Best Aftermarket Radios: Rock Out in Your Ride

The Unitopsci Car Stereo In-Dash Radio is a fantastic way for those with a single-DIN setup to upgrade their car’s audio equipment. It features a seven-inch touchscreen that is Bluetooth compatible and connects with GPS navigation. Supporting all FM radio stations, it has an 18-channel memory. Both manual dials and touchscreen controls enable you to use the system with ease. It’s designed to mirror an Android phone, though you can hook it up with the included USB. Coming with remote control for added ease, you can opt to control it using buttons and dials or the push of a button on your smartphone. Complete with a camera to monitor your rearview, it also facilitates safety on the road. A worthwhile investment, this model is an ideal way to enhance both your car’s audio and its overall abilities. 

It’s worth a note that, while this aftermarket radio blends old and new well, it favors modern technology. There’s no DVD or CD player, meaning you would have to opt for digital versions of movies and music

Whether your stereo broke or you simply want an upgrade, the Sound Storm ML41B Wireless Remote Control Stereo is a great pick on a budget. It features a simple and straightforward design, ringing in at 5 x 7 x 2 inches. The single-DIN setup is compatible with most older vehicles, though this aftermarket radio has quite a few upgrades from the factory model. For starters, it’s Bluetooth compatible. You can connect to your music streaming apps like Spotify or Pandora, as well as taking phone calls. It also connects via USB, letting you hook your phone in easily. The remote makes light work of changing stations without your phone. Running on 40 watts, this radio features well-balanced audio and an easy-to-install design. At an extremely competitive price point, it’s a worthy value pick. 

Now, it’s worth noting that, compared to some other products available, this tech is pretty outdated. It’s terrific if you want a quick, low-cost way to get sound back in your car, but it remains a very basic selection.

Compatible with most single-DIN setups, the Boss Audio Systems Multimedia Car Stereo is a powerful option, running on an impressive 50 watts. Working with all radio frequencies, as well as standard audio files, it connects via Bluetooth or USB. The radio itself includes two output channels, meant to hook up to the different speakers in your vehicle. It results in a well-balanced sound that optimizes the quality of the music. Equipped with a built-in microphone, you can easily make voice commands to control the system. There are also dials directly on the face of the radio, controlling the stations and the media playback function. Compatible with most popular music apps, this aftermarket stereo touts intuitive functions and a straightforward installation. 

Bear in mind that, though the thought of blasting 50 watts worth of audio might sound good, your speakers may not agree. This radio works best when used in conjunction with an amplifier. If your speakers are up to the task, however, this is a terrific aftermarket option.

Featuring a sleek appearance and crisp LCD display, the Jensen Character LCD Single-Din Car Stereo lets you make the most of voice commands. It stands out through compatibility with both Siri and Google Assistant, letting you control navigation and your music. The built-in microphone and advanced Bluetooth design simplify the pairing process. It is even compatible with double-DIN stereo head units, making it a good choice for most rides. The radio itself works with all FM and AM stations, while the dual-band tone controls let you customize the treble and bass. Doubling as a phone charger, if connected via USB, you can also take manual control over the system. Equipped with a 30-station memory, it’s easy to find preferred music. At 8 inches long and 3 inches across, it works in most vehicles. Once installed, the responsive voice controls and intuitive dials make it a very user-friendly selection. 

One issue with this setup is that, while the LCD screen is nice, it’s a more basic selection than a touchscreen. The quality of this equipment is decent, though it lacks some of the more advanced abilities of other models.

Compatible with most double-DIN stereo setups, the Miyne Stereo Touch Screen Radio has all the modern features you could ask for. In terms of safety features, it comes with an innovative reversing camera, shining an LED light at night so you can see when backing up. The radio connects to your phone via mirror link, working with most Androids and iPhones. Connecting to navigation and radio, this model is reasonably compact. At only 7 inches, it doesn’t take up much space and is less likely to obstruct an air vent. It results in quality sound, access to digital media, both video, and audio, and enables full voice controls via Bluetooth. It supports just about any file format, relaying sound crisply and images in good resolution. Ideal for travel with passengers, this aftermarket setup will significantly update your ride.

It’s worth a note that, while this radio will drastically improve your car’s multimedia system, it will likely take some time to set up. That said, once it’s in place, it is designed to last for a long time. With the number of audiovisual features it incorporates, the time spent in setup is well worth it.