8 Best Car Stereos Under $500 In 2023

If you’re looking for a quality car stereo system that won’t break the bank, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we will take a look at the best car stereos under $500

These stereos offer great sound quality and a variety of features, making them perfect for any budget. So whether you’re looking to upgrade your old stereo system or are just starting out, be sure to check out our list!

A car stereo can make your commute more enjoyable and help you stay focused on the road. Additionally, a good car stereo system can improve your driving experience by providing clear sound and surround sound effects. If you are looking for a way to improve the sound quality in your car, a new car stereo system is the perfect solution!

A car stereo allows you to listen to your favorite songs while you’re on the road. Not only is it a great way to pass the time, but it can also help keep you focused and alert. So without any further ado, let us begin with the list of the 8 best car stereos under $500.

List of 8 Best Car Stereos Under $500  

Image Product Feature Price
BEST FOR UNDER $50
JENSEN MPR210 7 Character LCD Single DIN Car Stereo
The display for JENSEN MPR210 7 Character LCD Single DIN Car Stereo is easy to see, the buttons are responsive, the sound quality is great, and the built-in Bluetooth works flawlessly. It also includes a USB port for charging your phone and other devices and a power outlet for charging your device while driving. Check On Amazon
VALUE FOR MONEY
JENSEN MPR420 7 Character LCD Double DIN Car Stereo
This is one of the best-selling car stereos in the market today. The Jensen MPR420 7 Character LCD Double DIN Car Stereo Receiver is one of the best-selling car stereos in the market today, and it’s easy to see why. Check On Amazon
BEST FOR BUDGET
Sony DSXA415BT Digital Media Receiver with Bluetooth & Satellite Radio
Sony is a well-known name in electronics, and I’ve always been impressed by their products. The DSXA415BT Digital Media Receiver is one of their best digital media receivers. Check On Amazon
BEST FOR UNDER $50
7 inch Double Din Digital Media Car Stereo Receiver
The 7-inch Double DIN Touch Screen Car Stereo Receiver with Bluetooth 5.0 is a good choice for anyone who needs a car stereo system that can provide the best audio experience for their vehicle. Check On Amazon
VALUE FOR MONEY
Alpine UTE-73BT Advanced Bluetooth
This is one of the best-looking media receivers on the market. The Alpine UTE-73BT is much-less, meaning it does not require a power source to operate, and is also water-resistant, so it’s perfect for outdoor use. It has a built-in AM/FM radio with a USB port for connectivity. Check On Amazon
BEST FOR BUDGET
Kenwood KMM-BT728HD Bluetooth Digital Media Receiver
This is a high-end Bluetooth receiver that is designed to be a fully-featured home theatre system. It’s compatible with both wired and wireless speakers, and it can connect up to six devices at a time. Check On Amazon
BEST CHOICE FOR MONEY
Pioneer MVH-S620BS Double DIN Digital Media Receiver
The Pioneer MVH-S620BS is one of the best digital media receivers on the market right now. It’s available in 2 different packages, so you can choose which one fits your needs the most. Check On Amazon
HIGHLY RATED
BOSS Audio Systems BCPA10RC Apple CarPlay Android Auto Car Multimedia Player
The BOSS BCPA10RC is one of the best Apple CarPlay car multimedia players. It comes with a 2.1-inch capacitive touch screen, Bluetooth, rear camera, USB charging port, Bluetooth connectivity, etc. The capacitive touch screen offers a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels, which is pretty decent for a car multimedia player. Check On Amazon

Checklist Of 8 Best Car Stereos Under $500

Whether you’re looking for something flashy and modern or sleek and sophisticated, we’ve got you covered. If you want to take your sound system up a notch, however, be sure to check out our list of the best car stereos over $500. 

If you’re in the market for a new car stereo, you’re probably wondering how much you should spend. The good news is that there are some great options available for under $500 as we already mentioned above. So now let us begin with all the details. 

1. JENSEN MPR210 7 Character LCD Single DIN Car Stereo

JENSEN MPR210 7 Best Car Stereos Under $500

The display for JENSEN MPR210 7 Character LCD Single DIN Car Stereo is easy to see, the buttons are responsive, the sound quality is great, and the built-in Bluetooth works flawlessly. It also includes a USB port for charging your phone and other devices and a power outlet for charging your device while driving.

This car stereo is designed to be durable and it does a fantastic job of delivering that. It’s built like a tank and it’s a pleasure to drive.

