A car stereo and a backup camera are two great additions to any vehicle. So why not kill two birds with one stone by purchasing a car stereo with a backup camera? That way, you can listen to high-quality car audio while feeling safe and secure with a backup camera. There are tons of car stereos that come with an aftermarket backup camera, but you only want the best. With that in mind, below is a list of the 5 best car stereo with a backup camera to install in your car. To learn more or to get a quote on car stereo or backup camera installation, contact Car Stereo City in San Diego today by calling (858) 277-1823.
1. Pioneer AVH-X490BS Backup Camera and Bluetooth Car Stereo Receiver
The Pioneer AVH-X490BS combines an excellent backup camera and Bluetooth car stereo receiver, allowing the driver to stream music directly from their smartphone and drive smarter with an aftermarket backup camera. Pioneer is known for providing high-quality car audio, so the fact that you can bundle amazing sound with a backup camera is a huge win.
2. JVC KW-V330BT Bluetooth Stereo System with Rear View Camera
The JVC KW-V330BT is another one of the most respected names in car audio, and this car stereo system is paired with a rear view camera that makes parallel parking and pulling out the driveway simple and easy. This unit also features easy Bluetooth connectivity to both Androids and iPhones, allowing you to wirelessly connect your smartphone to your car sound system.
3. Regetek Car Stereo and Rear View Camera
When you look at backup camera reviews, this Regetek unit often is found at the very top. Regetek is best known for its incredible durability, offering a waterproof aftermarket backup camera and car stereo receiver to make life on the road that much easier.
4. Pioneer AVH-1300NEX Apple CarPlay Compatible Stereo
The Pioneer AVH-1300NEX has the quality customers have come to know and love, along with the added bonus of being Apple CarPlay compatible. So really, this is a bundle of three of the most essential car services, giving you a backup camera, a new car stereo receiver, and Apple CarPlay. Plus, this model also functions as a DVD player!
5. Pyle Car Stereo with Backup Camera
The Pyle car stereo is a Bluetooth enabled receiver that offers a unique dashboard display. The large screen resolution gives you an amazing view of what is going on behind you when you use your backup camera, helping you avoid any potential obstacles on the road.
Install the Best Car Stereo with Backup Camera at Car Stereo City in San Diego
If you are looking for the best car stereo with a backup camera on the market, come to Car Stereo City. Located in San Diego, we offer an amazing selection of the best brands in aftermarket backup camera and Bluetooth stereo. Not only that, but Car Stereo City has a team of installation experts to flawlessly install your new stereo and rear view camera into your car at an affordable price. To learn more, give us a call at (858) 277-1823.
In this article... we'll discuss five of our customer favorites for in-dash navigation receivers:
- Get your wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto fix with all the extras – Pioneer AVIC-W8600NEX
- A big 8" screen makes this Alpine stand out – Alpine X308U
- Built-in Garmin plus plenty of options makes this receiver extra user-friendly – Kenwood Excelon DNX697S
- This Boss package combines directions with safety – Boss BN965BLC with a backup camera
- A value-oriented stereo with a 7" screen gets the job done – Dual DM620N
What makes them top sellers and sure bets for 2022? Let's find out!
More and more newer vehicles come with double-DIN (4" tall) dash openings, so why wouldn't you want to take advantage of that real estate with a spiffy and helpful new in-dash navigation receiver? You'll not only get great maps and guidance that'll work even when your phone can't provide directions, but you'll also have significant upgrades in sound and smartphone integration, especially with Android Auto™ and/or Apple CarPlay®.
In most cases, you'll also enjoy the ability to hook up a rear-view camera, or play video content from your phone, a thumb drive, or a DVD while you're parked. Many nav receivers also work with the iDatalink Maestro interface module, which lets you keep your car’s factory features, and in some cases will add vehicle performance gauges not available to you before.
As a starting point, here are four recent models which have delivered high customer satisfaction ratings. After reading this article, if you want a deeper dive into what to look for when shopping for a new GPS stereo, check out our in-dash navigation buying guide.
What makes these in-dash nav favorites?
The navigation models we highlight below are not only some of our best-selling stereos. They have also earned an average Crutchfield customer rating of 4 (or more) stars*, which means that our customers really like the receivers once they've spent some time with them.
Pioneer AVIC-W8600NEX — Wireless compatibility for Apple and Android fans alike
What you need to know: Pioneer's AVIC-W8600NEX sports a 6.94" capacitive touch display, perfect for controlling Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which can both be employed wirelessly. It also works with up to two cameras, including a dash cam. And it’s compatible with both SiriusXM satellite radio and the iDatalink Maestro module.
Navigation features: Pioneer uses HERE guidance, which includes over 12 million points of interest and coverage across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Canada. Built-in real-time traffic updates keep you aware of possible delays, and spoken speed limit warnings help you stay on the right side of the law.
Phone integration features: As mentioned, it works with both wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto using a native Wi-Fi network. Pioneer's sweet WebLink app compatibility gives you in-dash access to more apps, including YouTube and Yelp. For Android phone owners, Wi-Fi Miracast lets you mirror your phone's screen on the receiver's display without a wired connection.
Audio features: This Pioneer boasts a 13-band EQ and the ability to use AutoEQ (with an optional microphone) to tune for your car's specific interior. It also offers time correction and listening position adjustments, as well as programming pre-set volume levels for different sources. And for those who enjoy better-than-CD-quality audio, it plays hi-res lossless digital files.
Alpine X308U — Big screen and phone friendliness
What you need to know: Alpine's X308U packs an 8" capacitive touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. A built-in HD Radio™ tuner and satellite radio compatibility lets you get more from your favorite stations. Its oversized display will likely require a dash kit or some customization to fit in most double-DIN dash openings.
