Table of Contents
What is an Android Head Unit?
An Android head unit is a modern in-car entertainment and navigation system that runs on the Android operating system. These head units are designed to replace the traditional car stereo system, offering a wide range of functionalities that enhance the driving experience. With an Android head unit, drivers can access a variety of apps, including navigation, music streaming, and hands-free calling, directly from their car dashboards. The integration of Android Auto allows for seamless connectivity with Android smartphones, enabling features like voice commands and real-time traffic updates.
Android head units come in various sizes and specifications, catering to different car models and user preferences. They often feature high-resolution touchscreens, allowing for easy interaction with apps and settings. Additionally, these units support multiple connectivity options, such as Bluetooth, USB, and Wi-Fi, providing users with versatile ways to connect their devices. Many Android head units also include GPS navigation and can integrate with rearview cameras, enhancing safety and convenience on the road.
Benefits of Upgrading to an Android Head Unit
Upgrading to an Android head unit offers a multitude of benefits that can significantly enhance your driving experience. With Android Auto compatibility, these head units allow seamless integration with your Android smartphone, providing easy access to navigation, music, and communication apps directly from your car’s dashboard. This not only makes your drive more enjoyable but also safer, as you can use voice commands to control various functions without taking your eyes off the road.
Furthermore, Android head units come equipped with advanced safety features such as GPS navigation and rear view camera integration, which can help you navigate unfamiliar roads and park with ease. The high-resolution touchscreens provide a clear and responsive interface, making it simple to interact with apps and settings. Additionally, the wide range of connectivity options, including Bluetooth and USB ports, allows you to connect multiple devices and enjoy hands-free calling, music streaming, and more.
The modern and sleek design of Android head units can also enhance the aesthetic appeal of your car’s interior, giving it a more sophisticated look. With a variety of customization options available, you can personalize your head unit to suit your preferences, from choosing different themes to organizing app layouts. Upgrading to an Android head unit is not just about improving your car’s infotainment system; it’s about transforming your entire driving experience into a more connected and enjoyable journey.
Key Features of a Head Unit
Android Auto Compatibility
When considering an upgrade to your car’s infotainment system, it’s essential to identify the key features that make a head unit stand out. A great head unit should offer Android Auto compatibility, which allows for a seamless driving experience by integrating your smartphone’s apps directly onto your car’s dashboard. This feature is crucial for accessing navigation, music, and communication apps without distraction.
Intuitive Physical Controls
Physical buttons are another important feature, providing intuitive control over essential functions like volume and track selection. This ensures safer use while driving, as you can adjust settings without taking your eyes off the road. Additionally, GPS navigation and rear view camera integration are vital for enhanced safety, helping you navigate unfamiliar roads and park with confidence.
High-Quality Display
A high-quality screen is a must-have, offering a clear display and responsive touch capabilities. This ensures that you can easily interact with your apps and settings, even in bright sunlight or at night. Furthermore, a range of features, including Bluetooth connectivity and USB ports, provide versatile options for connecting various devices, enabling hands-free calling and music streaming.
Sleek Design and Customization
Beyond these essentials, a great head unit should also offer a sleek design that complements your car’s interior, enhancing its overall aesthetic appeal. Customization options, such as adjustable themes and app layouts, allow you to personalize your driving experience, making it truly your own. By focusing on these key features, you can ensure that your new head unit not only improves your car’s infotainment system but also enhances your overall driving experience.
Top Android Auto Head Units
Pioneer AVH-W4500NEX Double DIN Wireless Mirroring Android Auto
- Did/CD receiver with Internal amp (14 watts RMS cea-2006/50 peak x 4...
- Built-in Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming; supports two...
- Siri eyes free with compatible devices
The W4500NEX is more expensive than many of its competitors, but it has a good feature set and is incredibly easy to use. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available wirelessly, thanks to the system’s superb Bluetooth connectivity. The Pioneer is a joy to use on a regular basis because it starts up quickly and connects seamlessly.
There’s also Amazon Alexa integration, which allows you to get news, weather, and interact with other Alexa devices. The Pioneer does not include a backup camera in the box, which is a drawback. The connections are all there, and the head unit even has backup guidelines, but you’ll have to pay for the camera separately. The good news is that the Pioneer features SiriusXM, HDMI, and other inputs, allowing you to use it as a powerful multimedia center in your vehicle. This is the Best Android Auto Head Unit in 2023.
Alpine iLX-W650 Compatible with CarPlay & Android Auto
With the iLX-W650, Alpine achieved a perfect mix of affordability and capability. The head unit is inexpensive and includes most of the capabilities that customers expect from a modern stereo. Alpine’s user interface is simple and intuitive, with lots of audio features for those who prefer to tinker with settings and tweak sound.
However, unlike Pioneer, the stereo does not allow the same level of color and layout customization. Physical controls are included on the Alpine iLX-W650, making it simple to operate the unit while driving. The microphone and USB inputs have ample of wiring, making installation a pleasure. Because of the unit’s narrow shape, it can be put in compact areas with minimal open space beneath the dash. This is the Best Android Auto Head Units in 2023.
Pioneer DMH-WT8600NEX Multimedia Receiver with 10.1″ HD Capacitive Touch Floating Display
- Smartphone Integration - Supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, enabling...
- Split-Screen Mode - Display and control Apple CarPlay or Android Auto UI...
- Entertainment on the Road – Stay connected on the go with the built-in...
The Pioneer DMH-WT8600NEX isn’t inexpensive, but it’s one of the most feature-rich models on the market today. It’s also one of the few aftermarket head units that can match the infotainment systems found in new cars straight from the factory. The 10.1-inch touchscreen is bright and visible from practically anywhere in the vehicle. The huge display, on the other hand, can limit your ability to install in some circumstances because it can block other controllers or displays.
