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The Best Single Din Head Unit 2021

Best Single Din Head Unit

If you are looking for the quick answer, the best single din head unit is the Pioneer AVH-3300NEX. It features an intuitive flip out touch screen display and multiple outputs for improved sound quality. However, if you don’t require the touchscreen functionality, the Alpine CDE-HD149BT is the best alternative.

In terms of how we rated the single din head units within this article, we based our recommendations upon our experience of installing many aftermarket units and various factors. The factors considered included their display, features, ease of use, audio inputs, speaker outputs and value for money.

Table of Contents

Single Din Head Unit Comparison

Single Din Head UnitTypeBluetooth
Pioneer AVH-3300NEXTouchscreenYes
Alpine iLX-F309 HALO9TouchscreenYes
Dasaita AndroidTouchscreenYes
Joying AndroidTouchscreenYes
Pioneer SPH10BTStandardNo
Pyle PLBT71GTouchscreenYes
Alpine CDE-HD149BTStandardYes
Pioneer DEH-150MPStandardNo
Kenwood KMM-BT322StandardYes
BOSS Audio 616UABStandardYes

A single din head unit is 4 x 7 inches in size, compared to the larger 7 x 7 inches of a double din head unit. Depending upon the opening within your dash will determine the head unit that best suits your requirements. OEM stereos are often limited in terms of functionality and don’t look aesthetically pleasing. However, the latest single din stereos offer a range of desirable features such as flip out touchscreens, Bluetooth and much more.

Upgrading your head unit for improved sound quality and bass should be the first audio modification. In order to use hard hitting car subwoofers and a car amplifier, you will need to assess the stereo that is installed beforehand and check the audio inputs and pre-amps, which are usually very limited with an OEM setup.

Below is a list of the best single din head units that provide many additional features such as touch screen, Bluetooth and much more.

The Best Single Din Head Unit


1. Pioneer AVH-3300NEX Single Din Head Unit – Best Overall

Pioneer AVH-3300NEX Single Din Head Unit
Pioneer are one of the market leaders when it comes to car audio. Their AVH-3300NEX model is one of their best single din head units they produce and features the desirable flip out display. This functionality provides a 7 inch touchscreen display that allows for easy navigation through the various menus.

This pioneer single din head unit also comes with an external wired microphone for hands free calls using Bluetooth. According to the brand, the quality of in-call speaking is claimed to be as high quality as FM transmission with zero chance of distortion.

Other features of the Pioneer AVH-3300NEX include:

  • Built in DVD receiver
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Siri Eyes Free
  • Spotify and AppRadio compatibility
  • CD, USB, AUX
  • 200 watt amplifier and remote
  • 50 watts x 4 channels
  • Front and rear RCA outputs

The touchscreen screen of the AVH-3300NEX is intuitively designed and much easier to use than some of the alternatives. On the right are “call to action” buttons such as settings, phone calls and much more. When playing music, all the information is displayed in a user friendly way, such as artist, song title, category, timeline and music artwork.

With all this functionality, this head unit also comes with a remote control to navigate around the radio. Of course, being touchscreen, the remote control is only really needed for backseat passengers. Overall, it’s the best single din stereo with a flip out screen and nothing comes close in terms of sound quality and design.

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2. Alpine iLX-F309 HALO9 Single Din – Best For Touchscreen

Alpine iLX-F309 HALO9 Single Din
The latest design that many audio brands are adopting is a complete touchscreen media receiver that uses the single din mounting. It comes with a premium price tag but it completely revolutionizes your vehicle.

The Alpine iLX-F309 HALO9 is one of highest performers and includes everything you could ever need. It mounts into the single DIN chassis and is compatible with the majority of aftermarket dash kits.

Other features of the Alpine iLX-F309 HALO9 include:

  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible
  • 9 inch touchscreen display
  • SiriusXM and Bluetooth ready
  • Bass engine SQ and multiple crossover settings
  • Distance guideline display for an aftermarket backup camera

The difference a single din head unit can make such as the Alpine iLX-F309 HALO9 is remarkable. It has every feature you can imagine and beats the majority of OEM stereos that are available from the manufacturer.

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3. Dasaita Rotatable Single Din – Best For Android

Dasaita Rotatable Single Din
The Dasaita is a unique single din head unit because it has a rotatable curved touchscreen. This allows you to tilt the screen to best suit your visibility requirements. The brand also offer different styles but this model has the latest Android operating system.

