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8 Best Touch Screen Car Stereos In 2022 – Reviews and Buying Guide (The Magic Touch)
Updated on September 24, 2022 Robert Muñoz
Ever found yourself tapping away at an inert screen, wondering why the icons aren’t clickable?
Or even worse – taking your pinched fingers to a physical photo and stretching them apart, trying to zoom in?
Ever since touch screen technology took off, we’ve become increasingly tactile. Nowadays, we expect responsive touch screen technology all around us.
For your car stereo, a touch screen isn’t just a luxury. Fiddling with knobs, dials, and buttons while you’re driving is dangerous – it’s a distraction that you can’t afford. Touch screens are intuitive and functional and they help you focus on what’s coming up on the road.
As of 2022, a whopping 98.8% of cars sold in the United States will have a touch screen. But we can’t all afford to buy a new vehicle every time technology changes! (1)
Fortunately, you can get your hands (and your fingertips) on a touch screen car stereo without splashing out on a new motor. We’ve rounded up the best aftermarket touch screen car stereos around.
So if you want navigation, music streaming, and infotainment systems just a touch away, read on to find the best touch screen car stereos.
The Best Touch Screen Car Stereos in 2022
Let’s dive right into our hand-picked touch screen choices.
Bluetooth connectivity allowing you to make hands-free calling or play media content
6.2 inch is large enough touch screen
Quick and easy DIY install
Works with smartphones, speakers and tablets
7″ size with intuitive touch screen swipe controls
Simple and easy to use
Seamless integration with Waze and Google Maps
Double-DIN unit with insane customization features
Seamless connectivity via WiFi, USB, or Bluetooth tethering
Supports CarPlay and Android Auto
Supports USB and SD card
Double DIN head unit with a whopping 10.1″ screen
Pairs seamlessly with iOS and Android
Supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Works perfectly with third-party apps like Spotify
View on Amazon →
6.2″ size with a display you can customize to your taste
Supports multiple media formats (FLAC, WAV, MPEG, JPEG, WMA, and MP3)
View on Amazon →
Best for Satellite Radio
Supports third-party services like Pandora and Spotify
View on Amazon →
Here are the best touch screen car stereos the market has to offer.
1. Pioneer MVH1400NEX 6.2 Inches – Best Overall
It’s a 6.2-inch capacitive touch screen at 800 x 400 pixel resolution. The product comes with a dedicated Spotify app you can control with your iPhone or Android.
Supports many multimedia formats
Suitable for large and small vehicles
Comes with in-built car safety features
Compatible with Apple Car Play
Resolution is a little bit lacking at 800 by 400p
The touch screen supports Bluetooth connectivity allowing you to make hands-free calling or play media content from your smartphone. Pioneer is a renowned brand in all things electronics, and it’s not a surprise the many audio and video playback formats this beast can handle.
It comes with complete accessories and wiring for a quick and easy DIY install. It isn’t the largest touch screen car radio on the market, but the 6.2-inch display is large enough to see without squinting your eyes.
The screen also supports Apple CarPlay, ensuring an even safer and more engaging way to use your iPhone while in transit.
Interestingly, you can control specific apps on your phone with the PIONEER touchscreen. The product lets you enjoy Siri Eyes Free with specific iOS devices and voice recognition if you’re using an Android 5.0 Lollipop or a higher operating system.
The LED (light-emitting diode) display technology is bright and crisp in daylight and nighttime. Moreover, this unit comes with Waze, providing inbuilt real-time driving directions (but you can still use Google maps if that’s what you prefer). That said, you’ll need to install a parking brake bypass, so you don’t get locked out of essential features while driving.
The touchscreen car stereo isn’t only suitable for sedans, and it also works excellent for SUVs. However, the software is slightly buggy, and the display can be a little challenging to navigate while driving.
The Android Auto support is also suspect and only works for certain vehicles. That said, the varied functionality and reasonable price point make it an excellent addition to your car infotainment system.
Bottom Line A touch screen stereo with tons of features, an ergonomic design, and a reasonable price. View Latest Price on Amazon →
2. Alpine ILX-W650 – Best for Smartphone Compatibility
The Alpine ILX-W650 is a great way to extend all the functionality of your smartphone device into your car stereo. The touchscreen device works great with smartphones, speakers, and tablets, and it’s a reasonable size at 7″ with intuitive touchscreen swipe controls.