This single DIN car stereo has a 7-character LCD, which is a huge plus when you’re trying to see what you’re doing behind the wheel. It can display a variety of information such as time, speed, audio volume, etc.

It has a built-in Bluetooth module that allows you to make and receive calls Hands-Free and stream your favorite music. It also has an AM/FM tuner with 30 Station presets (18 FM/midnight). This is great for people who like to listen to different genres of music.

There are also 2 tone controls (bass/treble) and 4 preset EQ curves (Pop Jazz Rock & Flat) to choose from. The bass/treble controls allow you to adjust the sound balance of the car stereo for your specific preferences.

The USB port allows you to charge your phone and other devices while driving, and it can also be used for playing MP3/WMA files. The stereo also includes an auxiliary input, so you can plug in your CD player and listen to your favorite music while driving.

This is a high-quality product and it does everything that you need and more. It’s a pleasure to drive and it will be a great addition to your vehicle.

Pros
  • The display is large and easy to read
  • The buttons are responsive
  • The sound quality is great.
  • It has a built-in Bluetooth module.
  • It can be used to make and receive calls Hands-Free
  • This single DIN car stereo comes with an auxiliary input for plugging in your CD player, so you can listen to your favorite music while driving.
Cons
  • It is not waterproof.
  • It doesn’t include a USB cable.

2. JENSEN MPR420 7 Character LCD Double DIN Car Stereo

JENSEN MPR420 7 Best Car Stereos Under $500

This is one of the best-selling car stereos in the market today. The Jensen MPR420 7 Character LCD Double DIN Car Stereo Receiver is one of the best-selling car stereos in the market today, and it’s easy to see why.

It has a lot of features that you won’t find in other car stereos, including a 7-character LCD display, Siri and Google voice assistant, Bluetooth hands-free calling, music streaming, USB playback, and charging, AM/FM radio, and a built-in MP3/WMA player.

It’s perfect for people just getting a new car stereo as it’s easy to install with the DIY kit. This double DIN car stereo also comes with a 1-year warranty, so you can rest assured that it will last you a long time.

The Jensen MPR420 is very affordable, and it offers a lot of features at a reasonable price. It’s perfect for people who want to have their own music playing system in their car. It has a built-in MP3/WMA player, Bluetooth hands-free calling, music streaming, and USB playback.

This car stereo also offers an AM/FM radio, Siri and Google voice assistant, and a built-in MP3/WMA player. It has a 1-year warranty, so you can rest assured that it will last you a long time. It’s very easy to install and use. All you have to do is hook up the power, connect the USB cable, and connect the USB cable to the car stereo.  

Pros
  • This car stereo comes with a 7 character LCD display, which makes it easier to read and use.
  • This display has a blue backlight, so it’s easy to see even at night.
  • The 7 character LCD display has a resolution of 480 x 240 pixels.
  • It has an 8-segment display, and the brightness can be adjusted.
  • It has a USB port for charging your cell phone or mp3 player, so you can play music from your device while you’re driving.
  • It also has an auxiliary input jack for playing music from external devices like iPods, iPhones, and other music players.
Cons
  • Doesn’t have Bluetooth hands-free calling
  • Not very easy to install

3. Sony DSXA415BT Digital Media Receiver with Bluetooth & Satellite Radio

Sony DSXA415BT

Sony is a well-known name in electronics, and I’ve always been impressed by their products. The DSXA415BT Digital Media Receiver is one of their best digital media receivers.

It’s built with high-quality materials, so it can easily last for many years. The built-in 4×55 w amplifier provides powerful sound, and the NFC technology lets you connect wirelessly to your Bluetooth device instantly. 

It also has a microphone so you can communicate with your contacts even when you’re driving. It comes with a dedicated remote that lets you control it with your smartphone or tablet, and you can also use Siri eyes-free to control it.

The DSXA415BT is compatible with most smartphones, but it doesn’t support Google Cast. If you’re looking for a high-quality, long-lasting digital media receiver, then get this one. It’ll make your life easier, and help you enjoy your music in the car or on the road.

