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10 Best Head Units 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Alpine iLX-F511 Halo11 Multimedia Receiver with 11-inch Floating HD Touchscreen Display

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,381
Compatibility

Most important from
52 reviews

Compatibility
Looks great and is easy to use, especially on a Land Cruiser Prado. The Bluetooth volume knob is a must!

The Alpine iLX-F511 Halo11 is a versatile multimedia receiver designed to enhance your in-car entertainment and functionality. With its large 11-inch floating HD touchscreen display, it offers an immersive and user-friendly experience. The compatibility with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ensures seamless integration with smartphones, allowing users to make calls, send texts, play music, and get directions hands-free, which is great for safety and convenience on the road. The Google Assistant functionality further enhances hands-free operation for Android users.

The display is mounted on an adjustable single-DIN chassis, making it adaptable to most vehicle dash openings. The inclusion of two camera inputs is a practical addition, providing the option to connect front, side, or rearview cameras for improved visibility and safety while driving. Audio enthusiasts will appreciate the 13-band parametric EQ, which allows for detailed sound tuning on each channel, ensuring a personalized audio experience.

Connectivity options like Bluetooth, USB, and HDMI are available, but the lack of multiple HDMI ports could be a limitation for users with more extensive connectivity needs. While the user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, the product's relatively high price point and the need for additional purchases like the cameras and installation accessories may be a drawback for some. The Alpine iLX-F511 Halo11 is ideal for those looking for a high-quality, feature-rich head unit with a large display and advanced audio customization options.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,381
Compatibility

Most important from
52 reviews

Compatibility
Looks great and is easy to use, especially on a Land Cruiser Prado. The Bluetooth volume knob is a must!
#2

PLZ 10.1" Wireless Single Din Car Radio Stereo with Apple Carplay Android Auto Touch Screen, Car Play Audio Receivers Headunit, Bluetooth 5.3, Backup Camera, 240W, 2 Subwoofers, Navigation, FM/AM, SWC

Rating
9.4
Display Type
Connectivity
Audio Quality

Most important from
618 reviews

Display Type
The QLED touchscreen display is bright, crisp, and responsive, providing a premium feel.
Connectivity
Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto work flawlessly with stable connections and no lag.
Audio Quality
The sound output is phenomenal with deep, rich bass, crisp highs, and a well-balanced midrange.
User Interface
Mechanical buttons for volume and key functions make it easy to use while driving.

The PLZ 10.1" Wireless Single Din Car Radio Stereo offers a substantial 10.1-inch IPS touchscreen, which should provide a vivid and immersive display experience. It supports both wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, enhancing convenience with voice control through Siri or Google Assistant. The compatibility with single and double din dash openings makes it versatile, but users should ensure their car's dashboard size matches or be prepared to purchase additional installation kits.

The audio quality is a highlight, with a built-in DSP system and powerful output, including two subwoofers for deep bass, which should satisfy audiophiles. Connectivity options are robust, featuring Bluetooth 5.3 for a stable connection and various input options like USB and auxiliary. Navigation relies on connected smartphones, which means the quality of navigation will depend on the apps used, but it generally ensures up-to-date maps and familiar interfaces.

The user interface is designed to be intuitive, and the steering wheel control support is a significant safety and convenience feature. However, installation might be complex for some users, and professional installation is recommended. The PLZ 10.1" head-unit is a well-rounded option for those seeking to upgrade their car's audio and entertainment system with modern connectivity and high-quality audio.

Rating
9.4
Display Type
Connectivity
Audio Quality

Most important from
618 reviews

Display Type
The QLED touchscreen display is bright, crisp, and responsive, providing a premium feel.
Connectivity
Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto work flawlessly with stable connections and no lag.
Audio Quality
The sound output is phenomenal with deep, rich bass, crisp highs, and a well-balanced midrange.
User Interface
Mechanical buttons for volume and key functions make it easy to use while driving.
#3

Alpine iLX-507 7" Multimedia Receiver Compatible with Wireless Apple CarPlay & Wireless Android Auto

Rating
7.9
Compatibility
Display Type
Connectivity

Most important from
58 reviews

Compatibility
Great head unit with wireless Android Auto and CarPlay, living up to the Alpine reputation.
Display Type
The screen looks great streaming from apps and playing videos from my phone.
Connectivity
The wireless Apple CarPlay was the deciding factor over purchasing something less expensive.
Audio Quality
The sound quality is excellent with extensive menu options to customize or use preloaded presets.
User Interface
Occasional hiccups like freezing or no audio resolve themselves with a car restart.
Expandability
Installation can be tricky due to lock-out safety features, but once bypassed, it runs very well.

