Best Aftermarket Radio

Aftermarket radios can improve the quality of your listening experience on your drive. However, the possible benefits go far beyond just listening to all the awesome hits of the 90’s on your local FM station. Navigation, the ability to stream podcasts and other content, and the ability to listen to incoming texts are just some of the benefits you may enjoy if you upgrade to a new aftermarket radio.

What is an Aftermarket Radio?

An aftermarket radio is one which is purchased from a company other than your automaker and used to replace the radio the vehicle came with. Before we go further than our second sentence, let’s be sure we understand what the word “radio” means. In the context of our story we are going to use the word radio interchangeably with the terms infotainment system, head unit, and audio system. We’re big fans of Marconi’s work from the early 1900s, but calling the thing in the dash of your car a “radio” is hardly a proper descriptor for what it is now.

In-vehicle infotainment is presently a $21 billion market in the United States inclusive of both OEM and aftermarket products. That is expected to double over the coming half-dozen years. In-vehicle audio is critically important for artists in the music, podcast, and audiobook industries. Studies show that in-vehicle listening passed all other listening locations back in 2018.

When inside the vehicle, what do people listen to? For the most part it’s not FM and AM radio. Streaming audio passed terrestrial radio (AM and FM) back in 2020. Streaming audio is made up of music, podcasts, books on tape, and other content that a listener is receiving from a live connection to the internet. Add to this downloaded content from a prior stream (like a podcast or book downloaded to a phone and listened to later without being connected to the internet) and the amount of “radio” being listened to inside of vehicles today is rapidly diminishing. Owned music, such as MP3 files being played from a device, streaming services like Sirius XM Radio, Pandora, Spotify and Apple Music, and to a smaller degree CDs, also all claim a significant segment of listening. In a nutshell, the word radio as we use it today is a paleologism. A word we still employ, but that was defined differently in a prior era.

Read more on Sirius XM Radio here.

Here are a few helpful definitions:

• Head Unit - The “radio” if you will. The physical device that is installed in the dash.
• Screen - The interface which allows you to operate the head unit.
• GUI (Pronounced Gooey or “Gee-You-Eye) - Graphical User Interface. A.k.a. The head unit’s controls and screen.
• Bluetooth - A wireless communication protocol used to transmit data (music) over short distances. Now standard on almost all phones and infotainment systems.
• Apple CarPlay - An app that allows an Apple device to communicate directly via a vehicle’s existing controls and also hands-free (using Siri). Standard on every modern Apple phone.
• Android Auto - An app that allows an Android device to communicate directly via a vehicle’s existing controls and also hands-free (using the Google assistant). Standard on every Android phone.
• Google Maps - Widely regarded as the best navigation system. It’s free of charge and advert-free. It works on both Android and also Apple phones. Real-time traffic info and route selection suggestions are the major benefits. Also alerts drivers to hazards ahead and speed traps.
• Waze - Now owned by Google, a popular navigation app popularized by its ability to point out things like speed traps and other hazards ahead. Real-time traffic info is a big plus. Google has been adding Waze-like features to Google Maps.
• DIN - Stands for the name of a German Institute for Standardization. In the context of aftermarket radios there are two common sizes; Single DIN and Double DIN. The size of the hole in the dash is defined by one of these two sizes.

How do Aftermarket Radios Work?

Aftermarket infotainment systems normally work by replacing the one your vehicle came with from the factory. The old system is removed, and the new head unit is installed in its place. The new head unit is integrated and connected to the vehicle’s speaker system and will have a microphone so that you can speak to it for phone calls or audible commands. The new system may also use the car’s satellite radio antenna, or may have one of its own. Finally, if the unit incorporates GPS navigation, a small antenna for that system will be used as well. The biggest trick is to make the new head unit fit into the dash in a way that looks good.

When you are sourcing a new head unit, think about what you want it to do for you. Let’s roll back the timeline a bit. Imagine we were sourcing a head unit fifteen years ago. Here is what we may have wanted from it:

• XM Satellite Radio or Sirius Radio (they were separate companies once)
• FM radio
• AM radio
• An iPOD interface (those were a big deal)
• Hands-free phone
• GPS Navigation
• CD Player

Now let’s imagine we are shopping for a head unit today and we want usable functionality. Let’s say we use streaming music as our way of listening in a vehicle. Here is what we need today:

• Apple CarPlay Integration
• Android Auto Integration
• Hands-free phone
• Hands-free texting (limited for safety)
• Back-up camera integration ability

If you have a smart phone you already have access to the best navigation system available for free (with no advertising). Google Maps and Apple Maps are both great. Google Maps has the edge in our opinion, but you can use Google Maps with an iPhone. Prefer Waze? No problem. It works with both as well.

Your phone’s apps will appear on the Android Auto or Apple CarPlay screens when you connect the phone (which happens automagically after you do it once). That means your Audible books on tape or whatever app you use instead, Spotify podcasts, Pandora music, Apple Music, Youtube Music, and many more popular apps are all usable now via your phone through the mirroring of Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. You can use Siri or the Google assistant to make calls or reply to an incoming text message. You can do things like say, “Please navigate to the nearest Starbucks.” And the system will load that to your nav as an ending destination or ask if you want to add it as a stopping point.

