Best Double-DIN Head Units: Upgrade From OEM

Shopping for a head unit is like wading through a sea of conflicting information. One person loves the bright and responsive screen, while someone else complains about the same unit being dark and lagging. Knowing what features to look for takes the confusion out. When creating this list, I only considered reputable brands to minimize unreliable performance. 

From there, I looked for features in three categories, smartphone compatibility, sound quality, and vehicle features. I picked head units with a mix of features in each category. I referred to reputable specialty websites that focused on technology and music to ensure I chose products that included the latest desirable features. This ensured I stayed true to The Drive's methodology. 

My top pick for the best double-DIN head unit is the Pioneer DMH-W4660NEX because it offers the best mix of smartphone, music quality, and vehicle features. In addition, this gives you reliable and functional usability for most drivers. 

For a more affordable option, the Boss 480BRGB will give you a basic upgrade from your worn-out OEM stock stereo. While it won't have all the features that more expensive units have, it is still an upgrade.  

Double-DIN units with a touch screen will have a resistive or capacitive touchscreen. Resistive is an older technology and is often used on budget models. Higher-end and newer models tend to have capacitive screens. Resistive screens have two layers with a gap in between. They work well at different angles, have a reduced chance of accidental touches, and can sense any object that touches them with adequate pressure. Their drawback is that they require more pressure to work, the screens are easily damaged, will not work when damaged, and have more issues with visibility. 

Capacitive screens use your body's natural conductivity to operate. They tend to have a crisper display and are more responsive and durable. Their drawback is that they look best when viewed straight on, which can be an issue if your dash is angled. They are also more expensive. 

You could have the highest quality speakers on the market, but without a suitable stereo head unit, you will never get the full performance out of them. Replacing a stock unit means you can improve the built-in power and circuit design for richer, detailed, and cleaner sound. They also have enhanced controls for increased customization ability. Basic controls include bass and treble and a few preset sound options. Higher-quality units have multi-band equalizers that allow you to customize the sound and get the full potential out of your aftermarket system. 

Let's face it, we all have a smartphone that we depend on. Having your smartphone communicate with your car's stereo unit is necessary for full functionality. This is a staple in new vehicles, so adding a stereo with these features helps modernize your vehicle. First, it should have Bluetooth. This lets you use any smartphone-enabled device with your stereo. Second, consider what type of phone you have. If you have an iPhone, then Apple CarPlay is excellent because it lets you have complete functionality of your phone through your stereo. If you have an Android phone, then the stereo you choose should have Android Auto. 

Double-DIN units are available for less than $100, but they have limited features and no touchscreen. Pricing for double-DIN units with a touchscreen range in price from $200 to $800. The more expensive the price, the more features and the better functionality and sound you will get. Instead of focusing on price, look for a unit with the features you need, such as smartphone compatibility, Bluetooth, and sound customization. 

In addition to the cost of the double-DIN unit, you should also consider installation costs. These could be free if you plan to install the unit yourself. However, if you pay for installation, it could be as little as $75 for a simple installation or as high as $2,000 for a customized complete system installation. 

You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.