Best Headrest Monitor Car DVD Players – Our Top 7 Picks for 2019

NAVISKAUTO CH1001B Quick Review

The black 10-inch NAVISKAUTO TFT LCD Wide Screen Ultra-thin headrest monitor is the complete package as it offering multimedia and gaming options with touch keys, high definition resolution, and a removable body.

Some of its winning features include:

• 1024 x 600 Resolution, Aspect wide angle ratio of 16:9
• Region-Free drive lens compatible with almost all multimedia files except Blu-Ray
• 36mm body with mounting bracket
• Built-in HDMI for streaming HD files from your other digital devices although the cable is sold separately
• Built-in IR/FR transmitter
• Built-in USB port /MMC card slot/SD slot
• Built-in 32 bits wireless function
• DC 12V input/earphone jack/car cigarette power adapter
• Remote control, game disc
• IR Headphone
• Capable of mirror function if you have two units, which means you can play the same disc on both monitors simultaneously – also known as the Pass-Through Technology

We particularly liked the automatic shutdown protection which allows for the DVD to pause, backup data, and continue playing from memory when restarted. This eliminates the need to fast forward or restart the movie. With an extra adapter, you can even move the DVD player indoors and use it as a backup entertainment appliance.

Tview T921PL Quick Review

Even before we tested the T921TPL Universal Headrest from Tview, we knew we were going to be handling an excellent brand. Tview has an impressive reputation for quality audio and video products. Also, the company is not limited to headrest monitors. They also manufacture flip-downs, sun visors, and in-dash monitors as well as their own wireless headphones, players, and antennas.

This product is sold as a pair of 9-inch replacement monitors and does not include the DVD player or headphones. It does have new remote controls and a wiring harness.

Some of the features we loved about this product include:

• IR Stereo Transmitter
• LCD screen with Aspect Ratio of 16:9
• 1440 x 234 video resolution with 250 NIT brightness
• CCFL LCD backlight
• Two Video and Audio inputs
• Two-channel headphone transmitter
• PAL/NTSC compatible
• Clean appearance with no visible wiring as it is placed inside the adjustable posts
• Comes in gray, tan, and black colors
• Compatible with most cars

Since it has a video input, you don’t even have to buy a DVD player for this set of monitors. You can simply hook up your mobile devices to play games, watch videos or listen to music. It does a pretty awesome job as a replacement set, more so because the installation is simple and easy.

Power Acoustik HDVD-91CC Quick Review

Another great choice on our list is the Power Acoustic  HDVD 91CC is a 9-inch headrest monitor with DVD player with changeable skins. Although the resolution is slightly lower than Navisauto and Tview, it has something we think makes up for the slight discrepancy. You can tilt the headrest forward or backward which is great for tall or short users.  It is also a universal model which means it can fit almost all cars and models.

Some of the top features of the HDVD 91CC include:

• 900 x 480 resolution
• 3.5mm front head jack
• Two A/V inputs
• Two built-in IR transmitter, FM stereo transmitter with built-in modulator
• Wireless remote
• Built-in SD and USB reader
• Compatible with most audio and video files including DivX
• RCA A/V input and output
• Adjustable poles
• NTSC/PAL
• 400 NIT Brightness
• Widescreen at 16:9 ratio
• Dual DVD capable

On the downside, it does not come with its own speakers or has an HDMI input. However, it does have a cigarette lighter cord adapter and comes with the standard 1-year warranty.  Adding to the appeal is that in spite of all the functional features and reliable performance, the 91CC is quite affordable at under $150 compared to products that offer similar features that have a price tag of over $250! This proves to us that while the price is important – it’s not a good idea to use price as a primary guide to deciding the best headrest DVD player in the market.

Pyle PL73DBK Quick Review

This widescreen display is built into the back of a headrest. It's designed as a direct swap for the headrests already in your car so you can keep back seat passengers entertained. It plays DVDs through a built-in player but also comes with RCA cables plus USB and SD card ports so you can play games or watch other media.

