The 9 Best In-Dash DVD & Video Receivers
This wiki has been updated 30 times since it was first published in October of 2016. Just because you have an old vehicle, it doesn't mean you have to forego all the automotive entertainment and mapping advancements of the last few years. These in-dash DVD and video receivers boast a whole host of features, including optical disc and MP3 playback, digital radio capabilities, GPS navigation, and compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in some models. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. JVC KW-V960BW
2. Pioneer AVH-601EX
3. Pioneer AVH-W4500NEX
Editor's Notes
June 29, 2020:
All of the models on our previous list have either been upgraded by their companies to new editions, or were deemed a little insufficient to remain. The Clarion model we removed, for example, had significant problems with its USB performance resulting in stuttering video when it would connect at all. And while a minority of users rely on the USB ports on these devices for video playback, it is a problem we couldn't ignore.
In evaluating the newest offerings from the likes of Pioneer, Kenwood, JVC, and Sony, who hold the lion's share of this market, we found that the JVC KW-V960BW offered one of the best combinations of features out there, with support for Carplay and Android Auto, in addition to its ability to interface with up to four cameras placed around your vehicle. Pioneer AVH-601EX, conversely, only has one camera input, but its 7-inch screen is among the largest in its class, and its price-to-feature ratio is hard to beat.
We thought we were going to like the Alpine W970HD a lot more than we did, as its integrated Garmin navigation should be a boon to anyone who doesn't want to bother with smartphone connections, or doesn't have a smartphone to begin with. But the fact that screen mirroring is done through an hdmi cable (presumably with an adapter for your phone) is a total pain, and that, along with its high price tag, cost it a few slots.
We made sure to include a single din model, as well, for people without as much space on their dashes in the Jensen VX3518. It's an inexpensive model that isn't going to blow you away with sound quality or features, but it can help get the job done for users without a lot of steep demands.
4. Kenwood DNX575S
5. Alpine W970HD
6. Sony Auto 210SXM
7. Pioneer AVH-2550NEX
8. Pioneer AVH-220EX Multimedia
9. Jensen VX3518
Daniel Imperiale holds a bachelor’s degree in writing, and proudly fled his graduate program in poetry to pursue a quiet life at a remote Alaskan fishery. After returning to the contiguous states, he took up a position as an editor and photographer of the prestigious geek culture magazine “Unwinnable” before turning his attention to the field of health and wellness. In recent years, he has worked extensively in film and music production, making him something of a know-it-all when it comes to camera equipment, musical instruments, recording devices, and other audio-visual hardware. Daniel’s recent obsessions include horology (making him a pro when it comes to all things timekeeping) and Uranium mining and enrichment (which hasn’t proven useful just yet).