To ensure maximum performance, it also has the latest Bluetooth 5.0 version, which provide optimum connectivity for other devices.

Other features of the Dasaita Android Stereo include:

  • 10 inch rotatable screen
  • Compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • 1024 x 600 resolution
  • Contains a built-in DSP
  • Free software updates and lifetime support
  • External microphone for hands free calling
  • Navigation functionality
  • Built-in amplifier chip (4 x 50W)

The Dasaita is a great alternative single din media receiver to the Alpine HALO9. It provides superior performance and integrates with your smartphone for maximum usability. It also has several features that increase the sound quality.

It’s worth noting that the additional size from the touchscreen display could potentially block the AC vents for certain car interiors.

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4. Joying Android Single Din Head Unit

Joying Android Single Din Head Unit
Another alternative to the Alpine HALO9 is the smaller touchscreen option by the Joying brand. It uses the Android 8.1 operating system that allows you to control the system and use the navigation with the included GPS antenna installed.

Unlike many of the alternatives, it has a built-in digital signal processor with a 16 band EQ for fine tuning the audio to your requirements.

Other features of the Joying Touch Screen Unit include:

  • 50 watt x 4 channels
  • Android 8.1 with 2 GB RAM
  • Ability to mirror your smartphone
  • Supports steering wheel controls
  • Fast boot functionality
  • 8.8 inch touchscreen display
  • Two year warranty
  • GPS navigation
  • Bluetooth 4.2
  • All hardware included

The Joying Android single din touchscreen is an easy to use head unit with an affordable price tag. It features all the functionality of the premium options as well as many other extras. If you would prefer a larger touchscreen, the brand also offer other models.

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5. Pioneer SPH10BT Single Din Car Stereo

Pioneer SPH10BT Single Din Car Stereo
The Pioneer SPH10BT is a unique single din head unit that may look like an old fashioned option but it’s actually far from it. The unit has a pop-out car phone holder that allows for touchscreen control via the Pioneer smart sync application.

As well as syncing to the smartphone application, this single din car stereo also has Bluetooth for handsfree calling and music streaming.

Other features of the Pioneer SPH10BT include:

  • Phone acts as the digital display in the cradle
  • Quick charge for Android devices
  • Digital media receiver with AM/FM tuner
  • Old school design
  • Mixtrax virtual DJ technology
  • Large buttons and easy to read interface
  • Easy to install

The intuitive design of the Pioneer SPH10BT and the addition of the smart sync application makes it an excellent choice. Retaining the classic single din design whilst having all the modern technology is also highly desirable.

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6. Pyle PLBT71G Single Din Navigation Head Unit

Pyle PLBT71G Single Din Navigation Head UnitThe Pyle PLBT71G is a cheaper touchscreen alternative that has a unique selling point because it’s a single din unit that has navigation pre-installed.  The flip out screen is 7 inches and perfect for displaying road maps to the driver.

Unlike other touchscreen single din head units that require Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, this unit has the GPS module integrated for navigation.

Other features of the Pyle PLBT71G Radio include:

  • Bluetooth connectivity for streaming music
  • CD, DVD, USB and AUX input
  • Hands free Bluetooth calling
  • 1 Years free warranty with customer support
  • 4 x 80 watt power output (320 max)

Considering it has navigation and other features, it’s still fairly cheap compared to the other flip screen units. However, many will agree that this stereo does not have the luxury feel compared to alternatives such as the Pioneer AVH-X7800BT. However, if you cannot afford the Pioneer, the Pyle PLBT71G is the best option.

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7. Alpine CDE-HD149BT Single Din Radio – Best For Bluetooth

Alpine CDE-HD149BT Single Din RadioAlpine are another major brand in the car audio industry and their CDE-HD149BT model is a premium single din stereo. It has many features that are designed for those wanting to run multiple audio components and requiring hands-free calling.

Although this single din head unit has been on the market for many years now, it’s still a high performing example of what’s available.

Other features of the Alpine CDE-HD149BT include:

  • 200 watt power output (50 x 4 channels)
  • RMS power output 18 watts x 4 channels
  • Bluetooth for audio streaming and hands-free calls
  • Pre-amp RCA outputs
  • Built-in equalizer with 9 bands
  • LCD display
  • Includes a 1 year warranty
  • CD, USB and AUX inputs

The design of the Alpine CDE-HD149BT is perfect for the premium older cars where flashy stereos spoil the design. If you are planning a large audio install with many speakers, then this Alpine unit is perfect, as it has all the relevant outputs.

