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In this article: We'll review 7 of our best pick touchscreen car stereos & head units, along with quick product reviews, photos and price comparisons to help you save money on the receiver that you choose.
A touch screen car stereo can significantly upgrade the appearance of your dash and give you a ton of new options for listening to your favorite music the way you want to hear it. They're the new norm when it comes to audio and multimedia in your car. Some even allow you to watch video and DVDs to entertain yourself and your passengers.
There are dozens of advantages to buying a touchscreen for your car. But not all touchscreen car stereos are a good buy. There are hundreds of different head units on the market at an array of prices, so picking the best touch screen car stereo can be an overwhelming challenge.
The team here at CarAudioNow has done the hard work for you and narrowed the best touch screen car stereos down to this list. Each head unit we discuss below has been thoroughly researched, tested, and compared against rival head units. We have read through hundreds of customer reviews, spoken directly with the manufacturers, and checked the specs of these stereos to determine which ones are the best. Additionally, we've tested many of these first hand. This list will definitely help you find something you'll like and can trust. We're committed to updating our buyer's guides and keeping our information relevant and new too, so keep checking back for the latest and greatest touchscreen head units on the market.
Here Are Our Best Touchscreen Head Units in 2022
- Best Overall Touch Screen Car Stereo: Pioneer DMH-C5500NEX
- Best Touchscreen Head Unit for Video & Multimedia: Sony XAV-AX8100
- Best Touchscreen Car Stereo for High Performance Audio: Alpine ILX-W650
- Best Bluetooth Touchscreen Head Unit: JVC KW-M750BT
- Best Value Touch Screen Car Stereo: Jensen CAR1000
- Best Touchscreen Head Unit if Money Weren't a Thing: Alpine Halo9 iLX-F509
- Best Cheap Touchscreen Car Stereo: Jensen CMR2720
Best Overall Touch Screen Car Stereo
Pioneer DMH-C5500NEX
Latest Prices
Pioneer DMH-C5500NEX Quick Review
Pioneer has been an industry leader in automotive audio equipment for decades. Leadership requires innovation, and the DMH-C5500NEX is among the most innovative touchscreen head units on the market today.
Many modern car owners have problems installing an aftermarket stereo because of limited space behind the factory head unit. Pioneer solved every problem in the book with the C5500. The 1” thick capacitive touchscreen is wired to a “black box” that can be located where space allows. It can even be mounted horizontally or vertically.
The screen is a hefty beast. Measuring eight inches, it gives you plenty of room to view Android Auto or Apple CarPlay on most smartphones and tablets. WebLink provides access to YouTube and many other apps. The screen can be controlled with gestures and swipes for a seamless and intuitive user experience.
Pioneer managed to get plenty of power into the C5500NEX, too. With an RMS of 22 watts per channel and a peak of 50 watts per channel, the C5500 is ready to rock. Three pairs of 4-volt preouts offer adaptability for subwoofers and amplifiers.
Key Features:
| Screen Size | 8″ |
| Screen Resolution | 800×480 |
| Screen Type | LCD Capacitive |
| Power Output (RMS/Peak) | 22W/50W |
| HD Radio | Yes |
| Aux | Mini, RCA (Rear) |
| HDMI | No |
| USB | Rear |
| Camera | Dual |
| Pre Outs | 6, 4V |
| Price | $$$$ |
Pros
- Separate, oversize 8″ screen that allows for custom installation in virtually any vehicle
- Highly responsive touchscreen
- Intuitive user interface featuring Pioneers exclusive NEX technology
Cons
- Remote chassis mounting can require additional wiring not included with the head unit
Best Touchscreen Head Unit for Video & Multimedia
Sony XAV-AX8100
Sony XAV-AX8100 Quick Review
When you need the ultimate in real estate, look no further than the Sony XAV-AX8100. Last year, its sister model, the AX8000, made this list but since then there have been even more improvements. First off, this unit has a massive 8.95” touchscreen, yet it fits a single DIN 2” opening. The clever design allows this massive monster to fit in so many more vehicles than a traditional 2 DIN opening. It is an outstanding upgrade for older vehicles once thought to be limited on touch screen stereo upgrades.
