Best Kenwood Double Din Stereo: An Honest Guide in 2024

01. Kenwood DMX4707S: Best in $250 to $300  

Specs:

• 6.8″ widescreen capacitive touchscreen LCD with LED backlighting
• 800 (H) x 480 (V) x RGB LCD resolution with 1,152,000 total pixels
• Dimensions: 7-3/16 x 4-7/16 x 2-15/16 (inch)
• Rear View Camera Input with Parking Guide Line
• 13 Band Graphic EQ and Time Alignment for optimal sound performance
• Android mirroring capable (for Android OS and above)
• Voice controlled interface
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible
• SiriusXM Radio Ready

Pros:

• Supports wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• The intuitive voice command interface
• Large display
• 2-way touch control
• Compatible with Sirius XM
• Supports 3rd party navigation systems

Cons:

• Low display resolution 
• No wireless Android Auto or Apple CarPlay
• Expensive 

Why Get The Kenwood DMX4707S?

The Kenwood DMX4707S is the best stereo in the $250 to $300 price range. This stereo, unlike the other stereos in this list, supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Moreover, the Kenwood DMX4707S  can be controlled using intuitive voice commands.

In comparison to the cheaper Kenwood DDX26BT, this stereo has a more responsive display. It has better software than the Kenwood DMX125BT and can play Sirius XM, unlike the Kenwood eXcelon DDX396BT. Additionally, the Kenwood DMX4707S can mirror your Android and iPhone devices, which is not possible with the Kenwood DDX376BT.

So, if you are willing to pay a bit extra for a good stereo, get the Kenwood DMX4707S.

02. Kenwood DDX26BT: Best Kenwood Double Din Under $200 

Specs:

• 6.2 in capacitive touch screen LCD display
• Dimensions: 7 x 3-15/16 x 6-3/8 inch
• variable-color button illumination
• Built-in Bluetooth capability 
• Hands-free calling
• Audio streaming with dual phone connection
• 1 A/V input (optional ca-c3av)
• Built-in iPad/iPod/iPhone control
• Rear View camera input with parking guidelines
• Up to 5 different simultaneous Bluetooth connections
• Phone mirroring with two different phones simultaneously
• FLAC, WAV, MP3, WMA and AAC formats supported

Pros:

• Illuminated color-changing buttons
• Hands-free calling
• Easy to use
• Easy to install

Cons:

• No control for Android devices 
• Clunky menus
• Music gets paused when adjusting the EQ
• No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto Compatibility

Why Get The Kenwood DDX26BT Stereo?

You should get the Kenwood DDX26BT stereo due to its affordability. The Kenwood DDX26BT can be easily installed with little effort and has an intuitive interface. It is cheaper than the other radios on this list but can do anything that a basic stereo does.

So, if you want a reliable car stereo that can connect to your device and play music, get this stereo.

03. Kenwood DMX125BT: Best in Value

Specs:

• 6.8 in. capacitive touchscreen display
• Dimensions: 7-3/16 x 4-7/16 x 3inch
• Short chassis (2-15/16″ Depth)
• Rear camera input with parking guidelines
• USB connectivity in the rear
• High Power Smartphone Charging
• Dual device connection with Bluetooth 
• 1920 x 1080 resolution 
• Deep crossover settings with built-in time alignment
• Compatible with KNA-RCDV331 remote controller

Pros:

• Large LCD touchscreen
• High-resolution display
• Can be controlled remotely
• 5 channel sound

Cons:

• Mirroring does not use the full-screen
• Can be unresponsive at times
• Poor software quality
• Does not support Pandora or Spotify 
• Less responsive touchscreen
• No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto Compatibility
• Not compatible with Sirius XM

Why Get The Kenwood DMX125BT Stereo?

You should get the Kenwood DMX125BT due to the value for money it provides. The Kenwood DMX125BT offers a 6.8 display that is bigger than the Kenwood eXcelon DDX396BT. It has a better resolution than the Kenwood DDX376BT as well.

Furthermore, this stereo is cheaper than the Kenwood DMX4707S and has more features than the Kenwood DDX26BT. 

So, if you need a stereo for your car that has good value for money, get the Kenwood DMX125BT.

04. Kenwood eXcelon DDX396BT: Best Kenwood Excelon Double Din 

Specs:

• 6.2 in capacitive touch screen LCD display
• Dimensions: 7-3/16 x 4-3/8 x 6-5/16 inch
• 1 A/V Input
• 3 x 5.0 V Preouts
• Enhanced Cosmetic Design
• 1 A/V Input (Optional CA-C3AV)
• Illuminated Rotary Volume Knob
• 3 Preouts 5.0V
• Rear View Camera Input with Parking Guidelines
• 1 Video Output

Pros:

• Illuminated color-changing volume knob
• Good aesthetics
• Wide viewing angle

Cons:

• Can have problems connecting to your phone
• No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto Compatibility
• Difficult to see in direct sunlight
• Not compatible with Sirius XM

Why Get The Kenwood EXcelon DDX396BT Double Din Stereo?

You should get the Kenwood eXcelon DDX396BT stereo due to the way it looks.

The Kenwood eXcelon DDX396BT has a wide viewing angle that lets you view the display from multiple directions. It is cheaper than the Kenwood DMX4707S or the Kenwood DMX125BT. It has a better design than the Kenwood DMX125BT in comparison. 

So, if you want a good-looking stereo that is low in price, get the Kenwood EXcelon DDX396BT.

