Struggling with enhancing your in-car entertainment and navigation system?

In this blog, we delve into the best Android car stereos, perfect for drivers looking to upgrade their vehicle’s multimedia system with the latest technology. We explore a range of Android car stereos that offer a blend of connectivity, user-friendly interfaces, and customizable features. From models boasting large touchscreens for easy control to those with integrated smart features for seamless smartphone integration, we include options that cater to different vehicle models, tech preferences, and budgets.

With over 15 years of experience in car audio and infotainment systems, we’ve assisted countless drivers, from tech-savvy individuals to those seeking a simple upgrade, in selecting the right Android car stereo for their vehicle. Our selection of the best Android car stereos is grounded in extensive testing and real-world usage, ensuring our recommendations offer high-quality audio, robust navigation features, and compatibility with a wide range of apps and devices. These stereos aren’t just about playing music; they excel at providing a connected driving experience with features like Bluetooth, GPS navigation, and voice control.

We’ve evaluated them for their sound quality, ease of installation, interface design, and overall integration with vehicle systems, finding them ideal for anyone looking to enhance their driving experience with an advanced and versatile car stereo system.

Best Touch Screen Car Stereo under $200

Pioneer AVIC-8200NEX Navigation Receiver with Carplay

The Pioneer AVIC-8200NEX comes with a dual CD/DVD receiver that includes a 6.2” touch screen and FM tuner; it also has 4-inch tall dash openings and provides a map of not only the United States but Canada and Puerto Rico as well.

It approximately weighs 5 pounds, with dimensions of 11 x 6.5 x 10 inches; as we mention below, it also has the capability of being compatible with Siri (only on Apply software), which will allow for hands-free control as long as your IOS system is for the 4S or newer.

Pros
  • The Pioneer AVIC has a major proof being dual compatible, meaning it offers compatibility with Android (auto) as well as Apple (for car play)
  • You can easily toggle between both the Android and Apply software on the stereo’s impressive touchscreen display.
  • The installation of the Pioneer AVIC is not bad at all, although you will want to make sure that you set aside enough time to get it taken care of, as it can take a bit longer, depending on your skill.
Cons
  • An immediate con of this system is the price.
  • In addition to this, the AppleCar Play only works if it is plugged into USB Port 1 (USB Port 2 is for charging only); this is not a huge con by any means, but it is something that users will need to remember during installation.

Android Car Stereo DVD CD Player with Bluetooth GPS Navigation

This Android stereo system comes with a 6.0 quad-core system that offers a 1024 x 600 HD retractable touchscreen. Additional features of this particular stereo system include support for both iPhone and iPod audio inputs via USB, as well as mirror links for iPhone and Android smartphones (which, depending on your needs, can be extremely useful).

You can also expect a subwoofer audio output with separate control and full video playback.

This system also comes with a multifunctional system that includes a GPS navigation system, a DVD CD receiver, and Bluetooth for all those hands-free calls and audio streaming.

Pros
  • Users cannot go wrong with the dual compatibility for both Android and IOS software
  • Even though your primary phone may be an Android, having the option to adapt to iOS software is certainly a plus.
  • Installation is also incredibly easy with this particular model.
Cons
  • This model is cheaper than the first system that we discussed and, naturally, we always get what we pay for so with this being said, the instructions on how to navigate the stereo system once it is installed are a bit on the weak side.

Pioneer AVH-X4800BS 7″ Motorized DVD Receiver

The Pioneer AVH-X4800BS comes with both a DVD and CD receiver, with Bluetooth for hands-free calling as well as audio streaming. It is also equipped with a built-in iPod, iPhone, and iPad control, which is an additional option if the user requires something to view video content.

Lastly, the Pioneer AVH-X4800BS works with Sirius XM (Sxv300 tuner) and supports all of the latest music, traffic, and weather, in addition to sports flash features (for all of the athletes and sports lovers out there).

Naturally, the pros and cons will vary depending on whether you are an iPhone or Android user; however, for the purposes of this review, we will focus on those who are Android users.

Pros
  • The Bluetooth capability works incredibly well; if you decide to install a backup camera as well, there has been an incredible review about that camera as well.
  • The price of this component is also pretty reasonable.

Cons

  • The cons surrounding this stereo greatly depend on your particular vehicle and what it is, exactly, that you are looking for in a stereo system.
  • Depending on your car (and if you install the system itself), you may have to cut out some of the surrounding material from the original radio system that came with the vehicle, and this may or may not cause you some difficulty.
  • Also, it can be a bit time-consuming to learn how to navigate the various formats that you have to use to get videos to play via USB

JOYING 7 Car Stereo 2GB 32GB Android 6.0 Head Unit

The Android 6.0 Marshmallow Car Stereo (who doesn’t love that name) has 2GB RAM and 32GB ROM, which has larger internal storage than most other brands on the market and is extremely beneficial; this allows for faster installation of applications, not to mention the CPU Intel SOFIA 3GR Quad-Core, 7-inch HD Resolution multi-point capacity touchscreen and support that also come with this particular stereo system.

