Best Double DIN Head Units Under $200 Reviews

If you’re in the market for a new budget-friendly double DIN headunit, then you’ve come to the right place – as we here at StereoRise have compiled a list of the best budget double din head unit you can buy in 2021.

Looking for the best double din head unit under $200 can be a tricky process. There are a lot of these units on the market to easily puzzle the person, and even a basic search on Amazon can produce a ton of results with a near-infinite number of units. Is this device worth the money? Am I purchasing a smartphone-friendly headunit? Does this unit have the necessary features that I’m looking for? Luckily for you, we did the investigative work.

If your needs are basic, then almost any of the headunits below will be perfectly good. They all have built-in Bluetooth connectivity, touchscreen displays, audio tuning controls and a some expandability options.

So let’s have a look at the best budget double din head unit under $200…

…Shall we?

Best Double DIN Head Units Under $200 Reviews

1. Pioneer AVH-210EX

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Pioneer AVH-210EX

• 6.2-inch touchscreen display
• 5 Display Colors With 112 Key Colors
• Bluetooth Connection
• Android and iPhone Compatibility
• 13-band graphic equalizer
• Built-in MOSFET amplifier (14 watts RMS CTA-2006/50 peak x 4 channels)

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Pioneer is undoubtedly one of the best car stereo brands out there. They’ve been in business for a very long time and they’ve mastered the art of building quality car audio components of different types.

The AVH-210EX is one of the best double din head units under $200 that Pioneer has to offer. It’s featured with a user-friendly 6.2″ touchscreen with Five selectable display colors and 112 Key colors.

As with most new aftermarket headunits, Pioneer AVH-210EX features Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and wireless audio streaming from Bluetooth ready handsets. This unit supports dual phone connection – great feature for a family vehicle with multiple drivers or a driver with multiple phones.

Along with Bluetooth, the AVH-290BT can play audio/video content from CDs, DVDs, and USB memory devices. It also features playback and control of music files on compatible Android devices, as well as built-in iPod, iPhone, and iPad control.

The AVH-210EX has a rear-mounted USB port that can be accessed via an extension cable, as well as a rear-mounted aux-in jack. It also has a rear A/V input, and a rear-view camera input for adding a reversing camera.

This headunit has four 4-volt pre-amp outputs for use with an external amplifier, a built-in 50-watt-by-4 amp (14 watts RMS), as well as high-pass/low-pass electronic crossover.

To tweak the sound, this double din car stereo is featured with 13-band graphic equalizer with 7 preset EQ curves, Advanced Sound Retriever, and digital time alignment.

This headunit is not loaded with a ton of features as some high-end models. However, it’s not as expensive as well. It’s a great cheap double din car stereo  that will make your car look as good as it sounds without having to spend a ton of cash.

The downside however is that this headunit doesn’t have a lot of interface customization. You only have five selectable display colors and Two backgrounds. Further, the USB and Aux input are on the rear of the radio, thus, you’ll need an extension cable.

2. ATOTO YS102SL

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ATOTO YS102SL

• Full HD 7-inch capacitive touchscreen
• Built-in Bluetooth
• Built-in Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Preset 7-band EQ with 12 section adjustable frequency
• Built-in FM/AM Radio Tuner with RDS
• Micro SD slot
• Reversing camera input

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ATOTO is a brand we haven’t come across very much at all, but we were quite impressed when we did. They offer decent double DIN headunits at very affordable prices.

It’s highly likely that you’ll find a double DIN receiver with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto under 200 dollars, but ATOTO offers one for way less than that.

ATOTO YS102SL is a digital media receiver with a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen with a few control buttons beneath the display and an Aux, USB, and memory inputs on the left side.

Despite being budget-friendly, this unit has almost all the vital features you can expect from a common car stereo including Bluetooth connection for hands-free calling and audio streaming, AM/FM radio tuner, seamless phone integration…etc.

Expandability wise, this ATOTO receiver has a camera input for adding a reversing camera, 2x RCA video output for adding two headrest monitors, and 4-CH RCA audio out (2v) for connecting this unit to a factory or aftermarket amplifier.

In terms of sound shaping, this headunit has a preset 7-band EQ with 12 section adjustable frequency.

