Operating your phone while you are driving is totally discouraged because it increases the chances of getting involved in an accident. It takes off your focus and eyes from the road, thereby, risking your life as well as the life of other people in your car or those using the road. Fortunately, the introduction of an Apple CarPlay head unit has really helped change things. These modern units will give you an opportunity to connect your smartphone with the stereo system of your vehicle.
By so doing, they allow you to answer phone calls, receive messages, listen to music, and even get directions through voice commands or a simple touch. This means that when you have a head unit, then you will be fully focused on the road even when you are answering a phone call or sending a message. In the following top 10 best Apple CarPlay head unit reviews in 2021, we have talked comprehensively about these products to help you make correct decisions in the event that you choose to buy one.
But before we go there, we have a buyer’s guide on how to find the best Apple CarPlay head unit.
- Brightness of the Display: The best quality Apple CarPlay head unit should have a display that is bright enough. This is because such a display has enhanced visibility even in broad daylight. It is, therefore, super easy to use.
- Features: Different Apple CarPlay head units are equipped with different features. Well, apart from basic features, you can consider a unit with extra features, so you can get the most out of it. Consider a device with features like a built-in radio to keep you entertained while you are on the road.
- Price: It is important to note that the most expensive Apple CarPlay head unit is not the best on the market. Therefore, do not try to surpass your budget thinking that you will land the best unit. That said, once you have set your budget, check the features and performance of head units within it.
- Compatibility: If your head unit is not compatible with Apple CarPlay, then it is as good as useless. So, before purchasing a head unit, ensures that it works great with Apple CarPlay. You should also make sure that it is compatible with Android Auto.
Now let’s go back to our reviews.
Contents
- 10. Pioneer 7” Flip Out DVD Receiver with CarPlay (AVH-3300NEX) – Preferred
- 9. Alpine 7” Mech-Less in-Dash Receiver (ILX-107)
- 8. Kenwood Double DIN DVD/CD/AM/FM Car Stereo (DDX6703S)
- 7. Boss Audio BVCP9675A Apple CarPlay Receiver
- 6. Pioneer MVH-1400NEX Video Receiver Apple CarPlay – Preferred
- 5. Pioneer MVH-2300NEX Video Receiver with Apple CarPlay
- 4. Kenwood 2-DIN in-Dash DVD/CD/AM/FM Car Stereo (DDX9703S)
- 3. Sony XAV-AX100 6.4” Car Play/Android Auto Receiver
- 2. Pioneer 2-DIN Receiver (AVH4200NEX) – Preferred
- 1. Pioneer Multimedia DVD Receiver (AVH-1300NEX) – Preferred
10. Pioneer 7” Flip Out DVD Receiver with CarPlay (AVH-3300NEX) – Preferred
This device comes with high-functioning Bluetooth technology to allow you to call hands-free and even stream audio without much fuss. It also boasts a 7-inch motorized VGA touchscreen to further improve its performance. Those who have tried it before agree that it has all the features needed, and this enables them to get the most out of it. Its touchscreen interface is customizable, and this makes it super easy to use.
| PROS | CONS |
| Boots fast to avoid any inconvenience | The USB port is on the back, but this makes the front of the device more polished |
| Comes with a Bluetooth mic | |
| It is SiriusXM Ready | |
| The touchscreen works as expected | |
| Buy on Amazon | More Information |
9. Alpine 7” Mech-Less in-Dash Receiver (ILX-107)
This is another exciting product that you should probably consider. You can use it with the Alpine Tunelt App if you have an iPhone. Its VGA display has a 7-inch size, which is just perfect. Plus it features capacitive touch screen to further enhance its performance. Considering the features this device has, expect to have a great time driving. With it, you will be able to access your iPhone on the touchscreen of your vehicle with much ease.
| PROS | CONS |
| The wireless CarPlay works flawlessly | The customer support could be better |
| The radio sounds better | |
| Its face is really simple; no extra buttons or knobs | |
| Very responsive and easy to integrate | |
| Buy on Amazon | More Information |
8. Kenwood Double DIN DVD/CD/AM/FM Car Stereo (DDX6703S)
Those who have used this device agree that it is probably the best kenwood carplay you are yet to come across. Apart from Apple Carplay, this head unit comes with a built-in HD radio, which is very clear for optimum performance. It also has Touch Panel control that makes it extremely easy to use. Its VGA color LCD display is 6.2 inches wide and comes with an LED backlight. Other features of this unit are variable key illumination and a clear resistive panel.
| PROS | CONS |
| Camera inputs are excellent | The brightness of the screen should be improved |
| It has lots of choices for media | |
| Looks and sounds great | |
| The Apple Carplay works as expected | |
| Buy on Amazon | More Information |
7. Boss Audio BVCP9675A Apple CarPlay Receiver
Convenience is crucial when you are on the road. And one device that takes it to the next level is this receiver from Boss Audio. It is equipped with Apple CarPlay that works with Android Auto to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the built-in display and controls of your car. That being said, the device will ensure that you are able to send and receive messages, access your music, make phone calls, and even get directions without taking your eyes off the road.