Navigation features: Guidance across the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, including 3D terrain views and 3D representations of buildings and landmarks.
Phone integration features: The X308U offers wired operation of both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can count on easy access of your favorite apps and phone functions via the touchscreen or your voice.
Audio features: This stereo works with Alpine's TuneIt smartphone app, which lets you make in-depth adjustments via your phone. Alpine adds a 9-band EQ and a bevy of sonic changeups, including time correction.
Kenwood Excelon DNX697S — Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus Excelon benefits
What you need to know: The Kenwood Excelon DNX697S boasts a highly user-friendly interface for switching sources and making quick adjustments. Its 6.75" touchscreen display puts all your media favorites right at your fingertips. It'll work with up to three different cameras, and Kenwood backs it with a 2-year warranty.
Navigation features: Kenwood loads this receiver with guidance by Garmin, one of the most trusted names in GPS. It boasts spoken street names at turns, lane assistance, realistic views of complicated intersections, and 3D terrain views. You even get three years of free map updates from Garmin with your stereo purchase. It also offers optional traffic reports through the INRIX smartphone app.
Phone integration features: This receiver works with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Kenwood also allows screen mirroring for both iPhone and Android devices via a smartphone app and wired connection, and Android users can even control the phone via the stereo and vice-versa.
Audio features: Got high-resolution (24-bit/192kHz) FLAC or WAV music files? This Kenwood can play 'em. It also offers a 3-way crossover so you can funnel frequencies to subs, woofers, and tweeter if you're amplifying them separately. The Excelon badge means this Kenwood packs gold-plated 5-volt preamp outputs for better signal transfer, not to mention a 13-band EQ. You also get an HD Radio™ tuner built in, plus compatibility with SiriusXM satellite radio.
Boss BN965BLC with a backup camera — No-frills guidance, plus a touch of safety
What you need to know: The receiver's finger-friendly 6.5" screen gives you convenient command of your music and maps. This Boss BN965BLC combo offers playback from thumb drives and SD cards, plus a front auxiliary input and disc player. A wireless remote control lets your passengers get in on the action. And Boss includes a rear-view camera so you can get into and out of tight spots without fear.
Navigation features: Its maps cover the entire U.S. (except Hawaii) and Puerto Rico. It offers spoken street names at turns, so you’ll be sure about your next move. Lane information and signposts provide additional detail.
Phone integration features: Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free streaming and calling, but there’s not a lot of integration beyond that. If you want to listen to music from your phone, you’ll have to either stream it or use the stereo’s auxiliary input.
Audio features: A 10-band EQ lets you make crucial adjustments. The Reverb feature gives your tunes a bit more personality, including a “Bathroom” setting to echo your favorite shower singalongs.
Dual DM620N — Value-oriented solution with a 7" display
What you need to know: If you're looking for a simple solution for reliable directions that aren't dependent on cell signals, the Dual DM620N digital multimedia receiver offers a handy 7" touchscreen which can fit in most dashes. It won't wow you with a bunch of extra features, but it's a great option for those on a budget.
Navigation features: This receiver gives you directions across the entire U.S., Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, with over 1.2 million points of interest available. It comes with a built-in mapping SD card which can be updated from iGO. You can get three-dimensional representations of landmarks and terrain along your route, plus lane guidance, junction view, and listings of services coming up along the freeway.
Phone integration features: The DM620N doesn't integrate directly with smartphones, but it does feature a dedicated push-to-talk button for your phone's smart voice assistant. Tap the button and you can pull up Siri® from Apple on your iPhone or Google Assistant™ on your Android device. It also features Bluetooth for wireless streaming from your phone or player.
Audio features: This Dual boasts seven preset EQ curves, and it'll play MP3 and FLAC files from your USB drives.
With the right GPS system, getting there can be half the fun
If you're ready to make the move to better maps, sound, and phone integration, there are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a navigation stereo:
How much do you want to spend? An in-dash navigator that seems like a great value is probably limited in key phone integration features and sonic tweaks. If you don't need to access your favorite apps while driving and are generally not too picky about sound quality, a more expensive model might be overkill.
How long do you plan to use it for guidance? Some manufacturers let you update your receiver's maps for free or for a fee. However, if you can't update your maps, your receiver might not be terribly helpful for directions in a few years.
What fits your car? You'll need to pick a navigator that fits the dash of your car, which is generally not a problem for most double-DIN dash openings. For some newer vehicles, replacing the factory receiver might be impossible because of climate controls or other features which will be lost. There are a handful of options for single-DIN (2" tall) openings, typically with fold-out screens. Receivers without a disc player are especially easy to fit. Use our Outfit My Car tool to refine your choices.
*customer ratings current as of December 2021
Let us help you shop
Don't forget to read our in-dash nav buying guide and contact our advisors if you have any questions or to confirm what you need to install a new navigation stereo in your car.
Popular questions customers ask
Yes, when connected via USB or Bluetooth, you can play music from your phone on the radio. And if you're using CarPlay or Android Auto, you can control most music apps from the stereo's touchscreen for a "true" car stereo feel.
Our vehicle database is unmatched. We've taken apart the dashes and door panels of more than thousands of vehicles and measured every space and bolt pattern. We'll also make sure you get the right installation gear when you order.
You'll need a special adapter to keep those handy buttons working with your new stereo. When you shop on our site, we'll show you all the options for installation hardware, including the right adapter for the steering wheel controls.
New stereos will often work with your existing backup camera. We'll let you know before you make your purchase. If your car doesn't already have a camera, you'll find compatible backup cameras under the stereo's "Accessories" tab on our site.