Pioneer is a Japanese multinational electronics company that specializes in developing, manufacturing, and selling electronic equipment. Pioneer has been making stereo systems since the 1930s.
Today, they are one of the world’s largest car stereo manufacturers and an OEM option for many GM, Ford, Mazda pickup trucks, Toyota/Lexus, and Honda vehicles.
Pioneer’s track record is one of the most celebrated in the industry. They are at the forefront of new developments and evolutionary improvements to existing audio technology.
Pioneer has a stereo for you, whether you want a simple stereo that can play music wirelessly from any Bluetooth-enabled device or one with innovative features.
We at CarSumu.Com have done extensive research and prepared this comprehensive review of the 8 best Pioneer car stereos to help find the one right for your car need!
Top 8 Best Pioneer Head Unit in – Quick Summary
If you’re in a hurry and don’t have time to read the entire review section, you can skim through the summary, which covers the stereos in a nutshell.
1. Best Pioneer Single-DIN Head Unit: Pioneer AVH-3500NEX Single-DIN Flip Out AV Receiver
The Pioneer AVH-3500NEX is packed with features and has a price that will make you happy. It has HD radio, Bluetooth connectivity with Pandora compatibility, SiriusXM compatibility, rearview camera input for your safety, and so on.
2. Best Pioneer Double-DIN Head Unit: Pioneer DMH-2660NEX Double-DIN Digital Multimedia Receiver
The Pioneer DMH-2660NEX has all the features you need from a head unit and more. It can have a USB device connected to it and supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration. If you are looking for a Pioneer double-DIN head unit, DMH-2660NEX would be your best pick.
3. Best for Sound Quality: Pioneer MVH-S370BT In-Dash Car Stereo
The Pioneer MVH-S370BT has outstanding sound quality. These speakers produce a crisp, clear sound. It offers higher sound quality when compared to other models. You may also tweak the sound output to suit your music taste.
4. Best for Aesthetics: Pioneer DMH-WT8600NEX Multimedia Car Stereo
In terms of aesthetics, Pioneer’s DMH-WT8600NEX takes the cake. The display screen looks great and is very easy to navigate through while driving. The buttons are well-lit at night and simple to operate while driving, adding elegance to your vehicle’s interior and transforming your driving experience. Plus, it is compatible with the CarAVAssist app.
5. Best Only Android: Pioneer MVH-85UB Digital Media Car Stereo
The Pioneer MVH-85UB is the perfect interface for you if you are an Android user. It is designed specifically for Android phones, making it the best choice for those who have an Android device and want a car stereo that supports this operating system.
6. Best for Navigation: Pioneer AVH-X390BS Double-DIN Car Stereo
The Pioneer AVH-X390BS Double-DIN car stereo offers a complete package for those who want navigation as well as quality sound. It has its navigation mode, and you can go anywhere by inputting an address or searching the POI. It also features an easy-to-read 6.2″ touchscreen display that is very snappy.
7. Best Average: Pioneer DMH-220EX Digital Multimedia Receiver
This stereo has a lot of features for a low price, making it excellent for anyone who wants to update their stereo system to a Pioneer head unit without spending big bucks.
8. Best Stereo with Built-in DAB: Pioneer SPH10BT Single-DIN In-Dash Mechless Car Stereo
This Pioneer car stereo is the one to choose if you want to listen to local radio stations and get weather updates anytime you need them.
Top 3 Pioneer Car Stereos Comparison Table
[wptb id=2802]8 Best Pioneer Car Stereos Ever Made:
1. Pioneer DMH-2660NEX Double-DIN Digital Multimedia Receiver
This Pioneer DMH-2660NEX car stereo will provide you with an unparalleled listening experience. It includes built-in Bluetooth, allowing you to stream music or podcasts from any device and make/receive high-quality hands-free calls.
However, the car stereo tends to restart at random when using Bluetooth to make calls.
That said, the stereo offers SiriusXM compatibility that gives you access to over 130 channels of commercial-free programming, including all your favorite sports teams! If it pleases you to know, Spotify is a primary A/V source for the DMH-2660NEX.
All you need to do is download the Spotify app for iPhone or Android and integrate it with the stereo to jam your favorite music. You can also listen to radio stations with Pandora and the built-in HD radio tuner.
This car stereo has Amazon Alexa, which works with Vozsis (a smartphone app) that allows you to play music, listen to the news, and check weather updates. It’s also compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
However, Apple CarPlay requires an iPhone 5 or newer running iOS 8 or later. While the Android Auto requires Android phones running with Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or later.
The Pioneer DMH-2660NEX 6.8″ WVGA capacitive touchscreen is very responsive and gives you easy control of its functions without being distracted. It is bright enough to see during the day and at night.