| PROS | CONS |
| The FM radio has excellent reception | CarPlay tends to disconnect after around 3 – 4 hours. But all you need when this happens is to unplug or reconnect |
| It has lots of great features | |
| Easy to set up and connect | |
| Buy on Amazon | More Information |
6. Pioneer MVH-1400NEX Video Receiver Apple CarPlay – Preferred
You cannot talk about the best Apple CarPlay radio without mentioning the Pioneer MVH-1400NEX model. Equipped with a powerful and innovative user interface, which is highly customizable and responsive, this video receiver is all you need to make your driving experiences very much convenient. It is not just compatible with Apple CarPlay but also it is SiriusXM ready. This means adding a satellite radio tuner is possible! You can also add a backup camera for extra satisfaction.
| PROS | CONS |
| The head unit has lots of features and inputs | Not the most durable |
| Its display is crisp and bright even in broad daylight | |
| Starts and responds quickly | |
| The interface is easy to use | |
| Buy on Amazon | More Information |
5. Pioneer MVH-2300NEX Video Receiver with Apple CarPlay
Pioneer has designed this video receiver with Apple CarPlay for modern smartphone-driven lifestyle. The Apple CarPlay provides iPhones users with a remarkably intuitive way to use Maps, make calls, access messages, and listen to music with just a touch or word. With this Apple CarPlay head unit, you will have a safer and smarter way to use your iPhone while you are in the car. It is SiriusXM Ready and compatible with Android Auto.
| PROS | CONS |
| Easy to use and sounds great | Does not work reliably on modern Pixel devices |
| Installation is not a big deal | |
| The display looks good | |
| Works great for the price | |
| Buy on Amazon | More Information |
4. Kenwood 2-DIN in-Dash DVD/CD/AM/FM Car Stereo (DDX9703S)
This device is built for convenience. And this can be justified by the built-in Bluetooth, which ensures hands-free audio streaming and talking. Ideally, the built-in Bluetooth of this head unit is reliable and works with most Bluetooth-enabled phones. The head unit comes equipped with a Touch Panel Control that makes it extremely easy to use. It also has a wide 6.95-inch VGA color LCD display that features an LCD backlight to allow for easy operation.
| PROS | CONS |
| Android Auto is very great | The screen is not as bright as expected |
| The shipping is quick | |
| Everything arrives packaged beautifully | |
| Handles everything that it is expected to do | |
| Buy on Amazon | More Information |
3. Sony XAV-AX100 6.4” Car Play/Android Auto Receiver
When you have this head unit from Sony, you will be able to use your smartphone while you are on the road without taking your hands off the wheel. It comes equipped with Apple CarPlay that works together with Android Auto to allow you to get directions, control audio playbacks, and even communicate with your contacts via voice commands. It also features powerful 4 x 55W amplification, which makes music sound dynamic and clear even at high volumes.
| PROS | CONS |
| The Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay work great | The price is a bit on the higher side |
| The touchscreen is incredibly fast | |
| Easy to install and set up | |
| Buy on Amazon | More Information |
2. Pioneer 2-DIN Receiver (AVH4200NEX) – Preferred
This is probably the best pioneer carplay on the market. It incorporates Pioneer “NEX” (Network entertainment experience); an innovative combination of cloud-based services and built-in features, which connect with your tablet or smartphone to offer familiar interfaces and apps when you are in the car. Because it is built with ultimate reliability in mind, the head unit is compatible with Android and Apple phones. It is a high performance device that has what it takes to perfectly fit your digital lifestyle.
| PROS | CONS |
| Works great with Siri, Maps Navigation, and Music | For the performance, it is a bit too pricey |
| Fits perfectly in the 2014 Rogue | |
| Customizable both in functions and looks | |
| Buy on Amazon | More Information |
1. Pioneer Multimedia DVD Receiver (AVH-1300NEX) – Preferred
The enhanced user interface was enough to convince us to include the Pioneer AVH-1300NEX on this list. The touchscreen user interface is very powerful, intuitive, and responsive. It is very easy to use and highly customizable, so you can get the best out of it. Another interesting feature that this head unit has is the built-in Bluetooth, which allows for hands-free calling and audio streaming. What’s more, this unit is compatible with Apple CarPlay as well as Appradio mode+.
| PROS | CONS |
| The screen is very responsive | May arrive with a few glitches, but the manufacturer is more than ready to help out |
| The display is bright even during the day | |
| The illumination color and background can be customized | |
| Apple CarPlay works remarkably well | |
| Buy on Amazon | More Information |
Conclusion
Driving on the road is now smarter, easier, safer, and more convenient than ever before; thanks to the above Apple CarPlay head units. They are innovative devices that are loaded with great features to fit your digital lifestyle. With that being said, go through the reviews and buyer’s guide above to choose one that best suits your needs.
