If your default single-DIN car stereo lacks the modern features that you need and compromises the potential sound quality of your car audio system, then it is time to swap it out with a new and improved aftermarket unit!

In this blog, we will showcase the top five aftermarket single-DIN vehicle stereos that are the best and most well-liked models for 2022 at Sonic Electronix, reviewed and rated by our customers.

Belva BDMRS5

Durability: 5 | Value: 5 | Features: 4.5 | Design: 5 | Usability: 5

The Belva BDMRS5 is equipped with Bluetooth connectivity. This allows the user to make and receive phone calls wirelessly without distracting the driver. Bluetooth connectivity also allows the user to stream music and other media from a cellphone directly to the stereo itself. This means that you can sift through your playlist without taking your eyes off the road.

The BDMRS5 also features 3 sets of 5-volt preamp outputs which allow the stereo to be wired to your car’s audio system. The BDMRS5 features a dedicated preamp output for your car’s front and rear speakers and a subwoofer for the sound that is not only clear but is also balanced throughout your vehicle. Having dedicated outputs for each allows you to make individual adjustments to your system.

The BDMRS5 is equipped with front USB inputs. This feature enables the connection of flash drives and media players to the unit itself for direct access to your media. The BDMRS5 also includes a front microSD slot which allows you to access media stored on a microSD card. This unit has a front panel 3.5mm auxiliary headphone jack which can connect to any media device featuring an AUX input.

Item highlights

• Single DIN Bluetooth Digital Media Receiver
• LCD Text Display Display
• 3 sets of 5 volts preamp outputs
• Digital Equalizer
• Front AUX, USB, and SD Card Inputs

“Awesome radio” – ★★★★★

This radio is very good quality and for the price you can’t beat it. Only downfall is you only have level control of bass and treble. Otherwise very good and well worth the money.

Seth

Sonic Electronix Customer

Pioneer MVH-S320BT

Durability: 4 | Value: 4 | Features: 4.5 | Design: 4 | Usability: 4.5

Make no mistake, the MVH-S320BT is a true high-end car audio system. It reads FLAC files, is equipped with a 13-band Graphic EQ, 2 RCA pre-outs, an on-board MOSFET 50 W x 4 amplifier, making the MVH-S320BT the perfect partner on any journey.

This 1-DIN Bluetooth receiver sets new standards in terms of audio performance and connectivity. Nevertheless, it’s very easy to use and control thanks to its useful display and large Rotary Commander.

Bluetooth connectivity allows for safe and convenient hands-free calling, as well as wireless music streaming from your smartphone. Thanks to Pioneer’s unique Advanced Sound Retriever technology, the sound quality will be as close to the original recording as possible. You can even connect two Bluetooth phones simultaneously.

For smartphone users, simply connect your Android smartphone wirelessly (via Bluetooth) and safely enjoy Spotify (both for Free and Premium Spotify users) or the Pioneer Smart Sync app, which will take your smartphone to a whole new level.

Item highlights

• Single DIN Bluetooth Digital Media Receiver
• LCD Text Display
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Compatible
• MixTrax technology
• Two sets of 2 volts preamp outputs
• 13 Band Graphic Equalizer
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio Ready
• Free Lossless Audio Codec

“Does everything you need in a single din – ★★★★

Radio works great with bluetooth. The pioneer app is very annoying. I shut it off and just use bluetooth.

Shawn

Sonic Electronix Customer

Alpine UTE-73BT

Durability: 4.9 | Value: 5 | Features: 4.9 | Design: 4.9 | Usability: 4.8

The Alpine UTE-73BT is a powerful single-DIN car radio that offers Bluetooth wireless technology convenience, pure high-quality sound, and simple music control. This all-in-one music player features an LCD screen with a single line of RGB illumination so you may select the display color. Because the new high-contrast LCD display has a contrast ratio that is five times higher than that of a standard screen, it is always simple to read. The iconic rotary knob from Alpine makes it simple to manage all of your music. A convenient front panel auxiliary input is also included with this unit, allowing you or your passenger to plug in a portable music player as an alternative source.

This aftermarket car stereo uses a 24-Bit DAC to offer the highest sound quality and can play a wide range of files, including those streamed from a phone, a digital player, your Pandora account, or even from a USB drive. You may fine-tune your sound system with the high pass/low pass crossover and 3-band parametric EQ. For a more authentic listening experience, the UTE-73BT can playback FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) files through USB.

When connected to a compatible Android smartphone via USB, the UTE-73BT also offers Android AOA (Android Open Accessory) 2.0. When compared to straightforward Bluetooth audio streaming, the AOA connection offers superior music and sound control.

Item highlights

• Single DIN Bluetooth Digital Media Receiver
• Digital LED Backlit LCD Display
• 3 sets of 2 volts preamp outputs
• 3-Band Parametric
• Pandora iPhone App Control
• Siri Eyes Free Control

another great buy – ★★★★★

Highly recommended for a budget-friendly alpine deck without losing any alpine sound and quality.