Pros
  • It’s built with high-quality materials, so it can easily last for many years.
  • It also has a microphone so you can communicate with your contacts even when you’re driving.
  • It comes with a dedicated remote that lets you control it with your smartphone or tablet.
Cons
  • Doesn’t support Google

4. 7 inch Double Din Digital Media Car Stereo Receiver

7 inch Double Din Digital Media Car Stereo Receiver

The 7-inch Double DIN Touch Screen Car Stereo Receiver with Bluetooth 5.0 is a good choice for anyone who needs a car stereo system that can provide the best audio experience for their vehicle. It comes with a wide range of connectivity options including USB, Auxiliary In, Bluetooth, FM Tuner, Mirror Link, Rear/Front View Camera, and many other features.

The included FM tuner lets you listen to your favorite stations even when you’re driving. You can also connect your smartphone or tablet to this car stereo system via Bluetooth or Auxiliary In to stream music. The 7-inch screen display is easy to read and the touch screen controls are intuitive.

This car stereo system comes with a subwoofer that delivers powerful bass for your favorite songs. It also has an AM/FM radio tuner that supports MP3, WMA, WAV, FLAC, OGG, APE, RM, RMVB, DVD(VOB), VCD(DAT), and MP1/MP2/DIVX/XVID/MP4/H263/H264/FLV/AVI/ASF/MJPEG formats.

This car stereo system also has a rearview camera which lets you see what’s behind your vehicle in case you need to make a quick turn or reverse. This is a great feature if you’re using the car stereo system for navigation purposes.

This car stereo system is easy to install and operate. It comes with a remote control that lets you easily control the functions of the car stereo system. You can also connect your smartphone or tablet to this car stereo system via Bluetooth or Auxiliary In to stream music.

So, if you’re looking for a car stereo system that provides the best audio experience for your vehicle, then this one is definitely worth checking out.

Pros
  • 7-inch touch screen display
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Easy to install and operate
  • Remote control
Cons
  • No Bluetooth streaming capabilities
  • No auxiliary input

5. Alpine UTE-73BT Advanced Bluetooth

Alpine UTE-73BT Best Car Stereos Under $500

This is one of the best-looking media receivers on the market. The Alpine UTE-73BT is much-less, meaning it does not require a power source to operate, and is also water-resistant, so it’s perfect for outdoor use. It has a built-in AM/FM radio with a USB port for connectivity. 

The included RBDS (Radio Data System) antenna can be used to receive AM/FM stations from as far away as 50 miles away. It supports a wide range of frequency bands, including shortwave (SW) frequencies, FM radio, AM radio, and satellite radio. 

You can also add an external RBDS antenna for more reception range. This media receiver has a built-in AM/FM radio tuner, which means that you won’t have to worry about connecting an old AM/FM radio to your media receiver. 

The RBDS information is displayed on the LCD screen, so you don’t have to switch back and forth between the radio and the screen. It will show the name of the radio station and the frequency it is broadcasting on the display, and it can be used to control the volume of the radio. 

The RBDS information is also displayed on the back of the unit, so you can easily read it while standing outside. The USB port can be used to connect other devices, such as a computer, a mobile phone, or an iPod. 

It comes with a remote control that features a full QWERTY keyboard for easy navigation. This media receiver is compatible with all types of audio files, including MP3, WMA, and FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec). 

It can also play CDs through its USB port. The UTE-73BT is also capable of playing FLAC files without any loss in quality, which is ideal for audiophiles. I like the fact that this media receiver has a built-in AM/FM radio, which means I don’t have to spend extra money on a separate AM/FM radio. 

This media receiver also supports an Android AOA 2.0 operating system, so you can enjoy your favorite music on your smartphone. It’s compatible with Pandora music for iPhone and Android phones. 

The UTE-73BT also features a 3.5mm jack for connecting external devices such as a portable music player, a CD player, or a TV. The included antenna is designed to be used with your smartphone or another mobile device, so it’s very convenient. The media receiver is also water-resistant, so you can use it outdoors.

Pros
  • It is easy to set up the UTE-73BT
  • It has a built-in amplifier for high-quality audio output.
  • It works well with many different types of devices
  • It can be used outdoors
Cons
  • The remote control is small
  • It does not have a volume control

6. Kenwood KMM-BT728HD Bluetooth Digital Media Receiver

Kenwood KMM-BT728HD

This is a high-end Bluetooth receiver that is designed to be a fully-featured home theatre system. It’s compatible with both wired and wireless speakers, and it can connect up to six devices at a time. 

The Kenwood KMM-BT728HD has built-in WiFi, so you can use this to stream music from any internet-connected device. You can even use Alexa to play music or control other smart home features. The Kenwood KMM-BT728HD is powered by a 12V car battery, and it has a large 7-inch display.