The Alpine iLX-507 7" Multimedia Receiver stands out in several key areas for head units. Its compatibility with both Wireless Apple CarPlay and Wireless Android Auto makes it highly versatile for users with different smartphones. The 7" capacitive touchscreen display offers a responsive and clear user interface, enhancing the user experience.

Connectivity options are robust, with Bluetooth, USB, and HDMI ports that provide ample ways to connect your devices. This head unit also supports streaming services like Pandora, Spotify, and Tidal, making it easy to enjoy your favorite music on the go. The audio quality is satisfactory, with support for stereo and mono output, and it includes features like an equalizer to customize your sound preferences.

Navigation is seamless with Google Assistant since it helps in hands-free control and makes driving safer. One potential drawback is the lack of a CD player, which might be a limitation for users who prefer physical media. Additionally, some users have noted that the unit is somewhat large, which could be a consideration for those with limited dashboard space. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Alpine iLX-507 offers a comprehensive and modern solution for enhancing your car's multimedia experience.

Rating
7.9
Compatibility
Display Type
Connectivity

Most important from
58 reviews

Compatibility
Great head unit with wireless Android Auto and CarPlay, living up to the Alpine reputation.
Display Type
The screen looks great streaming from apps and playing videos from my phone.
Connectivity
The wireless Apple CarPlay was the deciding factor over purchasing something less expensive.
Audio Quality
The sound quality is excellent with extensive menu options to customize or use preloaded presets.
User Interface
Occasional hiccups like freezing or no audio resolve themselves with a car restart.
Expandability
Installation can be tricky due to lock-out safety features, but once bypassed, it runs very well.

Buying Guide for the Best Head Units

Choosing the right head unit for your vehicle can significantly enhance your driving experience, providing better sound quality, more features, and improved connectivity. When selecting a head unit, it's important to consider your specific needs and preferences, as well as the compatibility with your vehicle. Here are some key specifications to consider and how to navigate them to find the best fit for you.
CompatibilityCompatibility refers to whether the head unit will fit and work properly in your vehicle. This is crucial because not all head units are designed to fit all cars. To navigate this, check the size of your current head unit (single DIN or double DIN) and ensure the new one matches. Additionally, consider the wiring and mounting requirements. If you have a newer car with advanced electronics, make sure the head unit is compatible with your vehicle's systems. Your need for compatibility will depend on your vehicle's make and model, so always verify before purchasing.
Display TypeThe display type of a head unit can range from simple monochrome screens to large, full-color touchscreens. This spec is important because it affects how you interact with the unit and the overall user experience. Basic displays are fine for simple audio controls, while touchscreens offer more advanced features like navigation and smartphone integration. If you frequently use GPS or enjoy having a modern interface, a larger, high-resolution touchscreen might be best for you. For those who prefer simplicity, a basic display will suffice.
ConnectivityConnectivity options determine how you can connect your devices to the head unit. This includes Bluetooth, USB ports, auxiliary inputs, and smartphone integration (like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto). Connectivity is important for hands-free calling, streaming music, and using apps. If you use your smartphone for navigation or music, look for a head unit with robust connectivity options. For users who prefer traditional media like CDs or radio, fewer connectivity options may be acceptable.
Audio QualityAudio quality is a measure of how good the sound produced by the head unit is. This is influenced by the unit's built-in amplifier, equalizer settings, and compatibility with high-resolution audio formats. High audio quality is important for an immersive listening experience. If you are an audiophile or enjoy high-fidelity sound, look for head units with advanced audio features and higher power output. Casual listeners may find standard audio quality sufficient.
NavigationSome head units come with built-in GPS navigation, which can be a valuable feature if you frequently travel to new places. This spec is important for convenience and safety, as it allows you to keep your eyes on the road while receiving directions. If you often drive in unfamiliar areas, a head unit with reliable navigation can be very useful. However, if you primarily drive locally or prefer using your smartphone for navigation, this feature may be less critical.
User InterfaceThe user interface (UI) refers to how easy and intuitive it is to use the head unit. A good UI is important for safety and convenience, allowing you to quickly access features without being distracted. Look for head units with simple, well-organized menus and responsive controls. If you value ease of use and minimal distraction, prioritize head units with a user-friendly interface. More tech-savvy users might appreciate additional customization options and advanced features.
ExpandabilityExpandability refers to the ability to add extra features or components to the head unit, such as additional amplifiers, subwoofers, or backup cameras. This is important if you plan to upgrade your car's audio or video system in the future. If you foresee expanding your system, choose a head unit with multiple preamp outputs and compatibility with various accessories. If you prefer a simple setup, expandability may be less of a concern.

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