How much does It Cost To Install A Car Stereo (2024)

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How much does It Cost To Install A Car Stereo
How much does It Cost To Install A Car Stereo?

You want to give your car that new car smell, but you don’t have the budget for a new car. Installing a car stereo is the perfect way to get that new car smell without breaking the bank.

However, it can also be expensive. So, before you head out to purchase a new stereo, it’s important to know how much it will cost you.

In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the different factors that will affect the price of car stereo installation, as well as some tips on how to keep costs down. So, whether you’re looking for a new car stereo or just want to get an idea of how much it will cost to install one, read on!


How much does It Cost To Install A Car Stereo in 2024?

The average cost of car stereo installation is around $40 – $100. However, if you want more premium features or a custom setup, the price can increase to $200 or more. Additionally, the make and model of your car can also affect the installation cost, as some cars are easier to work with than others.

Minimum CostMaximum Cost
Car Stereo$100$1200
Labor Cost$40$100
Dash kit$12$45
Wiring harnesses$7$25
Antenna adapters$10$30
Total Cost$169$1400

Our Favourite Car Stereo Picks of 2024

Pioneer DMH-W4660NEX

  • 7″ capacitive touchscreen display (Double DIN)
  • Built-in amplifier (14 watts RMS /50 peak x 4 channels)
  • 6-channel preamp outputs (4-volt) for Audio and Video
  • Support HDMI, HD Radio, iDatalink Maestro, backup camera

Anyone who want a great sound, responsive tochscreen and latest features should buy this head unit.

Sony DSX-GS80

  • Built-in Amp (4 x 100 Watts power and RMS of 4 x 45 Watts)
  • Built-in EQ 10 band , DSP, 5-Volt 6 channel pre-outs.

This is best single DIN head unit for sound quality due to its high power built-in amp and lots of sound customization setting like EQ, high- and low-pass filters, DSP, Listening Position time alignment and more.

If you’re looking to save money on the installation, you can try to do it yourself. However, unless you have experience with car stereo systems, we recommend leaving it to the professionals. Not only will they be able to get the job done quickly and efficiently, but they’ll also be able to ensure that everything is properly connected and working correctly.

In the end, the cost of installing a car stereo is going to come down to your specific needs and wants. However, by keeping the above information in mind, you should be able to get a general idea of what to expect when budgeting for this project.

  • Please check our latest posts, if you are looking to upgrade your car stereo

How long does it take to install a car stereo?

Installation time varies depending on the car and the job. A simple installation will take around an hour to complete, but most cars require at least several hours of labor.

After you purchase your deck, they will need to pull your deck out of your old car and put it into the new one, which is a process that takes time. 

You don’t want the installer making their money through labor by charging you for unnecessary time. Most installers will take 1-3 hours to complete a job, while some might charge extra if the task requires additional labor.

How much does a GPS Navigation head unit installation cost?

How much does a GPS Navigation head unit installation cost?

If you want to install a GPS Navigation head unit on your vehicle, expect to pay around 200 dollars for a professional installation. This price usually includes the complete mounting kit and wiring harnesses with no extra charge. If other requests like specific speakers or backup cameras are needed through this final cost could increase depending on what is desired at any given point during the construction process.

How much does Walmart charge to install a new aftermarket car stereo?

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Car stereo installation costs at Walmart vary depending on where you live and whether your car already has a factory-installed system. If you’re looking to upgrade your stock radio but don’t want to spend much money, an aftermarket radio might be an option. 

It’ll probably only cost you about $50 for an hour. If you take it to a professional installation shop, though, expect to pay upwards of $100 for a basic installation.

Installing a car stereo might not be as difficult as you might think. You can easily save your money by doing the installation yourself. But you will be required to use some tools such as a wiring harness, mounting brackets which you can buy from amazon according to your vehicle’s model.

How much does It Cost To Install A Car Radio at Best Buy?

Installation cost of car stereo at best buy is around $39.99–$79.99. Most car radios, even the expensive ones, come with a standard installation package that includes mounting the radio and connecting all the necessary wires.

If your car has a factory stereo, then it’s likely that you’ll need to have a professional install the new one, as they will be able to bypass the factory wiring and connect everything more securely. The standard installation package usually costs around $50, but it can go up to around $80 if additional features such as an amplifier are required.

Will Best Buy install car stereo purchased elsewhere?

Yes, they will. Best Buy is happy to install any car stereo that you purchase from them, and they also offer installation services for car stereos that you may have purchased elsewhere.

They have a team of experienced installers who are skilled in working with all types of car stereos, and they will be able to get your new stereo installed quickly and efficiently.

Plus, their prices for installation are very competitive, so you can be sure that you’re getting the best possible deal when you choose Best Buy.

