Best cheap Android Auto stereo head units reviews 2021

Throughout this article, we’ll be analyzing the best cheap Android Auto stereo head units with double DIN.

As you might be aware of, Android Auto has been available for some years, and nowadays most newer cars come equipped with it from the factory.

The advantages of such a car stereo receiver are countless! It mirrors your Android device apps into your car’s infotainment screen granting a more convenient and, especially, safer driving experience.

That’s while you’re using GPS navigation, answering calls, and even reading and writing text messages using nothing but voice controls.

Best budget Android Auto head unit review
A few considerations on these head units
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
Wrap up on the best Android Auto head units

That’s why a 2-DIN Android head unit is something you should consider. Or even better, an Android Auto car head unit. That’s our best recommendation if your mobile device is an Android phone as you’ll get an awesome car stereo system with vast possibilities.

In a hurry? Here’s our best tip:

The Pioneer head unit DMH-1500NEX offers the best sound quality with a 13-band graphic equalizer and time alignment, as well as a bunch of great features for an affordable price.

If you’re after a cheaper alternative, Atoto SA102 should be considered. It is one of the most affordable Android Auto head units and still offers decent sound quality and nice features that will get most buyers happy without breaking the bank.

Next, we are comparing the best budget double DIN Android Auto head units. You can use a touchscreen in all of these products to control them.

What about an Apple CarPlay head unit?

Although this article is meant for Android smartphone users who want to take advantage of the Android Auto app, all of the stereo systems focused throughout this article are Apple CarPlay compatible.

So, if you’re an iPhone user and if you’re looking at the possibility of getting an iPhone soon, we also got you covered. Every one of these devices is also an Apple CarPlay head unit.

Best budget Android Auto head unit review

In the following table, you can compare these products’ main features. For more information, please click the images to see the products on Amazon, and be sure to read this article until the very end.

All of these are double din car stereo systems as a double din unit is a much more interesting option to upgrade your car audio experience.

Please click the links to check the current price on Amazon or to check current specifications and buyers’ feedback.

Product Name	Display Size	Sound Equalizer	Amplification
Pioneer DMH-1500NEX	7-inch	13-band	14w RMS x 4 50w Peak x 4
Boss Audio BVCP9685	6.75-inch	Not Stated	80w Peak x 4
Atoto SA102	7-inch	7-band	24w RMS x 4 45w Peak x 4
Alpine iLX-W650	7-inch	9-band	18w RMS x 4 50w Peak x 4
Sony XAV-AX5000	6.95-inch	10-band	20w RMS x 4 55w Peak x 4

Pioneer DMH-1500NEX Android Auto head unit

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Key features:

7″ LCD touchscreen;
Multi-color illumination;
14 watts RMS (50 watts peak) x 4 channels);
Digital multimedia receiver with AM/FM tuner;
Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming;
13-band graphic equalizer and time alignment;
WebLink provides access to Amazon Alexa;
Compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Here’s our first double din stereo. The Pioneer DMH-1500NEX is one of the best budget Android Auto head units you can get from a reputable manufacturer, being a great Android Auto retrofit.

It will give you great sound amplification with a level of detail and clarity you won’t be expecting for its price. Featuring a 13-band graphic equalizer, you’ll get the most out of any type of music. It would worth its price just for the upgrade in audio quality compared to most factory systems.

This unit supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. You just have to plug it to your phone via USB Cable. It doesn’t feature a wireless connection. If wireless is an absolute demand, you need to have a higher budget for it.

The only major drawback is that it takes a lot to boot up and be ready for use – about half a minute. Also, it doesn’t feature an optical CD player, so if you still want to play CDs in your car, it may not be an option.

Pros:

Above-average sound quality
13-band graphic equalizer
Awesome value for money

Cons:

No CD player
The screen can’t be shut off

Boss Audio BVCP9685 Android Auto head unit

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Key features:

6.75″ LCD touchscreen;
Multi-color illumination;
80 Watts x 4 peak power, RBDS Tuner, Balance/Fader, and, Preset built-in EQ;
Bluetooth Hands-Free, Make and receive calls, Bluetooth Audio Streaming;
USB, AV, Rear Camera, Steering Wheel Control Input;
WebLink provides access to Amazon Alexa;
Compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

This Boss Audio BVCP9685 is a double DIN head unit with a 6.75″ capacitive screen featuring a vertical strip of touch controls along the left side of the body. You can choose a custom color (or rotate through some colors) for the button’s illumination.

Its 800×480 screen, despite not having the bigger resolution of some other models, features nice and crisp colors, and also good brightness levels even during sunny days.

