There have been considerable advancements in smart technology over the past ten years and being able to connect your phone to another device should be pretty standard by now.
If you’re looking to upgrade the stereo system in your car, but don’t want to have to invest in a new vehicle, buying a double din car stereo could be the answer.
Double din car stereos have large screens that allow you to see everything that’s going on with your device. You can play music, listen to the radio, use GPS, make calls, and more.
Not only do double din stereos look cool, but they also have loads of high-tech capabilities that will give your car an automatic upgrade. So, to help you decide which will be best for your car, we’ve put together a list of the best double din android car stereos.
OUR TOP PICK
Specifications at a glance:
- Display Size: 7”
- Total Size: 10” x 9” x 6”
- Dual Bluetooth
- WiFi/BT Tethering
- Radio
- Multimedia (Spotify/Pandora/Play Store/Play Music/YouTube)
- GPS Navigation
- Micro USB port
- Compatible with Steering Wheel Controls
The ATOTO A6 is our top pick for the best android car stereo double din as it is a great option if you’re looking for something with a lot of technical capabilities but don’t want to spend more than even your car is worth.
This android stereo gives you a lot for your money and gives you plenty of options, especially when it comes to playing music.
With the basic features of radio and GPS, the ATOTO A6 also features apps for Spotify, the Play Store, YouTube, Pandora, and Android Music. This means that you don’t have to worry about ensuring your phone is open on the right app, you can simply connect your device and do everything through the stereo.
One of the best things about having a double din stereo is the ease of use. You have all of your music in one place and don’t have to worry about taking your hands off the steering wheel to sort through CDs or tune the radio.
This is made even better with the ATOTO A6 as it is compatible with steering wheel controls. So, if your car has music control buttons on the steering wheel, you barely have to move to skip tracks or pause your music.
Pros
- Multiple media playing options
- WiFi/BT Tethering
- Compatible with steering wheel controls
- Multiple apps so don’t have to choose between music streaming accounts
Cons
- Prolonged use of lots of apps could potentially use a lot of car battery
EDITORS CHOICE
Specifications at a glance:
- Display size: 7”
- Total size: 7” x 4” x 4.7”
- 1GB Ram
- 16GB ROM
- Multimedia functions
- WiFi
- Bluetooth
- GPS Navigation
- Radio
- Touchscreen and Buttons
- Compatible with headrest screens
Although not the cheapest option on this list, the Corehan Android Double Din Car Stereo has many multimedia features that would usually be found on a much more expensive product. It is definitely good value for money.
Although slightly smaller than the average double din car stereo, there is plenty packed into this device. With all the multimedia features you would expect from a double din stereo, the Corehan also has video streaming functions that can even be connected to headrest screens.
Video streaming whilst driving can be a distraction, but for long drives family holidays, it can prevent certain other distractions from playing up in the back seat.
The stereo is easily controlled through either the touchscreen or with the physical buttons on the side of the display and has an easy-to-use interface.
Pros
- Good value for money
- Considerable multimedia features
Cons
- Slightly smaller than average overall size.
BEST VALUE
Specifications at a glance:
- Display Size: 7”
- Total Size: 8” x 6” x 5”
- Bluetooth
- USB port
- Radio
- AV IN
- Camera
- Remote Control
As the most affordable option on this list, the P.L.Z. MP-800 will give you everything you could want from a stereo, without having to spend hundreds of dollars, which you don’t want to do if your car didn’t cost very much in the first place.
Featuring a standard 7-inch HD touchscreen display, this stereo also features rear and front view cameras, MP3 capabilities, a USB port, and an AUX port.
This android stereo is basic but that’s not a bad thing if all you’re looking for is a touchscreen stereo that you can connect your phone to play music and listen to the radio. There’s no need to get something super high-tech and complicated if you’re not actually going to use all of the features.
Pros
- Budget option
- Standard functions
- HD display
Cons
- Display images are pretty basic
RUNNER UP
Specifications at a glance:
- Display Size: 10.1”
- Total Size: 9.84” x 5.71” x 3.15”
- Bluetooth
- Radio
- Wi-Fi
- GPS Navigation
- Rearview Camera
- Device Mirroring
- Dual USB
- Compatible with Steering Wheel Controls
This UNITOPSCI double din car stereo is another great budget option that will do just what you need, without any unnecessarily complex high-tech features.
Unlike other double din stereos that require you to choose between using on-screen apps or mirroring your phone, with this stereo you have the choice to do whichever you prefer.
If you simply want a larger version of your phone at your fingertips then you can have exactly that as your device can be mirrored on-screen or you can simply connect and use the apps available.
