The Best Bluetooth Car Stereo – Reviews & Buyer Guide

Are you planning to upgrade your car audio system? Do you want to get your hands on the best Bluetooth car stereo? If your answer is yes, then this article can help you choose the device that fits your needs.

The car stereo is the highlight of car audio systems. They have a handful of useful features, and they look terrific on the dashboard. Also known as the head unit, receiver, and radio, car stereos perform different functions to entertain drivers and car owners.

Today, car stereos include built-in Bluetooth. This wireless function connects other devices to the car stereo. It also allows you to share data from gadgets like a laptop or smartphone.

Up-to-the-minute devices offer more complex functionality than average Bluetooth car stereos. This is the reason why it’s important to only choose from the best devices.

Best Bluetooth Car Stereo 2021

Product Name

Size

Input Options

Single-DIN

Auxiliary, CD, Bluetooth, USB

Double-DIN

Bluetooth, CD, RW, USB, Auxiliary

Double-DIN

Bluetooth, CD, DVD, USB, SD, Auxiliary

Double-DIN

Bluetooth, CD, DVD, USB, Auxiliary

Single-DIN

Bluetooth, CD, USB, SD, Auxiliary


Pioneer DEH-X6900BT Vehicle CD Digital Music Player Receivers

The Pioneer DEH-X6900BT is a cheap Bluetooth car stereo. This device will upgrade your stock stereo with some sweet and new features. It offers state of the art functions even though it’s inexpensive.

Pioneer DEH-X6900BT has a CD, USB, and an Mp3 receiver with Pandora link, auxiliary support, A2DP Bluetooth, and iPod support.

Pioneer DEH -X6900BT

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It is MIXTRAX compatible which means that it performs advanced playlist analysis to identify the best transition for each song. This feature seamlessly blends and mixes the tracks to produce an ultimate listening experience.

Pioneer DEH-X6900BT also sports a 2-way iPod control, allowing the user to manage the stereo using an iPod, while its advanced Bluetooth technology permits wireless phone calls and music streaming.

The radio reception on this car stereo is excellent. However, the display is hard to see during the daytime. It’s a beautiful device for its price, but its functions can be complicated. You need to press many buttons to transition from one channel to the next.

Things We Liked

  • The Bluetooth connectivity is above-average. It lets you utilize voice commands to switch tracks and make calls.
  • This device produces clear and crisp music, even at high volumes. This is because of the onboard equalizer which keeps things balanced and just right.
  • The stereo supports different audio formats such as AAC, Mp3, WMA, and WAV files.

Things We Didn’t Like

  • Difficulty in viewing the display if the color themes are set to red or blue.
  • There are too many extra functions which make screen transitioning a bit harder if you’re not familiar with the device.

Pioneer FH-S701BS 2-DIN CD Receiver

The Pioneer Corporation is a distinguished multinational company that specializes in digital products. It’s no wonder that two of their Bluetooth car stereo models made it to the top five listings.

Pioneer FH-S701 BS

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Pioneer FH-S701BS has multiple playback and audio features. The device supports Mp3, AAC, FLAC, WAV, and WMA files and enables RW and CD playback. It is compatible with iOS 8 software and Apple iPhone 6 or higher versions. It has front, subwoofer, and rear outputs and audio auxiliary and USB inputs. The 13-band graphic equalizer allows separate control for the quality and strength of frequency bands.

This in-dash receiver lets you play Mp3s, CDs, satellite radio, and cassette tapes inside your vehicle. Pioneer FH-S701BS sports many general features including a CEA-2006 compliant amplifier, 18FM/6AM presets, AM/FM tuner, remote control, and dual phone connection.

Pioneer FH-S701BS also enables hands-free audio streaming and phone calls. The Hands-Free Profile (HFP) allows a wireless car kit to connect to a compatible device. Its Audio Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP) supports fundamental remote control functions via Bluetooth. The Serial Port Profile is another essential addition, because it serves as a wireless replacement for the standard RS-232 serial port.

Overall, the Pioneer FH-S701BS double-DIN in-Dash has many wonderful and advanced features for an inexpensive car stereo. It has excellent playback functions and distortion-free wireless connectivity. Although, one thing can be said against this product; it is difficult to browse songs and change channels because there are too many controls.

