There are a variety of reasons to upgrade your vehicle's stereo head unit, but the most appealing one today is to add smartphone integration. Anyone with an Apple iPhone can utilize Apple CarPlay for navigation, taking calls, sending texts and more with a simple voice command. You don't need a brand-new ride to experience any of this functionality in a safe, distraction-free way, either. Since Apple CarPlay's debut in 2014, aftermarket stereo manufacturers have been designing head units with Apple's automotive OS to fit a variety of later model vehicles.
In addition to Apple CarPlay, many head units from the likes of Sony, JVC, Kenwood, Pioneer and others include HD Radio, CD/DVD players, satellite radio, USB port inputs, preamps, built-in GPS navigation, Bluetooth connectivity and wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity. Upgrading to a new Apple CarPlay head unit also opens the potential for a bigger display screen than what you may already have in your vehicle. Some new stereo system units may even add features your factory stereo didn't have before, like gauges for engine performance or ability to add a backup camera.
With so many options, trying to figure out what the best Apple head unit is for your vehicle can be tough. That's why we spoke with the folks at Crutchfield to help us pick the best Apple CarPlay car stereo head units. Crutchfield has helped over six million customers upgrade their car audio experience since 1974.
Criteria for choosing the best Apple CarPlay head unit
We've assembled our list of the best Apple CarPlay car stereo head units from models that fit the most common radio sizes: single DIN car stereo and double DIN head unit car stereo slots. These car stereo system picks are based on Crutchfield's expert recommendations, user reviews and ratings at popular shopping sites.
Before you dig in, find out exactly which Apple CarPlay car stereo will fit in your vehicle by using Crutchfield's Find What Fits tool. Enter your vehicle make, model and year, and you'll be greeted with speakers, Apple CarPlay head units and more that will fit your ride.
Three things to look for in a new Apple CarPlay head unit
- Double DIN or single DIN: The two most common head sizes are double DIN unit and single DIN unit. Single DIN stereo openings measure 2 inches by 8 inches, while double DIN openings measure 4 inches by 8 inches. If you're replacing a double DIN unit, there are more options for adding smarts to your stereo. A single DIN doesn't automatically mean you're out of the running for pairing your Apple iPhone to your car for Apple CarPlay, but you will have fewer choices.
- Types of receivers: There are a few different head unit categories, each offering a slightly different feature set depending on your needs. Can't let go of discs? You're in luck, as you can have physical and digital in one auto head unit package with a DVD receiver. Digital multimedia receivers don't have an optical drive, but they can play back audio and video and many have touchscreens.
- Features: When you're looking for an Apple car stereo head unit, Apple iPhone integration isn't all you'll get for your dollar. If you want something closer to your smartphone look for a capacitive touchscreen rather than a resistive one. Many models also include pre-outs for adding external amps and subwoofers, in addition to HD and satellite radio tuners. For the ultimate convenience, look for a unit with Bluetooth and wireless Apple CarPlay app connectivity.
Before you buy
Depending on where you buy your Apple car stereo, it may come with free installation. Failing that, Best Buy charges $100 for installation and promises a factory-installed look without a loss of factory functionality. You'll have to pay for any additional parts beyond the flat labor fee.
When it comes to self-installation of a head unit, you have a few options, but both involve premade wiring harness adapters. Scosche and Amazon sell a variety of connectors that eliminate the need for cutting and soldering into the factory wiring harness. You can also pick up adapters so you don't lose features like OnStar, steering wheel controls or door chimes. These range in price from a few dollars to more than a few hundred bucks, depending on the complexity. You can buy trim pieces and mounting kits as well, and chances are finding a YouTube how-to video for your stereo model and vehicle won't be too difficult.
If you don't have the time or energy to track everything down yourself, consider buying your Apple CarPlay stereo head unit from Crutchfield. Crutchfield's trademark is making installation dead simple for do-it-yourselfers. By including premade wiring harnesses, connectors, trim pieces and vehicle-specific installation instructions with every head unit and speaker, Crutchfield takes the intimidation out of upgrading your stereo yourself.
Best of all, DIYing doesn't mean you lose steering wheel audio controls, backup cameras or other factory creature comforts, either. That comes at a price, though. When you're drafting your upgrade budget, expect to set aside between $300 to $500 in addition to the cost of your head unit for the necessary harnesses and data controllers. Older vehicles make for cheaper installs, however. The Pioneer AVH-W4500NEX's install kit for a 2008 Ford Ranger lists for $56, for example, but it's currently discounted by $50.
"You can 100 percent get a very modern [smartphone-connected] radio experience in your car," even if it's over a decade old said Adam "J.R." Stoffel, a training manager who's been with Crutchfield since 1996.
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Written for Roadshow by Timothy Seppala.
