10 Best Android Head Unit Review 2021 – Buyer’s Guide

To make sure you are a proud owner of an auto, you need to consider some add-ons.

For instance, you need to do a regular checkup and maintenance of your car.

Hence, you need OBD2 Scanner; you want to make your vehicle smell nice and better for which you need car air freshener.

The list is just numerous. Joy and happiness in the course of driving is one vital thing that you really desire, particularly when you are on a long drive or ride. This is where the top android head units come handy.

In a simple language, a head unit is just a more particular way of referring to the component you perhaps know as a car stereo or a car radio.

The head unit is positioned at the center of your car audio system. It is a ground-breaking component of any vehicle.

Head units manage the performance and functionality of your car audio system to a great extent.

​Nowadays the best android car stereo has made it comfy for drivers and their passengers to experience excellent entertainment as they travel along.

The good news is that Android car stereos are available in different versions and you just need to read this head unit review to understand things you need to consider when shopping for a car stereo.

Some of the characteristics of the best android auto head unit 2021 include sound output, ease of use, manuals, cost, and lots more.

Types of Android Car Stereos 2021

Make sure you get your information and facts right before choosing a car stereo, in order to buy the one that will offer you great value for your money.

Before you consider buying a head unit or car stereo for your vehicle, you need to know the types available in the market so you can be sure of selecting the best, depending on your financial capability and free will.

The two types of head units are the single and double head units.

Single

The unit is 7 – 1/8 inches wide and 2 – 1/8 inches high. A number of vehicles have this type of stereos. This is the standard for them and it cannot be possible for you to upgrade to a double car stereo if you have this single DIN car stereo.

Double

This is the standard all over the world. It comes with an integrated screen touch display, which differs in size – from 3.5 inches or as big as 7 inches.

It is a bit wide and high, unlike the single-car stereos. With double car stereo, you can downgrade- well, we don’t really recommend it though!

Our top stereo for android:

ATOTO A6 Double Din Head Unit

This is our best and top android car stereo. If you have don’t time to read this article you should buy this one.

It has lots of features which can make you comfortable. You will love this one. I highly recommend buying this top car stereo. If you want to know more then click here to read the full features and reviews.

Top 10 Android Head Unit Review

Once people become car owners they build a passion for the components that go along with them, and car stereos are included (amongst others).

Well, as we like to call them android units, they are part of the most important pieces that take the driving vibe to a next level through the best songs out there.

They have come a long way since technology has improved massively, and the functionalities that come with these devices could only be found in luxury vehicles in the past.

Obviously, as they are more accessible nowadays we said that it’s about time to share our two cents and help readers make the best choice.

Throughout our research, we spent over 24 hours trying to understand how we can find the best android unit suitable for a mid-range and a high-end 4-wheels drive.

ATOTO A6 Double Din Android Car Navigation Stereo

This model has been on the market for a while now and has amazed enough people to convince others that it is worth the trouble. It has been developed with a stock system based on Android Marshmallow, and the manufacturer focused its attention on optimizing it properly.

The Dual Bluetooth chips have got a wide variety of functionalities as the connection to BT tethering for internet access, send or receive files etc. It also works as a hands-free Bluetooth device and provides a built-in Google Maps tracker.

Throughout the review, we realized that it supports other apps such as Waze, TomTom and HERE We Go.

Other features:

There is a lot to discuss this model and we feel that without trying it out there is no way someone can understand the experience while using it.

[New] ATOTO A6 Pro A6Y2721PR Double DIN Android Car Navigation Stereo

This ATOTO A6 Pro unit is very similar to the previous one listed, however it comes with something extra and exclusive on top. As everybody expected in the first place, it provides all features available on the other A6, such as the radio tuner, built-in navigation system, video and dash camera input, etc.

During our review, we have learned that the new hands gesture recognition sensor is what makes this model wanted.

It provides simplicity in using the hands to adjust the volume, skip tracks, and access other features.

