Top 5 Best Apple CarPlay Head Unit of 2023 – (Ranked)

Apple CarPlay is a great way to integrate your iPhone with your car. With CarPlay, you can access your music, maps, and messages while driving. 

The best way to experience CarPlay is with a head unit that has been optimized for it. This article will discuss the best head units for Apple CarPlay. We will also provide a buyer’s guide to help you choose the right head unit for your needs.

Top 5 Best Apple CarPlay Head Unit – Reviews

#1. Pioneer DMH-W4660NEX – Best Wireless Apple CarPlay Head Unit

The Pioneer DMH-W4660NEX is an excellent car stereo that offers many features for the price. It has a built-in amplifier and a rear-view camera and can playback CDs, DVDs, and MP3s. It supports both CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to control certain smartphone functions using the car’s dashboard controls.

The display on the Pioneer DMH-W4660NEX is a 7-inch touchscreen that is clear and easy to read. The resolution is 800×480, which is standard for a car stereo. The only downside of this car stereo is that the display is not too bright, making it difficult to see in direct sunlight.

The sound quality of the Pioneer DMH-W4660NEX is suitable for a car stereo. It has a built-in amplifier with four channels and 50 watts of power. The sound is clear and distortion-free at high volumes. The bass is not as deep as some other car stereos, but it is still adequate.

The Pioneer DMH-W4660NEX is compliant with the CTA-2006 standards. It has 14 watts RMS x 4 channels. It produces less than 1% THD+N (total harmonic distortion + noise) at full volume.

It has Continuous Output of 22 watts RMS x 4 channels and produces a Maximum Output of 50 watts x 4 channels.

The Pioneer DMH-W4660NEX has three pairs of 4.0-volt preamp outputs (Front/Rear/Subwoofer). With this product, you can adjust your subwoofer phases according to whether you want it normal or reverse, as well as its volume level (+6 to -24) without impacting other subs that might be playing simultaneously.

The Pioneer DMH-W4660NEX has a 13-band graphic EQ that You can use to fine-tune the stereo sound. The EEQ (Easy EQ) function is a pre-set EQ that You can use to get a good sound without manually adjusting the EQ.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Clean fit and finish
• Sound quality
• Wired and Wireless CarPlay
• Great options for screen customization.
• Support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Can play back CDs, DVDs, and MP3s
• Built-in amplifier and a rear-view camera

Cons:

• No satellite radio or HD radio
• The display is not very bright
• Switching between two connected phones is a complex process.

#2. ATOTO A6 PF – Best Budget Apple CarPlay Head Unit

When choosing a car stereo, there are many things to consider. One of the most important factors is whether or not the stereo supports Apple CarPlay. If you are an iPhone user, you want to ensure you can use all of its features in your car. The ATOTO A6 PF is one of the best car stereos for Apple CarPlay support. Why is this stereo superior? Let’s investigate.

The ATOTO A6 PF has a 7-inch 1024×600 IPS display. This is a full HD display that is bright and clear. The viewing angle of display is 178 degrees; which helps to see the screen even when you’re not sitting in front. The touchscreen is also a 5-touch capacitive, so it’s very responsive.

This stereo has a 4×45-watt preamp and a digital signal processor with time correction, speed-compensated volume, and 36-band EQ. This gives you the best sound quality possible.

This means that you’ll be able to get the best sound quality out of your music.

The ATOTO A6 PF supports online navigation with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. You can also use offline maps with the built-in GPS.

This stereo supports CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink. This means you’ll be able to use your iPhone or Android phone with the stereo. You can also use MirrorLink to stream video from your phone to the stereo.

The ATOTO A6 PF also has a front-facing camera input. This lets you connect a front-facing camera to the stereo so that you can see what’s in front of you while driving.

The ATOTO A6 PF has a rear-view display that is HD 720P. This display has a live rear-view feature, so you’ll see what’s behind you even when you’re driving forward. This stereo also has a built-in music player that supports up to 1080p video and high-quality audio.

ATOTO provides system updates to improve the system. You can download the update file to a USB stick and update your A6 PF. This stereo also supports up to 2TB of storage to store your music and videos on the stereo.

Overall, The ATOTO A6 PF is a great car stereo for anyone who wants Apple CarPlay support. It has a large display, preamp and DSP, GPS/Navigation, CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink. 

It also has a rear-view display and a built-in music/video player. You can update the system with new features as ATOTO releases them.

