A head unit has become an essential part of any car. Sure, you can drive without one but it’s much less fun if you have no way of controlling your audio or inputting in the GPS. A head unit is literally the control center of your car.

As technology develops, car head units have evolved to include a multitude of new features. If you are looking to upgrade the look and aesthetics of your car, a head unit is a great place to start. But first, you need to make sure of what features you want and what head units are compatible with your car.

Compatibility

Single or double DIN

Head units are generally categorized into two size categories: single DIN or double DIN. To see which one you need, you will need to measure the size of the spot where your head unit goes on your dashboard. A single DIN is around 7 inches wide and 2 inches tall. Double DIN has twice the height, being around 4 inches tall.

DIN stands for Deutsches Institut fur Normung which is the German Institute for Standardization, the entity that first advocated for standardization of head unit sizes back in the 80s.

Modern cars nowadays come with double DIN head units. They are bigger which means that you have more space to operate them so they are easier to use. Unlike single DIN head units, they usually use a touchscreen. The unit itself is bigger so it is able to fit more features inside. If you have the space for it, we highly recommend purchasing a double DIN head unit. You can search for the best double DIN head unit here.

Double DIN head units are a little bit more difficult to install compared to the single ones because the touchscreen comes with some additional wires. You can buy your own installation kit that will have all the elements needed together with detailed instructions or pay a professional to replace your old unit with the new one.

Features

You will also want to look for different features, such as easy audio controls and GPS navigation. It is a good idea to take a look at the head unit interface before you make a purchase to make sure that it fits your needs. Some head units can have touchscreens that get a little cluttered with all the different buttons, making them difficult to use. If you have a specific look in mind, for example, you prefer a clean interface, you should definitely make sure that you are buying what you want.

Other interesting features that can be found in modern double DIN head units include being able to connect to a rear-view camera to help you park when in reverse gear or smartphone integration. Being able to call people or even text them without using your hands will make your drive much safer and smoother.