The Best Car Stereo Under 100 Reviews In 2023

The thing with buying a car stereo is it can end up feeling like picking a grain of rice from a rice bowl. All of them look the same and seem to have similar features. That might be the case to the untrained eye.

But there are small nuances that you need to care about if you want to avoid getting a bad one. This review will be all about picking the best car stereo under 100. Don’t worry, you may not be paying much but you will get the value.

Look for things like easy installation, good sound quality and modern features. That’s only scratching the surface though. So, without further to do, let’s get on with it.

10 Best Car Stereos Under 100 with Brief Overviews

If you’re short on time, this short overview will give you a pretty solid idea about all the products we handpicked for you to choose from.

10 Best Car Stereo Under 100 Reviews

Let’s get one thing out there, for under $100 you can end up buying some pretty crappy car stereos. Here are the 10 top you need to care about.

1. Binize 7 Inch Double DIN Car Stereo

You’re going to hear a couple of names here that you probably never heard before. But one thing is for sure, all of them will perform phenomenally. And this one from Binize is no different.

It’s a feature-packed and android powered double DIN car stereo that will make your world rock. We can just end the review right there, but let’s get into more details.

The first thing you will notice is just how many features this one has. It supports everything from Bluetooth and WIFI to camera input. The smart features mean you can connect your device easily and start jamming right away.

There isn’t any tedious process you need to deal with. Since it has Android 9.1 as its operating system, you can be sure that the interface will be smooth as well. It’s very intuitive and you don’t need to worry if you happen to have an iOS device. It supports those too.

You’re covered from pretty much all angles with this one. The large touchscreen is there to help you navigate the interface.

What about the sound quality then? To no surprise to anyone, the sound quality is great – just as expected. The notes are rich with lots of definitions in them. Whether you listen to classical music or rap, you will have a good time. And the bass is good too.

For the money you will pay for it, it really is a great option. This can easily be the best Bluetooth car stereo under 100.

2. P.L.Z MP-800 Car Stereo

If you’re looking for a complete and well-rounded multimedia experience for your car that won’t break the bank, this P.L.Z model is all about that. It’s well-built and has all the features you could want.

This one is a double DIN car stereo with an output wattage of 240 watts. That’s quite powerful if you ask us and should be plenty to give you some heart-thumping sound.

Apart from the great sound, there are other cool features that you will love too! Since it’s a complete multimedia solution, you have some must-have features like AUX and USB support.

With these, you can play whatever music you want. If you’re a bit fancier then music streaming is also an option. Music apps are supported for those of you who are wondering.

A multimedia setup for your car won’t be that worth it if it isn’t easy to work with and navigate. While that might be the case with other low-quality screen car stereos on the market, this one delivers handsomely on the UI front.

The large touchscreen makes it easy to navigate the whole thing and it’s an intuitive UI too. Responsive is the word that comes to mind. It has a 7-inch display screen that has what P.L.Z calls ‘rapid wake’.

What it essentially does is it will get your system up and running in no time. You don’t need to wait minutes to start listening to your favorite tunes.

It’s very compatible with other devices too. The receiver will instantly connect with any iOS or Android device and of course, you can use the USB port to increase its functionality even further.

If that wasn’t enough, how about the ability to mount rear/front view cameras. That will make your whole riding experience much safer too. And with the large HD screen that it has, navigating tight spots will become much easier.

3. AboutBit 7-inch Digital Media Car Stereo

This one has one thing going for it. The design. It’s sleek and modern. The looks aren’t the only modern thing. There are a lot of cool features as well.

We didn’t touch on the design of the other car stereos we reviewed so far. That’s because quite frankly they aren’t that special. This one on the other hand looks super cool and sleek.

The outer part is sort of a gunmetal grey color with futuristic-looking buttons and icons on the left side. Which are, by the way, very tactile and satisfying to press. It’s a minor thing but still is worth something.

You get connectivity galore with this one. There is a USB port and Bluetooth support. That means connecting your Android or iOS device is a breeze. And if you just want to chill and listen to the radio, that’s possible too.

If none of these are working for you, you can always stream your favorite music. It’s 2022 after all. Speaking of it being 2022, another modern feature we love is the phone mirroring option. This essentially lets you mirror your phone’s content on the stereo itself.

And for safer driving, aboutBit included support for front/rear cameras. Having trouble with those parallel parking situations? That won’t be an issue anymore. You don’t even need to turn the rear camera on.

It will automatically switch to the rear camera view when you put the car in reverse gear. And as for the sound quality, it’s great as well. The low end is powerful and the high ends have a lot of definitions in them.

