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Our new top pick is the Pioneer AVH-W4500NEX, while the AVIC-W8500NEX and AVH-3500NEX are our new upgrades and single-DIN choices, respectively. These are tiny updates of past elections that are currently unavailable to us.
We believe the easiest and safest way to use your phone while driving is to connect it to your stereo using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. After reviewing over 75 models and testing 19, we concluded that the Pioneer AVH-W4500NEX is the best car stereo replacement for drivers who need these features. With wireless connectivity and an intuitive interface, this Pioneer model makes it easier than other stereos to play music, navigate to destinations and send voice messages from your phone, minimizing distractions.
A crisp screen, intuitive controls, and the occasional Apple CarPlay or Android Auto wireless connection make using your phone’s features safer and easier while driving.
The Pioneer AVH-W4500NEX is one of the few car stereos that allows you to connect your phone to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto wirelessly or via a USB cable for even more functionality. Plus, its display is more attractive and customizable than other models we’ve tested. It offers intuitive physical controls and an additional feature set including multiple I/O connections and a CD/DVD drive. And the price is reasonable. However, if you need built-in navigation (instead of using your phone) or a capacitive multi-touch display, we recommend upgrading.
You have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an easy-to-use volume knob, but no wireless, no custom display, and a smaller screen.
If you just want to use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto and don’t mind using a wired USB connection to use them, the Sony XAV-AX100 is a good choice. Unlike most double DIN stereos, this Sony has a comfortable knob for easier volume control. Its 6.4-inch display is crisp and responsive, although it’s smaller than most other models. Compared to our top pick, the XAV-AX100 also lacks a CD/DVD player, satellite radio functionality, and the ability to customize button illumination to match your car’s interior. It is also not designed to connect to an iDatalink adapter for use with car steering wheel controls and other features.
This Pioneer offers all of our best features, plus an integrated navigation system and a capacitive display for multi-touch operation – handy features, but with hundreds of extras for the price.
The Pioneer AVIC-W8500NEX is pretty much the same stereo as our top pick, with the addition of a built-in navigation system and a capacitive screen that allows for multi-touch zoom control. Like our top pick, you can connect to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wirelessly or with a USB cable. Built-in navigation is a great alternative to phone navigation, as it allows you to track areas where poor reception makes calling cards unreliable or inconvenient, or if you want to keep your phone free for other purposes or to the maximum. Minimize battery life. and data consumption. Additional features cost several hundred dollars more, so we only recommend this model if you need it.
With its retractable 7-inch touchscreen, it’s the best way to get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in a smaller single-DIN stereo, but requires a wired USB connection to use it.
If your car only has one DIN (7″ x 2″) dash hole for the stereo system, Pioneer’s AVH-3500NEX with smart retractable touchscreen is the best choice for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It’s easy to use, with a convenient front-panel volume knob and large buttons for basic functions. The motorized 7″ screen slides in and out for use, effectively giving you the same interface as a double DIN stereo system. It stows away in the head unit when you turn off the radio or just want to hide it while listening to audio. However, using CarPlay or Android Auto on the device requires a wired USB connection, and depending on your vehicle’s dashboard, the screen may be blocking the climate control or air vents (it protrudes about 4 inches above the stereo).
A crisp screen, intuitive controls, and the occasional Apple CarPlay or Android Auto wireless connection make using your phone’s features safer and easier while driving.
You have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an easy-to-use volume knob, but no wireless, no custom display, and a smaller screen.
This Pioneer offers all of our best features, plus an integrated navigation system and a capacitive display for multi-touch operation – handy features, but with hundreds of extras for the price.
With its retractable 7-inch touchscreen, it’s the best way to get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in a smaller single-DIN stereo, but requires a wired USB connection to use it.
Rick Paul, who ran our final tests and edited this guide from the beginning, is a former Automotive Editor at Consumer Reports and Senior Feature Editor at Motor Trend, where he has reviewed hundreds of in-car audio and infotainment systems. It passionately supports any technology that makes using your phone in the car easier and safer, and has been using Android Auto since its launch in 2015.
Eric Evarts, who originally wrote this guide, has been reviewing new cars and their entertainment systems for over 20 years. In addition to Wirecutter, his articles have appeared in The Christian Science Monitor, Consumer Reports, US News & World Report, AAA, Alternet, Nature Prospect Magazine, and Green Car Report. He also installed three new stereos in his home cars, aged 11 to 22, to provide connectivity to the latest smartphones.