You can plug in your smartphone to the USB port and activate Android Auto or Apple Car Play. You can also connect it via Bluetooth and playback music or podcasts with the media player. Most functions are fairly easy to operate.

With 80w of peak power amplification (x4 channels), it plays well in higher volumes and sounds good most of the time. Keep in mind this system doesn’t offer a built-in CD player. The overall interface is simple and straightforward.

Boss Audio BVCP9685 is a cheap Android Auto unit that offers a lot for its price.

Pros:

Easy to navigate and use while driving
Great sound amplification for the price
Good value for money

Cons:

No CD player
The screen is a fingerprint magnet

Atoto SA102 Android Auto head unit

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Key features:

7″ LCD touchscreen;
1024×600 IPS screen with 178º viewing angle;
4x24w RMS (4x45w peak) of sound amplification;
Bluetooth with SBC, AAC;
Rear/Front Camera Input/USB Port/Aux Input;
Constant Firmware Update From ATOTO;
Preset 7-band EQ with 12-section adjustable frequency;
Built-in Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

This head unit from a not very well-known brand is the cheapest Android Auto head unit in our review and one of the most affordable on the market.

It features a 7″ capacitive touchscreen with thin bezels to maximize the viewing area, offering a great resolution for the price and good viewing angles thanks to the IPS technology. The use under direct sunlight is not so friendly, as it lacks brightness.

Being Android Auto compatible makes it an incredible choice at this price tag. Just use a USB cable to connect your Android phone and have every info mirrored on the device’s screen. From traffic information, lane guidance, and real-time navigation assistance from Google Maps.

You can also send and read text messages, make and answers phone calls, or check your email through its interface. It even includes outstanding voice-recognition technology, so you can control everything just by speaking. From getting directions to sending messages, answering calls, and controlling your music while keeping your hands safely on the wheel.

The interface can be a bit sluggish at times, but other than that it’s very easy to use and has a lot of customization options. The unit is well built and doesn’t feel cheap despite being a cheap Android Auto stereo.

If you want to upgrade to Android Auto without breaking the bank, this cheap Android Auto head unit is for you. It is not a top-of-the-range unit, but for its price, you really can’t expect anything more!

Pros:

One of the most affordable Android Auto units on the market
Good display resolution
Very customizable software

Cons:

No CD player
The screen is difficult to read under direct sunlight

Alpine iLX-W650 Android Auto head unit

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Key features:

7″ LCD touchscreen;
18 watts RMS (50w peak) x 4 channels;
Built-in Bluetooth connectivity;
Rear USB port, rear Aux input, two camera inputs. works with SiriusXM satellite radio tuner (not included);
Shallow-mount chassis design (2-13/16″ deep);
9-band parametric equalizer;
Works with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with hands-free control.

The Alpine iLX-W650 is another affordable head unit from a well-established and well-known manufacturer. It features a very elegant design with slim bezels.

It has not a flashy look and fits your vehicle as it is a factory unit. Also, its shallow chassis makes it easy to install in every car featuring a 2-DIN slot.

Touch responsiveness is incredible, without any lag, just like some top-end products, and not different from a good smartphone or tablet.

Besides, Alpine has improved the touchscreen experience with swipe control over volume, track-skipping, and other useful features.

Sound quality is on par with the best, just what you’d expect from a brand like Alpine. Offering a 9-band parametric equalizer you can customize it to sound good to whatever type of music you listen to.

Also, you can enjoy both Android Auto and CarPlay at the same time, no matter if you have Apple or Android phones, it will get the job done. You can use Google Assistant and it can search for both audio and video.

This Alpine unit is not one of the most affordable, but yet it is among the best with a price tag that won’t break the bank.

Pros:

Elegant and sleek factory-looking design
Outstanding touchscreen experience for its price
Very customizable software
Great sound quality

Cons:

No CD player
Not the most affordable unit

Sony XAV-AX5000 Android Auto head unit

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Key features:

6,95″ LCD touchscreen;
20 watts RMS (55w peak) x 4 channels;
Bluetooth 5.0 Wireless Connectivity;
Dual USB ports;
10 Band Equalizer;
Total Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration.

This Sony head unit features a simple yet functional design. It’s elegant and integrates well with your car’s center console. With a 10-band graphic sound equalizer as well as Sony’s proprietary Dynamic Stage Organizer, sound quality is on the plus side too.

The 7″ touchscreen offers an ample and clear view and it’s great in terms of responsiveness. And more, it can be fully customized.

This head unit includes a remote control and it operates using RF signals. It is a great feature for anybody seating in the backseat that wants to control the media while you drive. Your kids will love it.

