How to choose a car radio - TOP 10 best radios

Music on the road has long been one of the main additions to any comfortable trip, so it is important to know how to choose a car radio in order to enjoy the sound of your favorite songs on the road. If you buy low-quality equipment or one that does not have the necessary functions, it can ruin even a short trip to work, let alone when there is a long road trip ahead. To make the right choice, we suggest studying what so-called head units are, as well as getting acquainted with the TOP 10 best models of car radios, among which, perhaps, just like that, there will be the radio of your dreams.

Radio Pioneer FH-X730BT

How to choose a quality car radio

A car radio is a device that allows you to listen to music and radio while in the car. Its appearance as a whole is inconspicuous, if we omit the assessment of only the front side. The remaining sides of the radio are a simple technological housing, which, after installing the device in the car, is still not visible to humans. Interaction with the radio is carried out through the front panel, which will already have a certain design, various buttons that allow you to configure the device, turn on and off the necessary functions, and so on.

But, despite the fact that many evaluate the radio based on the front panel, it is important to pay attention to its rear part. This is where all the necessary wires will be located, thanks to which the device can be connected to the speakers in the car and the power supply.

2 Din radio installed in the car

On a note! Any car leaves the factory with a radio already installed. True, these are usually inexpensive streaming devices. Most car enthusiasts still later change them to more advanced and functional models.

A modern radio can:

• play various audio files (depending on the model, it may not support some formats);
• catch and voice the radio;
• show time;
• play some video formats;
• synchronize with your phone and other devices;
• have various connectors and outputs for connecting additional devices;
• show the way;
• demonstrate the view from the rear camera of the car.

This is the main functionality of most radios in recent years. Even the simplest 1 Din type devices now have at least some kind of screen on which you can play a video if desired.

1 Din radio

Additionally

Tuner sensitivity - this parameter should be 1 µV or less. This indicator is especially important when traveling outside the city, where the signal quality deteriorates sharply. The more sensitive the tuner, the better it receives even very weak signals.

RDS – displays on the monitor the track name, artist name, weather, air temperature, exchange rate, traffic information and other useful information.

Important: pay attention to the number of fixed radio settings for storing all your favorite stations (usually 6-18). These settings provide instant access to the desired radio station, which is convenient.

Types of car radios

All existing radios can be divided into two types - 1 Din and 2 Din. They have significant differences and, above all, differ in size.

Important! Actually, the main factor that needs to be taken into account when choosing a radio is its size. And it will depend on the size of the slot for the radio, which is in the car itself.

One of the simplest 1 Din radios

How to choose a car radio according to parameters

There are a number of other important parameters that need to be taken into account when choosing a radio. In fact, this is far from only cost and size, but also functionality, capabilities and sound quality.

So, for example, you need to decide from which media the music will be played most often. Some people prefer to listen to the radio, for some, a dear old USB flash drive with recordings of their favorite old-school bands is dearer to their hearts, and for others, the easiest way is to synchronize their phone via Bluetooth and listen to new songs from collections on the Internet. Some versions of radio tape recorders support all types of audio media, but there are also those that can only play mp3 and only from a regular flash drive. This option may not be acceptable to someone, even if there is a great desire to save money.

If we talk about audio recording formats, then it is best to take the radio that supports them all. But for those who use, for example, only mp3, and practically do not download other formats to their music storage device, you can not chase the omnivorous nature of radio tape recorders and save money.

Car Audio SP-5210

On a note! A radio that can play music from any media and read all formats usually costs more.

After assessing this parameter, you need to think about the output power. This aspect will be important, since the radio does not have its own speakers for sound and is connected to the acoustics installed in the car. Typically, each device has four speaker outputs, located two at the rear and two at the front of the doors. The power of the signal coming out of the radio can vary from 35 to 200 W. And the more watts, the louder and more powerful the sound can be made.

• For a car with good sound insulation, it is enough to have a radio with a 40 W output.
• For those who hear road noise while driving, it is recommended to purchase radios from 45 W.
• For those who cannot live without loud bass, models from 55 W or more are suitable - in this case, you can connect a subwoofer.
• Trucks and noisy cars need radios around 200 watts.

On a note! The standard power rating for most radios is 4*50. This means that the device will output no more than 50 W to each of the 4 speakers (channels).

Multimedia capabilities are also important for many motorists. For example, the option to watch a movie while stuck in a traffic jam, or to turn on a cartoon for children can play a decisive role in the choice. Watching videos, and many radios now support this function, will help pass the time.

Displays, by the way, can be of various types:

• Text. Usually this one shows only some numbers or letters (for example, the name of the radio or wave). This is the simplest display option. Suitable for unpretentious drivers who do not need the advanced functionality of the radio screen.
• LCD or liquid crystal. Available in monochrome and color. It can show a directory of folders on a flash drive, indicate the names of tracks, or create a beautiful visual accompaniment of a musical composition. Some options can also show films.
• Graphic. It is functional, has a lot of buttons, most often touch-sensitive. You can watch clips and films on it. Travelers and taxi drivers usually have radios with such screens.

