The Best Bluetooth Car Stereo – Reviews & Buyer Guide
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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 2020
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 |
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.
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Pioneer DEH-X6900BT has a CD, USB, and an Mp3 receiver with Pandora link, auxiliary support, A2DP Bluetooth, and iPod support.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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JVC KW V130BT Double DIN Bluetooth In-Dash DVD/CD/AM/FM Car Stereo
JVC KW-V130BT keeps your mobile in the loop when driving. You can control audio applications such as
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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 V130BT is already a complete package for a cheap Bluetooth stereo, but do consider adding a smartphone mount for easy use.
JVC KW V130BT 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.
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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.
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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.
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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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About the Author Simon Adams
Simon graduated with a Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Degree. He has over 20 years of servicing experience in both Japanese and German car dealerships. He now acts as a freelance mechanic's instructor for local schools.
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