The Best Touch Screen Car Stereos
Driving can be difficult, especially with obstacles on the road, traffic, and all the poor drivers out there. But to make matters worse, many people rely on tiny phone screens to give them directions or outdated displays on their dashboards to control their music. Fortunately, it’s never been easier to swap to a higher quality car stereo with touch screen capabilities to keep your eyes on the road. Check out our list of the best stereos below and find one that's perfect for you.
What To Look For
When choosing our favorite touch screen car stereos, we looked for ones that work seamlessly with mobile devices, have excellent responsiveness, and provide a great value for their price. For example, SJoybring’s car stereo is compatible with Apple CarPlay, allowing you to easily play your phone’s music or use its GPS on the HD screen. Stiflix’s, on the other hand, comes with a Bluetooth controller to adjust your music from your steering wheel. Keep on reading to learn more about our favorite stereos.
Leadfan Multimedia Car Stereo
Well-rounded control
If you’re looking for a versatile car stereo that’s easy to use, Leadfan’s multimedia unit is a great choice. With MirrorLink installed on its system, it easily pairs with Apple and Android phones so that you can control them from its screen. In addition to Bluetooth 5.0, it also has an FM stereo receiver so you can listen to your favorite stations instead of playing music from your phone. And to help you safely back up your car, it comes with a rear camera that will show you exactly what’s behind you as you reverse.
Pros:
- We love the affordable price, especially considering the quality and reliability. Those on a tight budget can thus still upgrade their dashboard and drive more safely.
- Unlike many options, the FM radio on this system works well, and the audio comes across clearly.
Cons:
- The backup camera can be a bit dim at night, making it harder to see than during the day.
SJoybring Touch Screen Car Stereo
The coolest connection
To have the best access to your iPhone as you drive, you’ll want to use Apple CarPlay. SJoybring’s car stereo has it built-in to give you seamless compatibility and control, with access to your phone’s contacts and messages. Its Hi-Fi amplifier chip provides improved audio quality and adjustable EQ settings. And because you can directly access your phone’s GPS from the stereo’s touch screen, you can easily find past destinations for future trips.
Pros:
- This stereo’s Bluetooth connectivity is fantastic, preventing accidental disconnects or other issues.
- Its CarPlay compatibility makes it extremely easy for Apple users, but it can still be used with Android phones.
Cons:
- The system itself may occasionally glitch, but it can easily be restarted to regain normal function.
Jensen J1CA9 Car Stereo
When bigger is better
Sometimes bigger is better, and Jensen’s J1CA9 can help make using the GPS, taking phone calls, or changing the radio station so much easier. With its nine-inch display, this car stereo has large panels to make navigating the menu a breeze. The large screen also makes it easy to see the map on your GPS with just a glance. And to ensure you have the best viewing angle as you drive, the screen can pivot, and its depth can be adjusted to your preference.
Pros:
- Even though it’s a larger display, this stereo is easy to install and has solid instructions.
- Because it comes with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, connecting it to the majority of smartphones is a breeze.
Cons:
- The screen can be quite bright at night, and it doesn’t automatically dim itself.
Atoto F7 Car Stereo
Unlock your full potential
Like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto provides the best connection between your car stereo and Android phone. Atoto’s F7 makes full use of this platform, allowing you to unleash the full power of the Google platform from the stereo’s screen. As you drive, you can easily make phone calls, see your calendar updates and notifications, and control your music without having to move your hands. Best yet, it also has AutoLink, allowing you to cast your phone’s screen on the display.
Pros:
- The bright and vibrant display makes it easy to see and read.
- Setting up Android Auto takes just a few seconds and only requires you to plug your phone in briefly to the USB port.
Cons:
- Selecting apps or buttons towards the edges of the screen can be a bit difficult for those with big fingers.
Stiflix Car Multimedia System
The smoothest in safety
Stiflix’s stereo multimedia system helps you drive safer while controlling your phone and music. It comes with a Bluetooth controller that mounts to your steering wheel, allowing you to interact with the stereo with just your thumb. It also has a built-in mic that gives you better voice quality since it’s much closer to your mouth. And to ensure you can see the screen as you drive, this stereo has a wider viewing angle, so you won’t have to struggle.
Pros:
- The audio quality from the radio is fantastic and comes across clearly.
- We like the wider viewing angle on the screen, ensuring both you and your passenger can see it easily.
Cons:
- Mounting the backup camera can be a bit tricky, so take your time when installing it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “double DIN” refer to?
“DIN” refers to the industry standard radio size on most cars, as established by a German group that helps set automobile standards. “Double DIN” units are twice the height of single DIN ones, making them 4” x 7”. Having this industry standard helps increase the likelihood that the car stereo you buy will fit in your dashboard.
Can my rear camera be set to automatically turn on when I back up?
If your car stereo comes with a rear camera, it should be capable of automatically turning on when you’re in reverse. On the back of the unit, there will be inputs and outputs for video, audio, your antenna, and the reverse. Simply attach the appropriate cables that come with your stereo to your car following the included instructions, and you should be good to go.
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.