The screen is a 7″ display with a 16:9 aspect ratio, a resolution of 1440 x 234 pixels and a 300:1 contrast ratio. It comes with a remote as well as buttons on the front panel and RCA (AV Audio/Video) inputs and output. Headphones connect either through the earplug jack or by using the IR link although there is also the option of using the built-in FM Transmitter.

Pros: Inexpensive, looks neat.
Cons: May be too quiet for some. Check fit.

Rockville RHP7-BK Quick Review

Rockville is a brand unfamiliar to many, but it is fast making a name for itself for being an affordable option compatible with most car DVD players and packed with features that make a lot of sense. For instance, it is sold as a universal pair of 7-inch monitors and comes with an easy-to-follow installation guide that has impressed over 60% of those who have bought it. You will need to provide your own external source for your video or audio like a DVD player, an adapter for the cigarette lighter power source, and headphones to go with the monitors.

The features that make the RHP7-BK an incredible find include:

• IR Transmitter
• Switchable and adjustable aspect ratio and contrast ration of 300:1
• Backlit display
• Internal stereo speakers with RCA A/V output
• Adjustable poles
• Capable of tilting forward and backward
• Multiple language menu
• Two remote controls
• USB port

Upon testing the RHP7, we instantly realized exactly how convenient having a pair of detachable and adjustable monitors with a step-by-step simple installation manual can be. Hands down, you can install these monitors on your own regardless if you’ve never done it before. The RHP7 comes with metal poles that can adjust sideways from 4.3 inches in width to 7.5 inches which means they can easily be integrated into all types of vehicles.  We run the monitors for 24 hours to test its performance and picture quality – and we were not disappointment with it at all! The picture stays clean and clear. The high-quality leatherette headrests are plush and comfortable, and you get the option of using wireless headphones, internal speakers, and running the audio through your car stereo system.

Clearly, the RHP7 has been carefully designed and thought-out to bring maximum function and enjoyment at a pretty attractive price.

Audiovox AVXMTGHRD Quick Review

Close to matching Soundstream SHDM103’s performance and reliability is the Audiovox’s AVXMTGHR1D 7-inch headrest monitor with one huge difference – the Audiovox has a built-in DVD player! Although it has a lower resolution (480×234), it is possible to switch aspect ratio from 16:9 to 4:3 plus the display has color, tint, and brightness adjustments.

Equipped with LED backlight, the AVXMTGHR1D has a 12-volt power option and allows videos to be played from a USB and an SD card, maximum of 4GB.  The most exceptional features of this product are the anti-glare and the fact that the product comes almost complete with everything you need to properly install it in your car like the bushing, power cable, manual, and even batteries for the remote!

Some of the key features of the AVXMTGHR1D include:

• Wireless IR Transmitter
• Built-in FM modulator
• 3.5mm plug
• Headphone jack (although headphones are not included)
• Audio and video inputs and outputs including options that allow for digital media files
• Adjustable poles
• Tilting backward and forward
• Cover skins in 3 shades: black, gray, and tan
• Remote control with batteries

Also impressive and not found in all our best DVD headrest monitors are the memory feature that conveniently allows you to pause and continue your movie and stability of the monitor that minimizes skips and video static.

Audiovox AVX10USB Quick Review

While some headrest DVD players replace the factory headrests other are more like tablets that attach to the vertical headrest posts. This is the case with the Audiovox AVX10USB. A DVD player is built-in or you can stream content from a microSD card, USB port or HD or RCA inputs. It's possible to set up two monitors as a master and satellite so that both show the same movie or show.

The screen measures 10.1″ diagonally and has a resolution of 1024 x 600 pixels. There are four options for getting sound from the monitor: a dual channel IR Transmitter for wireless headphones, which are not included, a 3.5mm headphone jack and a built-in FM transmitter. That last one lets you play the sound through the vehicle's speakers, (which might be a bit frustrating for anyone who can't see the screen!)

A remote is included along with a 12V power cable, an AV cable and two extension cables, but the monitor can also be controlled by the capacitive touch buttons. Also included is a wiring kit for making a permanent electrical connection to the vehicle's 12V supply.

Pros: Big screen, option to hardwire the power supply.
Cons: Price