Car Audio & Video

The head unit category is the one that literally heads it all up - if you want to add sizzle to your system, this is the place to do it. From user selectable colors to multiple media options, head units are packed full of features, so many in fact that they are the single most confusing category to shop or even sell. I picked the top five based upon both the company's ability to package the features but also for their ease of use.

The real secret to shopping for a head unit comes down to just a few things. First of all, if you can stop at a store and physically play with the controls, you'll be able to narrow your choice by brand since most companies have a similar design from the bottom of their line to the top. Nothing is more important in buying a head unit then determining if the buttons are easy for you to use and if their operations are logical to you. Forget what anybody tells you and see if you can easily use volume up and down, mute, and if songs can be skipped easily.

The second thing you need to consider is how the design fits into the vehicle in which you'll be getting the head unit installed. You can either go for the total bling approach where the unit stands out or you can go for more of the integrated look. Don't forget if you go for bling that you will want to consider something that has added security features like a removable face.

The final consideration is price and here is where the real secret lies. Head unit companies don't really need to have 6 different units in their line, in fact the only reason they have a unit below their top of the line is so they can hit a price point. So, once you find the interface you like and the style, all you need to do is determine what features you want and buy based upon the features, in almost all cases there is not sound difference from the bottom of the line to top unit.