Car Audio
How to Choose a Car Head Unit: 2025 Buyer's Guide
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8 min read
Screen size, wireless CarPlay, and sound quality—here's everything you need to know before buying an aftermarket head unit for your car.
Your car's head unit is command central. Navigation, music, phone calls, vehicle info—everything flows through that screen.
Factory units work fine until they don't. Then you're stuck with outdated maps, terrible Bluetooth, and an interface that feels ancient.
Time to upgrade? Here's how to choose the right aftermarket head unit.
What Makes a Good Head Unit in 2025
The Non-Negotiables
Every quality head unit in 2025 should include:
- Apple CarPlay / Android Auto (wired at minimum)
- Capacitive touchscreen (not resistive)
- Multiple RCA preouts (for amplifiers)
- USB port (for CarPlay/charging)
- Bluetooth (hands-free calling)
If a unit lacks any of these, keep looking—these are baseline features now.
The Nice-to-Haves
Worth paying extra for:
- Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto
- High-resolution audio support
- HDMI input
- Multiple camera inputs
- Built-in navigation (offline maps)
- DSP capabilities
Screen Size: How Big Should You Go?
Standard Sizes
| Size | Style | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 6.2-7" | Fixed in-dash | Tight openings, classic cars |
| 9" | Floating/fixed | Most sedans, SUVs |
| 10-11" | Floating | Trucks, large dash openings |
Floating vs. Fixed Screens
Floating screens mount on a bracket and "float" above the dash. Benefits:
- Larger screens fit smaller openings
- Adjustable angle
- Modern look
Fixed screens sit flush in the dash. Benefits:
- Cleaner OEM-like appearance
- Less vibration
- Better for some vehicles
Our Recommendation
9-inch floating is the sweet spot for most vehicles. Large enough for easy CarPlay use, not so big it looks ridiculous. Fits most dash openings with standard kits.
Wired vs. Wireless CarPlay
The eternal question.
Wired CarPlay
Pros:
- More reliable connection
- No latency
- Charges phone while connected
- Cheaper head units
Cons:
- Cable required every drive
- Cable clutter
- Wear on phone port
Wireless CarPlay
Pros:
- Phone stays in pocket
- Cleaner installation
- Just works when you start the car
- No cable wear
Cons:
- Slight connection delay (2-5 seconds)
- Uses phone battery
- Occasional drops on some vehicles
- $100-200 premium on head unit cost
The Verdict
For daily commutes under 30 minutes: Wireless is worth the premium. The convenience is real.
For long drives or those who forget chargers: Wired ensures your phone charges while connected.
Our take: Most customers prefer wireless and don't regret the upgrade.
Sound Quality Considerations
Preout Voltage
Preouts send signal to external amplifiers. Higher voltage = cleaner signal.
| Voltage | Quality | Common In |
|---|---|---|
| 2V | Basic | Budget units |
| 4V | Good | Mid-range units |
| 5V+ | Excellent | Premium units |
Why it matters: Higher preout voltage means less gain needed on your amplifier, which means less potential for noise.
Built-in Amplification
Factory replacement head units have built-in amps (typically 18-22W x 4). This powers speakers directly.
If you're adding external amplifiers: Built-in power doesn't matter—you'll use preouts.
If running speakers directly from head unit: Built-in power matters, but don't expect miracles. Even 22W is weak.
Time Alignment and EQ
Some head units include:
- Basic time alignment (delay by speaker)
- Multi-band EQ
- Crossover controls
These aren't as powerful as dedicated DSP processors, but they help. Look for 13-band EQ minimum if tuning matters to you.
Brand Recommendations
Pioneer
Known for: Great screens, reliable wireless CarPlay, solid app integration.
Best models:
- DMH-W4660NEX: 9" floating, wireless CarPlay, excellent value
- DMH-WT8600NEX: 10.1" floating, premium features
- DMH-1770NEX: 6.8" fixed, budget-friendly
Price range: $300-$900
Alpine
Known for: Premium build quality, excellent sound, clean aesthetics.
Best models:
- iLX-W650: 7" shallow mount, wired CarPlay, fits anywhere
- iLX-F509: 9" floating, Halo display, wireless CarPlay
- Halo11: 11" floating, premium everything
Price range: $350-$1,200
Kenwood
Known for: Feature-rich, good value, Hi-Res audio support.
Best models:
- DMX809S: 6.95", wireless CarPlay, Hi-Res
- DMX1057XR: 10.1", all the features
- DDX9707S: 6.95", DVD capability, solid all-around
Price range: $350-$800
Sony
Known for: Premium audio quality, clean interface, high-resolution support.
Best models:
- XAV-AX6000: 6.95", wireless CarPlay, excellent SQ
- XAV-AX8100: 8.95", larger screen, premium
- XAV-9500ES: ES series, audiophile-grade
Price range: $400-$1,000
JVC
Known for: Value, similar platform to Kenwood (same parent company).
