Best Flip-Out Head Units [UPDATED 2022]

The Pioneer AVH-3500NEX is really the best option on the current flip-out head units market but I’m afraid it’s always low on stock at retailers, so when you see that it’s available know it won’t last much longer.

If Our pick isn’t available you should definitely check out the Runner-up option – Power Acoustik PDN-721HB or Android-based option from EinCar.

The Flip-Out Head Units We Recommend

Pioneer AVH-3500NEX

Smartphone-oriented head units have never favored users with single-DIN dashboard openings, but with the Pioneer AVH-3500NEX (full review), there’s something to smile about in the long run.

Besides fitting into a single-DIN opening, this stereo for a car delivers a remarkable smartphone experience by bringing both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration platforms to your dashboard, all thanks to a state-of-the-art and highly customizable interface that features a 7-inch Clear Resistive touchscreen.

The unit is specifically built for the modern smartphone-driven user who thought they were out of luck because they don’t have a double-DIN setup.

The AVH-3500NEX is compatible with all Android phones and iPhone 5 or later. It comes with a microphone for hands-free calling and voice commands, plus a physical remote control.

At a 7-inch size, the screen gives a fairly sharp resolution of 800 x 480 pixels, with five distinct display colors, automatic dimming, and various splash screen options.

The touch-screen is fully responsive and is designed to let you fully exploit smartphone features like Google Now and Siri Eyes.

Apart from CarPlay and Android Auto, the AVH-3500NEX features Pioneer’s AppRadio Mode+ which gives you control of compatible smartphone apps straight from the touchscreen.

This works well with Pioneer’s free AppRadio gateway app as well as maps and calendars, among other functions. However, getting this to work will require a separate cable.

Users who’d like to use individual apps are also presented with controls for Pandora, Apple Music, and Spotify. Along with other apps, these can be used with the unit through Bluetooth.

What’s more, satellite radio enthusiasts and audiophiles will appreciate the Pioneer SXV300 Sirius XM tuner and the 192-kHz/21-bit playback capability, together with a CD/DVD drive that plays a wide range of digital files either from a disk or USB.

Finally, the AVH-3500NEX includes a detachable faceplate for theft protection, two auxiliary video inputs in the rear panel, a rear-view camera input, as well as a rear video monitor input. The whole interface is customizable to taste, and there is a variety of display choices to choose from.

Video review

Power Acoustik PDN-721HB

Resolution: 800px x 480px
Screen Size: 7”
Power Output: 17W x 4 Ch.

Driving around on unfamiliar grounds is never an easy task. But that’s only if you lack badass GPS navigation that will guide you to the very core of your destination. And that my friends are exactly what the Power Acoustik PDN-721HB all too easily offers its users.

Pro-level navigation is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what the PDN-721HB can do. It’s efficient in multiple ways; a jack of all trades but a master of none to say the least.

Now its iGO primo navigation system is probably this gadget’s selling factor. That tells you all you need to know. This head unit could easily be your lifeline in a raging storm. When it comes to giving directions, no head unit can top the PDN-721HB. It even includes a GPS antenna; need I say more?

Its 7″ touchscreen is nice when it comes to clarity. An Android Phonelink integration feature allows users full access to their smartphones and tablets. In case any of your personal gadgets go off on you, you can count on the PDN-721HB’s adaptive fast charging to reboot them back to life.

Bluetooth connectivity makes information transfer lightning-fast. A built-in microphone sees to it that Bluetooth calls are distortion-free and crystal clear. A 10-band parametric equalizer makes music sessions all the more worthwhile by tuning audio files to your preference.

As if the wireless remote control wasn’t enough, then PDN-721HB went on ahead to make it steering wheel control ready. Additional features include front and rear USB inputs for even further pliancy.

Video Review

EinCar Android 10.0 Flip-Out

Resolution: 1024p X 600p
Screen Size: 7”
Power Output: 16W x 4 Ch.

If you are looking to make the most of your Android device with your car infotainment system, this EinCar is an option worth considering. This flip-out head unit boasts the latest Android 10.0 Q system to support a maximum number of apps present on Google Play.

We also like this head unit for its capacitive touchscreen with the stunning 1024p resolution. With this resolution and its quad-core processor, you can play HD video on the unit without lags.

The other impressive bit about this head unit is its 3D offline map navigation. Even if you don’t have internet in and around the car, this EinCar will guide you to your destination.

The head unit also supports the Mirror Link Connection that lets you mirror both Android and Apple phones on the large display on the dash. Regarding the audio output, this amp can power up to four 45W subs or speakers.

Jensen CDR7011

Resolution: 800px x 480px
Screen Size: 7”
Power Output: 16W x 4 Ch.

