The Cheapest Android Auto Head-Units
Above-average ratings, below-average prices, no fake reviews.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I might earn a referral fee (at no expense to you) when you click a link.
Android Auto is a hands-free way to use a smartphone in a vehicle. Many new cars have Android Auto built into the “infotainment” system: Plug a smartphone into the dashboard with a USB cable and voila, you can make and take calls, send texts, stream music, talk with Google Assistant, use GPS-navigation apps like Waze and Google Maps.
What if your car doesn’t have Android Auto? You’ll need an Android Auto head unit, i.e. an aftermarket car stereo. (Note: This is not the same thing as an in-dash Android tablet.)
Is It Safe to Use Technology While Driving?
Research conducted by AAA found that navigational programming is the most distracting task for drivers. The same study found that Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are safer to operate than native in-vehicle infotainment systems. Nevertheless, there are still risks: Even a hands-free phone conversation can increase the odds of a crash by 300%, according to a study published in the British Medical Journal. The upshot is this: There is no truly-safe way to use technology while driving.
Android Auto Wireless Compatibility
Since the release of Android 11.0, Android Auto Wireless is compatible with “any smartphone with Android 11.0 and 5GHz Wi-Fi,” according to Google’s support page. However, there is a limited number of vehicles that support wireless Android Auto (the most complete list of models and makers is published by Cars.com). Some JVC, Kenwood and Pioneer head units support Android Auto Wireless, but they sell for a premium.
How Much Does Android Auto Cost?
A good Android Auto head unit (with verified, above-average reviews) costs approximately $301, according to a 12-month analysis of price trends. Those same Android-enabled car stereos cost around $252 while on sale: an average discount of 16%. Here are the best budget Android Auto head units for the money. (Not all head units fit every vehicle’s dashboard, so use Amazon’s “Make Sure It Fits!” tool before you buy.)
Methodology for Selecting Products
I use data science to discover above-average products that are selling for below-average prices. To find Android Auto head units with below-average prices, I first assemble a list of candidates, then organize those products by their 12-month average sale price, determine the median value and then exclude any stereo with a price above the mid-point.
To find Android car stereos with above-average reviews, I measure the relationship between 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 star ratings and flag outliers that fall outside of a normal statistical distribution. I also discount paid, sponsored and unverified reviews as well as unhelpful review behaviors from verified customers. Radios with an average adjusted rating of less than 3.9 out of 5 are excluded; in the end, fewer than 10% of the analyzed products remain.
Kenwood DMX4707S 6.8" Digital Multimedia Receiver
Good Value: $310 | Great Deal: $280
Check Current Price on Amazon | Check Current Price on Best Buy | Check Current Price on Crutchfield
Kenwood’s inexpensive Android Auto head unit is easy to install, it has a responsive touchscreen and the sound quality is significantly better than a stock radio, according to several online customers. Some reviewers complain that this unit has a long boot-up time; others say the volume controls are difficult to use.
Note: This item was heavily discounted on Black Friday.
BOSS Audio BVCP9685A Double Din Car Stereo, 6.75 Inch
Good Value: $217 | Great Deal: $156
Check Current Price on Amazon | Check Current Price on Best Buy | Check Current Price on Crutchfield
This affordable head unit has good sound quality and it works seamlessly with Android Auto, according to several online customers. Many reviewers say this stereo is difficult to install (in part, because it must be connected to the parking brake wire); others wish that this head unit had physical buttons and controls.
Pioneer DMH-1500NEX Android Auto Media Receiver
Good Value: $275 | Great Deal: $253
Check Current Price on Amazon | Check Current Price on Best Buy | Check Current Price on Walmart
This digital media receiver sounds great and works well with Android phones, according to several online customers. Some reviewers say this unit has a clunky interface and poor installation instructions.
JVC KW-M750BT Android Auto 2-DIN AV Receiver
Good Value: $264 | Great Deal: $229
Check Current Price on Amazon | Check Current Price on Best Buy
This JVC head unit works well and the touchscreen is responsive, according to several online customers. Some reviewers say that screen glare makes this stereo difficult to operate during daytime hours.
Pioneer AVH-2550NEX 7-Inch Android Auto Receiver With CD/DVD
Good Value: $348 | Great Deal: $289
Check Current Price on Amazon | Check Current Price on Best Buy
This stereo looks and sounds great, according to several online customers. Many reviewers say the unit’s buttons are small and awkward to navigate; a few had issues using their steering wheel controls.
JVC KW-V840BT CD/DVD Android Auto Stereo
Good Value: $315 | Great Deal: $285
Check Current Price on Amazon | Check Current Price on Walmart
JVC’s head unit sounds great and has a great graphic equalizer, according to several online customers. Some reviewers caution that Waze (a maps app) must be used in Bluetooth mode, otherwise the head unit will not play music while the app is open. Others were frustrated by the stereo’s auto-lock feature (for safe driving).
Atoto SA102 Android Auto Double-Din Car Stereo
Good Value: $212 | Great Deal: $140
The SA102 has a snappy screen, good reception (for FM radio and Bluetooth pairing) and sounds great, according to several online customers. Some reviewers wish the screen was easier to see in the daytime; others say the head unit is hard to adjust while driving. A few customers had installation difficulties.
About the Author: John DeFeo was the head of editorial insights for brands such as Tom’s Guide and Anandtech. He also worked in an electronics store that specialized in custom automotive audio/video installations.
