Android Auto can elevate your driving experience, as it seamlessly integrates your Android phone with your car's infotainment system for navigation, music, calls, apps, and more. Most modern cars on the market come with a pre-installed infotainment system that supports Android Auto, but that's not the case with older vehicles that lack a support head unit. It's nothing to worry about, though, as you can install an aftermarket Android Auto head unit in your car. XDA's Adam Conway installed one recently and called it one of the best upgrades he made to his car.
That's right, there's an entire market of third-party head units you can install (or have someone you trust install), which will give you Android Auto access without forcing you to go out and buy a new car to get the functionality. Some are more expensive than others, but it depends on how big a screen you're looking for, whether you'd like it to sit inside your dashboard or float outside it, and whether you value a slick design over something more modest. Here are some of the best Android Auto head units you can buy right now.
There are different types of head units based on Single-DIN or Double-DIN configurations. If you're unsure which kind your car supports, reference its manual or research it before purchasing an Android Auto head unit.
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Editor's choice
Pioneer AVH-W2500NEX Car stereo receiver
With a high-quality 6.8-inch display and extra features like SiriusXM and Alexa, this double DIN head unit from Pioneer is one of the best on the market and a great all-rounder.
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Runner-up
Sony XAV-AX3200
$278 $278 Save $0The Sony XAV-AX3200 has impressive features like a 6.95-inch display, rear camera input, wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and physical button controls for ease of use. It also has Sony's Dynamic Reality Amp for impressive audio output and a 10-band equalizer that lets you customize the sound per your preference. Notably, it has a resistive touchscreen display which may be slightly difficult to use but is certainly not a deal-breaker.
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Premium pick
Kenwood DNR1007XR
The Kenwood DNR1007XR is the Android Auto head unit you should buy if you don't want to settle for anything but the absolute best. It's a flagship model featuring a massive 10.1-inch display, wireless Android Auto, support for up to four HD cameras, built-in GPS with Garmin navigation, and a 13-band equalizer with digital time alignment for impressive audio output.
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Best value
Atoto A6 PF
If you don't want to spend a small fortune on an Android Auto head unit for your old car, the Atoto A6 PF is a great budget-friendly option. It features a 7-inch display, wireless Android Auto, a 36-band equalizer with a preamp, and reverse camera support with real-time live view. But the best part is that it costs a little over $200, which is an absolute steal for the number of features it offers.
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Most affordable
Hikity Wireless Android Auto Screen
Buying this unit gives you an affordable and easy way to add an Android Auto display to your car. It sports a 10-inch panel and also has a dash cam on the front for added versatility. Furthermore, you also get support for Apple CarPlay, which is great.
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Best shallow mount head unit
Alpine iLX-W650
In case your car doesn't have enough space in the dashboard to accommodate a large double DIN head unit, you should get the Alpine iLX-W650. It's a sub-$500 Android Auto head unit with a shallow-mount chassis, a 7-inch display, wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, two camera inputs, and a built-in amp. It also has capacitive quick-access volume, menu, mute, and call controls.
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Best single DIN head unit
Pioneer AVH-3500NEX
Looking for the best single DIN Android Auto head unit for your old car? The Pioneer AVH-3500NEX won't disappoint. It features a unique design with a 7-inch flip-out display that's great for cars with limited space in the console. In addition, you get Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, great audio output, physical controls for ease of use, a 13-band equalizer, and WebLink support.
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Big screen on a budget
Atoto S8 Gen 2 (10-inch)
If you're looking for a budget-friendly head unit with a large display, look no further. The Atoto S8 Gen 2 is a $400 head unit featuring a massive 10.1-inch HD QLED panel, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, rear camera and virtual surround view support, and the ability to natively install Android apps from the Google Play Store. You also get gesture support for ease of use.
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Affordable single DIN head unit
Boss BCPA10
If the Pioneer AVH-3500NEX is out of your budget, the Boss BCPA10 is a great, affordable alternative. It's a single DIN head unit with a 10.1-inch detachable screen with rotate and tilt functions, wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, front and rear camera input, and decent audio output. For just under $300, the BCPA10 is one of the best affordable single DIN head units you can buy.
Grab one of these and add Android Auto to your old car
There are many third-party manufacturers out there selling aftermarket Android Auto units, so you should have no issues finding a good one for your car. Whether you want a giant screen for your dashboard, a compact unit when you don't have a lot of space, or all the features you could ask for, there's an option for you. The Pioneer DMH-W4660NEX is a great option overall, and we strongly recommend it for those looking to buy an aftermarket Android Auto unit for their car. It offers pretty much all the features you could ask for at a reasonable price. In addition, it's from a trusted brand, so you can expect excellent reliability and after-sale support. But if you're looking for something more specific, like a large display or exceptional audio output, the Atoto S8 Gen 2 and Sony XAV-AX3200 are great alternatives.
How to install apps for Android Auto that Google hasn't approved
Not every Android Auto app is available on Google Play. Here's how you can install unapproved apps without needing root access!