13 best car radios

Ratings of auto and moto goods

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Over the past 30 years, radio tape recorders have become an integral part of vehicle equipment, and have incorporated many advanced developments and technologies. Until recently, no one could have thought about the intricate design of the keys and the display: all control was done by means of hard buttons, information was displayed on segmented black-and-white screens, and the design of the front panels could be called clumsy, rather than beautiful and authentic.

At the present stage of development of the industry, leading manufacturers of car radios have set new standards for quality and equipment, gradually integrating LCD displays into music systems, endowing them with additional functions (messenger, mobile communication channel, etc.), as well as giving the image of futurism and elegance. Having carefully studied this market segment, the editors of the magazine selected 13 of the best car radios that have earned popularity among domestic users. Additional parameters for selecting products in the rating were evaluations from experts, as well as comparison of personal technical indicators with each other.

How to choose a car radio

Reliable and time-tested car radio selection is based on six key parameters:

Standard size. The aspect that determines the height of the system and, accordingly, the installation socket on the front panel of the car. All of them are divided into two types: 1 DIN (or 50 millimeters), and 2 DIN (100 millimeters). Despite the fact that the vast majority of other parameters do not depend on the size of the car radio, there is a whole range of differences between 1 DIN and 2 DIN models. So, the second category of devices has a higher cost, has more pronounced and enlarged controls, and (in the overwhelming majority of cases) are equipped with a full-fledged display. True, single-din radio tape recorders can also have a retractable screen. In general, according to this criterion, we recommend starting from personal preferences and the size of a regular place for installation.

Output power. An indicator characterizing the power that a standard radio amplifier can give out. For most standard stereos, this figure does not exceed 4×50 W, but today you can find models whose output power is 4×80 and even 4×100 W. Always pay attention to the standard acoustics indicators in the car and carefully read the recommendations on the power indicators for the selected car radio.

Amplifier channels. This parameter shows how many speakers can be connected to a particular car radio. Usually this number is the first in the maximum power indicator. For example, 2×40 W, 4×50 W, etc.

Display type. There are two basic types of displays for car radios:

  1. segment – screens of ordinary systems, allowing you to see the necessary information about a track or radio station in the form of a creeping line. They have a minimum set of features, but are inexpensive in performance, due to which they can reduce the cost of finished radio tape recorders;
  2. LCD, TFT, LED displays are a new generation of integrated screens, the functionality of which is often comparable to the capabilities of smartphones and other 'smart' gadgets. Some of them support touch control and voice input, but add to the cost more than others.
  3. When choosing a radio with a segment display, be sure to pay attention to studying the capabilities of the backlight: how many colors does it support and is there a control over its brightness. In the case of LCDs (and similar ones), look at the display of menu items and the interface as a whole: are there any small icons, labels and icons, if the screen is too dim or overexposed.

Front and rear panel connectors. In matters with the number of connectors on the car radio, you can act in two fundamentally different ways:

  1. choose the model equipped with the maximum number of ports, interfaces and connectors. Such a choice will provide high versatility of the device, and will also allow implementing the principle of interchangeability in the event of a breakdown of one of the most used data transmission channels. This method is the easiest, but to purchase something of high quality it will require quite serious expenses;
  2. think carefully about what and how you will connect to the car radio. In the case of the rear panel, this can be the number of standard speakers and a subwoofer, and with the front panel – USB, microSD, AUX, etc. Such systems will have a high flexibility of choice and, accordingly, represent different price segments.

Availability Bluetooth – communication channel. In modern driving conditions, this function has become very important, since the driver does not always have time to be distracted by switching the car radio or receiving an incoming call. The versatility Bluetooth lies precisely in this: this type of wireless connection allows you to implement the hands-free model – control the playlist using your smartphone or receive phone calls through the headset of the stereo system.

Rating of the best car radios

Nomination a place Name of product price
The best 1 DIN car radios 1 Pioneer DEX-P99RS RUB 49,020
2 Alpine CDE-178BT RUB 14 690
3 Prology MDD-720 RUB 10 800
4 Pioneer SPH-10BT 6 400 rub.
5 KENWOOD KDC-X5200BT 6 610 RUB
6 Alpine IVA-D511R RUB 55,990
The best car radios with a 2 DIN enclosure 1 Pioneer AVH-X8800BT RUB 36,990
2 Pioneer SPH-DA120 RUB 23 490
3 Alpine IVE-W585BT RUB 35 890
4 KENWOOD DMX7017BTS RUB 25 110
5 Alpine IVE-W530E RUB 22,980
6 Mystery MDD-6280NV RUB 10 443
7 Pioneer MVH-S610BT 7 220 rub.