PIONEER AVH-3100DVD
It is also worth paying attention to the presence of high-quality button backlighting. During the day no attention is paid to this, but in the evening the backlight, which is not irritating to the eye, can significantly facilitate the use of the device.

Most modern devices also have Bluetooth. And this is not such a useless function as it might seem at first glance. Bluetooth is necessary if:

• The flash drive with music is left at home and you need to connect your phone to listen to your favorite songs;
• There is a joystick on the steering wheel with which you can control the radio without reaching it. This will provide greater control over the traffic situation. The joystick usually works via Bluetooth;
• if you want to talk on the phone without using a headset or without putting the phone to your ear. If you have a smartphone synchronization function, you can talk to your interlocutor inside the car, hearing him through the car’s acoustics.

If we return to the sound quality of the radio, you can almost always customize it to suit yourself. An equalizer will help with this. It will provide the ability to fine-tune the sound quality of audio files. Typically, equalizers on radio tape recorders have from 2 to 13 tracks. The more there are, the better you can customize the sound. And with high-quality settings, the pleasure of listening to music will be higher.

Another important point is the location of the USB output. It can be located on the front panel or at the back of the radio. In the first case, the flash drive will simply need to be inserted into the installed radio and that’s it. In the second, you will have to buy a special cable and route it through the car panel somewhere in the glove compartment area in order to be able to change the flash drive without any problems or pain. The first option is, of course, preferable, but not everyone likes drives sticking forward into the interior.

USB output on front panel

Right choice

To choose a suitable radio, it is advisable to pay attention to some parameters when purchasing in a store:

1. Device body dimensions.
2. Type of storage medium.
3. Connection system.
4. Power indicators.
5. Acoustics information.

Let's look at these parameters in more detail.

dimensions

Car radios come in two sizes according to European standards. There are two standard sizes of radio tape recorders:

1. Height 50 mm, width 180 mm – DIN-1.
2. Height 100 mm, width 180 mm – DIN-2.

At first it seems that car radios equipped with a larger screen are better, but this is not always correct. The majority of inexpensive models with large displays have poor color reproduction and poor-quality menus, although this does not affect the sound properties. Typically, a car radio is used to listen to music, not videos. Therefore, the optimal purchase would be a high-quality car radio without a screen rather than a low-quality auxiliary receiver.

Type of storage medium

According to this parameter, car radios are of the following types:

• Cassette car radios. They were common on older cars, but are no longer used today and have been replaced by more modern devices.
• CD players are capable of playing audio files recorded on a laser disc, but now they are also losing their popularity.
• DVD players are designed to play video files on a DIN-2 sized car radio screen.
• MP3 players are used to play mp3 audio files.
• USB players are capable of playing audio and video files from removable media - a flash drive. These are currently the most popular car radios. You can connect a phone, player, or removable disk to them.

Connector type

The type of connector and connection system play an important role when selecting a car radio. Before choosing it, you should decide on the type of connection. The most commonly used connector is the ISO connector, which looks like a wiring harness on one side and sockets for connecting to speakers on the other.

If the car does not have an output for such a connector, then you should buy one additionally and connect the wires to it. There are models that are connected by soldering. This is not the most convenient way if the entire system will be replaced in the future.

Output power

To make a choice of a reliable and high-quality car radio, you should take a closer look at such a parameter as output power, which exists in two types:

1. The rated power makes it possible to listen to audio for a long time.
2. Maximum power only matters a lot when listening to loud music.

You need to know this feature: the greater the power of the car radio, the higher quality the sound will be when listening, even at low volumes. To gain greater confidence in the right purchase, it is advisable to study the technical data sheet. Rated power is most often indicated in small equivalent.

Equalizer

The presence of this device in the car radio allows you to adjust the sound quality. Most often, a three-band equalizer is installed in the car, which makes it possible to independently adjust a certain sound frequency. Expensive models are equipped with seven-band equalizers, but such a device is quite difficult to understand. Therefore, it is better to purchase the middle version.

Other functions

Some radios may have a GPS function and act as a navigator. Typically, only 2 Din type devices equipped with screens where the image of the path is supplied have this function. The presence of this function will allow you to get rid of unnecessary devices in the car or stop using your phone as a navigator.

The remote control for the radio is not particularly needed - it is already at hand. But in some cases, it can make life easier for passengers sitting in the back (of course, if the driver himself does not mind someone else controlling the music). The remote control can also be useful for controlling the radio while relaxing on the road, when even the motorist himself decides to sit in the back seat. There is no need to use this add-on while the car is moving.

The ability to connect a rear view camera is a good, but optional feature. Ideal for drivers who are unsure of themselves, beginners, or those who have trouble feeling the dimensions of the car. An image of what is behind the rear of the car displayed on the radio screen will make parking and driving back much easier if necessary.

Radio with connected rear view camera

Equipment

A changer is a multi-disc device (6, 10, 12 pieces) that switches the corresponding media without unloading or loading. This device allows you to comfortably work with multiple disks.

Important: when connecting the changer, make sure it is compatible with the radio.

TV tuner – receives a television signal, thereby turning the radio into a TV. There are digital and analog TV tuners.