Other features:

Throughout the research, we also thought that it would be amazing to list our PROs and CONs related to this unit as they might help you make the right choice as well.

Pioneer AVIC-8200NEX Navigation Receiver with Carplay/Android Auto

This navigation receiver is a flagship multimedia device suitable for anyone that looks for an affordable unit that provides a wide variety of features.

Pioneer has always been a reliable brand in the sounds business, and their navigations takes this feature to a next level as it is a powerful and reliable one.

This model is a DVD/CD receiver that has a 6.2” touchscreen available. It fits 4-inches (tall) dash openings and it is compatible with Apple carplay.

At the same time, the maps include navigation for the USA, Canada, and Puerto Rico.

Other features:

The manufacturer made this product available to everyone that wants an optimized unit.

Therefore, this device works perfectly fine with most all type of phones and ensure reliability on road trips.

Also, we have listed a few PROs and CONs below to make you understand better what people think after testing it.

Related Guide: Atoto A6 vs A6 Pro

Eonon 10.1″ Double Din Car GPS Navigation Head Unit

The Eonon Car Stereo is an Android 8.1 based unit that ensures a better experience especially to people that look for a bigger display car stereo. This one has got a 10.1 inches HD display featuring a 1024×600 resolution perfect for people that want to feel comfortable while driving.

Throughout the research, we have learned that this Eonon model comes with an adjustable viewing angle available through its innovative design.[/su_note]

At the same time, it can be easily connected to both iOS and Android either wirelessly or through a USB cable.

Other features:

We have also shared a few PROs and CONs we gathered throughout our research and they can be found right below:

XTRONS 7 Inch Android 8.0

XTRONS Android 8 is the most powerful hardware with extensive features. With the enhanced power and performance, the product stands out among the other competitive products. Perhaps, XTRONS is a must have an operating system.

XTRONS 7 Inch Octa Core 4G RAM 32G ROM HD Digital Multi-Touch Screen Car Stereo GPS Radio OBD2 TPMS Double 2 Din is engineered by the smartest and powerful operating system Android 8.0. The users will have the best experience with this head unit.

XTRONS Android 8 is a great piece of electronics with good configuration. It has very good user reviews.

Other prominent features about the device are built-in radio tuner, customized themes and surround studio that provides the best audio effect.

Some of the noticeable features of XTRONS 7 Inch Android 8.0 are:

PUMPKIN Android 8.0 Car Stereo

This is a universal stereo for cars powered by Android 8. PUMPKIN Android 8.0 Car Stereo is a touchscreen device engineered with DVD player. 4 GB RAM in the device boost for a faster performance and allows the installation for many apps.

It has a dual zone function that makes the device support playing music and radio while still showing navigation on google maps. The system has a very good CPU performance, so your search can be exceptionally fast and more accurate.

The operating system Android 8 provides the user with the best experience he would have never had before.

Corehan Car Stereo DVD Multimedia Player

Corehan is a registered US trademark that made its revolution in car stereo industry and introduced the multimedia Corehan Android 8 Car Stereo DVD Multimedia Player. They are specialized stereos not only for cars, rather Jeep, Dodge and Chrysler.

The earlier versions of the device had some issues, however, the latest version Android 8 is definitely a powerful operating system. The impeccable features make the device more trustworthy so the user can buy with confidence.

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JVC KW-M730BT – Car Bluetooth Receiver

JVC KW-M730BT is a brand that got its beginning in the audio electronics market, particularly the automotive audio electronics. It offers exceptional auto stereo system that serves as a serviceable CarPlay gadget. The preamp of JVC gives the envisaged 6 channels with 50 watts of utmost output.

On the other hand, you can sync two devices simultaneously with JVC KW-M730BT Car Receiver. Despite the fact that you may not be capable of using the two devices at the same time, it allows for the transition from one to another without pause.