It is not the most inexpensive device, but it is slick looking and well-designed. However. it doesn’t only look good to your eyes, it will feel good to the touch too. And the sound quality won’t disappoint you either as you’d expect from a Sony device. It doesn’t feature a CD player and doesn’t support HD radio too. Those are its major downsides.

Pros:

Simple and elegant design
Great touchscreen experience
Nice sound quality
Remote control included

Cons:

No CD player
No HD radio
Not the most affordable unit

A few considerations on these head units

Android Auto has the simple purpose of seamlessly integrating your Android phone into your car’s infotainment system. With no need to take your hands off the wheel and your eyes off the road, it is, hands down, the easiest and safest way of using your phone while driving.

But what if you have an older vehicle without Android Auto from the factory?

Even if you drive an older car that precedes the Android technology, you are still able to install an aftermarket unit and get the same functionalities – and sometimes even add some more.

Most older cars come with a dull head unit that does no more than playing radio tunes. Having an Android Auto head unit not only improves your driving safety but also adds a bunch of new features.

Just like in an Android head unit, you’ll be able to use GPS navigation with Google Maps, Waze, or other apps of your preference.

It lets you listen to your favorite Spotify music, and enables voice-controlled text messaging using Skype, Whatsapp, or other apps, among a lot of other great and useful features.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

What is an Android Auto head unit?

An Android Auto auto head unit is a car stereo that features wireless or cable connectivity with your Android phone. It lets you mirror on the car’s console screen your main applications such as navigation, messaging, music, weather, and many others.

Do aftermarket manufacturers offer Android Auto wireless compatible head units?

Yes. There are already several brands offering aftermarket head units that are compatible with Android Auto wireless.

Are there Pioneer head units with Android Auto?

Yes, Pioneer is a major manufacturer when it comes to aftermarket Android Auto head units and offers a variety of systems from a wide range of prices.

Does any brand offer Android Auto head units YouTube compatible?

For safety purposes, Android Auto doesn’t allow any video player utility to be installed by default, without some type of hack. You can just get YouTube Music for your Android Auto device.

Is there any Android Auto head unit with GPS?

Yes, there are some Android Auto systems with built-in GPS navigation apps. Although, most users tend to prefer using native Android Auto apps such as Google Maps or Waze.

Where do I get an Android Auto head unit emulator?

You can find one here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gb.xxy.hr&hl=en_us&gl=US

Wrap up on the best Android Auto head units

We hope this article focused on the best cheap Android Auto stereo head units has been useful to make your mind and help you decide which one to go for. Choosing the right car stereo with Android Auto depends on the factors that are most relevant to you.

While all of them offer decent amplification, you’ll find the best sound quality is offered by devices from reputable and well-established brands.

Having an Android car stereo is an awesome improvement for the time you spend in your car.

All offer Android Auto (and CarPlay) integration and none feature an optical CD player drive. If you’re still used to listening to audio CDs, it’s better to check on some higher-end devices.

Cheaper ones do not include CD players as it’s getting out of use for most buyers. Also, none of them has a DVD reader.

The advantages of Android Auto are countless! It mirrors your phone data into your car’s infotainment screen granting a more convenient and, especially, safer driving experience while using GPS navigation, answering calls, and even reading and writing text messages using nothing but voice controls.

That’s why you should consider an Android head unit or, even better, an Android Auto head unit. That’s our best recommendation if you use an Android phone as you’ll get an awesome car stereo with vast possibilities.

And remember, if you’re willing to buy an Android Auto head unit, after picking one of these, make sure your car’s console is compatible with double din units.

If it does feature just a 1-DIN space, a single DIN Android Auto unit is what you should go for. If you are not sure about which one your car uses, read more on single din vs double din.

If you want a single din car stereo and don’t need Android Auto or Apple CarPlay but require a Bluetooth radio, check this option.

If you enjoy the Android wireless capabilities, check out our article on wireless Android Auto.

Check out some of our other awesome articles:

Best cheap Android Auto stereo head units (Double DIN)

Table of Contents

Best budget Android Auto head unit review

Pioneer DMH-1500NEX Android Auto head unit

Boss Audio BVCP9685 Android Auto head unit

Atoto SA102 Android Auto head unit

Alpine iLX-W650 Android Auto head unit

Sony XAV-AX5000 Android Auto head unit

A few considerations on these head units

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

What is an Android Auto head unit?

Do aftermarket manufacturers offer Android Auto wireless compatible head units?

Are there Pioneer head units with Android Auto?

Does any brand offer Android Auto head units YouTube compatible?

Is there any Android Auto head unit with GPS?

Where do I get an Android Auto head unit emulator?

Wrap up on the best Android Auto head units