The modern, practical, and efficient, the double din car stereo with sat nav has become an essential driving aid accessory. It is a high-end device, ideal for enhancing your driving experience and for entertaining your passengers. Double din car stereo has the basic functions of a car radio, as well as access to Sat Nav and many more depending on the model chosen. In order to find the ideal model, you will discover through this buying guide the best double din car stereo of the moment as well as the criteria to be taken into account before making the purchase.
What is the best double din car stereo?
When you are buying that kind of product, it is important that you take a look at its expansive capacity. Also, it should present personalisation options, power output and a friendly interface; All these elements together are critical in determining the overall quality of this unit.
These audio-focused machines should come with a variety of equalisers and controllers to aid in the accuracy of the transmission of the sound system. The Bluetooth connectivity must present the necessary versatility to be able to connect to different mobile phones without any inconvenience.
Keep in mind the ease you have to access the controls while you are driving. For example, a few longer, multi-purpose buttons are often easier to access and remember than a few small, simple controls. Having said that, we invite you to read our comparative list with the most affordable and least expensive prices in the market.
Eincar 7 inch double din car stereo
This team integrates the latest version of Windows CE8.0 that will allow greater access to functions, as well as offering a wide range of features. All this integrated into a CPU with a speed of 800MHZ and a RAM of 256; also, with a blue LED lighting for when the car turns dark.
It has more than thirty different configurations of languages, with Bluetooth connectivity of 3.0; Also, it comes with a microphone so you can make calls in the easiest way and of all, and send music from your phone to the player quickly and easily.
The radio tuner is also high range, allowing to receive both AM and FM waves. It will enable reading DVD formats as well as CD, AVI, DVD + R, JPG, WAV among others. It includes an iPod cable and offers an extensive one-year warranty so you can comfortably enjoy your equipment.
Panlelo Android – double din car stereo
The flexibility of the use of this unit is framed within its Android 5.1 operating system, with a size of 178 × 102 millimetres. The 1.6GHz Quad-Core CPU and 1GB of DDR3 RAM provide greater customisation and speed in the use of the interface, as well as a wide range of applications that can be installed inside the device.
Do not miss more in unknown cities; thanks to its innovative technology, it gives us with GPS the map of Europe already loaded from the factory, this means that even if you do not have internet connectivity, you can always locate any place where you go offline.
It has the option “mirror-link” that allows you to enlarge images of your phone on the radio’s display, all through simple connectivity. Besides, the high definition waterproof rear camera with an angle of 120 degrees will give you awider view to park correctly.
Pioneer MVH-AV280BT
This brand recognised for its excellent quality brings us the day of a unit with a large enough screen to play videos, its size of 6.2 “gives us a resolution of 2400 by 480 pixels; much higher than the standard market indexes.
Worried about the traffic? Thanks to its innovative technology, with this radio you can get announcements of it directly on the screen, as well as tune AM and FM radios; RDS, BSM and do PTY searches.
It is difficult to find a device that shows connectivity with an iPhone or iPod. However, this device has an entry for Apple, as well as a connection via USB with a power MOSFET 50 W RMS x 4.
The sound and reproduction of it are made under high-quality standards to enjoy a good bass and subwoofer; It should be noted that the touch screen is easily accessible.
Kenwood double din car stereo
This economic model is built with a screen of 17.3 centimetres wide, with high definition technology, and allows making calls by mobile telephony as well as streaming connections, and language configuration of 12 different languages. You will also enjoy a control search (AVRCP 1.5).
Thanks to its multifunctionality will allow you to also charge your phone with an electrical voltage of 1 A and have compatibility with Siri (the voice command from Apple). The illumination of the keys is blue, and you can change the wallpaper with JPEG images.
Video playback is done with MPEG1 / 2/3/4 type formats, JPEG files, AAC audio and WMA. In the same way, you can connect arear camera for a correct view behind the boot. It is a pretty aesthetic option that will give a different appeal to the interior design of the car.
Sony XAV-V631BT
Sony has designed an apparatus with a power output of 55 Watts in which it puts at mercy to have the balance of this force. It has multiple connection inputs, such as USB cable, Bluetooth, and also auxiliary cable input. You have access to the telephone book directly from the radio screen.
