What could be more pleasant than driving while listening to your favorite music or podcasts? Provided, of course, that you have a high-performance and practical car radio at your disposal. Models for Android and iOS smartphones are the latest generation for this type of device. Are you looking for an Android Auto and Apple CarPlay car radio? This buying guide will surely interest you.
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Our selection
"More than just a car radio, the Sony XAV-AX3005 is a technological jewel that will make your driving experience more comfortable. It broadcasts the sound…"
"Pioneer has understood the needs of motorists to have a functional device with the ability to use their phone on board. Equipped with many features,…"
"Equipped with Android 9.0, this BT car radio offers a clear music experience that you can customize with the 15-band equalizer. Easy to install with…"
"The Sony XAV-AX8050D is a must-have Android Auto and Apple Carplay compatible car radio. Its large, responsive screen, luxury car mount and modern features justify…"
"The ATOTO S8 Premium Android car radio offers versatile support when you're behind the wheel. Music with high-quality synchronized sound, connected or offline navigation, and…"
More than just a car radio, the Sony XAV-AX3005 is a technological jewel that will make your driving experience more comfortable. It broadcasts the sound of your choice as in your living room and can be used for GPS navigation.
247 £ on AmazonOn its 6.95-inch screen, the Sony XAV-AX3005 displays your favorite songs and radio channels. With a simple swipe, it displays GPS navigation. You can also use Android Auto voice control and Siri on Apple CarPlay for easy operation without ever taking your hands off the wheel.
The Sony XAV-AX3005 car radio offers exceptional sound quality. The system embeds a banded equalizer to adjust the ultra-powerful Extra Bass and the 4 x 55W audio system. This car radio can be easily installed on 2-DIN dashboards.
Pioneer has understood the needs of motorists to have a functional device with the ability to use their phone on board. Equipped with many features, this model SPH-10BT is a real technological innovation.
135 £ on DartyOffered at an unbeatable price, this Pioneer Bluetooth car radio has many options for drivers who frequently use their phone in their car. It serves as a docking station for smartphones, depending on the position you want. You can choose between several connection options: Bluetooth, Android or via the Pioneer SmartSync application.
It has a 90° rotating phone holder with variable brightness. This compact car radio has a USB port and a power output of 4 x 50 W. You can adjust the sound with the DSP equalizer system. This car radio with detachable front supports all audio formats.
Equipped with Android 9.0, this BT car radio offers a clear music experience that you can customize with the 15-band equalizer. Easy to install with the Plug & Play cable, it has great compatibility including steering wheel controls.
578 £ on CdiscountThe car radio has a 7-inch 2.5D touch screen with a resolution of 1024 * 600 that produces a precise visual effect. It supports the reverse screen, as well as the split screen. For more precision in the controls, the screen is also capacitive with 5 points of contact. In addition, the audio system is top-notch with built-in 4*50W Bose amplification, delivering clear music at any volume level.
Enjoy with this Bluetooth car radio the latest Android 10.0 system with 4GB RAM and 64GB ROM, Rockchip PX6 64 Bit Quad Core 1.4G and Dual Core 1.8G. It supports hands-free calling and Google Play store. Connect the car radio with your smartphone or tablet, and you can stream music, sync your phone book. A built-in microphone and an external microphone are available for your hands-free calls.
The Sony XAV-AX8050D is a must-have Android Auto and Apple Carplay compatible car radio. Its large, responsive screen, luxury car mount and modern features justify these claims.
400 £ on AmazonAmong Android Auto and Apple CarPlay car radios, it's impossible to overlook the Sony XAV-AX8050D. This top-of-the-line model notably features a 1-DIN and 2-DIN dashboard compatible rear chassis. With its flexible installation bracket, you can adjust the height and tilt of the screen with a simple touch.
This car radio offers a dynamic display on an 8.95-inch touchscreen, unquestionably one of the largest on the market. Of course, it is compatible with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and web Link Cast. In terms of sound, this car radio offers optimal quality like all other models of the brand.
The ATOTO S8 Premium Android car radio offers versatile support when you're behind the wheel. Music with high-quality synchronized sound, connected or offline navigation, and many features that enhance your daily life.
375 £ on AmazonThe S8 Premium G2114PM features a large 10.1-inch Full HD touchscreen with 1280 x 720 resolution, featuring Quantum Film LED backlight LCD technology. You'll enjoy a split-screen display as well as the option of a digital photo frame. For a better audio experience in your car, the car radio is equipped with an ultra-powerful Toshiba preamplifier, but also a speed-sensitive volume control.