Pioneer included two camera inputs, allowing you to use forward and reverse cameras, as well as the option to use photos as backgrounds. Although there is no built-in SiriusXM receiver, you’ll need to purchase one separately to listen to satellite radio, the machine does offer memory card ports and can play a variety of music file types.
Sony XAV-AX3200 6.95″ Media Receiver with WebLink Cast
- Resistive touchscreen with anti-glare
- Compact rear chassis for easy installation
- Built in Rear Camera Input; Camera sold separately
The Sony XAV-AX3200 is a home run in terms of value and capability. It can be put in a single-DIN unit because to its small size, and it supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also has amenities like SiriusXM radio and WebLink that are usually reserved for more expensive models. Sony included tactile buttons for rapid access to volume, tuning, and settings, making it simple to operate while driving. The Sony has a smaller screen than some other units due to its low price, but it is snappy and looks beautiful from practically any angle.
Despite the Sony’s single-DIN construction, the screen is still 9.5 inches, so make sure you have enough place to install it. Sony does, however, supply all of the necessary connections for setting up inputs, a rearview camera, and other devices. Sony’s quick wake-up feature is also included in the XAV-AX3200, allowing the device to swiftly get up to speed once the car is started.
JVC KW-Z1000W Bluetooth Car Stereo Receiver with USB Port
- GENERAL FEATURES: 10.1" floating high definition (HD) capacitive...
- BLUETOOTH and SMARTPHONE FEATURES: Compatible with Apple CarPlay or Android...
- AUDIO/VIDEO FEATURES: 13-band equalizer with digital time alignment, K2...
The JVC KW-Z1000W has a super small design that makes installation a snap, and its huge screen means it can be used in virtually any car. Tilting and position adjustments allow you to fine-tune the screen angle for the optimal view, and live wallpapers allow you to match the screen appearance to the current playlist. JVC provides two smartphone connections and four camera inputs, allowing off-roaders and city slickers to connect to external perspectives.
Many customers note that extra components, like as wiring adapters and harnesses, are required to install the JVC car stereo. Others have reported that the unit came out of the box lacking important installation components, so double-check before starting an installation. Finally, many users claim that the screen attracts dirt like no other, so bring a microfiber cloth with you to clean fingerprints.
Kenwood DMX706S 7″ Digital Media Receiver with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay is a safer way to use your iPhone in the car. Simply talk to...
- Android Auto was designed with safety in mind, helping you to minimize...
- Up to 5 Bluetooth devices can be connected to the receiver at the same...
The Kenwood Excelon head unit has a crisp 6.95-inch touchscreen display and superb functionality. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are integrated, as well as Waze integration with Pandora and Spotify controls. However, because the Kenwood is a double-DIN device, you’ll need to be careful of your vehicle’s constraints while installing it, and it, like other big-screen systems, may obscure other buttons and controls.
Kenwood incorporated physical controls to the Excelon device, just like the others on our list, to allow rapid access to numerous features, such as settings and the main menu. When a rearview camera is installed, the Kenwood also provides parking directions, which is a feature not commonly found in aftermarket displays. The screen is glare-resistant and highly visible, although it attracts fingerprints. However, the machine is responsive and snappy, and the tactile controls make using it while driving less distracting.
BOSS Audio Systems BCPA10
- DIMENSIONS: Overall Dimensions: 8.66" x 10.24" x 6.46", Touchscreen...
- FLOATING SCREEN: Screen extends 2.48" and tilts left/right/up/down.
- APPLE CARPLAY / ANDROID AUTO: Plug in your phone and have access to all...
The Boss audio system is the next inexpensive auto head unit. It is Boss’s most recent head unit, and it features a large 10.1-inch capacitive touchscreen display that is both elegant and beautiful. Both Android Auto and CarPlay are fantastic! Both are fully integrated into the vehicle’s entertainment system and allow drivers of any age to safely use their phones while driving.
With no DVD player jacks or inserts, this system can be wall mounted in any vehicle location without taking up too much space! Playback is enhanced with modern connectivity options including wireless FM radio, giving you outstanding music quality wherever you go. You’ll only get high-resolution FLAC audio, which will please audiophiles of all ages.
Installation and Compatibility Considerations for Android Head Units
When planning to install an Android head unit in your car, it’s crucial to consider several factors to ensure a smooth and successful upgrade. First and foremost, verify that the head unit is compatible with your car’s make and model. This involves checking the dimensions of the unit and ensuring it fits seamlessly into your car’s dashboard without any modifications. Additionally, some cars may have unique wiring or electronic systems that require specific adapters or harnesses to connect the new head unit properly.
The cost of installation is another important consideration. While some head units are designed for easy DIY installation, others may necessitate professional assistance to ensure everything is connected correctly and functions as intended. Professional installation can prevent potential issues such as poor sound quality or malfunctioning features, providing peace of mind that your investment is well-protected.
Establishing a stable connection between the head unit and your phone or other devices is vital for optimal performance. This includes ensuring Bluetooth and USB connections are reliable, allowing for seamless music streaming, hands-free calling, and access to apps. Completing the verification process is essential to secure the connection, safeguarding your personal information and device integrity.
For those new to installing head units, utilizing resources such as YouTube videos and online forums can be incredibly helpful. These platforms offer a wealth of installation guides, step-by-step tutorials, and troubleshooting tips to assist you in navigating any challenges that may arise during the installation process. By taking these considerations into account, you can enjoy a hassle-free upgrade to your car’s infotainment system, enhancing both its functionality and your overall driving experience.