Jensen sure knows how to whip up a good deal. Looking at the Jensen CDR7011, it’s impossible to wonder how such a decorated gadget is so incredibly affordable. Even with a frantic search through the dozens of flip-out head unit models up on the offer, it’s likely that you will find anything more worthy.

Let’s talk about screen mirroring for a minute. This feature lets users mirror their phone contents on a relevant display for better viewing. And guess what, the CDR7011 allows you the privilege to experience that.

Its 7″ high-resolution screen has a neat display faculty. It’s also reasonably responsive when at work. The retractable screen also lets you automatically stow it when not in use.

An AM/FM tuner is pretty handy; it is also SiriusXM tuner ready. Talk about spoilt for choice. Bluetooth connectivity means hands-free commands and audio streaming.

Just to be informed this flip head unit’s USB port does not support, Apple iOS devices, Android OS devices, USB hubs, or card readers.

Dual Electronics XDVD176BT

Resolution: 800p x 480p
Screen Size: 7”

If you don’t want to splurge on the aftermarket head unit, but also need something good, consider this flip-out unit by Dual Electronics. This head unit is not heavy on the pocket but offers the functionality you look for in a decent aftermarket installation.

For starters, its LCD screen size and resolution are perfect for all sorts of sedans and hatchbacks. Like any other modern head unit, you can use it with your smartphone through a Bluetooth connection. You can use the Dual iPlug Smart Remote App to get seamless wireless control of this flip-out head unit.

The head unit also features 2 RCA video outputs and comes with an IR steering wheel control to change volume and tracks. This Dual Electronics head unit spills out enough power to work with four 50W subs or speakers. With 7 EQ presets and surround sound effects, it won’t be a disappointment for audiophiles.

Pyle PLTS78DUB

The Pyle PLTS78DUB comes with all the expected features of a dependable unit. It is a single din-sized receiver with a 7-inch retractable screen offering high definition with it 16:9 aspect ratio and 800 by 480-pixel resolution.

It comes with a number of features and technologies like an anti-shock mechanism and electronic shock protection. It supports all popular file formats like JPEG, MP3, MP4, AVI, WAV, and more while it is compatible with multiple types of discs from DVDs and VCDs to CD, CD-R, and CD-R/W.

You also get Bluetooth compatibility with virtually all devices allowing for music streaming and hands-free calls.

The unit lacks a navigation system which is quite odd given that this is an almost standard feature in medium to top-range flip-out radio units.

It, however, makes up for this with the backup camera set and the great attention to detail for the audio and video features including providing even Micro SD slots with a memory support size of up to 64GB.

The backup camera set is something to behold with its marine-grade construction and all-weather proofing with an IP67 rating. It offers high resolution at 420 TV lines and a 170 degrees wide-angle view.

If you have a dependable GPS system and are looking for a robust well designed flip out head unit get this and enjoy the gift of a quality backup camera as an add-on.

Hikity M1520A6US3

The 7 inches HD digital LCD folding touch screen from Hikty provides a more dynamic interface and better quality audio.

This model offers many modern features such as automatic voice navigation (the American offline map has been pre-downloaded on 8GB of the memory card) that informs about sharp curves, speed changes, and school zones!

In addition to all this functionality, there’s also Bluetooth music streaming so you can take over the controls via an app on your phone or tablet making hands-free calls possible too!

You can even use the Android/IOS mirror link (for Android 5.1 onwards) to watch video content directly through the speakers once connected – perfect if you want something different than music! It also supports multi-format audio/video recording; support 1080P full HD; brightness adjustment; subwoofer output; original steering wheel remote control.

Previously considered options – some still available

Power Acoustik PTID-8920B

If you want a no-frills, reliable, reasonably priced 1-DIN flip out stereo head for your car, Power Acoustik PTID-8920B might just be the one you’re looking for.

It uses a high clarity 7” WVGA resistive touch panel which is not the best for watching movies on the go while driving your car (why would you ever want to do that?), but packs enough clarity for you to get a nice view of that tree or pole behind your car as you are trying to park in a tight space.

Yes, you can hook up this stereo head with your rear view or parking camera.

It also packs a decent AM/FM combo radio, so you can listen to the local news and music channels in the morning on your way to the office, and you can use the subwoofer controls on the front panel to crank up the bass while going for a drive with your friends and family.

This flip out radio is compatible with both Android as well as Apple devices and comes with Bluetooth support for hands-free calling and audio streaming.

There are not a whole lot of cons in terms of actual hardware, but the software interface is somewhat lacking in terms of the options that it offers.

Not to mention the fact that you will experience a slight drop in bass when listening to music on Bluetooth.

Soundstream VIR-7830B

The market is full of so-called “budget car stereos” which are actually immensely cut-down models featuring cheap internal DAC units and low-quality Bluetooth modules.

Finding a good budget single DIN flip-out screen can be quite tedious. But Soundstream is a manufacturer that specializes in manufacturing low-cost car stereo solutions for the average middle-class consumer.

