The Best Budget Car Stereo under $150 (Updated 2024)

Selecting the best car stereo under $150 from thousands of units can be challenging.

Many Aftermarket Stereos such as Pioneer, and Alpine, Kenwood offer excellent audio and display quality with many features. But the pricing of those units is touching the sky.

So, to help you, we have created this in-depth article so that you can buy the best budget double din head unit or single din head unit which your vehicle suits the most.

Our Top 5 Picks Under $150

Dual XDVD276BT – Best Double Din Head Unit Under $150

Let’s dive into the details:

Features at a Glance:

• 6.2-inch LED touchscreen display: The large, vibrant touchscreen makes it easy to control your music, movies, and more.
• DVD/CD playback: Enjoy your favorite DVDs and CDs on the go.
• Bluetooth connectivity: Stream music and make hands-free calls wirelessly from your smartphone.
• AM/FM radio: Stay tuned to your favorite local stations.
• USB and microSD ports: Play music from your flash drive or microSD card.
• Built-in equalizer: Customize the sound to your preference.
• Backup camera input: Add a backup camera for increased safety (camera not included).
• iPlug smart remote app: Control the stereo from your smartphone.

Design and Usability:

The Dual XDVD276BT has a sleek, modern design that looks great in any car. The touchscreen is responsive and easy to use, even with gloved hands. The physical buttons for common functions like volume and track skip are conveniently located on the front panel.

Sound Quality:

The XDVD276BT delivers surprisingly good sound quality for its price. The built-in speakers are powerful enough to fill most cars with sound, and the equalizer allows you to customize the sound to your liking. If you’re a bass enthusiast, you may want to consider adding a subwoofer, but for most listeners, the stock speakers are just fine.

Connectivity and Convenience:

The XDVD276BT offers a variety of connectivity options, making it easy to listen to your music from any source. Bluetooth connectivity is seamless, and the iPlug smart remote app is a handy way to control the stereo from your phone. The USB and microSD ports are great for playing music from your flash drive or microSD card.

Overall:

The Dual XDVD276BT is a fantastic car stereo for the price. It offers a wealth of features, great sound quality, and a user-friendly interface. If you’re on a budget but still want a great car stereo, the XDVD276BT is an excellent option.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind:

• The XDVD276BT is a double-DIN stereo, so make sure it will fit in your car’s dashboard.
• The remote control is a bit basic, but the touchscreen and smartphone app make up for it.
• The sound quality is good for the price, but audiophiles may want to consider a higher-end stereo.

Pros:

• Affordable price
• Feature-packed
• Excellent sound quality
• Easy to use
• Bluetooth connectivity
• USB and microSD ports
• Backup camera input
• iPlug smart remote app

Cons:

• Double-DIN size
• Basic remote control
• Sound quality may not satisfy audiophiles

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Pioneer MVH-S310BT – The Best Budget Single Din Head Unit

The Pioneer MVH-S310BT punches way above its weight for its sub-$150 price tag. It’s not just about affordability, though. This single-DIN receiver crams in features typically found on pricier models, making it a compelling choice for budget-minded audiophiles who want a connected and convenient driving experience.

Bluetooth for the Win:

Let’s face it, Bluetooth is king in the car. The MVH-S310BT doesn’t disappoint. Pairing is a breeze, and the hands-free calling is crystal clear thanks to Wideband Speech technology. Streaming music is equally seamless, with Pioneer’s MIXTRAX feature adding DJ-style transitions for a club-like vibe. And if you’re an iPhone user, you’ll get full control from your phone without needing any extra cables.

Beyond Bluetooth:

But the MVH-S310BT isn’t a one-trick pony. It’s a multimedia hub, playing your MP3s, WMAs, and even FLAC files from USB drives. There’s an aux input for your old-school MP3 player, and SiriusXM radio compatibility if you’re a satellite radio fan (subscription required). Plus, the built-in AM/FM tuner ensures you never miss your favorite local stations.

