Introduction
Integrating an Android auto head unit into your vehicle offers you more access to features that you use on your smartphone. On the other hand, if you have an old head unit that allows you to play only music, the journey can become boring over a period of time.
When you install an Android auto head unit, you get customization options as you can connect your smartphone with it. You can simply get access to not only GPS but also applications like Amazon Prime Music, Spotify, Pandora, Google Maps, and much more.
Hence, we have shortlisted a handful of android auto head units available in the market that will make your driving experience better.
Top 5 Best Android Auto Head Unit
#1 Pioneer AVH-W4500NEX
Price: $895
Pioneer AVH-W4500NEX comes with a built-in Bluetooth that makes the entire audio streaming and calling experience hands-free. It comes with a backup camera and 50 watts. The display size of the screen is 6.94 inches which will provide you with a resolution of 2,520 x 480 pixels.
You can use it wirelessly or with a USB cable, it is your choice. It also consists of HDMI input, FLAC support, and satellite radio. The company also provides you with an accessory, which is sold separately, that will allow you to keep a check on the engine’s performance. Also, there are many pros and some cons of the device as mentioned below:
It comes with a large display
Equalization tech is superb that ensures the audio quality
Enabled with Bluetooth
Easy-to-use interface
Alexa is Built-in to make the experience smooth
CD and DVD drive is also available
For backup camera feature you will end up spending more
There is no GPS antenna included
#2 Alpine iLX-W650
Price: $449.99
If you are someone who is not fond of CD or DVD players, then Alpine iLX-W650 is one of the most appealing head units on the list. Aside from the Android car stereo, it also comes with a rear and front camera. As far as outputs are concerned, it comes with a six-channel preamp.
You can also add Alpine’s power-pack amplifier to get more than 50 watts RMS. The size of the screen is 7 inches which provides you with an 800 x 480 pixels resolution. The dimension of the device is 10 x 8 x 7 inches and it is compatible with smartphones, speakers, and tablets. While the screen type is a capacitive touchscreen, it also comes with Bluetooth and Radio features.
Easy to install due to its shallow design
It is cost effective
The screen is responsive to make the experience even better
Large screen size
No video output available
The interface is limited when it comes to customization
#3 Sony XAV-AX3200
Sony XAV-AX3200 is great when it comes to streaming or watching movies (of course, not when you are driving). The 6.95 inches display comes with a WebLink Cast that comes with an anti-glare touchscreen. The dimension of the device is 2 x 6.17 x 3.21 inches and the compact design makes the installation easier.
One of the best parts about this device is that Sony has integrated physical controls that will make it easier to use while you are driving the vehicle. There are home, volume, forward, back, and settings options available in the form of physical control, which makes it easy and convenient.
- Good quality resolution
- Compact design
- Anti-glare touchscreen
- Physical controls
- Cost-effective
Some users have reported the installation was not easy
It comes with limited features
#4 Pioneer DMH-1500NEX
Here’s another Pioneer’s head unit on the list, Pioneer DMH-1500NEX. This is one of the budgeted options compared to the first mentioned product from the same company. You can simply use this option to access your smartphone’s library that contains music or podcasts. It can be connected using USB cable or wirelessly.
The 7 inches touchscreen will be good enough to play movies or cartoons for others in the vehicle – of course someone who is not behind the wheels. The resolution of the screen is 2520 x 480 pixels. You can easily use Google Assistant to give voice commands for various activities including playing music or changing the track.
It features a USB port, mini aux jack, mini A/V, two cameras, RCA and Bluetooth
The device comes with a large screen
Budget head unit
#5 JVC KW-Z1000W
If budget is not a constraint for you, then you should definitely check out this high-end unit, JVC KW-Z1000W. It comes with a 10.1 inches display screen that makes it easier to see the details of the maps while driving with just a quick glance. It comes with four camera inputs and the design is so slim that it gets integrated easily. The dimension of the device is 16 x 12 x 12 inches.
The screen position is also adjustable and it can be connected wirelessly or with help of a USB cable. Moreover, you can connect two smartphones. It also changes live wallpapers based on the current playlist, which makes your overall experience interactive. The device also comes with a 13-band equalizer that improves audio quality.
Big screen size
Connects wirelessly and with wire
Compatible with Apple CarPlay as well as Android Auto
13-band equalizer
K2 technology to improve sound quality
Heavy in weight
One USB port available on the back side
Controls are not very user-friendly
Things To Consider Before Buying Android Auto Head Unit
We all want to have a better driving experience by installing an Android auto head unit. Apart from costing, we also need to check certain things before buying any head unit. Sometimes having a high-end unit is not something that will fulfill all your needs while sometimes you might need a budgeted one that will come along with features like a CD player.
Let’s have a look at things that you should consider before buying the best android auto head unit for your vehicle.
#1 Integrated Features
Of course, you are looking forward to getting an android auto head unit that will give you access to playing music from your phone. However, there are a few more features that you should look for. For instance, Do you want to connect your phone with the device wirelessly or you are comfortable connecting it with the help of a USB?
Also, do you think that a GPS container is essential to the device or if there is anything else that you might need to make your journey smooth. Make a list of features that you need in the head unit as you don’t want to end up thinking that you have wasted your money after installation is done.
#2 Size of the device
Yes, we all want to have a bigger size screen in a vehicle. Although it is one of the things that people often check before any other specification. However, you need to question yourself if your vehicle has enough space for installing a bigger screen or a small one is enough for you.
If you choose Double-DIN, then the size will become bigger and if you choose single-DIN, it will reduce the size. Choose as per your requirement.
#3 Security of the aftermarket device
Choosing aftermarket devices can also lead to thieves breaking into your vehicles. No doubt, installing a head unit is going to make your car’s interior look fancy and alongside common people, it will also grab the attention of thieves.
Hence, it is recommended to take security measures and park your vehicle at a safe location. Also, always double-check if the doors are properly closed. If the vehicle doesn’t have a head unit, it might get ignored by the thieves but this new head unit might want you to level up your security game.
#4 Pricing of the head unit
One of the most important things in buying a head unit is the cost of the device. If you have a good budget then you should definitely go for a high-end device but make sure that you are not paying a lot of money on delivery charges.
You can choose websites like Amazon or Alibaba that are famous for sending you the delivery without expecting you to pay a delivery fee. If you choose to buy the device offline then you might end up getting a free installation along with the deal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, always make sure that you are choosing the head unit based on your requirements and not something that is looking fancy to your eyes. Hopefully, the above-mentioned list will help you to choose the best Android auto head unit.