In terms of connectivity, the S8 Premium G2114PM is equipped with a dual Bluetooth chip (BT1 5.0 and BT2 4.1). Among other things, you'll find an AUX (L/R) audio and video input, inputs for the front and rear cameras, a micro SD slot, as well as USB interfaces. On the navigation side, the S8 Premium G2114PM is equipped with a receiver and an external GPS antenna. Google Maps and EasyConnect are the applications provided with the device.
Any specific needs?
The best Android car radio in 2021
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| TOP OF THE TOP | NOT EXPENSIVE | EXCELLENT | With GPS | ||
In accordance with our commitment, this buying guide does not contain any sponsored products. |
8/10 |
7/10 |
8/10 |
8/10 |
9/10 |
| OUR SELECTION |
Sony XAV-AX3005
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Pioneer SPH-10BT car radio
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Dasaita HA5225 CB008 car radio
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Sony XAV-AX8050D
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ATOTO S8 Premium Android
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|
More than just a car radio, the Sony XAV-AX3005 is a technological jewel that will make your driving experience more comfortable. It broadcasts the sound of your choice as in your living room and can be used for GPS navigation.
|
Pioneer has understood the needs of motorists to have a functional device with the ability to use their phone on board. Equipped with many features, this model SPH-10BT is a real technological innovation.
|
Equipped with Android 9.0, this BT car radio offers a clear music experience that you can customize with the 15-band equalizer. Easy to install with the Plug & Play cable, it has great compatibility including steering wheel controls.
|
The Sony XAV-AX8050D is a must-have Android Auto and Apple Carplay compatible car radio. Its large, responsive screen, luxury car mount and modern features justify these claims.
|
The ATOTO S8 Premium Android car radio offers versatile support when you're behind the wheel. Music with high-quality synchronized sound, connected or offline navigation, and many features that enhance your daily life.
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Display
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6.95-inch touchscreen
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Any type of smartphone screen thanks to the built-in stand
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10.2-inch
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8.95-inch touchscreen
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10.1 inches
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Compatible media
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Dual DIN
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Simple DIN
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Single DIN
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Single DIN and Double DIN
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Single and dual DIN
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Compatible applications
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Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
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Connects to iPhone and Android devices.
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Android, Apple Carplay (optional)
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Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Weblink
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Android Auto, Apple Carplay
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Voice commands
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Siri and Google Assistant
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Yes
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-
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Siri and Google Assistant
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Siri and Google Assistant
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RVC camera compatible
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Yes
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-
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Yes
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Yes
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Yes
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The larger the screen, the better the visibility. Below 6 inches, the screen of a car radio is too small to provide a comfortable display. So look for car stereos with touch screens of 6 inches or more. Some manufacturers offer models with screens up to 10 inches. You can then use them to display GPS data and the rearview camera. Note that the size of the car radio's screen has a major impact on its price.
Features help improve the ergonomics and handling of the car radio. A model that is compatible with voice commands like Siri and Google Assistant allow you to keep your hands on the wheel while setting up the device. Many other features can be offered on an Android Auto and Apple CarPlay car radio. This is the case for shortcut gestures on the screen, connectivity (Bluetooth, Wifi) or even the Blu-ray player and the sliding screen mount.
The dashboards have a space specifically dedicated to the installation of a car radio. This space is 1-DIN when its height is 5 cm. The 2-DIN dash boards offer a space of about 10 cm height for the installation of the car radio. It is important to refer to the available space on the dashboard of your car when buying a car radio. It is possible to install a 1-DIN model on a 2-DN dashboard. On the other hand, 1-DIN dashboards are incompatible with 2-DIN bracketed car radios.
The sound quality depends mainly on the audio system installed on your car. The car radio, which is directly connected to that audio system, also helps define that sound quality. The equalizer is a feature found on all modern car radios. It allows you to adjust the sound according to several parameters. Take also the total power of the speakers installed in your car. The car stereo you choose will need to provide equal or more power to avoid a drop in overall audio system performance.
Although voice controls are present on the vast majority of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay car stereos, a button control panel is still essential. You need buttons that are easily accessible and clear. Otherwise, you may find it difficult to operate the device and it may even be dangerous.
Connecting your Android Auto and Apple CarPlay car radio with a smartphone is usually done via a USB cable. A wireless connection is also possible on some models. If you're using an Android smartphone, the instructions to follow will automatically appear as soon as you plug in the USB cable. For iPhone, you will have to activate Siri before connecting via a cable.
Note that connecting your smartphone (Android or iOS) to a cable is still required even if you opt for a wireless connection. The connection process is simple. To launch the app (Android Auto or Apple CarPlay), simply tap the icon on your smartphone and on your car radio.
If the connection does not connect, your smartphone may not be compatible. Also, make sure you have the updates (operating systems and apps) required to use Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.