The screen shows music information, and if you have a backup camera installed, you can see footage on the screen when reversing.
One of the best features of the DMH-2660NEX car stereo is its compatibility with the iDatalink Maestro. The iDatalink Maestro seamless interface offers factory functionalities such as steering wheel controls, media player, factory AUX-in, USB connections, secondary display support, and so on.
Moreso, this car stereo has an integrated MOSFET 50 W x 4 amplifier and a 13-band equalizer for premium sound quality. There are 3(4V) pre-outs for connecting an external amplifier if needed. It’s a double-DIN car radio, meaning it’ll work in any car with a double-DIN dashboard.
When you buy this car stereo, it comes packaged with a wiring harness, a remote control, microphone, a package of screws and double-sided tape, an installation manual, and a one-year warranty.
Benefits
- The touchscreen is bright, clear, and very responsive.
- It comes with a one-year warranty.
- It supports Pandora, SiriusXM, HD radio, Apple Carplay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa.
- The sound quality is top-notch.
Drawbacks
- The car stereo tends to restart randomly when using the Bluetooth feature.
2. Pioneer AVH-3500NEX Single-DIN Flip Out AV Receiver
The Pioneer AVH-3500NEX car stereo is a quality single-DIN Pioneer head unit with plenty of features. Its 6.2″ capacitive touchscreen display is designed so that it flips out from the dash, making it easier for you to control its functions while driving.
Pioneer enhanced its user interface with side-by-side layout customization, play/pause skip operation, and larger album artwork to provide a more fantastic user experience.
With Amazon Alexa, Apple Carplay, and Android Auto, you can use all of your favorite applications while driving, including Spotify, Pandora, and others.
It works with any iPhone model running iOS 8 or higher, as well as any Android phone running Android 5 or higher. Its Bluetooth connectivity allows you to stream music from your smartphone and make hands-free phone calls.
This car stereo comes with a rear USB port. So, if you’re listening in the car and want to charge your phone at the same time, it can do both simultaneously! It also supports SiriusXM satellite radio and Pandora internet radio.
Pioneer added a rear camera input so that you can see the back of your car when reversing if you have a rear camera installed. The design of this radio allows for easy installation, which means there won’t be any problems getting everything hooked up correctly when installing yourself. Plus, it comes with everything you’ll need.
The Pioneer AVH-3500NEX vehicle radio has excellent sound quality owing to its bass boost, a MOSFET 50 W x 4 amplifier, time alignment, 13-band graphic equalizer, and auto EQ setting to adjust music levels from your music player.
Benefits
- It supports Amazon Alexa, Apple Carplay, and Android Auto.
- The stereo sound quality is fantastic.
- It is easy to install
- The touchscreen is super responsive.
Drawbacks
- None.
3. Pioneer MVH-S370BT In-Dash Car Stereo
Is there anything more exhilarating than the feeling of driving with music blasting through your car stereo? If you’re looking for a quality Pioneer car stereo that will give you an amazing audio experience, look no further than this single-DIN MVH-S370BT car stereo.
This car stereo features high-quality sound reproduction, AM/FM, and Bluetooth connectivity for streaming music and making calls.
However, the Bluetooth malfunctions sometimes. But not to worry, it has a USB port for direct control of an iPhone or an Android to play music and an aux input for connecting an external media device.
Another connectivity function of this car stereo is the ability to sync with the Pioneer smart sync app to play music from up to four devices, make calls, listen to messages, navigate, etc.
This car stereo has Spotify as an audio source, which means you can use the car stereo to play music through the Spotify app on a linked iPhone or Android smartphone. It also supports Pandora with iOS and Android devices to stream your favorite music and discover new music.
However, iOS devices require a wired connection using the CD-IU51 USB interface cable to connect to Pandora.
The Pioneer MVH-S370BT car stereo features MIXTRAX, a Pioneer technology that makes a nonstop mix of your music collection with DJ-inspired effects. MIXTRAX transforms music from an iPhone, iPod, USB device, or Android device into a virtual DJ within the Pioneer receiver by adding transitions and effects.
It also has club-style illumination, which creates a dynamic dance club-like lighting effect to make you get in the groove.
However, the only problem with this car stereo is its LCD screen can’t be seen during the day because it is dim.
Benefits
- It will give you an amazing audio experience with its high-quality sound reproduction.
- It has MIXTRAX that transforms your car into a clubhouse by being a DJ.
- It is affordable.
- This car stereo is compatible with the Pioneer smart sync app.
Drawbacks
- The LCD brightness is too low to be seen during the day.
