Android Auto Head Unit Recommendations (Q2 2023)

ihfree on 13/05/2023 - 11:14

We have upgraded car and the new head unit only supports one Bluetooth device and doesn't pair automatically.

We're after an aftermarket head unit(double din) that supports Android auto:

  • Wireless connection
  • Automatic connection
  • Easy to access Android Auto
  • Responsive/not too laggy
  • Supports two devices with a reasonably easy switch between them
  • DAB is a nice to have but not really needed
  • Would prefer a reputable brand/avoid AliExpress head units

Based on some preliminary research and a look back at deals - some suggestions have been Pioneer Z6350BT or Sony XAV-AX6000. The Pioneer has been mentioned to be slow and force the Pioneer interface in users on an old deal.

In my old car, most of what is wanted was achieved via Bluetooth but i'd like to eliminate the need for a phone holder in the car.

This must be a reasonably common occurrence and would love to hear what other Ozbargainers have done in this situation and why.

Thanks in advance.

Automotive Car Audio

Comments

  • Loubon on 13/05/2023 - 11:47
    +2

    I have the Pioneer and it is great. No real problems with lag other than for a few seconds with initial connection on start up.

    If you want sound quality then Pioneer hands down but if you dont really mind/aren't building a system to go with it and the Sony is cheaper then im sure you can't go wrong there either.

    You will be happy with whatever you pick.

  • Blazing147 on 13/05/2023 - 17:04
    +2

    I have the XAV-AX4000. I believe the 6000 is the same except that it has a capacitive touchscreen instead of resistive, and also glossy screen instead of matte. 4000 has wireless, but not sure if it's the headunit or because my android phone is older but sometimes the audio doesn't play properly and I have to 'reboot' the head unit. But works wirelessly and connects by itself. Phone gets hot though and drains battery so you probably want to plug in it to charge for longer sessions. It's not too laggy as far as I can tell but I don't think any head unit will ever be as smooth as a phone or tablet. Not sure about device switching or DAB. In direct sunlight I do wish it could be brighter and the anti-glare coating on the screen kind of makes it more hard to see. 6000 is probably better with its glass screen. Definitely avoid any Chinese head units.

  • Protractor on 13/05/2023 - 18:39
    +3

    You're onto it> Don't buy a no name Chinese unit.The bells & whistles and crap software are notoriously unreliable.
    Stick with Pioneer, Sony,JVC ,Kenwood ,Alpine etc.AFAIK Pioneer have the best bang for buck. And they have good support. (Have been sent a few new remotes for a unit several years old, after asking )I have seen some good Audio deals at Automotive Superstore a few times. Their average seems as low as specials at the other big car parts places.
    Don't forget to factor in all the conversion wiring looms, fascias etc.

  • yikes914 on 13/05/2023 - 18:51
    +2

    Can vouch for the DMH-Z6350BT. Have it fitted on my Prado for the last few months and it has been great, takes a couple of seconds for it to boot up but connects and opens Android Auto within 15s of the car starting, audio quality is better than stock and it was simple to fit given you have what you need.

  • USER DC on 13/05/2023 - 19:12
    +1

    I am using a <$300 AUD unit from Aliexpress and which is probably way way better than branded ones like pioneer, sony etc. that non chinese manufacturer's offer.

    Working very good. Full on youtube music always, 4G LTE, reverse camera included (DAB is supported but I dont want to spend money on that),

    Sure some specs not correctly displayed (android 10 instead of 12). Still came with legit everything all adaptors, fasica, harnesses all up best value IMO for <$300. (and I dont need a phone to use all this, although I can still use Bluetooth with multiple devices easily).

    But hey, if you got $1000+ to spend on these sure go ahead (may be cheaper if you install yourself, or can get away with any adaptor harnesses, fascia etc non-head unit parts from ebay, aliexpress etc.)

    • Protractor on 13/05/2023 - 19:58
      +1

      Way better? Big,big call. How long have you had it?
      Can you link the brand or listing?

