With music on the road or how to choose a radio for a car - recommendations


Currently, radios have become an integral part of the car, allowing you not only to listen to music, but also to use instant messengers, mobile communications and other additional functions. They help the driver pleasantly brighten up the time spent on the road. What is the difference between 1-din and 2-din devices? This abbreviation indicates the width and height of the car radio.

In our case, the values ​​are respectively 178 and 100 millimeters. We have compiled our rating of the best models in this segment. We hope this helps you make the best choice.

TOP 7 best 2-din car radios

Our TOP 7 includes the following models:

  • Pioneer AVH-Z5100BT;
  • Alpine INE-W990BT;
  • JVC KW-M14;
  • KENWOOD DMX7017BTS;
  • Prology MDN-2775;
  • Pioneer SPH-DA120;
  • KENWOOD DMX6018BT.

Next, we will consider each of them in detail.

Pioneer AVH-Z5100BT

It is a full-fledged multimedia system for cars. It has a stand-alone operating system and full smartphone support. Capable of playing all current video formats - from the archaic AVI to the popular MKV, audio formats from MP3 to FLAC. The control menu is at the highest level, the radio interface is very convenient. A full-fledged processor is responsible for sound processing, allowing you to set the acoustics in the car according to your preferences. It is possible to additionally connect an external microphone CD-MC20 to enable voice control.

NavigatorGPS
Displaytouch 7"
Max power4 x 50 W
USB playbackThere is
SupportiPhone, CarPlay, Android Auto
Joystickpossible to connect
BluetoothYes

Average price: from 26,500 rubles.

pros

  • display quality;
  • iPhone, CarPlay, Android Auto support;
  • reproduces a large number of formats.

Minuses

  • limited current output USB (1 A).

I recommend it to all music lovers! Everything is at a high level! The radio has excellent sound, supports almost all existing formats, you can listen to music from different sources. A huge advantage is a high-quality sensor, equalizer, screen tilt adjustment and rich equipment. After purchasing this model, this brand became my favorite.

Pioneer AVH-Z5100BT

Alpine INE-W990BT

A top-class device with enormous multimedia playback capabilities and a navigator with GPS. The case is monolithic with a fan in the rear, which helps to quickly cool the entire system. The USB connector is not located on the front panel; connection to it is made through an extension cord included in the kit. The display shows folders and tags that help you search. The radio supports a Bluetooth module with enhanced BT Plus technology and a tuner with automatic and manual settings. The package includes a microphone mounted on a special hinge or attached with a clip. The main difference is the playback function of the FLAC extension; it is automatically formatted into MP3 format.

Displaytouch 6.1”
NavigatorGPS
Max power4 x 50 W
USB playbackThere is
SupportiPhone
MicrophoneYes
Bluetooth supportYes

Cost: from 49,900 to 59,700 rubles.

pros

  • FLAC playback;
  • presence of a microphone;
  • convenient interface.

Minuses

  • USB is not connected to the front panel.

My best purchase ever! Completely met my expectations and requirements. All possible functions are combined in the radio. Sound and video are of excellent quality. The device supports iPhone. There is a saved custom mode setting. I recommend the product!

Alpine INE-W990BT

JVC KW-M14

A car radio with a minimalist design and a bright display, suitable for watching movies and clips. However, it is worth recording the file in the desired format in advance due to the lack of high-resolution MPEG4 playback function. The device can be connected to a subwoofer if desired, which eliminates the need to use amplifiers with a high-level input. JVC KW-M14 supports iPhone. The sound can be adjusted in several variations: equalizer and subwoofer output.

Displaytouch 6.8”
NavigatorNo
Power4 x 50 W
USB playbackThere is
SupportiPhone
BluetoothYes

Cost: from 7300 to 11600 rubles.

pros

  • design;
  • ability to connect to a subwoofer;
  • bright display with a good viewing angle.

Minuses

  • no navigator;
  • Limitation of playable files.

Good combination of price and quality. It copes with its functions and looks modern. The only thing missing is a navigator. But I bought it specifically for listening to music. I recently connected it to a subwoofer and am very pleased.

