Last Updated on September 22, 2022 by John Robinson
The best marine head unit is the one that provides the best sound quality for your needs. It should also be easy to use and provide a variety of features to make your boating experience more enjoyable. There are many marine head units on the market, so it is important to do your research to find the one that fits your specific needs.
What are the best marine head units right now?
The best marine head units are the ones that have the features that you need and want. Consider what you will be using the head unit for and what features are important to you. Some factors to consider include whether you need a CD or DVD player, how waterproof the head unit is, and what kind of audio features it has.
The Fusion MS-RA770 is overall the best marine head unit. It has a lot of great features, such as Bluetooth streaming, weatherproofing, and more. But If you’re on a tight budget, the BOSS Audio Systems MGR350B is a great option as well. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles that the Fusion does, but it’s still a great head unit. The Sony MEXM100BT is also built to withstand the high humidity and UV exposure that comes with being on a boat. So, if those are important factors to you, then Sony may be the better choice.
No matter what marine head unit you choose, make sure it has the features that are important to you. That way, you can be sure to have a great audio experience on your boat.
Best Marine Head units at a Glance:
- Fusion MS-RA70
- BOSS Audio Systems MGR350B
- Sony MEXM100BT
- Pioneer MVH-MS310BT
- Herdio B075XBGKC1
- Kenwood KMR-M328BT
- JVC KD-X37MBS
- Pyle PLCDBT85MRW
8 Best Marine Head units you can buy today
1. Fusion MS-RA70
SPECIFICATIONS
Brand: Garmin | Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth, USB | Compatible Devices: Charms/FM/iPhone/iPod/Android interface etc | Control Method: App | Color: Black
REASONS TO BUY
✓Bluetooth connectivity
✓Beautiful Design
✓HDMI Input
REASONS TO AVOID
✗No bass and treble adjustment
✗No volume control on app
The Fusion MS-RA70 is the overall best marine head unit that has a lot to offer. It has a sleek design and is very easy to install. The unit has 4x50w of power and sounds great. It also has a built-in amplifier for even better sound quality. The unit has a Bluetooth interface and can be controlled with an app on your phone. It also has a USB input for connecting your phone or another device. The Display is very clear and has a brightness control option for those sunny days.
The head unit also includes a very handy feature called the Fusion-Link which allows you to control the unit with an app on your phone. This is a great feature for those who want to be able to control the unit without having to physically be in front of it. The app is very easy to use and gives you a lot of control over the unit. However, it does not include a remote control.
It has multiple input and output options including an Aux and USB input. The sound quality of the MS-RA70 is very good. It has a lot of power and sounds great no matter what type of music you’re listening to. The unit is also designed to be resistant to the elements, making it perfect for use in a boat.
The MS-RA70 comes with a 1-year limited warranty and it is covered against the elements. The package includes a cover, head unit, owner’s manual, warranty card, and cables. The cover is a great addition and helps to protect the head unit from the elements. The head unit itself is very well made and feels very solid. The cables are also high quality and feel very durable.
User’s Reviews
This is what user of this stereo have to say.
WOW. Blue tooth What an improvement over my old Alpine. I was able to use my old amp and I purchased new fusion speakers, OMG
2. BOSS Audio Systems MGR350B
SPECIFICATIONS
Brand: BOSS | Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth | Compatible Devices: DVD/Blu-ray Player | Control Method: Remote | Color: Black
REASONS TO BUY
✓Budget-Friendly
✓FM/AM Radio
✓Waterproofed
REASONS TO AVOID
✗It should be slightly larger
✗No CD/DVD Player
If you want a head unit without a CD or DVD player, the BOSS Audio Systems MGR350B is fantastic. This unit has a lot of great features, such as Bluetooth streaming, weatherproofing, and more. This unit is rated IPX6, meaning that it can withstand splashing water from any direction. It also has a special UV coating that protects it from the sun’s harmful rays.
It has great audio quality. This is due to its 60 watts x 4 max power and its built-in EQ presets. The unit also has bass, treble, and balance controls, so you can fine-tune the audio to your liking. The MGR350B also has an RDS tuner, which allows you to see the station, song, artist, genre, traffic, news, and more information on the display.
