You may have a car stereo system already built in your vehicle. However, it lacks modern features, and more so, it is not compatible with today’s smartphones and other mobile devices. Is it wise to upgrade it? Indeed it is!
When you are driving, you have to free yourself from doing other activities so you can focus on the road. If it is inevitable, then making some of these accessible or convenient for you to do is the next best thing. Your car stereo system can support that.
The best thing about upgrading to a modern car audio system is its compatibility with today’s devices. Bluetooth omits the need to use cords that may interfere with your using the gear lever. Connecting your music device to your car has now become wireless, which older car audios may not support.
Another benefit of utilizing a modern car stereo system is the capability to play music straight from online music streaming platforms. This broadens your music selection and at the same time, it becomes more convenient for you since you do not need to use another music device or use your phone.
When it comes to sound quality, a digital car entertainment system provides a bigger edge. Sound technologies continue to evolve over the years; fast even. Having a device that allows you to get these advances can make a significant difference in your listening experience.
Meanwhile, additional features such as hands-free calling, CD playing, multi-input, and voice control can also boost your car stereo system’s functionality. If these activities can help you navigate the road more conveniently and adds to your enjoyment, then go ahead and invest in these features.
Here are Top Best Reviews’ most recommended modern car stereo system options worthy to upgrade to. Take your pick.
Best Digital Car Stereo System for Road Trippers – (Comparison)
| Name | Key Feature | |
| Pioneer AVH-2400NEX 7″ Touchscreen Double Din – (Editor’s Choice) | Supports Apple Car Play, Android Auto, and AppRadioLIVE (Pioneer’s native in-vehicle digital media system) | Check Price |
| Sony XAV-AX5000 7” Apple Car Play, Android Auto, Media Receiver with Bluetooth | Equipped with 4 x 55-watt speakers and auto-level adjustment between -8 to +18 dB | Check Price |
| Kenwood Excelon DMX706S 6.95″ WVGA Touchscreen Digital Multimedia Receiver | Has a 6.95-inch resistive touchscreen display with electronic viewing angle adjustment | Check Price |
Pioneer AVH-2400NEX 7″ Touchscreen Double Din – Editor’s Choice
This car stereo system is beaming with modern features that are compatible with your equally modern lifestyle. Being in this era of smartphones and with your familiarity with its interface, you can definitely get easily along with this stereo receiver.
This Pioneer car audio receiver utilizes a 7-inch touchscreen that has enough illumination to view your controls. Though it could be better to oppose glares especially in broad daylight as it only has a resolution of 800 x 480 WVGA. It is the right size in terms of readability and can fit most cars. This car stereo system’s control panel has an intuitive interface with the icons adequately spaced and laid out on the screen. The icons can be customized to fit your convenience level.
This car stereo system is compatible with both Android and Apple operating systems. This way, you can extend your smartphone’s applications and functions to your car stereo system like making/receiving calls, navigating maps, and listening to music.
As an audio receiver, it uses Bluetooth to pair with devices. No need to do the complicated and lengthy installation. Just as long as the device is authorized to connect by you and within its proximity, it is good to go. This way, you can allow your other passengers to stream the music on your behalf.
As Bluetooth audio receiver, you can also take calls hands-free. It does not interfere with the frequency and can also deliver good sound quality with less distortion or noise.
The Pioneer AVH-2400NEX 7″ Touchscreen Double Din also supports voice recognition through Siri. If you are an iPhone user, you can still access Siri through your car stereo system. You can ask questions, directions, etc. with its built-in microphone, and through the speaker system, Siri broadcasts the answer.
Aside from Siri, iPhone users can also take advantage of Apple CarPlay. This specialized vehicle technology already has apps that can make your trips more convenient and in-tune with your needs. It already comes with Maps, Messaging, Calls, etc.
Are you an Android phone user? Then use the AppRadioLIVE. It is a user interface particularly catering to vehicle users by providing the right apps that can help you navigate the road more conveniently and safely. You have to get a map, news, media, and calendar.
This car stereo system is compatible with online content streaming platforms like Spotify, Pandora, and SiriusXM. Just take note that these are paid subscription platforms (with a free subscription option with limited features and has ads) and you must have an account to enjoy full features.
Pros
- 800 x 480 WVGA 7-inch LCD touchscreen display
- Compatible with Android and Apple phones
- Wireless connectivity using Bluetooth
- Apple Car Play, Android Auto, and AppRadioLIVE (Pioneer’s native in-vehicle digital media system)
- Spotify, Pandora, and SiriusXM compatible
- Hands-free calling, content streaming
- Streams FM stations
- Can serve as your back cam’s screen
Cons
- Screen resolution is so-so
Conclusion
The Pioneer AVH-2400NEX 7″ Touchscreen Double Din is a modern car stereo system that is beaming with features and compatibility. This car stereo system has an intuitive interface that allows you to play music from various platforms, including the internet and FM.