Important: when connecting a TV tuner, please note that broadcasting can be digital or analog. Make sure that the radio supports the required broadcast standard. For high-quality TV reception, an external antenna is useful.

GPS receiver – allows the driver to use the radio as a GPS navigator: determine his own location, choose a route, calculate distance. A similar function is provided in expensive models with a large color monitor.

ID3 tag support – displays information about MP3 files on the monitor: genre, song lyrics, music album title, year of release, author, performer.

Built-in memory – makes it possible to save and play music files and videos on the radio without using external media. The larger the amount of such memory, the more content will fit on the device. At the same time, as the memory increases, the price of the radio also increases.

Backlight – changes the appearance of the front panel of the radio according to the user’s wishes or in accordance with the color of the dashboard.

DAB radio – receives digital radio broadcasting, which has a number of advantages over analogue: high sound quality, video and text transmission, and resistance to interference.

Important: when choosing a radio with this function, find out whether there is digital broadcasting in your area.

3G modem – connects the radio to the Internet, which provides a lot of possibilities: playing music and videos from the Internet, updating GPS maps, Internet navigation.

Voice control - gives the driver the opportunity to work with the radio without being distracted from driving.

Speakerphone (via Bluetooth) - allows you to use the car's radio and speaker system to talk on a mobile phone: it receives the driver's or passenger's voice on the microphone and outputs the interlocutor's voice to the speakers. As a result, the driver does not need to hold the phone in his hand - it is convenient and does not distract from the road.

Dual Zone – Sends different audio information to the front and rear speakers. Thus, passengers in the rear seat can listen to music, and the driver can receive weather information. This function is relevant, first of all, for cars with spacious interiors and executive-level cars.

Infrared remote control – designed to control the radio from a distance. In some cars, for the convenience of the driver, the remote control is installed on the steering wheel. Another option that makes it easier for the driver to work with the radio is a steering wheel with buttons (joystick on the steering wheel).

Important: when purchasing a radio for a car equipped with a steering wheel with buttons, make sure that the device supports such control.

Some radios are equipped with a processor, random access memory (RAM), software (Android) and thus turn into a minicomputer. These are expensive premium models.

Manufacturers

Not always, but it’s still worth paying attention to the brand when choosing a radio. Not only the price, but also the reliability of the radio and its durability depend on how well the manufacturer treats its products and how high quality it makes them.

Advice! If your budget is limited, then it is better to buy a radio with less functionality, but from a good brand, than to buy a low-quality device, but packed with a huge number of functions, some of which may not be used at all.

Among the brands that have proven themselves in the production of radio tape recorders are Sony, Pioneer, JVC, Kenwood and others. But these companies are considered the best on the market for such goods. And it is better to choose a device made by one of these companies.

USB car radio with built-in monitor Pioneer MVH-G111

Tips on how to choose a radio for your car

And finally, a few tips that will help you make the right choice when buying a radio.

• If you only have to drive around the city, not far, then you don’t have to chase an expensive radio with a large screen and a lot of functions. A 1 Din type device with mp3 support and Bluetooth function is enough to make calls on the go, and that’s it.
• For taxi drivers and travelers, it makes sense to buy a 2 Din radio with a good screen that allows you to watch movies on the road. Ideally, the device will read all audio and video formats.
• Music lovers should not skimp on sound quality. It’s better to save on some part of the radio’s functionality, but the sound quality of your favorite compositions should be given maximum attention when choosing.
• Truckers and drivers of vehicles that do not have good sound insulation should take a more powerful radio so that the sound of music can be clearly heard in the cabin.

Adviсe

• Buy a radio in specialized stores, give preference to time-tested brands. Please note that there is a warranty. At the same time, the price of a product is largely determined by the brand rather than the sound quality. Therefore, listen to several radios from different brands.
• The decisive factor in choosing a device should be sound quality and ease of use. Consider design, versatility and other parameters secondarily. If in doubt, consult the seller.
• Remember that the sound quality depends on the car's sound system (radio, speakers, amplifier, subwoofer, sound insulation). Even the best radio is powerless if mistakes are made when selecting or installing other components of the speaker system.
• Before purchasing, it is advisable to check the operation of the radio and make sure it is compatible with smartphones and storage devices.
• Signs of a high-quality radio: ease of pressing buttons and removing the front panel, smooth operation of the monitor without false alarms (touch).
• You should not be guided by the choice of acquaintances and friends, since radio tape recorders quickly become outdated. It is better to choose the newest models, especially when it comes to radios with a display.
• A cheap radio is not the best option, since such a device is unlikely to last long.
• Entrust the installation of the radio to professionals.

Video - Choosing a radio in a car

The radio is far from the last element in the car. Nowadays, almost nothing happens without music: people listen to it at work, at home, while traveling, hiking, walking, and so on. Music lifts your spirits and helps you calm down, relieve stress and just pass the time. So you can’t do without it in the car. We hope that the TOP 10 radio tape recorders from this article, as well as recommendations for choosing this device for a car, will help you make the right choice when buying a radio tape recorder.

Did the article help? Rate it 1