7 Best Single Din Head Units – Reviews & Buying Guide [2023]

We have spent hours reviewing the best top-rated single din head units to help you in finding the best car stereo that well fits your requirements.

Today, technology is advancing rapidly which indicates unless you have a new car model, your sound system is likely out-of-date. To replace your old car stereos, you will always desire the one with better functionality and style.

To lookout for the best head unit for yourself can be daunting and choosing the wrong one will cost you cash and time.

In this article, we will give you our recommendations on the best single din head units available in the market as well as the pros and cons of each one.

The list depends upon some features and factors which we will discuss in detail in this review. These factors are what you should take into consideration while searching out to purchase the best single din unit.

The din unit is the heartbeat of the automobile entertainment system and is the final factor to determine the sound quality that you get from your car speakers.

The products are top-rated which not only produce excellent sound but also mixes the latest trends in technology.

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Types of Single Din Head Unit

1. Motorized Display Stereos

The drawback of this car stereo is somewhat smaller in size than that of a double din head unit that can have a fixed 6 inches or maybe larger touchscreen or not.

Some single din head units’ decks are fortified with this motorized display that can come out just with a single touch of a button and then pull back.

Without taking up additional console space these stereos will give you an effective infotainment system.

2. Detachable Faceplate Stereos

The best single din car stereo you should select is the one with a detachable face, for a modest price.

When aftermarket stereo decks were becoming expensive and disposed to attract the burglars then this feature was a throwback to the past.

However, today it may become suitable to remove the faceplate when you leave your car for safety.

Why buy a Single Din car stereo?

You should buy a single din stereo for the following reasons:

• Replace the broken deck

If your car stereo has been broken because of the normal wear and tore or it has been stopped working out of the blue then it means it is time for you to buy a new one.

With the upgraded one you can listen to the radio, can stream music, or even can talk on the phone.

• Upgrade the aesthetics in your car

Are you thinking about installing a new car stereo deck as a facelift? Well, it will particularly increase the visual appearance for you and the passengers.

The top-rated car steres are technologically advanced and sleek in design which makes it easier for you to modify the numerous settings, like the color on the display.

• Add Bluetooth:

Several years ago, Bluetooth technology became normal in older cars but their factory stereo decks simply don’t have this.

You can sync your Android or iPhone to stream the music, talk hand-free, and play audio files just by installing a single din Bluetooth car stereo.

7 Best Single Din Head Units in 2021

1. Pioneer DEH-150MP Single Din Head Unit   

Do you want to upgrade your car stereo without breaking the bank? Well, this Pioneer DEH-150Mp might be the one you are looking for.

This automobile stereo makes use of an upgraded or superior audio retriever that improves the storage of the documents which can be misplaced because of compression.

In addition, this improves the sound imitation up to 20 kHz occurrences. It is an in-dash receiver that can play any type of MP3/WMA file.

It also features a single line and LCD, LED light is used to have a clear view of whether there is clear light or not. It is a good FM/AM tuner and you can even play CDs through it.

This unit additionally comes with a 5-band image equalizer to let you regulate the sound. It has an inbuilt AUX input that allows you to play and enjoy your favorite music by using a 3.5 mm cable.

It also includes low-pass filter settings and subwoofer controls and it is now very easy to carry the digital music with you, how awesome is that?

This car stereo works to fetch the high waves by using a sonic signal. Music can never be catchy without the deep bass. If your bass is not good enough then with the help of bass boost’s you can boost the range.

It includes the knob for tuning and the advanced sound receiver converts the compressed audio into the original one.

It gives you excellent performance for loud music, even though it is affordable. The wide range of frequencies it offers makes it amazing but as long as you go in with your eyes open.

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Specifications:

• Dimensions are 7 x 2 6.5 inches.
• Output wattage is 200 watts.
• Preamplifier voltage is 2 V.
• Weighs 2.64 pounds.
• 94dB Cd to signal noise.

 

2. Alpine CDE-172BT Single Din Head Unit

If your main preference is to get a stereo to mess around and change the EQ of the songs, then this Alpine CDE0172BT might be the best option for you on our list.

To begin with, let’s see the benefits it gives to us. It is equipped with USB and Bluetooth so it doesn’t matter whether you have a flash drive or Spotify because you can attach any device you want to connect.

It supports any format from WMA to MP3 without any problems and also features hands-free calling so you can attend the calls even while driving.

This car stereo comes with plenty of modified options like you can change the display and the backlight according to your choice. In addition to this, you can make the interior of your car classier than ever.