You won’t be disappointed with listening to music on this system. It’s a double DIN system, and we think It’s the best double din car stereo under $100, because you’ll never seen such a stereo withing this price range.

4. Alpine UTE-73BT Mech-Less Digital Receiver

This one is a stark contrast compared to the types of stereos we have seen far. But you might just make you end up liking it a lot. Keep in mind though, there isn’t any large touchscreen for you to interact with.

Here is what you need to know about the Alpine UTE-73BT, it has great connectivity, impressive sound quality and a high-quality display that works all the time.

The lack of CD compatibility can be a deal-breaker for some. But honestly, CDs are dying out and people are using their mobile phones to listen to music. Speaking of which, you can connect your Android or iOS device seamlessly.

There are two options – USB and the tried and tested built-in Bluetooth connection. The cool part is you can have two different phones connected at the same time and switch between them without breaking a sweat.

So, streaming or playing your favorite music will now be easier than ever. It isn’t just limited to music listening though. You can hop on a phone call thanks to Bluetooth HD Voice support and it also lets you use applications like FaceTime.

Of course, there is a hands-free calling option. We highly recommend you use that feature. And if the call is not important, it’s better to take the call later. Because paying attention to the road is more important.

With that little PSA out of the way, let’s talk about the sound quality. There is a 3-band parametric equalizer and support for 24-bit DAC. If you know about audio gear, you would know that’s pretty impressive. And for the price you pay for this one, it’s even more value. All these and the high-contrast screen add more to it.

See Also: The 8 Best Alpine Head Units

5. BOSS 850BRGB Multi Color Car Stereo

The 850BRGB car stereo by BOSS Audio Systems checks all the boxes that make a good car stereo and it won’t cost you an arm and a leg either. Adequate inputs? Check. High-quality sound? Check. Cool lighting features to set the mood? Check.

The last one caught your attention, didn’t it? We knew it would. The lighting is one of the coolest and unique features you get with BOSS’s car stereo. The front unit can light up in 16 million different color combinations. Did you get that? 16 million combinations.

That means you can have different lighting each day of the week. You can set the mood just the way you like and get going. Mood lighting and some awesome music to listen to. Really, what else do you need?

Speaking of the music, this double DIN stereo unit supports Bluetooth and USB connections which means it will work with most modern devices. And this one has one thing the previous one didn’t. It can take in a CD.

You can, of course, use Bluetooth to take hands-free phone calls which makes driving safer. But then again, as we said earlier, if there is any way you can avoid talking on the phone altogether (hands-free calling or not) that’s best.

There is a USB port for those who want a more solid connection with their stereo system. You can play the music from your phone with it as well. Modern apps like Spotify and Pandora are all supported.

The sound is powerful with woofers that produce deep low ends. If you’re a bass head, you will certainly enjoy this stereo setup. It makes 320 watts of power!

6. Sound Storm DDML28B Multimedia Receiver

Get ready for a storm. Sound Storm, that is. This one is very similar to the previous one and has all the inputs and features you would want. The thing that’s missing is the lighting features.

Okay, we are going to come ahead and say it. You may have noticed that all of the ones we reviewed so far seem to have pretty much the same features and options. That isn’t by accident. All these car stereos have been picked with you in mind. So, we made sure no matter which one you choose, you get the best.

This one from Sound Storm features top-notch connectivity and ample playback options. All the usual things like Bluetooth and USB are present here. Easily connect your device and listen to music that way.

You can use the Bluetooth connection to make hands-free calls. Radio is supported as well. That’s perfect when you just want to check out something different from your playlist.

Oh, speaking of that, music streaming services like Pandora and Spotify are all supported, which puts even more songs at your fingertips. The sound quality overall was satisfactory but nothing too impressive. You won’t be disappointed but it won’t blow your socks off either.

What will make it sound much better though is adding a subwoofer to the whole mix. The moment you do that, you can enjoy deeper low notes and the general music listening experience will improve substantially.

7. JVC KD-X260BT Digital Media Receiver

JVC is one of the biggest brands on this list and this digital media receiver is one you need to pay close attention to. With features like Bluetooth, A2DP, Spotify/Pandora support, this is easily the best car stereo receiver under 100 you can buy right now.

Okay, we are cheating a little bit here. The actual price of this thing is a tad bit over $100. But bear with us, you will see why it’s worth it. First up the sheer ease of use and installation process will impress you.

Whether you have an iOS device or an Android, it will work with both – no discrimination here. Then there are other connectivity options as well. For example, you can use the USB port to get a rock-solid wired connection.

If you like having the convenience of not dealing with a wire, then Bluetooth is an option as well. And it isn’t just any Bluetooth either. This one supports Bluetooth version 3 which is EDR certified.

