The radio is a timeless tool that accompanies us on our travels spreading music, news, updates, sporting events from our favorite radio stations. Today, technology has significantly improved the Car Radio’s world, making them versatile and compatible with many audio playback systems from CD to MP3.
In this way, we can bring our playlists in the car, and favorite programs are already loaded on different support types.
Thanks to the car radio, we can stay informed and updated on any trip by listening to the news, weather forecasts, traffic situation, and sports programs. Whether it’s a long holiday or a ride from home to work, the radio keeps us company with music of all kinds.
If we are not particularly fond of the radio, CD and new playback devices like MP3 and Bluetooth connectivity are able not only to make us listen to the music of our playlists, but to listen to audiobooks, language lessons, and many other materials audio downloaded from the Internet or recorded by us previously, including those contained in our smartphones and tablets.
Moreover, new functions such as voice commands and touchscreen displays make the car radio a complete tool enriched with new possibilities and uses.
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How to choose the car radio: Types and Characteristics
To choose the best car radio, let’s see the main features to consider before proceeding with the purchase.
Dimension and Din
The size of the car radio that we will choose must be compatible with our car. Therefore, the car radios are divided into two groups, the 1 DIN car radio measuring 180 mm x 50 mm, and 2 DIN car radios measuring 180 mm x 100 mm. The DIN 1 format is more frequent and indicated with ISO 7736 protocol.
Radio Tuner
The tuner is an indispensable part of the car radio that will listen to our favorite stations. All car radios can tune to the classic FM or AM frequencies. In addition, some car models also receive the DAB digital signal, which offers superior quality.
Along with a tuner, the best car radio will be equipped with other instruments, such as the equalizer, to adjust better the sound quality and the ability to store your favorite radio stations.
CD Player
The car radio may or may not include the CD player, which will allow us to listen to our music collection by car. If we are not particularly equipped with a music CD and prefer a new MP3 or simple radio, we could probably do without it.
However, it is good to consider that many other audio materials could be recorded on CD and useful in the future, even for work. Therefore, the CD player mounted on the car radio is equipped with an anti-shock system that does not damage the player during the car’s movements.
Audio Inputs
The radio can be equipped with different inputs to connect other devices such as tablets, smartphones, and Mp3 players. One of these is AUX-in input used for the classic audio jacks. Another is the USB input for connecting other devices and simple keys or pen drives. Some car radio models can also read SD cards.
Compatibility and readable audio formats
We will have been available for a wide selection of supported digital audio formats in purchasing a car radio. The most common is the Mp3, but we may need to reproduce other WMA, WAV, AAC, and FLAC formats. In these cases, one must check each model of a car radio.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth connection with other devices is beneficial for playing music or other audio files. However, the most important advantage is connecting the car radio to a smartphone or a hands-free kit. In this way, we can use the telephone for calls and the automatic reading of SMS messages with greater driving safety.
Display
The car radio display is handy for selecting stations, reading information sent from radio stations, or controlling the playlist. The more spacious display, the clearer and simple the view will be, provided that the driver will have very few fractions of a second to lower his gaze to the display.
The display’s brightness must be sufficient, so the LCD is the most widespread, well visible even in the dark. Another type of display currently in use is the touch screen that integrates the keys on the screen, giving an even clearer view.
Removable front panel
Despite all the technology available, the possibility of extracting the front panel remains one of the most requested features in the search for the best car radio. Taking away the front panel avoids the theft of a car radio that would otherwise be useless, as well as further damage to the car windows.
Remote Controller
For example, if you often travel with passengers: with children and teenagers, a remote control could be beneficial to allow people to sit behind to control the radio without disturbing those who are driving, ensuring the whole family a more peaceful and enjoyable trip.
The best car radio to buy
Below is the ranking with our selection of the best car radio for sale this year, chosen in a price range between $60 and $500, with significant differences in quality and functions.
#1 Pioneer DEH-150MP
- Single-line, multi-segmented LCD display with LED backlight is 35% larger.
- CEA-2006 Compliant amplifier.
- Power output: peak: 50 watts x 4 channels/ RMS: 14 watts x 4 channels.
- Detachable faceplate.
- Wireless remote control included.
#2 BOSS Audio 612UA
- Plays USB / SD / MP3 / WMA, AM/FM, Digital Media from Smart Phones (NO CD / DVD).
