There are lots of reasons why you might be looking for a replacement stereo for your car. Perhaps the factory unit does not offer the features you want, and you want an upgrade. Maybe the stock receiver simply quit working. Whatever the reason, there are literally hundreds of options out there - so many, in fact, that it can get daunting shopping for one. We've narrowed down the field to a select bunch that offer the best in terms of sound quality, features, user-friendliness, and price.
Best Car Stereo Overall:
The following five car stereos offer excellent performance and convenient features without an exorbitant price tag. Whether you're simply replacing the factory stereo with a higher-quality one or planning future sound system upgrades, each one of these is a great place to start.
Alpine CDE-123 In Dash CD/MP3 Player
Alpine's midrange CDE-123 may not be the most stylish or feature-packed stereo on the market, but its overall sound quality surpasses anything else in this price range. The CDE-123 shares the same amplifier found in Alpine's pricier models, and puts out 18 clean watts RMS through 4-channels. The 4-volt, 6-channel preamp outputs open up options for connecting external amplifiers to build a custom sound system. Read Full Review »
Amazon.com$219.99
JVC Arsenal KD-AHD79 Car CD/MP3 Player
Public awareness of HD Radio broadcasts may not be as high as its promoters would like, but that hasn't stopped JVC from offering a stereo with a built-in HD Radio receiver. The KD-AHD79 is part of the 'Arsenal' line, which means it boasts increased performance and better features than the standard models. Amplifier output is rated at 20W RMS x 4, and the 5-volt, 6-channel preamp outputs will support a higher-quality sound system. Read Full Review »
Pioneer FH-P8000BT In Dash CD/MP3 Player
This double-DIN head unit sits near the top of Pioneer's car stereo lineup and offers outstanding performance for the price. The built-in amplifier sends 14 watts RMS through 4 channels, and the 4-volt, 6-channel preamp outputs allow more flexibility with external amplifiers. Read Full Review »
Clarion CX501 Double DIN Car CD/MP3 Player
Clarion's double-DIN CX501 comes loaded with performance, features, and value. Technology lovers will appreciate the built-in Bluetooth adapter and microphone, as well as the front panel USB input that can bypass built-in DACs for higher sound quality. In case 21W RMS x 4 channels isn't enough, the CX501 is a great 'base' stereo from which to build a sound system thanks to its 4-volt, 6-channel preamp outputs. Read Full Review »
Amazon.com$299.99
Sony Xplod CDX-GT740UI Car CD Player
If you're looking for a feature-packed receiver to replace the boring factory stereo with, the Sony Xplod CDX-GT740UI is definitely a step in the right direction. The front-mounted USB input allows direct compatibility with the iPod/iPhone or any other MP3 player, and the 24-bit DAC produces better sound quality through your car's stereo system. Read Full Review »
Best Car Stereo for iPod / iPhone:
It used to be enough for manufacturers to offer a front panel aux input for iPod connectivity, but that is no longer the case. Some of the better stereos these days offer USB inputs, so you can connect your iPod or iPhone directly to the unit with zero loss of sound quality. This also has the benefit of charging your device at the same time, as well as allowing the stereo to function as a controller to browse through your music library. To qualify for this list, the stereo must be equipped with some sort of USB connection and offer built-in iPod controls. This is in addition to other criteria such as sound quality, extra features, and overall value.
Sony DSXS300BTX Digital Media Receiver with iPod Direct Control
The Sony DSX-S300BTX is all about iPod integration, with no provisions for playing CDs. The standard single-DIN-sized chassis can store an iPod inside, and offers a USB connection to maximize sound quality and to keep the battery charged. If your entire music collection is stored on your iPod, the Sony DSX-S300BTX is one of the most elegant solutions to bring it with you in your car. Read Full Review »
Amazon.com$190.51
Kenwood eXcelon KDC-X595 Car CD/MP3 Player
If you have an iPod or an iPhone, the Kenwood eXcelon KDC-X595 is a worthwhile upgrade over the entry-level KDC-X395. The three-line display is more effective at showing relevant information for flipping through your music library, while the built-in iPod controls (with the dedicated 'iPod' button) and front-mounted USB port makes connecting your music extremely easy and convenient. As you would expect from an 'eXcelon'-branded unit, the performance is impressive. Read Full Review »
Clarion CZ501 Car CD/MP3 Player
The CZ501 is Clarion's flagship single-DIN CD receiver, and offers a front-mounted USB port alongside built-in iPod controls. The 6-channel, 4-volt preamp outputs are also a more upmarket feature, and allows the CZ501 to be an excellent base for building an entire sound system. Therefore, the reasonable price makes this one of the best buys in the car stereo market today. Read Full Review »
Kenwood KDC-MP345U In Dash CD/MP3 Player
Kenwood's highly popular KDC-MP345U offers everything you need from an aftermarket receiver to get a big improvement over the factory radio. The front-panel USB input and built-in iPod controls make it easy to connect your music player, and the on-board amplifier and sound enhancement technologies pump out clean, clear music. The affordability is just icing on the cake. Read Full Review »
Alpine iDA-X305S Car Audio Player
Audiophiles who have ditched their CD collection will find much to love about Alpine's digital-only iDA-X305S. This digital media receiver natively supports Pandora through the iPhone, and the USB input (though located at the rear of the unit) is better for connecting an iPod or iPhone. Overall performance is high, and fits well with the 'high-end' character of this pricey stereo. Read Full Review »
Best High-End Car Stereo:
A high-end stereo is for the most discerning audiophiles who want nothing but the best audio quality, and never mind if the head unit doesn't offer Bluetooth connectivity or adapters for this and that. A good high-end stereo system should make the inside of your car sound like a live concert hall, and there's no better place to start building one than with a high-end head unit. That alone can make the difference between murky, muddled sound and a crisp, clean live-quality experience. Be warned though: a high-end sound system will not produce quality sound from a compressed file. In fact, it will sound downright horrible, since the accuracy of a high-end system means that every pop, fuzz, crackle, and other low-quality audio quirks will be played back with perfect clarity. For best performance, use lossless audio.