Their VIR-7830B packs a motorized 7” touchscreen display, Bluetooth, and CD/DVD player (check out some of the best in-dash DVD players you can get for your money), and comes with USB as well as AUX and RCA ports.

The detachable faceplate prevents people from running away with your brand-new car stereo, and the broad array of connectivity options means that you’ll be able to stream music/videos with ease while talking in hands-free mode.

There is one major issue with this unit, which appears to be a firmware bug rather than an actual hardware deficiency. You cannot navigate through the home screen menu or change any settings if your phone is connected to the head unit via Bluetooth.

With a USB connection, though, everything works fine and you can share folders between your phone and the SD card on this stereo unit without any issues at all. The sound quality is nothing great, but we would call it satisfactory for the price.

Soundstream VR-75XB

Here’s a simple flip-out unit with a flabbergasting performance capacity. Its feature list carries decent decorations; it also sounds fairly good. It could blow your mind given the chance; you can bet on that.

Bluetooth hands-free calling proves super effective when driving. The VR-75XB features a thoughtful front-panel microphone which enhances clarity during calls. The VR-75XB screen is sculptured from smart sense glass which makes it a nippy responder. With a 208 Watts max power capacity and a supporting 2-band equalizer, this head unit has a decent sound recreation.

For reinforced safety against theft and destruction, the VR-75XB comes with a detachable faceplate. Adorned with the capacity to play everything from CDs/DVDs to USBs, the options are endless with this flip out. When it comes to USB charging, its fast-charging abilities will have your phone well powered up in no time.

SiriusXM tuner compatibility further adds to user listening options. Front USB and AUX inputs further extend the user audio experience to ace new heights.

Jensen VX3518

I am a sucker for tenable deals, and I must admit I love this one. For just a couple of bucks, Jensen gives you the opportunity to experience the phenomenal VX3518.

Although some may consider it bog-standard, it’s one of the best flip outs within its class range. Fitted with all head unit essentials, it has all it takes to liven up any cabin space.

On its facade seats a 7″ touchscreen. Yes, it’s a beauty, but guess what else; it features a motorized retractable screen. In other words, you tuck it away to safety at the push of a button. Built-in iPhone, iPod, and iPad controls give you exclusive access to your personal devices.

You can tailor your own little universe right in your car by customizing your ambiance. Bluetooth connectivity paves the way for hands-free calling and texting. With the aid of an included microphone, the gizmo is able to capture your commands easily; it also makes calls clearer and glitch-free.

It plays audio and video content from various sources; USB, flash drives, CDs, you name it. 200 Watts worth of power bolsters its reproduction capabilities to new and exciting levels.

An 8-band equalizer helps customize tunes to suit the desired prerequisite. Rear AV and front AUX inputs go on ahead to add to its versatility. Considering it works with SiriusXM tuner and apps like Pandora, there’s no limit to what you can do with this one.

Also, you get steering wheel control privileges. You may have to deal with a few wire hookups here and there, maybe get an adapter, but it’s all very worth it.

Pyle PL7ANDIN

This is another quality product from Pyle and comes with lots of features building upon the PLT85BTCM model.

It is an Android car stereo receiver that has both Bluetooth connectivity and supports WiFi streaming and downloads. You also get a Full HD 7-inch TFT LCD screen with 1080 support featuring a resolution of 1024 x 600 pixels.

You also get an advanced GPS navigation system that also features an integrated Google Maps navigation setup.

The Android OS version is 5.1 lollipop and a Quad-Core processor powers the whole unit. It brings with it numerous apps and you can always download more on the go.

The audio is supremely enhanced and a customizable equalizer ensures you get the most from this setup. The design is solid and the installation is easy as is the norm of most Pyle units with all the components and wires provided.

The letdown for an otherwise boosted-up stereo receiver is the lack of easy compatibility with Apple products. GPS also only works when there is WiFi.

FAQ

What is the best flip-out car stereo?

Given the current market offer and in our case the best unit in terms of quality and features is definitely Pioneer AVH-3500NEX.

What is the biggest advantage of flip-out units?

You will actually get most features only double-din units have – like touchscreen, DVD/CD receiver, or Apple CarPlay in a single din format!

What is the size of the screen on flip-out units?

The size of the flip-out panel can be anywhere from 5” to 7”.

Do flip-out units have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?

In the current market, only one unit includes both features (Pioneer AVH-3500NEX), but there are some that only include Apple CarPlay (Jensen VX4014).

Will the motorized screen block my other car functions?

It certainly can so be sure to check out your dash.

Last update on 2024-12-21 / Affiliate links / *Image Disclaimer: We use images/data from Amazon Product Advertising API solely on products that link to Amazon. On products with the "Price at Crutchfield" button, we use images/data from Crutchfield.com as per the partnership deal.