In today’s vehicle, a media receiver (also known as a head unit and sometimes called a deck) is the brains of your interior. It controls your music, your phone, your navigation, your cameras, and maybe even your heat and air conditioning. After-market receivers all have many things in common, but it’s important to pay attention to the details to make sure you’re getting all the features you need.
Before we explore the top car receivers of 2025, let’s cover a few essential questions.
Do You Need a New Receiver?
Well, if you’re reading this article, we’re willing to bet the answer is yes. However, if you’re considering a new receiver as part of an overall car stereo upgrade plan, it may not actually be required.
If you have a newer vehicle with a stock head unit that has all the features you need (Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, etc.), we can work with your factory receiver and upgrade all the components around it to bring you vastly superior sound without changing the look and feel of your dash. It’s not the only way to go, but it is an option. Read more about it here.
Upgrading your receiver is perhaps most important when you want new features. CarPlay, Bluetooth, camera integration, etc. That’s not the only thing to consider, though. A receiver can also affect the quality of the audio signals being sent to your speakers; if you’re planning a full sound upgrade, you’ll want a receiver that can provide the cleanest sound.
Car Stereo Receivers: Is Professional Installation Worth It?
Back in the day, swapping a receiver was a (relatively) simple affair. And today, many people still choose the DIY route — but it’s not without hassle. As vehicle electronics have evolved, installs have grown more complicated. Getting an after-market receiver working properly with your steering wheel controls, cameras, and other factory features often requires special tools and adapters.
At Car Toys, our experts are simply the best in the business when it comes to installations, and we offer same-day installs on most receivers. It’s fast, stress-free, and the work is guaranteed for life. Many times, installation is even free on select receivers. So while we’re happy to help you find everything you need for a successful DIY install, leaving it to the pros is often a no-brainer. Read more about the benefits of professional installation here.
Top 5 Car Media Receivers
Kenwood DMX4710S 6.8” Media Receiver
If you’re looking for a do-everything media receiver that won’t break the bank, the Kenwood DMX4710S is hard to beat. This 6.8-inch touchscreen receiver supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto over USB, letting you control your music, maps, and messages in the easiest and safest way. It also supports Bluetooth calling and streaming for hands-free calls and wireless music playback.
Key Features
- 1. Wired Apple CarPlay
- 2. Wired Android Auto
- 3. Bluetooth Streaming
- 4. 1 Camera Input
And that’s not all. Despite its approachable price, the DMX4710S doesn’t skimp on advanced features. A 13-band graphic EQ with time alignment comes standard, letting you craft the perfect sound for your interior. Want to connect a camera? No problem. A dedicated input lets you connect a dash or rear-view camera for clear viewing on the 6.8-inch screen.
Alpine ILXW670 7" Media Receiver
The Alpine ILXW670 is a full-featured media receiver that really pushes the envelope on value. With a 7-inch screen, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth calling and streaming, a dedicated camera input, and a 13-band equalizer with time alignment, it hits all the necessities. But while it’s a great receiver on its own, it really shines when paired with other products in Alpine’s range
Key Features
- 1. Wired Apple CarPlay
- 2. Wired Android Auto
- 3. Bluetooth Streaming
- 4. 1 Camera Input
Thanks to its reduced depth, the ILXW670 is PowerStack™ capable. You can mount an Alpine KTA-450 or KTA-200M amp directly behind the receiver! This makes for a simpler and cleaner installation process for some stereo builds. And if you really want to turn up the party, it’s also compatible with Alpine PrismaLink™ subwoofers, letting you control the lighting on the subs directly from the receiver.
Kenwood DMX709S 6.8” Media Receiver
The Kenwood DMX709S takes everything great about the DMX4710S and builds on it in unique and fun ways. You still get the large 6.8-inch screen, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth calls and streaming, and the great EQ controls — but now you also get two camera inputs (or three with an optional adapter), iDataLink RR/RR2 compatibility (module sold separately), and Kenwood Music Mix.
Key Features
- 1. Wired Apple CarPlay
- 2. Wired Android Auto
- 3. Bluetooth Calls/Streaming
- 4. 3 Camera Inputs
An RR/RR2 module (sold separately) restores your factory functionality — such as steering wheel controls — and is compatible with most vehicles, giving you a truly seamless receiver upgrade experience. And when you want to keep the vibes high on a road trip, Music Mix turns every passenger into a DJ — up to 5 phones can take turns playing music via Bluetooth.
Kenwood DMX809S 6.8” Media Receiver
Love all the features of the DMX709S but don’t want to fumble with a USB cord? You’re in luck. The Kenwood DMX809S delivers all the goods of the 709S, including iDataLink RR/RR2 compatibility (module sold separately) and Kenwood Music Mix, while adding wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Just sit down, start up, and enjoy — the only thing you need to plug in is your seatbelt.
Key Features
- 1. Wireless/Wired Apple CarPlay
- 2. Wireless/Wired Android Auto
- 3. Bluetooth Calls/Streaming
- 4. 3 Camera Inputs
And don’t worry — you can still use CarPlay and Android Auto over a wired connection if you prefer, which will keep your phone’s battery topped up for longer drives.
Kenwood DMX908S 6.95" Media Receiver
Look, we’re not going to say you need to upgrade to the Kenwood DMX908S, but you probably want to. This ultra-premium head unit bumps the screen out to 6.95 inches and incorporates all the tech and features of the 809S while adding a fourth camera input.
Key Features
- 1. Wireless/Wired Apple CarPlay
- 2. Wireless/Wired Android Auto
- 3. Bluetooth Calls/Streaming
- 4. 4 Camera Inputs
So what’s the big deal, you say? What really sets the DMX908S apart is what you can’t see. Kenwood pulled out all the stops with this receiver to ensure it met the demands of the most discerning audiophiles. We’re talking things like custom-made components, extra-high-quality capacitors, and optimized circuit path tuning. This is the receiver for music lovers who demand the best — both in terms of quality and features.
