Top 5 Best Budget Car Stereo under $150

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.

ATOTO F7 Pro – Best Double Din Head Unit Under $150

Looking for an affordable, high-quality head unit that offers both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto? Then check out the ATOTO F7 Pro.

This amazing head unit allows you to fully cast what’s displayed on your smartphone onto its screen. So if you or any passengers in the vehicle want to view certain apps or content that aren’t supported by CarPlay or Android Auto, MirrorLink is the perfect solution.

Plus, the Auto Link app on the F7 makes it all so easy to use. Keep in mind though that some video streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ may not support MirrorLink.

Hands-Free Calling via built-in Bluetooth works great. You will not face any problem while calling due to its good built-in microphone. For navigation purposes, users can take advantage of Google Maps or Apple Maps.

This unit is equipped with the Live Rear-View (LRV) feature, which gives you access to the rear view even while driving forward. With this feature, you’ll be able to see what’s behind you more clearly, making driving safer and easier.

The unit also has adjustable parking guidelines, so you can park with confidence. And for added convenience, you can set one of the steering wheel keys as a shortcut for quick access.

Large IPS display having capacitive touch is given in which you can enjoy watching videos at full HD. The audio quality in this radio is good due to its built-in amplifier, which has decent power output and RMS.

Although you can use both AM and FM radio, a multiband equalizer is given to customizing the audio frequency. If we consider its features and price (which is available under 150 dollars), this can be a fantastic deal.

Specifications

• Resolution: 1024 x 600
• Power Output: 4 x 45 watts
• RMS: 4 x 29 watts
• 10 Band EQ with 12 adjustable options
• AM / FM Radio
• Built-in Bluetooth
• Backup Camera connection
• Dual USB input
• Aux input
• Mirror Link / Phone Link
• Apple CarPlay / Android Auto
• Micro SD Card supported up to 32 GB
• Steering Wheel Control
• Video Output up to two monitors
• Wireless IR Remote included
• FLAC, MP3, MP4 all types of format support
• 720p HD Backup Camera Input

Pros

• Apple CarPlay / Android Auto at a low price.
• Easily fit in all types of vehicle that has a double din dashboard
• Awesome display with responsive touch.
• Sound Equalizer with many adjustable options
• Useful Split Screen feature

Cons

• For beginners, it might be tough to install
• No customizable option for lights of button
• No adjustable option for Parking Guide Lines

Related Content

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

Quick Review: Pioneer has consistently had best-in-class notoriety with its top-class receiver and head units. This head unit is one of the pioneer’s best single din unit. Many features are available, such as Bluetooth, LED backlight, illumination timer, and radio with 18 FM and 6 AM stations.

The built-in amplifier is just excellent and has sound power output. Music and podcast can listen via Pandora and Spotify. The receiver supports the Pioneer Smart Sync app, in which you can play music and connect up to 5 devices at a time. Also, you will get alpha sonic earbuds, which work well.

Specifications

• Model Number: MVH S215Bt
• Power Output: 4 x 50 watts
• FM/AM Radio tuner
• Built-in Equalizer
• MIXTRAX
• Bluetooth supported, works with both iPhone / Android
• Direct Control iPhone/ iPod
• Dual USB input, one front and other rare
• Detachable Face Plate
• Aux input
• RDS
• External Microphone
• Android Music Playback
• SPOTIFY Control
• FLAC Supported
• 1 YEAR Warranty

Pros

• Awesome sound quality
• Hands-Free Calling works fine
• Easy to use and setup

Cons

• They do not provide a wiring harness; you need to buy it separately
• No-CD / DVD Player

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. (4x 60 watts)
• 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.

FAQ’s

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.

Related Posts

• Top 10 Best Budget Double Din Head Units
• Best Car Stereo Under $300
• Best Car Stereo Under $500
• Best Car Stereo With Backup Camera
• Best GPS Navigation Car Stereo
• Best Apple CarPlay head unit
• Best wireless Apple CarPlay head unit
• Best 10.1″ Android Car Stereo