Best AM / FM Car Stereos of 2026
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AM/FM car stereos are a staple in most vehicles on the road today. These systems provide drivers with a range of features, including the ability to listen to their favorite radio stations, play CDs or MP3s, and even connect their smartphones for hands-free calling and music streaming. Many AM/FM car stereos now come with advanced features like Bluetooth connectivity, touchscreen displays, and even navigation systems. With a wide range of options available from various manufacturers, drivers can find the perfect AM/FM car stereo to suit their needs and upgrade their driving experience.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
#TOP 1
9.8
#TOP 2
9.7
#TOP 3
9.5
Top 10 AM / FM Car Stereos
BOSS Audio Systems 616UAB Car Stereo
The BOSS Audio Systems 616UAB Car Stereo is a single DIN LCD Bluetooth audio system with a built-in microphone, MP3/USB, aux-in, and AM/FM radio receiver. It features dimmable illumination for buttons and LCD display, updated dancing LED lights, and a mute function. You can answer/make calls and be hands-free with no distractions, play and control your music and apps like Spotify/Pandora wirelessly, and play music through your Bluetooth device or use the USB port. The auxiliary input is compatible with the audio output from smartphones and MP3 players. The USB port gives you the option to have a vast library of audio files at your fingertips. You can customize how you want to hear your music with the balance/fader/bass and treble, and control it all with the wireless remote control from inside or outside your vehicle.
Pioneer MVH-S230BT Bluetooth Car Stereo
The Pioneer Bluetooth Car Stereo offers a range of features designed for convenience and quality. With built-in Bluetooth, you can connect your smartphone wirelessly, allowing you to make hands-free calls while driving safely. The USB input lets you easily connect portable devices, so you can play music or charge your phone on the go. You’ll enjoy various media formats, ensuring compatibility with your favorite songs. Additionally, the Advanced Sound Retriever enhances audio quality, restoring details lost during compression, which results in a clearer and more dynamic listening experience.
PLZ 7" Wireless Double Din Car Stereo
The PLZ 7" Car Stereo enhances your driving experience with its impressive features. You can connect your phone wirelessly for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it easy to access navigation and playlists without distraction. The built-in DSP ensures high-quality sound with adjustable settings for your music preferences. With Bluetooth 5.3, you enjoy a stable connection for hands-free calls and audio streaming, keeping you focused on the road. Plus, the vibrant 7-inch IPS touchscreen provides clear visuals for videos and apps, bringing your content to life while you drive.
Pioneer MVH-S110BT Digital Media Receiver
The Pioneer MVH-S110BT Stereo offers easy Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to make hands-free calls and stream music wirelessly from your iPhone or Android device. You’ll enjoy powerful sound thanks to its built-in amplifier that delivers clear audio to four speakers, filling your car with rich music. The front USB port supports popular formats like FLAC and MP3, so you can play your favorite songs with excellent quality. Its compact 1-DIN design makes installation simple, especially in cars with limited space, without sacrificing performance. This stereo combines convenience and great sound for an enjoyable driving experience.
BOSS Audio BVCP9700A
The BOSS CarPlay Stereo is a high-tech car audio system from BOSS Audio Systems that supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. With Siri or Google Assistant, drivers can make hands-free calls, send and receive messages, and get directions without taking their eyes off the road. The system also supports popular music apps like Spotify and Pandora, as well as third-party navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze. The BOSS CarPlay Stereo features a 7-inch touchscreen display and a range of inputs and outputs, including USB, SD, and AV. It comes with a 3-year warranty when purchased through Amazon.com.
Pioneer DMH-130BT Digital Media Receiver
The Pioneer DMH-130BT Receiver enhances your driving experience with its user-friendly features. The built-in Bluetooth allows you to make hands-free calls and stream music directly from your smartphone, keeping you connected while on the road. With Amazon Alexa integration, you can effortlessly control your music and access information without taking your eyes off the road. You can also personalize the display with various colors and backgrounds, making it a perfect fit for your car's interior. Additionally, it supports a rear view camera, making parking and reversing safer and easier.
KENWOOD KMM-BT270U Car Stereo Receiver
The KENWOOD Car Stereo offers enhanced connectivity, allowing you to stream music and make hands-free calls directly from your smartphone via Bluetooth. You will enjoy powerful sound performance with its built-in amplifier, which provides up to 200 Watts of clear audio and deep bass, perfect for an immersive listening experience. With versatile media options, you can easily play your favorite tracks through USB, AUX, or even connect your iPod or iPhone. Plus, the convenient USB charging feature keeps your devices powered while you drive, ensuring you stay connected on the go.