Compatible with smartphones and tablets
The shallow design is suitable for small vehicles
Simple and easy to use
Head unit doesn’t play CDs
Digital receive boots little slowly
Unlike other touchscreen car stereos that claim compatibility with Android Auto and Apple Carplay, this product talks the talk and walks it too! Both systems work effectively without the common niggles and glitches found in lesser car stereos.
It also utilizes a hands-free control that gives you free rein over your apps via voice command. The set-up is straightforward, with intuitive controls that respond amazingly well – so you can do away with touch altogether!
Moreover, the touchscreen has one of the cleanest displays out there, with an understated appearance that belies its value. The audio quality is crystal clear, and you can play almost all kinds of video formats through the USB.
You’ll also love the built-in iPhone and iPad controls, including Spotify and Pandora. This compact receiver is for users who need an inexpensive touch screen radio with specific functionalities.
It is double-DIN hardware with dual video inputs. However, there isn’t a built-in camera, and you’d need a separate purchase to install in our vehicle. It has just one USB slot, which is a deal-breaker for many.
That said, this Alpine system has seamless integration with Waze and Google Maps. The shallow design also improves airflow, allowing for extended use without overheating.
The shallow design is excellent for cars without plenty of installation room, making it exceptionally easy to install in all vehicles. And there will be additional room for you to install other after-market hardware to enhance this touchscreen car stereo.
Bottom Line A straight-to-the-point hardware without gimmicks that work as advertised. View Latest Price on Amazon →
3. ATOTO A6 – Best for High Performance
The ATOTO A6 is a double-DIN unit that provides insane customization features. Receive seamless Internet connectivity via WiFi, USB, or Bluetooth tethering. Pro tip: the easiest way to use the Internet is by connecting the screen through WiFi.
Android operating system gives access to thousands of apps via Playstore
Multiple Internet connectivity options
Supports Carplay and Android Auto
It might require professional installation
You’ll love the mirroring feature that allows the A6 to mirror video content on your Android or iPhone – but it’s worth mentioning that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto don’t support specific apps like YouTube, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and Netflix, which don’t work with MirrorLink. You can’t cast your movies directly from your smartphone in simple terms.
That said, when it comes to sound quality, this product has a 32-band equalizer (EQ) to impress any audiophile. And it works hand in glove with the ATOTO AC-JD02LR camera to give you Live Rear View features, including Night Vision and Reversing.
The display is a 5-touch capacitive touchscreen with one of the widest viewing angles at 178 degrees. This feature ensures you can enjoy the view no matter your sitting position. It’s a good HD user interface with a 1024 x 600 pixel resolution.
In truth, the touchscreen quality feels like a smartphone built into a car stereo. It’s intuitive and responsive, there’s almost non-existent lag, and the display is super sharp. The video quality is impressive, and you can watch your favorite video formats in the highest quality.
ATOTO also continues to provide firmware updates to enhance user experience. The sound quality is not the best in its class, but this flaw is forgivable if you use Spotify and set the EQ to Flat or Natural.
It’s rather annoying that the screen protector isn’t practical and not worth installing. You can also experience some lag when installing apps, but the ATOTO A6 is still a more than capable device for your needs.
Bottom Line A touch screen head unit that packs a lot of features and is an excellent alternative to more expensive competitors. View Latest Price on Amazon →
4. BOSS BV9364B – Best Affordable
Not to be mistaken for BOSE, the BOSS BV9364B is a budget-friendly touch screen car stereo that provides simplistic functionality at the most affordable price.
USB and SD card support
Looks and feels cheap
Right off the bat, this is a double-DIN device that has an inbuilt DVD player, with USB ports for playing a wide variety of video and audio formats. You’ll also like the Auxiliary Out that allows wired connectivity to your smartphone.
Additionally, there’s Bluetooth connectivity for wireless support, and the entire package is built into a 6.2-inch color screen that’s intuitive even if it’s not the most responsive.