4. PIONEER SPH10BT Single-DIN In-Dash Mechless Car Stereo
The Pioneer SPH10BT single-DIN in-dash mechless car stereo is for those looking for an easy, affordable way to upgrade their car stereo. It has Bluetooth connectivity with a built-in microphone for making hands-free calls.
With this Bluetooth, you can connect your smartphone and enjoy music or podcasts on the go. Thanks to the AM/FM tuner, you can listen to local stations to get updates on news, music, and sport.
This vehicle radio includes a built-in cradle that lets you connect your smartphone to the receiver and use the Pioneer smart sync app to operate the stereo functions using your smartphone as a touchscreen.
The app offers multimedia capabilities such as navigation, hands-free calling, messaging, and voice command while driving. However, it is not very user-friendly.
This Pioneer SPH10BT single-DIN in-dash mechless car stereo provides excellent sound without the additional functions that might be perplexing at times. It is perfect for anyone looking for a no-frills way to improve their driving experience. Plus, it is easy to install in any single-DIN compatible dashboard.
Benefits
- It works with the Pioneer smart sync app to control the stereo functions using your smartphone as a touchscreen.
- The car stereo is affordable.
- It is easy to install.
- Its sound quality is decent.
Drawbacks
- The app is not easy to use.
5. Pioneer DMH-WT8600NEX Multimedia Car Stereo
The Pioneer DMH-WT8600NEX 10.1″ Multimedia car stereo is one of the newest additions to Pioneer’s lineup of car stereos, and it’s a beauty. It comes with all the features you would want in a modern stereo system, including an HD radio tuner with access to over 2,000 stations nationwide so you never miss out on local traffic reports or breaking news updates!
With the included Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming capabilities, this car stereo will make your driving experience better.
Its 10.1” touchscreen is large enough for easy viewing but not so big that it obscures your vision. Plus, the touchscreen is very responsive. This car stereo’s sleek design allows it to blend in perfectly with the interior design of any vehicle.
Plus, its touchscreen interface makes operating everything straightforward and intuitive, regardless of whatever device you’re using. You’ll also enjoy SiriusXM satellite radio service, iDatalink Maestro RR, and a backup camera input to add a rearview camera for safer parking.
This car stereo supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, allowing you to connect your phone to it without cables. Simply put, it supports Wi-Fi wireless connectivity.
Its Android Auto and Apple Carplay compatibility means you can now listen to your favorite music, podcasts, and chat with Google assistant/Siri without ever reaching for your phone.
The CarAVAssist App, which allows web surfing, home screen customization, and other features, is compatible with this Pioneer DMH-WT8600NEX in-dash car stereo. You can use the app to modify the home screen of your receiver, including uploading your background picture and many more.
This unit also comes with a built-in GPS so you can easily navigate to your destination while enjoying your favorite music. Plus, it has a remote control (CXE5116) for easy operation from anywhere inside or outside of the vehicle.
Its sound quality features like the 13-band graphic equalizer with touch panel swipe settings and the built-in high/low pass crossover give you the power to tailor your listening experience to your taste.
Plus, it comes with a wiring harness and everything you need for a smooth installation process to a compatible single-DIN dashboard.
Benefits
- It is one of the sleekest Pioneer head units with a very responsive touchscreen.
- This car stereo supports a Wi-Fi connection to both iPhones and Android devices.
- It comes with Apple Carplay and Android Auto.
- It is compatible with the CarAVAssist app.
Drawbacks
- Audio sometimes break when connected to Carplay wirelessly
6. Pioneer MVH-85UB Digital Media Car Stereo
The Pioneer MVH-85UB is a popular choice among those searching for a low-cost car stereo with Bluetooth connectivity and no CD player. It has a front USB port for charging or attaching a smartphone as a music source.
Note that the USB only works for an Android. It can also play music from your Android device via an aux cord. The unit has an AM/FM radio tuner with 24 stations/6 presets and it’s compatible with Pandora radio, so you can listen to your favorite stations wherever you go!
The MVH-85UB includes a high power 4 x 55 watt RMS MOSFET amplifier, bass boost, 5-band graphic equalizer, and HPF / LPF crossover network to give you a pleasant sound. You also get one 2V RCA preamp output to hook up an external amplifier to this unit for more power.
You won’t have any trouble operating it during the day or at night because of its LCD (1-line) with LED light on the buttons.
There’s also an illumination timer that lets you control when the light dims for better visibility. Plus, its compact design fits nicely into cars without much stress when installing.
Benefits
- It is an affordable head unit.
- It is easy to operate and install.
- The car stereo sound quality is moderate.
- The LCD allows you to see its buttons during the day for easy control.