The most exciting characteristic of this stereo is that it lets you manipulate the EQ simply in the manner to need to adjust.

You can also pick out the low pass filter to appease your temper when you are bored.

Furthermore, it comes with AUX output and 6-pre-amp channels but unfortunately, it doesn’t have any RCA output at the back. Having few port options will not be a major problem for you because it still gives you plenty of options it means you are in good hands.

This car stereo offers the whole lot from adjusting your tunes to high-quality sound. You can go with this one for a mind-boggling experience.

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Specifications:

• Dimensions are 11 x 8 4 inches.
• Weighs 3.02 lbs.
• Output wattage 45 watts.
• USB and AUX input.

3. Kenwood KMM-BT325 Single Din Head Unit

This brand is one of the reputed ones that are well-known for their well-built single din car stereos and this Kenwood KMM-BT325 is a perfect example of it.

Although, it comes with upgraded and superior capabilities, however, doesn’t value too much. So, in case you are going for walks on low coins float then take into account this one.

The Bluetooth supportive era permits you to attach all of the Android and iOS devise to it. This connection is trouble-unfastened so that you can revel in your track without any problem.

It supports MP3, WMA, WAV, and AAC audio codecs so this track system will play the entirety to rock your world.

We always want a car stereo that can give full liberty, we mean the more port options the system should offer to get more flexibility.

This car stereo has assembled everything in just one place. You will get 3.5mm AUX and USB ports which means you will not face any connectivity problems.

Furthermore, there are 6 pre-inbuilt options so, if you are not in the mood to prepare something creative then just select any one of them to enjoy the time.

Another commendable feature this unit offers is the screen because you can change the color and can even personalize the background according to your dashboard.

This stereo is not much power, so your whole locality won’t shake with its music. You can also connect 2 phones at an identical time. So, it hits for the people who don’t want to face the problem of disconnecting and reconnecting the phones.

Therefore, this car stereo is an ideal choice for those who want an all-around speaker and are not too concerned with it being super powerful.

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Specifications:

• Dimensions are 11 x 10 x 4.5 inches.
• Weighs 1.94 lbs.
• Output wattage is 50 watts.
• The number of channels is four.

 

4. Boss Audio BV9986BI Single Din Head Unit

The next product on our list is Boss Audio BV9986BI by Boss Audio systems and this is one of the best car stereos ever existed.

This single din might be cheap but doesn’t droop its specifications and features. The brand has manufactured several types of both marine and car audio equipment.

This car stereo offers a wide display with an innovative graphic design to its 7 inches touchscreen. The screen is functionally fantastic but lacks the anti-glare feature.

This unit is also Bluetooth enabled which makes it convenient for music streaming and hands-free calls.

In addition to this, you can use a Bluetooth connection to play audio from any device, and with the WMA and MP3 feature, you can relish the music in all the formats.

The most praiseworthy feature of this unit is the ability to play music stored on the SD card. Many models in the market lack this feature that doesn’t depend upon the signal of the phone for music streaming.

Furthermore, it includes four channels of up to 85 watts with a built-in graphic and RDS tuner. The built-in graphic equalizer listening to music won’t be the same again, it is a new experience.

The unique fact about this unit is that it is also equipped with AV output, which means you can enjoy the video content too. But additionally, the video port permits you to attach an extra display to play videos.

So, you are going to get all the premium features with it. If you want to purchase the best single Din DVD player then you must have a look at this one.

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Specifications:

• Dimensions are 8 x 7 x 2 inches.
• Weighs 5.05 lbs.
• Output wattage is 340 watts.
• The number of channels is four.
• AV, AUX, and USB inputs are available.

 

5. Pyle PLTS78DUB Single Din Head Unit

The Pyle PLTS78DUB has done well so many things but there is one thing that brings this one down, the sound quality.

But what we most like is the number of features it offers and it has everything that you could expect in the advanced car stereo unit. It is under budget restraints so it makes it affordable for you to buy.

It comes with hand-free Bluetooth technology which makes it easier for you to attend calls and listen to your favorite music over the car stereo system.

The controls on the screen make it simple for you to play a USB drive, CD, and SD card directly from the storage. It is also AM/FM radio supportive.

It also features a wide 7-inch screen that gives you detailed information through the display screen or wireless remote control and allows you to enjoy your favorite music and DVD movie.

In addition to this, the front panels are detachable so you can remove the car head unit and place it away when security is a concern.

Furthermore, the motorized screen telescopes boast a clear resolution of 1440 x 230 pixels. It is simple and easy to fold away the telescope when the car is turned off.