Pioneer AVH-X4800BS – Best Car Stereo Under 300

Are you looking for a car stereo or Motorized DVD receiver that will provide you the best entertainment and quality service you are yearning for? Look no further than Pioneer AVH-X4800BS 7″ DVD Receiver.

It is equipped with a motorized screen that slides down automatically at the touch of a button to show a slot for CDs and DVDs. All you need is to adjust the vertical angle located on the screen for you to obtain an optimal viewing angle at the comfort right on your driving seat.

With AVH-X4800BS, you are guaranteed great music without hassles.

In other words, you will enjoy the superior sound quality and take absolute control of the Android auto head unit in your vehicle directly from the touchscreen display of the receiver.

Sony XAV-AX100 – Top Rated Car Stereo

Sony XAV-AX100 comes with a 6.4-inch touch display that rivals bigger capacity-touch screens as far as quality is concerned. In addition, Sony has incorporated CarPlay in better ways than other Android auto media receivers available so far.

It is the most tasteful receiver on the market. It makes use of a physical knob for controlling volume.

Sony receiver will keep you in touch with your entertainment as you keep your eyes on the road because unfocused driving is bad. XAV-AX100 auto head unit works with Smartphone to provide you with high-quality sound and convenient stress-free control.

If you are an Android user, this is the best android car stereo for you.

With voice commands, you can answer important calls and dictate messages. You can also use Google Maps to find your way.

Best Android Auto Head Unit

Alpine ILX-107 – Expensive Car Stereo

Alpine iLX-107 is the best way to go if you are looking for a car stereo system with wireless CarPlay compatibility that will allow you to navigate, listen to tunes, interact with Siri and lots more without a Lightning cable.

With this head unit, you can seamlessly access your iPhone on the touchscreen of your car without stopping to connect a cable each time you get in.

You have the option to change the side of the vehicle the driver is on, which moves the menu or status bar and home button of the CarPlay display to the side nearest to the driver.

Conveniently, this auto stereo also has a Siri button, making it quick and simple to open Siri in order to respond to messages.

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Kenwood DDX9703S – cheapest android auto head unit

DDX9703S DVD Kenwood receiver is one of the popular car stereos on the market today. You can use the vibrant 6.95″ touchscreen display to control your Smartphone and all your video and audio media.

You can use this head unit to can connect to both Android with Android Auto and Apple through Apple CarPlay,

providing you with the ability to managing everything from your Smartphone to all your music and video.

You will be able to change songs, place calls, send and create text messages with one touch of the screen that will activate voice commands. DDX9703S also features an incorporated built-in 13-band equalizer, letting you fine-tune the sound exactly how you like it if you want to get hands-on with your sound.

Pioneer AVH-1300NEX

The Pioneer AVH-1300NEX DVD receiver is safer, smarter and more fun way to make use of Android phone in your car. The head unit is designed particularly for the Smartphone driven lifestyle of nowadays. Its innovative and powerful user interface is responsive and extremely customizable.

This cheap Android auto head unit gives you an incredibly spontaneously way of making calls, using Maps, listening to music, and gain access to messages with only a touch or word.

The head unit is SiriusXM-Ready for you to get more than 140 channels, and commercial-free music in addition to the best sports and live comedy, events, news, entertainment, and exclusive talk.

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Pioneer AVH-2300NEX

This is a head unit that provides both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in one package. This is very expedient if you happen to stay a bit long on the two platforms. On the other hand, it gives a CD/DVD slot, easy to get to through the sliding front faceplate and a 7-inch resistive touchscreen with 800×480 screen resolution.

There are physical buttons under the display of AVH-2300NEX DVD Receiver, as is Bluetooth for hands-free and stereo streaming.

Everything about this cheap android auto head unit comes in a double-DIN package that will work with many vehicles, with or without trim kits depending on your car.

It can as well plug into factory steering wheel controls, and first-party backup cameras.