3. Kenwood DDX26BT 

Kenwood DDX26BT

• 6.2 inch Wide VGA Color LCD Display with LED Backlight
• Built-in Bluetooth technology for hands-free talking and audio streaming
• 13-band graphic equalizer
• Rear USB Input
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio Ready
• Comes with a rear view camera with 170 degree wide angle

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Kenwood is another top-rated car stereo brand. They were founded in 1946 and they’ve been making quality audio products ever since. Kenwood offers everything from car speakers and subwoofers to car stereos and external amplifiers.

Kenwood offers a wide range of car stereos of different types. Their receivers seem to be well-liked, and that’s no coincidence as Kenwood receivers always seem to successfully combine great design, crystal clear sound, lots of handy features, and user-friendly controls. We’ve come across a ton of you who have used and loved Kenwood car stereos.

The DDX26BT is one of the best cheap double DIN car stereos that Kenwood has to offer. It’s featured with a sharp 6.2″ touchscreen display with variable color button illumination.

This unit features Bluetooth® connectivity for hands-free calling wireless audio streaming. For the times when you have to share the ride, the DDX26BT enables you to pair up two Bluetooth handsets and quickly switch between them, without having to navigate your way through the menu to switch phones.

Along with Bluetooth connectivity, this double DIN headunit is satellite radio ready, and has awesome smartphone integration. Speaking of which, this unit features Pandora®, iHeartRadio®, and Spotify® control with iPhone and Android.

The DDX26BT can play CDs, DVDs, and USB memory devices. It has a rear-mounted USB port, as well as a rear-view camera input. It comes with rear video output, and three sets of channel preamp outputs that will send a clean, high-voltage signal to any outboard amps in case you want to add any down the road.

As far as audio shaping controls are concerned, this headunit features a 13-band equalizer with digital time alignment for enhanced sound experience, no matter which seat you’re in. It also has Kenwood Drive EQ which is designed to boost some specific frequencies in the audio signal to overcome the negative impact of road noise. The DDX26BT also comes with high and low-pass crossover controls.

4. Pioneer AVH-201EX

Pioneer AVH-201EX

• 6.2-inch touchscreen display
• DVD Receiver
• Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming
• Plays audio/video content from CDs, DVDs, and USB memory devices
• 13-band graphic equalizer with 7 preset EQ curves

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This is another great double din head unit under $200 from Pioneer. This unit features 6.2″ responsive WVGA display touchscreen with multi-color options to access your entertainment and more.

As with most new aftermarket headunits in the market, the AVH-201EX features Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and wireless audio streaming.

If you’re not into Bluetooth, this receiver comes with a cd/dvd player, an aux input, plus Android™ and iPhone® control via USB. That said, you can watch your DVDs on this touchscreen car stereo when the parking brake in engaged, or send the video output to rear screens on the headrests to entertain your passengers on those long road trips. Additionally, the unit allows you to add a rear-view camera to get a better view when you’re backing your car.

Obviously, you’ll notice a significant improvement in terms of sound quality when you upgrade your stock headunit to an aftermarket one. The unit at hand is featured with a powerful built-in amplifier rated at 14 watts RMS x 4 channels. The AVH-201EX sports a high- and low-pass filters, digital time alignment, and a versatile 13-band equalizer that tames the rough spots in your car’s acoustics. If you’re a serious audiophile looking for a little more punch, add an outboard amp or a powered subwoofer to the three sets of pre-amp outputs and kick things up a notch.

As for cons, it’s really difficult to think of any. If anything, I’d say that this headunit is lacking display customization options.Plus, its USB and aux inputs are on the rear which isn’t easy to access, therefore, you might want to consider an extension cable.

5. JVC KW-V25BT

JVC KW-V25BT

• 6.2-inch touchscreen display
• DVD Receiver
• Front USB Input
• Memory Card Input
• Satellite Radio Ready
• Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming
• 3 Sets of 2. 5V preamp outputs
• 13-band graphic equalizer

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JVC is another well-established car stereo brand. They were founded in 1927 and they make virtually everything in the consumer electronics world, from televisions to camcorders and car audio components.

JVC offers a wide range of car stereos of different types including single DIN car receivers, double DIN radios with/without touchscreen, as well as digital media receivers.

The JVC KW-V25BT is one of best double DIN headunits under $200 that JVC has to offer. This budget-friendly double DIN headunit features a responsive 6.2″ touchscreen display with blue button illumination.