The best 1 DIN car radios

Pioneer DEX-P99RS

Rating: 4.9

Pioneer DEX-P99RS

The absentee winner in the 'Best Sound' nomination goes to the ultra-expensive Pioneer DEX-P99RS car radio. Made by music lovers for music lovers, it has nothing superfluous and pretentious, allowing only to enjoy the music in the salon. Yes, the car radio can connect with devices on the system iOS (and even compatible with the alac format – unique for the company's products Apple), but no Bluetooth – there is no connection and in sight.

The full-fledged 8-thread Asahi Kasei 4396 UF processor allows you to get amazingly clear and accurate sound, but it requires good work on the selection and installation in car acoustics of the appropriate level. The design of the front panel is kept in a strict style, extremely laconic and thoughtful (unlike competitors from Alpine). The set includes a remote control, which, in general, plays the role of a rudiment, since you can switch songs through the steering buttons. Perhaps this is all that can be said about the Pioneer DEX-P99RS car radio. This radio tape recorder is definitely the best choice for those who love high-quality sound and do not hesitate to spend a lot of money on it.

Advantages

  • 8-thread processor from Asahi Kasei Microdevices;
  • perhaps the best sounding quality in all categories of this rating;
  • very strict and laconic design;
  • gadget compatibility Apple.

disadvantages

  • extremely high price.

Alpine CDE-178BT

Rating: 4.8

Alpine CDE-178BT

The third line of the rating goes to a high-quality car radio from Alpine with a wide display, which serves not only to identify playing songs and radio stations, but also to receive notifications from Facebook. This feature is implemented in the CDE-178BT using the TuneIt app, available for download to smartphones on the platform iOS. In Android – control systems through the application is not implemented, therefore the only way to receive calls and manage the playlist is Bluetooth – connection.

Judging by consumer reviews, the Alpine CDE-178BT car radio is an excellent system for reproducing precisely high-quality sound with a large number of settings, which not everyone can understand. The extended frequency range from 5 to 20,000 Hz is nothing more than a publicity stunt, but the built-in crossover and equalizer is a more real and tangible plus. In conclusion, I would like to comment on the appearance of the front panel. It is quite logical and complete, but for personal taste it is very stupidly assembled. The spread of buttons and the abundance of small elements does not look like something whole and pleasant – but there is nothing to be done: such is the originality and reality of almost everything Alpine produces.

Advantages

  • very high-quality work on sound and integration of a set of settings;
  • the possibility of direct connection of the radio with gadgets to iOS;
  • implementation of playback control and calls through Bluetooth;
  • built-in crossover and equalizer.

disadvantages

  • goofy panel design.

Prology MDD-720

Rating: 4.7

Prology MDD-720

A multimedia system with a sliding screen and a built-in disk drive, which has become a bestseller among other (let's not be cunning – not the best) products of the manufacturing company. The Prology MDD-720 car radio has a refined design based on a combination of sharp and strict lines with a well-chosen color scheme. The gray base of the plastic case is here combined with one of the most winning colors (green), which brings contrast and allows the detail to look even more elegant.

In terms of power level, the car radio shows a standard 200 W, without trying to stand out from competitors. It does not have a large number of presets and settings, but there is an interface that is mandatory in the current conditions Bluetooth, with which you can listen to music (but not answer calls). The outgoing display, in turn, received a diagonal of 7 inches with a resolution of 800×480 dpi. Not enough, but for the asking price – it's a sin to complain. And finally, we note the presence of a remote control, which can either be put on the back row, or left in a box for better times (you can control the radio from the steering wheel).

Advantages

  • profitable price;
  • the presence of a 7-inch screen;
  • very beautiful design (combination of gray with green backlighting);
  • implemented control from the steering buttons;
  • availability of a stable connection via Bluetooth.

disadvantages

  • traditionally weak quality.