      • USER DC on 13/05/2023 - 20:00
        +1

        store/brand was Hizpo Autoradio Global Store (<95% rating so cannot post them as a deal here, plus not 10+ items either usually of 1 specification)
        had it since like mid March.

        by way better i still mean like per $ value

        • Protractor on 13/05/2023 - 20:09
          +1

          Okee. Let's hope it lasts then. By that I mean the gremlins don't kick in.From all I know of the generics, it's not worth the grief, but each to his own. Like I said support is important as is quality electronic components in the first place. We just know if a unit has umpteen more layers of fruit there's a compromise there, or the big players would also have them. Would be interested to see what it is like in 6 monthly increments from the purchase date.Over the years most of my single dins were Pioneer. Only one failed .It was the actual tuner part.I could have paid to fix it but it was years old by then so I stumped up again, same brand. When you're on a good thing. Also had a good Alpine head unit/CD player, that was as good as Pioneer, but a warmer sound.Had some nice fine tuning options. Could have been a gazillion reasons for that (different car,space,speakers)
          Support means a lot in the realm of all the phones,bluetooth and updates IMO.

    • ihfree on 13/05/2023 - 20:47
      +1

      I see the appeal and have done some research into the units but would largely agree with @Protractor.

      may be cheaper if you install yourself, or can get away with any adaptor harnesses, fascia etc non-head unit parts from ebay, aliexpress etc.

      A self install is tempting and I've swapped a head unit once before, though, I'll likely just get it installed this time.

    • beatit99 on 15/05/2023 - 11:45
      +1

      I've had a Joying unit for a few years now in the Prado. Was around $500 but came with all the custom fascia kit and harnesses so a fraction of the price of a double DIN fascia plus commercial unit. Had a few quirks getting setup but overall super happy with it. Joying are basically Aliexpress plus some support, which is arguably worth it. I'm about to order another one for the Outback.

      My only gripe now is switching Bluetooth devices has to be done from the phone, not the head unit.

  • Oofy Doofy on 13/05/2023 - 20:30
    -2

    Don't get one, they're not worth the outlay.

    • ihfree on 13/05/2023 - 20:47

      What would you suggest instead?

      • Oofy Doofy on 13/05/2023 - 20:59

        A BT headset (aftershokz or similar), a nice USB powered
        BT to 3.5mm audio adapter and a spare phone (or just your own phone).

        • ihfree on 13/05/2023 - 21:06

          Thank you for the suggestions.

          I am, however, after a cleaner/more convenient solution.

  • wouldntyaliketoknow on 14/05/2023 - 05:33
    +1

    I have an Alpine ILX-F509E, price is 2-3 times the cost and there are sometimes issues with spotify not in sync.

    I have had an Alpine ILX-702D and an Alpine ILX-F309E in other cars with AAWireless and never experienced any lag.

    Personally I like the GUI of Alpine over Sony/Pioneer/Kenwood/JVC.

    I don't listen to much DAB but I have reception in the M8 Tunnel with a cheap on glass DAB Antenna.

    Once you factor fascia kits and steering wheel interfaces, camera retention, installation etc I'd say the Sony & Pioneer don't look so bad.

  • kale chips suck on 14/05/2023 - 14:19
    +1

    https://teyes.com.au/

  • lachhelix on 14/05/2023 - 15:48
    +2

    Yeah - go Pioneer
    I used to compete in car audio competitions and had reviewed/used/installed 50+ head units and have always found Pioneer the most fastest/most reliable with a good feature level for the price

    In saying that, this was a good 7 or 8 years ago so times have probably changed lol

  • SujAyy on 20/07/2023 - 22:02

    I installed a Joying 10 inch android unit in my LS430 6 years ago for about 600 bucks. Zero issues yet. Only downside is the call mic quality. Otherwise loaded with features including wired apple carplay. Got a dongle and made it wireless.

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