Things We Liked

  • The A2DP reinforces the high-quality audio produced by the preamp outputs. This upgrades the sound of the songs played through the car stereo.
  • Pioneer FH-S701BS is also SSP enabled. Therefore, it is compatible with most smartphones.
  • The package comes with an external wired microphone for clear and convenient phone calls.

Things We Didn’t Like

  • The lights on the receiver are too bright. These bright panel lights can distract users when driving at night time.
  • When switching channels, the dance mode feature can be annoying.

Power Acoustik PTID-8920B In-Dash DVD AM/FM Receiver

Have you ever seen a car stereo that can playback DVDs from any country? The Power Acoustik PTID-8920B can do so because of its integrated region-free DVD player. This is only one of the many reasons why Power Acoustik PTID-8920B made it to the top five.

Power Acoustik PTID-8920B

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Besides the unique playback feature, Power Acoustik also sports a 7-inch touchscreen display. The display will astonish you when it showcases CD and Mp3 information. You can also sync your phone contacts to this car stereo for convenient hands-free talking.

Many excellent playback and audio features can be noticed in this Bluetooth-compatible car stereo. Its A2DP features wireless audio streaming, while its radio tuner provides 12AM/18FM memory presets. Also, Power Acoustik sports a 3-band parametric equalizer with custom options and presets, and an SD card reader that accepts 32GB flash drives.

In general, Power Acoustik PTID-8920B is a good buy. It has a few unique features, and its basic functions work well. But, other than that, you can say that it’s quite plain compared to the other two mentioned above.

Things We Liked

  • Power Acoustik PTID-8920B is designed with an RCA composite input, which can be used to connect rear video cameras.
  • It possesses video and audio outputs for multiple components.
  • The built-in Bluetooth technology shows promising features and innovative profiles.

Things We Didn’t Like

  • Power Acoustik PTID-8920B may have multiple components, but it doesn’t support all of the primary video codecs. The device plays mp4, mp3, and mpg files, but it cannot read WAV and AVI audio files.
  • The equalizer settings only have treble and bass as its adjustment options.

JVC KW V66BT Double DIN Bluetooth In-Dash DVD/CD/AM/FM Car Stereo

JVC KW-V66BT keeps your mobile in the loop when driving. You can control audio applications such as  Radio and Mog when your Apple iPhone is connected to the car stereo. Traffic information from Cobra, Intrix, and other driving applications can also be viewed.

JVC KW-V66BT

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For powerful navigation, install the MotionX-GPS Drive app to see live traffic reports and maps on the receiver’s screen. JVC KW V66BT is already a complete package for a cheap Bluetooth stereo, but do consider adding a smartphone mount for easy use.

JVC KW V66BT is a remarkable unit. It offers a vast array of functions that can maximize your in-car entertainment. It is compatible with Blackberry, Android, and iPhone devices, so its flexibility is impressive. The buttons and touch screen controls are easy to use. Therefore, you don’t need to familiarize yourself first with the device before you can enjoy it.

Things We Liked

  • JVC KW-V66BT Bluetooth receiver features a 6.1-inch touch screen display for quick and easy navigation.
  • This device is made of high-quality parts, therefore high durability is assured.
  • The built-in Pandora technology allows you to connect your smartphone via USB or Bluetooth.

Things We Didn’t Like

  • No wireless remote control is included with the unit.

Sony MEX-N5200BT CD Car Stereo Receiver

Sony MEX-N5200BT is the best high budget Bluetooth-enabled car stereo receiver. This device is perfect for you if you have a few more bucks to spend. Sony MEX-N5200BT has better sound quality and more features than your average car stereo receiver.

Sony MEX-N5200BT

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Sony knows that your mobile phone has nearly everything that you need, so they created a gadget that connects your smartphone medias to a car stereo receiver for a superb in-car entertainment. This CD receiver supports Sony’s remote application so that you can pick radio stations, launch apps, and select sources from your smartphone. App remote allows your mobile to serve as a display for the receiver so that you can view track info, caller details, album art, and messages.

The hassle-free wireless connectivity is not the only key feature of this device. The MEX-N5200BT also sports Sony’s breathtaking Advanced Sound Engine. It features a digital time alignment and a 10-band equalizer to set up perfect frequency filters for clear and powerful acoustics.