The KW-V25BT features Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and wireless audio streaming. Its dual phone connection through Bluetooth allows you to connect up to two bluetooth handsets to the receiver — handy for vehicles with more than one driver. You can easily and quickly switch between the two paired phones.

Along with Bluetooth connectivity, the KW-V25BT has a CD/DVD drive, an AM/FM tuner, and is SiriusXM satellite radio ready with the addition of an SiriusXM tuner.

If you want to use individual apps, the KW-V25BT features controls for Android Music, Pandora, iHeartRadio, and Spotify. These and other apps can be used with the KW-V25BT via a Bluetooth connection. This unit is also compatible with Siri Eyes.

The KW-V25BT has a front-mounted USB port, a rear A/V input, as well as a rear-view camera input. It comes with 6-channel preamp outputs (4-volt front, rear, subwoofer) for use with a separate amplifier, as well as a built-in 14-watt-by-4 amp (RMS).

As far as audio tuning controls are concerned, this headunit sports 13-band equalizer with digital time alignment, sound lift to compensate for speakers that are low in the doors as well as a volume link EQ to boost some specific frequencies to compensate for the impact of road noise.

6. Kenwood DPX523BT

Kenwood DPX523BT

• 13-digit 3-line display with variable-color illumination
• DVD Receiver
• Pandora and iHeartRadio control with Apple iPhone and Android
• Built-in iPhone and Android control using USB port
• Bluetooth connection
• Front USB Input & Aux input
• 13-band parametric equalizer with digital time alignment

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If you’re looking for the best budget double din head unit without a touchscreen display, then Kenwood DPX523BT is a good option to consider. It’s one of the best selling double din headunits under $200.

This double DIN headunit features a 13-digit 3-line display with variable-color illumination. The big 3-line display is nothing to write home about compared to a large touchscreen display, however, it’ll make it easy for you to see the artist and song info, along with your system settings. Furthermore, the the simple control panel makes it easy to access all the receiver’s features.

The DPX523BT is featured with Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and wireless music streaming. It allows you to pair two Bluetooth handsets and quickly switch between them for hands-free calling. And when it comes to audio streaming, this headunit is featured with Kenwood’s Music Mix feature which allows music streaming playback and control from up to five paired smartphones, so that everybody can stream their favorite tracks for the ultimate road trip party. Additionally, you can control this Kenwood directly from your iPhone® or Android™ smartphone using Kenwood’s free remote app.

Along with Bluetooth connectivity, the DPX523BT has a CD drive, an AM/FM tuner, and is SiriusXM satellite radio ready with the addition of a SiriusXM tuner. It will also play a wide variety of digital audio files either burned to disc or on a USB drive.

Kenwood DPX523BT can also play your favorite Pandora®, Spotify®, and iHeartRadio® Internet Radio stations from your iPhone using the USB connection and with your Android using Bluetooth.

This Kenwood double DIN headunit has front panel auxiliary and USB inputs. It also comes with 6-channel preamp outputs for use with an outboard amp, as well as a built-in 22-watt-by-4 amp (RMS).

There’s high-pass/low-pass electronic crossover, and subwoofer level control. To further tweak sound, you get a 13-band parametric equalizer with digital time alignment.

7. Pioneer FH-S700BS

Pioneer FH-S700BS

• MIXTRAX technology
• Built-In Bluetooth for Hands-Free Calling and Wireless Audio Streaming.
• Built-in HD Radio
• Works with Pandora, and Spotify
• SiriusXM Ready
• Dual-zone color illumination
• USB Direct Control For iPOD/iPHONE

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This is another great double DIN headunit without a touchscreen from Pioneer. This unit is featured with 2-line LCD display with MIXTRAX technology to add a light show to your dash as your music is being played, so you can indulge your mood or match your vehicle’s dash illumination.

All new aftermarket headunits support Bluetooth connection, and this Pioneer unit is no exception. It supports dual phone connection, so you can stream or talk with either one when you’re in your car with the push of a button on the receiver. And with a 10-phone memory, it’ll support all the phones in your family.

This receiver is compatible with both Android and iPhone. Speaking of which, this receiver supports Pandora and Spotify control with your phone being plugged into the front-mounted USB input.

Sound sculpting wise, this unit comes with 13 band graphic equalizer with seven preset tone settings, low-pass and high-pass filters, time alignment, subwoofer level control, 3-level loudness, advanced sound retriever, and listening position selector.