Kenwood DDX9903S

Are you looking for a head unit that offers high contrast ratio, crystal clear display and bright text? Then, look no further than DDX9903S head unit. With its simple to use widgets, you will gain access to information screens with just a swipe.

It has three programmable shortcut source keys that provide a speedy jump to your favorite sources.

You can choose from the variety of backgrounds and colors to make the touchscreen display of the head unit to suit your needs and allow you to customize the look to match your car. This Kenwood auto stereo system plays video content in bright, clear detail when you parked.

You can entertain your passengers by sending the movie to a rear-seat screen of the head unit.

However, if you want to play it safe in a crowded parking environment, you can plug in front and rear-view cameras.

Pioneer AVH-X390BS

Is your priority music or audio quality? Pioneer AVH –X390BS is for you. It is high on value and excellent in performance. It features a sharp and clear 6.2″ WVGA (800 x 480) display. In fact, it is a great auto stereo receiver. It will even allow you to link 2 devices at the same time with the Bluetooth

The 13-band equalizer of this head unit will offer you the good sound control you are longing for.

In addition, the head unit comes with an autonomous subwoofer control that allows you to get larger bass without being restricted by rear or front output levels.

Pioneer AVH-X490BS

AVH-X490BS head unit works with direct connectivity to your iPhone or iPod for music playback through the voluntary CD-IU51 interface cable for 30-pin devices or CD-IU52 interface cable for Lightning gadgets.

You can beautifully display song, album, time, and artist information on the 7″ touchscreen of the auto stereo receiver. You will discover content faster, using powerful tools like Alphabet Search and Link Search.

In addition, the wired USB connection of the head unit offers direct digital signal transfer from the gadget.

This will guarantee clear and clean sound in the course of offering 1 amp of current to make your iPod or iPhone charged.

Are Android head units any good?

Android head units provide a host of features and accessibility options rarely seen in their factory-stock counterparts.

These units tend to have more features, both hardware, and software. Pricier than other stock units, we reckon it is worth it for that bump in increased sound quality and improved control over traditional units.

Voice Controls

Yes, you read that right. You can control your head unit using your voice. Feels gimmicky, yes, but this is exactly like using Google Assistant or Siri.

The goal is to keep you from reaching for the head unit while driving, thus ensuring that you have your hands on the wheels at all times.

You are not just limited to controlling your car using the voice controls. Android head units take it a step further.

You can make calls, take notes, send text messages, and even have the unit read out your emails. The possibilities are endless.

Superior Radio Options

Do not fancy streaming music? Still like playing that old school radio? Fear not, Android head units have you covered.

Most of the Android head units offer HD radio connectivity. HD radios have a higher quality broadcast, provide more music information through the waves such as album arts, tags, and even station logos.

Bluetooth Connectivity

Talking on your mobile phone and driving is a dangerous, dangerous task. It is not necessarily against the law, like texting and driving, but it is still very hazardous and unethical.

Bluetooth connectivity solves that problem. Simply connect your phone to the Android head unit, and you are all set.

Calls are forwarded to the head unit after you are connected. The speaker in the head unit picks up what you are about to say, and the incoming calls are relayed to you through the car’s speakers.

Thus, once connected, you do not have to take your eyes off the road, nor your hands off the steering wheel to make and receive calls.

Navigation by GPS

Gone are the days where you would have to bicker with your co-passengers for direction or stop in a random spot on the road to ask for directions.

Head units generally come with big screens, so you have a nice view of the map without having to crane your neck.

The option for directions makes it so that you never end up where you did not plan to. On rare occasions, the Android head units may not come with built-in navigation instruments.

But all units, at the very least, allow you to connect your phone or any other smart device, and the navigation is projected on the big screen of the head unit.

Big Display

These Android head units come with big, bold, easy-to-read displays, meaning that you will not be squinting away when you are interacting with the unit.

You can keep your eyes on the road and interact using your peripheral vision if needed.