The Android 6.0 Marshmallow also has a built-in Wi-Fi module that allows for easy connections and availability to hotspots for surfing the Internet.

Pros
  • The Android Marshmallow comes, like many others, with hands-free Bluetooth capability, Sleep mode, Google play Store (just in case there are some games you need to download on-the-go), steering wheel control, backup camera, customization for light colors, and a host of other add-ons that any user would go bananas over.
Cons
  • There have been some reports that the size of the device does not fit their car, in addition to there being some reviews of the installation being incredibly time-consuming and difficult.
  • Users have also stated that they experienced issues with their Google Play being able to connect once the installation was complete; also, as of now, this stereo is not compatible with other software (i.e., iOS).

7 In Double-DIN Android Car Stereo Receiver With Bluetooth

This particular Android car stereo weighs almost 9 pounds and is equipped with touchscreen and microphone access, coming in at about $270.00 on Amazon. These systems allow the user to stream music, make phone calls, and have access to a competent GPS system (which can be a lifesaver for most of us).

Those who decide to purchase this model can also expect touchscreen functionality, access to the Google Play Store, as well as Google Maps, Wi-Fi connectivity (when available), and a motorized fold-down adjustable display for convenience and because it’s pretty cool to look at.

Pros
  • The installation of this system is fairly simple, albeit longer for those who may be a tad short on patience; the Wi-Fi works incredibly well for streaming music and apps.
Cons
  • The factory brackets may or may not fit well during installation so you may have to purchase your own, depending on your vehicle.
  • Some users may think that the system runs on the older version of Android but, generally, the apps work just fine.

FAQs: Best Touch Screen Car Stereo under $200

How do double DIN head units work?

  • Dual-DIN head units (2-DIN HU) fit into two DINs and are called double DIN head units. An opening measuring 2 by 8 inches is called a DIN. They feature a touch-screen display and measure between 3.5 and 7 inches in size.
  • 2-DIN head units are wider than single-DIN. This means that a double-DIN head unit cannot replace a single-DIN head unit.

In what ways are double DIN head units beneficial?

  • Utilizing a 2-DIN head unit while driving will allow you to drive hands-free.
  • You can also benefit from these units when traveling long distances.
  • Thanks to its built-in GPS, your 2-DIN head unit will help you find your way with navigation. Furthermore, music can be listened to or browsed without having to hold your smartphone or music player in your hands or struggle with small fonts on it.

Do I have a double DIN head unit that fits in my dash?

Based on the make, model, and year of the car, 2-DIN head units are built into different sizes. Each stereo model has its own depth.

If you’re buying a GPS system, you need to make sure it can fit into your car’s DIN slit.

The best way to ensure an easy installation of a head unit is to find one that fits your car perfectly.

Are there any double DIN head units compatible with Android devices and what are the best ones?

Android heads-up displays must run on your device’s current version of Android. You can download and install additional apps from the Google Play Store after installing your head unit, which comes with several pre-installed apps.

The head unit can be used with any Android mobile device that uses a current release. The Android Auto app must be downloaded and followed before your mobile device can be paired with your head unit.

Do you have any recommendations for double DIN head units for iOS?

  • If you own an iPhone, an iPod, or both, a head unit with dual controls is the best choice.
    Stereos with double DIN inputs, such as the Pioneer DDX774BH, Kenwood DDX774BT, JVC KW V85BT, etc
  • Apple CarPlay and AppRadio Mode+ are compatible with the AVH-1300NEX. This software allows you to access your messages, listen to music, stream videos, and listen to podcasts. Aside from supporting flash features and giving you traffic updates, the best double din head units for iOS also support SiriusXM SXV300.
  • 2-DIN HUs is compatible with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Such head units provide two ports for connecting both Android and iOS devices.

Are my steering wheel controls still functional after I install a double DIN head unit?

  • The volume up and down, next, and previous controls on some head units can be controlled via the steering wheel.
  • The steering wheel is connected to the HU using the iDatalink Maestro. You cannot make this claim, regardless of your vehicle.

When installing double DIN, does the new head unit show the weather and other information about my car?

Modern head units control more than just the stereo in most vehicles. Even if you replace your car’s stock unit with an iDatalink Maestro, it will retain all of your car’s functionality. HU’s touchscreen also contains distance sensors, gauges, tire pressure, climate control, and temperature displays.

Conclusion

An overall review of the products listed above comes to this: be sure to determine what stereo system fits best for what you are looking to have in your car (sound, Wi-Fi, capability, etc.), as well as what fits your budget.

On a more surface-level view of things, be sure to measure your original radio stock properly to ensure that you purchase a new stereo system of the correct size so you will not waste time or additional money having to install the new product (this can be a headache within itself).

Happy listening!