With this UNITOPSCI, your music is quite literally at your fingertips as it is compatible with steering wheel controls, which makes using this stereo even easier.
Pros
- Affordable
- Compatible with Steering Wheel Controls
- Larger than average display
- Rearview camera
Cons
- Basic apps
RUNNER UP
Specifications at a glance:
- Display Size: 10.1”
- Total Size: 7.48” x 2.36” x 5.51”
- Wi-Fi
- Bluetooth
- Radio
- GPS Navigation
- Reversing Video Input
The Hikity double din android car stereo is a great option is you’re looking for something reliable that will connect easily with your device but is still affordable.
With WiFi connecting capabilities, Bluetooth, GPS navigation, and other multimedia features, this double din android car stereo is a great option that isn’t cheap but isn’t so expensive that you end up wondering exactly what it is you’re paying for.
The Hikity android car stereo is unique as it has a larger than average display at 10” but the overall stereo is still a standard double din 8” x 4”. This means you’re getting even more for your money.
Pros
- Affordable
- Available with 1GB or 2GB
- Larger than average display
Cons
- Basic apps
Best Android Car Stereo Double Din Buying Guide
Buying anything for your car can be confusing, especially if you’re not that clued up about the technicalities. Replacing the stereo in your car is a great idea if you’re looking to upgrade your vehicle, or simply trying to have easy access to your phone without having to actually hold it.
Size
When buying an accessory for your car, especially something high-tech, you really need to know what you’re looking for, but you especially need to know what can and cannot fit into your car.
Make sure you do enough research to find out what will physically fit into your car and also what will actually work once it’s in there.
To find out if a stereo fits your car, there are plenty of tools available online where you simply enter the make, model, and year and they will tell you what will fit. A lot of stereos will also advertise which cars they can be used in or they will be described as universal.
As a double din stereo can be fitted into cars with an 8” x 2” opening, you should be able to find something that will easily fit, but it’s still worth looking for something specific. Just because it fits doesn’t mean it will work.
DIN vs. Double DIN
There is quite a lot of difference between DIN and Double Din stereos, beyond the size differences (which are covered in the FAQs below, by the way). Double Din stereos are touchscreen devices that will make listening to music, the radio, and even audiobooks easier.
The ability to connect your phone to the stereo means that you’ll no longer be hastily shuffling through CD cases scattered across your car, looking for something to put on.
Double Din stereos also allow you to have access to your phone so you can make and receive calls and listen to your saved music without having to pick up or look at your phone. This is convenient but also a lot safer.
Once you have connected your phone, you only need to control the stereo with a couple of touches which is much less of a distraction and means you can keep your hands on the wheel much more.
Apps vs. Device Mirroring
Another thing to consider is what you want accessible and visible on your display as well as how you want it arranged. Some double din stereos allow you to simply connect your android device and it will display exactly what is on your phone.
This is a great option if you want something that will simply give you touchscreen access to your phone without having to pick up the phone itself.
If, however, you’re looking for something a bit more high-tech, you can get double din android stereos that will display various apps that will allow you to sign in to your accounts and access as you would any other device.
Several have apps for Spotify, Pandora, iTunes (which you can still use and have an account for without an Apple device), the Play Store, and even YouTube.
It’s important to decide what you really need your stereo for. If it’s just for music, then access to a music streaming service such as Spotify, Pandora, or iTunes should be enough. YouTube is even an option but this will use a lot of data and could be a dangerous distraction.
There are some double din android stereos that you can use to stream movies or TV shows, but unless you’re using the screen when you aren’t actually driving then it’s a little redundant.
Even if someone on the passenger side wants to be able to watch something on long journeys, this can still be dangerously distracting. If, however, you have a car with screens in the back of the front seats, there are even android double din stereos that will be compatible with those.
You will be able to keep everybody entertained whilst you stay focused on driving, so it depends on what you need most.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between DIN and Double DIN?
DIN stands for Deutch Industri Normen which is in reference to the standard radios used in German cars in the 1980s and refers to the space that your car radio fits in to. If it is simply DIN then it’s 2” x 8” and Double Din means that the width stays at 8” but the length doubles to 4”.
Can you put a double din stereo in any car?
A double din stereo will pretty much fit any car with space for it. Even if your car has a single din space, you can usually find an adaptor plate that will allow you to upgrade to a double din, no matter how old your car.
How do you install a double din stereo?
It’s actually pretty easy to install your own car stereo. Interfering with the technical features of your car might seem scary as you don’t want to risk doing any kind of expensive damage so you can get it done professionally, but you should be able to do it yourself as you find guides and kits online.