If you use Google Maps with either an Android or Apple phone, when you enter the vehicle it will suggest some locations to which you may be headed. It will also let you know visually if these proposed destinations have delays ahead due to traffic. To select a suggested destination, you simply tap it. You can then see a visual overview of the route ahead, where the traffic choke points are, and what’s causing them. Google will tell you the expected delay time and may suggest an alternate route from your normal path. Want directions to a different destination? Simply tap the microphone button and speak in a normal voice. “Navigate to 215 Main St. Any Town, Any State.” You can also say something like, “Navigate to nearest Starbucks (Hospital, EV Charger, Gas Station, whatever).” The system will then set the destination and speak to you if any issues are ahead.

In a nutshell, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have usurped most of the functionality we once needed to be built into the head unit. If you still want to use a CD in the car, buy a head unit that has one. Most folks today under the age of 50 simply use their phones to carry that same music. Others download CDs to a memory stick and just put it into the USB port in the head unit.

One important feature we think makes sense in any aftermarket head unit is wireless Android Auto (AA) and Apple CarPlay (ACP). Plugging in a phone every time you hop in or out is a hassle. Since our phones are now our wallets, even a quick stop at a store means you need to unplug and then plug in again when you re-enter the vehicle. Wireless integration is the better way to go. Trust us. We test hundreds of vehicles a year and the ones without wireless phone mirroring are starting to feel like yesterday’s news.

Can My Vehicle Accept A New Aftermarket Head Unit?

The good news is that if your vehicle is older and not the top trim of the vehicle, it may be easier to replace the factory system with a new one. In fact, really old cars are the easiest of all to upgrade and have the most to gain.

Back in the old days of cars (prior to the 1990s), most audio systems were what are called single DIN sized systems. DIN stands for Deutsches Institut für Normung, a German standards organization. You may remember the slot as being rectangular and about seven inches wide (180 mm) by about two inches high (50 mm). If your car has an audio system this size, you are in luck. There are more aftermarket options than imaginable for these old radio sizes. They range from vintage-looking units with upgraded performance, to ones that are modern in all regards.

If your car has a single DIN slot that can accept a head unit, but you want a big screen you can have one. Some head units have a screen that is proud of the surface. For example, Sony’s Mobile ES series shown above has a 10.1-inch screen (diagonal). The “floating display” as Sony terms it offers all of the advantages a modern infotainment screen does.

Following the popularity of single DIN audio unit sizes, the industry adopted a double DIN size head unit in many vehicles. The size of this fascia is about seven inches (180 mm) by about four inches (100 mm). Many automotive brands adopted a space for their audio head units that were this size or a bit larger. If your car has an audio unit of about this size you have hit the jackpot! The reason is that you can enjoy an aftermarket unit that will slide into that hole without difficulty and still offer you a very large screen typical of what is found today in most newer mainstream vehicles. You are off to the races. And if your car’s opening is a bit larger, don't sweat it. Aftermarket head unit manufacturers have a million cheater plates that you can buy for a few bucks that will cover the extra space neatly so the new head unit looks flush to your dashboard.

Unfortunately, some manufacturers adopted a random placement of infotainment bits all over the middle of the center dash. There are some tricky models that challenge installers and may not be ideal for DIY projects. Professionals almost always have a solution they can make work.

Above is a look at a double DIN-sized aftermarket head unit installed in a 2007 Toyota Highlander Sport. As you can see, it looks pretty well integrated to the dash. Had this Highlander been a Limited trim, the system would not have worked. Toyota had a mish-mash of components all over the front face. So, even within a given model and model year, the aftermarket solution may vary.

Modern infotainment systems have evolved in two directions. Some still have a rectangle roughly the size of a double DIN space. Others have a screen mounted on the dash or proud of the front of the dash. There isn’t one space anymore, and integration of a new head unit may be challenging. Some owners opt to just place a new head unit that isn’t very deep on the front of their dash, but it does not offer a “factory look” when finished. Envision a big phone screen clinging to the dash.

And speaking of a big phone clinging to the dash, that is exactly what many owners opt for today. Using Bluetooth, the phone can control the infotainment to a large degree and display Google Maps on its own screen while doing so. After your phone falls out of the cradle and goes under your passenger seat for the thirtieth time you’ll check back to this story for options.

What Features Should I look For In An Aftermarket Radio Head Unit

When you search for a new head unit for your vehicle we recommend starting at the end. If you are not going to install the system yourself, speak to the service provider who will. In these times of chip shortages and staffing challenges, keep it real. Find out what you can actually buy and have installed.

Speak to your installer. She is most likely the best local resource you have about today’s latest useful technology. We can’t give you every bit of advice for your specific model of vehicle in one single article, but an installer can if you bring them the vehicle.

Here are some features of the system to look for whether you buy and install the system on your own, or have an installer handle the job.