DIN is a standard that governs the size of the dedicated car radio slot in a vehicle. This standard identifies two main types of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay car radios namely: single DIN (DIN or 1-DIN) and double DIN (2-DIN) models.
The Android Auto and Apple CarPlay single DIN car radio mounts on a 180 x 50 mm space
. These dimensions refer to the size of the rectangle that houses the device on the dashboard. This space is small. This means that the radio takes up relatively little space and leaves room for a pocket. This standard is mostly related to car radios without touch screens. Some models with touch screens are also compatible with the single DIN, but they are quite few.
This type of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay car radio is for owners of vehicles with a single DIN dashboard mount.
Dual DIN Android Auto and Apple CarPlay car stereo is much more common today. All modern models meet this standard introduced by German cars. They mount on a dashboard with a dedicated space for the car radio of 180 x 100 mm. The height of this space is therefore twice as high as that of a single DIN model.
This type of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay car radio is suitable for you if the space on your dashboard dedicated to the device is 180 x 100 mm.
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are some of these specially designed for cars. They allow you to access apps from your smartphone on the screen of a compatible car radio. These apps come in particularly handy. You could change playlists or radio channels, access the GPS or make and receive calls without taking your hands off the wheel. Voice commands like Siri and Google Assistant can also be accessed on the car stereo using these apps.
Mirrorlink was designed to share the display of a smartphone on the screen of a car radio. Some applications can be accessed directly on the car radio screen. At startup, the vast majority of these applications will be frozen to avoid their use while driving. Mirrorlink is developed jointly by car manufacturers and some smartphone companies. The system is therefore not compatible with all smartphones. It is also absent from many car models.
If you want to take advantage of better ergonomics and wider compatibility, opt for an Android Auto and Apple CarPlay car radio. These applications provide you with a wider range of functionality. They are also compatible with all smartphones running Android and iOS, while Mirrorlink offers a more limited compatibility.
For more interactivity
By using an Android car radio and Apple Carplay, you benefit from optimized interaction. Indeed, you can connect your mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet to your car's multimedia system. This way, you can view the phone's icons on the central screen of your car. This also helps to optimize safety in the vehicle.
For more convenience
When a driver is behind the wheel, he or she must not take his or her eyes off the road, otherwise an accident is guaranteed. With this kind of car radio, you can simply use your voice to get what you need! For example, you can listen to music or check your email without moving a finger!
For easier navigation
For a driver, it's important to stay focused on the road. Using the technology in your car radio, you can access Google Maps just by using your voice. This way, the information about the route to take will reach you very easily. Your hands never leave the wheel!
To access your favorite applications
Since Android auto and Apple Carplay allow you to have the icons of your cell phone at your disposal on the central screen, you can launch your favorite applications. For example, you can use the music player of your mobile to listen to your favorite songs!
For its convenience of use
Android car radios and Apple Carplay have adjustment buttons that are easy to access. On-the-go adjustments won't be a problem for you. For example, you can adjust the brightness according to your needs. And when you're listening to your music, you'll enjoy excellent sound quality at all times!
Automatically activate Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
You can set your car stereo to automatically run Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as soon as you plug in your smartphone. This saves you time and the hassle of launching the app every time you want to use it.
Use a manufacturer-provided cable.
To get the
most out of your Android Auto and Apple CarPlay car stereo, use the USB cable provided by the manufacturer. Of course, you can use other USB cables, but it may affect the performance of some features.
Use night mode.
Night, or dark, mode is especially popular. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay now feature this mode. You can turn it on all the time or change the mode manually as needed.
Take calls without touching your smartphone.
With
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, you can receive your calls without touching your smartphone. The apps automatically activate the hands-free option. So all you have to do is press a button to pick up the phone and communicate without stopping driving.
Use voice control.
Siri
and Google Assistant are integrated with Apple CarPlay and Google Assistant, respectively. Use voice control, if your car stereo allows it, to access certain settings and options without taking your hands off the wheel.
The best Android Auto and Apple CarPlay car stereo depends on your needs and budget. Read our buying guide for the best products out there.
Compatibility depends on the brand and type of car, on the one hand, and the model of car radio, on the other. There are car radios designed to fit all vehicles. Others are limited to certain makes and models. Refer to the car manufacturer's manual to find out which type of car radio is compatible with your vehicle.
No, it is
not possible to use an Android smartphone with Apple's application. On the other hand, the majority of car radios are compatible with both software. You can therefore connect the car radio to a smartphone running Android or iOS.
Access to voice control may be subject to wearing headphones. This is still not the case. Note, however, that some countries such as France prohibit the wearing of headphones while driving.
A
1-DIN dashboard cannot accommodate a 2-DIN car radio. The reverse is possible. In fact, a 1-DIN car radio can be attached to a 2-DIN dashboard.
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