An aftermarket Android head unit can be a cost-effective way to add Android Auto apps and voice commands to your car. Here’s our advice for choosing the right one.
How Much Does an Android Aftermarket Head Unit Cost?
The prices start as low as $100 and climb well above $1,000. When you hop to the next tier, you gain better features, larger screens, and higher resolution. Audio fidelity also improves. But Apple head units usually offer better sound quality.
- The least expensive Android-only head units start around $100. The lower cost of no-name discount brands requires compromises on quality, durability, and functionality. We don’t recommend them.
- Increase your budget to around $200 for legacy brands such as Clarion, Dual, and Jensen. <<<What can you say about what you get for the extra $100? I’m not seeing any Jensens. Hmm.>>>
- By shopping in the $300 range, your shopping list can include entry-level models from Alpine, JVC, Kenwood, and Pioneer. <<<again, why shell out the extra dough?>>>
Android aftermarket head units are generally less expensive than Apple head units. But Android head units can’t use Apple CarPlay. <<<why should I care about Apple CarPlay if I can use Android?>>> See our guide to “Aftermarket Apple Head Units.”
Audiophiles: Go with Apple instead of Android
If you value gadgets and apps over audio fidelity, tablet-like Android units can be enticing. And the low prices are compelling.
But if you’re an audiophile, Android-based head units are not the best choice. While Android-based head units have many features and look cool, they will not produce high-quality sound.
Also, don’t expect to get domestic customer support. Many low-cost Android head units are not authorized as Android Auto devices.
Android Head Units: It’s All About the Apps
Android Auto currently supports 280 apps. That’s a huge advantage over Apple CarPlay.
That said, the vast majority of Android Auto apps relate to radio stations. These apps provide a way to tune into your favorite stations as an alternative to iHeartRadio.
Take note: Android Auto does not support automotive-specific apps. If you’re keen to install car apps like DashCommand and Torque, go with an Apple aftermarket head unit.
The list of supported Android apps includes a giant selection of apps for music, podcasts, live news, and sports. There are also many Android meeting and message apps, such as:
- Cisco Webex Meetings
- Facebook Messenger
- Google Hangouts
- ICQ Messenger
- Kik
- Nextplus Free SMS Text + Calls
- Skype
- Telegram
- TextPlus
- WhatsApp Messenger
The Size of Aftermarket Head Units
Infotainment head units come in two sizes. It’s important to know which size fits your vehicle before starting to shop:
- Single-DIN: 180 mm by 50 mm
- Double-DIN: 180 mm by 100 mm
Double-DIN Android Head Units
The big brand Double-DIN Android Auto head units cover all the bases.
Kenwood is a case in point. It offers a wide range of models, starting with the value-priced, shallow-mount Kenwood DMX4707S for about $350.
The DMX4707S has a 6.8-inch capacitive touchscreen and delivers 21 watts RMS internally—with five-channel (2-volt) preamp outlets, a 13-band equalizer, and a single camera input.
On the high-end, there’s the Kenwood DNR10007XR for nearly $1,600. It has a much longer list of features:
- An expansive 10.1-inch high-definition 1280 x 720-pixel floating screen
- Android Auto wireless Wifi
- A fully integrated Garmin navigation system
- Four camera inputs
- iDatalink Maestro compatibility (for interfaces with apps and vehicle devices)
- And a volume knob!
Moreover, the audio quality is a big step up <<<or is it the roughly the same?>>>. The Kenwood DNR10007XR provides 22 watts RMS internally <<< that’s only one more watt so is it better audio?>>>, six-channel preamp outlets, and a parametric equalizer.
Single-DIN Android Head Units
Single-DIN Android Auto head units use floating touchscreens. They tend to be more expensive than their Double-DIN counterparts due to the complexity of construction. But they look super slick.
Pricing for Single-Din starts around $550 for the 6.94-inch Pioneer AVH-3500NEX. It runs up to approximately $1,200 for the 10.1-inch Pioneer DMH-WT8600NEX. The manufacturer’s power rating is identical for both units at 22 watts RMS.
Critically, the DMH-WT8600NEX provides high-tech capability: a second camera input, HD Radio, and wireless Android Auto.
If you’re shopping large-screen Single-DIN Android, also consider the Alpine Halo11 iLX-F411 and Stinger HEIGH10.
See Android Head Unit for sale on eBay.
