Known as a receiver, head unit, or deck, a car stereo forms the core of your car’s audio system and the portion you’ll be directly interacting with most. Swapping out your car stereo is an easy way to add more technology and features to your car. If you’re changing out your stock car stereo for a more modern replacement, the main elements you need to consider are the audio sources, features, and ability to expand upon your system. Picking a new car stereo doesn’t need to be complicated and we’ve put together this buyer’s guide to help you narrow down the choices which will work best for you.
Car Stereo Buying Guide
Determine your goals
Beyond just needing to know the size of the components needed to fit in your car, there’s plenty to consider:
- Do you want the stereo have a low key appearance to discourage thieves
- Are you looking for both performance and style?
- Do you want to make calls and stream music using Bluetooth?
- Are you considering satellite radio and/or HD Radio?
- Is being able to hook up your smartphone a requirement?
Consider the kind of music do you listen to and whether you like to turn the volume up regularly.
Budget and Installation
Determining your budget well ahead of time ensures you’ll never end up pushed outside of your monetary comfort zone. As well as the cost of the unit itself, you also need to factor in the installation costs. While you can install a car stereo yourself, many people choose to have it done by a professional or ask friends if they recommend any particular technicians. When choosing a shop, look for good reviews, check to see if the retailer is an authorized dealer for the brands they carry, as well as seeing if any manufacturer’s warranties are in place to protect your investment.
Audio/Media Input Sources
The car stereo you want will depend on what devices you use to store the majority of your music. Do you need a CD player, or do you prefer using your smartphone to manage all of your digital media? You’ll definitely want to look for the option to plug in a phone or other device, even if you don’t plan on using it much right away. This can include a USB port for playback from flash storage devices, as well as a 3.5mm analog auxiliary input for universal connectivity. Many modern car stereos now include Bluetooth for wireless music streaming as well as for making hands-free calls.
Smartphone/App Integration
If you have a newer iPhone with the lightning connector, ensure the head unit you’re considering has a USB port. Some stereos will have specific badges to denote compatibility with Apple devices. For other non-Apple smartphones, look instead for a stereo with a 3.5mm analog auxiliary input, or one using Bluetooth audio streaming.
If you frequently use streaming apps such as Pandora or Spotify, look for a car stereo which allows you to control those types of apps directly from the unit. This can include the ability to create custom stations, pause/skip, and safely access other features while driving. Some car stereos even have app mirroring such as Pioneer’s AppRadio although this is a relatively new, uncommon technology.
Satellite and HD Radio
HD Radio-capable stereos allow you to access high quality audio and digital sub channels for some stations. This not only increases your choice of available audio channels, but also allows you to enjoy higher quality audio. Some stereos include the use of iTunes tagging so you can save and purchase songs you’ve enjoyed listening to.
While satellite radio might not offer the audio quality of HD Radio, many listeners enjoy their choice of stations and exclusive programming, including a variety of talk radio, sports, live traffic, and other specialty programming. This content is only available to paid subscribers, and you’ll also need to ensure your vehicle is equipped with an appropriate antenna if applicable.
GPS and Navigation
Many modern car stereos include turn-by-turn navigation and traffic reporting capabilities which negates the need for a separate navigation unit. Look for flash memory-based maps for easy upgrades, which are usually made via an SD or microSD card. If you choose a receiver including app mirroring, you can use your smartphones navigation feature with the instructions appearing on the car stereos display screen and spoken instructions via the vehicle’s speakers.
While the depth of each vehicle and car stereo unit varies, the primary choice comes down to single-DIN or double-DIN which refers to the size of the in-dash stereo unit.
Car Stereo Size
Single-DIN
A single-DIN car stereo takes up much less space, making them easier to fit into more vehicles. Their low-key appearance makes them less visible to potential thieves, especially with models which feature detachable faceplates.
Double-DIN
These models take up more space with many featuring large touchscreen displays. These car stereos are more likely to offer app mirroring, DVD playback, GPS navigation, and other higher-end features.
Power
This refers to the car stereos built-in amplification which delivers power to your speakers; this feature can make a significant difference in the performance of your car’s speakers and the overall longevity of your system.
RMS Rating
The RMS/Watts rating indicates the system’s continuous power output, as opposed to its maximum capability. Look for a car stereo with a rating enough sufficient to power the speakers you’ve installed. If you decide to stick with your stock speakers, you’re less likely to run into any issues.