Pioneer SPH-10BT

Rating: 4.6

Pioneer SPH-10BT

A very interesting representative of the line from Pioneer, which makes a strong impression on customers thanks to the original approach to the design of the bezel. Designed in a futuristic style, it has a very organic arrangement of control buttons with central illumination, extremely elegant backlighting and a small center display.

In turn, the stuffing of the Pioneer SPH-10BT car radio can be called standard: there is a 13-band equalizer with fairly accurate sound settings (both high / middle frequencies and bass), a radio module with a symbolic number of presets (6 in total) is integrated, and Bluetooth to implement call control and wireless music playback. As users note, they do not experience any problems with interference with this type of connection: at least, this model has an advantage over KENWOOD KDC-X5200BT. And in general, it is impossible to expose the authority of a car radio from a South Korean grandee: a stylish implementation, coupled with an endurance of the proper level of quality and not the most 'biting' price, is what a domestic user needs.

Advantages

  • very high-quality implementation of sound reproduction and visual parameters;
  • great design of the bezel;
  • complete rejection of the CD / DVD drive;
  • acceptable price;
  • 13-band equalizer with really fine tuning of the sound;
  • segment display with the ability to output video and even connect the parking sensors.

disadvantages

  • not found.

KENWOOD KDC-X5200BT

Rating: 4.5

KENWOOD KDC-X5200BT

A solid representative of 1 din car radios, which got into the rating due to the high-quality implementation of the volume of sound settings and a pleasant appearance. According to the KENWOOD manufacturer's standard, the KDC-X5200BT is represented by a combination of a black case with chrome elements and multi-color illumination of buttons and display, which fits into absolutely any environment. The maximum output power is 200 W at a nominal 88 (22 W for each of the four speakers). There is a standard equalizer, which significantly increases the range of settings for the most demanding people to sound.

In general, everything related to sound is traditionally embodied in KENWOOD KDC-X5200BT with high quality. For this special thanks to the central processor, which is installed in all models of this price segment. Among other things, the car radio has Bluetooth – a module with which the driver can not only play music from devices, but also receive calls (hands-free system in action). There is a CD-drive on the front panel of the car radio, a thing quite rudimentary in the current conditions of technology development. In turn, on the rear are USB, AUX and ISO connectors. In general, there are no drawbacks in connection methods – as well as in quality combined with cost indicators.

Advantages

  • The optimum ratio of price and quality;
  • 13-band equalizer with the ability to fine-tune the sound;
  • the ability to control using the buttons on the steering wheel (relevant for modern cars);
  • nice design and backlighting (albeit without brightness control).

disadvantages

  • weak connection via Bluetooth – there are playback stutters and poor voice transmission during a conversation.

Alpine IVA-D511R

Rating: 4.5

Alpine IVA-D511R

The Alpine IVA-D511R is a premium Sino-Japanese system that features a 7-inch display to complement the capabilities of a standard radio. As in the entire line of Alpine products, this model has an extended frequency range (from 5 to 20,000 Hz), which is nothing more than a standard gimmick for naive buyers (for which those in the know try to avoid the products of this company). Although the appearance is not devoid of some elementary style, in general it looks rather dull and incomprehensible. This moment of humiliation can be ended.

In other respects, the Alpine IVA-D511R performs very well. In particular, the strongest components were the sound quality and the ability to flexibly adjust the equalizer to the user's taste. Also noteworthy is the large number of supported formats (both video and audio), and with them the ability to integrate with devices Apple. Integration of the Bluetooth – module acts as an additional option, which looks like a mockery when you look at the price. Nevertheless, this car radio is suitable for everyone who is a personal fan of Alpine products and appreciates the quality when playing their favorite songs.

Advantages

  • acceptable sound quality with deep options;
  • an abundance of playback formats;
  • the ability to integrate with devices on the platform iOS;
  • 7-inch segment display.

disadvantages

  • optional connection Bluetooth;
  • another incomprehensible concept of the front panel;
  • high price.

The best car radios with a 2 DIN enclosure

Pioneer AVH-X8800BT

Rating: 4.9

Pioneer AVH-X8800BT

Similarly to the SPH-DA120, the Pioneer AVH-X8800BT is the top model in its line and the unofficial flagship of the entire representative office of the South Korean company in the Russian market. It implements almost the same set of functions as in the opponent discussed below: 200 watts of power distributed across four sound sources, the ability to connect and fine-tune the subwoofer, custom power distribution over the speakers, as well as a crossover and a 13-band graphic equalizer.

