How to choose the Best Double Din Head Unit?

Whether you drive a car to drop off your kids at school or go to work, you have to have a car stereo in your vehicle to keep going. You might have heard that music keeps your alive, and sometimes it freshens you up from all the hectic routine. Experiments are going on to support this idea for a very long time.

There were cases where people were asked to drive with their favorite music on and then there were people who drove without any music in their car. Both of their driving performance varied to a large extent.

The group of individuals who drove with music in their car not only hit well but did not feel exhausted on the long route. However, the other group experienced lousiness and dangerous driving. To avoid exhaustion and lousiness while driving, listening to some music is recommended, especially when you are alone or on long routes.

Just like everyone has a different taste in music, people also prefer various types of equipment to enhance their music experience. A good car stereo can do things with your music that you cannot imagine otherwise.

Good headphones provide you better voice quality and understand the music; in the same way, a good stereo system can provide you exceptional music experience at the comfort of your car.

To understand the later parts of this article, we need to know what a stereo head is. A radiohead is the most fundamental and central part of your stereo system that sits in the dashboard between the front passenger seat and the driver.

It is a small box, but this little box has the capability to control everything that is related to your speaker system.

Best Double Din Head Unit: Summed Up

Pioneer FH-X720BT Double DIN CD Receiver with Mixtrax and Bluetooth

 

This head unit by Pioneer comes with built-in Bluetooth for easy hands-free calling and audio streaming. Its color illuminations allow precise matching with your car’s interior. It also comes with integrated control for iOS devices. Pioneer has offered a built-in MP3 dock and an optional satellite radio as well. This model has 35% larger backlight than previous models.

It also provides the option of customizing the graphic equalizer. Its anti-dust design makes it easy to clean.

Jensen VX7020 Double DIN Multimedia Receiver, 6.2” Touch Screen with Bluetooth and Built-in USB Port

 

Jensen is well known for being at the top of the car audio industry for years. They have launched a head unit with a fully functional remote. This head unit has a built-in Bluetooth to facilitate audio streaming and hands-free calling. You can also find maps of all of US in it. It also has built-in iPad, iPhone and iPod controls. The best part is that it fits in dashboard openings easily. Jensen VX7020 also has steering wheel control interface which is compatible with SWC modules. You can get maximum visibility with its 6.2” touch screen. Its USB port allows charging all power devices like smartphones. It also has a micro SD Card slot to facilitate music and video files.

Pioneer AVH-W4500NEX Double DIN Wireless Mirroring Android Unit

 

Pioneer has always been one of the market leaders in the audio industry. That is why it is no surprise that the Pioneer AVH4200NEX Double Din Unit is one of the best picks out there. This double din head stereo is equipped with a 50 watts x 4 channels and a 14 watts RMS amplifier.

It also has a 7-inch touchscreen display and built-in Bluetooth connection so you can enjoy hands-free and audio streaming. For better convenience, it is also compatible with Siri Eyes Free, Android Auto, Apple Carplay, Spotify, and AppRadio compatibility. 

Kenwood DNX996XR 6.8″ DVD Navigation Receiver with Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto

 

The Kenwood Excelon DNX996XR is not just a double din head unit for your audio needs, but it also comes with built-in navigation. It uses the Garmin navigation system, so you will have access to maps of the US, the U.S. Virgin IslandsCanada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico.

It also features a 6.8-inch HD display and can be paired to your phone via Bluetooth. Equipped with WiFi plus an HD radio tuner, you are sure to access the best audio content.

BOSS Audio BVCP9685A – Double Din Car Stereo

 

Another pick for the best double din head unit is the BOSS Audio BVCP9685A – Double Din Car Stereo. It has a big 6.75-inch capacitive touchscreen monitor so you can quickly select apps. There are also useful ports like a USB slot, AV, rear camera, steering wheel control, and USB phone charging. As an added feature, the Boss BVCP9685A takes safety seriously, as it automatically lowers the audio volume whenever you put your car in reverse. Now that is a thoughtful addition.

It supports Apple CarPlay and compatible with iOS apps. You can use Siri for convenient navigations, message checking, and other tasks while driving. For Android users, it supports Android Auto with Google Assistant as well. It also has Bluetooth technology, so you can pretty much do anything hands-free.

The sound quality is also pretty decent. You can easily tweak the audio by adjusting the bass, treble, balance, fader controls, and a preset built-in EQ. Since it supports Spotify and Pandora, you can be sure that your drive to work or your road trip is fun and music-filled.