How much does a car stereo wiring harness cost?

wiring-harness-cost

Car stereo wiring harnesses can range from as little as $20 to more than $150 depending on the brand and where you get them. They’re generally inexpensive, but in some cases, they can be quite expensive depending on the options you need.

If you have a car with multiple factory-installed amps, for example, it might cost far more to install an aftermarket stereo if it doesn’t include wiring harnesses that are compatible with your vehicle’s system.

How much does it cost to install car speakers?

The average cost of car speakers installation is $60 to $140 with most car owners spending around $120 to $300 for both parts and labor. Hiring a technician costs $60 to $100 per hour to install and typically takes one to three hours.

  • Car Speakers: $60 – $300
  • Parts and Labor Total: $120 to $300
  • Labor: $60 to $140

How much does it cost to install a car amplifier?


A simple car amplifier will cost you between $100 to $ 150 to install from a professional installer. But this cost could increase depending on your goals such as how many channels amp do you want. Most car owners spend $150 to $400 for both parts and installation. It typically takes three to four hours for the installation of a new car amplifier.

  • Car Amplifier: $60 – $500
  • Parts and Labor: $140 to $400
  • Labor: $100 to $150

Some factors affect the installation cost of the amplifier:

  • Wiring Quality
  • Holder
  • Output Converter

Tips for finding a good car stereo installation company:

1. Search the Internet or contact your friends and relatives for assistance.

2. Look around at a few shops. If you can’t locate what you’re looking for in one location, don’t worry – there’s another store close by that will most likely have it.

3. Inquire with friends who have had car stereo installation work done about their experiences with such businesses in your region and go with the one they suggest. They’ll give you an honest assessment and may save you money in the long run by doing so.

4. Check with family members, friends, or coworkers who have better equipment than you do to get a lower price – it’ll assist you in obtaining a bargain.

5. Before deciding who to hire, obtain at least three bids from contractors. You may then compare pricing and make an informed decision about who to employ this way.

In our opinion the best place to get a car stereo installed is Crutchfield. They’re not the cheapest option out there, but they are by far the most reputable.

The cost of getting your car audio system installed will depend on the size and complexity of the system, as well as where you live. A simple setup that’s just a head unit, two speakers, and an amp might be around $100-200, while more complex systems can reach thousands of dollars. The most important factor in how much it will cost to get a system installed will be where you live. If you’re in a large, high population area that has many garages and shops specializing in-car audio, expect to pay more for installation than someone who lives in the boonies with no other options.

FAQs

How does one find a good installer?

You can find a good installer by doing your research and asking friends and family for recommendations. A good installer should always be able to provide you with references in your area. They should also offer warranty coverage on the installation and will be able to walk you through what’s involved in an installation when you call them with questions before they do it for you.

Is installing a car stereo easy?

Installing a car stereo is not particularly easy, but it is not excessively difficult either. The most important thing is to make sure that you have all of the necessary tools and materials before beginning the project. With a little patience and attention to detail, most people should be able to install a car stereo without too much trouble.

Do you need a wiring harness for an aftermarket radio?

OEM car stereos are made to fit perfectly into your car with little to no modification, but aftermarket radios come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. That’s where a wiring harness comes in. A good quality wiring harness will make sure that your aftermarket radio has a clean power source and that all the speakers are functioning properly.

Does Best Buy install car stereos not bought there?

Yes, Best Buy will install car stereos not bought there, but they may charge an additional fee. If you have questions about this, it is best to speak with a manager at your local Best Buy store.

Do you need a dash kit for double DIN?

If you’re looking to install a double DIN car stereo, you might be wondering if you need a dash kit. The answer is that it depends on your vehicle. In some cases, you might be able to get away with just using the factory mounting brackets. But in other cases, you might need a specific dash kit in order to properly install the new stereo. It’s always best to consult with a professional before making any decisions, as they’ll be able to take a look at your car and advise you on the best course of action.

How much does a full car sound system cost?

A full car sound system can cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. The price will depend on the quality of the components and the installation. If you are looking for a high-end system, you can expect to pay more. Factors that will affect the price include the type of speakers, amplifier, and subwoofer you choose. The size of your car will also play a role in the final cost.

I'm Miles Walker and I'm the founder of AudioWiser.com I've been in the car audio industry for over 20 years and have a wealth of knowledge to offer on all things related to car audio. I graduated from UC Berkeley with an electrical engineering degree, so you can rely on me for top-notch expertise and advice when it comes to upgrading your sound system.

Why Trust AudioWiser?

At AudioWiser, our dedicated team of experts passionately researches, tests, and evaluates car audio equipment. Our reviews are crafted through hands-on testing, in-depth research, and meticulous analysis of customer feedback. We regularly update our reviews to provide you with the latest car audio recommendations reflecting changes in availability and new information. We're committed to providing reliable, unbiased insights to ensure you make informed decisions for the ultimate car audio experience.

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