No matter how you would like to listen to music, JVC has baked the option in. As a cherry on top, it supports many different file formats from MP3 to FLAC. Pandora and Spotify are also supported.

The audio quality itself isn’t something to scoff at either. JVC’s stereos usually have  A2DP support. This lets you stream high-definition music. Apart from that, the general sound is quite nice and you won’t be disappointed at all.

8. Pyle PLTS78DUB Single DIN Stereo Receiver

Most of the ones so far have been double DIN units. But what if you need a single DIN. Don’t worry; we have you covered. This one is sleek, modern and a feature-packed kit that can deliver some seriously impressive sounds.

With a max output of 320 watts, you can be sure that this head unit receiver will turn any boring road trip into a party. And who doesn’t like parties? Its music capabilities don’t just end there. Oh no!

You can also listen to FM/AM radio when you feel like it. And did we mention it also had a CD/DVD player input as well? Because it does.

Pretty impressive so far, isn’t it? You can also connect your Android or iOS device seamlessly and listen to music from there. It supports MP3, MP4 and MP5 formats. So, compatibility is not an issue here. And there are AUX and RCA inputs as well which is even better.

We really do love how well-rounded the features are on this one. You get just the thing you need and no fluffs which are a waste of money in the first place. The large touchscreen and included wireless remote control are nice as well.

The only small gripe we have is the UI. It isn’t bad by any means but surely isn’t as intuitive as some of the others we have seen. The icons look dated and navigation could have been easier.

Nonetheless, that really is a very small issue. All the other cool features easily make up for the UI. If you’re looking for the best car radio under 100 bucks or a bit higher, this one deserves a close look.

Just make sure it’s compatible with your car. And again, keep in mind that this flip out screen head unit is a single DIN model.

9. Kenwood KMM-BT325 Stereo Receiver

Kenwood is a very premium brand and many people might think that they don’t have affordable yet good car stereos. Well, you would be wrong. Behold the KMM-BT325 + ALPHA! Okay, maybe we got a bit dramatic there. But this one is great.

It does all the basics perfectly. And when you’re shopping for a budget car stereo, that’s what matters. You essentially want one that just works without any unnecessary features and fluff.

Good sound quality is one of the most basic features every car stereo should have. Gladly, we are happy to report this one does well in this regard. Not only that, it easily punches way above its weight. It comes with a 13-band equalizer and 6 equalizer curves.

Connection is taken care of by Bluetooth, AUX and USB inputs. So, whether you like having the convenience of not being tied to a wire, or using just plain old AUX and USB, you can choose the one that works for you. At the end of the day, having a choice makes a difference.

Alright then, good sound quality and connectivity are something this one has going for it. What else? Another cool feature (which other car stereos in this list also have) is the ability to connect two devices at once.

This will come in handy if you have one phone for work and another for personal use. You can easily switch between the two. With all its cool features this is hands down the best Kenwood Bluetooth car stereo under $100 you can buy right now.

The design will be subjective but we like it. It’s minimal and classy and the sort of teal lighting on the fonts gives it quite a nice appeal. Honestly, we don’t have many complaints about this one except the fact that it doesn’t support CDs.

Also Read These helpful Guides if you are a Kenwood user:

• 2 Different Methods of Resetting Kenwood Car Stereo

• 2 Methods of Connecting Android To Kenwood Car Stereo

• 2 Methods of Removing Kenwood Car Stereo

• Methods of Connecting Bluetooth To Kenwood Car Stereo

10. Pioneer Single DIN DEH-S1100UB Car Stereo

We are going to keep this one short and sweet. There really isn’t much to talk about since a lot of its features are similar to the previous one. It’s a single DIN head unit with great sound quality and connectivity options.

The LCD display produces 35% more light which makes it super easy to use. And it supports Android but there is one problem. It doesn’t work with iOS devices. So, iPhone owners are a bit out of luck.

One area it’s much better than the previous Pioneer option though is the output wattage. With 200 watts of max power, you can enjoy your music and turn it up to 10!

And there is a detachable faceplate and a 24-bit DAC as well. All the usual connectivity options like USB, Bluetooth is present and it takes CDs as well. And how can we forget the included high-quality earbuds?

All in all, this one is very similar to the previous one as we already mentioned but it has more output wattage. The design and build are still pretty good – it’s a Pioneer stereo after all. We don’t expect anything less than best here.

This one really is a well-rounded and balanced car stereo for the money and that’s why it easily earns a spot in our top 10 car stereos review.

