How do you choose a car radio?

What's better than listening to your favorite songs during a long car ride? Whether you're commuting or touring the country, your car stereo makes you feel completely at home. But when you buy a car stereo, you naturally want to be sure you're choosing the very best. And that's exactly what we'll tell you in this article.

Choosing a car radio

There are many differences in specifications between car radios. We'll cover everything, but to summarize, it's important to ask yourself:

• Which size fits 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

Things used to be a lot easier: you turned on the car radio, tuned to 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 like CarPlay and Android AutoThere's a lot to consider when choosing the right car stereo. Here are some essential features to look for:

DAB+

DAB, also known as Digital Audio Broadcasting, is the digital counterpart of the classic AM and FM radio signals. With a DAB+ receiver Enjoy significantly better sound quality, free from interference, and a much wider range of channels. The plus sign indicates additional services such as traffic information, keeping you up-to-date during your journey.

Bluetooth

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

Steering wheel controls

Safety is always paramount while driving. A car radio compatible with steering wheel controls allows you to stay focused on the road while easily switching stations. The remote control is mounted 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

With CarPlay and/or Android Auto, you can seamlessly integrate your smartphone with your car radio, giving you constant access to your favorite apps. Think of apps like Google Maps, Spotify, and your calendar. All from your car's dashboard. By mirroring your smartphone onto your radio's screen, you enjoy an intuitive and safe way to stay connected on the road.

Types of car radios

That's a lot of information, of course. But you also want to know what types of car radios are available and what to look for. With the different types of radios, we'll start by looking at the size. This is crucial, as it determines whether or not the radio will fit in your car.This is very clear with two types, namely:

1-DIN car radio

2-DIN car radio

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

Would you prefer a 1-DIN radio, but your car has a 2-DIN input? Separate panels are available to cover the extra space. Check out our built-in panels or whether yours is among them.

Which 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 car radio is smaller and is mainly found in older cars. A 2-DIN car radio is larger and often has a touchscreen. This type of car radio usually also has more features, 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?

Want high-quality radio? Then choose a car radio with DAB+ functionality. Because the signal is digital, you won't hear any noise. While listening, you'll see more information about the radio station and the latest news, such as the weather, on the car radio's screen. Note: a car radio with DAB+ only works if you connect a DAB+ antenna. Therefore, check our car radio page carefully to see if one is included.

Do you enjoy listening to your own songs?

If you don't just want to listen to radio stations in your 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 to connect your phone to your radio?

Would you prefer to fully connect your phone to your car radio so you're always connected? Then choose a car radio with CarPlay or Android Auto. With this car radio, you can easily connect your smartphone to your radio and enjoy extra features like Google Maps, Spotify, iPhone maps, and much more.

In fact, did you know that with our carplaybox Can you expand these features even further? This way, you'll not only enjoy the standard CarPlay apps, but you'll also have access to a full app store, including YouTube and live TV.

What is the best car radio for me?

Once you've explored all the features and options, you'll understand that this is a personal preference. Therefore, we can't tell you in advance which car radio is best for you. First, choose between 1-DIN or 2-DIN, depending on the space your car offers. But after that, you're free to choose a car radio that perfectly suits your needs!

The different types of connections will be a determining factor for many drivers. If you play music through your phone, you'll want a car stereo that's easy to connect.Do you listen to the radio a lot and often catch up on the news in your car? Then a car radio with DAB+ is preferable.

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

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

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