Upgrading your car’s audio system doesn’t have to mean emptying your wallet. Modern double din head units bring a suite of high-tech features once reserved for luxury vehicles into the affordable range. These all-in-one centers provide seamless smartphone integration, crystal-clear touchscreens, and powerful audio customization, all designed to make every drive more enjoyable and connected.
Whether your priority is wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for a clutter-free cockpit, a stunning display for navigation and media, or advanced sound tuning to get the most out of your speakers, there is a perfect model for you. We’ve compiled a list of the best affordable double din head units that balance cost with modern functionality, helping you find the right unit to revolutionize your in-car experience without overspending.
Our Recommended Double Din Head Units
- PLZ 7″ Wireless Double Din Car Stereo Apple Carplay Radio
- KENWOOD DMX115BT Double Din Car Stereo, 6.8″ Touchscreen
- SJoyBring 7″ QLED Double Din Car Stereo – Wireless Apple CarPlay
- Kenwood DDX419 In-Dash Head Unit Car Stereo
- Pioneer DMH-1600NEX 6.8″ Double-Din Digital Multimedia Receiver
- Pioneer DMH-W2770NEX 7″ Wireless CarPlay Android Auto Receiver
- BOSS Audio Systems BE10ACP 10.1″ Car Stereo with CarPlay Android Auto
- Kenwood DMX4707S 6.8″ Multimedia Receiver with CarPlay Android Auto
PLZ 7″ Wireless Double Din Car Stereo Apple Carplay Radio
This PLZ head unit is built for a truly wireless experience, supporting both wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for effortless connectivity. As soon as you start your car, your phone links automatically, giving you instant access to GPS navigation, your personal playlists, and voice assistants like Siri and Google Assistant. This allows you to manage calls, messages, and music without ever touching your phone, helping you stay focused on the road ahead.
Audio quality is a strong point, thanks to a built-in DSP and a 4.2-channel preamplifier with a maximum 240W output. It features two subwoofer outputs for powerful bass and a 10-band EQ audio equalizer for fine-tuning your sound. The unit is also designed with a large heat sink to prevent overheating, ensuring consistent music quality even during long drives. An independent Bluetooth 5.3 module with an extra antenna provides a stable, clear connection for calls and audio streaming.
KENWOOD DMX115BT Double Din Car Stereo
Kenwood’s DMX115BT offers a unique dual Bluetooth pairing feature, allowing you to connect and seamlessly switch between two smartphones. This is perfect for drivers who share the vehicle or need to manage separate phones for work and personal use. The 6.8″ touchscreen display provides a clean interface for controlling your music, hands-free calls, and media playback from various sources.
For the audio enthusiast, this unit provides extensive customization with a 13-band graphic equalizer and built-in digital time alignment. These tools let you adjust the soundstage to match your vehicle’s interior and your personal listening preferences. Comprehensive connectivity is ensured with AM/FM radio, A/V input, and a USB port for playing high-resolution audio files. It also includes 5-channel preamp outputs for easy expansion with external amplifiers.
SJoyBring 7″ QLED Double Din Car Stereo
Standout visuals are the hallmark of the SJoyBring unit, which features a 7-inch QLED screen with a 1280×720 resolution. This display offers vibrant colors and sharp details, making maps, movies, and menus look exceptionally clear both day and night. Like our top pick, it supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for convenient, cable-free smartphone integration and voice command access.
The audio performance is designed to match the high-quality display. Its 4.2-channel surround sound system delivers rich, balanced audio across all speakers, complemented by dual subwoofer outputs for deep bass. You can fine-tune the sound with custom EQ settings to create your perfect audio environment. Built with high-performance components, it promises crisp, distortion-free sound at any volume level.
Kenwood DDX419 In-Dash Head Unit Car Stereo
The Kenwood DDX419 is a reliable and feature-packed option that includes a DVD/CD receiver, broadening your media playback options beyond digital files. Its 6.1″ touchscreen is the command center for its built-in Bluetooth, which handles hands-free calling and audio streaming from compatible devices. It also offers Pandora control for iPhone users, integrating popular streaming services directly into the driving experience.
This model provides a solid internal amplifier rated at 22 watts RMS per channel, delivering clear and powerful sound. The inclusion of an iPhone App Mode allows for limited control of certain apps, adding a layer of smartphone integration. With its variable color button illumination, you can match the unit’s lighting to your vehicle’s dashboard for a cohesive look.
Pioneer DMH-1600NEX 6.8″ Double-Din Digital Multimedia Receiver
Pioneer brings its renowned audio expertise to the affordable market with the DMH-1600NEX. This receiver features built-in Bluetooth for high-quality hands-free calls, enhanced by an included external microphone for crystal-clear communication. It supports wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, giving you safe and easy access to your smartphone’s key features directly from the 6.8″ touchscreen.
Where this unit truly shines is in its sound customization capabilities. The 13-band equalizer gives you precise control over your audio, allowing you to adjust the sound to perfectly match your car’s acoustics and speaker setup. If you prefer a quicker setup, multiple EQ presets are available for an instantly optimized listening experience. A rear camera input is also standard, making it a great choice for improving both entertainment and safety.
Pioneer DMH-W2770NEX 7″ Wireless CarPlay Android Auto Receiver
For those who want the convenience of a completely wireless connection from a trusted brand, the Pioneer DMH-W2770NEX is an excellent choice. It supports both wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, eliminating the need to plug in your phone every time you get in the car. The 7″ touchscreen provides a responsive and intuitive interface for navigating through apps, music, and settings.