Also Read These helpful Guides if you are a Pioneer user:

• Do’s When Pioneer Car Stereo Has No Sound

• 7 Steps To Connect Bluetooth To Pioneer Car Stereo

• Step by Step Guide To Set the Clock On Pioneer Stereo

• 4 Different Pioneer Stereo Models Resetting Methods

• 11 Steps To Remove Pioneer Car Stereo Without Keys

What To Look for When Buying a Car Stereo?

Here is the thing, picking one from the list above is easy. Of course, it is. We handpicked the products for you. But if you want to make a more informed purchase decision, then knowing what features to look for will help.

Size

Here is the thing, picking one from the list above is easy. Of course, it is. We handpicked the products for you. But if you want to make a more informed purchase decision, then knowing what features to look for will help.

Sound Quality

Then there is sound quality. What good is a car stereo that sounds bad? So, to make sure you save your ears from shoddy music quality get one that has good sound. A high wattage output helps.

Connectivity and Music Playback

Ports and connectivity options like USB, RCA and AUX are always welcome. The more standardized ports your car stereo has the more versatile and widely compatible it will be.

CD/Radio Support

Not everyone will need CD or radio support. And as we already said, CDs are dying out. But if you’re one of those few who still love using physical CDs or like listening to the radio, a car stereo with those will be great.

Extra Features

Extra features like being able to stream music from Spotify/Pandora and video calling like FaceTime or other similar apps are nice to have as well. Hey, just because you’re shopping under $100 doesn’t mean you can’t have nice high-end features.

Brand

Lastly, there is the brand to consider. Just get one that fits your needs from any of the brands here. All the ones we reviewed are reputed and make solid products.

How Do Car Stereos Work?

A car stereo is comprised of a couple of key components that together make the whole system. Let’s take a look at what they are.

Stereo Head Unit

The stereo head unit is pretty important. You can call it the heart of the whole system. All your controls and navigations will be here. It also acts as the brain of the whole system as well. So, you can see it’s pretty important.

Speakers

Most stereo systems will have at least four speakers. However, there are actually a lot of different configurations you can choose to set up. The speakers will receive a signal from the amp.

This is then converted to mechanical energy which creates the back-and-forth motion creating the actual sounds that you hear. Other aspects of the speaker systems can be woofers or subwoofers.

AMPLIFIER

Then you have the amp. This is an important component as well and will basically increase the signal that comes from the head unit. Basic stereos may have the amplifier built in the head unit itself. Others will have a dedicated one. All these together will work as the main stereo system for your car.

How To Install A Car Stereo?

Mounting a car stereo isn’t that difficult if you know what you’re doing. One thing you should know is what DIN means. DIN basically refers to the size of the car stereo system.

Here are the steps you need to follow:

Step 1 : Dissemble Panel

First order of business is disassembling the dash panel. Your stereo instructions will have all the documentations you will need. Make sure to use the right tools for the disassembly.

Step 2 : Installation Preparation

Now you need to connect the wiring harness of the new stereo. Prepare the dash kit and install the new dash.

Step 3 : Installation

Now it’s time for the actual installation. Connect the harness and the adapter for the antenna. Then mount the new kit to the dashboard.

Step 4 : Resemble the Dash

After all is done, just put the new dash in and reassemble it. Your new stereo system will be all ready.

FAQs

Q1: Is a good car stereo worth it?

Ans: It definitely is! Not only will a good car stereo make your life much easier with its connectivity and smart features, but music listening will be enjoyable too.

Q2: How long will my new car stereo last?

Ans: If you take good care of it, a high-quality car stereo will easily last you for five years. But the key thing here is if you take care of it.

Q3: What is a good brand for car stereo?

Ans: All the brands we mentioned in this list are some of the top ones in the field. You can’t go wrong with names like Binize, Pioneer, JVC and Kenwood.

Q4: Is it difficult to replace a car stereo?

Ans: Installing a car stereo isn’t all that difficult if you know what you’re doing. If you aren’t confident enough it’s best to let a professional handle it.

Q5: How do I find what size stereo I need?

Ans: This one is a bit tricky since it will depend from car to car. You can use an online car stereo database for the size. Another way is to just check your head unit measurements on your own.

Wrapping Up

There you go. Hopefully, now you will have a better idea of which one is the best car stereo under 100 for you. As you can see choosing one isn’t all that difficult when you know what to look for.

Remember while sound quality and modern features are important, your stereo needs to fit your head unit as well. Keep the fit and quality in mind when purchasing one.

Read Next:

• What Are The Best Car Stereos with Backup Camera?

• What Are The Best Cheap Car Stereos?

• What Are The Best Stereo System Under 200?