If you require a quick answer, the best double din head unit is the Pioneer SPH-DA230DAB, which features a stylish 7 inch touchscreen display and plenty of features to keep you entertained. However, if you want a dedicated Android head unit, the ATOTO S8 is the best alternative that offers plenty of customisation and all the latest features.
To rate the double din head units within this article, we based our recommendations upon installing multiple radios over the years, research and a number of factors. The factors that we considered included the inclusion of Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, display, equaliser, built-in applications, Bluetooth connectivity, inputs and outputs, warranty and value.
Best Double Din Head Unit Overview
- Best Overall: Pioneer SPH-DA230DAB
- Best Android: ATOTO S8
- Best All-Rounder: Pioneer DMH-A340DAB
- Best Floating: Kenwood DMX-9720XDS
- Best Budget Android: OUSMIN A8 Pro
- Best Budget: Sony DSX-B710D
Unlike a single din head unit, double din stereos offer far more functionality due to the larger display. However, if you are looking to upgrade from a single to double din, you can modify the fascia and convert the opening to a larger 2-DIN.
Below is a list of the best double din head units that are packed full of functionality and feature stylish displays.
The Best Double Din Head Units
1. Best Overall: Pioneer SPH-DA230DAB 2-DIN Radio
Pioneer are a highly reputable car audio brand in the UK and they produce a wide range of stereos. The SPH-DA230DAB is their flagship model that not only looks great but is also packed full of intuitive functionality.
This model in particular uses all the available space with a 7 inch touchscreen display and 7 button upon the lower panel. It’s also able to match the display and key illumination with your car’s interior lighting, which is a fantastic feature that adds a touch of class when compared to the alternatives.
- 7 inch touchscreen display (16:9 aspect ratio)
- Features Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
- DAB radio tuner
- 13 band graphical EQ
- USB input and Bluetooth connectivity
- Built-in Spotify and Waze application
- Better Apple compatibility than Android
- Relatively expensive when compared to the alternatives
It’s worth pointing out that although it’s compatible with Android smartphones, Pioneer themselves state that it’s “made for the iPod/iPhone”. Additional features for iOS users include control for charging, music, video and so much more.
To conclude, the SPH-DA230DAB is one of the best double din head units available in the UK that’s packed full of functionality. It does come with a premium price tag but with car stereos, you do get what you pay for.
2. Best Android: ATOTO S8 Android Double Din Head Unit
The popularity of Android double din head units has increased a lot over the last few years. The main reason for this is due to the fact that they can be customized far more than standard head units and offer further functionality. The ATOTO brand in particular are leading the way with a choice of six different models that are all packed with intuitive features.
The S8 head unit in particular is the brand’s new and improved model that features plenty of unique features. For example, some standout features include gesture control, dual Bluetooth, ultra clear QLED display and much more.
- Fast user interface thanks to the ARM Cortext Octa-Core processor
- Three methods of connecting your smartphone (tethering, wired or hotspot)
- Option of a 7 inch or 10.1 inch display
- Dash cam and reverse camera inputs
- Dual Bluetooth 5.0 and WiFi connectivity
- Intuitive touch gesture control
- Offers plenty of customisation to best suit your requirements
- Relatively expensive when compared to other Android head units
The ATOTO S8 is the ultimate double din Android car stereo that’s perfect for those that enjoy customisation. It has the largest feature list of any double din head unit in the UK and it certainly won’t disappoint. The only drawback is its premium price tag but considering it’s the brand’s flagship model, it’ll be a worthwhile investment that you won’t regret.
3. Best All-Rounder: Pioneer DMH-A340DAB Double Din Stereo
Another double din stereo by the reputable Pioneer brand is their more affordable DMH-A340DAB model. It’s a 6.8 inch touchscreen stereo that looks great and offers all the latest functionality to bring a modern touch to any vehicle.
A unique feature of this particular double din stereo is that it features a “sport” chassis. This means that it has a shallow depth, which results in an easier and more flexible installation.