It’s shocking how affordable this product is because it has features you’d find in a more expensive touchscreen. Consequently, this BOSS infotainment screen is an excellent choice for the gadget enthusiast needing an upgrade without burning a hole through their pocket.
Given the low price point, it doesn’t surprise that the unit looks like it could have a better finish, and there are some complaints you need to press hard on the interface multiple times before it responds to touch.
If you want something sleek and feels like an iPhone flagship, you’d be better served looking elsewhere. The touch screen also has a steering wheel accessory to control the touch screen function as you drive.
However, you’d need to buy this interface as a separate purchase. That said, the video doesn’t skip at all, and you can tweak the wiring to watch videos while driving (although we don’t recommend this!).
In sum, this product is suitable for old cars that are too modern to use a cassette player and too old for the more sophisticated touch screen head units.
Bottom Line The touchscreen isn’t the most responsive on the market but it’s terrific value for the price and will be a great choice for older vehicles. View Latest Price on Amazon →
5. PLZ AN-500 – Best with Dash Cam
The PLZ AN-500 is an ambitious touch screen car stereo that elevates your vehicle’s infotainment system without leaving you bankrupt. It’s a double DIN head unit with a whopping 10.1″ screen.
It heats up and cuts off after prolonged use
Even with the large screen, the IPS (In-Plane Switching) display is neat and sharp compared to other head units. The inbuilt receiver provides the latest highway information allowing you to enjoy Waze or Google Maps.
Additionally, the sound output is powered to 240 watts, and you can elevate this beast by getting yourself a subwoofer. One feature you can’t ignore is the dashcam with a 170-degree viewing angle, including night vision features.
You can watch all that recording on your head unit via USB cable. The Dash Cam also supports the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) to prevent forward collision, lane departure warning, and other hazardous situations that can lead to a rear-end collision.
Interestingly, this head unit is a standard fit for most dual DIN vehicles. You can make hands-free calls through Bluetooth, and the touchscreen also has 12 equalizers tailored to genre and style, including rock, pop, jazz, loud, and classic, to give you an exceptional audio experience.
As a result, this touch screen car stereo doesn’t feel cheap, with a decent FM tuner. It pairs seamlessly with iOS and Android, and the PHONE LINK feature can function for your GPS.
There are complaints of the dash camera failing without warning and the head unit heating up when in use for an extended period. However, the PLZ AN-500 is excellent at its price point.
Despite this, it’s a robust unit with some impressive features. The build quality is decent with premium materials, and the touchscreen is as responsive as any top-notch head unit on the market.
Bottom Line This head unit is replete with unique features (including dash cam recording and Advanced Driver Assistance System) that more than make up for a few flaws – and the pricing looks too good to be true. View Latest Price on Amazon →
6. Kenwood DDX25BT – Best Durable
This double DIN head unit is reliably built and impressively robust making it one of the most durable out there. If you’re looking for a touch screen car stereo that will outlive touch screen technology, then the Kenwood DDX25BT could be for you.
Great fit for large and small vehicles
Supports Carplay and Android Auto
Works perfectly with third-party apps like Spotify
Multiple audio and video formats
Installation can be challenging
With a tuner that gives you as many AM and FM stations as you want and the option of SiriusXM satellite radio, you’ll find a multitude of ways to enjoy music through this head unit. And through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, you can enjoy hands-free phone calls or listen to third-party services like Spotify and Pandora.
This multimedia receiver has a responsive touchscreen and superior audio quality, including voice control, making it the ideal choice for when you’re on the go.
The GPS mapping feature supports Google Maps and Waze, and you can screencast the content on your Android phone to display on the car touchscreen. This feature allows you to get the best out of your phone apps on a larger screen and with a far more impressive audio quality.
But a point to note: you’d need to install Kenwood’s free app “Mirroring OA” to enjoy this feature via Bluetooth or USB connectivity.
You also have the option of buying the backup camera to help you reverse, and the product comes with all the necessary wiring for a straightforward installation. That said, the unit has just one USB port, and for a product that aspires to be an all-time great, it falls short of the mark.
