The 10 Best Car Stereos With Android Auto
This wiki has been updated 17 times since it was first published in October of 2019. Android Auto is one of the many useful evolutions of Google's open-source operating system and, unlike car stereos without its features, the hands-free phone and audio controls it provides can also help to keep you safe. We've gathered some of the most effective and feature-packed head units that are capable of navigation as well as audio and, in some cases, even video, playback. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Pioneer AVH-W4400NEX
2. Kenwood Excelon DMX905S
3. Pioneer AVH-2500NEX
Editor's Notes
November 25, 2019:
There are quite a few aftermarket stereos running modified versions of the Android OS, but not all of them fully support the Android Auto feature set. All of those on our list do, and as a bonus, they also support Apple CarPlay, so even your trendy friends can connect up and provide their DJ services while you're driving.
You'll find a lot of Pioneer devices on our list; they've gone to great lengths to provide a wide range of features that will satisfy very many users. The Pioneer AVH-W4400NEX is probably the most well-rounded, and while it's not cheap, it will fulfill almost every need you have. The Pioneer AVH-2500NEX is quite a bit less expensive and not quite as feature-rich, but still every bit as well made. The Pioneer DMH-Z5150BT and Pioneer AVH-3400NEX are both relatively affordable and though they don't have quite as in-depth levels of controls, are still great options. The Pioneer AVIC-W8400NEX is worthwhile if you don't always want to rely on your phone's GPS and navigation system; its built-i GPS antenna and Garmin functionality are a huge boon if you spend a lot of time driving through national parks or otherwise forlorn areas where your smartphone might not have a single bar.
Pioneer isn't the only manufacturer in the game, though. The Kenwood Excelon DNX695S is another with a built-in Garmin system, and the Kenwood Excelon DMX905S is one of the most well-rounded overall. While you may not have heard of the Atoto Year SA102, it's actually quite a good choice, especially if you only have a couple hundred bucks to spend. And if you're particularly concerned about sound quality, check out the Alpine iLX-W650 and Sony XAV-AX5000, which both come from highly respected companies as far as high-fidelity audio goes.
Meanwhile, as you're upgrading your head unit, you might want to consider a new set of speakers and possible an amplifier; you can actually find relatively inexpensive amps that will sound significantly better than the one that came stock with your vehicle. If you do that, you may also need to look into an amp wiring kit, especially if you decide to pick up a subwoofer.
4. Atoto Year SA102
5. Alpine iLX-W650
6. Pioneer DMH-Z5150BT
7. Pioneer AVH-3400NEX
8. Kenwood Excelon DNX695S
9. Sony XAV-AX5000
10. Pioneer AVIC-W8400NEX
Building PCs, remodeling, and cooking since he was young, quasi-renowned trumpeter Christopher Thomas traveled the USA performing at and organizing shows from an early age. His work experiences led him to open a catering company, eventually becoming a sous chef in several fine LA restaurants. He enjoys all sorts of barely necessary gadgets, specialty computing, cutting-edge video games, and modern social policy. He has given talks on debunking pseudoscience, the Dunning-Kruger effect, culinary technique, and traveling. After two decades of product and market research, Chris has a keen sense of what people want to know and how to explain it clearly. He delights in parsing complex subjects for anyone who will listen -- because teaching is the best way to ensure that you understand things yourself.