- Compatible with Audio out from Smartphones and MP3 Players.
- Inputs: USB / SD / AUX.
- Outputs: Front and Rear Pre Amp.
- 50 Watts x 4 Max Power, Balance / Fader / Bass / Treble and Preset built-in EQ.
- 3 Year Platinum Online Dealer Warranty.
#3 Regetek 7″ Double DIN Touchscreen
- Digital in-dash double Din car receiver head unit(Some vehicles may require a dash kit/fascia kit for installation).
- This multimedia Car Audio Video Player has 7 inch HD 800×480 Digital Multi-color LCD Touch Screen. (Please note: This is not CD/DVD Player/GPS navigation, the Camera is not included).
- Support Bluetooth for hands-free calling & playing music and apps like Spotify/Pandora wirelessly. Built-in voice Microphone in the control panel.Wireless remote control. Supports steering wheel controls.
- Built-in USB & AUX input & Subwoofer Output.Built-in TF memory card slot up to 32G. Car radio stereo FM radio tuner.Automatic memory funcation for 18 broadcasting stations.12 Stations for AM Radio.
#4 Wikoo Single-Din Bluetooth Car Stereo
- Bluetooth Technology: This car stereo receiver supports Bluetooth function, connecting with your phone via Bluetooth, then you can play music make hands-free calls. It is convenient to receive calls and safe to drive.
- Can play SD card & USB: It supports play by SD card/USB flash disk. You can insert an SD card or USB flash disk to play music via this car stereo—various EQ scenario mode choices: flat, rock, pop, classical, etc.
- FM Radio: An FM radio function with a high-quality digital stereo. Support full automatic search, and you can preset 18 radio stations (Radio frequency: 87.5-108MHz).
- USB charging: The USB port supports the charging of your phone.
#5 BOSS Audio 508UAB Single Din
- Bluetooth Hands-Free (Make and receive calls), Bluetooth Audio Streaming (Play and control music and apps like Spotify / Pandora wirelessly).
- Plays Bluetooth / CD / USB / SD / MP3 / WMA, AM/FM, Digital Media from Smart Phones.
- Compatible with Audio out from Smartphones and MP3 Players.
- Inputs: USB / SD / AUX.
#6 Pioneer DEH-S4000BT
- Power output: peak: 50 watts x 4 channels/ RMS: 14 watts x 4 channels.
- Theft-deterrent, detachable faceplate.
- Compatible with Apple iPhone 6/6+ and iOS 8 software.
- Built-in Bluetooth technology for hands-free talking and audio streaming.
#7 Sound Storm ML41B Single Din
- Bluetooth Hands-Free (Make and receive calls), Bluetooth Audio Streaming (Play and control music and apps like Spotify / Pandora wirelessly).
- Plays Bluetooth, USB, SD, MP3, WMA, FM, Digital Media from Smartphones (No CD / DVD Player).
- Compatible with Audio out from Smartphones and MP3 Players.
- Inputs: USB, SD, AUX.
#8 BOSS Audio BV9364B Double Din
- Built-in Bluetooth lets you make calls hands-free and wirelessly control music and apps like Spotify and Pandora.
- Plays Bluetooth / DVD / CD / USB / SD / MP3 / WMA, AM/FM from Smart Phones and other devices.
- Supports multiple inputs: USB / SD / AUX / AV / Rear Camera.
#9 Kenwood KDC-168U
- CD receiver with AM/FM tuner, Built-in MOSFET amplifier (22 watts RMS/50 peak x 4 channels), Detachable face with 13-digit LCD display and red button illumination, Plays CDs, CD-Rs, and CD-RW discs, including discs loaded with MP3 and WMA music files.
- Smartphone Features: iPod/iPhone control (also compatible with Music Control app for select Android phones), Pandora, and iHeartRadio control with iPhone.
- Expandability: iPod/iPhone direct control via USB input.
#10 Kenwood DPX530BT
- Kenwood DPX530BT 2-DIN Car Audio In-Dash CD MP3 AM/FM Receiver w/ Bluetooth.
- Plays CDs, CD-Rs, and CD-RWs, including discs loaded with MP3, WMA, and AAC.
- Pandora and iHeartRadio control with Apple iPhone and Android.
- Built-in iPhone and Android control using the USB port.
- Supports Android music playback using the Kenwood Music Play app.