How to Choose a Car Stereo | Crutchfield

(Aug 2025) We've updated this video to reflect some changes since it was published. You can view our new buying guide here: youtu.be/W63LF-z--9Q

Car stereos make life in your car better in a lot of ways. They add convenient features like Android Auto, Apple CarPlay or Bluetooth, plus their built-in amplifiers and circuitry make all your music, radio and podcasts sound better.

Jump to video section:
0:00 Intro
0:21 Why would you want a new radio?
0:45 We'll make sure you have all the installation gear you need.
1:15 What's your end goal?
2:02 Smartphone integration, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
3:41 Radios that play discs
3:56 What are digital media receivers?
4:20 Touchscreens are nice!
4:54 You can add a backup camera
5:16 You can get much better sound
5:59 The two sizes of aftermarket radios
6:25 Floating screens that fit into single-DIN openings
6:55 Radios for offroad vehicles, motorcycles, boats & more
7:25 We will help you install it yourself!
8:07 When you buy from Crutchfield, you get free tech support for life

It's easy to find a stereo that fits your car, thanks to Crutchfield's vehicle selector tool. Just enter your vehicle info at this link and you'll get a filtered search result of all the radios, speakers, and other gear that fit your particular vehicle: crutchfield.com/i-rYTVc2JK/car/carselector.aspx

A new car stereo is a great way to update the dash in an older vehicle. Adding a touchscreen to a car that doesn't have one is a huge bonus, so you can interact with your phone more safely. With Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, you can use voice commands to answer phone calls and texts, plus use your favorite mapping apps on your road trip.

You can also just keep it simple and step up to the improved sound of a single-DIN radio. If you don't need or care about a touchscreen, these little stereos rock just as loud as their fancier cousins. Plus they offer a way to keep your phone charged and play all your favorite music. Pair one of them with a mount for your phone, and you've still got the touchscreen.

An aftermarket car stereo offers upgraded features, superior sound, and added convenience over most stock stereos. You're stuck in your car sometimes...why not enjoy it more?

Plus, we'll help you DIY! Check out our "how to" video for reference: youtu.be/dmlhgPPeXE4

As always, anything you buy from Crutchfield comes with lifetime tech support. Our tech support people really know their stuff, and they can help you through your installation if you run into trouble, 7 days a week.

Crutchfield, America's trusted electronics specialist since 1974, has award-winning customer service, free lifetime tech support, and free shipping on most orders. Shop for all your audio and video needs at Crutchfield.com and sign up for the catalog and email newsletter at crutchfield.com

See more home and car electronics videos on our channel: youtube.com/user/crutchfieldtv