Sound that Surprises:

For a budget unit, the MVH-S310BT packs a sonic punch. The 200 watts of MOSFET power (50 watts x 4) drives your speakers with gusto, and the adjustable EQ lets you tailor the sound to your preference. Bass lovers will appreciate the dedicated bass boost button, while the Supertuner 3D ensures clear and crisp radio reception.

Pioneer Smart Sync: The Secret Weapon:

This is where the MVH-S310BT truly shines. Download the Pioneer Smart Sync app and your smartphone transforms into a touchscreen display for the receiver. Control music playback, browse playlists, and even navigate radio stations – all from the comfort of your phone’s familiar interface. It’s a game-changer for usability and convenience.

Minor Quirks:

No device is perfect, and the MVH-S310BT has its minor quirks. The display, while clear, isn’t the brightest, and the physical buttons can be a tad small for larger fingers. Additionally, some users might miss a CD player, though its absence keeps the price down.

Highly Recommended for:

• Budget-minded audiophiles
• Smartphone-driven music lovers
• Drivers who value hands-free calling and music streaming
• Anyone seeking a feature-rich car stereo at an unbeatable price

Best Car Stereo under $150 (Other Best Option)

Quick Review: This Double Din unit is one of the best-selling car stereos due to its excellent sound quality and affordable price. It is Bluetooth ready head unit in which audio streaming and Hands-Free Calling work flawlessly. CD / DVD Player is given in which you can play videos at good quality.

It comes with an LCD, the display quality is average, but the touch response is good. Music can play wireless via Spotify and Pandora. While your phone with stereo, the phone will charge but slowly.

It can support all types of car accessories, such as steering wheel control and backup camera. Audio output is also available in which you can connect your speakers and subwoofers to the receiver. You will get all the equipment that you will need to install in your car in the box.

Specifications

• Model Number: BV9358B
• Resolution: 800 x 480
• Power Output: 320 watts max. (4 x 80 watts)
• Radio with tuner
• 18 FM / 12 AM
• Aux input
• Front SD Port
• Bluetooth
• USB input
• Pre-Amp Output
• Preset Equalizer
• Wireless Remote control
• 3 Year Warranty

Pros

• Cheap Stereo with many features
• Graphic Equalizer works fine.
• Bluetooth works all latest as well as old phones.
• Great Audio and built quality

Cons

• The video quality is average
• While selecting a backup camera option, the music stops automatically.

Best Android Head Unit under 150 Dollars

Quick Review: It is a android mirroring car stereo which works on Android 9.1 with a quad-core processor. Built-in GPS Navigation is also available, which you use without the internet.

The navigation system is very accurate as it uses satellite technology to give the exact location. Much other functionality this radio supports, such as FM Radio tuner, built-in Bluetooth for hands-free calling, and audio streaming in the receiver and control it from your phone. It is a single din touchscreen head unit and fits comfortably in all vehicles with double din stereo space.

The screen size is pretty huge in which capacitive touchscreen is given, which works without any problem. You can even play videos at HD in this unit. Also, mirror link features allow us to cast our phone screen to the unit’s display.

Many other customizable settings are given, such as changing the home screen’s wallpaper, car logo setting, brightness control, and many equalizer settings.

Specifications

• Resolution: 1024 x 600
• Operating system: Android 9.1
• RAM: 2 GB
• ROM: 16 GB
• Wi-Fi, 4G supported
• Built-in GPS Navigation
• A7 Quad-Core Processor
•  AM / FM Radio tuner
• Equalizer
• Bluetooth
• USB input
• Hands-Free Calling
• Backup Camera input
• Loud Audio
• Mirror Link
• Built-in microphone
• Steering Wheel control input
• GPS Antenna included

Pros

• Large display with responsive touch
• Life warranty this stereo company provides
• Available at a low price
• You can use two apps at a time that is Waze for navigation or Spotify for music
• Sharp and clear sound quality

Cons

• After using a long time, the unit may show some lag
• The Mirror link feature does not work while connecting the phone to the receiver.

