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Car tech:

Best 5 car stereos

(Updated April 22, 2013 10:44 AM PDT)
Antuan Goodwin

Antuan Goodwin

Associate editor

With more consumers switching to digital audio downloads over CD purchases, in-dash receivers must learn not to compete with, but to play nice with an increasing array of portable digital audio players and formats. More and more, we're seeing car audio manufacturers move away from the standard auxiliary input, instead implementing USB inputs and iPod connections. As the standards for Bluetooth begin to solidify and the technology takes hold, we're also seeing a few receivers that support A2DP stereo streaming, creating a convenient, no-wire experience for the car audio enthusiast. Below you'll find our current five overall-favorite car stereos, but check in regularly for updates as new products are released.
Pioneer AVIC Z130BT

Pioneer AVIC Z130BT

In one box, the Pioneer AVIC-Z130BT has all the must-have car tech features that most people could want, including hands-free calling, voice-controlled digital audio playback, and turn-by-turn directions with traffic data.

Price: $1,899.99 (check prices)

4 stars Excellent Read full review
Sony MEX-GS600BT - car - CD receiver - in-dash unit - Full-DIN

Sony MEX-GS600BT - car - CD receiver - in-dash unit - Full-DIN

The Sony MEX-GS600BT's App Remote function is not very useful without a dashboard mount for your phone, but everything else about this full-featured car stereo makes it easily recommendable.

Price: $179.99 - $199.99 (check prices)

4 stars Excellent Read full review
Alpine CDE-141

Alpine CDE-141

The Alpine CDE-141 won't blow you away with bells and whistles, but this entry-level car stereo gets the basics right at a competitive price.

Price: $83.29 - $99.99 (check prices)

4 stars Good Read full review
Pioneer DEH-X9500BHS CD receiver

Pioneer DEH-X9500BHS CD receiver

The Pioneer DEH-X9500BHS packs in a remarkably wide range of audio sources for a single-DIN receiver, including some rudimentary app integration.

Price: $182.95 - $260.00 (check prices)

4 stars Excellent Read full review
Parrot Asteroid Smart - navigation system with digital player and LCD monitor - display 6.2 in - in-dash unit - Double-DIN

Parrot Asteroid Smart - navigation system with digital player and LCD monitor - display 6.2 in - in-dash unit - Double-DIN

The Parrot Asteroid Smart is a smartly designed and flexible multimedia receiver that hangs its hat on an app market that, for now, doesn't offer much choice.

Price: $479.99 - $599.99 (check prices)

4 stars Very good Read full review