Car Audio
Head Unit Upgrade Guide 2025: CarPlay, Android Auto & More
Blackout Window Tinting
7 min read
Complete guide to upgrading your car's head unit. Learn about CarPlay, Android Auto, screen sizes, amplification, and installation considerations.
Your car's factory head unit was designed years ago. The screen is tiny. The interface is slow. And connecting your phone requires cables and workarounds.
Modern head units change everything—navigation, music, hands-free calling, and sound quality all improved in one upgrade.
Here's what you need to know before upgrading.
Why Upgrade Your Head Unit?
What You Gain:
Apple CarPlay / Android Auto — Your phone's apps on the car screen. Maps, music, podcasts, messages—all integrated and voice-controlled.
Larger touchscreen — Modern units offer 7-10" screens vs. factory 4-6".
Better sound processing — Improved DACs and equalizers vs. budget factory units.
More power — 50+ watts per channel vs. factory 10-20 watts.
Preamp outputs — Clean signal for aftermarket amplifiers.
Backup camera support — Add a camera if your car doesn't have one.
Types of Head Units
Single-DIN
Dimensions: 7" wide × 2" tall
Best for: Older vehicles, tight dash spaces
Features:
- Pop-out or flip-out screens (4-7")
- Full feature sets despite size
- Maintains factory look in some vehicles
Price range: $150–$500
Double-DIN
Dimensions: 7" wide × 4" tall
Best for: Most vehicles 2000+, full-featured upgrade
Features:
- Large integrated screens (6.2-7")
- Physical buttons + touchscreen
- CD/DVD optional (increasingly rare)
Price range: $200–$800
Floating Display / Modular
Best for: Vehicles where neither DIN size fits well
Features:
- Adjustable screen that extends beyond chassis
- 9-10" screens possible
- Modern, tablet-like appearance
- Vehicle-specific brackets available
Price range: $300–$1,200
Essential Features in 2025
Must-Have Features
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto | No cables needed |
| Capacitive touchscreen | Responsive, modern feel |
| 3 preamp outputs | Front, rear, sub outputs for amplifiers |
| Backup camera input | Add safety camera |
| USB input | Fast charging, wired connection |
| Bluetooth | Calls, audio streaming |
Nice-to-Have Features
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| HDMI input | Mirror devices, gaming |
| Built-in navigation | Works without phone |
| Hi-Res audio support | FLAC, WAV playback |
| Dual-zone capability | Different sources front/rear |
| Steering wheel control retention | Keep factory convenience |
Top Head Units for 2025
Best Overall
Pioneer DMH-WT8600NEX
- 10.1" floating HD display
- Wireless CarPlay + Android Auto
- Outstanding sound quality
- Price: ~$800
Best Value
Sony XAV-AX5500
- 6.95" touchscreen
- Wireless CarPlay + Android Auto
- Excellent interface
- Price: ~$400
Best Budget
Boss BE7ACP
- 7" touchscreen
- Wired CarPlay + Android Auto
- Solid feature set
- Price: ~$200
Best Premium
Alpine iLX-F509
- 9" floating display
- Wireless everything
- Premium audio processing
- Price: ~$1,000
Installation Considerations
What's Required
Dash kit — Adapter frame for your specific vehicle ($15–$100)
Wiring harness — Connects factory wiring to new head unit ($15–$50)
Antenna adapter — If keeping AM/FM radio ($10–$25)
Steering wheel control interface — To retain factory steering controls ($50–$150)
Potential Challenges
Integrated climate controls — Some vehicles combine HVAC and audio. Replacement requires retaining factory display.
Factory amplifier — May need to bypass or integrate with aftermarket solution.
Premium audio systems — Bose, Mark Levinson, etc. require specific adapters.
CAN-BUS integration — Modern vehicles may need data interface module.
Installation Complexity by Vehicle
| Complexity | Examples | DIY Friendly? |
|---|---|---|
| Easy | Honda Civic, Toyota Camry | Yes |
| Moderate | Ford F-150, Jeep Wrangler | Maybe |
| Difficult | BMW 3-Series, Tesla (not really possible) | No |
| Very Difficult | Vehicles with integrated climate/audio | No |
Sound Quality Considerations
Built-in Amplification
Factory replacement head units typically offer:
- 14-22 watts RMS × 4 channels (advertised as 50W peak)
This is better than factory but won't maximize aftermarket speakers.
For Serious Audio
Look for head units with:
- High voltage preamp outputs (4V+ for clean signal to amps)
- Time alignment/DSP (tune speaker distances digitally)
- 13-band EQ (or better)
- Subwoofer output with controls (level, crossover)
The Ideal Setup
Head unit → External amplifier → Speakers
This separates signal processing from amplification for cleanest possible sound.
Wireless vs Wired CarPlay/Android Auto
Wireless Advantages
- No cable to connect
- Phone stays in pocket/mount
- Cleaner cockpit appearance
- Faster connection after initial pairing
Wireless Disadvantages
- Slightly higher latency
- Uses more phone battery
- Occasional connection drops
- Not all phones support wireless AA/CarPlay
Our Take
Wireless is worth the premium if available. The convenience is significant, and reliability has improved substantially in 2024-2025 models.
Backup Camera Integration
Most aftermarket head units include backup camera input. You can:
Add a camera — Universal cameras cost $30–$100, vehicle-specific $50–$200
Keep factory camera — May require adapter ($20–$50)
Camera automatically activates when shift into reverse (if wired correctly).
Head Unit Installation at Blackout
We install head units from all major brands—Pioneer, Alpine, Sony, Kenwood, Boss.
Our installation includes:
- Proper dash kit and wiring harness
- Steering wheel control retention
- Factory amp integration if applicable
- Backup camera installation/integration
- System tuning
📍 Visit our Gilroy shop — see demo units in action. Explore our car audio services →
