarPlay at the same time
Summary: The Pioneer AVH-W4500NEX tops our list for its audio and video clarity, ease of operation, and seamless connectivity. It delivers a vibrant display and very flexible controls and functions.
The flawless and vibrant display enables you to enjoy the comfort and expediency of having all you need on a 7-inch display.
With a 7-inch screen, you won’t have to strain your eyes when viewing or navigating the unit.
This unit is a perfect match for any driver looking for a product with advanced entertainment features to style their car.
The two ports in this unit allow you to connect both Android and iOS devices and use Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.
Along with that, you can also play music from numerous sources like your phone via USB cable or Bluetooth and CDs with DVD players.
It’s effortless to navigate the system as it has an in-built iPod, iPhone, and iPod control.
This unit also works with SiriusXM SXV300Tuner that supports tune mix, traffic and weather now, and sports flash features.
Best Double DIN Android Head Unit
Sony XAV-AX5000 7”
Specs
- Power Output: 4 channels x 55wats, 4 channels x 20watts
- Android Auto: Yes
- Apple Carplay: Yes
- Dimensions: 5.47 x 7.01 x 3.94 inches
Pros
- Perfect design
- Great for any interior
- Excellent sound quality
- Beautiful and vibrant display
Cons
- Not favorable for cars with no ACC position
Summary: The Sony XAV-AX5000 comes with a highly-responsive 6.95-inch touchscreen display that responds two times faster than the previous models.
This head unit controls everything effectively on the road to let you focus adequately on driving. You can use voice controls from Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to obtain directions, calls, and more.
Dual USB ports give you more music options as you can connect several USB drives and smartphones for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The unit’s essential features like volume, source, sound setting, and voice controls are well-designed and easy to operate.
It gives you real-time directions without having to take your hands off the wheel to navigate to your destination quickly or search for nearby stops.
For reverse driving safety, you can install a rear camera and view it on the super clear screen.
Multiple customization options allow you to adjust the audio experience to your taste.
With the in-built 4 x 55 W amplification, music sounds clear and smooth even at high volumes.
But you should not install this unit in a vehicle that lacks ACC position as it doesn’t turn off even after turning the ignition off. This can lead to battery drain.
Best Touch Screen Double Head Unit
Alpine iLX-W650
Specs
- Power Output: 4 channels x 45watts, 4 channels x 16watts
- Android Auto: Yes
- Apple Carplay: Yes
- Dimensions: 9 x 9 x 7 inches
Pros
- Excellent quality
- Expandable
- Very intuitive and responsive controls
- Easy to use
- Good quality sound
Cons
- Doesn’t play CDs
Summary: Alpine iLX-W650 is a high-quality head unit with AM/FM tuner designed to work with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
This unit is one of the best options for drivers who don’t have much space on your dashboard.
It provides front and rear camera inputs and six-channel preamp outputs with a 4-volt front, a rear, and subwoofer.
If you want to expand it, you can add Alpine’s power pack amplifiers for extra 50 watts RMS by four channels for quality and smooth sound.
The unit comes with a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen and has a Sat elite radio with a tuner.
You can easily connect the unit with your smartphone using a USB or Bluetooth to enjoy listening to your favorite music.
It’s designed with the touchscreen swipe controls and hands-free control that allows you to access apps using your voice.
Another fascinating thing about this unit is that it’s compatible with most factory steering audio controls. However, it doesn’t play CDs.
Best Double Din Head Unit with Apple CarPlay
Pioneer AVH-1400NEX 6.2-Inch
Specs
- Power Output: 4 channels x 50watts, 4 channels x 17watts
- Android Auto: No
- Apple Carplay: Yes
- Dimensions: 11 x 10 x 7 inches
Pros
- Easy to use
- Compatible with iPhone
- Great sound quality
- Incredible color options on display
Cons
- Doesn’t work with Android Auto
Summary: The Pioneer AVH-1400NEX features Apple CarPlay to let you use your iPhone more smartly and enjoyably in the car.
Apple CarPlay allows you to make calls, use Maps, listen to music, and access messages with your voice or just a touch.
This unit also allows you to connect your compatible iOS smartphone to help you enjoy using your favorite apps right on your dashboard.
Bluetooth connectivity allows you to easily handle music streaming, permit a dual-phone connection, and make hands-free calls with wideband speech capability.
The Pioneer AVH-1400NEX also allows you to browse and select the media stored on your smartphone via the AVRCP 1.6 profile.
Best Double Din Head Unit with Navigation
ATOTO A6
Specs
- Power Output: 4 channels x 45watts, 4 channels x 24watts
- Android Auto: Yes
- Apple Carplay: No
- Dimensions: 10.1 x 9 x 6.1 inches
Pros
- Superior brightness
- Fast boot to protect the car battery from draining
- Reliable quality
- Convenient updates for better features
- Versatile connectivity
Cons
- Screen protector gets air bubbles
Summary: The ATOTO A6 is developed from a stable Android Marshmallow OS, deeply optimized to perform better in vehicles.
It comes with most vehicle-based features, including FM/AM Radio, Steering key wheel control, back-up camera input, and Bluetooth.