The biggest difference to highlight between the AX8100 and its predecessor, the AX8000 is that the AX8100 now comes with an HDMI input. This allows you to simply plug in ANY multimedia device that you want and play video directly on the head unit. Xbox, Playstation, Switch, or even your iPhone with an HDMI adapter – this HDMI input is a HUGE upgrade and really opens this unit up as a super powerful multimedia head unit. Additionally, it is also preloaded with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for a seamless music experience. It has one of the lowest glare screens we have ever tested as well. Simple, easily understandable icons help drivers stay focused on the road and not on searching for features they want.
The nearly 9” touch sensitive screen appears to hover above your dash when installed. The screen can be tilted to accommodate different angles and to provide a comfortable viewing angle for the driver. The simple, matte-finish look blends in nicely with many different vehicle interiors and gives a true high-end feel to any car or truck. The AX8000 is an instant upgrade for almost any car on the road today.
The AX8100 features a peak of 55 watts per channel and has five, 5V pre outs for even more expandability. The unit is factory-prepared for a single backup camera. A single rear USB port can be used for wired connections and provides a 1.5a charging point for your smartphone.
We did a full installation and review of the XAV-AX8100 and loved the unit. Check out the full review.
Key Features:
| Screen Size | 8.95″ |
| Screen Resolution | 800×480 |
| Screen Type | LCD Capacitive |
| Power Output (RMS/Peak) | 20W/55W |
| HD Radio | No |
| Aux | No |
| HDMI | Yes |
| USB | Rear |
| Camera | Single |
| Pre Out (Volts) | 5, 5V |
| Price | $$$ |
Pros
- Single-DIN chassis makes installation easy in most vehicles
- HDMI input for any multimedia and video device
- Huge, glare-free screen
- Very flexible screen adjustments to fit any dash
- Plenty of power
Cons
- Only one USB output
- Chassis is not designed to mount in vehicles with 1.5 or 2-DIN openings. Adapters will be required
- Could have more visual customization features to match vehicle interior colors
Best Touchscreen Car Stereo for High Performance Audio
Alpine ILX-W650
Alpine ILX-W650 Quick Review
Alpine always puts out a solid product. We recently did a full review and feature demo of the iLX-W650 and really loved it. The ILX-W650 gives you a beautiful capacitive touchscreen measuring 7 inches. At only 2.4” deep, the ILX-W650 can be installed in virtually any vehicle with a double-DIN dash opening. It's great for shallow dashes that have little room behind the unit. Very few head units with this size screen will allow for such flexibility.
Alpine provides a trick two-finger ‘swipe’ feature that can be used to quickly access apps and functions with minimal interaction. In fact, the ease of the swipe reduces the need for drivers to take their eyes off the road to select options.
Icons are displayed in bright, vivid colors and are easy to quickly understand. Built-in Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can be connected via USB to compatible smartphones and tablets. Alpine loaded the ILX-W650 up with the apps you need the most, like Waze, Google Maps, Pandora, and Sirius XM.
Power output is good, coming in at 40 watts peak with 16 watts per channel RMS. If you have the space, the ILX-W650 is designed to mount the Alpine KTA-450 amplifier. This amp will add 50 watts per channel and mounts to the rear of the head unit. Overall size is roughly that of a standard double-DIN head unit when connected to the Alpine iLX-W650.
Overall, this is a really great product for a mid-range price. If you're not looking to spend $500 but want the latest features like Apple CarPlay, and also want the reassurance of a top-quality brand this is the best choice for you.
