Car Stereos by Type

Compare your options

Choosing the Right Type of Car Stereo

Car stereos can be compared by smartphone connectivity, radio features, media playback, screen size and installation format. The best choice depends on the features you want and the space available in your vehicle's dashboard.

Which smartphone-connected car stereo should I choose?

APPLE CONNECTIVITY

Apple CarPlay Car Stereos

Apple CarPlay provides compatible access to Apple Maps, calls, messages, music, podcasts and selected iPhone apps through the stereo display. Models can offer wired or wireless connectivity. Browse Apple CarPlay stereos .

ANDROID CONNECTIVITY

Android Auto Car Stereos

Android Auto provides compatible access to Google Maps, calls, messages, music and supported Android apps through the head unit. Depending on the stereo, the connection can be wired or wireless. Browse Android Auto stereos .

WIRELESS AUDIO

Bluetooth Car Stereos

Bluetooth car stereos provide compatible hands-free calling and wireless music streaming without requiring a touchscreen. They are a practical choice when straightforward phone connectivity is the main priority. Browse Bluetooth stereos .

Should I choose a DAB or CD car stereo?

DIGITAL RADIO

DAB Car Stereos

DAB and DAB+ car stereos provide access to compatible digital-radio services. A suitable DAB aerial or vehicle-specific aerial adaptor is required for reception. Browse DAB car stereos .

PHYSICAL MEDIA

CD Car Stereos

CD car stereos retain physical-disc playback while many models also offer Bluetooth, DAB, USB and auxiliary connectivity. They are well suited to drivers with an existing CD collection. Browse CD car stereos .

Which car stereo size will fit my dashboard?

COMPACT FORMAT

Single DIN Car Stereos

Single DIN stereos use a standard compact-height dashboard opening. They are available with features including Bluetooth, DAB, CD, USB, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Browse Single DIN stereos .

TOUCHSCREEN FORMAT

Double DIN Car Stereos

Double DIN stereos are approximately twice the height of a standard Single DIN unit and commonly include a touchscreen, smartphone integration, multimedia playback and camera inputs. Browse Double DIN stereos .

LARGE DISPLAY

Floating-Screen Car Stereos

Floating-screen stereos use a separate display mounted in front of the main stereo chassis. This provides a larger screen while using a compatible Single DIN or Double DIN installation point. Browse floating-screen stereos .

Which specialist stereo format should I choose?

REDUCED DEPTH

Slim-Chassis Car Stereos

A slim or short chassis reduces the installation depth behind the screen. This can make fitting easier in dashboards with restricted space, although the fascia and wiring requirements must still be checked. Browse slim-chassis stereos .

INTEGRATED FITMENT

Vehicle-Specific Car Stereos

Vehicle-specific stereos are designed for selected makes and models. They may provide a more integrated dashboard appearance and support compatible original vehicle functions. Browse vehicle-specific stereos .

PERFECT FIT DISPLAY

9-Inch Perfect Fit Car Stereos

These large-screen head units are designed for use with compatible vehicle-specific 9-inch fascia and integration kits. They are different from conventional Double DIN stereos. Browse 9-inch Perfect Fit stereos .

What should I check before ordering a car stereo?

DASHBOARD SIZE

Single DIN or Double DIN Opening

Check the available dashboard opening and whether a fascia adaptor is required. A matching stereo size does not automatically confirm vehicle compatibility.

INSTALLATION DEPTH

Space Behind the Dashboard

Check the available depth for the stereo chassis, connectors and wiring. A slim-chassis model can help where the dashboard has limited space behind the installation position.

FITTING PARTS

Fascia, Wiring & Interfaces

An installation may require a fascia panel, wiring harness, aerial adaptor and steering-control interface. Additional interfaces can be needed to retain original cameras, amplifiers, USB sockets or parking sensors.

Why should I search for a stereo by vehicle?

RECOMMENDED CHECK

Confirm the Stereo and Installation Parts Together

Vehicles can use different dashboard designs, radio connectors and factory audio systems depending on their model year and specification. Use the InCarTec vehicle search to identify compatible fitting solutions, or contact our technical team if you are unsure which stereo and installation parts to order.

Need it fitted?

Professional Car Stereo Installation

Our specialist team at Automotive Sound & Vision Exeter can install Single DIN, Double DIN, floating-screen and vehicle-specific car stereos, along with the necessary fascia, wiring and integration interfaces.

View Fitting Services  →

Helpful buying advice

Car Stereo Type FAQs

Answers to common questions about car stereo features, formats and vehicle compatibility.

What is the difference between Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?

Apple CarPlay is designed for compatible iPhones, while Android Auto is designed for compatible Android phones. Both can provide access to navigation, calls, messages, music and supported apps through the stereo display.

Can one car stereo support both CarPlay and Android Auto?

Yes. Many modern touchscreen stereos support both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Check whether each connection is wired or wireless, as this can differ between stereo models.

Will a Bluetooth car stereo work with my phone?

Most current smartphones support standard Bluetooth calling and audio-streaming functions. Available features can vary according to the phone, operating system and stereo specification.

Do I need a new aerial for a DAB car stereo?

A suitable DAB aerial connection is required. Some factory aerials can be retained with a vehicle-specific adaptor, while other vehicles need an additional windscreen or roof-mounted DAB aerial.

Can I still buy a car stereo with a CD player?

Yes. CD car stereos are still available, particularly in Single DIN format. Many combine CD playback with modern features such as Bluetooth, USB, DAB radio and auxiliary inputs.

Will a Double DIN stereo fit a Single DIN dashboard?

Not normally. A Double DIN unit requires a larger dashboard opening. Some vehicles can be converted with a suitable fascia and fitting kit, but this must be confirmed for the exact vehicle before ordering.

What is the benefit of a slim-chassis car stereo?

A slim or short chassis leaves more room behind the stereo for vehicle wiring, adaptors and interfaces. It can also make installation possible in dashboards with restricted rear clearance.

Is a vehicle-specific stereo a direct fit?

Vehicle-specific stereos are designed around selected vehicles, but the included components and retained factory features vary. Always check the compatible model years, original radio specification and product contents before ordering.

Need help choosing?

Find the Right Car Stereo for Your Vehicle

Tell the InCarTec team your vehicle details, current radio and the features you want. We can help identify a suitable car stereo and the fascia, wiring and integration parts needed to install it.

Contact InCarTec  →