- Desirable DAB+ tuner
- Bluetooth and WebLink connectivity
- MOSFET 50w x 4 inputs for connecting other speakers
- Easy to install thanks to the "sport" chassis
- Aesthetically pleasing 6.8 inch display
- Doesn't feature Apple CarPlay/Android Auto (can mirror some apps via WebLink)
To conclude, if you require an affordable double din radio that’s produced by a reputable brand, you can’t go wrong with the Pioneer DMH-A340DAB. The main drawback is the lack of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality but don’t let this put you off this model. We state this because you are able to mirror your smartphone by the WebLink in order to use popular applications such as Waze, Spotify and many others.
4. Best Floating: Kenwood DMX-9720XDS Media Receiver
If you are looking for the ultimate upgrade, the Kenwood DMX-9720XDS is a great option to consider. It’s a floating double din media receiver that features every possible function you could ever need.
The standout feature of this double din stereo is of course the huge floating 10.1 inch touchscreen that can be adjusted in 3 positions to best suit you requirements. However, other excellent features include its dual smartphone connectivity, support for up to four video inputs, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as so much more.
- Intuitive floating panel mechanism that moves in 3 different positions
- DAB+ and FM/AM radio tuner
- Up to 4 camera inputs
- Digital sound processor and 13 band EQ
- Wired and wireless smartphone connectivity
- Relatively easy to install into double din openings
- By far the most expensive head unit within our roundup
The Kenwood DMX-9720XDS is a game changer in terms of car head units and there is nothing that comes close. Although Alpine and Pioneer offer their own versions, Kenwood’s media receiver offers far more functionality and is much better to look at in terms of aesthetics. Therefore, to conclude, if you are willing to pay the premium price tag, the DMX-9720XDS should be at the top of your list.
5. Best Budget Android: OUSMIN A8 Pro Android Double Din Stereo
If you are looking for a budget Android double din stereo, the OUSMIN brand have the perfect solution. The A8 Pro is the brand’s budget model that’s been recently improved to include wireless support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Unlike many of the alternatives, this stereo is a touchscreen unit that also features buttons. For many people, this functionality can be very desirable and make using the stereo a little bit easier too.
- 2 Core CPU for a delay-free user interface
- Supports rear view cameras and inputs for additional speakers
- Wired and wireless smartphone connectivity
- Compatible with steering wheel controls
- Doesn't include as many features when compared to premium Android stereos
- Many people may prefer a full touchscreen display without the buttons
To conclude, the new and improved A8 Pro is by far the best budget Android double din head unit on the market. The fact that it has wireless smartphone connectivity as well as the usual Android features make it great value for the money. Of course, due to its lower price, it does lack some features but for the money, it won’t disappoint.
6. Best Budget: Sony DSX-B710D DAB Double DIN Stereo
If you want a basic double din head unit that offers Bluetooth for streaming your own music as well as DAB for your favourite radio stations, the Sony DSX-B710D is the perfect solution. On top of this, it also includes desirable features such as a built-in amplifier and 10 brand EQ for improved sound quality.
- Dual Bluetooth connectivity
- Offers extra bass and improved sound quality
- Easy to use and install
- Backed by a reputable brand
- Great upgrade for older cars that want to retain an OEM appearance
- Lacks features found on large display head units (i.e. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto)
To conclude, the Sony DSX-B710D is an excellent all-round option that’ll make a great upgrade to older OEM head units. The fact that it isn’t a touchscreen stereo may be very desirable and it’ll look great in older cars due to the fact that it has an OEM look and feel. Although there are cheaper options available, none offer DAB radio channels, have a reputable brand backing or the build quality to match this stereo.
How We Rated The Double Din Head Units
Over the years, we have tried and tested a whole range of head units that include premium to budget options and those built by some of the best brands in the industry. Since most of the latest aftermarket head units feature Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, they’ve exploded in popularity and are one of the best modifications you can make to your car.
As well as testing multiple head units in a number of cars, we also based our recommendations upon hours of research and multiple factors. Some of the factors that we considered included the inclusion of Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, display, equaliser, built-in applications, Bluetooth connectivity, inputs and outputs, warranty and value.
Conclusion
Upgrading your car’s double din stereo with one of the recommendations above can completely transform your interior. They offer far more functionality than you would ever need and can even add to the resale value of your car.
We strongly recommend avoiding the cheap head units because many are built upon poor operating systems that may become slow later down the line. If your budget can stretch, the inclusion of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto are excellent additions that offer far more functionality to the head unit. However, if you require further information with regards to double din head units, feel free to get in touch and we will try to provide our assistance where possible.