The sound quality is not the best which is not terrible but is not better than a normal car stereo, so it is a big drawback.

If the audio quality is not of much preference for you then this will be the most versatile stereo out there. However, we still not have mentioned one of the most important features of this single din head unit which is the power.

It offers you insane power of 320 watts enough to let everyone know what are you listening to. If you are searching for a powerful and versatile radio then this single din head unit might be perfect for you.

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Specifications:

• Dimensions are 11.75 x 9.5 x 4 inches.
• Output wattage is 320 watts.
• Weighs 2.2 pounds.
• Display resolution is 1440 x 234 pixels.

 

6. Pioneer MVH S310BT 1 Single Din Car Stereo

It is another amazing Pioneer single din head unit on our list. You will never feel disappointed with the service of this unit and is designed to satisfy the audiophiles out there.

It allows you to connect an iOS device or any android device to the speaker. With the audio system, you will have direct access to Pandora and Spotify.

This feature is good because you will not have to play music from your device and then connect it to the stereo, is not it convenient?

The USB port allows you to play any files from the flash drive or any other device without facing any problem. The LCD screen comes with ergonomic buttons so, people belong to any age can use it easily.

It can connect to a variety of phone brands but the problem is that it lacks many options that people might like. It also lacks a microphone.

You will have to hold your phone or place it on the speaker to communicate back to someone who is calling you. It defeats the meaning of hand-free and another issue is that it doesn’t offer many audio inputs or ports.

It is not the right one for those who want to attach multiple devices to the speaker. However, it is still a good choice from a different perspective.

If you are searching for the standard stereo that doesn’t have added feathers then it will not for you. The sound quality is amazing and doesn’t require skills to use.

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Specifications:

• Dimension are 9 x 7 x 4 inches.
• Output wattage is 320 watts.
• Weighs 1.8 lbs.
• RCA Preout voltage is 4V.

 

7. JVC KD-X260BT Single Din Car Stereo

The number 7 spot in our list has to go with this JVC KD-X260BT. It is one of the best single din options available in the market because it comes with a super affordable price tag.

It is equipped with the latest 3.0 Bluetooth technology so you will enjoy a wireless connection in any situation. Also, you can make calls without any fuss, isn’t it pretty amazing?

It supports a variety of music formats from WMA to FLAC files so, you can play anything which you want to play on it. It is an admirable feature, don’t you think?

The sound quality gives you high convenience and allows you to connect any iOS and Android device and you will get great value for the money.

If you have a Pandora subscription so this stereo will appreciate that. The output wattage of this unit is 200 watts it means you will get a powerful audio quality.

It also comes with 13 band EQ, 6 AM and 18 FM presets. The versatile USB port enables you to connect to any device of your choice. The remote control in this package is just a cherry on the top.

Although, they do try to remedy the problem of the speaker by adding a headset that you can use to make calls.

Stereo with the inbuilt speakers is a more practical solution. It is powerful with the 50-watt channels that have great audio modification.

If you want something high-end so just grab this one and enjoy the ultimate music fest even on your road trips.

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Specifications:

• Dimensions are 4 x 9 x 8 inches.
• Weighs 1.79 lbs.
• Output wattage is 200 watts.
• 0 Bluetooth connection supportive.

 

Best Single Din Head Units – Buying guide

Though we have told you about the types and some features of single din head unit, you may still ask that what is the best DIN car stereo?

Well, if you want to find them with just a single glance then we are going to mention some factors to consider when buying.

If the stereo comes with all these factors, then there are higher chances of making the right decision.

Power Ratings

The power rating is one of the main factors that give the impression of the performance of the car stereo and helps the customer to find out the functionality.

Imagine, you want to improve the sound quality but don’t want to get any amplifier for your car stereo. This is the case, where you should consider the power rating.

To find out this, look out the watts per channel the stereo has. The maximum power refers to the power to be produced in a short time.

When you get the high watts per channel, you will have louder sound without any amplifier. Don’t forget to look for the RMS power output.

Smartphone Compatibility

Some single din units are not capable to connect to your smartphones. It is advisable to select the one that can enable you to have access instantly and have your calls wirelessly.

However, ensure that your car stereo is compatible with different types of phones. This will give you a cheerful time when you are on a long ride.

Some din radios may not connect to phones of any kind but most of them will be able to.

Display

Some cheap-priced single din stereos are 7 by 2 inches and feature a black, plastic face to the brand’s logo.