Dual Bluetooth in this unit works well as a BT call and connects to the phone’s tethering internet.
Google maps are pre-installed, but you can also download the offline map data to navigate without the internet.
It also comes with the unlimited Micro USB Drive storage supported, giving you ample space to install apps and download as many things as possible.
ATOTO 6 also has a quick booting feature for easy system access once you start the car.
Continuous updates are available for firmware improvement. Once you install this system in your car, you should update the firmware when available to get new features and avoid viruses.
Some selected ATOTO A6 models come with hand gesture recognition features for better control.
This double din head unit provides higher brightness than the average Android car stereo for a better viewing experience. The screen delivers a vibrant display even when there is strong sunlight.
Best Double Din Head Unit Back-up Camera
Pioneer AVH-200EX 6.2-Inch
Specs
- Power Output: 4 channels x 50watts, 4 channels x 17watts
- Android Auto: No
- Apple Carplay: No
- Dimensions: 11 x 9.5 x 6.5 inches
Pros
- Advanced features
- Easy to use
- Back-up camera ready
- Excellent sound and picture quality
Cons
- Does not support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
SUMMARY: The AVH-200EX is a quality in-dash multimedia designed to enhance your in-vehicle entertainment and connectivity with your Android smartphone.
It comes with in-built Bluetooth for hands-free calling and music streaming. This makes your life in the car much more convenient as you won’t have to go through complicated settings.
The Bluetooth connection also delivers a better call quality similar to FM reception using the new Wideband Speech.
You can connect your Android device to this unit via the Media Transfer Protocol and listen to music without the need for an app.
This unit also allows for direct connectivity to your iPhone or iPod via a USB interface cable, which you buy separately, depending on your iOS device.
The 6.2” touchscreen displays the song, artist, time, and album information to ensure that you have all the details you need when listening to your music.
Back-up camera ready input allows you to add a rear camera for rear visibility when towing or parking. This makes it one of the best double din head units with a back-up camera.
The AVH-200EX is a multi-color unit with about 110 colors to match your taste and the unit illumination to your vehicle’s interior.
Best Budget Double Din Head Unit
Boss Audio Systems BV9364B
Specs
- Power Output: 4 channels x 80watts, 4 channels x 17watts
- Android Auto: No
- Apple Carplay: No
- Dimensions: 7 x 6.67 x 3.93 inches
Pros
- Great price for the value
- High power output
- Includes a wireless remote control
- Built-in Bluetooth and navigation
Cons
- Screen is not very responsive
Summary: The Boss Audio BV9364B is well-designed to allow you to ramp up fine-tuned music and control everything with a wireless remote.
The unit also provides you with the easiest way to tune on your in-car entertainment with steering wheel control.
It comes with exceptional Bluetooth functionality that allows you to make hands-free calls and stream music from Pandora and Spotify. This gives you several music sources options to avoid being bored by the monotony of one source.
The digital touchscreen has innovative graphically rich features and easy-to touch functions for ease of use.
This unit places the rear camera input and steering wheel controls at your hand, allowing you to reverse with confidence and park safely.
However, the screen is not always very responsive, but the unit still does the job well and is a perfect choice for those on a tight budget.
Best Double Din Head Unit for Sound Quality
Kenwood DDX SiriusXM Ready
Specs
- Power Output: 4 channels x 50watts, 4 channels x 22watts
- Android Auto: Yes
- Apple Carplay: Yes
Pros
- Clear and bright display
- Built-in HD Radio and Bluetooth
- Highly responsive touchscreen
- Easy to use
- Fantastic sound output
- Works with a wide variety of apps
Cons
- The shiny surface tends to demonstrate fingerprints
Summary: The Kenwood DDX SiriusXM Ready is one of the best Apple CarPlay double din head units. It’s designed to provide a 6.95 -inch wide VGA color LCD display with LED backlight.
A remote-control app is available for download to make things much easier when using this unit.
This unit comes with built-in Bluetooth technology to support hands-free calling and audio streaming. It works well with most Bluetooth enabled devices.
The highly responsive 6.2” TFT LED touchscreen displays the title, artist, and album of the song playing in the unit.
A dedicated back-up camera input allows you to view the rear camera when reversing or parking.
You can easily connect this unit with separate monitors and devices using the RCA video output.
While the shiny surface tends to demonstrate fingerprints when in bright sunlight, the unit still does the job well and is very easy to clean.
What is a Double Din Head Unit, and Why Do You Need It?
A double din head unit is a head unit that fits in two DINs, which is the 2” x8” opening where a car radio fits. It comes with an integrated touchscreen display ranging from 3.5 to 7 inches.
Double din units are wider than single din head units to offer a generous screen display.
They allow you to receive calls hands-free while you focus on the wheel.
Along with that, this unit can spice up your entire driving experience, especially if you are on a long journey.
You can easily navigate your destination with the built-in GPS, browse, and listen to music from your smartphone connected to this unit.
Every driver deserves to have an excellent driving experience, and this is exactly what the 2-din head unit delivers.