Pioneer 6.2″ VGA Touchscreen WebLink Double DIN

 

The Pioneer AVH-290BT is an affordable double din stereo unit. It has a 6.2-inch LED touchscreen display and Bluetooth connectivity so you can enjoy hands-free calls and audio streaming. It also sports a 45-watt x 4 channels and a built-in equalizer with 5 bands for better audio. If you are having problems with parking, the reverse camera input feature is a great addition. It is also compatible with Siri Eyes Free, Spotify and, AppRadio.

Double Din Android Car Stereo – Corehan 7 

 

Aside from having a sleek design, the Corehan Android also functions as a tablet. Equipped with a 6.95-inch LCD screen, it has a Quad-Core 1.8 GHz CPU, Android Oreo OS, 2GB RAM, 32GB ROM, and a GPS navigation system. It is also compatible with the OBD2 scanner so you can monitor the condition of your vehicle anytime. 

Pioneer AVH-210EX In-Dash 2-DIN 6.2″ Touchscreen DVD Receiver with Bluetooth

 

The Pioneer AVH-210EX with its 6.2″ touchscreen monitor is another excellent choice. The WVGA (800 x 480) resolution is vibrant and crystal and super responsive. Though the AVH-210EX is technically an entry-level double din head unit, it is still designed to improve your in-vehicle entertainment. Of course, by also supporting seamless connectivity with your smartphone. It both supports iOS and Android, so whatever you use, the Pioneer AVH-210EX got you covered.

You will also get to enjoy extra convenience, like a built-in Bluetooth AVRCP 1.6, which is perfect for hands-free calls and audio streams. It also supports additional safety features, as this model is rear camera ready. The sound quality is also superb, which is to be expected from Pioneer.

ATOTO A6 Double Din Android Car Navigation Stereo with Dual Bluetooth

 

The ATOTO A6 is also an Android double din head unit that is powered by Android Marshmallow. Unlike the other Android pick on this list, the Corehan Android, the ATOTO A6, is available at a more affordable price point. Though the OS is a bit old, the unit itself is still getting continuous firmware updates. This 1024X600 TFT-LCD display is built-in with a GPS module and a pre-installed Google maps for better navigation.

BOSS Audio Systems BV9362BI Car DVD Player – Double Din

 

Though the BOSS Audio BV9362B is a budget pick, it does not compromise quality. This double din head unit comes with a three-year warranty so you can be sure that you are getting the most of what you pay for. It also has other features like an 80-watt x 4 channels and a built-in equalizer for high-quality audio. It also supports DVD and CD, sp you can go ahead whip out your old albums.

 

Everyone of the above-mentioned Double DIN head units has its perks. You might find one feature in a stereo and not in the other. This does not mean that it is absent, but it means that the other one has something better to offer. Each of them has a different price range also, but it all depends on your priorities that how do you want to create a balance between price, quality and additional features.

What is double din head unit?

A double-DIN stereo head is an international standard measurement. DIN stands for Deutsches Institute fur Normung. It is the German standards organization that has created the necessary standards for head units. Their measurements and units are in use till today, which means there has been no better option yet offered. The dimensions of a single head unit are 180mm in length and 50mm in height. However, the double DIN or 2 DIN head unit is 180mm wider and 100mm tall. As the height is double, this is why it is called the Double DIN head unit. People who understand these features and know the difference the two dimensions will prefer the later one.

Double DIN head unit is the most common type of stereo that people prefer in their cars. It is a device that is usually placed in the center of consoles of the cars that is used to control the radio volume. Even the stereo specialists recommend getting a Double DIN head unit installed in your vehicle as it provides the best music experience on the go. It provides better control of the sound, improved sound balance, enhances features of bass, treble, and equalizer. Listening to music is great fun when you know you can control the sound as per your preferences. There can be nothing better than having an incredible sound experience while you are driving at work. It keeps you fresh.

What to look when buying a double din head unit?

A head unit is the core of a car stereo which is why it is the attractive option to go for while upgrading the sound system of your vehicle. When you visit the market, you will come across some options from different stereo manufacturing companies. Each of the options will have some attraction in it, but do not rush while making the decision. Do not make your buying decision on the first visit to the market. Take all the time you need to go through all the options carefully. Talk to the company representatives and find out what they are offering. Take your time and do your research. Before that, another important thing is to be clear about what you need in your stereo system? There are a few things that must be a part of your consideration while making the buying decision of a head unit.