Even the management functions for Android and iOS have 'migrated' in full. Plus, it became possible to control navigation directly from a smartphone by installing the appropriate applications. The main difference lies in the design of the interface and the appearance of the front panel. The menu is traditionally authentic, radically different from that on the SPH-DA120. In general, the overall design of the Pioneer AVH-X8800BT can be described as classic, especially for the Asian segment. There are more buttons, and they all 'moved' to the lower part of the frame, receiving a spectacular red backlight. As for the rest, there is nothing special to say: both in terms of cost and in terms of performance, this model fully corresponds to the system described below.

Advantages

  • nice-looking 7-inch display and bezel with red button illumination;
  • a wide range of implemented functions and integrated technologies;
  • the presence of a 13-band equalizer with graphic adjustment and built-in crossover;
  • high quality workmanship.

disadvantages

  • not found.

Pioneer SPH-DA120

Rating: 4.8

Pioneer SPH-DA120

Another representative of Pioneer, SPH-DA120, is a full-fledged multimedia system for cars with an independent operating system and a fully supported smartphone function. Its main advantage lies in the level of execution of the visual part – the control menu looks perfect, and the frame with the control buttons complements it perfectly.

In terms of the permissible sound power, the indicators remained at the level of 200 W, however, the hardware part became noticeably 'fresher': a 13-band equalizer and a crossover were added to the standard capabilities of the model, which made the sound more lively and voluminous. Among other things, the Pioneer SPH-DA120 offers the ability to fine-tune the sound of the subwoofer, as well as to prioritize the sound for the speakers in the car (if there are more than four of them or if you want to accentuate the volume on one of the quartet). Let's not forget to talk about the main feature of the technical part: the integrated MirrorLink function, which allows you to use all applications installed on your smartphone directly through the system. This car radio is quite expensive, but it fully justifies the price tag with a set of positive features.

Advantages

  • excellent implementation of the design of the control part (display + front frame);
  • built-in crossover and 13-band equalizer;
  • implementation of the MirrorLink control technology;
  • the presence of the voice assistant Siri Eyes Free;
  • The optimum ratio of price and quality.

disadvantages

  • not found.

Alpine IVE-W585BT

Rating: 4.7

Alpine IVE-W585BT

The Alpine IVE-W585BT multimedia system has been presented on the Russian market for a long time, but it enjoys stable popularity even despite the morally outdated design. The main component of the success of the car radio is a noticeably reduced price: back in 2017 it was more than 35 thousand rubles, but now it hardly exceeds 20 thousand.

Alpine IVE-W585BT is a system for real music lovers, which allows you to take into account absolutely all the nuances and sound requirements. The model has a whole range of settings, including a graphic equalizer with 9 bands. Navigation through the menu is intuitive: all labels and sections are marked with large icons with signatures, so that even a person who is far from such a technique can figure out the functionality, as they say, by typing. But for the more advanced, the function of controlling calls and playing music by means of Bluetooth is implemented – the hands-free system is very helpful for drivers on a trip. There is a pre-installed FM module and options for connecting parking cameras, as well as a rudimentary disc receiver. In general, the car radio was released at the junction of transition technologies, which is why it absorbed almost all the best that the segment could offer at that time.

Advantages

  • pleasant and clear menu design;
  • a sharp decline in value over the past two years;
  • withstands up to 200 watts of power;
  • implemented a communication system via Bluetooth and work through an application with devices on the platform iOS;
  • there is an equalizer and interfaces for connecting parking cameras;
  • very stable system operation.

disadvantages

  • rather austere front panel design.

KENWOOD DMX7017BTS

Rating: 4.6

KENWOOD DMX7017BTS

An expensive and bright high-level auto-player that has the ability to work with devices on platforms iOS and Android, as well as integrate with devices via the network Bluetooth. Actually, it would be strange to have any other parameters with such a design and technical capabilities: strict compliance with the highest segment provokes strict requirements for functionality. The standard four-channel KENWOOD DMX7017BTS amplifier is capable of supporting up to 200 watts of power – this figure is no different from the competitors presented.