Best models:
- KW-M785BW: 6.8", wireless CarPlay, great value
- KW-M875BW: 6.8", Hi-Res, variable color
- KW-Z1000W: 10.1", full-featured
Price range: $250-$700
Vehicle-Specific Considerations
Dash Kits and Adapters
Your new head unit won't fit without:
Dash Kit: Plastic frame that adapts the opening to the new unit size. Vehicle-specific, $20-100.
Wiring Harness: Connects head unit wires to your vehicle's wiring. Avoids cutting factory wires. Vehicle-specific, $15-50.
Steering Wheel Interface: Retains steering wheel audio controls. Different for each vehicle, $30-80.
Integration Complexity by Vehicle
| Vehicle Type | Complexity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Older double-DIN | Easy | Direct replacement |
| Modern double-DIN | Moderate | May need CANBUS adapter |
| Factory nav vehicles | Complex | Often needs special kit |
| Tesla/newer EVs | Difficult | Limited options available |
| iDatalink vehicles | Varies | Premium integration possible |
Premium Audio System Vehicles
If your factory car has Bose, JBL, Mark Levinson, etc.:
Good news: Aftermarket units can integrate Bad news: You need additional adapters ($100-300)
Without proper integration:
- Factory amp won't work correctly
- Some speakers may not play
- EQ curves will be wrong
Solution: iDatalink Maestro or similar integration module retains factory amplifier functionality.
Features Worth Paying For
HDMI Input
Connect external devices:
- Streaming sticks (Fire TV, etc.)
- Gaming consoles (for passengers)
- DVD players
- Additional phones
Useful for road trips and rear-seat entertainment.
Multiple Camera Inputs
Modern head units support:
- Rear backup camera (essential)
- Front camera
- Side cameras
- Dash cam integration
If you're adding cameras, ensure the head unit has enough inputs.
Built-in Navigation
With CarPlay/Android Auto, do you need built-in nav?
Arguments for:
- Works without phone
- Dedicated GPS antenna (more reliable)
- Doesn't drain phone battery
- Works in areas with no cell signal
Arguments against:
- Maps become outdated
- Interface usually worse than Google/Apple Maps
- Adds $200+ to head unit cost
Our take: Skip built-in nav unless you frequently drive in areas without cell coverage. CarPlay/Android Auto navigation is superior for most use cases.
Installation Considerations
What's Involved
Professional head unit installation includes:
- Dash kit assembly and test fit
- Wiring harness connection (no cut wires)
- Steering wheel control retention
- Microphone installation (for calls)
- USB cable routing
- Backup camera connection (if applicable)
- Testing all functions
Typical time: 2-3 hours for standard installs, 3-5 hours for complex vehicles.
DIY Considerations
Do it yourself if:
- You're comfortable with car electronics
- Your vehicle is well-documented online
- You have proper tools
- Simple integration (no factory amp/nav)
Hire professional if:
- Vehicle has factory premium audio
- You want steering wheel controls
- Camera integration is needed
- Time is valuable
- You want it done right
Common Installation Mistakes
- Cutting factory wires — Use harness adapters
- Wrong dash kit — Verify fitment before ordering
- Forgetting steering wheel adapter — Easy to overlook
- Poor USB routing — Cable fails from stress
- Not grounding properly — Causes alternator whine
Price Breakdown
Head Unit Cost
| Category | Price Range | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $200-$350 | Basic CarPlay, smaller screen |
| Mid-range | $350-$600 | Wireless CarPlay, 9" screen, good preouts |
| Premium | $600-$1,000+ | Large screen, Hi-Res, all features |
Installation Cost
| Complexity | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Simple replacement | $75-$150 |
| Standard with extras | $150-$250 |
| Complex integration | $250-$400 |
Total Typical Investment
Budget system: $300-$500 (head unit + install + kit) Quality system: $500-$800 (better unit, proper integration) Premium system: $800-$1,400 (flagship unit, full integration)
Ready to Upgrade Your Head Unit?
Factory infotainment holding you back? Modern head units bring 2025 technology to any vehicle.
What we offer:
- Head unit sales and installation
- Factory audio integration
- Steering wheel control retention
- Backup camera installation
- Complete multimedia systems
📞 Get a quote — tell us your vehicle and goals
📍 Visit our Gilroy shop — see display units in person
Related Content
- CarPlay Specific: Apple CarPlay Retrofit Guide
- Speakers: Best Car Speakers Under $500
- Full Audio: Car Audio Services
- Avoid Mistakes: 5 Car Audio Mistakes That Waste Money
Head Unit FAQs
Will I lose my steering wheel controls?
Not with proper installation. We use steering wheel control adapters to retain factory functionality.
What about my factory backup camera?
We integrate factory cameras with aftermarket head units. May require additional adapter depending on vehicle.
Can I keep my factory screen for other functions?
On some vehicles, yes—using iDatalink Maestro or similar. The factory screen shows vehicle info while the new unit handles audio.
How long does installation take?
Typically 2-3 hours. Complex vehicles with premium audio or factory navigation may take 4-5 hours.
Do I lose vehicle settings or information?
With proper integration, most vehicle settings remain accessible. Some advanced features may require iDatalink integration to retain.