In terms of expandability options, Pioneer FH-S501BT receiver sports Two RCA Preouts, front-mounted auxiliary and USB inputs, and an optional wired remote control input.

On the debit side, this unit lacks satellite radio, and since it doesn’t have a display monitor, it’s not equipped with a reversing camera input.

8. JVC KW-R930BT

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JVC KW-R930BT

• 2 Line display
• 2-Zone Variable-Color Illumination
• Built-in Bluetooth
• Front USB/AUX Input
• 13-Band Graphic EQ & 11-Preset EQ
• Spotify Control (Android via Bluetooth, iPhone via USB or Bluetooth)
• 6-Channel preamp outputs (2.5-Volt front, rear, sub)

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For less than $100, the JVC KW-R930BT is one hell of one hell of a bargain 2-DIN receiver, and more than an upgrade to factory-installed headunits. It’s designed to get the job done with all the necessary features you really need, plus a few unique ones, all while looking stylish and futuristic.

This receiver comes with 2-line, easy-to-read display with 2-zone variable color illumination. It has a large rotary dial knob that’s as smooth as butter, front-mounted auxiliary and USB inputs, and a disc slot.

Additionally, this headunit comes with Bluetooth technology with dual phone connection. Calls to either phone can be received by a push of a key on the head unit.

When it comes to sound tuning, this receiver comes with a number of features including 13-band graphic equalizer with 11-presets, volume link EQ, sound lift, and time alignment.

Furthermore, and as far as outputs are concerned, the JVC KW-R930BT has 2.5 volt RCA preamp outputs for front rear and subwoofer, Subwoofer Output with Level/Frequency Control, and SiriusXM.

Dollar for dollar, JVC KW-R930BT is a great receiver for the money. It’s a perfect solution for those of you looking to upgrade your factory stereo on a budget!

9. BOSS Audio BVCP9685A

While BOSS Audio might be one of the younger companies in this industry, it has been able to carve out a place for itself as a viable competitor. They offer world-class mobile audio systems for everyone’s budget, and the headunit at hand is no exception.

The biggest thing with the BOSS Audio BVCP9685A besides the fact that it comes with a large capacitive touchscreen, is that it supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It’s actually one of the best headunits in this price range. It’s cheaper than any Sony, Kenwood, or Pioneer double din stereo featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

This receiver is a full size 2-din stereo in width and height, but not in depth. Since it’s a digital media receiver, it has no disc slot, so it’s only about 4″ in depth. This will make installation simple in space constraint dashes.

BOSS Audio BVCP9685A features Bluetooth connectivity for hands free calls and audio streaming, rear-mounted USB input, A/V input, rear camera input, and front, rear & sub pre-amp outputs for expanding your sound system adding adding a couple of amps and/or signal processors for your front, rear and subwoofer channels.

Sound shaping wise, this receiver comes with balance/fader and built-in preset EQ to let you choose from preset EQ curves for a variety of music styles.

If I had to pick some criticisms for the BOSS Audio BVCP9685A, it would be just the touch commands. I mean some people might have used to rotary knobs and push buttons instead of touchscreen commands.

10. Pioneer MVH-210EX

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Pioneer MVH-210EX

• 6.2-inch touchscreen display with variable color button illumination
• Built-in Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming
• 13-band graphic equalizer
• Android and iPhone Compatibility
• Built-in MOSFET amplifier (14 watts RMS CTA-2006/50 peak x 4 channels)

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This headunit from pioneer is relatively similar to the first Pioneer headunit we listed here except for the fact the this one has no disk slot (DVD player). So, if you play the majority of all your music off your iPhone, iPod, or Android device, then the MVH-210EX is a great option to consider.

The digital media receiver at hand features a 6.2″ clear-resistive touchscreen with variable color button illumination. It has built-in Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming. Similarly to most modern Pioneer headunits, the MVH-210EX allows you to pair two phones simultaneously for quick and easy access — a handy feature for the family ride.

Furthermore, this unit has built-in iPhone and Android control via USB. Thanks to its 13-band equalizer, you’ll be able to bring out the best in any type of music. And if you’re a serious audiophile who wants to add more punch to their system, then you can connect an amp or powered sub to the three sets of preamp outputs. There’s also high- and low-pass filters for getting a well-balanced sound.

This receiver comes with rear audio/video input, rear USB and Aux input, as well as rear-view camera input.