8 Best Android Auto Head Units

Just as Odysseus navigated treacherous waters to find his way home, you'll need to chart a careful course through today's sea of Android Auto head units to find your perfect match. You're likely aware that these sophisticated devices have evolved far beyond simple car stereos, offering everything from wireless connectivity to voice commands and stunning displays. Whether you're looking to upgrade your daily commute or enhance your weekend road trips, you'll find that each of these eight top-rated units brings something unique to your dashboard. Let's explore what makes each option worthy of your consideration.

BOSS BVCP9700A Car Stereo with CarPlay & Android Auto

Budget-conscious drivers seeking modern smartphone integration will find value in the BOSS BVCP9700A car stereo. This unit offers both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on a 7-inch touchscreen with 1024×600 resolution. You'll get Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and music streaming, plus multiple input options including USB, SD card, and AV ports.

While you'll appreciate the physical volume knob and responsive wired CarPlay functionality, be aware of some limitations. The built-in amplifier delivers less power than advertised, and you might notice some pre-amp output issues with hissing noise. The touchscreen isn't as responsive as premium models, and professional installation is recommended for best performance. Despite these drawbacks, the BVCP9700A maintains a solid 4.1-star rating and ranks #33 in car audio receivers on Amazon.

Best For: Budget-conscious drivers wanting modern smartphone integration features like CarPlay and Android Auto without spending premium prices.

Pros:

• Includes both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility on a decent 7-inch display
• Multiple connectivity options including Bluetooth, USB, SD card, and AV inputs
• Physical volume knob and straightforward user interface for easy operation

Cons:

• Underpowered amplifier that doesn't meet advertised specifications
• Pre-amp outputs suffer from constant hissing noise issues
• Touchscreen responsiveness falls short compared to higher-end units

Alpine iLX-W650 Digital Multimedia Receiver with CarPlay & Android Auto

Audiophiles seeking premium sound customization will appreciate the Alpine iLX-W650, a 7-inch digital multimedia receiver that delivers exceptional audio control despite its compact size. You'll find extensive EQ customization options, precise crossover settings, and detailed subwoofer control, all powered by Alpine's renowned sound processing.

The unit's bright, anti-glare WVGA capacitive touchscreen remains visible in sunlight, while the interface mirrors iPhone simplicity for intuitive navigation. Though its 16W x 4 built-in amplifier is slightly less powerful than competitors, the audio quality remains impressive, even with factory speakers. The seamless integration of CarPlay and Android Auto enhances your driving experience, though you'll notice occasional lag during CarPlay operation. Keep in mind that accessing settings requires engaging the parking brake, and you can't customize wallpapers or startup screens.

Best For: Audiophiles and sound enthusiasts who prioritize premium audio customization and sound quality in a compact car stereo unit, particularly those with limited dash space who don't need CD playback.

Pros:

• Extensive audio customization with detailed EQ, crossover, and subwoofer controls
• Bright, anti-glare 7-inch touchscreen with good visibility in various lighting conditions
• Seamless integration with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in a space-saving design

Cons:

• Lower-powered built-in amplifier (16W x 4) compared to competitors
• Occasional lag when using CarPlay and limitations in interface customization
• Settings can only be accessed when parking brake is engaged, which may be inconvenient

PLZ Double Din Car Stereo with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto

Drivers seeking a feature-packed head unit without breaking the bank will find the PLZ Double Din Car Stereo an attractive option. With both wireless and wired CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities, you'll enjoy seamless smartphone integration and hands-free control through its 7-inch IPS touchscreen.

The unit's Bluetooth 5.3 module with an extra antenna guarantees reliable connectivity, while the built-in DSP with 10-band EQ lets you fine-tune your audio experience. You'll get impressive sound through its 240W output system with 4.2 channels and dual subwoofer outputs. The stereo also includes steering wheel control integration and backup camera support. While it doesn't offer Wi-Fi hotspot functionality and may have occasional Bluetooth pairing issues, its robust feature set and solid 4.3-star rating from over 1,600 users make it a compelling choice for upgrading your vehicle's entertainment system.

Best For: Budget-conscious car owners looking to add modern smartphone connectivity and quality audio features to their vehicles without spending premium prices.

Pros:

• Supports both wireless and wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto with voice control capabilities
• Impressive sound customization with built-in DSP, 10-band EQ, and dual subwoofer outputs
• High-quality Bluetooth 5.3 with extra antenna for reliable connectivity

Cons:

• No Wi-Fi hotspot functionality and Mirrorlink limitations with newer iOS versions
• Occasional Bluetooth pairing issues reported by some users
• May require additional accessories and adjustments for optimal installation and performance

ATOTO Double Din Car Stereo with Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto (F7G2A7WE-S01)

For users seeking wireless convenience without breaking the bank, the ATOTO F7G2A7WE-S01 delivers impressive value with its wireless CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities. The 7-inch IPS touchscreen offers good visibility in sunlight, and you'll appreciate the versatile storage options, supporting up to 2TB SSD and 512GB SD cards for your media.