This receiver is designed to deliver a seamless user experience with fast boot-up times and reliable performance. It maintains Pioneer’s focus on audio quality, offering robust sound customization options to tailor the output to your liking. By combining the freedom of wireless smartphone projection with Pioneer’s build quality, this unit represents a significant upgrade for any vehicle.
BOSS Audio Systems BE10ACP 10.1″ Car Stereo
If a large, commanding display is your main priority, the BOSS Audio BE10ACP delivers with its massive 10.1-inch touchscreen. This expansive screen makes everything easier to see and touch while driving, from map details to media controls. It comes equipped with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, providing full smartphone integration on a impressive display.
Despite its large screen, this unit remains in the affordable category, offering great value for drivers wanting a modern, tablet-like interface in their dashboard. BOSS Audio systems are known for their user-friendly designs and feature sets that cater to a wide audience, making this a compelling option for those looking to make a visual and functional upgrade.
Kenwood DMX4707S 6.8″ Multimedia Receiver
The Kenwood DMX4707S is a well-rounded multimedia receiver that brings smartphone integration to the forefront with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Its 6.8″ touchscreen is designed for clarity and ease of use, providing a modern gateway to your phone’s navigation, communication, and entertainment apps while you drive.
Kenwood’s attention to audio quality is evident here, with features designed to provide a clean, powerful sound output. The unit is built to be a reliable centerpiece for your car’s audio system, offering a balance of essential modern features and Kenwood’s trusted performance. It’s a solid choice for anyone seeking a reputable brand name with the connectivity today’s drivers expect.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in an Affordable Double Din Head Unit
So, you’re thinking about upgrading your car’s stereo to one of those slick, modern double din head units. I get it. The old single din just doesn’t cut it anymore. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the right one without blowing your budget? Let me walk you through the key things I always check for.
First up is the display. This is your main point of interaction, so you want it to be good. Look for a capacitive touchscreen. These are the same smooth, responsive screens you find on your smartphone. They’re a huge step up from the older, clunkier resistive touchscreens that require a firm press. A bright, high-resolution screen is also a must for visibility in direct sunlight. I always aim for at least a 6.8-inch screen to make touching icons and navigating menus easy while driving.
Next, consider the connectivity. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are non-negotiable for me in a modern head unit. They seamlessly integrate your phone, putting your favorite maps, music, and messaging apps right on the display. Most units have a wired connection, but if your budget allows, finding one with wireless CarPlay and Android Auto is a game-changer for convenience. Also, check for built-in Bluetooth for hands-free calls and audio streaming. A USB port, preferably on the front or a easily accessible cable, is essential for charging and connecting your phone.
Sound quality is another major area. Don’t just look at the peak power numbers. Pay attention to the preamp outputs. If you plan on adding external amplifiers later, you’ll want at least three sets of preamp outputs (front, rear, and subwoofer) with a good voltage rating (4V or higher is great). This gives you a much cleaner signal than using the head unit’s built-in amplifier. Even if you’re using the built-in amp, features like a built-in high-pass filter can help your door speakers sound cleaner by blocking deep bass.
Finally, think about physical media and future-proofing. While CDs are pretty much obsolete, some people still have a collection. More importantly, check if the unit has an auxiliary input for older devices and an SD card slot. For radio, make sure it has both FM and AM, and consider HD Radio if you listen to a lot of terrestrial stations for better sound quality. By focusing on these features—a great screen, smart connectivity, solid sound controls, and relevant inputs—you can find one of the best affordable double din head units with modern features that perfectly fits your car and your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main advantage of a double din head unit over a single din?
The biggest advantage is the large, integrated touchscreen. Single din units have a much smaller faceplate, so if they have a screen, it’s usually a motorized one that slides out, which can be less reliable. A double din unit gives you a permanent, large display that makes navigating through menus, using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and viewing backup camera feeds much easier and safer. It just looks and feels more modern and integrated into your dashboard.
Are all double din head units the same size?
For the most part, yes, they follow a standard size, which is roughly 7 inches wide by 4 inches tall. This is why they’re called “double din”—they take up twice the vertical space of a traditional “single din” unit. However, it’s always a good idea to measure the opening in your specific car. Some vehicles might require a special installation kit or a slightly modified chassis to get a perfect, flush fit, so checking compatibility for your car’s make and model is a crucial step before you buy.
Can I install a double din head unit myself?
You absolutely can if you’re comfortable with basic wiring and following instructions. Many modern units come with a vehicle-specific wiring harness that you can connect to the head unit’s harness using simple crimp connectors or solder. The physical installation often involves a dash kit to fill the space. That said, if you’re not confident working with car electronics or taking apart your dashboard, it’s wise to hire a professional. A proper installation ensures everything works correctly and looks clean.
Do I need special speakers to use with a new head unit?
No, you do not. One of the best things about upgrading your stereo is that your new head unit will work with your factory speakers. You will almost certainly notice an improvement in sound quality right away because the new unit likely has a more powerful built-in amplifier and better sound processing than your old factory radio. However, if you really want to unlock the full potential of your new system, upgrading your speakers later on will make a dramatic difference.
What does “affordable” typically mean for these units?
In the world of car audio, “affordable” for a double din head unit with modern features like a capacitive touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto usually falls in the $200 to $500 range. You can find basic models at the lower end, while the higher end of that range gets you nicer screens, wireless smartphone connectivity, and more advanced sound tuning features. It’s a sweet spot where you get fantastic functionality and a modern look without the premium price tag of high-end brands.
Is a backup camera included with these head units?
Typically, the head unit itself does not come with a physical backup camera. What it does have is the input and software to support one. You will usually need to purchase a backup camera separately. The great news is that adding a camera is a common and relatively straightforward part of the installation process. Once connected, the head unit will automatically display the camera’s view when you shift your car into reverse, making parking much easier.