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In this article: We'll review our best touchscreen car stereos & head unit picks, along with quick product reviews, photos and price comparisons to help you save money on the receiver that you choose.
A touchscreen ead unit 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 standard when it comes to audio and multimedia in your car. Some will even allow you to watch streaming videos and DVDs to entertain yourself and your passengers.
There are dozens of advantages to buying a touchscreen for your car. But not every touchscreen head unit is a good buy. Hundreds of different head units are on the market at various prices, so picking the best touchscreen car stereo can be an overwhelming challenge.
The team here at CarAudioNow has done the hard work for you and narrowed the best touchscreen 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 firsthand. 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, so keep checking back for the latest and greatest touchscreen head units on the market.
Here Are Our Best Touchscreen Head Units in 2024
- Overall Touch Screen Car Stereo: Pioneer DMH-WT8600NEX
- Touchscreen Head Unit for Video & Multimedia: Sony XAV-AX8100
- Touchscreen Car Stereo for High Performance Audio: Alpine ILX-W650
- Touchscreen Head Unit for Oversized Vehicles: Kenwood DNR1008RVS
- Touchscreen Head Unit if Money Weren't a Thing: Alpine Halo9 iLX-F509
- Bluetooth Touchscreen Head Unit: JVC KW-M780BT
- Value Touch Screen Car Stereo: Jensen CAR8000
Best Overall Touch Screen Car Stereo
Why We Picked It
Pioneer’s latest creation is the DMH-WT8600NEX, and we think it is the ultimate touchscreen car stereo. This modular design is suitable for nearly any vehicle and the incredibly massive touchscreen is as fast and accurate as it is gorgeous. The DMH-WT8600NEX is a major improvement over the previous model.
The HD-resolution (1280×720) touchscreen dominates this unit. It is a massive 10.1” capacitive touchscreen mounted to a single-DIN chassis that provides an unheard-of range of installation angles. The screen can move up and down in 15mm increments a total of 60mm to clear air vents, buttons, or odd-shaped dash panels. The touchscreen can also move left or right 30mm each and in or out 20mm. To improve viewability, the screen can tilt 60 degrees forward and 15 degrees back.
Pioneer’s CarAVAssist app is compatible with the DMH-WT8600NEX, opening up a world of customizable colors, patterns, and other advanced features. It includes wired and wireless connections for hands-free control for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Dual camera inputs offer safety improvements, while built-in readiness for iDataLink Maestro and Axxess Integration adapters makes installation in modern vehicles a snap.
The Pioneer DMH-WT8600NEX is our top touchscreen car stereo because of the massive HD screen and flexible installation options. It offers the connectivity that today’s drivers demand and excellent audio performance.
Key Features:
| Screen Size | 10.1″ |
| Screen Resolution | 1280×720 |
| Screen Type | LCD Capacitive |
| Power Output (RMS/Peak) | 14W/50W |
| HD Radio | Yes |
| Aux | Mini, RCA (Rear) |
| HDMI | Yes (Micro) |
| USB | Rear (USB-C) |
| Camera | Dual |
| Pre Outs | 6, 4V |
| Price | $$$$ |
Reasons to Buy
- Massive HD touchscreen provides lots of room for apps and watching videos
- Flexible installation options allow this stereo to fit in spaces that smaller screens won’t
- Includes all the latest options for wireless streaming of audio and video, along with hands-free options for iOS and Android users
Reasons Not to Buy
- Some users experience issues after updates that require re-flashing the iDataLink Maestro adapters and other steps to diagnose
- The size of the screen might interfere with controls or trim despite screen movement
Best Touchscreen Head Unit for Video & Multimedia
Sony XAV-AX8500
Latest Prices
Why We Picked It
Join us for an exclusive unbox and first look at the Sony XAV-AX8500 multimedia receiver in our latest video. We'll walk through the key features that make this head unit a great choice for playing video.
Sony XAV-AX8500 Quick Review
Sony's XAV-AX8500 multimedia head unit is a significant upgrade over their previous model, the AX8100, featuring a 10.1” floating touchscreen with a modular single-DIN chassis. The unit's chassis, screen and general design shares a lot of similarities with the XAV-9500ES, but with some key differences. Namely the added input for HDMI and capability to play video files via USB. To us, it's a great blend between the XAV-AX8100 (which we previously featured in this slot on this list) and the 9500ES.
What's great about the AX8500 over the 8100 is its oversized 10.1” screen, which boasts a 1280×720 HD resolution and capacitive touch technology, providing a premium video playback experience. Sony's four-way adjustable tilt mechanism, including a swivel function, adds practicality for diverse dash configurations and its swivel capability is currently unique to only the AX8500.
For multimedia capabilities, the 8500 supports video playback via micro HDMI or USB inputs. The image quality is superior to many entry and mid-level screens with the higher, HD resolutions. The sound settings, and tuning options, featuring a 14-band graphic equalizer and listening position adjustment, cater to audio enthusiasts. However, unlike Sony's 9500ES unit, the 8500 does not support high resolution audio playback and does not feature a parametric equalizer.