Measuring the faceplate

You have to measure the faceplate of your current head unit to find out whether you need a Double DIN head unit.  It is the most important and only thing that you need to know about your car before buying a Double DIN head unit. If it measures around 7 inches in length and 2 inches in height, then it has room for a single head unit only. But, if it measures 7 inches in diameter and around 4 inches in height then you can buy yourself the treat of a Double DIN head unit.

A head unit not only facilitates the functionality of the sound system but it also improves the performance of the whole system as well. A head unit serves to be an interface of the audio system of your car, which is why usability is one of the important factor here. You also need to have clear answers to the following questions:

1. Which will head unit fit in your car?
2. What are your requirements for a car stereo system?
3. Is budget more important than quality for you?
4. What is the usage of a head unit for you?
5. How do you use your current head unit?

Other than the points mentioned above, there are a few more things that you should think about before you fall for an attractive looking stereo system at the stereo store. They are:

General features – such as power output, options to customize ad interface.

Audio features – availability and efficacy of retrievers and equalizers.

Compatibility – you have to learn about the compatibility of the stereo system with your personal gadgets to support Bluetooth, GPS and other connectivity options.

Controls – having an easy to use stereo system is not only safe to be used while driving but also is less troublesome. Always remember, that you cannot be distracted from the road. Easy controls are the priority of the stereos that come with wireless remotes.

You will have to know the capacity of your car’s dashboard before you go for a Double DIN head unit. You also have to be explicit about preferring budget or the quality. It is little understanding that anything that will be expensive will be of better quality; this is sad but true. Double DIN head unit might be expensive as compared to other head units but it has the best quality and features to offer. You will have more options with a Double DIN head unit. If you want to take things to a higher level, then you will have to loosen some strings and get yourself a big delightful package.

Better sound quality can only be available in high-end head units. They come with additional equalizers, amplifiers, and a digital audio processor. A car is a risky vehicle; you have to keep your attention on the road rather than trying to read out small letters on the display of a head unit. Make sure you stand a few feet away from the rack where the head units are placed; to check the screen visibility. You would not want to risk your life while trying to focus on what track is coming up next. For a lot of people, the cosmetic factor of a stereo is also important, which is why they prefer colorful displays and touchscreens. Moreover, no one wants an ugly looking head unit to go with their car’s interior.

Difference between a DIN and a double DIN head unit

The biggest and the only apparent difference in a single DIN and Double DIN head unit is the size. You have to make sure which of the both will be perfect for your car as per space in your dock. Double DIN unit head is 4 inches taller than the single DIN head unit. So if you have enough space, then you should go for the double DIN. It also comes with additional features like:

• Touchscreen
• Navigation
• DVD
• Bluetooth
• GPS

One benefit that most of the people see in choosing single DIN head unit is that it is cheaper than double DIN head unit. If you have a limited budget, then the single DIN would be a preferable choice. It gives much better sound quality as compared to the stereo systems that come built-in from the factory. They might not have the added bells and whistles of touch screen and auto adjust brightness, but still, it gives an exceptional experience. Also, you can save up to $400 if you are going to a single DIN head unit. But, if you are not tight on the budget and want to have a fun time every time you drive to work then do not be a miser and buy yourself the enchantment of Double DIN head unit.

Final Words

Music serves the soul. Most of the people have a hectic routine at work, and then they have to go home and deal with house stuff as well. Things get very boring and exhausting at the end of the week. Listening to music is a popular activity. People like to listen to their favorite tunes while they are driving to work or dropping off their kids at school. Driving becomes a lot of fun when you are listening to music. It prevents lousiness and dullness in the personality.

Some people say that music distracts them as they get too involved in their favorite song, but this is not true. It is all about self-control. When you are hanging out with friends or driving to a local bar, some party music will not harm the situation. It will add more color and delight to the ride. Music is said to have a positive influence on the everyday behavior of an individual.

Studies demonstrate that listening to music has a positive influence on the performance of your brain. The kind of speakers and stereo system you are using also has a huge impact on the quality of music. The better the system, the better the music will sound making it more enjoyable and relaxing. Picking a head unit out of such a large variety can be a tough decision.

There are too many stereo manufacturing companies, and each of them has a long list of sound systems; all of them have different features. You have to keep in mind your music sound and quality preferences while you are selecting a head unit. If you are more of a party-loving person, then getting yourself a Double DIN head unit would be the biggest treat ever.

Moreover, if you want to have a big display and are more into attractive lights and cosmetic beauty, then this would be the best buying decision. So, do not waste any more time and visit a stereo store to present yourself with a long life of the happy sound system.

We hope, our reviews will guide you through the whole process and enable you to make the right choice.