JVC KW-M14

KENWOOD DMX7017BTS

A distinctive feature is a convenient modern interface, well suited for use while driving. In addition, the control keys are duplicated at the bottom of the display and there is a function for connecting them to a gadget, including Apple equipment. The device has two USB connectors with 1.5 A current. The radio is connected to the front camera, in this case it can be used as a video recorder with a maximum FullHD recording resolution, with the function of determining the distance to the nearest object and tracking stripes.

NavigatorGPS
Displaytouch 7"
Maximum power4 x 50 W
USB2 entrances
SupportiPhone, Google Maps, Play Music
Bluetooth supportYes

Approximate cost: 25,600 rubles.

pros

  • DVR mode;
  • support iPhone, Google Maps, Play Music;
  • two USB inputs.

Minuses

  • aimed at gadget lovers.

I was pleased with almost all the functions of this device. A huge number of settings options, several USB outputs, navigation. With the camera connected, the image quality is very good, even at night. A high-quality model, although when you connect a gadget on Android, sometimes there are times when the system freezes. In general, I recommend it to anyone still doubting the purchase!

KENWOOD DMX7017BTS

Prology MDN-2775

Multimedia system with navigation, built-in Bluetooth module and the ability to connect a 3G modem. The radio supports MP3, CD, MPEG 4, WMA, JPEG, FLAC formats. The 6.2” display has clear and convenient settings. contains the territories of 12 countries, including the Russian Federation, with a total of 370,000 settlements, so no additional purchase of cards is required. The audio system can be controlled via the steering wheel buttons.

Displaytouch 6.2”
Bluetooth supportYes
Power4 x 50 W
USB playbackThere is
SupportRDS, A2DP
NavigatorYes

Price: from 13,750 to 18,000 rubles.

pros

  • navigation software;
  • 3G modem;
  • SWC interface.

Minuses

  • insufficient sound quality.

The model is good in terms of price-quality ratio. Performs its functions at 4+. Reads CDs, you can listen to music from your phone. The most important thing is an excellent map of the city with a clear image. Quite pleased with the purchase.

Prology MDN-2775

Pioneer SPH-DA120

The model is primarily aimed at smartphone users, by connecting it to the system via a USB port or Bluetooth, we get a powerful media device with a touch screen. When audio files are turned on, full track information is displayed. The radio is equipped with a speech recognition function, due to which the center is controlled by voice. Pioneer supports syncing with Apple CarPlay, which facilitates the use of navigation maps.

Displaytouch 6.2”
NavigatorApple CarPlay
Power4 x 50 W
USBThere is
SupportiPhone
BluetoothYes

Average price: 26,000 rubles.

pros

  • variety of sound settings;
  • high-quality sound;
  • recognizes voice commands;
  • connecting a rear view camera.

Minuses

  • there is no full-fledged navigator.

I spent a long time choosing a car radio for myself, and finally settled on this model. External characteristics 5+. Looks high quality and fits into any car interior. Bluetooth connects without problems, sees phone contacts, calls, call quality is good. Plays video and audio in different formats.

Pioneer SPH-DA120

KENWOOD DMX6018BT

The device pleases with a wealth of sound settings. The USB port with 1.5 A current is remote, allowing you to use not only a flash drive, but also a hard drive. Using a smartphone connected via Bluetooth, the entire system is controlled. To do this, you need to install proprietary software. The touch screen has the function of remembering the last position (7 in total) before turning off the car engine. The model has a graphical interface and an equalizer. The acoustics can be adjusted conveniently and with a large number of variations. The only thing is that there are shortcomings in Russification, there are incomprehensible words.

Displaytouch 7"
NavigatorNo
Power4 x 50 W
USBThere is
SupportRDS
BluetoothYes

Cost: from 18,000 to 24,000 rubles.

pros

  • remote USB;
  • control via smartphone;
  • equalizer.

Minuses

  • shortcomings in Russification;
  • there is no navigator.

Good sound and lots of sound settings. The device easily reads a 1 TB disk. A small drawback is that there is only one USB output, I don’t have enough of it. The radio is excellent for watching videos, listening to music and radio. I recommend!