If you searching for the one close to the size of the iPad display and with a DVD player and maps then there are many more contenders to look for the best single din touchscreen head unit.

Playback Features

Single din car stereo must be able to playback videos, audios, MP3, CD, Bluetooth, and HD radio. it is very important to test the consistency of the playback methods.

If not, then you will find out that the din unit you have doesn’t play the music in the given format. Below are some playback features and their importance.

1. The Bluetooth feature is one of the main factors. It allows you to play or stream music by just connecting to your phones or with any Bluetooth-enabled device.
2. XM radio allows you to listen to several channels and songs by connecting through satellite but you will have to pay for it. However, you will enjoy the huge selection of channels.
3. In the world of music apps, some people still have a collection of CDs. If you want to play videos from DVDs or play music from CDs then don’t forget to look for this option. The CD player plays the music from the compact disk in numerous formats.
4. The USB port allows the user to connect their devices with a USB cable. It makes it easy for you because if your Bluetooth is not working you can simply attach the cable and play anything from your iOS or Android gadgets.

By this method, your phones will be kept charged the whole time and that is something amazing we must say.

Sound Quality

It doesn’t matter how expensive your car stereo is, if it doesn’t sound good then what is the point of getting it?

The sound quality is a huge factor to consider because it will vary between the different stereos. So, always search for the stereo that guarantees a top-quality loud sound experience without any bother.

You should look at the customer and external reviews when buying because just a company saying the stereo has excellent audio doesn’t mean it has.

GPS Navigation

GPS navigation not only makes your drive convenient and comfortable but also makes it safer. This feature helps you to find the location where you want to go, traffic and obstacles concern to avoid, and more.

All thanks to its rich traffic data and precise maps, this is not the feature to superintend in our view.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

It is the one to pair up your android phone or iPhone with the car stereo and the other to have Android auto or CarPlay integration. 

Decks that come with these features allow you to have experience of a familiar interface right on the dashboard. Though, these decks do come at the finest price.

Equalizer

If you have the best automobile receiver then look at the number of bands it has in its inbuilt equalizer. The deck can modify the frequency to your ear with more EQ bands.

Some car stereo often comes with fixed frequencies so you can select according to the genre of the music you are listening to.

Physical Dimensions and Control

Not all single din stereos are universal because some of them come with a big display. That is why it is important to check whether the head unit you are going to buy fits well with the dashboard or not.

Ensure that the controls are quite enough. The excellent quality buttons are easy to press or if it is a touchscreen it has to be sensitive.

The buttons should be placed well, so you can make your calls or can play songs even you are on the road.

The controls should be pace in such a way for your safety as you drive. They all claim to be sensitive, but you get the truth about what you pay for.

FAQs about Single Din Head Units

Q: Can you connect a subwoofer to a single din Bluetooth stereo?

It depends upon the type of single din car stereo you choose. Sometimes, there are necessary ports to connect your stereo to a subwoofer.

That is why it is always better to ensure that the stereo you are going to purchase is eligible to be connected to a subwoofer or not.

Although, some single din stereos do come with inbuilt subwoofers which is a bonus for the people who don’t want to spend money or time to find out the perfect one.

There might be an option to add a subwoofer to stereos with inbuilt subwoofers in case if you want to upgrade.

Q: What are the shortcomings of buying a single din stereo with a CD player?

The CD player is just an out-of-work feature that’s why many single din Bluetooth stereos skip the CD player. The complex and the delicate technology may result in the poor performance of the unit.

Q: Is it possible to upgrade your single din head unit to a double one?

Yes, it is possible to upgrade your single din unit into a double one if your car has space for it. Else, you will need the help of professionals if your dashboard has not had enough space for a double din head unit.

If not, it will not fit into your dashboard without hindering the other controls.

Q: Do the single din head units come with GPS?

You will return with hands full of disappointment while searching for the single din unit with GPS. Presently, not a single din head unit comes with the GPS feature.

However, you can play the direction via the sound system if you can connect your smart devices to the unit.

Final Words

We hope that this article on the best single din head units can be helpful for you to choose an excellent unit for yourself.

All the units on our list are affordable and come with desired features like Bluetooth and AUX port.

The head unit is the focus of the car stereo system that is why you should buy the high-quality one if you want to build up a credit rating setup.

Many people ignore them and go for aftermarket amplifiers and speakers but with the revolution today, they can relatively enhance the soundstage. 

Now, you have read everything that our article has to offer and we hope that you will be in a better place to decide about what din unit will fulfill your needs.

If you pick any of the single din cars stereo from our list then you really cannot go wrong.