Overall, it’s the best single din head unit without the flip out screen and includes every feature you could ever want from hands-free calling to a LCD display.

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8. Pioneer DEH-150MP Single Din Stereo

Pioneer DEH-150MP Single Din Stereo
If you are on a budget but want the best sound quality from your single din stereo, the DEH-150MP is the best option. It has no fancy touchscreen or Bluetooth but instead, it’s a basic head unit that’s a direct OEM replacement.

It does have one of the most important features, which of course is an AUX input, which is located upon the front panel. From an appearance point of view, it’s not obtrusive, which is great for classic cars that require a subtle upgrade.

Other features of the Pioneer DEH-150MP Radio include:

  • 200 watt power (50 watts x 4 channels)
  • RMS of 14 watts x 4 channels
  • CD and AUX input
  • Built-in Equalizer setting with bass boosting settings
  • LED Backlight

The power outputs are very similar to the more expensive AVH-X7800BT but it lacks the expensive functionalities. Therefore, if you want a cheap single din head unit that provides high quality sound, the DEH-150MP model by Pioneer is the best option.

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9. Kenwood KMM-BT322 Single Din Head Unit

Kenwood KMM-BT322 Single Din Head Unit
One of the most popular single din head units is produced by the reputable Kenwood brand. It combines value for money and performance into a single package with the added benefit of having a smartphone application for controlling the unit.

Kenwood offer the KMM-BT322 model with the choice of having a CD player or not. There is a small price increase but if you require a CD player, it’s a great option.

Other features of the Kenwood KMM-BT322 include:

  • Built-in Bluetooth for audio streaming
  • Front AUX port for connecting to your smartphone
  • Variable color illumination
  • 13 band graphic equalizer
  • 50W x 4 output with bass boost
  • Theft deterrent face plate

Unique features such as the ability to pair up to 5 Bluetooth devices, optional CD player and the smartphone application make it very desirable. It’s by far one of the most popular head units within this article and for good reason too.

Overall, the Kenwood KMM-BT322 is an excellent all-round single din head unit and a perfect OEM replacement.

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10. BOSS Audio 616UAB Single Din Radio

BOSS Audio 616UAB Single Din Radio

The BOSS Audio 616UAB  is an affordable single din head unit that has a lot to offer. Unlike other similar priced alternatives, it features Bluetooth, various audio inputs and an impressive three warranty period for peace of mind.

The brand also offer this unit with a CD player but this does come at an additional price and may not be used by the majority of users.

Other features of the BOSS Audio 616UAB include:

  • 50 watt x 4 channels
  • Built-in equalizer
  • Wireless remote controller
  • USB, SD and AUX but no CD Player
  • Hands-free Bluetooth calling and music streaming
  • Front pre-amp outputs for adding an amp or signal processor
  • Includes a 3 years warranty

Compared to other cheap single din radios on the market, the 616UAB looks stylish and has a better build quality. If you are on a strict budget, this is the cheapest single din stereo that offers much more than the eye can see.

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Single Din Head Unit Buying Guide

Upgrading your stereo not only provides you with better sound quality but also increases the amount of outputs for additional car audio speakers.

Replacing your old OEM stereo with the best single din head unit that you can get your hands on is an easy modification. By using a set of removal keys, you can have the two units switched over within minutes.

best single din stereo

Bluetooth and Other Connectivity

Upgrading to a single din head unit with Bluetooth can make a world of difference whilst out on a drive. Rather than using a separate Bluetooth car kit, you can rely on your stereo to make calls and stream your own music.

Other connectivity includes AUX, USB and even SD cards, which can all be used to play music or even watch videos for those with a touchscreen.

Flip Out Touchscreen

A single din touchscreen head unit is made possible by either a flip out or media receiver type of construction. Both types provide a much larger display, which is a similar size to the double din alternative. Although it may come with a premium price, it allows you to use features such as navigation, Android Auto or Apple CarPlay and much more.

best single din touch screen

Conclusion

All of our recommendations cover a broad range of head units and are suitable for all budgets. We highly advise sticking to reputable brands as they would have been tested thoroughly and designed to be long lasting.

procarreviews author

Written By Dan

About the Author

Dan is an automotive journalist and owner of over 10 cars ranging from supercars, tuned cars, classics and your good old beater cars. He always likes to get his hands dirty with nut and bolt restorations or detailing sessions using the best products on the market.

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