The Best Double-DIN Head Units for Your Vehicle (2019)

Don't be intimidated by its technical-sounding word. DIN, which is an acronym for Deutsches Institut fürNormung, just refers to the size (or dimension) of your vehicle's central unit when you view it while sitting on the driver's (or passenger's) seat. It's easy to spot the difference: The standard measurement of a single-DIN unit is 7 x 2  inches (180 x 50 millimeters), while a double-DIN (or 2-DIN) unit is taller: 7 x 4 inches (180 x 100 millimeters).  Notice that its height is twice that of a single-DIN unit's measurement.

By the way, there's also another less popular measurement: the 1.5 DIN head unit. It falls in between the two,  and measures around 7 x 3 inches. They're commonly found in General Motor vehicles like Chevrolet, Cadillac, and GMC cars and trucks.

Is 2-DIN better than a Single DIN Head Unit?

It depends on what's important to you. If you're a more straightforward user who just wants to listen to music to entertain yourself--or listen to depressing news on the radio during traffic, then no, it's not really that important.

However, if you're the type of person who's particular about sound quality and screen (display), then you should go for the double DIN. Here's why: this type allows more internal space to fit in more audio components--such as car amplifiers for a better audio experience in your vehicle. What's more, its screen is much bigger, and allows touchscreen functions for easier accessibility.

Note, however, that some of the most modern single-DIN head units also come with "flip" touchscreens. But since it's a flip-top, it might be less convenient to use compared to double-DIN units that allow you to operate right exactly on the screen. What's more, they can be more distracting to use, so it's important to perform this function while you're not driving.

Best Double Din Head Units for Your Vehicle for 2019

The most popular and premium brands to watch out for are Pioneer, JVC, and Kenwood.  Other good and popular options you could go for would be Sony and Boss. Meanwhile, brands that fall in-between are Alpine, Atoto, Jensen, Corehan, and Eonon.

By the way, please don't make the mistake of judging them by their brand. Some unfamiliar names are quite good as well. For instance, Jensen's VX Series has quite a following--and so does Atoto and Alpine. In the end, it's always best to check the unit's features and see if they are a good fit for what you need in an audio system. That's much better than automatically opting for the more mainstream brands just because they come from a well-known company.

Here are the best ones you should include in your list:

Pioneer 2

• Pioneer AVH-X2600BT
• Pioneer FH-X731BT 2
• Pioneer AVH-X2600BT
• Pioneer AVIC-8200NEX
• Pioneer AVH-X4800BS
• Pioneer AVH-4200NEX
• Pioneer AVH-X490BS
• Pioneer FH-X720BT
• Pioneer AVH-290BT
• Pioneer AVH-501EX
• Pioneer AVH-1400NEX
• Pioneer AVH-2300NEX

JVC 

• JVC KW-R935BTS
• JVC KW-V25BT

Kenwood 

• Kenwood DDX372BT
• Kenwood DDX416BT
• Kenwood DDX375

Sony 

• Sony XAV-AX100
• Sony XAV-AX5000
• Sony XAV-AX200

Boss

• Boss Audio BV9362BI
• Boss Audio BV9364B

Alpine 

• Alpine CDE W265BT

Atoto 

• Atoto A6 Pro

Jensen 

• Jensen VX4022
• Jensen VX7020

Corehan 

• Corehan CS-JD-AN-03

Eonon

• Eonon GA2168K

Final Word

Here's an important tip: When you buy a car with a double-DIN head unit, you have the option to put in either a 2-DIN stereo inside or even a single DIN unit if you use the right brackets (and installation kits) for your car. So if you're planning to have your stereo updated in the future, then it's important to buy a car that's already fitted with a double DIN  head unit. Believe us--this will make upgrading much easier for you.

However, if your vehicle comes with a  single-DIN head unit, then your best option is to replace it with another single DIN unit inside. Meanwhile, the 1.5 DIN units can be replaced with either a 1.5 DIN or single-DIN head unit, although it is quite possible to put in a double DIN stereo inside. The easiest and most direct way to really know is to remove the dash trims (or bezels) surrounding the unit so you can check the available space you have.