The Kenwood KMM-BT728HD is a good option for people who are looking for a receiver that is easy to set up and operate. You can pair it with an Amazon Echo Dot to use voice commands to control your media streaming. This also works with Google Home speakers, but not all of them support voice commands.

This is a high-end receiver, so it’s expensive, but you’re getting a lot of features for the money. It supports HD audio output, so you get crisp sound quality, and it comes with two HDMI inputs so you can connect your TV or projector to it. 

It also has built-in WiFi, so you don’t need to buy an additional WiFi router. You can stream music from the internet or from any of your connected devices, and you can control all the functions of this system using your voice. 

You can also use the Kenwood KMM-BT728HD to stream music from your smartphone or tablet, but you have to pair it with a Bluetooth speaker. This is a great device that will last for years, but if you’re looking for something a little less expensive, you should check out the Kenwood KMM-BT722HD. 

It doesn’t come with as many features, but it’s more affordable. The Kenwood KMM-BT728HD is priced at $400, while the Kenwood KMM-BT722HD is priced at $250. Both receivers are compatible with Amazon Echo speakers, but only the Kenwood KMM-BT728HD supports voice commands.

Pros
  • It has two HD Radio tuners
  • It has a built-in amplifier
  • It can stream music from a Bluetooth speaker
  • It supports voice commands
  • It has an Ethernet port
  • It has a USB port for charging a smartphone or tablet
  • It has a headphone jack
Cons
  • No SD card slot
  • No FM radio
  • No HDMI output

7. Pioneer MVH-S620BS Double DIN Digital Media Receiver

Pioneer MVH-S620BS Best Car Stereos Under $500

The Pioneer MVH-S620BS is one of the Best Car Stereos Under $500 right now. It’s available in 2 different packages, so you can choose which one fits your needs the most.

The Pioneer MVH-S620BS is one of the best digital media receivers on the market right now. It’s available in 2 different packages, so you can choose which one fits your needs the most.

The Pioneer MVH-S620BS offers the most powerful DAB/DAB+/FM tuner out of any other receiver on the market. You get a whopping 20 channels to choose from, and it will tune them all automatically, no matter where you are in the world.

It comes with an easy-to-use app that you can use to control the receiver via your phone or tablet. The app offers a lot of customization options so you can customize your experience even more.

You can also listen to Pandora, Spotify, and other streaming services via Bluetooth headphones. The receiver is compatible with Amazon Alexa too, so you can ask Alexa to play your favorite songs, albums, or artists.

The Pioneer MVH-S620BS is a perfect choice for people who are looking for a simple and effective way to stream their music, listen to the radio, and control their smart home devices at the same time. It’s a great option if you want something that’s easy to use and easy to set up.

Pros
  • It’s easy to use and it’s easy to set up.
  • You can easily pair it up with your smartphone or tablet using the included app, and you don’t need to worry about any manual settings.
Cons
  • The lack of an HDMI port is a big downside for this unit.

8. BOSS Audio Systems BCPA10RC Apple CarPlay Android Auto Car Multimedia Player 

BOSS Audio Systems BCPA10RC Apple CarPlay Android Auto Car Multimedia Player

The BOSS BCPA10RC is one of the best Apple CarPlay car multimedia players. It comes with a 2.1-inch capacitive touch screen, Bluetooth, rear camera, USB charging port, Bluetooth connectivity, etc. The capacitive touch screen offers a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels, which is pretty decent for a car multimedia player. 

This means that it’s easy to navigate through your music, podcasts, audiobooks, messages, and other apps. You can also use voice commands to interact with the device. Bluetooth is an essential feature for car multimedia players, and the BCPA10RC comes with Bluetooth 3.2 technology, which has improved audio streaming up to twice as fast as Bluetooth. 

It also has a range of up to 33 feet, which means that you can make calls without having to worry about getting lost. If you’re looking for a car multimedia player that has all of these features, then check out the BOSS BCPA10RC. It’s an excellent choice.

The BCPA10RC is one of the best Apple CarPlay car multimedia players. It comes with a 2.1-inch capacitive touch screen, Bluetooth, rear camera, USB charging port, Bluetooth connectivity, etc. 

The capacitive touch screen offers a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels, which is pretty decent for a car multimedia player. This means that it’s easy to navigate through your music, podcasts, audiobooks, messages, and other apps.