Jose

Sonic Electronix Customer

Pioneer DEH-S4220BT

Durability: 4.5 | Value: 4.5 | Features: 5 | Design: 4.5 | Usability: 4.5

Many more recent vehicles come equipped with some very intriguing technologies, including touchscreen control, smartphone access, and navigation. However, Pioneer has come up with a fantastic solution to add many of these benefits to an older vehicle with a single-DIN CD receiver. The Pioneer DEH-S4220BT CD receiver, which integrates Pioneer’s Smart Sync software, is a stylish car audio and smartphone. When you use Pioneer’s strong amplifier and 13-band EQ, you can be confident that the sound quality will be noticeably improved over your old radio. The two sets of preamp outputs make it easier to attach extra amplifiers or a powered subwoofer.

You can quickly stream your favorite songs, audio services, and podcasts from your phone via Bluetooth® without having to plug anything in. Hands-free calling is available with head units that support Bluetooth since it is the standard. Simply press a button to activate voice control if you’re using this Pioneer with an iPhone or Android device. With Bluetooth, you can use voice commands to make calls, choose and play music, send and receive text messages, read notifications, use maps, and obtain directions. First-time pairing is also a breeze; all you need to do is plug your iPhone® or AndroidTM into the USB the first time. Wide Band Speech Technology, which is a feature of the DEH-S4220BT, makes sure that your discussions are understandable and clear. Additionally, the memory of this radio can hold 10 phones.

Additionally, the DEH-S4220BT includes Android Open Accessory 2.0. (AOA 2.0). You won’t have to pick up the phone every time you want to skip a track and you’ll appreciate the outstanding sound quality. You can use this receiver to control your preferred Pandora® stations on your iPhone or Android device.

Item highlights

• Single DIN Bluetooth CD Media Receiver
• Digital LED Backlit Display
• 2 sets of 4 volts preamp outputs
• 13-Band Equalizer
• Detachable face plate
• Built-in Alexa

“Good” – ★★★★★

I purchased this radio back in May for my 1994 Ford ranger. It fit perfectly and was easy to install. It worked perfectly. I am very happy with my purchase and I recommend this radio and the company to all my family and friends. The staff is great and when you call customer service you are treated like family. Keep up the good work.

Curtis M

Sonic Electronix Customer

Pioneer DEH-S1200UB

Durability: 5 | Value: 5 | Features: 4 | Design: 5 | Usability: 5

Pioneer’s DEH-S1200UB is a simple and easy-to-install car radio that doesn’t disappoint when it comes to exquisite music quality, USB use versatility, and smartphone integration tailored specifically for Android users.

This single-DIN unit features a built-in 50 Watts x 4 Built-in MOSFET amplifier and an RCA preamp out which is selectable for rear or subwoofer. The receiver also includes the USB Auto Switch feature so when the phone is connected via USB the listener has the option to choose whether the receiver uses the phone as a source, or just charges the device.

Users of devices running Android OS version 4.0 or later can connect to the DEH-S1200UB and listen to music stored on the device without the need for an app. The process is made possible using Media Transfer Protocol (MTP), which allows the receiver to recognize the Android smartphone as a music storage device. Operate basic functions like FF, REW, Play, Pause, Random Play, and Repeat and view Metadata information such as track, artist, and album name. Drawing from Pioneer’s rich DJ heritage, this car stereo also offers Pioneer’s innovative MIXTRAX® technology: A virtual DJ inside the receiver that creates a nonstop mix of your music library complete with a range of DJ-inspired effects, delivering a unique listening experience to those in the car.

Item highlights

• Single DIN Bluetooth CD Media Receiver
• Digital LED Backlit Display
• Detachable face plate
• 2 preamp outputs (2-volt rear/subwoofer)
• 5-Band Equalizer
• Wireless remote control included

Pioneer Does It” – ★★★★★

I’ve seen Pioneer units in many cars over the years. Now I know why.

The sound is incredible, perfect clarity, bass the amount so it didn’t bury the treble. Perhaps that was the installers set up or a default one but the CD I put in on the drive home sounded so good I was grinning from ear to ear.

Can’t believe what I’ve been missing. Like hearing those cuts for the first time.

A great price, a respectable brand name and a simple easy to use unit. Exactly what I was looking for.

plymouth63

Sonic Electronix Customer

We’ve got these aftermarket single-DIN car audio receivers and more at Sonic Electronix, the world’s premier retailer of car electronics and consumer electronics. We’ve sold online since 2000 and are the recipients of various customer service and product awards. Check out our selection of car stereos, amps, subs, speakers, and more from Pioneer, JVC, NVX, Belva, Kicker, Rockford Fosgate, Cerwin-Vega, and more.