We also interviewed industry experts including Tony Mercado, former Marketing Development Manager at JVKenwood Corporation, Seth Halstead, Training Manager East, Kenwood USA, Christopher Mascari, Director of Business Operations for Wirecutter during our research. stereo for many years and his father owns a car audio installation shop; Ted Cardenas, Vice President of Marketing, Pioneer’s Automotive Electronics Division. (Our choice was not publicly announced during Cardenas’ 2017 interview, and this in no way influenced our decision to recommend Pioneer Radio this year.)
If you drive an older or less expensive car (from a 1990s Honda Civic to a recent Ford Focus or Toyota Corolla, for example), you probably won’t be able to get the most out of your smartphone through your car stereo. Even though you can stream audio and make calls hands-free via Bluetooth, you’ll likely have to use your phone’s small screen to navigate, meaning that even if your phone is attached to a car mount, it’s tricky and potentially distracting if Please interact with him if necessary. If you need to turn up the volume to listen to directions, you’ll have to fiddle with the volume controls on your phone, and switching apps or sending or replying to messages isn’t recommended (and hopefully you didn’t pick up the phone). your phone to send a text).
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto enhance convenience, safety and driving pleasure by basically bringing your phone’s controls to your stereo’s display so you can communicate with you through a simplified driver-friendly interface or by using voice control devices to interact. In particular, the integration of voice assistants makes these systems easier and safer to use than if you had to pick up the phone yourself. CarPlay and Android Auto have been included in most new cars over the past few years, and now they’re also included in dozens of replacement stereos.
With both systems, you can make hands-free calls, stream audio, send text messages by voice, and listen to incoming messages. And you have full access to your phone’s digital assistants – Siri or Google Assistant – which means all this and more can be done with voice commands.
However, for many, the biggest upgrade to this type of product is the ability to get more accurate driving directions using your phone’s navigation system, whether it’s Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze, to view maps, directions, and detailed traffic information . Using your phone as a navigation system takes up your screen and consumes data, but it can save you tons of money – a built-in navigation system can add thousands to the price of a car, or it can add thousands to the price of a car. stereo Hundreds of dollars (plus you may have to pay for map upgrades).
Just as important as their convenience is the value of these apps in reducing driving distractions. The ability to easily talk hands-free, play music, send text messages, or get directions by voice or by pressing one or two buttons on your stereo means you’re less likely to pick up your phone and use it while driving, which is important. you’re looking for One of the worst things you can do while driving (PDF). Talking on a cell phone while driving is illegal in 16 states and the District of Columbia, texting while driving is illegal in 47 states and the District of Columbia. In addition, the 2013 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (PDF) report included the results of an oft-cited study of 100 vehicles (conducted jointly by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute and the NHTSA). devices were about three times more likely to be in or close to a car accident. In contrast, car radio tuning “had little effect on drivability or crash risk”.
For most stereos with these apps, you will need to connect your phone with a USB cable. This setting allows you to use any iPhone 5 or later with iOS 7.1 or later with Apple CarPlay. Android Auto is compatible with devices running Android 5.0 (Lollipop) and above (but 6.0 (Marshmallow) and above is recommended for best performance).
If you want to connect to Apple CarPlay wirelessly, you’ll need iOS 9 or later, and at the time of writing, Android Auto Wireless is compatible with Pixel and Nexus 5X and 6P phones running Android 8.0 or later and next generation Samsung phones running Android 9.0 or later on Galaxy and Note devices.
Most of the stereos in our test group fit into a standard double DIN (7″ x 4″) dashboard hole, which is common in many cars. Only a few models we have tested fit the smaller single DIN (7″ x 2″) hole found in many older, less expensive vehicles. You can usually determine which hole your car has by simply measuring your stereo. But this is not always accurate, as many cars have single DIN stereos installed in large double DIN holes. Some car stereos are so seamlessly integrated into the car’s dashboard that it can be difficult to determine their size. This makes it difficult to just insert a new one and make it look the same.
A good way to find out which stereo is right for your car is to visit the Crutchfield website and enter the year, make and model of your car. In addition to information on whether a particular stereo is suitable, the Crutchfield website also shows any additional installation hardware you may need. The site also has tips for removing your current stereo (and replacing speakers if that’s what you’re thinking too). Alternatively, you can go to a local car audio installer (call first to compare rates) or install it yourself. If you do, download the digital manual, which is more complete than the accompanying documents. Many find that Crutchfield customer service reps help in this area as well, especially with more complex installations that require additional wiring harnesses, such as steering wheel controls.