Different Types of Double Din Head Units
There are two main types of double din units; the smartphone integration display and the non-integration double-din head unit.
1. Smartphone Integration Display
This type of double din unit has software that can integrate and use your phone’s operating system.
This unit allows you to connect and operate your phone apps on the unit’s touchscreen monitor.
The most common compatibility operating systems include Android Auto and Apple Carplay compatibility.
2. Non-Integration Double Din Head Unit
This type of double din unit is simple without the ability to integrate your smartphone apps.
Some even don’t have a touch screen monitor but have Bluetooth, auxiliary, USB port, and many other connections.
This type of unit aims at reducing distractions as you drive.
7 Benefits of Using Double Din Head Units

1. Improved Safety
Some years ago, drivers had to either use driving mirrors or turn to look at what is behind them.
This came with few challenges as the mirrors were not big enough to show everything behind the car, and looking behind is stressful.
Today, the double din units have made things easy as you don’t have to turn your head to have a view of what is behind you.
The double din units are large, and with an excellent quality rear-view camera, you can see everything behind the car without any hassles. This helps you avoid crashing into an object while driving backward.
2. Navigation
There is nothing stressful as navigating using your phone as you drive.
It’s not safe to navigate using your phone as you are forced to multitask by having to look at your phone consistently as you drive.
Double din unit provides a precise, colorful, large screen that will make navigation fun and easy as you drive.
You can easily install a GPS to your double din unit from the outboard unit. But most units will come with a pre-installed GPS.
3. More Convenient Screen Control
It isn’t easy to touch and select your desired options on a tiny screen while driving.
With the double din unit’s large screen, selecting options and interacting with the screen is more convenient.
4. High Connectivity
The double din unit is more advanced and has more connectivity options. These include compatibility with different operating systems, Bluetooth connectivity, USB port, CD/DVD, SD card, and an auxiliary port.
With all these connectivity options, you can easily play music from your phone or flash drives without any problems.
The Bluetooth connectivity feature allows you to connect with your tablet and receive and make calls hands-free. Also, even passengers in the back seat can connect their phones and play music of their choice.
5. Improved Sound Quality
The double din is an improvement of the single din and, therefore, improves sound quality and variations.
It also has an on-screen equalizer that allows you to balance your sound between bass and treble. All these improve your music experience and make life better for you.
6. Makes It Easy to Stay Focused
Most accidents that occur on our roads happen due to inadequate concentration while driving. The double din unit is the best in solving your concentration problems.
It comes with a much bigger screen, which will allow you to quickly catch a glimpse of all the details in a glance.
The big screen is more efficient to interact with while picking calls, changing playlists, or clicking anything else without losing concentration.
7. Improves the Value and Aesthetics of Your Car
The double din unit improves the functionality of the car and enhances the appearance and value of your vehicle.
This system will make your car’s front seat so welcoming and give you the sense of a technology-aware person.
If you decide to sell or rent your car, a double din unit will increase its value. It will ensure your vehicle is at the top of the buyer’s list.
How To Choose The Best Double Din Head Unit For Your Car
1. Determine what size DIN head unit will fit in your car
Before you buy an aftermarket DIN, determine what size DIN will fit in your car by measuring your radio console and verify by checking the owner’s manual.
There are 2 standard size DINs available, a single DIN and a double DIN unit.
A double DIN unit is twice as wide as a single DIN unit but both units are 7″ wide. A single DIN unit is 2″ high and a double DIN unit is 4″ high.
If you’re uncertain about what double DIN unit to buy or unsure of which one will fit, check with a specialist who understands the various models, how they fit, and how to install.
2. Determine which features are most important
Make a list of all the features in your current system that are important to you and then make a list of the features that are missing but you would like in a new unit. Some common features include:
– Touch screen display to make
– Bluetooth for connecting mobile devices
– Smartphone integration with ApplyPlay and Android Auto
– GPS Navigation
– Support for music integration apps such as Spotify, Pandora, Apple Music
– DVD and playback support for rear-seat entertainment systems
– Backup camera
3. Determine if the double DIN head unit is easy to install
When evaluating double DIN units, be sure to ask questions and investigate how easy the system is to install. In some cases, it might make sense to ask a professional installer to do the installation because it can be complicated if you aren’t experienced.
4. Determine what double DIN head unit is simple for you to use
Before spending a good chunk of money on a new unit, test one out in a store to see if you find it intuitive and easy to use. Some are more complicated than others to use but many are quite straightforward. Playing around with the interface before buying will help ensure that you’re not investing in something that is going to be more difficult than anticipated, to use.
Bottom Line – The Best Double DIN Head Unit
What’s the best double DIN head unit for your car?
There are so many double DIN units on the market that it can be overwhelming when you’re trying to decide on which one will work best for your needs and fit in your dash without having a lot of customization done.
Our best overall pick, the Pioneer AVH-W4500NEX-Best Overall, will fit the needs of most buyers but it does come at a higher price point.
If you are on a budget, then Boss Audio Systems BV9364B is a great option. It’s at an extremely low price point but you get most basic features.