*** Integration With Your Vehicle Controls** - If you have a vehicle with steering wheel controls, you will want to have your new system work with those. One way to make that happen is to source a system that has iDatalink Maestro compatibility. This is a link from the head unit to your vehicle’s brain that allows it to more seamlessly work with the car’s controls. Most of the world’s largest automakers use this connection, including Ford, GM, Chrysler, Toyota/Scion, Honda, Subaru, and Volkswagen. *** Integration With a Backup Camera** - Backup cameras are a big plus. Whether your vehicle has one already you wish to integrate or you plan to add one (very doable), ensure your head unit will accept its input. *** Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay** - We’ve already highlighted how important this is. Let us say it twice. Get this if you budget and size constraints permit it. Wired AA or ACP is an option as well. Just less convenient. *** High-quality Music Transfer** - LDAC Bluetooth and aptX Adaptive are examples of systems that allow your head unit to accept high-quality music streaming from your device (phone). Ask your installer about this. *** Quick Wake Up Time** - One important aspect of any infotainment system is that it “wakes up” very quickly after you turn on the car. Read reviews of your head unit to get a sense of how quickly your new system will become responsive. *** Better** - You don’t want an aftermarket system as good as the one you are replacing, you want a system that offers more punch and more calrity. When you source your new infotainment system, be certain it will have the ability to work with all the audio accessories you plan to use. Amplifier, subwoofer, more speakers, and anything else. *** Music Tuning** - Be sure your new system has special audio features of your liking and an equalizer system that allows you to tune the audio six ways to Sunday. *** Warranty of a minimum 1-year. *** Positive reviews by owners.

How Much Does an Aftermarket Radio Cost

You may be surprised to hear this, but you can get a double DIN Apple CarPlay compatible head unit from Amazon for under $100. We are not saying you should, just that you can. A fully-featured modern system with a large screen and the full list of abilities we listed above will cost somewhere north of $1,000. With a budget of $750 you can get a long list of great features in a double DIN sized unit from a manufacturer with a reputation for quality.

Aftermarket Radios Types

Aftermarket radios vary from bare-bones units that will offer you a minor upgrade to your stock radio to ones with full infotainment functionality.

The types break down into categories based on the chassis sizes we discussed above. Single DIN and double DIN. Single DIN chassis now offer flup up screens or ones that are fixed and stand out from the dash to offer a very large touchscreen interface. Another category is vintage-look aftermarket radios for your classic car or SUV.

How Aftermarket Radios Compare to OEM Radios

The idea behind installing an aftermarket radio is that you step up its functionality and sound quality from the OEM unit your vehicle came with. If your vehicle has an outdated system, your aftermarket radio may offer valuable benefits you don’t already enjoy. By contrast, if you have one of the industry’s best audio and infotainment systems, such as Acura’s ELS STUDIO Premium Audio System complete with wireless Apple CarPlay, it’s hard to imagine how an aftermarket audio system could be better.The variations of OEM head units is quite broad, so how much new functionality you get will depend on where you started.

If your vehicle doesn’t already have Bluetooth and navigation, an aftermarket radio is a no-brainer. By adding a unit with these two functions you will have a wide range of new listening options and information benefits. We strongly suggest that any aftermarket radio have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. These are apps that allows your phone to work more seamlessly with your vehicle’s controls, microphone, and speakers. If possible, opt for wireless versions of these important apps.

If you are an audiophile, be aware that some aftermarket radios can transfer data at a higher speed than standard Bluetooth. This allows you to listen to higher quality audio content without the hassle of CDs.

What are the Best Aftermarket Radios?

Here is how we chose our selected list of the best aftermarket radio head units. First, every unit we chose was actually in stock at a major retailer when we wrote this story. Many “Best of 22” aftermarket radio stories we scanned suggest units that are not available. Next, we thought of a real-world scenario in which the system might work for a vehicle owner. For example, the Kenwood unit above is single DIN size ideal for a buyer that just wants a simple slide in aftermarket unit which adds Bluetooth and apps. The Low Budget, High-End, Wireless Under $500, and Best Wireless Under $1,000 all are self-explanatory. Our intent was to offer real-world choices with high ratings and features owners will appreciate.

Vintage-look aftermarket radios tend to be model-specific, so selecting a Best is not practical. If you have a vintage car that you wish to retain its factory appearance but have Bluetooth and other features, you need to begin by searching for units that are compatible with your model. If you just want to replace the unit and don’t mind the modern appearance, check out the Kenwood unit on our list. If you can tolerate a very modern look with full functionality, the Sony unit is a consideration. We suggest consulting with an installer to see if the units will work in your specific dash.

How Much Does Having An Aftermarket Radio Installed Cost?

The cost to have a professional install an aftermarket radio varies depending upon the particular model of vehicle you have and the new aftermarket radio you opt for. Usually the cost starts at $75 from a big-box chain if the job is simple, but budget $200 for a professional job. If you are also adding a rear camera, satellite radio and GPS navigation, there is more to the job than a simple head unit swap. You can get an accurate estimate over the phone from your local installer. The work is unlikely to take less than one hour and may take as many as three or more. Your installer may change different installation rates depending upon whether you supply the radio itself, or if they provide it as part of the package.

Read more on the topic of Aftermarket Parts here.