05. Kenwood DDX376BT: Best Audio

Specs:

• 6.2 in. capacitive touch screen LCD display
• Rear USB Input 
• Rapid phone charging capable
• 13 Band EQ w/DSP and Drive EQ
• Steering Wheel Control Input
• Bluetooth compatible
• Dimensions: 7 x 3-15/16 x 6-3/8 inch
• Clear Resistive Touch Panel
• Wireless Music Browsing (AVRCP 1.5 / 1.6)
• Android Music Playback (AOA2)
• Android Rapid Charge
• Dual Phone Connection
• Graphic EQ / Digital Time Alignment
• Variable Color Illumination

Pros:

• Sirius XM radio compatible
• Good audio quality

Cons:

• No phone mirroring 
• No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto Compatibility
• No anti-glare
• Long boot time

Why Get The Kenwood DDX376BT?

You should get the Kenwood DDX376BT if you want a car stereo with good audio quality. The Kenwood DDX376BT is more affordable than the  Kenwood DMX4707S. Additionally, the Kenwood DMX4707S has Sirius XM connectivity, unlike the Kenwood EXcelon DDX396BT and the Kenwood DMX125BT.

So, if you want a stereo with good audio performance, buy the Kenwood DDX376BT.

How to Choose The Best Kenwood Double Din Car Stereo

We know how deciding to buy a new device can sometimes be hard and stressful, but, it doesn’t necessarily have to be that way. There are many double din stereos available on the market. 

Here are some of the things that you should pay attention to when purchasing the Kenwood double din stereos:

The Size of The Receiver:

When buying any kind of radio, and not just a double din one, you always must pay attention to its size. It won’t work or connect properly if they are larger or smaller than the space in your car.

So, before buying or ordering any kind of radio, measure the space in your car, and look only for radios with those exact dimensions. To make things even better, look for double din stereos that have a bigger display, and smaller buttons. That way, the screen will be perfectly visible to everyone in the car and therefore, easily accessible.

While paying attention to the size of the radio, also keep in mind that its weight is important too. A radio that is too heavy might also break some part of your inner car with its weight. Car stereos that are overweight usually also do not fit well into space and often end up breaking some wires. To avoid that, do not buy overweight radios.

Kenwood double din stereos are usually not too big, nor too small. Their sizes are usually similar for every model and the weight too. We can call them universal if you’d like since they can mostly fit into any kind of car.

The Frequency:

The Kenwood double din stereos can catch both AM and FM signals. With that being said, a user will easily be able to switch between those two whenever they please.

Of course, you must keep in mind that FM radio stations require the radio to be closer to the broadcasting tower in order to receive the best, strong signals. While, on the other side, AM radio stations can be caught even if you are far away from the broadcasting tower.

The File Formats:

Since double din stereos are modern stereos, they must be able to play and support newer audio file formats. Most of the Kenwood double din stereos are compatible with various different formats such as FLAC, WAV, MP3, WMA, and AAC.

Bluetooth Technology:

Almost all Kenwood double din stereos have built-in Bluetooth technology. This is life-changing since it can make everything easier. A user will be able to connect their phone to the stereo and even make hands-free calls.

USB Slots:

Generally speaking, USB slots on any kind of radio are very important, having a USB slot means that the user can connect any other external device to the receiver. And, since many Kenwood double din models contain one or two USB slots, it means that they are also compatible with mirroring smartphones on their display.

Additional Features:

There are a bunch of additional features that can make a user more satisfied with the performance of the receiver. Kenwood double din stereo models sometimes have the parking guide line feature, the graphic EQ feature, or the parking camera feature. Pay attention to these if you want to have a very modern double DIN stereo.

What Are The Advantages of Owning The Best Kenwood Double Din?

• You will always be updated on all of the news happening around you.
  There are many advantages to owning one Kenwood double din stereo. These receivers keep up with all of the latest technological updates and trends, as will their users.

  You will never miss out on anything since these radios basically have everything that even the newly released radios have.

• Your ride will be a lot safer. Overall, these receivers can manage to make their users’ lives way easier. Connecting your phone to the unit means that the driver will be able to make calls with just one click on the steering wheel, without losing sight of the road. Safety while driving increases a lot.
  
• This stereo will help you with your in-car job by making it a lot easier. These receivers are especially good for professional drivers whose job is to basically sit in the car all day and make calls with the customers, or others.

  You will not have to use a Bluetooth earbud, or hold your phone in your hands while driving (which is super dangerous) hands-free calling will become a part of your life from now on.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What does double din mean on a car stereo?

The Double DIN on a car stereo means that the unit of the stereo has twice the height of a basic, standard DIN stereo. The height is basically around 4-7 inches longer than on a single din stereo.

How do I know if my car stereo is single or double DIN?

To determine if your car stereo is single DIN or double DIN, measure the unit’s height. Double DIN radios’ height is usually around 4 to 7 inches long. Anything below that is a Single DIN radio.

Are all double DIN stereos the same size? 

No, all double DIN stereos are not the same size.  Double din stereos are not all the same size. Their sizes may vary from model to model and manufacturer to manufacturer. The single DIN stereo, on the other hand, is basically a Standard size radio that can fit into any kind of car. Most cars have a Single DIN stereo slot.

What is a double DIN head unit?

A double DIN head unit is a multimedia device that can fit into the dashboard of a car. A double DIN head unit is twice the size of a single DIN head unit.

Which is a better, single DIN or double DIN?

Double DIN is better than single DIN head units. This is because double DIN units have more features and a bigger display. A single DIN head unit, however, is more affordable than a double DIN unit head.

Conclusion

So, now you know all there is to know about the best Kenwood double din stereo. 

Car stereos can be a major factor for people who spend a large part of their day in the car. I hope reading this article helped you decide on the Kenwood double DIN stereo that is right for you.