One of the standout features we liked about this unit as well is the 3 camera inputs, which can be used to trigger camera feeds via the unit's quick app buttons or via a wired signal. Great for parking and offroaders alike. And customization features, such as the quick menu and background image options provide a great level of personalization via the user experience.
Sony's XAV-AX8500 earns our praise for merging the best features of the XAV-9500ES and XAV-AX8100. It offers a comprehensive multimedia solution with a sleek design, making it a top choice for those seeking the latest in touchscreen head unit technology.
Key Features:
| Screen Size | 10.1″ |
| Screen Resolution | 1280×720 |
| Screen Type | LCD Capacitive |
| Power Output (RMS/Peak) | 20W/55W |
| HD Radio | No |
| Aux | Yes |
| HDMI | Yes (Micro) |
| USB | Rear |
| Camera | 3 Inputs |
| Pre Out (Volts) | 5, 5V |
| Price | $$$$ |
Reasons to Buy
- Single-DIN chassis makes installation easy in almost any vehicle
- HDMI input for any multimedia and video device
- Huge, glare-free screen
- Very flexible screen adjustments to fit any dash
- Plenty of power
Reasons Not to Buy
- Only one USB-C input
- HDMI input might require an HDMI to micro HDMI adapter
- Chassis is not designed to mount in vehicles with 1.5 or 2-DIN openings. Adapters will be required
- Button colors are not adjustable
- On the pricy side
Best Touchscreen Car Stereo for High Performance Audio
Why We Picked It
Join us for an exclusive unbox and first look at the Alpine ILX-W650 touchscreen receiver in our latest video. We'll walk through the key features that make this head unit a great choice.
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 | $$ |
Reasons to Buy
- Shallow depth eases installation
- User interface and controls are simple and easy to use
- Dual camera connections
Reasons Not to Buy
- Screen can exhibit bad glare at some angles
- Icons and graphics lack flashiness
Best Touchscreen Head Unit for Oversized Vehicles
Why We Picked It
Adding a massive touchscreen with customizable navigation features is a great way to bring modern technology to your car, or even motorhome or tractor-trailer rig. The Kenwood DNR1008RVS is an ideal option for not only your car or truck, but also for specialized vehicles. This is more than just a high-quality car stereo, it is a multimedia hub that lets you build a custom system perfect for all types of vehicles.
We often save the built-in navigation head units for our list of best GPS navigation receivers because much of the technology is available through third-party apps. They're typically more expensive, so if you don't want the feature it's a sunk cost. But when we sat down with the DNR1008RVS, we felt like it needed to be included. This car stereo has a huge 10.1” floating touchscreen and navigation powered by Garmin. And for those looking for an ideal unit for your RV or 18 wheeler, you can input details about the vehicle – such as length, height, and whether you are towing a trailer – allowing the head unit’s navigation to plot a route that avoids low overpasses and roads that are not accessible to large vehicles and provides options for finding RV parks and rest stops.
The mapping features are fantastic options we haven’t seen elsewhere, and the 3D maps with topography are stunning. A video feed can send the navigation map to a secondary monitor to allow your navigator to easily plot the course without being in the cockpit. Kenwood provides options to connect up to four exterior cameras, making driving large vehicles much safer. We used one camera for a trailer hitch view for hooking up a boat trailer and added side cameras to help make lane changes on busy freeways simple.
The Kenwood DNR1008RVS isn’t just a nav receiver. It offers Bluetooth for dual-phone connection and Kenwood’s Music Mix to stream playback from as many as five devices at once. Three pairs of 4v preouts and a three-way crossover make expanding and custom-tuning possible to get great sound in a large vehicle. It is even compatible with iDataLink Maestro, so you won’t lose the factory functions that may have been incorporated into your factory car stereo.
| Screen Size | 10.1″ |
| Screen Resolution | 1280×720 |
| Screen Type | Capacitive |
| Power Output (RMS/Peak) | 22W/50W |
| HD Radio | No |
| Aux | Mini, RCA (Rear) |
| HDMI | Yes (Rear) |
| USB | Rear |
| Camera | Quad |
| Pre Out (Volts) | 6, 4V |
| Price | $$$$$ |
Reasons to Buy
- An affordable head unit with excellent capabilities in a streamlined package
- Easy installation in any double DIN opening
Reasons Not to Buy
- Lacks connectivity to driver safety programs and built-in apps commonly found with many touchscreen head units
- Touchscreen isn’t as responsive or accurate as other models
Best Touchscreen Head Unit if Money Weren't a Thing
Why We Picked It
Also ranked on our list of Best iDataLink Head Units, the Alpine Halo9 was among the very best looking 9” screens available. It is bright, clear, and super responsive. To make it even easier to install, the chassis is a single-DIN size. This makes for an easy installation in almost any car or truck.