Over two rounds of testing, we reviewed approximately 70 alternative car stereos running Apple CarPlay or Android Auto from nine brands. We compared the specifications, features and prices of each model and selected 19 of the most promising models for real-world testing. All models we tested are equipped with Apple CarPlay and/or Android Auto, Bluetooth, an 800 x 480 touchscreen, voice control, and enough power from 50 to 55 watts. Some CarPlay and Android Auto stereos offer larger 8- or 9-inch screens, but these typically require custom installation and can only be installed in a small number of vehicles, so we didn’t include them.
In addition to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto requirements, here are the other key features we look at when deciding which vehicles to test and recommend, starting with the most important ones.
We tested the stereos on the bench, following each stereo’s installation instructions, and connected them to a 12V portable power supply, speakers, microphone, and GPS antenna (if needed). We focus on the performance, ease of use and ergonomics of each stereo. We did not try to compare the sound quality, as it largely depends on the number and quality of the speakers, the way they are installed, the design and interior materials of the car in which they are used. We’re confident that with the right speakers and setup, any model we’ve tested will deliver sound quality that will satisfy, if not impress, most drivers.
We connected an iPhone and a Google Pixel phone to each stereo and tested them in Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, respectively. We tested how easy they were to connect and whether they would automatically connect after we turned the stereo system off and on again. In our tests, we also found that Wi-Fi connection drained the phone’s battery slightly more than using Bluetooth, but the difference was negligible. To test, we ran a fully charged Pixel 2 XL test phone twice for an hour while playing Pandora, first over Bluetooth and then over Wi-Fi. When using Bluetooth, the battery level dropped to 98 percent and 97 percent in two tests. With Wi-Fi, it dropped to 96 percent and 93 percent.
We also took a close look at all the basic functions of the device, from working with the radio (switching stations, setting presets and adjusting the volume) to using the hands-free function (viewing and dialing contacts and receiving calls).
We switch between features to see how quickly and easily we can get what we want. We pinch, scale, scroll and re-center each map. We turned the volume up and down for each feature because you don’t always hear what you want to hear while driving (jump to navigation instructions or key points in an audiobook). We went through the settings menu of each device looking for shortcuts to make things easier.
Most importantly, we ensure that each device is multifunctional at the same time, because one of the reasons for using CarPlay or Android Auto is to make multitasking while driving safer and easier: for CarPlay and Android Auto, we make and receive calls while driving. audio playback time. by phone and start the navigation system. We also use the stereo’s native operating system to play music and listen to the radio while navigating whenever possible. In each case, we try our best to simulate all the situations we encounter while driving to see how easy each model is for us.
A crisp screen, intuitive controls, and the occasional Apple CarPlay or Android Auto wireless connection make using your phone’s features safer and easier while driving.
If you’re looking to take advantage of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto as a replacement for your car stereo, we can’t believe there’s a better choice than the Pioneer AVH-W4500NEX. The AVH-W4500NEX is one of the few stereos that allows you to connect wirelessly to CarPlay or Android Auto (all models allow you to connect via USB cable). This Pioneer also has a more attractive and customizable display than any other stereo system, with intuitive physical controls and a feature set that meets all of our criteria, plus a few extras worth having. It doesn’t have built-in navigation or a capacitive display – our upgrade options include those features – but not having them here reduces the price by a few hundred dollars.
On our Pixel 2 XL and iPhone SE test phones, CarPlay and Android Auto worked seamlessly whether the AVH-W4500NEX was connected wirelessly or wired, allowing us to play music from Pandora and Spotify, draw navigation routes, and have conversations in speakerphone mode. telephone. You can set the application to automatically activate when you turn on the stereo or manually by pressing a few on-screen buttons.
Like all stereos we tested, the AVH-W4500NEX features an external microphone, making it easy to use Siri and Google Assistant voice commands in CarPlay and Android Auto. You can put it on a windshield visor or something similar to get it closer to your face. Just like using a digital assistant on a mobile phone, we can easily play music and enter destinations with voice commands, select playlists and albums, and even quickly switch between Pandora and Spotify without touching the screen. (Ok, we didn’t always get the exact playlist we asked for – sometimes a more general, similar list – but that’s an aspect of the app itself, not stereo.)