While the unit shines with its wireless connectivity features, you'll want to ponder a few drawbacks. The touchscreen can be sticky at times, making scrolling gestures challenging, and some users report issues with the backup camera's quality and mounting. The sound quality is basic, so you might need an external amplifier for better audio performance. Installation is generally straightforward, but you'll need to purchase a vehicle-specific wiring harness and possibly additional tools.

Best For: Budget-conscious car owners who want wireless CarPlay and Android Auto functionality in their vehicle without spending premium prices on branded units.

Pros:

• Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto integration at an affordable price point
• Versatile storage compatibility with support for large external drives up to 2TB
• Good screen visibility with IPS display that performs well in direct sunlight

Cons:

• Sticky touchscreen response with occasional scrolling issues
• Basic sound quality that may require additional amplification
• Backup camera reliability issues and problematic mounting adhesive

Kenwood Digital Media Touchscreen Receiver (DMX4707S)

Tech-savvy vehicle owners seeking a reliable touchscreen upgrade will find the Kenwood DMX4707S strikes an impressive balance between functionality and value. The 6.8-inch capacitive touchscreen offers crisp visuals, while the 13-band EQ with digital time alignment lets you fine-tune your audio experience.

You'll appreciate the built-in Bluetooth connectivity and USB mirroring for Android devices, though you'll need a wired connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The unit's compact dimensions (2.94 x 5.94 x 3.13 inches) make it suitable for most vehicles, and the included rear-view camera input with parking guidelines enhances your driving safety. While you might encounter occasional touchscreen lag and limited Bluetooth device connections, the DMX4707S's sound quality and extensive features make it a solid choice for modernizing your vehicle's entertainment system.

Best For: Car owners looking to modernize their vehicle's entertainment system with a feature-rich touchscreen receiver that offers quality audio and smartphone integration capabilities.

Pros:

• Excellent sound customization with 13-band EQ and digital time alignment
• Clear 6.8-inch capacitive touchscreen with intuitive interface
• Comprehensive features including rear-view camera support and USB mirroring for Android

Cons:

• Requires wired connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality
• Occasional touchscreen lag and slow interface response
• Limited to single device Bluetooth connectivity at a time

Jensen J3CA7W 7-inch CarPlay/Android Auto Car Stereo

Budget-conscious car owners seeking modern connectivity will find exceptional value in the Jensen J3CA7W 7-inch head unit. At under $200, you'll get both wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities, along with a crisp 7-inch touchscreen display.

The unit's 1024 x 600 resolution screen provides clear visibility, while built-in Bluetooth enables hands-free calling and phonebook access. You'll appreciate the USB connectivity for charging and data transfer, plus the included backup camera input. Installation follows standard double DIN procedures, though you might need additional cables for certain features.

While some users report occasional Bluetooth connectivity issues, Jensen backs the unit with a generous 3-year warranty when registered online. For the price point, you're getting a feature-rich head unit that delivers modern smartphone integration and solid performance.

Best For: Budget-conscious car owners who want modern smartphone connectivity features like CarPlay and Android Auto without spending premium prices.

Pros:

• Offers both wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto at an affordable price point
• Clear 7-inch touchscreen with good resolution (1024 x 600) and backup camera input
• Generous 3-year warranty with online registration and responsive customer support

Cons:

• Some users report intermittent Bluetooth connectivity issues
• May require additional cables for certain features like backup camera
• USB port placement at the back can make iPhone connections challenging

Pioneer DMH-1770NEX Digital Multimedia Receiver with CarPlay/Android Auto

Drivers seeking a reliable double-DIN receiver with modern connectivity will find the Pioneer DMH-1770NEX hits the sweet spot between functionality and value. This multimedia receiver features a 6.8-inch capacitive touchscreen and comes equipped with both wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.

You'll get seamless access to your favorite apps, including Maps, Music, Messages, and voice commands through Siri or Google Assistant. The unit's built-in Bluetooth lets you make hands-free calls and stream audio, while Amazon Alexa compatibility via Vozsis adds another layer of convenience. The DMH-1770NEX also includes a rear-view camera input and customizable audio settings with an integrated amplifier for enhanced sound quality. While some users report occasional touchscreen responsiveness issues, the unit's 4.2-star rating from over 400 customers suggests it's a solid choice for most drivers.