The UI keeps the number of functions on display limited so that you are not distracted in any way.

Option to Add Back-Up Cameras

These Android head units allow you the option to add a back-up camera if and when needed.

Adding on the back-up camera makes backing up accurately that much easier, projecting what is on the rear of the vehicle to your head unit screen.

Now, we do not recommend using the camera only as a means of backing up. Rather, use the camera in combination with the rearview and the side view mirrors to back up.

What head units support wireless Android Auto?

In the easiest terms, Android Auto is an app that allows us to safely use a few apps and features of your phone when driving.

The apps are used to ease and make your driving experience that much better.

Android Auto can be used in two ways, either via USB or via a wireless connection (WI-FI).

Bluetooth is not used as it does not offer the bandwidth needed for the smooth and seamless connection.

Therefore, your car radio or the head unit must be certified to use Wi-Fi this way, that is, to connect to Android Auto.

Or, at the very least, a USB connection to make use of Android Auto via a wired connection. In conclusion, you must check whether the head unit supports Android Auto by any of the above methods.

What is the best car head unit?

From our point of view, the best car head unit would be the AVH-3300NEX from Pioneer. We like this unit, especially because it does not solely rely on Bluetooth as a means of input.

It allows us to go old-school on it too. Got some old CDs you adore? You can relish them without a hitch.

The touch screen interface is very intuitive, plus the entire unit comes from a brand that you know and trust.

So, you know you are going to get your money’s worth if you decide to pick up this unit.

How do I update my Android head unit?

We are treading on eggshells here, so be careful from here on out. Updating your Android head unit can be on the trickier side, depending on your unit.

Manufacturer support usually extends beyond the point of sale, but if you picked up a cheap, Chinese unit, we could not guarantee that you will not end up bricking your unit.

Now there are a number of general guidelines we must keep in mind in order to update our head unit.

They are different for different units. So, check with your manufacturer and proceed with caution.

And we cannot stress this enough. Do proceed with caution when you want or have the need to update the firmware on your Android head unit.

Does Android Auto need to be plugged in?

Not necessarily. Sure, going all wireless is cool and all, but if your head unit supports it, you can connect to Android Auto using a USB cable too.

Wired Android Auto offers all of the features of Android Auto Wireless, so you do not have to worry about missing out on anything.

How to Choose Android Auto Head Unit

The heart of your car stereo system is the head unit and the most visible part of your vehicle.

A high-quality head unit controls how other people view the audio system of your vehicle.

However, choosing the right stereo for your car can be a difficult task because there are more than a few brands on the market and most of them are identical.

For you to identify the right head unit for your vehicle, you need to consider some factors. Keep reading to learn more.

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Pre-Amp Outputs

If you need groundbreaking auto stereo systems for your vehicle, you must pay close attention to the pre-amp outputs.

This is the amount of signal you will receive before it becomes amplified. You can customize the Pre-Amp output to your taste for a top-notch listening experience.

All you need to do to make it work is for you is to hook up about three amplifiers to your head unit. This will allow you to adjust the sound as you desire.

Usability

Usability is how well the whole thing fits into its place as you want it to. Choose the stereo that can make your entertainment system awesome for use, depending on your choice.

Power

You need to go for a strong head unit if all you want is an auto stereo that sounds powerful.

The more the power, the double din head unit produces, and the better you can benefit from the general output.

Considering the RMS and peak of different models available is of great importance. If you are one of the audio enthusiasts,

power is an imperative factor you must consider. This is what can determine how powerful the auto stereo can be.

Good Display

The double DIN head units have a bigger display, unlike the singles DIN head units. As a result, they provide a good display.

A large display can allow you to see who is calling you and the kind of music you are listening to, as the auto stereos are designed to work as hands-free devices and play music.

A number of the double DIN heads displays are adjustable.

Ease of Use

A good head unit should be easy to use. Don’t buy a fancy model that will take you more than necessary to learn how to operate it.

