Best Car Stereo Under 100 – Review & Buying Guide

Last Updated on February 1, 2024 by John Robinson

Is there any manner in which the sound quality could be improved? Are you looking for the Best Car Stereo Under 100 radio for your vehicle that you can purchase? When selecting car audio, it may feel like you choose a single grain of rice from a large bowl full of rice. They all seem to share the same characteristics, appearance, and personalities. The days of settling for a lower-quality car radio to obtain one at a lower price are long gone. There are currently a lot of sophisticated car stereos available for less than one hundred dollars. In the case of purchasing a new car radio, you really can’t go wrong with any of the countless single and double DIN units available for somewhere about one hundred dollars.

Because there are so many good new car stereos under $100, shopping in this segment no longer feels like a consolation prize. Instead, it feels like the opportunity to get your hands on a reliable car stereo equipped with a wide variety of features and just so happens to be affordable. You shouldn’t feel excluded because you have limited financial means. You’ll want to shop around to get the best sound quality, features, and ease of use out of your car audio. To further complicate matters, there are countless models to select. We’ve produced a list of the top vehicle stereos under $100 currently on the market.

Quick Shopping Tips

If you know what features you want in-vehicle audio, you have a better chance of getting the perfect one. Check out a few of the most critical considerations:

Connectivity: Often, people change their car stereos since they have an old-fashioned type in their vehicles. No phone or media player may be used with these outdated devices. Choosing a new car radio requires verifying that it has the proper connections to connect to whatever you intend to use it. The top car stereos, Bluetooth, AUX, and USB ports are usually included.

Screen Display: When reading car radio evaluations, look for remarks concerning the screen’s visibility during daylight. An extra-large double din automobile stereo screen These screens are WVGA, meaning they have an 800 by 600 resolution. These screens are frequently touchscreens, making them incredibly user-friendly, and they may also allow you to download GPS programs.

Quality and Ease of Use: No matter how cheap a car radio under $100 maybe, you don’t want to have to replace it before the job is done. Check out what this or that car radio under $100 is made of and, if possible, analyze bad reviews for potential shortcomings to decide whether or not you can and should put up with them.

Power: How many speakers you have will affect the amount of power your car radio consumes. If you plan to connect your iPod or smartphone, look for a sound system with at least three speakers and enough ability to support that many. If your car is older, then you’ll want to opt for a less powerful system because the speakers may not be able to take much more.

Best Car Stereo under 100 at a Glance:

  1. BOSS 850BRGB
  2. JENSEN MPR210
  3. BOSS BV9358B
  4. JENSEN MPR420
  5. BOSS BVB9395RC
  6. Camecho Single-Din
  7. PLZ MP-901
  8. XINLUUD Double Din

Best Car Stereo under $100 You can buy Today


BOSS Audio Systems 850BRGB
BOSS 850BRGB (Image credit: Amazon)

1. BOSS 850BRGB

best overall double din car stereo under 100

SPECIFICATIONS

Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth, USB | Supported Internet Services: Pandora, Spotify | Compatible Devices: Speaker, Smartphone | Control Method: Remote, Voice | Number of Channels: 4

REASONS TO BUY

Easy installation

Simple to use

Remotely control everything

REASONS TO AVOID

Cable management is tricky.

Don’t constantly show the clock

BOSS Audio Systems 850BRGB is widely regarded as the most knowledgeable specialist in the audio industry, and the company designs and manufactures the most cutting-edge audio equipment. People trust the BOSS brand to provide more significant, better, and more in various consumer electronics, including car stereos and home entertainment systems. The 850BRGB from BOSS is the pinnacle of automobile radio systems available today. Bluetooth technology allows you to make calls without using your hands, and you can even play music wirelessly using Bluetooth!