SJoyBring 7" QLED Double Din Car Stereo
The SJoyBring 7" Car Stereo offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to connect your phone easily and access music, maps, and messages without cables. Its bright 7-inch QLED display shows clear, colorful images and supports high-definition video, so you can enjoy sharp visuals while driving or parked. The 4.2-channel sound system delivers rich, balanced audio with powerful bass, letting you customize the sound for a great listening experience. Plus, it supports both front and rear cameras, including a built-in rearview camera with night vision, which makes parking safer and hassle-free by automatically activating when you reverse.
LSLYA Single Din Car Stereo
The LSLYA Car Stereo offers a range of features designed to enhance your driving experience. With Apple Carplay and Android Auto, you can easily connect your smartphone to access contacts, maps, and music through the car’s speakers. The reverse camera functionality improves safety by automatically displaying the rear view when in reverse, helping you park with confidence. The mirror link feature lets you project your phone’s screen onto the stereo, allowing you to enjoy videos or use GPS navigation on a larger display. Additionally, Bluetooth connectivity enables hands-free calls and music streaming, providing convenience while driving.
Kissound 7" Double Din Car Stereo
The Kissound 7" Car Stereo offers wireless and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, letting you connect your phone automatically and use voice commands for navigation, calls, and music. This keeps your hands on the wheel and your focus on driving. Its powerful 240W sound system with a built-in DSP and subwoofer output delivers clear audio with deep bass, and you can customize the sound with a 10-band equalizer. The stereo also features a fast Bluetooth connection with dual microphones, ensuring clear calls even on the highway. Plus, the sharp 7-inch touchscreen supports Mirror Link for easy phone screen mirroring and includes support for rear and front cameras to help with safer parking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the difference between AM and FM cars?
The main difference between AM and FM car radios lies in the way radio signals are encoded. FM stations have better sound quality, performance, and a shorter broadcast range compared to AM stations. FM signals are less prone to interference, resulting in clearer audio. On the other hand, AM signals can be heard from further away but may have poorer sound quality.
2. How do I change my car from AM to FM?
To change your car stereo from AM to FM, you can follow these steps: 1. Press the SOURCE, HOME, or MODE button on the car stereo. 2. Select the radio or tuner option. 3. Choose the desired band (AM or FM). 4. Use the SEEK- or SEEK+ button on the car stereo or screen display to tune automatically.
3. What are the pros and cons of AM FM radio?
AM radio has poorer sound quality compared to FM radio, but it is cheaper and can be transmitted over long distances. AM also has a lower bandwidth, allowing more stations to be available in any frequency range. On the other hand, FM radio provides better sound quality due to higher bandwidth and is less prone to interference. However, FM signals can still be affected by physical barriers.
4. Why does FM radio sound better than AM?
FM radio sounds better than AM radio due to its higher bandwidth, which allows for better sound quality and clarity. Additionally, the way audio is encoded for FM makes it less sensitive to interference from electrical activity or storms compared to AM radio.
5. Which is much better to use AM or FM?
The choice between AM and FM depends on your specific needs. AM radio is cheaper and can be transmitted over long distances, but it has poorer sound quality. FM radio provides better sound quality and is less prone to interference, but its signals can be impacted by physical barriers. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the availability of desired stations in your area.
6. Why are cars removing AM radio?
Some automakers are removing AM radios from new electric vehicles because the electrical activity from electric engines can interfere with the sound of AM stations. Additionally, certain car manufacturers are eliminating AM radios from their vehicles, both electric and gas-operated, to make room for other features or to prioritize FM radio, which provides better sound quality and is less prone to interference.
During our am / fm car stereo research, we found 16 am / fm car stereo products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 130,097 customer reviews through our big data system to write the am / fm car stereos list. We found that most customers choose am / fm car stereos with an average price of $111.46.
The am / fm car stereos are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of am / fm car stereos, including BOSS Audio Systems, PIONEER, PLZ, Kenwood, SJOYBRING. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 993 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.
Mike Davis is a professionally trained electrician with six years of working experience in the electronics industry. He has written an array of web and mobile-based articles for e-magazines and blogs. He loves trying out some novel and popular gadgets and his expertise is in the areas of electronics and computers which is built over many years of working and personal experiences.