KENWOOD DMX6018BT

FarCar s130 – 2 din radio for Android with GPS navigator

It comes with pre-installed Android version 5.1, but you can update it over the air to Android 7.1; the manufacturer is still releasing updates for this model. By the way, it is installed as standard in some Toyota cars (including those sold in Russian showrooms), and this already says a lot in terms of reliability. The average price is 18 thousand rubles. Specifications:

  • display – 7 inches, resolution 1024x600 (TFT LCD, but with a good brightness reserve);
  • processor – 4-core RockChip with a frequency of 1.6 GHz;
  • RAM – 1 GB (DDR3);
  • pre-installed memory – 16 gigabytes (you can add an SD card up to 32 gigabytes);
  • communications – Wi-Fi, BlueTooth, GPS (you can connect external modems);
  • maximum output power – 4x50 W;
  • additional functions - CD and DVD, radio, composite video input, RCA, external antenna for GPS.

One of the features of the model is the use of a high-quality audio amplifier, and a flexible equalizer is integrated into Android, which ultimately allows you to get really high-quality sound.

Pros *

  • excellent sound;
  • good software optimization (despite the small amount of RAM it does not freeze);
  • there is a radio with RDS support;
  • There is a CD and DVD player that allows you to play almost all audio and video files.

Minuses *

  • no USB on the front panel;
  • There is no offline navigator included (only Yandex navigation);
  • there is only one input for connecting RCA, so you have to choose - either a rear or front view camera, but not both;
  • does not support A2DP - the audio quality when transmitted via BlueTooth is disgusting (only mono for conversations).

Comparison of models

We offer a comparative table of all the car radios we reviewed earlier. She will tell you which model is best to choose.

ModelDisplayNavigatorUSBBluetoothMax powerSupport
Pioneer AVH-Z5100BT7”GPSYesYes4x50 WiPhone, CarPlay, Android Auto
Alpine INE-W990BT6.1”GPSYesYes4x50 WiPhone
JVC KW-M146.8”NoYesYes4x50 WiPhone
KENWOOD DMX7017BTS7”GPStwo entrancesYes4x50 WiPhone, Google Maps, Play Music
Prology MDN-27756.2”GPSYesYes4x50 WRDS, A2DP
Pioneer SPH-DA1206.2”Apple CarPlayYesYes4x50 WiPhone
KENWOOD DMX6018BT7”NoYesYes4x50 WRDS

Ownice C500 – radio with internet on Android

Belongs to one of the latest generations of standard Android car radios from Ownice. It uses a high-performance processor, an IPS display (picture quality is an order of magnitude better than TFT LCD), and has a DVD drive (even plays FLAC files). And most importantly, this radio has a built-in DSP processor, which is responsible for sound processing. Compared to the above models, this one has the best sound. Perfect for music lovers. Android version – 6.0 (can be upgraded to 7.1, 8.1 is planned to be released). The average cost is 32 thousand rubles. Specifications:

  • display – 10 inches with a resolution of 1024x600 (IPS);
  • processor – 8-core from MTK with a frequency of 1.5 GHz (the interface does not slow down at all);
  • RAM – 2 gigabytes (DDR3);
  • built-in memory – 32 gigabytes, can be expanded with an SD card up to 256 GB;
  • output power – 4x55 W;
  • communications – Wi-Fi, BlueTooth, GPS, 4G (when installing a SIM card), can work as a Wi-Fi access point (that is, “distribute” the Internet to other devices);
  • additional functions - radio with auto-search and station memory, composite video input (the rear view camera turns on automatically when reverse gear is engaged), RCA (for connecting external displays), external antenna for GPS and radio (combined), A2DP support (for connecting a stereo headset).

The presence of a 4G modem allows you to use online navigation without any restrictions, without connecting a phone or external modem. This radio also has a function for learning the steering wheel buttons - you can set them any necessary parameters (for example, when you press the button, the navigator will be launched).

Pros *

  • high performance;
  • IPS display with a rich picture;
  • integrated DSP processor responsible for audio processing;
  • there is a built-in 4G modem (the SIM card is installed directly into the radio);
  • compatible with TV and OBD of all standards;
  • there is AUX, USB on the front panel (for connecting storage devices and charging other devices);
  • can “distribute” the Internet.