Drawbacks
- It doesn’t have a Bluetooth connectivity feature.
- Its USB port doesn’t read iPhones or iPods.
7. Pioneer DMH-220EX Digital Multimedia Receiver
The Pioneer DMH-220EX digital multimedia receiver with a 6.2″ WVGA (800 x 480) touchscreen is perfect for those looking to step up their game and take their driving experience to the next level.
The touch screen makes it easy to navigate through all its features without taking your eyes off the road. Plus, you can use the screen with an optional rearview camera to assist with rear visibility, towing, or parking. Be informed that it doesn’t have a CD player.
The receiver has both front panel buttons for easy access to all its features while driving. It also has five display colors (blue/red/amber/green/violet) and 112 key colors to complement the interior illumination of your car.
The built-in Bluetooth allows you to stream music from any device wirelessly and make/receive calls while driving hands-free. This stereo also has an auxiliary input jack that works with any phone or MP3 player. You’ll love this stereo’s sleek design and modern look, which will fit any double-DIN dashboard perfectly.
Furthermore, the Pioneer DMH-220EX digital multimedia receiver has a built-in 4 channel 14 watt RMS amplifier, two sets of 4V preamp outputs, and a 13-band equalizer to customize music to your listening preference.
Benefits
- This vehicle stereo’s touchscreen is super responsive and user-friendly.
- You can customize the display and color to match your car’s interior.
- It is well built and sturdy.
- Installing it is a breeze.
Drawbacks
- It does not come with a CD player, for those interested.
8. Pioneer AVH-X390BS Double-DIN Car Stereo
Pioneer’s AVH-X390BS double-DIN car stereo also features a 6.2″ WVGA touch panel display that grants you fast access to all its functions. Hands-free calling and audio streaming are possible thanks to the built-in Bluetooth.
It has a USB input that allows you to play music via your Android, or iPhone, or flash drive. It’s compatible with SiriusXM, Pandora, and HD radio. Plus, there’s a CD player.
This car stereo features Pioneer’s flagship MIXTRAX technology that mixes music from your playlist with various DJ effects to create an immersive listening experience. You can control music from the Spotify app on your iPhone or Android smartphone directly from the car stereo.
With the stroke of a button, you can switch from music to navigation mode on this versatile head unit. Simply enter an address or search the POI collection to get to your destination while listening to music on the go.
The stereo will fit any vehicle with double-din openings – including most sedans, trucks, vans, and SUVs. Being such a high-quality product at an affordable price, this is one of the best Pioneer car stereos you can get. Plus, it has a sleek design with an attractive finish and top-notch sound quality.
Benefits
- This car stereo has a sleek design.
- It comes at an affordable price.
- The touchscreen works well.
- It comes navigation ready.
Drawbacks
- The Bluetooth malfunctions.
Final Thoughts
The 8 best pioneer car stereos we reviewed will give you a variety of options and the ability to find what fits your needs.
Whether you’re looking for a simple means to play music from your phone during drives, want high-quality sound, or want something with more functionality, there’s a car stereo on our list for you.
In conclusion, we have completed the arduous task of reviewing the top eight different Pioneer car stereos. We hope that our reviews will help you when you need a new Pioneer car stereo and want to find the best one for your needs. Good Luck!
Is Pioneer a Good Car Stereo System?
There is no simple answer to this question. Whether Pioneer is a good car stereo system depends on your needs and preferences.
If you are looking for a basic car stereo system with few bells and whistles, Pioneer might not be a good option as they tend to be on the expensive side.
However, if you want a more advanced system with features like Bluetooth and built-in navigation, you should definitely get a pioneer head unit for your car.
Pioneer is known for making quality car audio equipment, so you can be confident that you will get good sound quality from their products. However, as we said, they can be a bit pricey compared to other brands.
Ultimately, the decision about whether Pioneer is a good car stereo system comes down to you. Check if any of the above products suit your needs. We have heavy lifted the research works and the rest is on your specific requirements.
Differences Among Pioneer DMH, AVH, AVIC, SPH
There are four main product lines in the Pioneer car stereo range: DMH, AVH, AVIC, and SPH.
DMH: A series of double DIN head units that comes with basic features like CD, USB, and aux inputs along with the higher end ones like bigger display, navigation, modern connectivity, etc. Most models have built-in Bluetooth for hands-free calling.
AVH: An upgraded version of Pioneer Car stereos with intuitive features such as built-in GPS navigation, Wireless car play, android auto, and 2D/3D maps, etc.
SPH: A series of compact head units that are designed for cars with limited space. They come with basic features but you shouldn’t expect them to be as powerful as their high-end lineups. If you want a basic system without too many bells and whistles, this is a good option.