There are many of them out there with an intuitive menu that can scroll through the playlist and select your preferred song easily.

There are also those which can let you connect to features and recognize the device which they were previously paired with automatically when they are in range.

Ease of Installation

When shopping for your head unit, look for the one that is very easy to install.

It is imperative for you to look for a model which has a harness which allows for separation of wires which makes them easier to connect,

if you want to do the installation all alone. Follow the installation instruction on the manual. The instruction is easy to follow.

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What are the Advantages of Using an Android Head Unit?

You can use the head unit as your Sat Nav but, unlike its suction-cup predecessors, the Android head unit fits seamlessly into your dash in place of your car stereo.

Best Bits

Key Features

The key features vary between models quite substantially, as does the price point. The advantage of this is you’re free to choose a model to suit your particular budget and needs. For example, if you’re only interested in being able to access your Spotify playlists, you might not need a top-of-the-range HD display.

Upgrade your car for less

An Android head unit is a cost-effective way to upgrade your car – there’s no need to buy a new car to have the latest technology at your fingertips. You can get Android head units to fit almost any car as long as you know the dimensions of the stereo it’s replacing: single-DIN, 1.5 DIN or double DIN.

Easy to install

An Android head unit is one of the easiest car modifications to make, as long as you take the time to select the correct unit in the first instance. There are plenty of YouTube tutorials to guide you through it. Alternatively, you could pay for a professional installation – it will only set you back about £80/ $100.

GPS Navigation

Most of us have faced the frustration of an out-of-date sat nav. Nowadays, with roads ever-changing, we favour the smartphone for its ability to keep up-to-date. The smartphone negates the need to buy endless updates and map packs. But, unless you’ve got a willing passenger to relay that info to you, you can’t use a smartphone while driving. Or can you?
You can with an Android head unit! Android head units work with a number of online and offline map apps, such as Waze, and some come with Google Maps pre-installed. Better GPS navigation and mapping is one of the biggest advantages of the Android head unit.

Android Auto

Android Auto is a safe interface that links to your phone, displaying all the useful stuff you need… and, cleverly, hiding all the distractions. You’ll have access to your music, contacts, calls etc. but won’t be getting ping after ping from the likes of Facebook and Instagram.

Music

You can take your pick from FM and DAB radio stations or your own music library. Android head units connect to your phone via USB cable, Bluetooth or Wi-fi so you can play or stream your music… or podcast or audiobook, if you prefer.

Stay connected

You can use your head unit to answer calls and talk hands-free as you drive. This is great if you commute or travel for work and need to be reachable.

You can link your Android head unit to your steering wheel controls (if your car has them) so answering calls is done with just a push of a button. Some head units also feature Google Assistant so you can use voice commands instead.

Charge on the go

Low battery? Being able to charge your phone via USB through the Android head unit is another plus.

Keep the kids quiet

Every parent knows that dreaded question – “Are we nearly there yet?” Some Android head units have a built-in CD and DVD player, perfect if you need to keep the kids shtum on a long journey. Stick on their favourite film to give you 90 minutes’ peace… just make sure it’s one you’ve seen already so you don’t find yourself getting distracted!

Not just for Android

Lastly, not all Android head units are just for Android phones – some support Apple CarPlay. This is important to note if you’re an iPhone user or might become one at some point in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQ )

Conclusion

You can feel overwhelmed with a lot of head units available in different types, models, and brands.

Making a wrong choice of Android car stereo might cost you money, time, and also affect your sound system greatly.

Therefore, make sure you carry out thorough research before you spend your money on any head unit.

However, you must understand that the good head unit will offer you double the screen height for better navigation.

We are sure this head unit review have helped you narrow down your selection. Sixteen of the most popular android auto head units available on the market today contained in this article would sure help you begin.

With this review, you won’t have to search the Internet for hours to review each product. The review contains the important details you would need to know to come up with the right decision.