By projecting key information directly onto your windshield, a car heads-up display (HUD) provides a safer and more convenient driving experience. In this article, we will review the best car heads-up displays for 2023, based on extensive research.
Our top pick is the HUDWAY Drive, which offers impressive full-color projection and user-friendly navigation features. Keep reading to learn more about the features, advantages, and drawbacks of this top pick, as well as other notable options available on the market.
Table of Contents
Car Heads-Up Displays We Recommend
HUDWAY Drive
HUDWAY Drive is one of the most innovative and advanced car head-up displays (HUD) on the market. It offers drivers a safe, convenient way to keep their eyes on the road without taking them off of their smartphones or other data sources.
The device projects vital info such as speed, estimated arrival time, and navigation directions directly onto the windshield. It also offers hands-free control of music, calls, and messages using voice commands. It works with Google Maps, Waze, and other navigation apps.
In addition to its main features, HUDWAY Drive also contains a wide range of other useful elements. It can detect and alert the driver to potential traffic issues, such as road closures or construction zones. The device can even remotely control certain car functions, such as activating the horn, locking and unlocking doors, or adjusting the air conditioning.
Pros
- Offers a comprehensive range of features
- Sleek and modern design
- Integrates with Google Maps, Waze, and other navigation apps
- Vibration-proof suspension system
- The ambient light sensor adjusts the brightness
Cons
- Expensive compared to other options on the market.
- Bulky
HUDWAY Drive is an ideal choice for off-road driving, thanks to its ability to absorb bumps and vibrations from rough terrain. The device has a unique suspension system that helps protect the internal components from impacts and vibration, ensuring it will not be affected by extreme conditions. This makes it suitable for driving on dirt roads or through rugged terrain.
It also features a sleek and modern design that is both aesthetically pleasing and practical. The dash mount is easy to install and can be moved between vehicles. It also has an ambient light sensor that automatically adjusts brightness depending on driving conditions.
However, all of this convenience and technology comes at a price. The HUDWAY Drive HUD is one of the more expensive options on the market, but for those who value their safety and comfort, it may be worth the investment.
Overall, HUDWAY Drive is the ultimate car head-up display. It offers drivers a comprehensive range of features and benefits, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to stay connected on their commutes without compromising safety. Its cutting-edge technology and modern design make it an attractive option for both professional drivers and weekend adventurers alike.
Video review
HUDWAY Glass
HUDWAY Glass is a cheaper alternative to the Hudway Drive, offering basic navigation and hands-free phone control for a fraction of the cost. This makes it ideal for budget-conscious drivers who are looking for a simple solution to stay in touch with their vehicles.
The physical design is minimalistic and unobtrusive, making the HUDWAY Glass look less like an aftermarket device and more like part of the original car’s interior. Installation is also very easy, with no extra wiring needed.
The HUDWAY Glass has a few key features that set it apart from its competitors, such as an intelligent speed alert system to help drivers stay within the legal speed limit. The device also offers voice-activated navigation and Bluetooth hands-free phone control for added convenience when driving.
Pros
- Low cost
- Minimalistic design
- Intelligent speed alert system
- Voice-activated navigation
Cons
- Poor visibility in direct sunlight
- Magnetic mounts can fall off at higher speeds.
In terms of drawbacks, the HUDWAY Glass lacks some of the features of its pricier counterparts. The daylight visibility is not as good as other HUDs, meaning that it can be difficult to read in direct sunlight.
Furthermore, the device’s magnetic mounting system can be prone to falling off at higher speeds, leading to potential distraction and dangerous situations.
If you’re looking for a low-cost heads-up display with basic functions, then the HUDWAY Glass might be worth considering. You’ll get an unobtrusive design and handy features like voice navigation and speed alerts at a fraction of the price. However, if you’re after more advanced features or better visibility in bright conditions, you may want to opt for a higher-end model.
Pyle PHUD12 3.5″ Car HUD
The Pyle PHUD12 is a great choice for drivers looking for a high-end heads-up display without the premium price tag. It offers comprehensive navigation, hands-free phone control, and an intelligent speed alert system, all in one neat package.
The device is easy to install and mounts onto your dashboard, allowing you to focus on the road ahead. The bright and intuitive 3.5″ LCD is viewable even in direct sunlight, ensuring you never miss a turn or an important speed alert.
The OBDII Certification also ensures maximum compatibility with your car, allowing it to access important engine data. Plus, you can even get turn-by-turn directions and real-time traffic updates directly on the display.
Pros
- Easy to install on your dashboard
- Bright and intuitive display viewable even in direct sunlight
- OBDII Certified
- Affordable
Cons
- Small display
- Sometimes displays inaccurate information
On top of that, the Pyle PHUD12 offers a variety of safety features, including an intelligent speed alert system that will let you know when you’re going too fast. It also can help with navigation, giving you accurate directions and estimated time to destination.
However, the Pyle PHUD12 does have its drawbacks. The 3.5″ display is a bit small compared to some of the other HUDs on this list, and it can sometimes display inaccurate speed-related information due to its lack of precision sensors.
All in all, the Pyle PHUD12 is an excellent mid-range HUD that offers plenty of features for an affordable price. Its various safety features, intuitive display, and OBDII certification make it a great choice for drivers looking to stay safe on the road.
Sherox TCA A100
The Sherox TCA A100 is an all-in-one car heads-up display device with a comprehensive suite of features and functions that allow you to stay connected and informed while driving. The display projects key information such as speed, navigation directions, fuel economy, and current incoming calls right onto the driver’s line of sight.
The unit plugs into the OBDII port of most vehicles and provides a 3.5” LCD display with a 12V power adapter. The Sherox TCA A100 also includes a reflective screen, allowing drivers to focus more on the road without distractions and glare.
However, it doesn’t work with All-electric vehicles, so it is important to check before purchasing. The Sherox TCA A100 also provides a hands-free function for making phone calls and can be connected with Bluetooth pairing.
Pros
- Easy to install and setup
- The bright display is easy to see day or night
Cons
- Does not work with all-electric vehicles
- May require additional hardware for some OBDII ports
Overall, the Sherox TCA A100 is a great option for drivers who want to improve their driving safety and convenience. It can be used as an additional, helpful layer of information on the road ahead, allowing drivers to make decisions more quickly and confidently.
ACECAR Head-Up Display
The ACECAR heads-up display is a great choice for those looking for a reliable yet affordable heads-up display. This device features an easy-to-use touchscreen that can project information onto your windshield, including speed and navigation data.
Physically, the ACECAR HUD is small and lightweight, making it portable and easy to install. Once plugged in, this device automatically calibrates itself to project the information onto your windshield without any user intervention, making setup a breeze. Moreover, its adjustable brightness levels allow optimal visibility during day and night driving.
What sets the ACECAR HUD apart from its competitors is its affordability. While other heads-up displays cost upwards of $50, the ACECAR HUD retails for around $33, making it a great value and an ideal choice for budget-minded buyers.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- OBDII/ GPS connection
- Adjustable brightness levels
Cons
- Limited features
- Not as reliable as higher-end models
However, it is overly simplistic when compared to other HUDs on the market. It doesn’t have advanced features like lane departure warnings or tire pressure monitoring, so it is unsuitable for those looking for an extremely high-tech driving experience. Additionally, being a budget model, it may not be as reliable as more expensive models over time.
For those who want a reliable heads-up display but don’t have the budget for a high-end product, the ACECAR Head-Up Display is a great choice. While it doesn’t have as many features as its more expensive counterparts, it offers all of the same essential functions and makes driving safer, easier and less stressful.
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