Best Budget Car Stereo with Apple CarPlay

Quick Review: It is a double din car stereo in which Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are given at a low cost. Other cool features such as hands-free calling via built-in Bluetooth. Voice control via Siri eyes-free and mirror link for casting phone screen on the unit usually works. Audio streaming via Bluetooth works; you can play great even videos at high definition.

The built-in equalizer is given in which many music styles are offered, such as POP, Rock, Classic, etc. The remote control is also included in the box if we consider the features, and its price might be significant. The only problem is the company/ brand that most of you don’t know.

Specifications

• Model: SJOYBRING
• Power output: 240 watts max. (60 Watts x 4 channels)
• Built-in EQ
• Apple CarPlay / Android Auto
• MP3
• Free Night vision Backup Camera
• Front USB Port
• Front Aux input
• Customizable Button color
• FM Radio
• SWC input
• Backup Camera input

Pros

• Apple CarPlay at a lower price
• Compatible with both iPhone / Android
• Good Display and audio quality
• Responsive touch and works without lag

Cons

• It is not a branded stereo though you can expect a warranty or any service
• They say that backup camera is HD, but most of the customer says it is not an HD camera but works effectively.

Check this List Before Buying a Budget Car Stereo

Connectivity

It is the most important thing to look at before buying a car radio because if your phone does not connect to your receiver, you cannot take full advantage of the stereo.

Most of the latest features like hands-free calling and Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto work only if your stereo supports your phone.

Audio/Video Quality

This is another consideration because most of us buy a head unit to watch videos and play music or other stuff. Ensure that it has adequate power output and good resolution, although the units we have provided have good audio quality and video quality.

Size: When you order a unit, you must ensure that it will fit in your car. The radios listed here are double din as well as single din means if your car’s dashboard has space for a dual din receiver or single din receiver, these units will surely fit in your vehicle.

Connection

You might need to use many other car accessories with your stereos, such as a backup camera or steering wheel control.

But some units do provide any option for external accessories. Makes sure that buy only that stereo, which has an input for the other accessories such as backup camera, steering wheel control, and more.

FAQs

Does the above stereo have a built-in amplifier?

Yes, all the double din head units and single dinhead units that come nowadays have a built-in amplifier.

Is it good to buy an aftermarket car head unit?

There is no doubt many companies provide car radio such as Pioneer or Kenwood, many others. The units these companies offer are of excellent quality in terms of sound and display and many other features these units have, like Bluetooth for hands-free calling and more. So feel free to try these aftermarket car stereos.

Does cheap stereo affect sound quality?

It mainly depends on what stereo you buy. There are many cheap stereos in the market, but very few of them, like SA102, offer excellent sound quality and many advanced features.

What is the best cheap head unit?

ATOTO SA102 is one of the best head units in which you can Apple CarPlay / Android Auto on a large touchscreen display.

What does 1 Din and 2 Din mean?

Din is a term used for the size of the car stereo. One din means single din (2 x 7”), and two dins mean the twice of 1 noise we call Double din.

Can I install a touchscreen radio in my car?

Yes, you can install it in your vehicle, but you need some information before installing it in your car. Although some expensive stereos companies like pioneer suggests to install it from technician.

Is it hard to install a head unit?

It is not hard as you might think; you can install it by watching some tutorials or reading the manual that also comes with the unit.

What can you do with your old car stereo?

You can do many things, such as resell it, and the money you will get can invest in a new car stereo or donate it to the charity.

Final Verdict

 There are too many options for a cheap stereo, but in the end, you have to pick only one that fits your budget and suits your car. Our recommendation for selecting the best cheap stereo, ATOTO SA102, is a perfect choice for Apple CarPlay which is available for under 150 dollars.

Boss BV9358B is an excellent choice for those whose budget is meager, which you can grab under 100 dollars.

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