It’s hard to imagine a modern car without a high-quality audio system. After all, good music helps drivers and passengers not get bored in city traffic jams, lifts their spirits during a trip, and also helps pass the time during long journeys. We present the “five” inexpensive car radios, the quality of which real buyers have already seen.
Pioneer SPH-10BT - the ability to play and control all functions from a smartphone
Music lovers will appreciate the 31-band graphic equalizer, which allows you to customize the sound to suit your musical preferences. Not only MP3 is supported, but also FLAC, as well as many other music formats. There is Bluetooth, which allows you to wirelessly connect to your phone and play music from it. You can control the functions of the radio by voice, and in addition, it can play received messages. For convenient parking, you can connect a parking radar. The music system is compatible with smartphones on iOS and Android, for which a special holder is provided for mounting. By installing the Pioneer Smart Sync app on your phone, you can further customize the lighting and sound. When connected via Bluetooth, you can answer calls without interrupting your driving. The Mixtrax option creates original mixes from your musical compositions, complementing them with color music and unusual DJ effects.
The best 1DIN car radios
When compiling a rating among the best budget car radios of 1DIN size, we took into account customer ratings, consumer reviews, as well as market demand and the opinion of authoritative subject matter experts.
All this allowed us to form the top 10 among budget car radios that you can safely buy and install in your car.
The leaders of the 2021 rating were the following models.
Kenwood KMM 361SD
A compact tape recorder, which is housed in a stylish and compact case with a lacquered finish. The sound is very clear, as confirmed by numerous reviews. Here the user can customize the sound for any musical style.
The model is included in the rating among inexpensive 1DIN radios intended for cars for several objective reasons. Among them is the ability to synchronize with smartphones based on iOS and Android. The car radio also supports a large number of formats and has a number of presets. The screen is monochrome and there is no Bluetooth. There is an amplifier and equalizer, plus a USB input.
The settings are easy to understand. The menu is in Russian, plus there is multi-color backlighting. You can charge your phone through the radio. But they forgot about the mute button. Also, some write that the case gets hot during prolonged use. The lack of a remote control can hardly be considered a serious drawback.
JVC KDX3342BT
Also included in the rating among budget, but high-quality and well-functioning car radios in 2021 is a product from JVC.
The device is powered from the car's on-board 12 V network. It can be installed on virtually any car. Looks stylish and modern. Has different backlighting for the screen and control buttons. It features fine tuning and depth of sound.
There is a radio, equalizer, amplifier, Bluetooth and USB input. Monochrome display. The panel is removable, which is also nice. Through the radio you can charge your phone and adjust the sound to your taste. The keys are pressed clearly and very softly. It’s a pleasure to deal with such a car radio on the go.
But the developers have not thought through their proprietary application for smartphones a bit, and also force drivers to understand the nuances of connecting the radio with the buttons on the steering wheel of the car. Otherwise, a more than decent audio system.
Sony DSX A30E
You can't go past this model from Sony. An excellent option for those who need a digital type of system with a good set of functions, but at the same time for little money.
One of the main advantages is the clear sound. It uses proprietary Quick Browzer technology to quickly find the tracks you need. The package also includes a remote control.
There is USB, an equalizer and an amplifier, but there is no Bluetooth.
Even at high volume there is no distortion. If you disconnect the battery, the settings are not lost. The panel on the radio is removable. Pleasant lighting and the ability to adjust the brightness add advantages to the car radio.
The disadvantages include the lack of a menu in Russian, rather small letters on the car radio display, as well as small keys on the case.
Supra SFD111U
The presented radio tape recorder is installed on domestic cars and foreign cars. There is support for all major formats. You can connect external devices to play music. The tuner works well for searching for radio stations, and there is also a sound tuning function. Looks stylish and original.
There is an amplifier, equalizer and USB connector here. What was missing was USB.
The car radio turned out to be light and easy to use, with a Russian-language menu, a control panel and other advantages.
The car radio panel is removable, but it is difficult to remove. The backlight level cannot be changed, which was also a little disappointing.