Pioneer Stage 4 DEX-P99RS CD Player
The Pioneer DEX-P99RS is extremely expensive, and is a viable option only if you plan to connect the highest-quality components to support its incredible sound output. There is no internal amplifier, and the copper-plated chassis shows just how serious Pioneer is about preserving audio fidelity. If you're planning on building an audiophile-grade sound system for your car, this is one of the only options available today. Read Full Review »
McIntosh MX406 AM/FM CD Player
McIntosh is better known for its distinctively-styled home audio products, so it may come as a bit of a surprise that the company offers a high-end car stereo as well. The MX406 receives signature McIntosh styling and performance, with excellent sound accuracy and a notable absence of 'noise'. Read Full Review »
Alpine CDA - 117 CD Player
The CDA-117 is Alpinels current flagship CD player, and is best sampled with the add-on IMPRINT sound processor. While stand-alone performance is impressive enough, the sound processor uses calibration performed by the Audyssey MultEQ XT system (which is usually reserved for high-end home audio products) to maximize response and custom-tailor the sound output for your car’s speakers and layout. Read Full Review »
Best In-Dash Car CD Player with Bluetooth:
Bluetooth in car stereos is no longer used for simple hands-free calling. Newer smartphones and MP3 players feature wireless audio streaming via Bluetooth, and several Bluetooth-equipped receivers support this function. The following are solid choices if you're a big user of this wireless standard.
Pioneer FH-P8000BT In Dash CD/MP3 Player
The Pioneer FH-P8000BT offers top-notch sound quality and tons of desirable features, making it one of our favorite receivers on the market today. The built-in Bluetooth module supports both hands-free calling and wireless audio streaming capabilities, and a USB input allows a wired connection if one is required. Read Full Review »
Clarion CX501 Double DIN Car CD/MP3 Player
Offbeat styling aside, the Clarion CX501 is one of the best Bluetooth-equipped receivers currently available. The double-DIN form factor allows plenty of space for large buttons, while the built-in amplifier features 21 watts RMS of output through 4 channels. The CX501 also supports Bluetooth audio streaming among its many features. Read Full Review »
Amazon.com$299.99
Parrot ASTEROID Android-Powered Car Stereo
The Parrot ASTEROID is unlike any other in-dash receiver sold today, with its own unique advantages and drawbacks. The receiver itself comes preloaded with Android, complete with its own apps. Four USB inputs and integrated Bluetooth open up plenty of connection options, while the built-in amplifier offers up excellent sound quality. The price may be a hard pill to swallow for some, however. Read Full Review »
Alpine iDA-X305S Car Audio Player
If you've purged your CD collection and rely entirely on digital media, Alpine's iDA-X305S is a great choice. This single-DIN stereo eschews an optical drive, instead focusing on integration with MP3 players and smartphones. Pandora internet radio is supported via USB-tethered iPhones. The iDA-X305S must be used in conjunction with Alpine's proprietary adapter (KCE-250BT) for Bluetooth functionality. Read Full Review »
Alpine INA-W910 DVD Navigation Receiver
If you have the money and space in the dash, it makes perfect sense to go for an 'all-in-one' unit like the Alpine INA-W910. This double-DIN receiver integrates a high-end stereo, in-car navigation, Bluetooth, and Pandora internet radio into a single touchscreen interface. Minor navigation software annoyances can mar the experience, but the INA-W910 is a very competent unit overall. Read Full Review »
Amazon.com$975.00
Best Double-DIN Car Stereo:
If you've got a car with a double-DIN size dash opening for the factory stereo, a single-DIN unit will fit easily but will leave a gaping hole in the dash. If you'd rather not deal with an unsightly gap in the unused portion of your dash opening, a double-DIN size stereo is well worth looking into.