You can listen to music and control applications on your mobile device or USB stick wirelessly. You can determine the ambiance inside of your vehicle thanks to an illumination system that features multiple colors. The best overall double din car stereo under 100 comes equipped with a Media Playback feature that allows you to listen to music from your Bluetooth device or an audio device connected via a USB connection. You can connect your speakers to the front, rear, and subwoofer pre-amp outputs by using the three Pre-Outs located on the back of the device.

Your speakers can reach their maximum power of 80 watts x 4 when using the 850BRGB amplifier. The BOSS Audio Systems 850BRGB CD Receiver is a top-tier car audio head unit that can be installed in various Toyota, Hyundai, and Honda automobiles. It was created specifically for these makes and models. Because of its unique integration architecture can be easily installed into your dashboard without requiring any wiring or programming.

JENSEN MPR210
JENSEN MPR210 (Image credit: Amazon)

2. JENSEN MPR210

best single din head unit under 100

SPECIFICATIONS

Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth, USB | Supported Internet Services: N/A | Compatible Devices: Speaker | Control Method: Touch, Voice | Number of Channels: N/A

REASONS TO BUY

Simple design

Easy to install

High-resolution LCD

REASONS TO AVOID

Not sustainable

This automobile stereo harness is substandard.

The Jensen MPR210 multimedia stereo receiver is one of the most affordable vehicle stereos. Due to its high level of audio technology, it sets itself apart from other audio stereos in its pricing range. In addition, the sound is excellent. You can access your favorite presets and apps quickly thanks to this gadget’s high-performance 7-character LCD. The display responds quickly and is easy to navigate. You may make phone calls hands-free with the Jensen MPR210 multimedia stereo receiver, which boasts a Bluetooth system that works with about every smartphone on the market today.

The receiver is controlled via a J-link intelligent remote app, found in the Google Play and Apple Stores, and is used to pair with the receiver through Bluetooth. Additional features include calling (Siri or Google) and playing music and podcasts, and navigating using a touch button. An AM/FM tuner with 30% and auxiliary input and a USB port are all included in the Jensen MPR210. With its two-band tone control (bass/treble) and four preset EQ curves, you may tailor it to your musical preferences (Pop Jazz Rock & Flat).

The Jensen MPR210 is an excellent choice for anyone shopping for a new car entertainment system because of its outstanding performance, and it is the best single din head unit under 100. Easy installation in most vehicles supporting single DIN stereos is made possible by the unit’s small form factor (2.3″ mount design) and the harness. There’s a problem, though, with the harness quality. A one-year warranty from Jensen gives customers peace of mind about the product’s quality.

BOSS Audio Systems BV9358B
BOSS BV9358B (Image credit: Amazon)

3. BOSS BV9358B

best remote control car stereo under 100

SPECIFICATIONS

Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth | Screen Size: 6.2 Inches | Human Interface Input: Touchscreen, Buttons | Mounting Type: Freestanding | Supported Internet Services: Spotify / Pandora

REASONS TO BUY

Wireless Remote

Touch screen DVD Player

Compatible with smartphone and MP3 audio

REASONS TO AVOID

No Navigation

No Android Auto or Apple CarPlay

The Boss Audio Systems BV9358B is an excellent option for those on a tight budget who want to upgrade their head unit. Even though it’s reasonably priced, it nevertheless delivers a slew of high-end capabilities, such as DVD CD compatibility, Bluetooth audio streaming, and more. Even your backup camera and steering wheel controls may be accessible through this method. The BV9358B from Boss Audio is a cost-effective option to improve your car radio while preserving its high-quality sound.

Apple’s newest gadgets can be used to stream music, and you might also want to look at Boss Audio Systems Bv9358B Player. Eighty watts x 4 should be plenty for most individuals to get the job done. In addition to a CD/DVD player, this double din head unit also has a high-definition video output and the best remote control car stereo under 100. You may play a wide variety of audio and video files on it via the USB connector.