Pros & Cons

PROS:

• The viewing angle is 178 degrees.
• The touchscreen is also a 5-touch capacitive.
• This stereo supports CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink.
• The ATOTO A6 PF has a rear-view display that is HD 720P.
• This stereo also has a built-in music player that supports up to 1080p video.

CONS:

• You cannot update the unit wirelessly.

#3. Sony XAV-AX5000 – Best Single Din Apple CarPlay Head Unit

The Sony XAV-AX5000 is a great head unit for anyone looking for a high-quality sound system for their car. The department offers a variety of features that are sure to please even the most discerning listener. The unit’s capacitive touchscreen is highly responsive and easy to use.

The bezel-less panel gives the head unit a clean look that will blend seamlessly with your car’s interior. The unit’s intuitive menu system is easy to navigate, and the gesture control feature allows you to perform everyday tasks with a simple swipe of your finger.

The XAV-AX5000‘s 6.95-inch capacitive touchscreen display is exceptionally bright and easy to see, even in direct sunlight.

The display has an 800 x 480 pixels resolution, which is plenty sharp, and the unit’s accurate color reproduction. The display is also responsive to the touch, making it easy to control the team while driving.

You can also display incoming text messages on the receiver’s touchscreen display.

The Sony XAV-AX5000 has a composite video rear-view camera input, allowing you to connect a backup camera.

You can select from various pre-set EQ curves or use the 10-band graphic EQ. The unit also features a Dynamic Stage Organizer (DSO), which adjusts the width and height of the soundstage to improve the stereo positioning.

5ch/2V Pre-outs and Subwoofer Control: The Sony XAV-AX5000 is fitted with three sets of 5-volt preamp outputs (Front, Rear, and Subwoofer).

The supplied remote control gives you quick and easy access to the head unit’s functions. The remote can also control a connected rear-view camera (sold separately).

The XAV-AX5000 comes with everything you need for a quick and easy installation. The wiring harness makes connecting the unit to your car’s speakers and power supply a breeze.

Pros & Cons

PROS:

• Simple, responsive, clean interface
• Easy-to-use controls and interface, no messy or cluttered buttons/controls
• Great apple carplay and Bluetooth connectivity
• Great sound customization

CONS:

• Minimal visual customization
• No screen mirroring on this model

#4. Alpine iLX-W650 Head Unit – Also Great

There’s a new sheriff in town regarding Apple CarPlay head units – and that sheriff goes by Alpine iLX-W650. Boasting features like a sleek 7-inch touchscreen display, built-in Wi-Fi, and support for both Android Auto and CarPlay, this unit is quickly becoming one of the most popular options on the market. 

The first thing you’ll notice about the Alpine iLX-W650 is its gorgeous 7-inch WVGA touchscreen display. This high-resolution screen is bright, crisp, and easy to read – even in direct sunlight. And thanks to the unit’s shallow-mount chassis design, it won’t take up too much space in your dash.

As we mentioned, the Alpine iLX-W650 supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. That means you’ll be able to use all of your favorite apps – like Maps, Music, and Podcasts – while on the go. And thanks to the unit’s built-in Wi-Fi, you’ll always be able to stay connected.

In addition to CarPlay and Android Auto, the Alpine iLX-W650 also comes with the Alpine TuneIt App. This app allows you to customize your head unit’s sound to match your taste. And thanks to the built-in microphone and support for Facebook and Twitter, you’ll be able to share your custom settings with your friends.

One of the best things about the Alpine iLX-W650 is its high-quality built-in amplifier. This powerful amp delivers 16 watts of RMS power – enough to fill even the most significant car cabin with crystal-clear sound.

The unit comes with a built-in equalizer that allows you to fine-tune the sound to match your specific taste. And thanks to the three-way crossover system, you’ll be able to create a truly customized listening experience.

The Alpine iLX-W650 has six preamp outputs – enough to connect even the most demanding sound system. And thanks to the unit’s three-way crossover system, you’ll be able to route the signal to each speaker for a truly customized listening experience.

The Alpine iLX-W650 has a dedicated subwoofer output – perfect for adding extra bass to your music. And thanks to the unit’s built-in low-pass filter, you’ll be able to adjust the cutoff frequency to match your specific needs.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Beautiful 7-inch WVGA touchscreen display
• Shallow-mount chassis design takes up minimal space in your dash
• Supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Built-in Wi-Fi keeps you connected on the go
• Customizable sound with Alpine TuneIt App
• The powerful built-in amplifier delivers precise, powerful sound
• Six preamp outputs for securing even the most demanding sound systems
• Dedicated subwoofer output for adding extra bass to your music

Cons:

• Some users have reported issues with the unit’s built-in amplifier.