Bottom Line The Kenwood Is an exceptional choice for a stock upgrade and it’s impressively robust, but for the price, it’s lacking in inputs for USB connectivity. View Latest Price on Amazon →
7. JVC KWV140BT – Best for Multimedia
Double DIN head units make up most of this list, and the JVC KWV140BT isn’t an exception. It has a reasonable size of 6.2″ with a user interface you can customize to your taste. The touchscreen car stereo also includes an inbuilt DVD player that’s CD compatible.
Seamless connection to iHeartRadio
Intuitive and responsive touchscreen
Customizable graphical user interface (GUI)
It doesn’t support Android Auto
Moreover, you can play a wide range of media formats, including FLAC, WAV, MPEG, JPEG, WMA, and MP3, among many others.
Bluetooth connectivity is a must for this type of unit, and you can enjoy hands-free phone calls, voice dialing, and audio streaming from your iOS or Android device. JVC also provides a wireless remote control to prevent users from fiddling with the head unit while driving.
The only major drawback with this product is the omission of satellite radio in the form of SiriusXM, and audiophiles will find the EQ (equalizer) to be lacking. There are also reports about the screen freezing up, but this is only true for a few faulty units. That said, it’s still an excellent head unit for the price.
Bottom Line An exciting touchscreen car stereo that can read an impressive range of multimedia formats. View Latest Price on Amazon →
8. Pioneer AVH-X390BS – Best for Satellite Radio
The AVH-X390BS is the second Pioneer touchscreen car stereo on this list and a testament to the brand’s quality. The standout feature of this product is the intuitive and sharply defined interface that makes it comfortable on the eyes, even on the sunniest day!
Inbuilt 13 levels Graphic Equalizer
Plays various media formats
Bluetooth connectivity isn’t that strong
Waze isn’t compatible with iOS 11
Of course, it comes with a wiring harness for seamless integration with your car, and the installation is straightforward. It has a built-in microphone and Bluetooth connectivity that works great for hands-free calling.
This double-DIN Pioneer head unit has a Best Station Memory which saves your best radio channels for whenever you’re on the road, it’s a smart feature that saves you from the fiddly programming of old.
The peak power output of 50 watts and RMS of 14 watts isn’t the most powerful out there, but it still works wonderfully well with crisp, clear audio. You can play almost any media format on this hardware, and it supports third-party services like Pandora and Spotify.
Additionally, you’ll find a USB port to play your content via flash drive, and the equalizer has 13 bands. You’ll love the AppRadioLive app that offers free GPS through your smartphone. However, this can be tricky to figure out.
If you want a touch screen car stereo, you can personalize, this is for you. That said, the standout feature is the satellite radio that is SiriusXM ready . The audio quality is superb even with the stock speakers in your car.
The sound is clearly defined with minimal distortion at high volume. The operating system won’t wow you, but it’s easy to use at the basic level. It can be a challenge to browse for songs via the Spotify app, but you can still delete or add music to a playlist and “thumb down” songs you don’t like.
However, there are complaints that Waze isn’t compatible with iOS 11. That said, Pioneer is aware of this issue, and here’s to hoping it gets resolved quickly. In sum, the negatives are just a slight blight on what is otherwise a fantastic product.
Bottom Line A budget-friendly head unit from a renowned brand to improve your car audio system, and the satellite radio option packs a punch. View Latest Price on Amazon →
Before You Buy: The Buyer’s Guide to Choosing Right Touch Screen Stereo
There are some factors to consider before deciding on a touch screen car stereo. These factors and much more are discussed in depth below.
Capacitive And Resistive Touch Screens
Touch screen technology can be capacitive or resistive and this affects what can functionally operate your screen. Capacitive touch screens use the human body’s natural conductivity to function, while resistive touch screens rely simply on pressure, so you can use a pen or stylus to operate them.
Resistive touch screens might give you more options for operations, but capacitive screens tend to have greater screen clarity and contrast.
Touchscreen car stereos mostly come in two fittings: Single DIN and Double DIN. DIN is the acronym for Deutsches Institut für Normung which is the common standard for touch screen car stereos.
Single DIN is two inches in height, while Double DIN is four inches. Double DIN is the most suitable for the latest touchscreen head units because it has a larger screen size.
