Android Auto is a great addition to any vehicle as it allows you to connect all the best Android phones to quickly glance at Google Maps, control your music hands-free, make or receive phone calls, listen to audiobooks, and more. XDA's Adam Conway got one installed recently and called it one of the best upgrades he made to his car. While most newer cars have an Android Auto infotainment system pre-installed, plenty of older vehicles lack a supported head unit. If you'd like to change that, you're in luck.

There's an entire market of third-party head units you can install (or have someone you trust install), which give you Android Auto access without forcing you to go out and buy a new car. Some are more expensive than others, but it depends on how big a screen you're looking for, whether you'd like it to sit inside your dashboard or float outside it, and whether you value a slick design over something more modest. Here are some of the best Android Auto head units you can buy right now.

There are different types of head units based on Single-DIN or Double-DIN configurations. If you're unsure which kind your car supports, reference its manual or research before purchasing an Android Auto head unit.

  • Pioneer DMH-W4660NEX on transparent background.
    Pioneer DMH-W4660NEX
    Editor's choice
    $650 $750 Save $100

    The Pioneer DMH-W4660NEX is our favorite Android Auto head unit for three main reasons. It features a decent 6.8-inch WVGA display that doesn't look out of place in most cars, offers wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, and comes at a reasonable price. While you can find cheaper Android Auto head units with the same set of features, you won't get the same level of reliability and after-sales support that a reputed brand like Pioneer offers.

  • Kenwood DNR1007XR on transparent background.
    Kenwood DNR1007XR
    Premium pick
    $1400 $1600 Save $200

    The Kenwood DNR1007XR is the Android Auto head unit you should buy if you don't want to settle for anything but the absolute best. It's a flagship model featuring a massive 10.1-inch display, wireless Android Auto, support for up to four HD cameras, built-in GPS with Garmin navigation, and a 13-band equalizer with digital time alignment for impressive audio output.

  • Atoto A6 PF on transparent background.
    Atoto A6 PF
    Best value
    $190 $200 Save $10

    If you don't want to spend a small fortune on an Android Auto head unit for your old car, the Atoto A6 PF is a great budget-friendly option. It features a 7-inch display, wireless Android Auto, a 36-band equalizer with a preamp, and reverse camera support with real-time live view. But the best part is that it costs a little over $200, which is an absolute steal for the number of features it offers.

  • An image showing the Sony XAV-AX5600 Android Auto head unit for cars.
    Sony XAV-AX5600
    Best with physical buttons

    The Sony XAV-AX5600 brings some really cool features like a 6.95-inch display, rear camera input, wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and physical button controls for ease of use. And just like the AX5500 model, this one also brings Sony's Dynamic Reality Amp for impressive audio output and a 10-band equalizer that let's you customize the sound per your preference.

  • Alpine iLX-W650 on transparent background.
    Alpine iLX-W650
    Best shallow mount head unit

    In case your car doesn't have enough space in the dashboard to accommodate a large double DIN head unit, you should get the Alpine iLX-W650. It's a sub-$500 Android Auto head unit with a shallow-mount chassis, a 7-inch display, wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, two camera inputs, and a built-in amp. It also has capacitive quick-access volume, menu, mute, and call controls.

  • Pioneer AVH-3500NEX on transparent background.
    Pioneer AVH-3500NEX
    Best single DIN head unit

    Looking for the best single DIN Android Auto head unit for your old car? The Pioneer AVH-3500NEX won't disappoint. It features a unique design with a 7-inch flip-out display that's great for cars with limited space in the console. In addition, you get Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, great audio output, physical controls for ease of use, a 13-band equalizer, and WebLink support.

  • Atoto S8 Gen 2 (10-inch) on transparent background.
    Atoto S8 Gen 2 (10-inch)
    Big screen on a budget

    If you're looking for a budget-friendly head unit with a large display, look no further. The Atoto S8 Gen 2 is a $400 head unit featuring a massive 10.1-inch HD QLED panel, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, rear camera and virtual surround view support, and the ability to natively install Android apps from the Google Play Store. You also get gesture support for ease of use.

  • Boss BCPA10 on transparent background.
    Boss BCPA10
    Affordable single DIN head unit

    If the Pioneer AVH-3500NEX is out of your budget, the Boss BCPA10 is a great, affordable alternative. It's a single DIN head unit with a 10.1-inch detachable screen with rotate and tilt functions, wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, front and rear camera input, and decent audio output. For just under $300, the BCPA10 is one of the best affordable single DIN head units you can buy.

Grab one of these and add Android Auto to your old car

There are plenty of third-party manufacturers out there selling aftermarket Android Auto units, so you should have no issues finding a good option for your car. Whether you want a giant screen for your dashboard, a tiny screen when you don't have a lot of space, or all the features you could ask for, there's an option for you. The Pioneer DMH-W4660NEX is a great option overall, and we strongly recommend it for those looking to buy an aftermarket Android Auto unit for their car. It offers pretty much all the features you could ask for at a reasonable price. In addition, it's from a trusted brand, so you can expect great reliability and after-sale support. But if you're looking for something more specific, like a large display or amazing audio output, the Atoto S8 Gen 2 and Sony XAV-AX5600 are great alternatives.

Related
Android Auto: Compatibility, tips, and everything you need to know
Android Auto allows you to connect your phone to your car to avoid distractions while driving. Here's everything you need to know about it!