Best touchscreen car stereos for 2024

What makes these touchscreen favorites?

As a starting point, here are nine recent models which have delivered high customer satisfaction ratings. We've selected some of these based on particular use cases, but most of them do many things well. Some of these can fit a wide variety of vehicles, while others might have more limited applications. Let's take a look.

JVC KW-M560BT — Best all-around performer

What you need to know: With a combination of generous phone integration and audio options, the JVC KW-M560BT digital multimedia receiver offers a 6.75" touchscreen display that'll fit most standard double-DIN (4" tall) dash openings. It plays well with wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and it boasts Bluetooth® connectivity and satellite radio capability.

Phone integration features: This receiver works with wired Apple CarPlay or Android Auto connections, and it offers Android screen mirroring with select phones via a USB hookup. Its built-in Bluetooth can be paired with up to 7 devices at once (only one actively at a time), for quick switching between users.

Audio/Video features: A 13-band equalizer with digital time alignment lets you dial in the sound. JVC's free Remote smartphone app lets you do in-depth tweaks from your phone, including to the high- and low-pass crossovers. If you want to add SiriusXM satellite radio, you can do so with an optional tuner and your paid subscription. There's a video input for a backup camera and you can also feed video to additional backseat monitors.

Sony XAV-9000ES — Studio-quality sound with a gorgeous display

What you need to know: Sony's XAV-9000E digital multimedia receiver combines convenient features like wireless phone integration and optional satellite radio capability with a bevy of top-tier audio enhancements and sound-shaping tools for the serious listener. An elegant high-definition capacitive 6.75" touchscreen puts you in command of the action.

Phone integration features: You can go wired or wireless with Android Auto or enjoy wireless-only connectivity with Apple CarPlay through this receiver. Built-in Bluetooth 5.0 with LDAC technology allows you to wirelessly stream audio from compatible devices at 96 kHz/24-bit sampling.

Audio/Video features: A 192-kHz/24-bit ESS digital signal processor offers premier sound processing and precision time alignment. A 14-band EQ gives you control over the six output channels, and each channel also sports an 8-band parametric EQ. Combined with a 3-zone crossover, you can fine-tune your speakers, rears, and subs to your ears' delight.

Kenwood Excelon Reference DNR1007XR — Take your touchscreen to the max

What you need to know: Kenwood's Excelon Reference lineup is the best of Kenwood's best, and the DNR1007XR digital multimedia receiver blends big-time features, praiseworthy performance, and a magnificent high-definition 10.1" display (with a knob). Not only does it boast built-in GPS navigation from Garmin, it provides plenty of connectivity for audio sources.

Phone integration features: Wired or wireless connectivity with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is how this receiver rolls. It also offers wireless (Miracast) and wired (HDMI) screen mirroring for Android devices.

Audio/Video features: The 10.1" floating display makes a great home for your maps, music, or camera footage. You can connect via HDMI, a rear USB input, or up to four camera inputs. A 13-band parametric EQ with time alignment works with other sonic enhancements to keep your tunes sounding their best, including your high-resolution audio files. It also comes with an HD Radio™ tuner and can connect with your optional SiriusXM receiver.

Alpine iLX-507 — Wireless Apple CarPlay favorite

What you need to know: Our customers love wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity, and receivers like the Alpine iLX-507 digital multimedia receiver demonstrate why. Alpine outfit this 7" wonder with a sweet high-definition screen and an HD Radio tuner. It's also compatible with an optional satellite radio tuner and a futuristic wireless knob.

Phone integration features: We're touting its wireless CarPlay speed and responsiveness, but the iLX-507 also does wired CarPlay for Apple users, along with wired/wireless Android Auto. You also get full Pandora, Spotify, and Tidal control through your smartphone.

Audio/Video features: A 24-bit DAC ensures your drive will sound great, and you can play lossless FLAC audio files up to 96kHz/24-bit. Its 13-band parametric EQ offers Basic and Advanced configuration modes, high- and low-pass filters, and 6-channel time correction.

Pioneer DMH-WT3800NEX — Well-liked for wireless Android Auto and a 9" display

What you need to know: Apple gets the majority of headlines, but there are tons of Android fans out there. Many of them appreciate the wireless performance of the Pioneer DMH-WT3800NEX digital multimedia receiver, and it's easy to see why. It has an eye-catching 9" floating capacitive high-definition display, built-in Wi-Fi® for hotspot hookups, and it works with Amazon Alexa voice assistance.

Phone integration features: Wired or wireless Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, this Pioneer has you covered. Pioneer's WebLink smartphone app opens the radio up to even more cool sources like YouTube, Yelp, and more.

Audio/Video features: You can get down with this radio's 13-band graphic EQ with time alignment, while high- and low-pass filters let you control the frequencies. For a sophisticated 3-way system, you can switch the front, rear, and sub outputs to 3-way mode with separate outputs for Lows, Mids, and Highs. It'll play your high-res audio files just fine. You also get an aux input, USB port, and a pair of camera inputs, and you can add satellite radio with an optional tuner.