If you’d like to watch movies and follow your favorite series, it makes sense to get a touchscreen car stereo with the largest screen display on the market. A head unit that plays movies is the best solution for occupying kids on a long trip.
Music Player With Essential Features
The music player feature is essential for any head unit, and the type of touch screen car stereo you buy heavily depends on how you listen to music in transit. Many products incorporate most of these features below:
Bluetooth Compatibility: Get a head unit that has robust Bluetooth connectivity.
USB: Today’s touch screen car stereos have single or multiple USB ports to play your curated music selection. You can also find products with SD card support.
CD Player: Cassette players may be too old school for today’s head units, but you can still find stereos that have a built-in CD Player compatible with DVD.
Spotify/Pandora: The latest receivers support third-party apps allowing you to stream music from your subscription service.
Satellite Radio: A satellite radio is a must-have today, allowing you to listen to your favorite shows anywhere you are without running out of signal. If you enjoy iHeartRadio and other satellite channels, look out for head units that support satellite radio. If you own a satellite radio or listen through your smartphone, all you need is Bluetooth connectivity or AUX-IN to play on your screen.
The far-distant days of the cassette stereo are long gone, replaced by head units that offer far more than music.
Of course, there are still other considerations to keep in mind. The following factors are the difference between a good and an excellent product.
The best touch screen car stereos have parametric equalization and crossover features to work with a subwoofer. However, even the budget-friendly options typically have better sound quality and control compared to the stock head unit in your vehicle.
GPS is pretty standard for many head units, but it’s not unheard of to find a touch screen car stereo without one! That said, you can always use the GPS on your smartphone to get to your destination.
Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
Touch screen car stereos are simply smartphones on steroids. It’s no surprise many head units support Apple CarPlay and Google’s Android Auto. These apps integrate your favorite smartphone features into your vehicle.
The primary aim of an aftermarket head unit is to elevate your vehicle interior. Many premium products have cutting-edge displays and a sleek layout. You can also tweak and customize the GUI to your taste.
Additionally, multi-line displays provide more information without fiddling with the display. You can buy touch screen car stereos with floating screens to give your infotainment that extra oomph.
Even the most premium head units fall short of certain expectations. The best products may not have it all, but they can be expanded to support other features. For instance, some head units have preamp outputs that allow you to connect to a powered subwoofer or external amplifiers.
If you intend to add a subwoofer, get a head unit that supports subwoofer output. Better still, you should be able to adjust the subwoofer volume separately without using the touch screen volume control.
Dual-zone functioning effectively splits your vehicle into two separate spheres, enabling passengers in the front and back to choose their own audio – no more arguing over who picks the playlist! The front seats can enjoy the radio or podcasts, while the back can listen to the audio from a DVD or play video games.
Dual-zone functioning is a great premium feature – but be sure to read the small print. Often, only certain audio and video formats can be played in the back seats.
Some head units require professional installation while others don’t. Sometimes it’s better to leave it to the pros, so you don’t make a mistake and void the warranty.
That said, the installation cost will depend on the type of product, the functionality, your location, and vehicle type. If you’re handy with tools, you can DIY to save costs.
Most touch screen car stereos come with an installation guide, and you can find videos on YouTube to walk you through.
Touchscreen car stereos, particularly the aftermarket options, can elevate your driving experience and make moving from Point A to B less boring. Almost all devices use a touchscreen these days, so it’s essential to get one for your car.
It not only provides in-car entertainment, but the head unit also provides critical information that makes your trip safer.
It improves your car’s aesthetic and makes your dashboard look like the interior of a spaceship! And if you add a rearview camera, you’ll have a better view of the car’s rear than a side mirror can ever offer.
Additionally, installing a premium touchscreen car stereo will increase your vehicle value whenever you consider a sale in the future – it’s a guaranteed good investment.
I’m Robert, a US-based auto electrician, auto mechanic, trained engineer and fanatic about all things motor vehicle. After studying engineering in college I returned to my original passion - car mechanics - and I ran a garage for a number of years serving my local community. Through my garage, I got involved in numerous road safety campaigns in my local area until eventually, I decided to share what I've learned with the world. Know more about me... You can follow me on LinkedIn.