The Best Car Radios
Ever since leather-jacketed greasers cranked up the boss hits of the '50s in their convertibles, not a single piece of equipment has exemplified freedom quite like the car radio. Times change, and so does technology, but the spirit remains the same: roll down the windows, turn up the stereo, and ride. Whether your intention is to rattle the asphalt with heavy 808 beats or to peel off with heavy metal noise, you need the right car radio to get the job done. We found these to be the best car radios on the market today.
What to Look For
A quality audio experience while driving is essential to us, so we scoured the market for the best car radios with three questions to guide us: What modern features does it offer? Is it easy to install? Is it easy to use, even while driving? Our favorite option came from Alpine, as their CDE-175BT single-din model has a USB port and Bluetooth compatibility for cruising with convenience. But if you want something more affordable, the 616UAB from BOSS is a high-value pick. For more of our recommendations, read on.
Alpine CDE-175BT Single DIN
The gold standard
When you think of old-school car radios, you’re thinking of the single-DIN (an acronym that translates to the German Institute for Standardization) or the standard 2-inch by 8-inch radio opening). Alpine, a leading audio electronics manufacturer for decades, puts a new spin on the classic DIN with their CDE-175BT. The 50-watt receiver features AM/FM radio and CD player, plus all the modern tools like Bluetooth compatibility, audio streaming for all popular formats (Mp3, WMA, etc.), and USB direct connection. It might not play your 8-track tapes, but otherwise, it’s perfect.
Pros:
- It sports a parametric equalizer to tweak frequencies and fine-tune your signal.
- It is compatible with certain steering wheel controls, where you can control the radio without lifting your hands from the wheel.
- The installation is pretty involved, but it’s still straightforward and easy.
Cons:
- Certain devices with hands-free wireless features may connect to the Bluetooth without prompting.
JVC KWR930BT Double DIN
Immersive sound
It’s easy to extrapolate that if single-DIN is the standard size in car radios, double-DIN is the larger, wider-screen format. JVC, known worldwide for exceptional sound systems, brings the thunder with their KWR930BT. Powered by a 4-channel 50-watt MOSFET amplifier with SiriusXM compatibility, this car radio can play virtually any audio file format through its advanced Bluetooth system – a system that allows for connections to both iOS and Android devices. Or, you can wire in directly by using the aux-in jack. It also features a DC player and a 6-channel programmable AM/FM stereo.
Pros:
- You can change the interface language between English and Spanish, a nice feature for bilingual users.
- The 13-band graphic EQ lets you fine-tune the audio levels to achieve your preferred balance.
Cons:
- It can only hold one CD at a time.
BOSS Audio Systems 616UAB
Budget-friendly
These days, it seems like a challenge not to spend more on your car radio than you do on your car. BOSS has a solution that doesn’t mean giving up all the bells and whistles of a solid car radio. The 616UAB features a Bluetooth-powered receiver that allows you to play any of your Apple, Pandora, or Spotify playlists and enjoy a hands-free connection to your phone. With both an auxiliary and USB input, you can connect a wide variety of devices without Bluetooth or simply play your stored audio files. And although the definition of a car radio is changing as technology advances, this unit does have an AM/FM radio.
Pros:
- The dimmable illumination buttons are a nice touch, as they can be lowered during dark drives to improve visibility.
- The included remote control gives power to the other passengers without scrambling over other car occupants.
Cons:
- The installation is a little tricky for the inexperienced, and it may require a dash kit and wire harness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I still need an antenna for my car radio?
If you intend to actually listen to the radio, the answer is yes. Radio transmitted over the AM (amplitude modulation) band and the FM (frequency modulation) band requires an antenna to receive the radio signal. This signal is, in turn, sent to the radio, where it is converted into electrical impulses that move the diaphragm in your speakers. The movement of the speaker cones creates airwaves that are what we hear as music. If your intention is to have a Bluetooth radio that receives the signal from your mobile device and plays music from your playlists or streaming service, an antenna isn’t necessary.
Do I need Bluetooth compatibility in my car radio if I don’t have my cell phone in my car?
It depends if you have another device you want to hook up to the radio. Some MP3 players or other audio players are Bluetooth compatible, so if you want to play from those, you’ll need to hook them up. Other types of players can be connected via a wire to the auxiliary input, or you can choose to dump all your audio files on a USB thumb drive and play that through your car radio. For the most part, however, Bluetooth is designed to play music from your mobile device and to provide a way for hands-free cell phone use.
About the Author
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.