This unit also has a lot of inputs and outputs. It has a USB port, an auxiliary input, and pre-amp outputs for the front and rear or a subwoofer. This unit is perfect if you want to upgrade your car audio system, as it gives you a lot of flexibility in terms of what you can hook up.
It also has USB charging, so you can charge your smartphone or another device while you’re on the go. This is a great feature if you’re using your phone as your music source, as you can keep it charged and ready to go. It also has a zero current draw memory, which means radio presets will be saved even if the unit is turned off.
User’s Reviews
This is what user of this stereo have to say.
Have this on my wifes Honda pioneer 700. She loves it. We have a kill switch to protect the battery. The radio retains the information inside for the duration it sits up. We have two BOSS MRWT40 and they are nice and loud.
3. Sony MEXM100BT
SPECIFICATIONS
Brand: Sony | Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth, USB, NFC | Compatible Devices: Smartphone, Tablet, Speaker | Control Method: App, Remote, Touch | Color: Black
REASONS TO BUY
✓Remote Included
✓Built-in amplifier
✓Play CD/DVD
REASONS TO AVOID
✗No clear installation instructions
✗Not Budget Friendly
The Sony MEXM100BT is a great marine head unit. It’s very well-built and has many features that are perfect for a boat. The Dynamic Color Illuminator is a really cool feature that allows you to change the color of the head unit to match your boat’s interior. You can choose from nearly 35,000 colors to create a custom look for your boat. The lighting can also be synchronized with the beat of your music, creating a cool effect.
It is a great marine head unit because it’s built to withstand the high humidity and UV exposure that comes with being on a boat. The faceplate is UV protected, so it won’t fade or discolor from the sun. The electrical components are also safeguarded by high humidity-resistant vinyl resin. This will help to protect the head unit from any water damage that may occur.
The Sony MEXM100BT has some great audio features that are perfect for a boat. The Digital Sound Enhancement Engine improves digital file sound quality, so you can enjoy your music with crystal-clear sound. The Mega Bass adds low-end depth to your music, giving your boat a powerful audio experience. It has a 10-band equalizer, so you can customize the sound to your liking. The Subwoofer Direct Connection combines the two rear channels to power a sub, giving you even more bass.
User’s Reviews
This is what user of this stereo have to say.
Installed this on my 2019 Harley Davidson Electra Glide with a pair of Polk Audio 300w coaxial marine speakers, very happy with it. Used the Metra 99-9700 install kit, everything works perfect. Plenty of bass, and extremely LOUD !
4. Pioneer MVH-MS310BT
SPECIFICATIONS
Brand: Pioneer | Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth | Compatible Devices: Smartphone | Control Method: App | Color: Black
REASONS TO BUY
✓Quick charging for android devices
✓Detachable face
✓Front USB Port
REASONS TO AVOID
✗Only blue color button illumination
✗No CD player
Pioneer’s MVH-MS310BT marine digital media receiver is the best option for those looking for a quality Bluetooth audio solution that doesn’t rely on CDs. The receiver features a built-in Bluetooth module for hands-free calling and music streaming, as well as 1.5-amp quick charging for Android devices. It also features a detachable face with a 2-line display and a conformal-coated circuit board for added protection against the elements.
One of the coolest things about the MVH-MS310BT is that it offers built-in Amazon Alexa support via Pioneer’s Smart Sync app. This allows for two-way control between the receiver and your smartphone, meaning you can use your voice to control the basic functions of the receiver, such as volume and track playback. The MVH-MS310BT also features built-in iPhone and Android control through USB, so you can navigate your music library and control Pandora and Spotify playback directly from your phone.
The MVH-MS310BT also comes with a 13-band graphic equalizer and low-pass/high-pass filters, so you can dial in the perfect sound. Plus, Pioneer’s MIXTRAX virtual DJ technology is included, so you can get your groove on while you’re out on the water. Finally, it has 4-channel preamp outputs so you can easily add amplified speakers to your system.
User’s Reviews
This is what user of this stereo have to say.
This was ridiculously easy to install and sounds great! At this price point, I’m thrilled. Thanks Pioneer!
