From single DIN to double DIN, DAB to USB plug in, we uncover the best head units for car stereo upgrades.
If you’re looking for a new head unit for your car or van, it can be hard to know what to replace your old one with. There are lots of different types of head unit around, and researching whether a head unit offers the features you need can be time consuming.
You need to consider whether you need single DIN or double DIN, and whether the head unit is compatible with Android or Apple devices. Also look at whether it has DAB installed, a USB input for charging, and decide on whether you’re more focussed on it having a touch screen or epic sound potential.
Then you need to think about whether you want to install your radio unit yourself or have a professional install it for you. We’ve written a guide to radio installation, which answers some top questions if you’re unsure on whether you have the experience to install your radio yourself.
So what are the best head units of 2021 and why are they the best? Whether you’re looking for single DIN, double DIN, DAB or even a head unit for a specific vehicle, we have you covered in this guide. Like what you see? Celsus is a market leader when it comes to competitive pricing – check out our range of head units.
The best head units for 2021 are:
- The Caliber RMD803DAB-BT – best overall car head unit
- The Alpine iLX-F903D – best single DIN car head unit
- The Caliber RMD579DAB-BT – best double DIN car head unit
- The Pioneer DEH-80PRS – best head unit for sound quality
- The Kenwood DNX5190DABS – best for VW T5 Campervans
- The Caliber RMD213 – best for built-in speakers
- The Sony DSX-A510BD – best head unit for bass
Compare features of the best car head units
The table below gives you some insight into radio size and screen size. It also states whether the radio is compatible with Android or Apple mirroring software. In the case where a head unit isn’t compatible, as long as there is Bluetooth, AUX or USB connectivity, you’ll be able to play your music through the radio.
Head unit | DAB | DIN | AUX/USB | Screen | Android | Apple | Market price |
Caliber RMD803DAB-BT | Yes | Double | USB | 6.2 inch | Yes | Yes | Around £135 |
Alpine iLX-F903D | Yes | Single | USB | 9 inch | Yes | Yes | Around £750 |
Caliber RMD579DAB-BT | Yes | Single | USB/AUX | No | No | No | Around £250 |
Pioneer DEH-80PRS | No | Single | USB/AUX | No | Yes | Yes | Around £300 |
Kenwood DNX5190DABS | Yes | Double | USB/AUX | 6.8 inch | No | Yes | Around £600 |
Caliber RMD213 | No | Single | USB | No | No | No | Around £100 |
Sony DSX-A510BD | Yes | Single | USB/AUX | No | No | No | Around £130 |
Discover more about the best head units for your car radio upgrade below.
1.Caliber RMD803DAB-BT
Best single DIN car head unit
If you’re looking for value for money, the Caliber RMD803DAB-BT head unit is a great option. Not only is it DAB, it offers a touch screen display, mirroring for Android and Apple devices, and there’s the option to hook it up to an amplifier or subwoofer to really create the ultimate sound system.
In addition to mirroring for Android and Apple devices, the Caliber RMD803DAB-BT offers Bluetooth connectivity for handsfree phone calls and USB connectivity for charging. Even better, if you purchase the Caliber RMD803DAB-BT through Celsus, a DAB windscreen antenna is included.
2.Alpine iLX-F903D
Best single DIN car head unit
The most expensive radio heat unit on our list, the Alpine iLX-F903D offers up a huge nine inch collapsible screen – all from a single DIN head unit. But that isn’t all it has going for it. If you want to take touch screen to the next level, the Alpine iLX-F903D is the one to go for.
Included in its seemingly endless list of features is an edge-to-edge glass design, adjustable display angle, Whatsapp for driving, Spotify, Amazon Music, sound optimisation, and the option to display footage from rear cameras. This all makes its £750 price tag very justifiable.
3. Caliber RMD579DAB-BT
Best double DIN car head unit
When it comes to the best overall car heat unit, the Caliber RMD803DAB-BT has a lot to offer. It’s conveniently double DIN, which means it’s more suited to modern cars with a bigger head unit space. It can come with a range of fascia to ensure it fits snugly into the dashboard.
Thanks to its seven inch folding screen, you can instantly bring your car entertainment system into the modern day, and it even has an RCA output to connect an amplifier to give your stereo system a big sound quality overhaul.
4. Pioneer DEH-80PRS
Best head unit for sound quality
The Pioneer DEH-80PRS has certainly been designed with audiophiles in mind. It features Auto EQ to ensure listeners benefit from optimum sound quality and Auto and Digital Time Alignment to allow listeners to adjust the subtlest of sound settings.
In addition to the above, users benefit from a spectrum analyser, which is used to balance the radio frequency waves, and a bass booster for those rich sounds. In terms of input, the head unit is well-suited to old school CD fans, while also offering AUX, USB, and Bluetooth to hook up your phone.
5. Kenwood DNX5190DABS
Best head unit for VW T5 Campervans
When you’re touring all over the country in your VW T5 campervan, you need a solid nav system. And with all those small, windy roads, you may need some rear and front cameras, too. Thanks to built-in navigation and the ability to add three cameras, the Kenwood DNX5190DABS radio head unit is an ideal option.
While the head unit only supports the mirroring of Apple devices, those with Androids can still hook up their device via USB and AUX. In terms of audio features this Kenwood head unit offers front and rear speaker and subwoofer hook up, so you can turn your van into the ultimate road trip vehicle.
6. Caliber RMD213
Best head unit for built-in speakers
If you’re looking to insert a radio head unit into a really old car, you may be looking at installing speakers too – unless, you invest in the Caliber RMD213. The Caliber RMD213 head unit comes with integrated speakers, and at 25W, they’re not bad speakers, too.
Thanks to USB and AUX inputs, you can connect the head unit to your phone or audio device. And with 4 built in 75W amplifiers, you can upgrade your speakers to turn your old car into the ultimate sound machine.
7.Sony DSX-A510BD
Best head unit for bass
If you love bass, you’ll love the Sony DSX-A510BD head unit. With the press of the Extra Bass button, you can enhance the low frequencies in your favourite songs, and with a 10 band digital equaliser and four 55W amps, you can fine-tune that bass even further.
With both Android and Apple voice control, the Sony DSX-A510BD head unit offers the safest way to control you music while you’re on the move, and with USB input, you can charge your phone on the go too. Considering all of these features, the price of this radio is a steal.
Celsus is one of the leading suppliers for car head units and accessories
Our online store is stocked full of car head units and accessories – in fact, if you’re looking for upgrade inspiration for your road trip, take a look at our guide on the best car accessories and equipment.
It would also be worth looking at our product finder tool to find the right fascia to accompany your head unit – this’ll ensure your dashboard looks neat and tidy with your new radio installed.
At Celsus, we pride ourselves on our competitive prices – we also offer a solid delivery service, so you can get your radio head unit installed as quickly as possible. Browse our full range of car products to give your car the ultimate upgrade.