The standard 7″ x 4″ double DIN display is crisp and clear, with easy-to-read fonts and large buttons. We found menu navigation to be quick and intuitive. They only display the features you might need on the go, so the icons stay large and easily recognizable. Switching between AV sources or different functions is usually done with one or two button presses. Similarly, we had easy access to speaker settings and other features while playing CarPlay or Android Auto. Bonus: You can also independently adjust the volume of the AV source and the navigation app, so when used at the same time, neither is too loud or too quiet. You can also quickly mute the sound if you want, and when connected to your phone, the screen shows your phone’s battery level so you know when to plug it into the USB port for charging.
We love that the display is highly customizable, allowing you to choose from different themes, colors and backgrounds (even using photos you’ve uploaded), and that you can choose which on-screen buttons appear on the home screen for quick access. The screen can be set manually to day or night mode by setting a timer, or automatically when the car’s headlights are turned on. In addition, you can tilt the display up in small increments to make it easier to see or to compensate for a higher or lower position on the car’s dashboard.
The buttons below the display are relatively small but pleasant to the touch, so they’re easier to identify by touch while driving than on other stereos we’ve tested. The volume and back/speech buttons are particularly easy to find, as they protrude slightly from the panel and have their own distinct feel. You can easily change the backlight tint of the hardware buttons, choose from five primary colors, change their color or set your own color.
Like all stereos we’ve tested, the AVH-W4500NEX lets you connect two phones at the same time via Bluetooth and easily switch between them with the touch of a button on the home screen.
This Pioneer also includes a CD player for playing CDs or watching DVDs when the car is parked. You press the eject button on the far right and the display tilts down so you can insert a disc. You can also insert an SD memory card in the same way.
The AVH-W4500NEX has multiple inputs and outputs on the rear panel, giving you a host of additional features. You can connect a range of external devices such as the included GPS antenna or optional Sirius/XM tuner, rear view camera or rear seat monitor. In addition, you can expand your car audio system with an external amplifier by connecting it to Pioneer’s pre-out jack, which delivers a healthy 4 volts for better sound at higher volumes. While lower-priced models typically have one USB port on the back, the AVH-W4500NEX has two, so you can use one phone to control Apple CarPlay or Android Auto while charging the other. You can also connect an optional Pioneer navigation system or use the optional iDatalink Maestro adapter to integrate your stereo with steering wheel controls or other features.
All stereos we tested, including the Pioneer AVH-W4500NEX, let you connect two phones via Bluetooth for hands-free calling, music streaming, and more. But one small complaint we have with all such systems is that when you start using one phone for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, the second phone no longer routes audio through the stereo, even if the second phone has an incoming call. Also, if one phone is connected to CarPlay or Android Auto, you won’t be able to play music while the other phone is paired with the phone. So far, this inconvenience has to be put up with when using these systems.
Note for Android users: Because Pioneer uses an internal Wi-Fi network for wireless use, be sure to go to the Android Auto app settings on your phone and make sure “Wi-Fi is on” before connecting to Android Auto. The “Turn off Android Auto while working” option is unchecked. Otherwise, as we have found, the stereo system will try to connect to your phone, but will immediately disconnect. The instructions for the stereo system do not mention this, so a preliminary check will help to avoid scratches on the head and possible swear words.
In the end, it’s not so much a flaw as it’s a missing feature, and we want you to be aware of this in particular: this model is missing built-in navigation and the capacitive display, two features that defined our upgrade. parses . You’ll have to use your phone as a navigation system for this model, which works well overall, but there are some trade-offs, as outlined in the “Who’s it for” section.
You have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an easy-to-use volume knob, but no wireless, no custom display, and a smaller screen.
If you want Apple CarPlay or Android Auto and are willing to forego the versatility and extra features of our top pick, our previous top pick, the Sony XAV-AX100, might be a good choice. Both apps worked seamlessly in our tests, but they don’t have wireless connectivity, which we like – with Sony, you need to connect your phone via a USB cable. The 6.4-inch screen is bright, crisp, and responsive to touch, but it’s a bit smaller than most other stereos we’ve tested, ranging in size from 6.8 to 7 inches. And, compared to the Pioneer AVH-W4500NEX, this Sony lacks the extra features of a CD/DVD player, satellite radio features, and custom button illumination to complement your car’s interior. However, this Sony model is being phased out of service, so we will soon be conducting a new phase of testing a new budget option.
One of the features of this model is a convenient volume control knob, which is rare on other double DIN stereos. This makes adjusting the volume quicker and easier than pressing small buttons. In addition, pressing the knob brings up a menu of voice control options, while holding it down activates the voice command system. The buttons are also conveniently placed to the left of the display for easy access by the driver. However, it has fewer buttons than our top pick, and thus fewer options for quick menu navigation.
Post time: Apr-06-2023