Sony’s powerful digital reality amplifier is well known for its realistic audio production and solid sound output. Also, this device has three sets of preamp outputs and external amps if you wish to expand your car audio system further.

Overall, Sony MEX-N5200BT CD car stereo receiver is a well-designed and comprehensive audio enhancement for your car’s sound system. Sony did go to the extremes to design this little gadget. The design is sleek and impressive, and the functions and features are bug and glitch free. Regarding safety, the light bars from the display can become a problem. Some people find it annoying especially when they are driving at night.

Things We Liked

  • The Selectable Sound Synchronization Bluetooth color changes with every music track.
  • App Remote selects phone applications and combines music into a single list.
  • The voice activation function enables paired devices to respond to spoken commands.

Things We Didn’t Like

  • The panel lights and beeping functions can be irritating.
  • The designs and functions are complex, and the package doesn’t include a manual.

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Bluetooth Car Stereos Buyer’s Guide

Bluetooth car stereos come in different sizes and shapes with varying levels of functionality and support.

All of the devices in this list are Bluetooth enabled, but it shouldn't be the only function to consider. Other features and specifications must be weighed. You also need to check if it is compatible with your smartphone and vehicle.

Below is an outline of a few things that you need to consider before choosing your Bluetooth car stereo.

Input options
How would I like to use my new car stereo?

If you fancy listening to CDs, then you obviously need to choose a car stereo that has a CD slot. Other than that, a product that has a USB, DVD, and other input options is a better buy than those which has only limited input options.

Size
The double-DIN and single-DIN are the two major stereo sizes. Size matters when buying car stereos. However, if you have a narrow opening in your car’s dashboard, then double-DIN models are out of the picture. Larger products do hold more functionality and features than smaller models, but there are still nifty single-DIN models.

Bluetooth Functionality
Not all Bluetooth-enabled car stereos are created equal. Basic ones can link to your device and play music, but that is all there is to it. Do not settle for products with low levels of functionality. Choose the ones that can display text messages, caller information, track info, news, play music, stream audio, etc.

Sound Quality
The RMS power specification is the first feature that you must look into because high-quality audio can be measured by the maximum loudness that a stereo can produce.

Also, the built-in preamp is another useful feature to check. Integrated preamp allows you to connect additional amplifiers or subwoofers if you wish to upgrade your car audio system further.


Conclusion

The convenience, entertainment features, and safety guaranteed by Bluetooth car stereos differ from one model to the next. Some are worth the buy, while some are a waste of money. The top five models in the list above are the cream of the crop. This means that they are the best Bluetooth car stereo regarding functionality, features, durability, and design.

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43 thoughts on “The Best Bluetooth Car Stereo – Reviews & Buyer Guide”

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  2. Ok I’m from the future. Six months after date of this article. The MVH-S501BS is around the same price yet comes with 3 4V RCAs. Why cheat yourself with lower voltage RCAs? Hell if you go with the Kenwood equivalent, You also get 3 sets of 4V RCAs for only $80.

    Reply
  3. Really best cheap car stereo with bluetooth you can get out there. I later found myself fall in love with 3 out of the 5. It’s really worth every dime

    Reply
  4. I think these are some of the best cheap car stereo with bluetooth. So glad I bumped into the article. It’s quite helpful.

    Reply
  5. Choosing a bluetooth car stero can be very difficult given the many options in the market. With this guide however the process is so much easier.

    Reply
  6. I have been on the market for a car stereo with hands free. The recommendations are very good indeed. I appreciate the article.

    Reply
  7. I think the best cheap car stereo with bluetooth is the Pioneer DEH -X6900BT. It packs a lot of features and delivers great performance too.

    Reply
  8. Among all these recommendations, my favorite bluetooth car stero is the Power Acoustik PTID-8920B. I really like the user interface and its simplicity.

    Reply
  9. Top 5bbluetooth car stero, you just need to read through and choose your choice. The analysis has been done already for you. Lovely piece guys

    Reply
  10. This review shows the best cheap car stereo with bluetooth. I really enjoyed the comparison of their features. Thanks for sharing

    Reply
  11. Choosing an aftermarket bluetooth car radio can be confusing because of the many options out there. Thanks for narrowing the list down to five of the best.

    Reply
  12. An aftermarket car stereo bluetooth is absolutely necessary. The stereo systems that come in built in the car are rarely good enough.