Some of the most frequently used buttons, such as the volume control, home button, and eject button, are arranged in a column for drivers at the bottom of the screen. You may also connect your steering wheel controls and your back camera to the BV9358B, which can work with various automobiles. It’s mind-boggling that Boss Audio can squeeze so many functions into a relatively inexpensive product. The BV9358B, with a high maximum output, can drive many amplifiers and subwoofers. USB, Bluetooth, CDs, DVDs, and streaming services can all be used to play music and videos.

JENSEN MPR420
JENSEN MPR420 (Image credit: Amazon)

4. JENSEN MPR420

best LCD head unit under 100

SPECIFICATIONS

Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth, USB | Supported Internet Services: Pandora, IHeartRadio, Spotify | Compatible Devices: Speaker, Smartphone | Control Method: Touch, Voice | Controller Type: Google Assistant, Android

REASONS TO BUY

Google voice assist button

Built-in Bluetooth

High-resolution seven-character LCD

REASONS TO AVOID

Some find installation challenging

LCD Visibility is poor

The JENSEN MPR420 is a cost-effective head unit. Push to Talk Assistant, Bluetooth, and USB are all included. Any vehicle would benefit significantly from fast charging. Every detail has been meticulously considered for your Jensen double DIN car radio. As a result of the device’s integrated Bluetooth technology, you can make and receive phone calls with your mobile Bluetooth devices with ease. Hands-free phonebook support. Instantly summon Siri or Google’s, voice-activated assistants.

Siri or Google can be accessed verbally by pushing the hot button on the front of your car music receiver. Ask Siri to play your favorite music, podcast, or audiobook, or even direct you to your favorite coffee shop or other location of choice, simply by speaking a command. Thanks to the updated Bluetooth version, you can listen to your favorite music services like Pandora, iHeartRadio, Spotify, and NPR news and audiobooks on your Jensen MPR420.

There are 18 FM12 AM settings and 4 EQ Presets in the integrated AMFM RDS tuner (Pop, Jazz, Rock, & Flat). The high-resolution 7-character best LCD head unit under 100 and the easily distinguishable buttons on your car’s dashboard give you excellent vision no matter what the road conditions are. The front panel of your double din car stereo has a USB charging and playback connector, a 3.5mm AUX input, and two pairs of RCA pre-amp outputs (front-rear). Our one-year warranty assures a hassle-free experience and good customer service.

BOSS Audio Systems BVB9395RC
BOSS BVB9395RC (Image credit: Amazon)

5. BOSS BVB9395RC

best car stereo under 100 with backup camera

SPECIFICATIONS

Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth, Auxiliary, USB | Supported Internet Services: Pandora, Spotify | Compatible Devices: Smartphone, Speaker | Control Method: Touch | Controller Type: Android

REASONS TO BUY

Media playback

Multi-color illumination

Built-in microphone

REASONS TO AVOID

The microphone is barely functional.

Better value for money

Thanks to BOSS Audio Systems, the BOSS Audio BVB9395RC Car Multimedia Receiver is A-LINK Technology, and your Android 8+ screen can be replicated on the receiver’s larger screen. A-LINK has been developed to see your familiar navigation, music, movies, and apps on a much larger scale. You can make and receive phone calls using Bluetooth while remaining hands-free. When you speak into the microphone, your voice is picked up, and the speakers in your vehicle let you hear the person on the other end.

Over 16 Million Color Combinations – Create the ambiance you want. Users can set a distinct mood for each day of the week by altering their voice. A license plate-mounted rearview camera is included to observe what’s happening behind you as you’re backing up—effortless, safe, and effective. Use the USB/SD connections to play music, or connect your Bluetooth device for wireless audio playback. Audio output from smartphones and MP3 players can be plugged into the aux-in port. Listen to AM/FM radio stations for the most current music, news, and sports. It makes the best car stereo under 100 with a backup camera.

