Out in the market for the best Android Auto head unit that turns your automobile into a futuristic tech drive? Here’s a collection of the best car stereos which support Android Auto, all bundled into one list for you to choose from.
For as long as humans have been capable of making advancements, we’ve been obsessed with creating machines that can drive us forward at incredible speeds. The commercialization of automobiles may have happened centuries ago, but it wasn’t until the dawn of the 21st century that we equipped our vehicles with smart technology that adds features such as productivity, communication, and entertainment, all in a single package. Smart car stereos have been around for decades, but the inception of a mobile operating system into the car stereo is what redefined it all.
Android Auto took the center stage in the year 2015, and while it wasn’t widely accepted right away, automobile and stereo manufacturers have listened to the consumers and introduced some of the best Android Auto head unit devices since. The community has been so susceptive to Android Auto, that you can expect every major car stereo manufacturer, along with the biggest names in the automobile industry to natively introduce the operating system in their cars and stereo systems. But what about those of us who purchased a car before the release of Android Auto?
Best Android Auto Head Unit to Buy in 2019
Harrowing statistics show that most road accidents in the past years have been due to the increased usage of mobile phones while driving. To make your daily commute safer, and productively make your in-car entertainment experience better, Google has introduced Android Auto that limits the distraction while driving, without keeping your deprived of the useful elements. Apart from natively allowing apps such as Google Maps for navigation, the Dialer to make and receive phone calls safely, and send out texts and replies through Google Assistant, Android Auto also hosts a ton of music streaming and radio, so that you never skip a beat.
To equip your beloved vehicle with the smart features that it deserves, you can choose to replace the old stereo system with a high-tech Android Auto powered one. Breaking down the options available in the market into premium and affordable ones, here’s our guide on the best Android Auto Head Unit devices that you can get your hands on right now.
Android Auto Car Stereos Under $400
Upgrade the driving experience of your car with the latest and greatest Android Auto car stereo speakers from some of the biggest names in the industry.
Pioneer AVH-3500NEX
If you choose to drive a classic car that does not have room for a large display screen, adding Android Auto can seem like a distant dream, but not with the Pioneer AVH-3500NEX on board. This one-of-a-kind car stereo comes in traditional disc-style design with input for DVD/CD but craftily hides an entire 7-inch display into it. The motorized fold-out touch screen is powered by Pioneer’s very own NEX user interface, which makes it convenient to hook up your mobile phone for Android Auto through Bluetooth for wireless freedom.
Kenwood Excelon DMX905S
Developed to be the industry standard in high-tech car stereo systems, the Excelon DMX905S from Kenwood packs a crisp high-definition 7-inch capacitive display. Geared for high-resolution audio channeling, the car stereo comes with native capabilities for HD radio tuner, multiple USB ports for charging and audio connectivity, Bluetooth support to make Android Auto usage wireless, and special RCA videos inputs to hook up the rear and front view parking cameras as well.
Get the Kenwood Excelon DMX905S
Sony XAV-AX200
The Japanese tech giant doesn’t ship out one of the best Android Auto head unit devices for cheap, but being a year old allows you to get the Sony XAV-AX200 for cheaper. Equipped with DVD/CD playback support, there’s a built-in USB port for added functionality, along with the versatility of the SiriusXM Tuner for internet-based radio. There is support for Android Auto as well as Apple Pay, and although the unit does require you to plug in the device rather than offering the feature over Bluetooth, it’s an understandable trade-off considering the 4 x 55 w Dynamic Reality Amp you get with it.
JVC KW-V840BT
Another established brand in the car audio industry, JVC partner with Google and Apple to bring a smart stereo system that is easy on the wallet and performs the giants. The minimalist design along with a 6.8-inch display goes well on the dashboard, with complete wireless Bluetooth connectivity that allows you to hook up 2 devices at once. A fast-charging USB port is added to the bundle as well, along with connectivity for cameras, and a mobile app that lets the passengers in the back gain full control of the music playback with ease.
Alpine iLX-W650
Introducing a car stereo with a shallow mount that doesn’t take up too much room in the back, Alpine offers the iLX-W650 as an extension of its power pack amplifier. The device comes with some useful shortcut keys right on the faceplate itself, allowing you to make phone calls, activate the Google Assistant, access the apps, and mute everything with the touch of a button. The 7-inch display is just the right fit and comes with gesture support for smooth navigation, and extended support for music services such as Pandora, SiriusXM, and others, just sweetens the deal.
Android Auto Car Stereos Under $200
Give your car the Android Auto experience that it deserves, without burning a hole through your wallet, with the offerings down below.
Planet Audio PCP9800A
One of the only brands on the list that is recognizable by the majority of users, this variant of a car stereo from Planet Audio has recently received a price cut. The double-DIN head unit for your car comes with a 6.75-inch display that supports gestures and stays bright and shining even under direct sunlight, while extending connectivity features such as USB support, Bluetooth, and support for AM/FM. You also get steering wheel controls input, rear camera input, and support for Android Auto as well as Apple CarPlay, making it a well-rounded offering.
BOSS Audio BVCP9685A
Beating some of the top brands among car stereo systems, is the BOSS Audio BVCP9685A, with hundreds of recommending reviews and a price that is a fraction of the premium ones. Powered by both, Apple CarPlay, as well as Android Auto, you have Google Assistant as well Siri at your disposal, allowing you to quickly find the nearest gas station, turn on the radio, or play your favorite music tracks. The basic navigation buttons make it easier going through the rather basic user interface, a much easier task, while Bluetooth connectivity helps you keep the entanglement at bay.
ATOTO A6
Swaying from the other offerings on this list of the best Android Auto head unit devices, ATOTO A6 isn’t running an Android Auto supported software, but Android OS in itself. Designed as a modified version of Android OS that allows you to do even more than Android Auto does. Powered by 2GB RAM and 32GB of internal storage, the car stereo comes with a built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity to siphon internet data from your phone, giving you the power to download all kinds of apps from the Google Play Store for navigation, entertainment, communication, and more.
Eonon GA2176
Running the latest version of Android 9 Pie, this car stereo from Eonon is essentially an Android tablet that comes packed with features dedicated to automobiles. You get a crisp 7-inch display to get started with, offering access to the Google Play Store, which opens doors to all sorts of apps and media entertainment services. Additionally, the inclusion of Bluetooth 5.0 allows you to connect dozens of devices to the car stereo at once, and the built-in radio makes access to AM/FM stations easy.
Final Words
The era of connected devices is upon us, with smart technology making its way into our communication devices, homes, and even automobiles. Google has expanded the Android OS across the automobile industry not just to create a foothold for itself against Apple CarPlay, but to introduce a driving-friendly version of its mobile operating system which maximizes entertainment and productivity while making communication behind the wheel a much safer act than it has been in the past.
By breaking down the list of the best Android Auto head unit devices above down into different price categories, we help you choose the one that fits your requirements and budget the best way possible. So let us know down below in the comments section, which of these Android-powered car stereos are going to ornate your beloved car.