Sony DSX A212UI
If you are interested in a car radio that is budget-friendly but has high-quality sound and assembly, then be sure to consider this option. It comes with good sound and normalizes the performance of even not the best speakers. The sound in the car becomes clearer.
The device allows you to connect via smartphones running iOS and Android. The settings are convenient and easy, tracks are switched without problems. The car radio can quickly and independently find a radio station.
A monochrome screen, a USB connector, an amplifier and an equalizer are present. But there is no Bluetooth port.
This model from Sony is also included in the current rating among inexpensive but high-quality car radios due to its excellent assembly without gaps. This car audio system displays the current voltage in the on-board network. The main control panel is removable. You can connect to the joystick on the steering wheel for more convenient operation of the radio.
But if you connect a flash drive and play tracks through it, then choosing music is somewhat inconvenient. Plus, the car radio does not have wireless synchronization.
Kenwood KMM304Y
Maybe not the best, but definitely one of the best budget car radios that deserves a high place in the top 10.
The device is distinguished by its reliability and build quality. It has a stylish, strict black body. The backlight has several options, which greatly simplifies control at different times of the day. Thanks to the digital-to-analog converter, it is possible to achieve a noticeable improvement in sound quality when playing tracks. A wide range of settings is available to the driver.
It has almost everything you need for an inexpensive car radio. The only thing missing is Bluetooth.
The sound of the car radio is clear, soft and pliable control keys, a Russian-language menu, correct display of information on the screen and other advantages.
But there is no button to instantly turn off the sound of the car radio. The plastic may leave visible fingerprints. Some users have noticed that the car radio gets hot when used for a long time. Plus, not all smartphones can be successfully synchronized via USB.
Pioneer DEH S5000BT
A good car radio for a car, where you can conveniently adjust the volume and even have a karaoke function. Using AUX, you can connect external devices and a microphone. A proprietary technology called Time Alignment serves to distribute sound between car speakers. The technology is also used to increase the depth of the bass while simultaneously reducing the load on the speakers.
In addition to MP3, the car radio supports SD and DVD playback. There is even tone control, in addition to the presence of an amplifier, equalizer, USB and Bluetooth.
In addition to the brightness level, you can also change the color of the backlight on the car radio.
Among the minuses, it is worth highlighting the slightly stiff control buttons, the lack of an instant mute key, as well as the difficulty of synchronizing with some smartphone models. The material of the radio casing is not particularly resistant to scratches.
JVC KDX355
To begin with, it is worth noting the unusual, discreet, but at the same time eye-catching design of the car radio. The front black panel is removable. Listening to music is possible via radio, USB drive or smartphone. The car radio plays all major formats. The sound can be customized based on your taste or musical style. Quickly searches for radio stations. There is no Bluetooth.
Among the strengths are detailed sound on the car radio, a good range of functions and settings, adjustable backlighting and proper placement of control buttons. A good option for a car radio for those who have solid acoustics.
The body itself is made of not the highest level of plastic. The radio may become hot, and the clock may have to be reset when the vehicle's power is turned off (battery removed).
Pioneer SPH10BT
A car radio with a somewhat futuristic design, which attracts many potential buyers of car audio systems.
Here you can listen to music in the car using a radio or external storage devices. Connects to smartphones based on major operating systems. The sound can be adjusted to suit you or based on your musical style. Perfect for cars with car audio.
There is an amplifier with an equalizer, a USB connector and a Bluetooth module. We didn’t forget about support for an external remote control.
But there are bugs in the application; there is no voice control for the car radio, as well as a quick mute button.
Swat MEX 3007 UBW
This is a budget car radio that has received expanded functionality. The backlight on the case is white and bright enough to easily control the system even in complete darkness.
Picks up radio stations quickly and clearly, memorizing 18 of them. There is a wide selection of song sound settings. There is a USB connector, but there is no Bluetooth module here.
The radio display has large, easy-to-press keys. They didn’t forget to provide a button for instantly muting the sound. Music lovers note the effective operation of the car radio with great bass.