You’ll need to buy a separate interface module to use the steering wheel controls or the front and back cameras. Connect your speakers to the front left/right and rear left/right pre-amp outputs and the video outputs. Connecting a second display is made possible via the video output. It measures 3.94 by 5.79 by 7.01 inches, weighs 2.76 pounds, and generates 80 watts of maximum power per channel.

Camecho Single-Din
Camecho Single-Din (Image credit: Amazon)

6. Camecho Single-Din

SPECIFICATIONS

Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth | Output Wattage: 200 Watts | Compatible Devices: Speaker | Control Method: Remote, Touch | Audio Output Type: Speakers

REASONS TO BUY

Build quality is good

Easy to install

A good return on your investment

REASONS TO AVOID

Radio Issue occasionally

Camecho’s Single-Din features a capacitive touch screen of 4.1 inches and is equipped with a car stereo. Provide input for USB, AUX, SD cards, and backup cameras 2. Built-in Bluetooth with hands-free calling, the ability to play music, and downloads of phonebooks. Accompanied by an additional microphone and Can establish a connection with the subwoofer. A broad scope of applications Changes the room’s ambiance with the use of the backlight, which supports seven different color options.

It Includes two USB ports in total and Support for TF cards, which are sold separately: 4-32GB. You’ll be able to download and play all of your favorite music. It supports AUX input; the high fidelity audio quality of AUX makes the music heard in the car sound more authentic. You can rapidly switch between functions using the remote control and the steering wheel control, both of which you control. It is the best single din touch screen car stereo under 100. Backup System KIT —FM/AM/RDS Radio — Steering Wheel Control DC 12V is the input voltage for the rearview camera.

Integrated with a compact rearview camera When backing up your vehicle, you can view the video on the rearview camera’s screen. Enjoy the ride with a high-quality sound system that lets you listen to the radio, music, or a tale at any moment. BT Function Impedance of the speaker is equal to 4 ohms. Mosfet amplifier: maximum power output of 50 Watts multiplied by 4. Integrated Bluetooth allows for hands-free calling.

PLZ MP-901
PLZ MP-901 (Image credit: Amazon)

7. PLZ MP-901

best single din touch screen car stereo under 100

SPECIFICATIONS

Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth | Display Type: LCD, LED | Compatible Devices: Speaker, Smartphone | Control Method: Remote, Touch | Human Interface Input: Touchscreen, Buttons

REASONS TO BUY

A 170° ultra-wide viewing angle

User-friendly interface

Bluetooth hands-free calling

REASONS TO AVOID

Some screen mirror functioning issue

The sound quality isn’t good as expected

With PLZ MP-901 Double Din Car Stereo, You’ll have a wonderful time with Bluetooth hands-free calling and music streaming. With Bluetooth 5.1, you may stream music, make phone calls, connect an MP3 player, and more wirelessly. An integrated noise-canceling MIC makes it easier to hear the person on the other end of the phone, even in a busy or otherwise distracting situation. With a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen, you’ll get a sharper, more detailed image and a user-friendly interface that eliminates the need to wade through a maze of menus.

It is compatible with a wide range of Android and iOS devices (No Version Limit). You may use screen mirroring to access various apps on your phone’s giant screen. A 16-band graphic equalizer is essential to getting the most out of your system. Use the Aux input or USB port to play your favorite movies or music, connect to your favorite music apps, and make or receive phone calls with the touch of a button.

Simple controls that make parking both safer and easy for the driver. You get an HD camera with night vision, a 170° ultra-wide viewing angle, and a waterproof build in one bundle. It’s an excellent fit for most cars because it’s a standard size and has a lot of ports. Before purchasing, make sure you have the correct dash size; if not, you will need to purchase a dash kit. Pre-amp and subwoofer outputs, steering wheel controls, and more) are available as options.