Pioneer FH-P8000BT In Dash CD/MP3 Player
The Pioneer FH-P8000BT takes full advantage of the larger in-dash opening to provide accessible controls and top-notch performance. This stereo also offers built-in Bluetooth and iPod compatibility, and is an excellent base to build an entire audio system off of thanks to its 6-channel, 4-volt preamp outputs. If you don’t need other bells and whistles, this is one of the best choices for a double-DIN in-dash stereo. Read Full Review »
Clarion CX501 Double DIN Car CD/MP3 Player
Underneath the offbeat appearance of the Clarion CX501, this double-DIN stereo offers many advantages that make themselves useful in the real world. The buttons are large and easily decipherable, and the built-in Bluetooth and microphone means you won’t have to tear your car apart for hands-free communication. The sound quality is high, and the CX501 can play back music from portable devices. For the price, this is an excellent value. Read Full Review »
Amazon.com$299.99
JVC KW-XR810 Double-DIN Bluetooth Dual USB/CD Receiver
JVC's KW-XR810 offers upscale features such as a 24-bit Burr-Brown digital-to-analog converter for excellent sound quality, and the 6-channel, 2.5-volt preamp outputs allow a decent sound system to be built around this unit. The KW-XR810 also comes with built-in Bluetooth functionality, and the included remote control is handy if you're not within arm's reach of the stereo. If you don’t like the illumination color, that can be changed to suit your preferences. Read Full Review »
Kenwood DPX503 In-Dash CD/MP3 Player
If you aren’t planning to customize the entire sound system of your car, the Kenwood DPX503 is a good choice. The DPX503 is packed with features such as a built-in equalizer and timing compensation for maximum versatility, and also includes front-mounted USB and aux inputs that can be used to connect an iPod or other portable devices. The design is clean and sleek without being overly flashy, and the stereo performs well enough on its own to not require adding on expensive components. Read Full Review »
Alpine INA-W900BT DVD/Navigation Receiver
If you’ve got a double-DIN-sized opening in your dash, why not take advantage of it and install an in-dash navigation receiver? Alpine’s INA-W900BT incorporates everything you need into a large, high-resolution touchscreen. While it’s expensive, the INA-W900BT offers intuitive controls, a long list of features, NAVTEQ maps, and extremely high overall performance. Read Full Review »
Best Cheap Car Stereo:
The 'budget' stereo market is extremely competitive, with manufacturers constantly trying to outdo each other. The consumer is the winner here, with plenty of affordable stereo options that offer desirable features and satisfying performance.
Alpine CDE-100 In Dash CD/MP3 Player
While the Alpine CDE-100 doesn't offer tons of features, it boasts better sound quality than anything else in this price range. The front-mounted USB port is a huge plus, and the CDE-100 is easy to use due to its large buttons and simple menus. If you're looking for an affordable way to replace the stock stereo, it's hard to do better than this. Read Full Review »
Amazon.com$84.99
JVC KD-HDR44 Car CD/MP3 Player
If you plan on upgrading your entire sound system at some point in the future, JVC's KD-HDR44 may be a good affordable starting point. The built-in 20W RMS x 4 amplifier performs admirably, but the real draw of this unit is its 4-channel, 2.5-volt preamp outputs that can support a more complex system than the competition. Read Full Review »
Amazon.com$139.95
Kenwood KDC-252U Car CD Player
Kenwood's KDC-252U is an affordable, entry-level stereo designed around MP3 player/smartphone compatibility. The front-mounted USB input comes in handy for plugging in a device and bypassing its built-in digital-to-analog converter for higher quality sound output, backed up by the 22W RMS x 4 amplifier found in the stereo itself. Read Full Review »
PIONEER DEH-1300MP In Dash CD/MP3 Player (MP3/WMA Support)
The Pioneer DEH-1300MP is affordable, well-built, and offers performance comparable to higher-priced alternatives. While the feature list may come across as lacking, this is a good choice if you have no need for fancy bells and whistles from a simple replacement car stereo. Read Full Review »
Amazon.com$79.00
Sony CDX-GT56UI AM/FM CD Car Stereo Receiver with USB Input
Often, features are compromised in an attempt to bring stereo prices to competitive levels. The Sony CDX-GT56UI is surprising in that it includes niceties such as listener position compensation, signal processing, 7-band equalizer, and a 24-bit digital-to-analog converter. At less than $100, this Sony stereo is an absolute steal. Read Full Review »