But the control panel on the car radio is not removable. Some users noticed extraneous hissing during operation. Here we are more likely talking about manufacturing defects of individual copies.
If 1DIN is not enough for you and you want to get something like a multimedia complex in your car, then you should choose among 2DIN car radios.
JVC KD-X161 - bright design and support for all modern formats
The best Chinese 1 din radio with bluetooth is suitable for cars with an on-board voltage of 12 V. The list of supported formats is impressive - MP3, WMA, WAV and FLAC. There is a three-band equalizer, using which you can customize the sound to suit yourself and the preferred style of music. There's both a USB port and a line-in port on the front. You can wirelessly connect smartphones with Android version 4.1 or higher, iPhone and iPad. The radio can be listened to in the FM and AM range. The installation depth is small - only 100 mm.
JVC KD-X165 is a device that will fill the interior of your car with high-quality sound
The single-din radio provides you with a 3-band equalizer. If your car has a multifunction steering wheel installed, you can connect to it and switch music tracks without being distracted from the controls. The standard controls are also easy to use. Classic design combined with traditional control panel layout. The screen is backlit only in white, and the keys are backlit in any color you choose. The radio tape recorder corresponds to the 1DIN standard size, which makes it compatible with most brands and models of cars. Power supply requires 12 Volts from the on-board network.
The front side has a line input and a USB connector. The best cassette player supports the main file formats - MP3, WAV, WMA and FLAC. There is a radio tuner supporting FM and AM frequencies. Its main feature is RDS support. The delivery set includes an ISP connector, instructions and everything necessary for installation.
KENWOOD KMM-125KN - convenient model with remote control
The best 1 din radio from Aliexpress has a width and height of 182 and 53 mm, respectively. The installation depth requirements are minimal - 100 mm is sufficient. The main feature of this model is the possibility of remote control using a special module mounted on the steering wheel. There is a tuner with AM and FM support, which gives you access to all radio frequencies in your area.
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The car player is equipped with an audio jack and a USB connector. If desired, a phone or any other gadget can be connected wirelessly. On the reverse side there is an antenna input and a connector for connecting via ISO. The front panel is removable, which was done to prevent theft, because without it, controlling the multimedia device becomes impossible. The button panel with a bright red backlight is complemented by a segment display, which is illuminated in white at night.
The most powerful
The power of the car radio can be of 2 types: nominal and maximum. While listening to music, the first type works; the maximum one is activated during sudden changes in volume.
The nominal value characterizes the power of the device.
That is, it is a characteristic of sound quality at minimum sound levels.
The maximum indicator indicates the power of the speakers that can be connected. The standard indicator is 4 channels of 50 W.
The best radios:
- Pioneer DEH 4800FD. Its main difference is the powerful built-in 100 W amplifier. With the help of such equipment, the music played will be louder and clearer. However, to take advantage of all the features, you will need to purchase a subwoofer.
- Pioneer DEH 280FD. This is another car radio in the rating, produced by Pioneer. As in the previous case, the manufacturer claims a power of 4*100 W.
- Prology CMX-200. In terms of power, this device is very different from the general mass of models. belonging to this price category. According to the specifications, the power of the CMX-200 is 4*55 W.
SoundMAX SM-CCR3055F - a good 1 DIN car radio with memory for 18 radio channels
This is a budget but functional solution with high-quality sound, capable of playing tunes in MP3/WMA format. Playing audio files is possible from an SD card, computer flash drive, portable player or smartphone. On the front there is a convenient control unit with blue backlight, a black and white LCD screen, a slot for an SD memory card, an AUX and USB input, covered with a plastic plug. The RAC line input will be useful if you decide to connect additional equipment.
The digital receiver is equipped with a sensitive radio tuner operating in the FM range. Up to 18 radio channels can be stored in memory. Good sound quality will make any trip more fun and invigorate you along the way.