#5. Pioneer DMH-1500NEX Head Unit – Honorable Mention

The Pioneer DMH-1500NEX head unit is an excellent option for those looking for a top-of-the-line multimedia receiver.

The best thing about the Pioneer DMH-1500NEX is it supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. This allows you to use your smartphone to access maps, music, and more while on the go.

The display has a screen size and aspect ratio of 7″/16:9 . The resolution is WVGA (800 x 480). Additionally, the unit has a backlight LED and brightness control. You can also customize the display’s color to one of five colors.

In terms of sound quality, the Pioneer DMH-1500NEX is excellent. It offers 13-band graphic equalization with touch panel swipe settings and built-in high/low pass crossover with adjustable points and slopes. Additionally, it comes with a CD-MC20 microphone required for Auto EQ features. Pioneer’s NEX in-dash receivers were the first to offer playback of high-res FLAC files encoded at 192kHz/24 bit and provide CD-quality output.

The Pioneer DMH-1500NEX is a powerful head unit, offering a continuous power output of 22 watts x 4 channels. It also has a load impedance allowance of 4 ohms and can handle up to 50 watts x 4 channels at 4 ohms.

Additionally, it comes with 6-ch RCA preamp outputs and 4V RCA pre-out voltage. Its RMS power output (CTA-2006) is 14 watts x 4 channels at 4 ohms. The unit also offers a 13-band graphic equalizer with touch panel swipe settings.

The Pioneer DMH-1500NEX is an excellent option for a top-of-the-line multimedia receiver with 4-channel output. It also has a DA Converter of 24-bit.

The Pioneer DMH-1500NEX has excellent integration capabilities. It’s compatible with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and SiriusXM. Additionally, it offers Pioneer App Compatibility with Vozsis Android and iPhone.

Pros & Cons

PROS:

• Compatible with both Android Auto and CarPlay
• 13-band equalizer with touch panel swipe settings
• CD-MC20 microphone included for Auto EQ features
• Pioneer App Compatibility with Vozsis Android and iPhone

CONS:

• Challenging to install for those without experience
• SiriusXM subscription required for satellite radio features

BUYER’S GUIDE: Things to Consider Before Buying Head Unit

There are different reasons you might be considering an upgrade. Maybe your current stereo doesn’t have a USB port, so you can’t use your iPhone or iPod while driving. Or, you want to take advantage of new features like Siri Eyes Free or Maps in iOS 7. Whatever the reason is, there has never been a better time to upgrade to an Apple CarPlay head unit.

What fits your car?

The first step is ensuring you get a head unit that will fit your car. If you have a double-DIN (4″ tall) space in your dash, you’re lucky—most manufacturers offer an Apple CarPlay receiver in that size. Otherwise, you may need to purchase an adapter or replace your entire dash kit.

What are your must-have features?

When looking at different head units, there are a few key features to remember. Do you want a team with a built-in navigation system? Would you like to be able to stream music from your phone wirelessly, or do you want a simple wired connection? And, of course, you’ll want to ensure your chosen unit has Apple CarPlay.

What is your budget?

As with any car stereo purchase, your budget will significantly influence what head unit you choose. But don’t worry—there are options available at every price point.

Better sound quality

Sound quality is one of the most important things to consider when shopping for a car stereo. While searching for the best sound quality, you’ll want to ensure that your head unit has high-quality speakers. Many head units come with built-in speakers, but if you’re looking for even better sound quality, you may want to consider adding external speakers.

Better display

Another thing to keep in mind is the display. If you want the best possible display, you’ll want to ensure that the head unit you choose has a high-resolution display. Many head units come with a standard LCD, but if you’re looking for something with a little more attractiveness, you may want to consider an OLED or LED display.

What are the non-music functions that you want?

There are several other functions that you might want in a head unit, such as hands-free calling, Bluetooth, or navigation. If any of these are essential to you, ensure that the head unit you choose has them.

What other things should you consider in a car stereo?

There are a few other things you might want to keep in mind when shopping for a car stereo. If you’re looking for a head unit that’s easy to use, ensure the controls are straightforward. And if you want to be able to use your head unit for years to come, make sure that a reputable brand makes it.

We hope this buying guide has been helpful. Now you know what to look after in an Apple CarPlay head unit, you’re ready to start shopping!

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