5 best budget CarPlay and Android Auto head units

Introduction

Car stereos with CarPlay and Android Auto support have become standard in modern vehicles. However, purchasing a high-end model can be expensive. In this article, we'll present five of the best budget stereos that allow you to enjoy CarPlay and Android Auto without breaking the bank.

The history of car stereos

Car stereos have a long history, dating back to the early 20th century. The first models were simple and only supported AM radio. In the 1950s, cassette players appeared, and in the 1980s, CDs revolutionized the way we listen to music in cars. A breakthrough came with the introduction of multimedia systems, which allowed for smartphone connectivity and the use of navigation and streaming apps.

What should you consider when choosing a budget radio?

CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility

Before purchasing, make sure your head unit supports both CarPlay and Android Auto. It's worth checking whether it works wired or wirelessly.

Screen and touch quality

A cheap model doesn't necessarily mean inferior display quality. Pay attention to the resolution, brightness, and responsiveness of the touchscreen.

Connectors and car compatibility

A good head unit should have USB ports, an AUX input, and Bluetooth. Some models offer additional features, such as a rearview camera input.

Audio Power and Sound Personalization

If you care about sound quality, check whether the radio has an equalizer and the ability to connect an amplifier.

Comparison of the 5 best budget models

Model	Screen	CarPlay/Android Auto support	Connectors	Price
XYZ 200	7"	Yes, wired	USB, AUX, Bluetooth	600 PLN
ABC 300	6.5"	Yes, wireless	USB, Bluetooth	750 PLN
DEF 500	7"	Yes, wired and wireless	USB, AUX, Wi-Fi	850 PLN
GHI 700	6"	Yes, wired	USB, AUX	550 PLN
JKL 900	6.8"	Yes, wireless	USB, Bluetooth, reversing camera	900 PLN

Chart comparing the popularity of models

Popularity of models according to user ratings (scale 1-10) XYZ 200 - 7.5 ABC 300 - 8.0 DEF 500 - 9.0 GHI 700 - 7.0 JKL 900 - 8.5

Summary

Thanks to growing competition, you can find high-quality car stereos with CarPlay and Android Auto at affordable prices. Models like the DEF 500 and JKL 900 offer the best price-to-functionality ratio. When choosing, consider compatibility, sound quality, and ease of use.

Keywords:

CarPlay car radio, Android Auto, budget car radios, cheap car radio, car multimedia, best CarPlay radio, compatible Android Auto radio, car radio functions, choosing a car radio, 2DIN radio