Pros
  • It’s easy to use while driving.
  • The BCPA10RC is compatible with Apple CarPlay.
  • It has a built-in USB charging port, which means that you don’t have to worry about carrying an extra power adapter with you.
  • The BCPA10RC comes with Bluetooth connectivity, which means that you can connect to any Bluetooth device.
  • The BCPA10RC comes with a rear camera.
Cons
  • The BCPA10RC does not come with an AM/FM radio, which means that you have to carry an extra FM radio with you.
  • There are no auxiliary inputs.

The Best Car Stereos Under $500: A Buying Guide

Are you in the market for a new car stereo system but don’t want to break the bank? In this buying guide, we will take a look at some of the best car stereos under $500. We will discuss what to look for when purchasing a new car stereo and provide some recommendations for models that are sure to please. 

So, whether you are in the market for a budget-friendly option or simply want to know what is available on the market, read on for our buying guide to the best car stereos under $500!

How To Choose A Car Stereo

Before we get into our recommendations, here are some of the most important factors to consider when looking for a car stereo. If you know what to look for, then it will be much easier to determine which model is best suited to your particular needs:

Size

Car stereos come in all shapes and sizes and choosing the right size is crucial. Before buying a new unit, take a close look at the space available in your dash and measure the dimensions of any opening that might be available. 

If possible, try testing out different models as well as they come in many different heights and widths. Keep in mind that since this model will likely be installed by professional technicians, you should purchase one that is slightly larger than necessary so that you will have some room for error.

Car Stereo Installation

Consider if you want to go with a model that requires professional installation. If not, then the size of your unit will be even more important as you will need to make sure it fits into your dash without any issues. 

Keep in mind that local laws may also prohibit car stereo units from being permanently installed. For example, Texas law prohibits car stereos from being attached or built into any part of the vehicle’s interior.

Features & Controls

The features and controls available on the new car stereo are other important factors to consider when making this purchase. These can range anywhere from specific settings, auxiliary inputs, pre-amp outputs, RCA jacks, and more. Before purchasing a new car stereo, take a look at the features available as these will have an impact on how it will be used.

Head Unit Display

The head unit display is another one of those important factors to keep in mind when making this purchase. Some car stereos come with LCD screens, higher resolution displays, or full-color screens boasting millions of different colors. 

Keep in mind that each of these can give you access to specific information such as album artwork and song titles which may be beneficial depending on what your needs are.

Sound Quality

Sound quality is another factor that many overlook but should not be ignored when shopping for a new car stereo system. If you like to listen to music with heavy bass or prefer listening to talk radio, then you will want to make sure your new car stereo comes with some pretty powerful speakers. 

Keep in mind that many of the more affordable models lack sound quality so if this is something you are looking for then it may be beneficial to look into spending a bit more on a nicer-sounding unit.

Price

Finally, price is another important factor that should not be overlooked when making this purchase. There are many great stereos on the market but just because one has all of the features and looks good doesn’t necessarily mean it is within your budget. If cost is important to you, then consider sticking to brands like Sony or Pioneer as they tend to offer some of the highest quality units at surprisingly low prices.

If you keep these factors in mind while shopping, then it will be much easier to find a new car stereo that meets your specific needs and provides you with many years of entertainment.

FAQs: Best Car Stereos Under $500

What brand is best for car stereo?

There are so many brands that are amazing in context to car stereo but our top 9 are-
1. Blaupunkt
2. Sony
3. Kenwood
4. Alpine
5. Pioneer
6. JVC 
7. Retrosound 
8. Clarion 

Why are car stereos so expensive?

One can not deny the fact that car stereos are expensive but you should know that if they are expensive then they provide amazing quality as well. Some have LCD display features also. 

Is a head unit worth it?

A good head unit means you have so many things on the table like GPS, Android Auto, Video Playback, Apple Carplay, etc. these things are not available in the stock unit and this is a pretty good reason to upgrade. 

Conclusion

So, whether you’re looking for a top-of-the-line car stereo with all the bells and whistles or something more affordable, we’ve got you covered. Our team of experts has scoured the internet to find the best car stereos on the market, so you can spend less time shopping and more time enjoying your music.

We hope this list has helped narrow down your choices and given you a good idea of what to expect when shopping for a new car stereo system. 

That was all about the “Best Car Stereos Under $500”. Did we miss your favorite model? Or do you have any queries? Let us know in the comments below. We would be happy to help!

Thanks for reading!

Right Stereo