Best For: Car owners wanting a feature-rich multimedia receiver with smartphone integration capabilities at a mid-range price point.

Pros:

• Comprehensive smartphone integration with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Multiple voice assistant options including Siri, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa
• Extensive connectivity features including Bluetooth, rear camera input, and customizable audio settings

Cons:

• Some users report issues with touchscreen responsiveness
• Occasional reliability concerns after warranty period
• Wired-only CarPlay and Android Auto (no wireless connectivity options)

Double Din Car Radio with Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto, QLED Screen

Modern vehicle owners seeking a premium infotainment upgrade will find their match in the SJOYBRING Double Din Car Radio. The unit features a vibrant 7-inch QLED touchscreen with 1280 x 720 resolution and supports 1080P video playback.

You'll appreciate the wireless connectivity for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, eliminating the need for cables while maintaining voice control capabilities. The system's independent Bluetooth module guarantees stable connections for calls and music streaming. With 4.2-channel audio output and dual subwoofer ports, you can easily expand your sound system through aftermarket amplifiers.

The included HD backup camera with night vision activates automatically in reverse, while the MirrorLink function supports screen mirroring for most devices. Though professional installation is recommended, the unit fits standard double-DIN sizes and comes with responsive customer support for technical assistance.

Best For: Car owners looking to upgrade their vehicle's entertainment system with modern wireless connectivity, high-quality display, and expandable audio capabilities.

Pros:

• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto eliminate the need for cables while maintaining full functionality
• High-quality 7-inch QLED display with 1080P video playback support
• Versatile audio system with 4.2-channel output and dual subwoofer ports for expansion

Cons:

• Professional installation recommended, which adds to overall cost
• MirrorLink function not compatible with newer iOS versions (18.0+)
• May require additional accessories for full functionality (steering wheel controls, adapters)

Factors to Consider When Choosing Android Auto Head Units

When you're shopping for an Android Auto head unit, you'll need to weigh several critical factors that affect your in-car experience. The most important considerations include the display's size and resolution, whether you want wireless or wired connectivity, the unit's audio output capabilities, and whether it'll fit your vehicle's specific installation requirements. You'll also want to check for additional input options like USB ports, auxiliary inputs, and camera connections to guarantee the head unit meets all your connectivity needs.

Display Size and Quality

The display size and quality of your Android Auto head unit can make or break your driving experience. When selecting a unit, you'll want to focus on displays that are around 7 inches, as this size offers ideal visibility for both navigation and media controls while driving.

Resolution plays an essential role in your screen's clarity. Look for displays with at least 1024 x 600 pixels, which will guarantee you can easily read text and view map details, particularly when sunlight hits your dashboard. You'll also benefit from anti-glare features that minimize reflections and maintain screen visibility regardless of lighting conditions.

The touchscreen's responsiveness is equally important. You'll find that capacitive touchscreens offer a more intuitive experience since they respond to light touches, similar to your smartphone. This makes it easier to navigate through menus and adjust settings while keeping your focus on the road.

Don't forget about brightness adjustability. You'll need different brightness levels for daytime and nighttime driving, so choose a unit that lets you customize the display's intensity. This feature helps prevent eye strain and reduces potential distractions during your nighttime commutes.

Wireless Vs Wired Connectivity

Choosing between wireless and wired Android Auto connectivity presents an essential decision for your car's entertainment system. While wireless connectivity offers the convenience of automatic phone connection when you start your vehicle, you'll need to weigh this benefit against potential performance trade-offs.

Wired connections deliver more reliable performance with faster data transfer rates and superior audio quality. You won't experience the occasional lag or disconnection issues that can plague wireless systems due to Bluetooth interference. However, you'll need to plug in your phone each time you enter your vehicle, which might become cumbersome during short trips.

Modern head units often include both options, letting you switch between wireless and wired connections based on your needs. You might prefer wireless connectivity for quick errands when voice control and hands-free operation are priorities. For longer journeys where stable performance and peak audio quality matter more, you can opt for a wired connection. Consider your daily driving habits and priorities – if you value convenience over consistent performance, wireless might be your best choice. If you're an audiophile or prioritize stability, stick with wired connectivity.

Audio Output Power

Understanding audio output power will shape your entire listening experience with an Android Auto head unit. While manufacturers often advertise impressive wattage specs like 80W per channel, you'll typically get much lower actual power output, sometimes as low as 26W per channel from the built-in amplifier.

When evaluating head units, you'll want to look beyond just the wattage numbers. Consider whether the unit offers multiple channel outputs, such as 4.2 channels or dedicated subwoofer outputs, as these can greatly enhance your audio setup's versatility. If you're planning to use aftermarket speakers or want premium sound quality, pay attention to the voltage output. A head unit with 4-volt outputs will deliver cleaner signals to external amplifiers compared to lower voltage alternatives.