Kenwood Excelon DNX697S — Built-in GPS navigation, plus a disc player!

What you need to know: Kenwood's DNX697S navigation receiver offers a couple of things most radios on this list don't: built-in mapping and a DVD player. You can count on its Garmin guidance when your phone's low on power or not picking up cell signals. And you can enjoy disc-based media like when you were a young'un. Control the action through its 6.75" display in double-DIN (4" tall) dash openings.

Phone integration features: The DNX697S boasts wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, plus wired screen mirroring for iPhone and Android with the "Mirroring for Kenwood" app.

Audio/Video features: Kenwood offers a 13-band EQ, plus high- and low-pass filters and a 3-way crossover. A built-in HD Radio tuner lets you pick up great-sounding signals where available. Dual-zone A/V output means you can listen to one audio source up front while sending video from a DVD or another source to your optional rear screens for your passengers to enjoy. This radio has two USB inputs, an aux input, an SD card slot, and four camera inputs (one is dedicated for the Kenwood DRV-N520 Drive Recorder).

Boss Audio BV765BLC — Best budget-friendly multimedia stereo

What you need to know: You might add a backup camera with your touchscreen radio purchase, so Boss saved a step by combining both in their BV765BLC DVD receiver with rear-view camera. The handsome 6.5" touchscreen receiver boasts built-in Bluetooth, plenty of connections, and a volume knob. The included backup camera and license-plate bracket add a layer of safety when you're backing out of tight spots.

Phone integration features: For most phones, Bluetooth streaming of music and calls is about as good as it's going to get. There is no direct control of smart devices through this radio.

Audio/Video features: Boss Audio includes a 7-band EQ for your ears, plus three sets of preamp outputs for building a system. Up front you get a USB input, aux input, and microSD card slot for adding media sources. There's also a pair of camera inputs, and dual rear video outputs for sending DVD content to your optional rear-seat monitors. Did we mention the 5-year warranty?

Alpine Restyle i509-WRA-JK — Perfect touchscreen upgrade for hardcore Jeep heads

What you need to know: If you drive a 2011-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK, here's one way to get amazing performance and a larger screen: the Alpine Restyle i509-WRA-JK custom-fit digital multimedia receiver. It includes a swoon-worthy 9" high-definition capacitive display and bodacious dash kit to give your Jeep a factory feel. An included specialized interface module lets you keep your favorite Jeep factory features. The module also adds some engine performance data on the touchscreen that's otherwise fairly inaccessible. This Alpine's built to withstand more of what Mother Nature can throw at it than your average head unit.

Phone integration features: Wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are at your disposal, however you like to roll.

Audio/Video features: This radio features trademark Alpine sonic upgrades including a 13-band parametric EQ with Basic and Advanced configuration modes, high- and low-pass filters, and 6-channel time correction. It'll play high-res audio files (up to 96kHz/24-bit) from thumb drives and offers 2 USB ports, an HDMI input, and an auxiliary input. And you can add up to three cameras, if two of them have Alpine's proprietary connectors. You also get a built-in HD Radio tuner and the option to add SiriusXM with your receiver and subscription.

JVC KW-Z1000W — Take advantage of a 10.1" display and four camera inputs for enhanced safety

What you need to know: "Just look at that thing!" is what you'll be saying to your friends when they get into your ride after you install the JVC KW-Z1000W digital multimedia receiver. Why? Because it sports a tremendous 10.1" floating high-definition capacitive display that gives you prime access to whatever you need. With up to four camera inputs available, you can check out images from behind, in front of, and on the sides of your vehicle, or from the back of a trailer; it'll work with a dash camera as well.

Phone integration features: This JVC offers the convenience of wired or wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay operation. Android owners can also enjoy Miracast wireless screen mirroring of their phone. The JVC Remote app gives your phone limited control over the radio's functions, and LDAC technology lets you stream hi-res content to the radio without losing much fidelity.

Audio/Video features: A 13-band equalizer with a built-in digital signal processor and time correction highlight this radio's audio offerings, along with three pairs of 5-volt preamp outputs for a strong, clean signal to your outboard amps. You get an HDMI input for connecting more sources, and four camera inputs allow you to get maximum coverage around your vehicle so you can keep a detailed eye out for potential hazards. An HD Radio tuner lets you pick up high-quality signals from participating stations, and you can play high-resolution files via thumb drive.

Let us help you shop for a new touchscreen stereo

These are our best sellers and customer favorites, but we also carry many other models. Tell us what you drive, and we’ll filter the selection to only those stereos that’ll work in your vehicle.

Don't forget to read our car stereo buying guide, and then contact our advisors if you have any questions or to confirm what you need to install a new stereo in your car.