Key Features
| Screen Size | 7″ |
| Screen Resolution | 800×480 |
| Screen Type | Capacitive |
| Power Output (RMS/Peak) | 16W/45W |
| HD Radio | No |
| Aux | No |
| HDMI | No |
| USB | Rear |
| Camera | Dual |
| Pre Out (Volts) | 6, 4V |
| Price | $$ |
Pros
- Shallow depth eases installation
- User interface and controls are simple and easy to use
- Dual camera connections
Cons
- Screen can exhibit bad glare at some angles
- Icons and graphics lack flashiness
Best Bluetooth Touchscreen Head Unit
JVC KW-M750BT
Latest Prices
JVC KW-M750BT Quick Review
The JVC KW-M750BT is aimed at creating a connected environment in your car, tying advanced features and options together for a seamless experience. It all starts with built-in Bluetooth that allows this 6.8-inch double-din receiver to function as your personal command center.
The touchscreen is bright and vivid with large icons to access any of the several options for listening to music, using navigation apps, or handling hands-free calling. Each of the menu pages is simple to understand and use. Apps and menus open quickly with little sign of lag or delay so you can get to the functions you want without distraction.
The Bluetooth also allows you to wirelessly stream music from your smartphone or tablet to the head unit which gives you nearly limitless options for music, podcasts, audiobooks, and more. The KW-M750BT includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality to help provide an even safer driving environment.
Like most receivers, both CarPlay and Android Auto require the compatible device to be connected to the rear USB port. The receiver offers a connection for a backup camera along with a second camera input you can use for a front-facing camera. A video output port allows this receiver to send video to rear headrest monitors.
Key Features:
| Screen Size | 6.8″ |
| Screen Resolution | 800×480 |
| Screen Type | Resistive |
| Power Output (RMS/Peak) | 22W/50W |
| HD Radio | No |
| Aux | Mini, RCA (Rear) |
| HDMI | No |
| USB | Rear |
| Camera | Dual |
| Pre Out (Volts) | 6, 4V |
| Price | $$ |
Pros
- Excellent connectivity options
- Customizable wallpapers and dynamic images
- Excellent price point
- iDatalink Maestro-enabled
Cons
- Smaller screen than some competitors
- Only fits Double-DIN openings
Best Value Touch Screen Car Stereo
Jensen CAR1000
Latest Prices
Jensen CAR1000 Quick Review
We had an opportunity to check the CAR1000 out ourselves, and to say we were impressed is an understatement. When you sit down in a vehicle with a 10” touchscreen, it has the look of a high-dollar set-up, no matter what dash it is installed in. The typical rule of thumb for touchscreen head units is that the larger the screen, the more expensive the product.
The chassis is a full double-din design that offers dual USB rear inputs and a camera input. One of the USB ports is for connecting smartphones to provide Android Auto or Apple CarPlay functionality while the other is useful for playing music stored on a flashdrive. The massive screen has HD-level optics with a screen resolution of 1024×600 and can be tilt-adjusted for comfortable viewing.
Of course, it’s ready to go for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and features wireless Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calls and voice control options. The CAR1000 is Siri-enabled to integrate your home-auto smart system.
A peak output of 50 watts per channel and three pairs of pre-outs keep this head unit flexible so you can add subwoofers and amplifiers to get big music to go along with that giant screen.
Key Features:
| Screen Size | 10.1″ |
| Screen Resolution | 1024×600 |
| Screen Type | Capacitive |
| Power Output (RMS/Peak) | 22W/Unknown |
| HD Radio | No |
| Aux | Mini, RCA (Front & Rear) |
| HDMI | Yes (Rear) |
| USB | Front & Rear |
| Camera | Single |
| Pre Out (Volts) | 6, 4V |
| Price | $$$ |
Pros
- Massive screen
- Great resolution
- Front USB port
Cons
- Massive screen may interfere with the dash in some vehicles
Best Touchscreen Head Unit if Money Weren't a Thing
Alpine Halo9 iLX-F509
Latest Prices
Alpine Halo9 iLX-F509 Quick Review
Also ranked on our list of Best iDataLink Head Units, the Alpine Halo9 was among the very best looking 9” screens available. It is bright, clear, and super responsive. To make it even easier to install, the chassis is a single-DIN size. This makes for an easy installation in almost any car or truck.