5. Herdio B075XBGKC1
SPECIFICATIONS
Brand: Herdio | Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth, USB | Compatible Devices: Speaker, Smartphone, Television, Tablet | Control Method: N/A | Color: Black
REASONS TO BUY
✓Speakers included
✓Budget-Friendly
✓Waterproofed
REASONS TO AVOID
✗The included speakers are not ideal
✗Does not come with an antenna
With the rise of the smart device, people are looking for ways to integrate their music listening experience with these devices. The Herdio B075XBGKC1 is a marine head unit that allows you to do just that. This product review will take an in-depth look at the features and benefits of the Herdio B075XBGKC1.
The first feature that needs to be mentioned is the built-in Bluetooth technology. This allows you to wirelessly connect to your device and play music quickly and easily. No need to fumble with cords or adapters. The second feature is the RCA AUX audio input. This allows you to connect your portable satellite radio or another music player the to head unit. The third feature is the USB/MP3 player. You can connect your flash drive or MP3 player to the unit and play your digital music files. The fourth feature is the AM/FM radio. This gives you the ability to listen to your favorite stations while on the go.
The fifth and final feature is the waterproof and anti-rust design. This head unit is built to withstand the harshest environments. It has an IPX-Fi standard and ASTM 117 salt/fog standard. This means that you can take this unit with you on your boat, ATV, Fi, or in any other outdoor setting and not have to worry about it getting ruined by the elements.
The Herdio B075XBGKC1 is the perfect head unit for anyone who wants to enjoy their music while on the go. With its compact size and weatherproof design, it can easily be installed in any marine vehicle. It also comes with a 1-year warranty making it a great choice for anyone looking for a quality product.
User’s Reviews
This is what user of this stereo have to say.
I dod dislike how hard it was to get the buttons to stay unstuck when you depressed them , but now that it’s been on the boat, they have loosened up.
6. Kenwood KMR-M328BT
SPECIFICATIONS
Brand: Kenwood | Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth | Compatible Devices: Speaker | Control Method: Touch| Color: Black
REASONS TO BUY
✓Microphone Included
✓Amazon Alexa Built-in
✓Control via touch
REASONS TO AVOID
✗No remote control
✗No CD/DVD
The Kenwood KMR-M328BT is a great choice for a marine digital media receiver. Its built-in Bluetooth allows you to control your music with the Kenwood remote app, and the anti-glare positive backlit LCD display is easy to see in any condition. The specific features of this receiver include a conformal-coated PCB circuit board and covered USB and AUX inputs. The receiver is also compatible with the Kenwood wired marine remotes. Kenwood has built-in Amazon Alexa into this receiver, so you can enjoy music from Pandora, Spotify, and Apple Music. You can even connect two phones at once.
The audio features of the Kenwood KMR-M328BT are impressive. The Drive EQ adjusts the sound to compensate for exterior noise, and the 13-band EQ offers a lot of control over the sound. The low-pass filter and sub-level control allow you to fine-tune the sound to your liking, and the receiver has a built-in MOSFET amplifier for great sound quality. It has a removable faceplate for security, and you can choose between English, French, or Spanish-language displays. The receiver also comes with a Bluetooth microphone.
The head unit has two inputs- a front USB input and an AUX input. The rear USB input is covered to protect it from the elements, and the AUX input is a convenient spot to plug in your MP3 player or another audio device. The receiver also has six preamp outputs- four-volt front, rear, and sub. This allows you to connect multiple amplifiers for a truly customized sound system. The KMR-M328BT also comes with a one-year warranty.
User’s Reviews
This is what user of this stereo have to say.
I dod dislike how hard it was to get the buttons to stay unstuck when you depressed them , but now that it’s been on the boat, they have loosened up.
7. JVC KD-X37MBS
SPECIFICATIONS
Brand: JVC | Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth, USB | Compatible Devices: Smartphone, Speaker | Control Method: App, Remote | Color: Black
REASONS TO BUY
✓Built-in Amplifier
✓2 line display
✓13-band EQ
REASONS TO AVOID
✗Remote not included
✗No CD/DVD Player
JVC’s KD-X37MBS marine digital media receiver brings the best of both worlds to your boat: the easy convenience of Alexa voice control, plus the ability to keep your eyes on the road with fewer distractions. This receiver does not play CDs, but it offers plenty of other ways to enjoy your music. You can use Bluetooth to stream music from your phone or tablet or connect a USB device to play MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, and FLAC files.