Sony XAV-AX5000 7” Apple Car Play, Android Auto, Media Receiver with Bluetooth
This car stereo system provides you with most of the basic features you need in a modern car stereo receiver. You get wireless connectivity, smartphone OS compatibility, and access to apps for navigation, communication, and entertainment.
The Sony XAV-AX5000 7” Apple Car Play, Android Auto, Media Receiver with Bluetooth basically express its best features in its name. This car stereo system has Apple’s CarPlay and Android Auto, whichever is compatible with the smartphone you are using. These in-vehicle companion technologies allow you to receive directions from a satellite-fed digital map, stream music from online platforms, receive news and play other content types like podcasts and audiobooks.
As an Apple car stereo, you have access to music, messages, and maps. Meanwhile, as an Android car stereo, you can also access your phonebook.
No need for a Bluetooth aux adapter as this car stereo system already comes with a built-in Bluetooth. You can seamlessly connect and authorize access within the device’s interface. Register your smart devices so you can use them interchangeably, depending on what is accessible.
The Sony XAV-AX5000 features a 7-inch LCD touchscreen display that loads fast and is responsive to touch. It also features two USB ports so you have the choice of a wired connection if wireless is not accessible. You can also view here what your rear vehicle camera records so it doubles as a live camera screen. You can take more advantage of this feature since the screen comes with guidelines that can assist you as you reverse drive.
And of course, this is Sony, so you can expect a nice sound quality, making music streaming more enjoyable. This car stereo system has 4 by 55-watt amplifier speakers that allow you to listen to pleasant music even on higher volumes.
Pros
- 7-inch LCD touchscreen with 800 x 480 display resolution and screen brightness at 500 cd/m2 with a contrast ratio of 600
- Comes with 2 USB ports to play music from flash drives
- Allows you to view your rear camera; also comes with guidelines for assistance during reverse
- Compatible with Apple Car Play and Android Auto
- Equipped with 4 x 55-watt speakers
- Auto-level adjustment between -8 to +18 dB
- Sirius XM Radio-ready (needs a satellite tuner)
Cons
- No FM
Conclusion
The Sony XAV-AX5000 7” Apple Car Play, Android Auto, Media Receiver with Bluetooth is your complete audio and video companion for your vehicle. Aside from good sound quality, this car stereo system also has convenient features and extensive compatibility with most of the smartphones in the market today.
Kenwood Excelon DMX706S 6.95″ WVGA Touchscreen Digital Multimedia Receiver
This car stereo system, just like the rest of the products on this list, is teeming with features that allow you to use your smartphone as an extension of your car receiver’s control.
The Kenwood Excelon DMX706S omits the need for an in car Bluetooth adapter as it already has one built-in. This allows for wireless connectivity for music streaming and hands-free calling. Yet aside from Bluetooth, this car stereo system also has a USB port to support a wired connection. This is essential for you to use your smartphone’s features on your car stereo system.
Boost your car sound system with multiple music sources and improved sound quality. This car stereo system is your digital multimedia player that can play AM and FM music, the music saved in your phone, and music from online streaming platforms compatible with your in-vehicle system of choice.
Speaking of in-vehicle systems, this car stereo system is compatible with both Apple Car Play and Android Auto. So, whichever smartphone OS you are using, you can use connect to this car stereo system. Just remember to check for car make compatibility and smartphone OS versions to make sure you can use this on your vehicle.
There are some slight differences when it comes to supported apps for Apple and Android users. Both systems allow you to make/take calls, send messages, stream music, display maps, and give out directions. Both can support voice commands with select compatible phone models (Siri and Google Assistant). You can also connect other Apple devices like iPod and iPad and this car stereo system already has controls for them, too.
The Kenwood Excelon DMX706S can play different music files, has a 6.95-inch resistive touchscreen display with select physical buttons, and comes with an electronic viewing angle adjustment.
Pros
- Compatible with Apple Car Play and Android Auto
- Has a 6.95-inch resistive touchscreen display with electronic viewing angle adjustment
- Plays AM/FM
- With built-in Bluetooth for hands-free calling and wireless music streaming
- Voice command via Siri or Google Assistant
- With apps for navigation, communication, and audio streaming via supported in-vehicle control systems
Cons
- Uses a resistive screen
Conclusion
The Kenwood Excelon DMX706S is definitely fool-proof when it comes to sound quality. It has solid features and the wide compatibility when it comes to connectivity, apps, and hardware is also commendable.
Final Verdict
Reviewing products with similar features is challenging. And most likely, your choice will just be a matter of budget or preference.
Because of its popularity among more users, the best audio receiver on this list is the Pioneer AVH-2400NEX 7″ Touchscreen Double Din.
As one of the best car audio system choices in the market today, the Pioneer AVH-2400NEX 7″ Touchscreen Double Din boasts of nice sound quality, intuitive interface, extensive compatibility, and outstanding functionality. The in-dash CD/DVD feature is a plus one, as well as being SiriusXM-ready. The customizable screen also provides an element of personalization which many of this car stereo system’s users appreciate, too.