The massive high-definition screen is easily controlled with taps and swipe gestures in an intuitive layout that makes the Halo9 iLX-F509 user friendly and distraction-reducing. Plus, the ultra-modern design gives tons of status to any interior. Resolution is among the very best at 1280×720.
A beautiful screen is useless if it isn’t backed up by terrific performance, and Alpine left no box unchecked with the Halo9 iLX-509. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay both work flawlessly, while Bluetooth connectivity enables hands-free calling and Siri Eyes Free. The Halo9 iLX-509 is ready-to-run with Pandora, Waze, and numerous other apps already loaded.
The Halo9 iLX-509 can even control aftermarket light kits and other devices right on screen. Adjustable angles for the screen are -20, 0, 20, and 40 degrees. Alpine advertises a peak of 50 watts x four channels of power output.
Key Features:
| Screen Size | 9″ |
| Screen Resolution | 1280×720 |
| Screen Type | Capacitive |
| Power Output (RMS/Peak) | 18W/50W |
| HD Radio | Yes |
| Aux | Mini, RCA (Rear) |
| HDMI | Yes (Rear) |
| USB | Rear |
| Camera | Single |
| Pre Out (Volts) | 6, 4V |
| Price | $$$$$ |
Pros
- Highly flexible installation
- Stunning touch screen display
- Excellent, easy to use user interface
Cons
- Price is significantly higher than competitors (thus the lower rank)
- Some users found maps and CarPlay difficult to navigate
Best Cheap Touchscreen Car Stereo
Jensen CMR2720
Latest Prices
Jensen CMR2720 Quick Review
Looking for a low-cost way to get great features and a touchscreen stereo in your double-din dash opening? Look no further than the Jensen CMR2720 that rocks a big, bright 7 inch capacitive touchscreen and the capabilities to make streaming your favorite tunes simple and straight-forward.
The home page features large, easily identifiable icons that access media sources and settings. A MicroSD card slot and the rear composite video port and RCA ports allow the receiver to play videos when the parking brake is engaged. One of the notable features of this receiver is the dual camera inputs. This allows you to hook up a backup camera and an additional camera.
Power is modest at a rated 16 watts RMS and a peak of 50 watts. Six two-volt preouts let you add amplifiers and subwoofers easily to further enhance the power output of the Jensen CMR2720. A seven-band EQ with seven genre-specific presets to quickly tune your system to your liking.
Of course, budget head units are going to lack some features. The Jensen CMR2720 has built-in Bluetooth capabilities for wirelessly streaming music, but it doesn’t support Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, so you won’t have access to the distraction-reducing programs. Voice commands through Android Control do work, but there are no provisions for iOS users looking to get Siri or Alexa working in the car.
| Screen Size | 7″ |
| Screen Resolution | 1024×600 |
| Screen Type | LCD |
| Power Output (RMS/Peak) | 16W/50W |
| HD Radio | No |
| Aux | Mini (Front) |
| A/V Input | Yes (Rear) |
| USB | Front |
| Camera | Dual |
| Pre Out (Volts) | 6, 2V |
| Price | $ |
Pros
- An affordable head unit with excellent capabilities in a streamlined package
- Easy installation in any double DIN opening
Cons
- Lacks connectivity to driver safety programs and built-in apps commonly found with many touchscreen head units
- Touchscreen isn’t as responsive or accurate as other models
Looking for a different type of car stereo? Check out these lists!
Can Pumpkin 7″ upgraded to latest Android version?
I’m simply wanting to upgrade my 2011 Camry LE cheapo factory double din head with a Bluetooth audio, nav, Bluetooth phone (CarPlay). That’s about it. A reliable unit that is $225 & under. Is there such a creature!? Thanks