Minuses *

  • BlueTooth sometimes freezes;
  • For some reason it refuses to work with many steering wheel remote controls.

Best lists

In addition to the car radios presented above, we suggest you consider the best models in the following categories:

  • budget;
  • with navigator;
  • with a video recorder.

Best price

ACV AVS-2700BM is the best budget model with multi-color backlit buttons and display, which will become a bright addition to the car. The device supports bluetooth, A2DP, MP3, WMA formats. The radio is equipped with an equalizer, a stereo audio output to an amplifier and a radio module for listening to FM stations. The USB port is designed to connect external devices to the media center for playing music and charging.

Approximate cost: from 2800 to 6000 rubles.

ACV AVS-2700BM

With navigator

The winner of the nomination was FarCar S170 L819 2DIN Universal Android. The radio fits perfectly into any car design and interacts with its standard systems. Control takes place using buttons on the steering wheel. The device runs on the Android 6.0.1 operating system, which makes it possible to use the Play Market in full. The kit includes all the necessary adapters for easy connection. The model is equipped with Wi-Fi, 3G and 4G functions for accessing the Internet and updating software.

Average price: 13,000 rubles.

FarCar S170 L819 2DIN Universal Android

With DVR

SWAT CHR-6100 with a multi-color display, DVR mode and the ability to connect a rear view camera. The model supports bluetooth, MirrorLink and has a front USB port. The system plays popular audio and video file formats, and also connects to a subwoofer. The car radio has a built-in GPS navigator. Control is carried out using standard buttons on the steering wheel and a rotary volume control.

Approximate cost: 9000 rubles.

SWAT CHR-6100

✔ CONNECTION AND USE

There is nothing particularly complicated, but it all depends on your car and pinout. I additionally had to buy one Kenwood + ISO 16 pin adapter.

I swapped the yellow and red wires, because when I turned on the ignition, the radio “reset” the settings. And to connect the camera, I cut off the blue wire and applied + to it from the reverse lights to automatically turn on the rear view camera.

In addition, I simply did not see the plastic frame at the very bottom and bought it separately. True, the price for this piece of plastic, $7 or $20 (for the original), impressed me. Especially regarding the “original” frame, my question, what is the originality and how to check it on a piece of plastic, I did not receive an answer from the seller. I bought the cheapest one, but with thick frames, but the store had a choice with thin or thick frames.

But two days later, after the child inspected the boxes, the included frame was born.

The only difference is in the thickness of the frames, and as it turns out, in the fit size.

The frame from the kit fit perfectly onto the front of the radio, but when installed in a car, unsightly gaps remained on the left and right.

But the frame I bought just didn’t want to fit on the radio. There are not many options, we will remove all unnecessary with a file.

After 20 minutes of hard work, the frame is tight, but fits onto the radio. The boot logo can be selected in the advanced settings for your car.

I also had no luck with the antenna plug; I had to buy an adapter ($1.5).

There were no problems connecting the camera + to + the reversing lights, minus to minus in the bundle of wires going to the headlight. I attached the camera itself to the bumper with two self-tapping screws from the kit. But if you take it without a rear view camera, then I recommend buying a separate camera that is inserted into the license plate light, it will be simpler and more harmonious, in my opinion. There is only one downside to my version: after rainy weather, the camera needs to be wiped down, as it gets very dirty.

4 LED backlights are an additional bright bonus when driving in reverse at night.

The “range” stripes are embedded directly in the camera, and are not superimposed using a radio tape recorder.

An additional advantage is that the image from the camera is displayed even when the radio itself has not yet loaded. We turn on reverse gear, and the image is automatically displayed on the screen.

In the car, we had to cut off the plastic partition between the two compartments and make a full-fledged 2 din. Was.

It became like this.

