How do you choose a car radio? 

What could be better than listening to your favorite songs during a long drive? Whether you are driving to work or touring the country, your car radio ensures you feel completely at home in the car. But when buying a car radio, you naturally want to be sure you are choosing the very best. And that is exactly what we are going to tell you in this article. 

Choosing a car radio

In terms of specifications, there are many differences between car radios. We are going to tell you everything, but to summarize briefly, it is important to ask yourself: 

• Which size fits in my car? 
• Do I want to receive radio in high quality? 
• Do I like listening to my own music? 
• Do I want to connect my phone directly to my radio? 

Important features of a car radio 

It used to be a lot simpler: you turned on the car radio, tuned into your favorite station, and if you drove a 'luxury' car, you could even play a CD or cassette tape. But now, in 2024, car radios offer a world of possibilities. From playing CDs to advanced connectivity options such as CarPlay and Android Auto. There is a lot to consider when choosing the right car radio. Here are some essential features to look out for: 

DAB+

DAB, also known as Digital Audio Broadcasting, is the digital counterpart to classic AM and FM radio signals. With a DAB+ recipient You enjoy significantly better sound quality, free from interference, and a lot more stations. The plus sign indicates extra services such as traffic information, ensuring you always stay up to date during your drive. 

Bluetooth 

Thanks to Bluetooth connectivity, you can effortlessly wirelessly connect your smartphone to your car radio. This means you can easily stream music from your phone through your car's speakers and make hands-free phone calls. No more hassle with cables, just convenient wireless connections. 

Steering wheel controls 

Safety is, of course, always paramount while driving. With a car radio compatible with steering wheel controls, you can keep your attention on the road while still easily changing stations. You mount the remote control within easy reach, so you don't have to take your eyes off the road to play the perfect song or podcast while driving. 

CarPlay and Android Auto 

Of CarPlay and/or Android Auto You seamlessly integrate your smartphone with your car radio, giving you constant access to your favorite apps. Think of applications such as Google Maps, Spotify, and your calendar. All this via your car's dashboard. By mirroring your smartphone to your radio screen, you enjoy an intuitive and safe way to stay connected on the go. 

Types of car radios 

That is, of course, a lot of information. But naturally, you also want to know what types of car radios are available and what to look for. When looking at the different types of radios, we actually start by looking at the size. That is quite important, because it determines whether or not the radio fits in your car.With two types, this is very clear, namely: 

1-DIN car radio

2-DIN car radio

Attention! Does your car have a 1-DIN entrance, but would you actually prefer a 2-DIN Want to install a car radio? In most cases, this is possible. Feel free to contact us to discuss the options for your car. 

Would you rather a 1-DIN radio, but does your car have a 2-DIN entrance? Then separate panels are available to cover the extra space. Check out our built-in panels or if yours is among them.  

What size car radio fits in my car? 

As mentioned above, there are two different types of car radios: 1-DIN and 2-DIN. A 1-DIN A car radio is smaller in size and is mainly found in older cars. 2-DIN A car radio is larger and often has a screen that you operate via a touchscreen. This type of car radio usually also features more functions, such as CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation and an app store. The exact dimensions: 

• 1-DIN: 180 x 50 x 150 mm. 
• 2-DIN: 180 x 100 x 150 mm. 

Do you want to receive radio in high quality? 

Would you like to receive radio in high quality? Then you get a car radio with DAB+ function. Because the signal is digital, you hear no noise. While listening, you receive more information on the car radio screen about the radio station and the latest news, such as the weather. Please note: a car radio with DAB+ only works if you a DAB+ antenna connection. Therefore, check our car radio page carefully to see if it is included. 

Do you like listening to your own songs? 

If you want to listen to more than just radio stations in the car, choose a car radio with Bluetooth. You can easily connect your smartphone wirelessly via Bluetooth and stream your favorite songs remotely. Because the car radio is connected to the car speakers, you can listen to your favorite playlist in high quality. 

Do you like connecting your phone to your radio? 

Would you actually prefer to fully connect your phone to your car radio, so that you are always connected? Then choose a car radio with CarPlay or Android Auto function. With this car radio, you can very easily connect your smartphone to your car radio and benefit from extra features such as: Google Maps, Spotify, iPhone Maps, and much more. 

In fact: did you know that with our carplaybox can expand these features even further? This way, you not only enjoy the standard CarPlay apps, but you have access to a full App Store, where you can also watch YouTube and Live TV. 

What is the best car radio for me? 

Once you have reviewed all the features and options, you will understand that this is a personal matter for everyone. Therefore, we cannot tell you in advance what the best car radio is for you. First of all, make a choice between 1-DIN or 2-DIN, depending on the space your car offers. But, after that, you have complete freedom to choose a car radio that perfectly suits your needs! 

The various types of connections will be the deciding factor for many drivers. If you play music via your phone, you will want a car radio that you can easily connect it to.Do you listen to the radio a lot and often listen to the news in the car? Then a car radio with DAB+ preference. 

Now that you know all the important features and interesting options, it is time for the next step: choosing the best car radio. List all your preferences and use our selection tool to immediately find car radios that fit your car make and model. 

Do you have any further questions or are you having trouble figuring something out? Please feel free to contact us. Our team of professionals is always ready to provide you with professional advice.

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