XINLUUD Double Din
XINLUUD Double Din (Image credit: Amazon)

8. XINLUUD Double Din

best carplay head unit under 100

SPECIFICATIONS

Connectivity Technology: USB | Item Dimensions: 7 x 3.93 x 2 inches | Output Wattage: 45 Watts | Control Method: Touch | Controller Type: Android

REASONS TO BUY

Digital LCD capacitive touch screen

Two USB ports

2A fast charging function

REASONS TO AVOID

Minor issue yet better value

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are built-in to this XINLUUD Double Din Car Stereo. Calls, music, GPS, and text messages can all be made or received. When using carplay, Siri can control the car radio by voice command. This digital LCD capacitive touch screen 7-inch double din car stereo has a high resolution. You may enjoy a fantastic video viewing experience with a touchscreen on your car radio. Using Bluetooth-enabled car audio increases your safety on the road.

Audio receivers have two USB ports, one for USB storage or phone carplay/auto, and the other for charging. The second USB port offers a 2A fast charging function, which is helpful for mobile devices. You might be using an Android or iOS phone (iPhone XR, iPhone 11, iPhone 8 series, or lower, with pixels no higher than 1920×1080). In that case, you can use this double din radio’s mirror link feature to connect your phone to the big screen and take advantage of all of your smartphone’s features, including maps and movies.

Standard size, universal power, audio plug, and various expansion ports are ideal for various uses. All automobiles can benefit from this best carplay head unit under 100 with apple carplay. Before placing an order, make sure that your dash opening is the correct size. The working voltage is 12 volts DC, with a maximum power output of four 45-watt modules, and the subwoofer is not supported by the apple car play radio. However, an external amplifier can be used to power it.

Conclusion

It is essential to research the many different options available for car stereos, regardless of whether or not you are on a particularly tight budget. There is a variety of Best Car Stereo Under 100 car stereos available on the market today that, when installed in your vehicle, will significantly improve the sound quality produced by the system that came factory installed. If you successfully get the correct stereo installed in your car, you will be able to hear some of the most incredible music you have ever heard. With this upgrade, the audio system in your vehicle will be elevated to a completely different level. You can connect your smartphone or media player to the car sound system via Bluetooth, AUX, or USB.

These are all viable possibilities. After this, you will be able to enjoy the sound of the highest possible quality and clarity, which may be fine-tuned using the EQ settings. By removing the faceplate, you can ensure the safety of your car radio. In addition, you may view live video from a rearview camera by connecting it to one of the double-din vehicle stereos and watching it while you are driving in reverse. Remember that even purchasing the best car stereo won’t completely blow your budget. If you choose a car radio carefully, you’ll be able to find one that meets all of your requirements at an affordable price.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ease of installation of automobile stereos?

Installing an aftermarket automobile radio system doesn’t require any mechanical or engineering knowledge. Plug-and-Play technology has made modern brands’ products widespread. They also give detailed step-by-step instructions. To remove the dashboard trim properly, take care not to damage anything.

In what kind of vehicle can you install a touch screen radio?

You’ll only need a working battery and enough dashboard space to charge it. There are specific restrictions for aftermarket car stereos. No matter how old your vehicle is, you shouldn’t have any problems with fitment or compatibility. However, this only applies to systems with a single DIN.

Is amplification necessary in car stereos?

Amplify is frequently used in the context of automobile stereos. You want a system with enough volume to get you through the day without turning the volume up. In general, a 2x system can manage most scenarios, while a 5x system can handle a wide variety of books.

Can a GPS be installed in any vehicle?

The navigation system is now standard in most vehicles. A built-in navigation system may not be available if your car is older. If you don’t already have a navigation system in your car, you can get one. You may acquire the best navigation system for your vehicle that meets all your needs. As a result of the vehicle’s navigation system, you can drive more safely.

John Robinson
John Robinson

Howdy! I’m John Robinson from Levittown, New York. I am a mechanical engineer for 15 years and already had an established car repair company. I developed a personal relationship with cars since I was a kid. I always love the sounds and smell emitted by a car or truck and even at construction machinery. Since then I have been married but my love for cars only grew.