Tips for choosing

top

For most drivers, an important condition for comfortable driving is having a good radio in the car. In order to help you choose a quality model, we suggest relying on the following device characteristics:

  • Availability of a navigator. For residents of large cities, it is important not only to have access to a map, but also to be able to monitor traffic jams and accidents in real time in order to create the best route.
  • Number and variation of playback formats. Nowadays, few people limit themselves to listening only to radio stations. More and more car owners are playing music and videos not just from flash drives, but from their mobile device connected to the system via bluetooth or AUX.
  • DVR function. The radios are connected to both the front and rear view cameras.
  • Availability of a TV tuner. This feature is extremely attractive, as the device becomes a full-fledged TV.
  • Availability of software. Depending on the software, you can follow the news, play games, watch movies and much more.

RECXON iSmart 10.1 – the best 2 din Android radio tape recorder

The key feature of the model is that the radio uses a 10-inch display with a rotating mechanism. But due to this design, I had to abandon the CD/DVD player, since the disk drive simply would not fit. Android version – 5.1 The average price of this car radio is 18 thousand rubles. Specifications:

  • display – 10 inches with a rotating mechanism, resolution 1024x600 (TFT LCD, but with a good brightness reserve);
  • processor – 4-core RockChip RX3 with a frequency of 1.6 GHz;
  • RAM – 1 GB (DDR3);
  • pre-installed memory – 16 gigabytes (you can add an SD card up to 32 gigabytes, and also connect a USB drive);
  • communications – Wi-Fi, BlueTooth, GPS (you can connect external modems);
  • maximum output power – 4x45 W;
  • additional functions - radio with auto search and station memory, composite video input, RCA (for connecting external displays), external antenna for GPS and radio (combined), A2DP support (for connecting a stereo headset).

Also, buyers of RECXON iSmart 10.1 claim that this radio has a very convenient software shell installed. All icons are large, there is a screensaver in the form of a clock, and the map image can be scaled during navigation. By the way, the kit includes an 8 GB flash drive with pre-installed iGO (according to many, the best offline navigator for motorists).

Pros *

  • large display with good brightness reserve;
  • convenient graphical shell for Android;
  • The kit includes an SD card with iGO and RF maps;
  • good sound, as well as flexible equalizer settings.

Minuses *

  • no USB on the front panel;
  • no CD/DVD;
  • frequent delays in software operation (but updates are still coming out, optimization in the future is possible

How to choose the right radio for Android?

In most cases, choosing the optimal radio for Android will not be a problem. Moreover, in the technical instructions for cars, manufacturers often indicate compatible radio models that will fully work with both OBD and steering remote controls. The buyer should only decide on the following functions (they must be present if they are needed):

  • GPS (preferably with an external antenna);
  • Wi-Fi (if available, the radio can be connected to the Internet, and if there is also GSM, it can act as an access point);
  • GSM (possibility of installing a SIM card);
  • availability of RCA inputs for a rear view camera;
  • availability of RCA or HDMI for connecting external displays.

Which OS is better: Android or Windows?

Previously, Windows CE was widely used in standard radios - this is a specialized variation of Windows Mobile 6.0, optimized for use in cars. The only advantages of this system are reliability and the absence of any bugs. But the functionality and performance leave much to be desired. And there are not so many navigators for Windows CE; most of them have not been updated for a long time. You need to understand that Windows CE was released back in 2006.

Android has wider functionality and has an optimized interface for touch control. And the main advantage is support for a wide range of programs from GooglePlay. The only significant drawback of Android is that it often slows down (the OS interface itself) and freezes.

What technical characteristics should a good car radio have?

We should not forget that a car radio is, first and foremost, a device for playing music. Therefore, high-quality sound is one of the main quality criteria. And at the same time, the device is convenient to use as an on-board computer. Accordingly, it is desirable to have the following functions:

  • navigation (and for its convenient use you need a high-quality large display);
  • Internet connection (online navigators provide many times more information than offline);
  • connection of external cameras (recorder, rear and front view cameras);
  • compatibility with the OBD port (allows you to connect the radio to the car’s electronic control unit and monitor the technical condition of the vehicle).

In summary, there are quite a lot of really good 2 din Android car radios on the consumer market. Their functionality is largely identical, since it depends directly on the OS. Many people give preference to manufacturers such as Kenwood, Ownice, Recxon - these brands specialize in such equipment and have many years of experience in its production. And this is precisely what inspires trust on the part of users.

Rating
( 2 ratings, average 5 out of 5 )
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