You can also see the signal strength indicator of the telephony and control the volume level of the doorbell. The screen resolution is 800 x 480 pixels, and the size of the display is 6.2 inches. It has a touch panel for better use of the application. The supported files range from MP3, WMC, AAC, WAV, FLAC, among others.
Why buy a double din car stereo?
The double din car stereo is a versatile accessory that will improve your driving experience thanks to its many features. In addition to replacing your classic car radio, it will guide you on the road thanks to its Sat Nav function. With a complete interface and high-tech displays, the double din car stereo also offers you the possibility of watching videos or even taking phone calls in order to bring as much comfort as possible onboard the vehicle.
Abilities
Navigation is about finding the best route to reach your destination. To navigate properly, men have, since the 1500s, built several tools: the magnetic compass, the logbook, the quadrant, the probe, the astrolabe. Rudimentary, but effective, they were used to the way sailors stay on course during their voyages.
Most double din car stereos are equipped with a revolutionary navigation system which provides your position on the globe in real-time. This is the GPS (Global Positioning System) still known under the name Sat Nav. Built as a must with motorists, it allows them to find a suitable route for their trip in order to save time and fuel.
In reality, there are GPS car boxes that you can install in your automobile. Unfortunately, these are expensive as soon as you covet a sophisticated and efficient model. This is the reason why some manufacturers have decided to integrate them into devices such as car radios to make the task easier for their customers.
This arrangement has two advantages. On the one hand, it allows you to acquire a GPS device equipped with multimedia features. On the other hand, you benefit from a practical and ergonomic car radio.
If the main function of a double din car stereo is sat-nav, it has many other features such as:
- AM / FM DAB radio tuner to receive your favourite channels;
- CD / DVD player to play good old CDs and DVDs;
- the telephone function to receive and make calls;
- the message function for exchanging SMS with contacts in your directory;
- the USB port to access the content of a USB medium, but also to connect your smartphone;
- the SD reader to read the contents of SD cards;
- auxiliary audio and video input for connecting an MP3 player (iPod, for example) or a game console;
- the OBC function to display certain constants such as engine temperature, battery voltage, outside temperature, etc.
- Bluetooth function to pair your phone, a hands-free kit, etc.
- the Wi-Fi function to connect your smartphone to your car radio.
How to choose double din car stereo?
Type
The type of car stereo corresponds to the 1 DIN and 2 DIN models. So simply choose the type compatible with your vehicle. Even if you have a 1 DIN slot, you can find modern car stereo models with a detachable, foldable or retractable screen in order to benefit from the same advantages as with a 2 DIN slot.
Screen size
There are many models of double din car stereo and therefore many screen sizes ranging from 4 to 7 inches. To choose the screen size, take into account the practicality and mobility of the device, but also your vision. Indeed, a small screen (4 or 5 inches) will be easier to move, while a large screen (6 or 7 inches) will offer you greater visual comfort.
The navigation system
The navigation system corresponds to the GPS part. It is thanks to this part that you will be able to optimize your routes and save precious time.
The operating system
To function properly, the double din car stereo is governed by an operating system, either Windows CE, Android or Apple CarPlay. The Windows operating system is reliable but old, so it offers fewer options than its competitor Android which, being more modern, offers more features. For its part, the Apple CarPlay system allows you to connect your iPhone to your wireless double din car stereo in a few moments. That said, the three systems work perfectly, just choose the operating system according to your needs and the devices you already own.
The presence of Bluetooth
Bluetooth connectivity is now essential to synchronize smartphones with your double din car stereo. Whether it’s to make a hands-free call or share music, Bluetooth technology provides comfort and safety while driving.
DVD playback
Another important point, the presence of a CD or DVD player on your double din car stereo. As well for reading your favourite albums as films for your passengers, this is a feature that is less and less present but yet still appreciated by many drivers.
Auxiliary input jacks
Then, remember to check the presence of auxiliary input sockets, essential to synchronize other compatible devices. The USB port and SD card slot allow you to expand your system and improve your browsing experience.
The possibility of connecting a rearview camera
Some double din car stereo models allow you to connect a rearview camera. This is a very practical feature which brings an additional notion of security to your vehicle.
Utilisation facility
Some prefer classic buttons on a remote control, others more sophisticated touch screens. Faced with the multitude of models present on the market and with increasingly advanced features, choose a double din car stereo that seems easy to use because its main objective is to make your life easier, and not vice versa.