The massive high-definition screen is easily controlled with taps and swipe gestures in an intuitive layout that makes the Halo9 iLX-F509 user friendly and distraction-reducing. Plus, the ultra-modern design gives tons of status to any interior. Resolution is among the very best at 1280×720.
A beautiful screen is useless if it isn’t backed up by terrific performance, and Alpine left no box unchecked with the Halo9 iLX-509. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay both work flawlessly, while Bluetooth connectivity enables hands-free calling and Siri Eyes Free. The Halo9 iLX-509 is ready-to-run with Pandora, Waze, and numerous other apps already loaded.
The Halo9 iLX-509 can even control aftermarket light kits and other devices right on screen. Adjustable angles for the screen are -20, 0, 20, and 40 degrees. Alpine advertises a peak of 50 watts x four channels of power output.
Key Features:
| Screen Size | 9″ |
| Screen Resolution | 1280×720 |
| Screen Type | Capacitive |
| Power Output (RMS/Peak) | 18W/50W |
| HD Radio | Yes |
| Aux | Mini, RCA (Rear) |
| HDMI | Yes (Rear) |
| USB | Rear |
| Camera | Single |
| Pre Out (Volts) | 6, 4V |
| Price | $$$$$ |
Reasons to Buy
- Highly flexible installation
- Stunning touch screen display
- Excellent, easy to use user interface
Reasons Not to Buy
- Price is significantly higher than competitors (thus the lower rank)
- Some users found maps and CarPlay difficult to navigate
Best Bluetooth Touchscreen Head Unit
Why We Picked It
JVC does a great job of adding value to this head unit by expanding the capabilities of the Bluetooth connection. One of our favorite features is the JVC Streaming DJ function which allows up to five devices to pair simultaneously. Streaming DJ allows playback from stored songs and streaming services like Spotify and Pandora. You and your friends can take turns playing the next song without having to connect and pair devices repeatedly.
The JVC KW-M780BT replaces the previous M750BT car stereo that was on our list and offers an improved DSP for clean and clear sound. The KW-M780BT provides dual camera inputs and an A/V port that can be used for an additional video feed, even sending video to headrest monitors for backseat entertainment. A mini HDMI port will even allow you to hook up a video game console for rear passenger entertainment on the road.
The screen measures 6.75” and can be controlled with gestures and swipes. The chassis is a double-DIN design that works well in vehicles with limited depth behind the stereo. The shallow chassis makes installation easy and provides ample space for wiring connections. The KW-M780BT includes wired access to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Key Features:
| Screen Size | 6.8″ |
| Screen Resolution | 800×480 |
| Screen Type | Capacitive |
| Power Output (RMS/Peak) | 22W/50W |
| HD Radio | No |
| Aux | Mini, RCA (Rear) |
| HDMI | Yes (Micro) |
| USB | Rear |
| Camera | Dual |
| Pre Out (Volts) | 6, 4V |
| Price | $$ |
Reasons to Buy
- Excellent connectivity options using Bluetooth and wired connections
- Customizable wallpapers and dynamic images
- Excellent price point
- iDatalink Maestro-enabled
Reasons Not to Buy
- Smaller screen than some competitors
- Only fits Double-DIN openings
Best Value Touch Screen Car Stereo
Why We Picked It
Buyers who are drooling over our top touchscreen car stereo might get a shock when they see the price tag. Don’t give up on your dreams of a massive touchscreen in your car just yet. Jensen recently updated the CAR1000 and introduced the CAR8000, which provides a high-definition 10.1” capacitive touchscreen display with all of the bells and whistles you expect from a high-end car stereo at a practically unbelievable price. Jensen even included a CD/DVD player in this unit. Dual USB inputs allow streaming from a connected device or a thumb drive.
The CAR8000 chassis is a standard double-DIN design, and because of the CD/DVD drive, it requires a deep dash space for installation. The car stereo has a single camera input that works with aftermarket backup cameras. Front, rear, and subwoofer preouts offer 4v power for expansion and custom tuning. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are included but require a wired connection.
The CAR8000 offers many options and an excellent screen, but a few things are lacking. We would have liked to see a wireless Bluetooth connection for hands-free driving. The lack of an HDMI input limits the devices you can use to display a video on the monitor. Sound quality is on par with similarly priced units but pales compared to some of the higher-end car stereos we have reviewed.
Key Features:
| Screen Size | 10.1″ |
| Screen Resolution | 1024×600 |
| Screen Type | Capacitive |
| Power Output (RMS/Peak) | 22W/50W |
| HD Radio | No |
| Aux | Mini, RCA (Front & Rear) |
| HDMI | No |
| USB | Front & Rear |
| Camera | Single |
| Pre Out (Volts) | 6, 4V |
| Price | $$ |
Reasons to Buy
- Massive screen with excellent resolution
- Plays DVDs and offers connections for a second display via A/V input
- Remarkable price point
Reasons Not to Buy
- Massive screen may interfere with the dash in some vehicles
- Lacks the power of higher-end units and will need an amplifier to sound great
- No adjustment of the floating screen
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