The receiver’s front-panel USB port also charges your devices quickly. If you’re an iPhone user, you’ll appreciate the iAP2 support for Apple Music and iTunes Radio playback. You can also control Spotify and Pandora playback using the receiver’s controls. The KD-X37MBS features a detachable face, white background that is easier to read in bright sunlight, and a conformal coated circuit board for water resistance. The JVC receiver also includes a 13-band graphic equalizer, digital time alignment, sound-shaping tools, and K2 technology to improve sound quality for most music sources.
The receiver has 6-channel preamp outputs, making it compatible with SiriusXM satellite radio tuners and many aftermarket amplifiers. You can also install an optional wired or wireless remote control. The KD-X37MBS is a great choice for anyone who wants the convenience of voice control and the durability to withstand the rigors of life on the water.
User’s Reviews
This is what user of this stereo have to say.
Bought for my 08 Harley since it said it was a marine radio and had a steering wheel input so I can use it with my handlebar controls. I reused my HDK001X radio replacement kit so the handlebar controls work. Sounds good, Bluetooth works fine and can push radio buttons easily while riding.
8. Pyle PLCDBT85MRW
SPECIFICATIONS
Brand: Pyle | Connectivity Technology: USB | Compatible Devices: Smartphone, Tablet, Speaker | Control Method: Remote | Color: White
REASONS TO BUY
✓Marine Speakers Included
✓AM/FM Radio
✓Built-in EQ
REASONS TO AVOID
✗Speakers are not the best
✗Limited Volume
Pyle PLCDBT85MRW is a white-colored, stereo head unit receiver that has been designed to be used in boats, marine watercraft, automobiles, and off-road vehicles. The head unit has a sleek, modern design that will look great in any car or marine vessel. It is made out of high-quality materials that make it durable and resistant to the elements, so you can enjoy your music even in harsh weather conditions.
The receiver has a front-loading CD player, as well as USB flash and SD memory card readers, so you can play your music files directly from those devices. It also has an AM/FM radio with 30 station memory presets, so you can always find your favorite stations.
This receiver is very easy to use, thanks to its front-panel button controls and LCD digital display panel. It also has a remote control for added convenience. The receiver is equipped with Bluetooth, so you can wirelessly stream music from your smartphone or another compatible device.
The Pyle PLCDBT85MRW marine receiver comes with a set of four 6.5-inch component speakers that are designed to produce full-range stereo sound reproduction. These speakers are made out of high-quality materials that make them resistant to the elements, so you can enjoy your music even in harsh weather conditions.
These speakers have a polypropylene cone and a cloth surround that helps to produce clear, accurate sound. They are also equipped with a molded ABS machined basket and grill that protects the inner components from damage. These speakers have a maximum power of 150 watts and an impedance of 4 ohms.
User’s Reviews
This is what user of this stereo have to say.
This came in pretty quick and I installed all the speakers onto my remodeled pontoon boat. Great sound for the price! I will tell my friends about this. Great product by PYLE.
How to choose the best marine head unit?
When it comes to marine head units, there are a few things that you will want to keep in mind.
Features
The first thing that you will want to consider is the features that are available on the unit. Some of the things that you may want to look for include Bluetooth, AM/FM, and a CD/DVD Player.
Input and Outputs
You will also want to make sure that the unit has the proper input and output options for your needs. This includes things like USB and Auxiliary inputs. A USB input is ideal for connecting your phone or another device, while an Auxiliary input can be used to connect a portable speaker or another audio device.
Sound Quality
The other thing that you will want to consider is the sound quality of the unit. You want to make sure that the unit has RMS power and can deliver high-quality sound. Some head units also include a built-in amplifier for even better sound quality. But they are typically more expensive.
Control Method
Last but not least, you will want to consider how you will be controlling the unit. Some units come with remote control, while others have app-based controls that can be used on your phone or another device. This is just something to keep in mind, as not everyone will want the same level of control.
Conclusion
It is time for a change. It is time for a new type of head unit that not only sounds great but also looks amazing and can be installed in any boat. The Best Marine Head Unit is here, and it is better than ever. With its sleek design and top-of-the-line sound quality, this head unit will make your boat the envy of all your friends on the water. So what are you waiting for?
