The Best Car Stereos For Any Budget 2024

We couldn’t think of a touchscreen more deserving of the "Best Fully-Loaded Car Stereo Touchscreen" honor than the Kenwood DNX997XR. This unit replaces the DNX996XR (which won last year’s top honors) and some mentionable improvements to the new model would be wired mirroring for your iPhone, four camera inputs, and support for Kenwood’s new high-definition backup camera, the CMOS-740HD. The DNX997XR still has the built-in Garmin navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, HD Radio, three sets of 5-volt pre-amp outputs for additional external amplification, and a whole lot more. Literally, a WHOLE. LOT. MORE. Like what?

How does an extensive sound tuning suite suit you? Or perhaps the touchscreen’s ability to read high-resolution music and help reproduce it in stunning clarity? Not quite sold yet? You also get three years of free Garmin map updates. Yup, we thought that might intrigue you!

To quickly circle back to a couple of features we rattled off, we wanted to let you know a little bit more about the wildly popular Apple CarPlay and Android Auto conveniences that a lot of folks are looking for nowadays. These software platforms connect your iPhone or Android either wired or wirelessly (phone-specific) to this Kenwood and allow you to use the on-board navigation apps (think Apple Maps, Google Maps, or Waze) to get you to your destination, control music streaming apps (Spotify, Tidal, Pandora, Apple Music, and more), and also allow you to connect with friends and family via text/phone through Siri/Google Assistant.

What are you waiting for? Click the “Add to Cart” button and let’s get you started down the path to audio zen. (Don’t need built-in Garmin navigation? Check out Kenwood’s DDX9907XR model).

Pros:

• Built-in Garmin navigation
• Built-in Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
• Superb sound quality
• Capacitive touchscreen

Cons:

• Longer boot-up time
• Menu system can be confusing

Imagine plugging your Android phone into the USB input that your touchscreen offers you and being able to use the maps pulled right from your phone, peruse your playlists in your favorite music streaming app, and handle incoming/outgoing phone calls and text messages via voice. Sounds pretty good, right? Sony’s XAV-AX3200 car touchscreen allows you to do all of that (and more!) all from a bright, vibrant, and easy-to-use touchscreen! And for those reasons, this Sony was crowned our "Best Value Android Auto Touchscreen Car Stereo"!

The 3200 has a lot to offer when you consider its price: an AM/FM tuner, Bluetooth for hands-free calling and music streaming, a backup camera input for a new or existing backup camera, and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay connectivity.

On the audio side of things, the built amplifier has max output of 55 watts per channel (RMS power output is 20 watts per channel), a 10-band EQ to permit sound sculpting to a really decent degree, and 5-channel pre-amp outputs for system expansion for amplifiers. This touchscreen really knocks it out of the park, doesn’t it?

The USB input where you plug in for Android Auto or Apple CarPlay usage will charge the smartphone so when you get to where you want to be, you don’t have a near-dead phone. This input can be run to a discreet location for a stealth look.

All in all, the Sony XAV-AX3200 was a shoo-in to make our Gear Guide lists. It’s really hard to beat the value that this touchscreen offers you. We really believe that you will agree.

Pros:

• Excellent value compared to other models out there
• Easy-to-use interface
• Compatible with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

Cons:

• No wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay
• Lacking on in-depth audio tuning options
• Clear resistive screen can be difficult to see in bright environments

The DDX9907XR from Kenwood eXcelon’s series took the gold in the "Best Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Touchscreen Car Stereo" due to its unparalleled sound quality, easy-to-use touchscreen interface, expansive audio tuning suite, and a whole lot more. Let’s tackle the sound quality bullet point first, shall we? Kenwood decided to use top-shelf components (think transistors, capacitors, etc.) in the making of this model. All these components come together to help you achieve some truly impressive sound quality. No joke – it’s awesome. Sure, it sounds good, but is it easy to use? Heck yeah, it is.

The slick capacitive touchscreen that Kenwood sourced for this model is marvelous. It can be seen day or night in your car (some touchscreens have issues being seen in bright environments) and the interface is fluid and you’ll grasp the gist of it in minutes. If you’re an audio aficionado and love to tweak the audio settings, you’ll be thrilled with the built-in 13-band EQ, digital time alignment, crossover settings, etc. Get the perfect sound – and from any seat!

We saved the best for last here: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are built into this unit (and it can be used wirelessly with select smartphones), so you can remain connected throughout your journeys via text or cell. You can use Apple Maps (iPhone), Google Maps/Waze (iPhone and Android) for navigation purposes, listen to your favorite playlists from Spotify, Tidal, Apple Music, Pandora (and more!), and even enjoy some audiobooks. The DDX9907XR is a fantastic option for you to consider. (Need built-in Garmin navigation, check out Kenwood’s DNX997XR model)

Pros:

• Superb sound quality
• Wired/Wiress Android Auto/Apple CarPlay
• In-depth audio tuning suite
• Multiple camera inputs

Cons:

• Menu system can be confusing

The “Best Wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay Touchscreen Car Stereo” crown went to Kenwood’s DMX908S touchscreen receiver. We knew this Kenwood was going to be the winner when this category was created. It’s just one heck of a touchscreen.

We love the value associated with this eXcelon touchscreen! It is chock-full of goodies like an AM/FM HD Radio tuner, Bluetooth for hands-free calling and music streaming, a tuning suite that can please even the most demanding of enthusiasts, and (saving the best for last) wired/wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It doesn’t boast a CD player, but most folks are keen on using the music from the streaming service of their choice.