For most users, the built-in amplifier might suffice for casual listening. However, if you're serious about sound quality or running high-performance speakers, you'll likely need to factor in the cost of an external amplifier. The head unit's power output capabilities will determine whether this additional investment is necessary for your setup.

Installation Compatibility Requirements

Nearly every vehicle requires specific considerations when installing an Android Auto head unit, making compatibility checks essential before purchase. You'll need to verify that your chosen unit's dimensions match your dashboard's available space to prevent fitment issues during installation. Don't forget to check if your vehicle needs specific dash kits or wiring harnesses for proper integration.

For older vehicles or those with unique configurations, you'll likely need professional installation to handle complex wiring requirements. This is particularly important as improper installation can lead to functionality issues or even damage to your vehicle's electrical system. When selecting your head unit, consider the placement of USB ports and other connections – you'll want these to be easily accessible for daily use.

If your vehicle has steering wheel controls, you'll need to verify compatibility with your chosen head unit. Some models may require additional adapters to maintain full steering wheel functionality. It's worth checking if the manufacturer provides specific installation guidelines for your vehicle make and model, as this can help you anticipate any potential challenges or additional components you'll need.

Additional Input Options

Modern Android Auto head units come packed with diverse input options that can make or break your in-car entertainment experience. When selecting a unit, you'll want to contemplate the variety of connectivity options available to guarantee it meets your specific needs.

USB ports and SD card slots are vital features you'll find on many head units, allowing you to connect your devices directly or play media from external storage. If you're looking to enhance your driving safety, choose a unit that supports both front and rear camera inputs, giving you better visibility while parking or maneuvering.

Bluetooth connectivity should be a non-negotiable feature in your selection, as it enables hands-free calling and wireless music streaming. For audiophiles, look for units with multiple pre-amp outputs that let you connect external amplifiers and subwoofers to customize your sound system.

Don't forget to check if the head unit you're contemplating is compatible with steering wheel controls. You'll likely need an interface module, but maintaining these controls is vital for safe driving while accessing your head unit's features. This compatibility guarantees you won't lose the convenient control options your car originally came with.

Price Vs Feature Balance

The price-to-feature equation of Android Auto head units requires careful consideration to maximize your investment. While budget-friendly models can provide basic Android Auto functionality, they often lack advanced features like wireless connectivity and premium audio processing capabilities that you'll find in higher-end units.

Display quality is a key differentiator, with pricier models offering superior resolutions of 1024×600 or better, ensuring clearer visuals and enhanced usability. You'll also notice significant differences in audio performance, as more expensive units typically include higher-quality built-in amplifiers that deliver superior sound output compared to their budget counterparts.

When evaluating different price points, don't overlook essential connectivity features. Make sure your chosen unit includes Bluetooth compatibility, adequate USB ports, and steering wheel control integration. These features might be limited or absent in lower-priced models. It's worth checking customer reviews and ratings to understand real-world performance across different price ranges. While premium units generally offer more reliable operation and easier installation, you'll need to determine which features are most important for your specific needs and budget constraints.

FAQs

How Do I Update Android Auto on My Head Unit?

You'll need to update Android Auto through your phone's Google Play Store. Once updated, connect your phone to your head unit and it'll automatically sync the latest version to your system.

Will Android Auto Work Without an Internet Connection?

You can call, navigate, and play downloaded music on Android Auto without internet, but you'll need data for real-time features like traffic updates, streaming music, or sending messages through internet-based apps.

Can I Watch Youtube or Netflix Through Android Auto?

No, you can't watch YouTube or Netflix through Android Auto. It's designed for safe driving, so it only allows approved apps like navigation, music, and messaging to minimize distractions while you're on the road.

Does Android Auto Drain My Phone's Battery Quickly?

When you're using Android Auto, your phone will drain faster than normal since it's powering navigation, music, and the display. However, if you're connected via USB, your phone charges simultaneously during use.

Can I Use Android Auto With an Iphone?

Perfectly put: Android Auto primarily pairs with Android phones. You'll need Apple CarPlay instead for your iPhone. While both provide similar services, they're specifically designed for their respective operating systems for seamless smartphone integration.

Final Thoughts

Like a conductor directing an orchestra, you'll want to choose an Android Auto head unit that perfectly harmonizes with your needs. Whether you're drawn to BOSS's budget-friendly option or Alpine's premium sound quality, there's a perfect match waiting. Consider your must-have features, budget constraints, and vehicle compatibility before making your selection. With these top-rated options, you're sure to enhance your driving experience.