    Reply
  13. When looking for the best cheap car stereo with bluetooth I think your list of recommendations is very good. They are all quite affordable too 🙂

    Reply
  14. My favorite bluetooth car stero among all these is the Sony MEX N5200BT. The design is very sleek and it has all the functionalities I may need.

    Reply
  15. I have always fancied the idea of a car stereo with hands free. It makes it possible to pick your phone even while driving which is very convenient.

    Reply
  16. The JVC KW V130BT is the best cheap car stereo with bluetooth in my opinion. I have a JVC in my car that has served me very well over the years so I would vouch for it.

    Reply
  17. Looking for the best cheap car stereo with bluetooth to satisfy you, don’t hesitate to reach out to them. This post give more hope to individuals who need to get this stuffs.

    Reply
  18. I am not really familiar between the differences of woofer and subwoofer. By reading this article made me learn things about speaker and gave me idea what to buy.

    Reply
  19. Great bluetooth devices listed and pretty affordable considering their multiplicity. I think some of the best features mentioned were the advanced playlist analysis, hands free talking and wide software compatibility. The Pioneer DEH is pretty hard to beat with its huge connectivity and onboard equalizer. Thanks for the detailed list.

    Reply
  20. Amazing features listed with great bluetooth connectivity, hands free convenience and software compatibility. Thanks for listing how a subwoofer works and all the pros and cons of each device.

    Reply
  21. For the music lovers like me, the purpose of subwoofer cannot be exhausted. Put your money on powerful subwoofer we have here, you wont regret it.

    Reply
  22. what does a subwoofer do in a car? They help you to play those low pitch sound producing quality output. It worth investing in

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  23. I am not that tech savvy so this explaining the purpose of subwoofer is highly appreciated. To me though as as my car and its components works I am okay with it. Branded or ordinary is okay either way.

    Reply
  24. Well, the selection of the best bluetooth car stereo is important so that it can be optimized with the subwoofer in the car. That way you can bring the stereo system sound more blaring, the purpose of subwoofer itself.

    Reply
  25. This write up gives you an idea how a subwoofer works. It also gives you different choices on its brand.

    Reply
  26. i have always be facinated with how a subwoofer works..it’s really interesting and finding the best subwoofer out there might be difficult.. thanks for posting the best out there..

    Reply
  27. The article is clearly giving us an idea of how what’s a subwoofer all about. It also gives us different types of it that you can choose from.

    Reply
  28. It’s always interesting to know about the purpose of subwoofer. Personaly, I do not know very much about cars but I apreciate having a good audio system, so I find this post very helpful.

    Reply
  29. Your write-up satisfyingly answers the question is a subwoofer a speaker. Very informative and amazingly researched!

    Reply
  30. Understanding the different parts of a subwoofer can go a long way in ensuring successful installation of the same. This is a very well done piece indeed!!

    Reply
  31. Before reading this article I always wondered what does a subwoofer do in a car. think all my questions are now answered 🙂

    Reply
  32. Happy that I finally understand the difference between woofer and subwoofer. I look forward to even more informative write-ups such as this one.

    Reply
  33. Your article has answered all my questions on purpose of subwoofer. I will be bookmarking the page for future reference.

    Reply
  34. I think this is a very detailed delve into the parts of a subwoofer. There is so much to learn from this article.

    Reply
  35. Anyone who doesn’t know how a subwoofer works should have a read of this article. What a detailed and informative piece 🙂

    Reply
  36. I have always asked myself ‘is a subwoofer a speaker?’ I’d like to thank you for the article as the difference is now clear to me 🙂

    Reply
  37. I now have a better understanding of parts of a subwoofer. Your article couldn’t have come at a better time for me!

    Reply
  38. This is one of the best descriptions of how a subwoofer works that I have come across. I wish I had read your article earlier!!!

    Reply
  39. Someone once asked me what does a subwoofer do in a car. To be candid I could give a reasonable response. But now this article hot all it take for me to give a positive response now.

    Reply
  40. These are all really great bluetooth car stereos. But there are some questions that remain in people’s minds who are not knowledgeable about car stereos such as what’s a subwoofer, and if it’s something they should look for in choosing one. They really have to get one with that feature to fully understand and appreciate it.

    Reply

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