Pioneer DEH-S110UBG - nice design combined with top sound
The car player is ideal for installation in your car, allowing you to listen to music both from external media and from radio stations. The front panel can be painted gray or black. The best single-din radio for a car will fit perfectly into the interior thanks to its laconic design, and the power comes from a 12 V on-board network. There are four channels for audio output - the rated power of each of them reaches 22 W, and the maximum is 50 W.
The frequency range is impressive - from 50 to 15,000 Hz. There are FM and AM bands. Up to 24 radio stations are stored in memory. Music can be played from a CD, flash drives or a mobile device connected wirelessly. The display is high quality and makes control more comfortable.
KENWOOD KDC-172Y - RDS and convenient screen
The best 1 din radio for sound is equipped with a push-button control panel and supports the most common music formats. Using it you can enjoy listening to your favorite tracks and audiobooks. Melodies can be played from CDs and flash drives connected to the USB port on the front panel. There is also a line input for connecting a smartphone and other devices. The radio tuner operates in the AM and FM bands. Support for RDS is declared, which allows you to receive text information from radio stations.
The buttons are illuminated in different colors and the display has its own backlight. The kit includes a remote control, and you can switch tracks using the steering wheel. The installation depth is 158 mm. The panel is removable, so if necessary, you can take it with you while parking.
How to choose a radio for a 1 DIN car
Din is a unit of measurement equal to 5 cm. Accordingly, all 1 DIN radios have the same height of 5 cm.
When choosing a car radio, pay attention to the following criteria:
- Reading sources. As a rule, most radio tape recorders support SD and USB media. If the driver is used to listening to music via discs, the head unit must support the CD format. Therefore, before purchasing a car radio, the user must decide through which media it is more convenient for him to listen to music. It is desirable that the device be able to work with several media simultaneously.
- Radio power.
- Supported formats. The more formats the car radio supports, the better (but this also increases the cost of the device). It is desirable that the radio plays music in the following formats: MP3, WMA, ACC. Advanced models can also “read” the FLAC format.
- Number of connectors. The functionality of the car radio depends on the number of connectors, since through these ports it is connected to amplifiers, subwoofers, smartphones and other devices.
- Additional functions. Additional features of the radio include support for Bluetooth, TV tuner and other modern technologies. For example, Bluetooth allows the driver to connect his smartphone to a tape recorder without using wires.
- Display. Most 1 DIN radios, due to their small size, do not have a full touch screen. However, there are also models with retractable screens or a smartphone mount.
- Price. Last on the list, but one of the most important selection criteria. As a rule, Chinese radios from Aliexpress cost up to 1-1.5 thousand rubles. Whereas for a high-quality radio from a Japanese or German manufacturer you will have to pay from 2 thousand rubles.
The most affordable option in our ranking of the best
SoundMAX SM-CCR3055F is the simplest option, which will cost you only 1,200 rubles. At the same time, the model has a compact size and a USB port for connecting external devices.
Each car radio in the MobileGadjet rating is worthy of your attention, and which one to choose among them is a personal matter. Here you need to proceed from your budget, preferences in design, functionality and manufacturer. And if you use any model from the list, then share your user experience in the comments.
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With better radio reception
Not every motorist can be called a radio enthusiast, but receiving radio signals is included in the list of the main characteristics of a good radio. The quality of received radio signals is largely determined by the sensitivity of the tuner. If its performance is weak, when the FM frequency is turned on outside the city, strong interference may occur.
The following devices have good characteristics:
- Alpine CDE-173BT. It is not for nothing that this product is included in the list of the best. It is characterized by a removable panel, minimalist design and good functionality. Thanks to a high-tech transceiver, high-quality reception of radio signals is achieved. The device has an auto-off option.
- Pioneer DEH-150MP. Those who are interested in the best car radios for receiving radio signals should definitely study the offer from Pioneer. Thanks to the powerful receiver, the device can receive uninterrupted radio reception even outside the city.
- Prology MDN-2772. This model has a powerful tuner and the ability to automatically receive radio stations. You can choose a radio from this manufacturer for many other advantages and additional functions, which allows it to be among the top ten leaders in many respects.