In terms of Android Auto/Apple CarPlay usage, you have two paths of using either service: wired or wirelessly. Plug into the Kenwood’s USB-C input (or use the USB-A-to-USB-C adapter, if necessary) for a wired experience (that will also charge the phone) or allow your smartphone to connect to the WiFi network that the DMX908S establishes, and enjoy the wireless option. There’s no wrong way of using it!

One area we kept coming back to was the audio suite. The eXcelon touchscreen has everything from a 13-band equalizer to high-pass/low-pass filters to digital time alignment adjustments. You can use all (or some) of these features to further enhance your vehicle’s audio system. Why settle for “stock sound” when you can make it awesome?

We believe that you’ll be thrilled with the DMX908S. If you have questions about it, you can reach us by phone, chat, or email to learn even more about this touchscreen as well as our other offerings!

Pros:

• Superb sound quality
• Wired/Wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay
• Comprehensive audio tuning suite
• Capacitive touchscreen

Cons:

• Menu system can be confusing
• No CD player

Kenwood’s DMX1057XR 10.1” high-definition car touchscreen is truly a marvel to behold, and that’s exactly why it took our “Best Over-Sized Car Stereo Touchscreen” award. Not only does it offer that slick “floating tablet” design, but it’s also packed with features and conveniences such as wired or wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, HD Radio, Bluetooth for hands-free calling as well as music streaming, high-resolution music playback via USB input, and a whole lot more. This thing literally has everything but the kitchen sink built into it!

From an installation standpoint, the DMX1057XR 10.1” touchscreen connects to a double-DIN-sized chassis. The positioning of the screen is mostly set at the time of installation, but small adjustments can be made on the fly to get the best-possible viewing angle.

If you’re into sound quality, this Kenwood is part of the eXcelon Reference series, so it receives top-shelf audio components to ensure superb sound quality. The built-in 13-band equalizer, digital time alignment, high-pass/low-pass filters, and more offer robust sound sculpting options so you can dial in the perfect sound for the driver’s seat.

With multiple camera inputs, you can exceed the traditional backup camera option and add a front camera to eliminate the possibility of your vehicle’s front bumper smacking into yet another parking block. You could even add Kenwood’s DRV-N520 dash camera to record incidents on the road while driving.

Lastly, the DMX1057XR boasts a 2-year warranty, so you can have some peace-of-mind that you’re covered for quite some time.

Pros:

• Large screen make everything easy-to-see
• Killer sound quality
• Comprehensive audio tuning suite
• Wired/Wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay

Cons:

• Large screen can block vents or buttons on dash
• User interface can look a tad underwhelming at times
• Confusing menu system

The Kenwood eXcelon KDC-X705 stereo won our “Best Single-DIN Car Stereo” title because it’s simply the best radio on the market when you’re not looking at the fancy touchscreens. Just because it’s tucked away in a small chassis doesn’t mean that it’s lacking in features or sound quality. Read on to understand what this radio has to offer you!

If you’re in the market for a fully-loaded single-DIN-sized stereo, we believe the KDC-X705 ticks all of the boxes on your convenience wishlist. It’s got Bluetooth built into it for hands-free calling and music streaming, HD Radio reception for digital broadcasts of your favorite AM/FM stations (assuming they are taking part in that), two USB inputs (one front and one rear) for connectivity of your smartphone or thumb drive that’s been loaded with your favorite tunes, an AUX input for any device with a headphone output, and a CD player if you’re still vibing off your expansive CD collection. 

When it comes to sound quality, Kenwood doesn’t skimp with their elevated eXcelon lineup. Top-shelf audio components are installed into the KDC-X705 for unparalleled sound quality. A comprehensive audio tuning suite allows you to sculpt the sound to your standards. There are even a handful of audio presets built into the radio if you just want to enjoy the sound quality on easy mode.

The radio’s display can also be tailored to fit your style or your vehicle’s dashboard lighting. A variety of color options are at your disposal, and you can change the color of the display independently from the buttons. For example, you can set a white display surround by red buttons!

Lastly, as a member of the eXcelon family, the KDC-X705 sports a 2-year warranty, which is longer than a lot of other manufacturers. Kenwood believes their radios will go the mile and aren’t afraid to give that longer-than-average warranty.

What do you think? If you’re sold on it, click that Add to Cart button and get ready to enjoy a truly awesome car stereo!

Pros:

• Great sound quality
• Large text display
• CD player
• Dual USB inputs

Cons:

• Display can be difficult to read depending on chosen display color
• Small buttons can make operation difficult

Looking for an affordable, instant upgrade over your featureless factory radio? Look no further than the MEX-N5300BT from Sony. This radio took our “Best Value Single-DIN Car Stereo” with ease when you compare the price point to the goodies that you receive.

Packed with features like an AM/FM tuner, CD player, USB/AUX inputs (one of each), and Bluetooth for hands-free calling and music streaming, the Sony is no slouch.

When it comes to Bluetooth, you can connect up to two phones simultaneously, so there isn’t any room to argue whose phone is paired on those longer road trips. If either paired phone rings, the Sony will let you know and give you the opportunity to accept the phone call.

If personalization is your thing, the MEX-N5300BT permits the user to change the color of the buttons and the display to your liking. The unit even allows you to change those colors independently (think yellow display and purple buttons, for example) for a unique look.

A built-in 10-band equalizer allows you to tweak the audio to your liking or you can choose from the several that are pre-defined.

We have no doubt that you’ll dig Sony’s MEX-N5300BT as much as we do. Especially with its minimal impact to your wallet!

Pros:

• Great sound quality
• CD player
• Front USB and AUX input for easy connections

Cons:

• Display can be difficult to read depending on chosen display color