But a full-fledged multimedia system is equipped with a GPS module, thanks to which it can perform (when loading maps) the function of a navigator. It is also worth noting the implementation of the interface: the menu and other 'chips' of the car radio are located in such a way that even a person far from technology can figure out how to navigate them. The diagonal of the touch display in KENWOOD DMX7017BTS is 6.95 inches, which excludes the possibility of missing the button even in the direction of travel. Summing up the above, we note that this is an excellent device for freelance picking of a car, the biggest drawback of which is the cost of the purchase.

Advantages

  • very nice appearance (both the display frame itself and the software component);
  • standard functions for working with devices on Android and iOS (+ connection via wired interfaces and over the network Bluetooth);
  • high quality workmanship (guarantee of trouble-free operation for 5-7 years);
  • wide display – 6.95 inches.

disadvantages

  • high price is a psychological barrier for the mass consumer.

Alpine IVE-W530E

Rating: 4.5

Alpine IVE-W530E

High-tech car radio with a large 6.1-inch high-resolution display (800×480 pixels), still capable of playing information from disc media. Alpine IVE-W530E does not have any preinstalled modules, and therefore cannot help with navigation, work over the network Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Instead, the manufacturers decided to thoroughly work with the sound reproduction quality, allowing the device to interface with subwoofers, and also work quietly at 200 W power, distributed over four sound channels.

In addition to reading information from media Alpine IVE-W530E provides the ability to connect a rear view camera to facilitate parking and review the situation on the road behind the car, and also supports control via buttons on the steering wheel. An important plus that appears in user reviews is touch control and a fairly easy-to-understand menu. In the end, even though the look of the car radio refers us to the visual features of ten-year-old technology, the sound is brought here to a good modern level.

Advantages

  • The optimum ratio of price and quality;
  • withstands up to 200 W of total power;
  • you can connect a subwoofer, rear view camera and remote control;
  • touch control and convenient navigation menu.

disadvantages

  • mediocre appearance;
  • no Wi-Fi modules and Bluetooth.

Mystery MDD-6280NV

Rating: 4.5

Mystery MDD-6280NV

A fairly inexpensive radio tape recorder with a built-in TV tuner, the main stream of problems in which is associated with a long reading of information from microSD drives. Mystery MDD-6280NV is a case of successful use of the main competitive advantage for sustainable implementation: a very well-known brand and a low price relative to its main competitors. For this, consumers receive a good quality of performance and reproduction, as well as a moderately mediocre design of the front panel.

According to the standards laid down in the Mystery MDD-6280NV, a four-channel amplifier with a peak total power of 200 W is implemented (50 W for each channel). There is a built-in equalizer (purely nominally – the settings in it do not reach any acceptable level), as well as a GPS module that allows you to use the car radio as a navigator. From the maps, the assembly from Navitel, which is relevant for the 2018th year, is loaded into it. The ability to control music and video from the steering buttons, and FM radio with 30 presets has been implemented. From the rest of the little things, we can highlight the presence of a remote control and the ability to connect a rear-view camera with a parking tag system.

Advantages

  • good indicators of maximum sound power;
  • low price;
  • the presence of pre-installed navigation maps from Navitel and a built-in GPS module;
  • steering wheel control function;
  • the ability to connect a rear view camera.

disadvantages

  • long data processing on microSD cards;
  • ascetic design of the front panel.

Pioneer MVH-S610BT

Rating: 4.4

Pioneer MVH-S610BT

A 2019 model that got into the rating due to its good sound quality and technical configuration. In fact, the Pioneer MVH-S610BT is the ideological embodiment of the visual developments of the past years – the appearance of the South Korean company is clearly traced. The clear lines of the body and control buttons, together with the volume control wheel, form an extremely successful combination and evoke an extremely pleasant feeling among consumers.

The rated output power of this car radio is 22 watts for each of the four speakers. But the maximum possible value of the short-term power output without mechanical damage can be as much as 200 W (which is achieved by connecting a standard MOSFET amplifier to the network). In accordance with the trends of recent years, the Pioneer MVH-S610BT has implemented the ability to control from the steering wheel using the corresponding buttons, and quite competently. There is the possibility of pairing the device with smartphones via Bluetooth, as well as playing music from USB flash drives and using the AUX interface.

Advantages

  • sufficiently high threshold of permissible power;
  • pleasant design and design of the front panel;
  • the ability to control the car radio from the steering buttons;
  • acceptable retail value;
  • the presence of radio and 24 preset channels.

disadvantages

  • not found.

Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

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